What Executors Need to Handle Crypto in the UK (Without Losing Access)

A practical guide for UK executors dealing with cryptocurrency in an estate — what to do first, how to gather evidence, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause permanent loss.

Immediate first steps

When you discover that an estate includes cryptocurrency, the first priority is to secure what exists without making irreversible mistakes. Do NOT attempt to access wallets or move funds without proper authority and verification. Do NOT share seed phrases or private keys with anyone who contacts you claiming to help. Do NOT assume exchange customer service will simply hand over funds. Instead: document what you know about the deceased's crypto holdings, locate any hardware devices (Ledger, Trezor), written notes, or digital files that might contain access information, and contact the deceased's solicitor or financial adviser to understand if any documentation exists.

Inventory and evidence gathering

Build an evidence pack for probate. This should include: a list of known wallets and exchanges (names, not access credentials), approximate values at date of death (screenshots or statements), hardware devices located (do not attempt to access yet), any written instructions left by the deceased, correspondence from exchanges or wallet providers, and bank statements showing transfers to/from crypto platforms. This evidence supports the estate inventory without requiring you to access the crypto directly. Courts need proof of what exists, not immediate liquidation.

Dealing with exchanges vs self-custody

Exchange-held crypto (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance) requires formal probate documentation. You will need: Grant of Probate, death certificate, proof of your identity as executor, and often a court order or solicitor's letter. Each exchange has its own process — expect delays. Self-custody crypto (hardware wallets, software wallets) is different. There is no customer service. If you don't have the private key or seed phrase, the funds are inaccessible. This is why estate planning matters. If recovery documentation exists (such as a Policy Pack), follow its instructions. If not, locate any backup materials left by the deceased.

Verification and impersonation risks

Executors are targets for impersonation and fraud. Common scams include: fake recovery services claiming they can 'unlock' wallets for a fee, phishing emails pretending to be from exchanges, individuals claiming to be trusted contacts without verification, and pressure tactics urging you to act quickly before 'losing' the funds. Protect yourself by verifying any claimed trusted contacts through independent channels, never sharing seed phrases or private keys over email or phone, using recorded calls and rotating verification codes for all interactions, and documenting every contact and decision for your fiduciary records.

Working with solicitors

Your solicitor can help, but they may not have crypto expertise. Provide them with: a clear inventory of what exists, documentation of access arrangements (if any), evidence of steps you've taken to secure assets, and any Policy Pack or recovery documentation left by the deceased. Solicitors can: confirm your authority to act, draft letters to exchanges, advise on tax and probate obligations, and help resolve disputes among beneficiaries. For the operational recovery work, consider a specialist coordination service that understands both the technical and verification requirements.

How Bitzo fits

Bitzo coordinates the verification and recovery process — without custody, without providing legal or financial advice. If the deceased had a Bitzo Policy Pack, we follow the documented workflow: verifying your identity and authority, coordinating with designated trusted contacts, and providing audit trails for fiduciary oversight. If no prior planning exists, we can advise on next steps and potentially help establish documentation for the estate. Contact us to discuss your situation or learn more about our bitcoin inheritance coordination service.