Clams Desktop validated what Bitcoin accounting needed: a Bitcoin-native, local-first, privacy-first approach. With 2,500+ users, from Lightning node operators to individuals using Bitcoin daily, we proved demand and learned the limits of a desktop-only solution.
To the early testers: thank you for the feedback, bug reports, and encouragement. Clams Desktop is solving real problems for individuals and small businesses. Cost basis calculations are straightforward, capital gains reports are accurate, and people trying to live on Bitcoin can track expenses and file taxes with confidence. The selective disclosure model resonates: connect your wallets, get your insights, choose what to share.
The desktop app has been invaluable for battle-testing our core accounting logic, and we've spent the last year honing it to handle Lightning's unique challenges and edge cases.
With all that said, let's dive into what we've been working on and what you can expect from Clams in the coming months.
A new foundation
With parts of the Desktop app already in Rust, we decided to go all-in: extract the core logic, complete the rewrite to Rust, and package it all as Clams Server. This is the fundamental accounting engine that powers everything from wallet connections to journal entry creation to cost basis calculations. Rust gives us immense performance improvements for nodes with millions of transactions, plus memory safety and concurrency. We're building a foundation we can confidently build on for years to come. One we can deploy with confidence and scale to enterprise clients.
┌──────────────┐ ┌────────────┐┌───────────────┐┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐
│ Automation │ │ Web App ││ Desktop App ││ Third Party App │ │ MCP Client │
└───────┬──────┘ └──────┬─────┘└───────┬───────┘└────────┬────────┘ │ (Chat GPT, │
│ │ │ │ │Claude, Goose)│
│ │ │ │ └──────┬───────┘
│ │ │ │ │
┌───────▼──────┐ ┌──────▼──────────────▼─────────────────▼────────┐ ┌──────▼───────┐
│ Clams CLI │ │ REST API Server │ │ MCP Server │
└───────┬──────┘ └───────────────────────┬────────────────────────┘ └───────┬──────┘
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
┌───────▼────────────────────────────────▼──────────────────────────────────▼──────┐
│ │
│ Clams Core Logic │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Clams Architecture
Built on your feedback
As we've rebuilt the core logic, we've also been listening closely to what you've been asking for. Some of the most requested features we have been working on:
Bring your own node: Connect your own Bitcoin node and Electrum/Esplora server for address lookups. Your node, your server, your data. Maximum privacy.
Seamless feedback and support: We're building a direct chat interface into Clams where you can share error logs, ask questions, and get notified when we respond.
Enterprise-ready features: Clams Server will include role-based access controls, authentication layers, and multi-client management.
Multi-currency support: Starting with the Euro.
Multiple interfaces, one source of truth
Clams Server will power a whole host of ways to interface with your Bitcoin accounting data: the Desktop app (rebuilt), a CLI tool, a REST API, and an MCP server. Use one or all of them:
Clams Desktop: The app will be faster and more reliable. It will remain free to use for individuals and small businesses. It will continue to work offline after initial sync of all your wallets.
Clams CLI: Power users can script and automate their accounting workflows directly from the command line.
REST API: The API opens up possibilities for businesses to integrate Clams into their existing tools and for developers to build Bitcoin accounting directly into their apps. Imagine a mobile wallet with built-in accounting features, a Lightning node management tool with native profit and loss tracking, or automatic quarterly reports emailed to startup founders.
MCP Server: Connect Claude Desktop, ChatGPT, or local AI models to interact with your Bitcoin accounting data through conversation. Ask questions in natural language and get instant answers without clicking through menus.
All of these interfaces serve one purpose: giving you flexibility to work however you want, whether that's the command line, your existing tools, or conversational AI.
Flexible deployment options
Whether you're running Clams Server yourself or using our hosted version, you get the same rock-solid Bitcoin accounting foundation. We meet you where you are:
Desktop: Download and run locally. Free for individuals and small businesses. Enterprise license available for larger companies. All your data stays on your machine.
Self-Hosted: Install Clams Server on your own infrastructure with a commercial license. Perfect for Bitcoin-only exchanges running Lightning nodes who need in-house accounting, or service providers who want to host their clients' data themselves. You control everything.
Hosted by Clams: We run Clams Server; you run your business. Accounting firms get their own server spun up with client management, permissions, and all the infrastructure handled. We take care of uptime; you take care of your clients.
Enterprise Workflows
Imagine Alice, an accountant, with her own Clams instance at alice.clams.tech and a dedicated web dashboard. Alice has admin access and sees all of her clients in one place. She can delegate access to staff with granular permissions. Her clients can log in, upload documents, and connect wallets and Lightning nodes. When a client's CFO needs read-only access to their Bitcoin books, Alice grants it with a few clicks.
Desktop app today. Enterprise dashboard coming 2026
The CFO can then ask questions like "What was our Bitcoin revenue last quarter?" and get answers instantly. No more "email me a CSV" workflows. This is what Bitcoin businesses and their accountants need, so they can focus on building. Clams will handle the books, and surface insights that are almost impossible to obtain today.
This is Clams as infrastructure. A foundation that businesses and service providers build on top of, with the flexibility to meet clients wherever they need to work.
Speak to your Bitcoin Books
One of the biggest challenges with any accounting interface is deciding what to surface. Rather than forcing everyone into the same UI, an MCP server lets you bring your own interface and ask exactly what you want to know.
Lightning node operator? Ask "How has my routing revenue trended over the last 6 months?" and generate custom reports through conversation.
Claude Desktop
Accounting firm? Your clients connect wallets and provide context. You ask questions, generate reports, and develop tax strategies.
Privacy-conscious? Run the MCP server locally with a local LLM. Your data never leaves your machine. AI-powered insights with absolute privacy.
What's next
We are currently putting the final polish on our core logic, including an authentication layer and other specialized features.
The Clams CLI will launch first in early 2026, with the REST API and hosted solution rolling out to beta testers shortly after.
If you want early access, please email enterprise@clams.tech.
To keep up to date with all developments, join our mailing list here.
We're building the accounting infrastructure that Bitcoin has needed for some time. Thanks for being part of the journey.
Clams Team