Crypto Estate Planning for Advisers (UK): A Practical, Non-Custodial Workflow

A practical workflow for UK financial advisers and solicitors helping clients incorporate cryptocurrency into their estate planning — without custody or regulated advice.

Typical client scenarios

Advisers are increasingly encountering clients with cryptocurrency holdings. Common scenarios include: a high-net-worth individual with Bitcoin held in a hardware wallet who wants to ensure their spouse can access it if something happens; a business owner with Ethereum used for company operations who needs succession planning; a retiree who invested early and now holds significant value but has no documented recovery process; and families where only one member understands how to access the wallets. In each case, the challenge is the same: ensuring continuity of access without compromising security or crossing into custody.

Data gathering and discovery checklist

Before any planning can begin, advisers need to help clients document what exists. Key discovery questions include: What wallets or exchanges hold crypto assets? What is the approximate value and allocation? How is each wallet accessed (hardware device, software app, exchange login)? Who currently knows how to access each wallet? Are there any existing backup arrangements (seed phrases, recovery keys)? Have any trusted contacts been designated? Are holdings mentioned in the current will or trust documentation? This discovery phase is purely informational — no custody, no access to funds, no regulated advice.

What advisers can and cannot say

Advisers can discuss operational coordination and documentation without straying into regulated territory. Advisers CAN say: 'Let's document what wallets you have and who can help with recovery', 'Consider defining a verification process for anyone who might need to act on your behalf', 'Your will should acknowledge that digital assets exist, without including sensitive access details'. Advisers CANNOT say: 'You should buy/sell this crypto', 'I'll hold onto your seed phrase for safekeeping', 'Let me set up your wallet for you'. The distinction is between facilitating process and providing custody or investment advice.

Documentation that supports probate

Executors and probate courts need evidence, not access. A Policy Pack should include: an inventory of wallets and their approximate holdings, a clear chain of authority (who can act, in what order), contact details for trusted contacts who can assist with recovery, step-by-step workflows for different scenarios (death, incapacity, dispute), and evidence retention requirements for audit trails. This documentation supports probate by proving what exists and who has authority — without exposing private keys or seed phrases in legal documents.

Verification and audit trail

When recovery is triggered, verification is critical. Impersonation is a real risk — someone claiming to be an executor or beneficiary who is not. A robust verification protocol includes: recorded video or phone calls with all parties, rotating verification codes issued at time of contact (not reusable), authority checks against the Policy Pack and legal documentation, cross-referencing of executor/beneficiary claims, and escalation procedures if any check fails. Every step should be logged with full audit trails, creating a defensible record for fiduciary oversight.

How Bitzo fits

Bitzo provides the operational coordination layer — without custody, without advice, without ever requesting seed phrases. We verify trusted contact identities through recorded calls and rotating codes, create and maintain comprehensive Policy Packs, and coordinate recovery workflows when triggered. The client retains full control of their assets at all times. For advisers, this means a structured way to help clients with crypto estate planning while staying within professional boundaries. Learn more about our digital asset inheritance approach or book a call to discuss how we can work together.