Crypto Will Function: CZ’s Vision to Secure Your Legacy

The crypto world just got a wake-up call from none other than Changpeng Zhao, or CZ — the former CEO of Binance. He believes that every crypto exchange must introduce a “will function” to help users pass on their digital assets when they’re no longer around.

This simple yet powerful idea, known as the crypto will function, could prevent billions of dollars from becoming permanently inaccessible. Let’s dive into what it is, why it matters, and what you can do today to prepare your digital legacy.

What Is a Crypto Will Function?

A crypto will function is a built-in feature on crypto platforms that allows users to designate beneficiaries for their digital assets. Just like a real-life will, it ensures that if something happens to you, your crypto doesn’t disappear with you.

Here’s how it works:

1. Register heirs: Users assign trusted individuals to inherit their assets.

2. Detect events: The system detects prolonged inactivity or receives confirmation of death.

3. Trigger distribution: Assets are automatically transferred according to your instructions.

4. Notify heirs: Some platforms may offer a notice period before funds are released.

Currently, only a few exchanges, including Binance, are rolling out tools like emergency contacts and inheritance options. But CZ insists: this should become an industry standard.

Why the Crypto Will Function Matters in 2025

As crypto adoption explodes, we must plan not just for gains—but also for the future of those gains.

Over $1 Billion Lost Annually

Every year, more than $1 billion worth of crypto is lost when users pass away or vanish without sharing access. These assets sit untouched, forever locked in wallets and exchanges.

Inheritance in Crypto Is Broken

Crypto is designed for privacy and self-custody. But when it comes to crypto asset inheritance, that privacy can become a barrier. If your heirs don’t have your keys, your coins are gone—forever.

Crypto for Minors: A Missing Link

CZ also proposes allowing crypto accounts for minors, with parental controls and safety measures. This would:

• Enable intergenerational wealth transfer.

• Avoid long legal delays in asset recovery.

• Encourage platforms to build secure infrastructure for young users.

This isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a mindset shift — from individualism to legacy thinking in the digital age.

Top Insights and Examples

Why Centralized Exchanges Should Help

While self-custody is ideal, not everyone has the technical skills to manage private keys or set up inheritance tools themselves.

Binance will feature (and similar initiatives) can:

• Bridge the knowledge gap.

• Offer secure, built-in will functions.

• Combine control + convenience for users and their families.

What Platforms Should Do Next

1. Add crypto will features to every account.

2. Create minor-friendly crypto accounts with KYC and parental controls.

3. Set up inactivity-based triggers to prompt inheritance flows.

4. Perform security audits to protect sensitive inheritance data.

5. Collaborate with regulators to design legal frameworks that support beneficiaries.

This evolution is not optional—it’s inevitable.

How to Prepare Your Digital Legacy Now

Don’t wait for platforms to catch up. Here’s what you can do today:

• Choose your heirs and store that info securely (offline or with a trusted party).

• Use multi-signature wallets for joint access and backup.

• Check local inheritance laws — they vary by country and can impact your heirs.

• Look for platforms with inheritance tools, like Binance’s emergency contact feature.

• Educate your family about your crypto setup (safely).

If you’re serious about blockchain inheritance, treat your digital wealth with the same care as traditional investments.

A Smarter Way to Think About Crypto

CZ’s proposal of a crypto will function is more than a product idea — it’s a signal that the crypto industry is growing up.

As we accumulate digital wealth, we must plan for its transfer, not just its growth. By making inheritance in crypto secure, simple, and standardized, we can future-proof our assets and empower the next generation.

FAQs:

Q1. What is a crypto “will function”?
A crypto “will function” is a platform feature that allows users to designate heirs or beneficiaries to automatically receive their digital assets upon the user’s death or prolonged inactivity.

Q2. Why did CZ propose the will function for crypto platforms?
CZ highlighted the issue of unclaimed crypto assets—estimated over $1 billion annually—and stressed the need for a standardized inheritance system to ensure user funds aren’t lost.

Q3. Can minors legally own crypto accounts?
Currently, many jurisdictions restrict minors from owning crypto accounts, but CZ advocates for regulatory frameworks to allow them, with parental controls and safeguards.

Q4. Which crypto exchanges currently offer inheritance features?
Few platforms like Binance have started rolling out emergency contact and asset transfer options, but an industry-wide, standardized “will function” is still lacking.

Q5. How can users secure their crypto for their heirs?
Users should register beneficiaries, use multi-signature wallets, offline storage, and consult legal and tax advisors to ensure proper asset transition and compliance.