Uphold launches crypto inheritance feature for BTC, XRP, and HBAR

Uphold has launched a new inheritance feature within its self-custody product, Uphold Vault, designed to allow users to pass digital assets to designated beneficiaries. The feature currently supports Bitcoin (BTC), XRP, and Hedera (HBAR).

The service aims to solve the issue of inaccessible crypto assets following a user's death. While the product offers self-custody where users control their private keys, it also includes a key replacement service to assist users who lose access.

To facilitate inheritance, users can name a beneficiary. According to company details, the transfer of control occurs after Uphold’s compliance team validates the necessary legal documentation. The service is available for a subscription fee of $19.99 per month. Uphold notes that the lack of formal succession mechanisms for digital assets is a significant issue, estimating that nearly 4 million BTC may be permanently lost due to deceased owners or lost private keys.