Great wealth transfer: up to $225 billion into Bitcoin
Here's how the eras will change...

Fino a 160–225 miliardi di dollari potrebbero fluire in Bitcoin nei prossimi anni, guidati dal grande trasferimento di ricchezza tra le generazioni. Un movimento di importanza storica che sta già influenzando la pianificazione patrimoniale e il modo in cui le famiglie e i consulenti organizzano gli asset digitali.

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 an 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, esperto in diritto delle successioni digitali.

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.

Maggiore liquidità: una domanda potenzialmente più alta e una profondità di mercato più stabile nel tempo.

“Safe haven” narrative: the programmed scarcity of Bitcoin and increasingly mature custody infrastructures support this narrative.

Tuttavia, il problema della volatilità rimane, il che richiede politiche di ingresso e riequilibrio ben definite in ogni piano patrimoniale. In questo contesto, la disciplina operativa diventa una parte integrante della strategia.

Legal and operational risks: where the crypto inheritance gets stuck

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

Chiavi private perse o inaccessibili in modo irreversibile.

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)

Mapping of assets: wallet, exchange, and any corporate vehicles.

Custody: determine whether to opt for self-custody, regulated custody, or a hybrid scheme ( e.g., 2/3 multi-signature ).

Documentation: prepare will, family agreements, operational instructions, and contacts of custodians/notaries. See also our guide to the will for cryptocurrencies.

Recovery tests: perform periodic simulations, verify backups, and ensure secure key rotation.

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: legal instruments (will, possible trust), appropriate custody for the risk profile, and technical instructions 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?

La scarsità programmata di Bitcoin supporta questa tesi. Tuttavia, dato l'elevata volatilità, è consigliabile adottare un orizzonte lungo e definire regole di ribilanciamento nell'ambito della pianificazione patrimoniale.

In summary

Il grande trasferimento di ricchezze potrebbe fungere da catalizzatore per l'adozione del Bitcoin nelle eredità, a condizione che vengano adottati solidi piani tecnici e legali per prevenire perdite irreversibili. Le famiglie che gestiscono asset misti – tradizionali e digitali – stanno già aggiornando le loro politiche di custodia, documentazione e governance per affrontare in modo più sicuro la sfida della transizione generazionale.

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.