Tholos Standard Vaults vs. Flex Vaults: Understanding the Difference

Tholos Standard Vaults vs. Flex Vaults: Understanding the Difference

11.2.2023

In the world of digital asset custody, security and flexibility are two paramount concerns for enterprises, funds, and crypto-companies. At Tholos, we provide MPC-based digital asset custody solutions tailored to meet both needs.

We will explore the differences between our Flex and Stardard Vaults, their unique value propositions, and help you make an informed choice that suits your specific requirements.

Standard Vaults: Ultimate Self-Custody

Tholos Standard Vaults are the peak of self-custody in the MPC ecosystem. In these vaults, you hold all of your vault's key shares, ensuring complete control and autonomy over your digital assets. This approach aligns with the crypto-native ethos of decentralization and client-driven security, making it an ideal choice for organizations that prioritize these principles above all else. It also provides the most appropriate solution for securing mission critical digital assets which do not move frequently.

Key Features of Standard Vaults:

  • Total Self-Custody: With Standard Vaults, you have full ownership and control of all key shares. This provides the highest level of internal security and minimizes reliance on third parties.
  • Decentralization: Standard Vaults align with the core values of decentralization, ensuring that no single entity has undue influence over your assets.
  • Synchronous Signing: With standard vaults, Organization members sign transactions synchronously, automatically empowering real-time transaction authentication.

Flex Vaults: Balancing Flexibility with Security

Tholos Flex Vaults offer a unique blend of self-custody and flexibility. In these vaults, Tholos holds one less key share than the number of required signature to approve a transaction.

For example:

In a vault with five owners where three owners are required to sign a transaction to approve it, Tholos holds two key shares. This brings the total number of key shares for the vault to seven.

This configuration provides you more flexible signing and introduces a range of features that can be especially beneficial for organizations with complex operational requirements.

Key Features of Flex Vaults:

  • Flexible Signing: With Tholos holding a portion of the key shards, Flex Vaults provides you with more flexible signing processes. This can streamline your operations and improve efficiency.
  • Asynchronous Signing: Flex Vaults support asynchronous signing, providing you greater operational flexibility. This is particularly advantageous when you require  time-sensitive actions.
  • Policy Engine: Flex Vaults support Tholos' advanced policy engine, enabling you to implement customized signing policies. This feature empowers you to tailor your custody solution to your specific business needs.

Choosing the Right Solution

When it comes to selecting between Standard Vaults and Flex Vaults, your decision should be guided by your organization's priorities and requirements. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Self-Custody vs. Flexibility: Standard Vaults offer unparalleled self-custody, while Flex Vaults provide flexibility in signing processes. Choose the option that aligns with your investing ethos and operational needs.
  • Decentralization: If decentralization and complete self-custody are non-negotiable for your organization, Standard Vaults are the natural choice.
  • Operational Efficiency: If you need to optimize operational processes, streamline signing, and implement customized policies, Flex Vaults can provide the flexibility you require.

In conclusion, Tholos offers both Standard Vaults and Flex Vaults to cater to the diverse needs of enterprises, funds, and crypto-companies.

Whether you prioritize self-custodial security or require flexibility in your digital asset custody solution, Tholos has you covered.

By understanding the differences between these two product offerings, you can make an informed choice that best suits your organization's unique requirements. Your assets, your choice, your security.