In the world of crypto, control is everything. But as software engineer and digital assets expert Vincent Van Code warns, that control can become a curse if you pass away without a plan. If your loved ones can’t access your XRP after you’re gone, your holdings could be lost forever, buried in the blockchain with no way to retrieve them.
Van Code recently issued a powerful reminder to XRP holders on X: self-custody means responsibility, and that responsibility must extend beyond your lifetime. Crypto is unlike any traditional asset. There’s no customer support number, no forgotten-password feature, and no institution to contact. If no one knows how to access your private keys, your XRP dies with you.
The Risks of Cold Wallets
While cold wallets—hardware or paper wallets stored offline—are among the most secure ways to hold crypto, they’re also the most difficult to recover without proper instructions. Van Code stresses that it’s not enough to simply own a Ledger device or write down your seed phrase. The real risk lies in whether anyone else knows how to find and use that information when you’re no longer around.
🚨🚨 If your loved ones can’t access your crypto after you die, it might as well die with you.
Crypto is only truly yours if you control the keys — but that control becomes a liability if no one else knows how to access them when you're gone. Cold wallets, while secure, are…
— Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) June 20, 2025
Without guidance, heirs are often left with a device they don’t understand, locked away by passwords they can’t guess, guarding tokens they may not even know exist.
Leave a Clear, Accessible Trail
Van Code urges XRP holders to create a detailed, easy-to-understand access plan for their loved ones. This document should clearly explain where the wallet is stored, how to unlock it, what the assets are, and how to manage or liquidate them. Don’t assume your heirs understand blockchain basics. Write the guide as if you’re explaining crypto to a complete beginner.
This information should be kept somewhere secure but accessible—such as a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or encrypted digital vault—with clear instructions in your legal documents referencing its location.
Choose the Right Executor
Appointing a capable executor is just as crucial as documenting access. Van Code advises choosing someone who either understands crypto or can be trusted to follow technical instructions precisely. If no one in your personal network fits the bill, consider naming a professional fiduciary who specializes in digital assets.
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Legal Backing for Digital Assets
From a legal standpoint, it’s vital to formally include your crypto holdings in your estate plan. That could be through your will or a separate letter of instruction. But as Van Code points out, never include private keys or seed phrases directly in your will—wills become public documents during probate.
Instead, reference the existence and secure location of your access instructions in the legal paperwork. In some cases, a digital asset trust may be the best option. These trusts offer enhanced privacy and a smoother transition of ownership without exposing sensitive information.
Test Your Plan and Keep It Updated
A plan is only useful if it works. Van Code recommends walking a trusted person through a “test run” to ensure they can realistically access and manage your XRP. Just as importantly, revisit and update your instructions any time you change wallets, passwords, or custodial arrangements. Outdated information could render your entire plan useless.
Vincent Van Code’s message is a crucial wake-up call to XRP holders and the wider crypto community. True ownership doesn’t end with securing your tokens—it includes ensuring they live on after you. Without a plan, your digital wealth could disappear into the blockchain abyss. But with foresight and careful preparation, you can make sure your legacy—and your XRP—endure.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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