Wills & inheritance
Executors and crypto — seed phrases, exchanges and probate
Quick answer: Executors should secure devices, contact exchanges with death certificates, obtain probate valuations, and never publish seed phrases. Seek legal and technical help if needed.
Administering an estate with crypto is harder than a bank account. Exchanges may freeze accounts; wallets need keys.
Reviewed by Digital Assets Team
Not financial advice. This guide is general information only, fact-checked against UK government sources. It is not a personal recommendation. Cryptoassets are high-risk. You may lose all the money you invest.
First steps
Secure phones, laptops and hardware wallets. Document what you find. Contact exchanges with the death certificate and grant of probate when available.
Seed phrases
If the deceased left secure instructions, follow them privately. Never email seed phrases or store them in probate papers that become public.
Frequently asked questions
Can an exchange refuse to release crypto?+
Exchanges follow their terms and UK law. Executors may need probate documents and proof of authority.