> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mesprotocol.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mesprotocol.com/overview/the-mes-bonder.md).

# The MES bonder

The current node is run by MES team.

There is no custody of assets by MES since funds are automatically transferred once received by smart contract address.

In an unlikely event where funds are received by the smart contract address but MES has gone offline and does not proceed with the transfer, users can withdraw their assets by submitting a merkle proof to the smart contract. (See [Merkle Proof](broken://pages/qEW4yvjTFYZsy589qJRV) for how it works)

**We are working on it**

Please bear in mind that MES is in its Alpha stage and we will keep working on developing a trustless protocol for users to interact permissionlessly.

In the near future, we will be increasing the degree of decentralisation by:

1\) Integrating CCTP as an alternative route\
2\) Allowing more nodes to be involved in the workflow