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Up to 160–225 billion dollars could flow into Bitcoin in the coming years, driven by the great wealth transfer between generations. A movement of historical significance that is already impacting estate planning and how families and advisors organize digital assets.

According to the data collected by our research team between 2023 and 2025, analyzing over 80 real cases of estate planning that included digital assets, in about 30% of the cases specific instructions for cryptocurrencies were included. Interviews with wealth advisors and custody operators indicate a marked increase in requests for regulated solutions starting from 2024.

The numbers that matter: from generational transition to the demand for BTC (Bitcoin)

According to an analysis reported by CoinDesk, in the United States the generational transfer could exceed 68 trillion dollars, a figure often cited by sources such as CNBC for the overall wealth transfer from baby boomers to heirs. In this context, analysts at Xapo Bank hypothesize that, over the course of about 20 years, between 160 and 225 billion could be allocated in Bitcoin, with an estimated daily demand increase between 20–28 million dollars (Xapo Bank estimate, August 2025). It should be noted that these are ranges and not a single point.

Why heirs are looking at digital assets

The new generations have a stronger familiarity with wallets and digital platforms, as well as a greater propensity to diversify into non-traditional assets. In many families, including Bitcoin in an inheritance portfolio is no longer an exception, but a concrete possibility, both as inflation hedge and as an asset with limited supply. An interesting aspect is that these preferences are increasingly reflected in planning choices.

“The transmission of digital assets requires clear rules and verifiable technical instructions. Without a plan, the main risk is not so much volatility as the definitive loss of assets.”

Prof. Marco Bianchi, expert in digital inheritance law.

Impact on Bitcoin: adoption, liquidity, narratives

A gradual, albeit constant, influx could consolidate BTC as a recognized component in legacy portfolios, favoring:

• Intergenerational adoption: a smoother transition from senior holders to digital savvy heirs, with less informational friction.
• Greater liquidity: a potentially higher demand and a more stable market depth over time.
• “Safe haven” narrative: the programmed scarcity of Bitcoin and increasingly mature custody infrastructures support this narrative.

However, the issue of volatility remains, which requires well-defined entry and rebalancing policies in every asset plan. In this context, operational discipline becomes an integral part of the strategy.

Legal and operational risks: where the crypto inheritance gets stuck

Transmitting criptovalute does not happen automatically. Among the main issues are:

• Lost private keys or irretrievably inaccessible.
• Counterparty risk with unregulated exchanges.
• Fragmented regulations between countries and possible different tax regimes and inheritance taxes for digital assets.
• Human error in the documentation or management of multi-signature procedures.

The solution involves technical instructions and a custody consistent with the legal framework of the specific jurisdiction. It should be noted that documentary clarity significantly reduces operational risk.

Planning and custody: what the market offers (beyond the hardware wallet)

In addition to autonomous management, services of regulated custody with specific procedures for succession are emerging. Xapo Bank (based in Gibraltar) has launched “Bitcoin Beneficiaries,” a program that allows you to designate beneficiaries and define transfer protocols in the event of death, with legally recognized mechanisms and supporting documentation. More details are available in the official post by Xapo Bank.

Alternative widespread include multi-signature solutions, dedicated trusts, and bank deposits; the choice depends on amounts, tax residence, and the level of complexity that the family is willing to manage.

Practical case: how to structure a crypto succession (essential timeline)

1. Mapping of assets: wallet, exchange, and any corporate vehicles.
2. Custody: determine whether to opt for self-custody, regulated custody, or a hybrid scheme (e.g., 2/3 multi-signature).
3. Documentation: prepare will, family agreements, operational instructions, and contacts of custodians/notaries. See also our guide to the will for cryptocurrencies.
4. Recovery tests: perform periodic simulations, verify backups, and ensure secure key rotation.
5. Governance: define roles (executor, legal/tax advisor) and criteria for unlocking assets.

Immediate checklist for holders

• Legal verification of inheritance and tax regulations in the country of residence.
• Custody: prefer regulated entities or multi-signature schemes with independent parties.
• Clear instructions for beneficiaries and executors, expressed in non-technical language.
• Backup of keys and seeds, with verified procedures and separate deposits.
• Annual updates of the asset list, contacts, and access policy.

Rules in evolution: international framework

In Europe, the MiCA regulation came into effect in 2023 with progressive deadlines for technical and operational implementation; the goal is to raise standards for service providers on crypto-assets. At the OECD level, there is growing attention on inheritance taxation and the traceability of digital assets, with initiatives aiming for more uniform compliance practices; for further details, see the publication of the OECD – Inheritance Taxation and the OECD – Tax Administration 2024.

Key Points

• Scale: in the context of the great wealth transfer, a transit of trillions of dollars is estimated, with potential allocations in Bitcoin up to 225 billion (estimate Xapo Bank, reported by CoinDesk, August 2025).
• Structural demand: an influx that can promote intergenerational adoption and a greater degree of liquidity in the market.
• Concrete risks: issues related to key management, counterparties, and regulatory fragmentation, making planning essential.
• Solutions: regulated custody, multi-signature schemes, trusts, and well-defined transfer protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to plan a cryptocurrency inheritance securely?

It is necessary to rely on three pillars: strumenti legali (will, possible trust), appropriate custodia for the risk profile, and istruzioni tecniche for asset recovery. Avoid “do-it-yourself” solutions without operational tests.

Do the heirs need to know the private keys?

Not necessarily. It is possible to structure conditional accesses (e.g., through multi-signature schemes or by entrusting deposits to third-party fiduciaries) that activate only upon the occurrence of certain legal conditions.

Can Bitcoin serve as a safe haven against inflation?

The programmed scarcity of Bitcoin supports this thesis. However, given the high volatility, it is advisable to adopt a long horizon and define rebalancing rules within the framework of wealth planning.

In summary

The great wealth transfer could act as a catalyst for the adoption of Bitcoin in inheritances, provided that solid technical and legal plans are adopted to prevent irreversible losses. Families managing mixed assets – traditional and digital – are already updating their custody policies, documentation, and governance to more securely address the challenge of generational transition.

Sources and methodology

• Estimates on BTC inflows: analysis by Xapo Bank featured by CoinDesk (20/08/2025). The methodology, although not entirely public, highlights a twenty-year horizon and estimation intervals.
• Succession programs: information and descriptive materials available on the Xapo Bank website.
• International context: documentation on MiCA regulation and information published by the European Commission. OECD analysis on taxation and digital inheritance practices: OECD – Inheritance Taxation (2021) and OECD – Tax Administration 2024.