What happens to crypto when you die? Crypto inheritance in the UK

How it is treated

In the UK, crypto a person owns when they die counts towards their estate and can be subject to Inheritance Tax, valued at the date of death. Executors deal with it alongside bank accounts, property and other assets.

Why access matters

Crypto held with an exchange or custodian can usually be released to executors once they prove who they are and show the right documents, such as a death certificate and grant of probate. Crypto held in a private wallet can only be moved by someone with the keys or recovery phrase. Without them, nobody can reach it.

Planning ahead

1. Keep a list of where you hold crypto: which exchanges and which wallets.
2. Mention crypto in your will, and tell your executor it exists.
3. Store access details securely, for example with a solicitor, and never in the will itself, which can become public.
4. Review the list whenever you open or close an account.

Where SendPay fits

SendPay platforms let customers buy, sell and hold crypto next to their cash under your own brand, with assets held by regulated partners rather than in a customer's private wallet.