Once crypto is identified, the next question is simple. Can anyone access it?
For many estates, the answer is no.
Knowing It Exists Is Not Enough
In traditional estate administration, once an asset is identified, the process of transferring it can begin. Crypto does not follow that pattern. Access depends entirely on private keys and seed phrases. Without them, the asset cannot be moved, transferred, or even viewed in a meaningful way.
This creates a second layer of risk. Even when families know crypto exists, they may still be locked out.
Why Access Fails
Access issues rarely come from a lack of effort. They come from a lack of planning.
Common breakdowns include:
- Keys stored in unknown or undisclosed locations
- Instructions that are incomplete or too technical
- Security measures that prevent anyone else from stepping in
What was meant to protect the asset ends up preventing its use.
The Cost of Inaccessibility
Unlike other assets, crypto does not offer workarounds.There is no institution to verify identity. No process to reset credentials. No escalation path. If access is not clearly established, the asset remains out of reach.
For beneficiaries, this can mean permanent loss.
The Solution: Planned Access, Not Assumed Access
Access should be treated as part of the estate plan, not an afterthought.
This includes:
- Clearly defining how access is obtained
- Ensuring instructions are understandable and actionable
- Identifying who is responsible for carrying out those steps
The goal is not to reduce security. It is to make access possible when it matters.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Strong plans separate control from confusion.
For example:
- The existence of crypto is documented
- Access steps are clearly outlined and stored securely
- A trusted individual understands their role in retrieving the information
This ensures that access is intentional, not accidental.
Closing Thought
Crypto is not lost because it disappears. It is lost because no one can reach it.