Crypto inheritance UK: the non-custodial continuity pack checklist for executors and families

A practical continuity pack for UK crypto holders: inventory, authority mapping, handover steps, and review cadence — without giving professionals custody.

Introduction

Crypto inheritance fails for one reason more than any other: nobody has a clear, usable plan. It is not enough to say 'I have crypto' or 'it's on my phone'. If the person who understands the setup is not available, families and executors can waste months — or permanently lose access. A continuity pack is a documented plan that survives real life: device loss, incapacity, death, disputes, and scams.

What a continuity pack is

A continuity pack is: • a structured inventory (what exists and where) • a map of access dependencies (devices, authentication methods) • a map of authority (who is allowed to act, and when) • a clear 'first 72 hours' sequence • a review schedule to keep it current It is not a file containing secrets sent to a third party.

Section A: What exists (inventory)

Capture the minimum viable picture: • exchanges used (account emails noted) • wallets used (hardware, mobile, desktop, multisig) • rough asset range or categories (BTC, ETH, stablecoins, tokens) • whether any assets are held in business or entity structures

Section B: What is required to access it (dependencies)

Without recording secrets, you can still document: • which devices matter • whether there are hardware keys or authenticator apps • where backups are stored (general description) • who knows what (trusted contacts)

Section C: Who has authority (and when)

Create clarity before it is needed: • executor name(s) and contact details • solicitor handling probate (if applicable) • internal family rule for disputes • whether a spouse can act immediately, or must wait for formal authority • who is allowed to contact exchanges, and what evidence is required

Section D: The 'first 72 hours' plan

In real incidents, people panic. Provide a calm script: 1. Confirm what exists (inventory) 2. Secure the environment (devices, accounts, email) 3. Prevent scams (no 'recovery agents') 4. Follow authority steps (evidence, probate process) 5. Only then proceed to controlled actions

Section E: The scam shield (bereavement edition)

Families are targeted after death. The continuity pack should explicitly warn: • nobody legitimate needs seed phrases • beware fake support and impersonation • avoid urgent demands • keep decisions slow and documented See our guide on crypto recovery scams for more detail.

Section F: Review cadence

A continuity plan decays as soon as the client changes device, exchange, or wallet. Set a schedule: • every 4–6 months for active holders • event-triggered reviews after major changes • annual review minimum for dormant holders

Why professionals should offer this as a standard service

A continuity pack: • reduces catastrophic loss risk • reduces conflict and blame • reduces the chance of scams in sensitive periods • creates a clear evidence trail for the firm and client • can be delivered without custody Learn more about our inheritance planning and adviser programme.