Executor Crypto Checklist
A practical checklist for executors and beneficiaries handling cryptocurrency in UK estates. What to collect, what to avoid, and how to build your evidence pack.
This is not financial, legal, or tax advice.
Executor checklist
Use this checklist when administering an estate that includes cryptocurrency. Each step helps ensure assets are properly documented and recovered.
- Obtain the death certificate and grant of probate (or letters of administration)
- Locate any documentation about crypto holdings (Policy Pack, letters of wishes)
- Identify all crypto exchanges, wallets, and accounts held by the deceased
- Check for hardware wallets, USB devices, or paper wallet backups
- Contact any trusted contacts named in the deceased's crypto recovery plan
- Verify your identity and authority with any coordination services (e.g. Bitzo)
- Document all assets found with approximate values at date of death
- Check for any pending transactions or staking positions
- Review any multisig arrangements and identify co-signers
- Secure all devices that may contain wallet access (phones, laptops)
- Check for 2FA recovery codes or backup authentication methods
- Request an evidence pack for probate purposes
- Consider CGT implications when transferring or selling assets
- Work with the deceased's solicitor to ensure crypto is included in the estate
- Keep detailed records of all steps taken for audit trail purposes
What NOT to do
Avoid these common mistakes that can result in permanent loss of access or security risks.
- Never share seed phrases or private keys via email, text, or phone
- Do not attempt to guess wallet passwords repeatedly (lockout risk)
- Do not factory reset devices that may contain wallet data
- Avoid transferring assets without proper legal authority
- Do not discard old devices, papers, or USB drives without checking
- Never pay anyone who claims they can 'recover' crypto for a fee upfront
Download the executor checklist
Get a printable PDF version of this checklist to help you administer an estate that includes cryptocurrency. Download PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from executors handling crypto in UK estates.
I'm an executor and I don't understand crypto. What should I do?
That's okay. Start by locating any documentation the deceased left about their crypto holdings. If they used a coordination service like Bitzo, contact them with proof of your authority. They can guide you through the process with UK-based phone support.
Do I need probate before I can access the crypto?
It depends on the situation. Exchanges typically require probate. Self-custody wallets may have different requirements depending on the deceased's plan. Bitzo verifies executor authority based on the documentation provided.
What if I can't find any information about their crypto?
Check for any correspondence from exchanges, hardware wallet manufacturers, or services like Bitzo. Review bank statements for crypto-related payments. Check devices for wallet apps. If still stuck, specialist crypto forensics may help.
How do I value crypto for inheritance tax purposes?
Crypto assets are valued at market rate on the date of death. Keep records of the exact holdings and their GBP value at that time. HMRC has specific guidance on reporting crypto in estates. Consult a tax adviser for complex situations.
Can Bitzo help me as an executor?
If the deceased was a Bitzo client, yes. We verify your identity and authority, then coordinate with pre-verified trusted contacts to help you access the assets according to documented workflows. We provide full audit trails for probate.
Need support as an executor?
If the deceased was a Bitzo client, contact us to verify your authority and begin the recovery process. Contact us or see how Bitzo works.