CZ Urges Crypto Platforms to Embrace ‘Will Function’ for Posthumous Asset Transfer

• Binance founder CZ urges all crypto platforms to implement a “will function.”
• The exchange recently updated its platform with an option to submit an inheritance application.
• CZ’s comments have ignited discussion over self-custody versus centralized custody.

Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has called for crypto platforms to implement a “will function” that allows users to distribute their assets after death.

The comments follow Binance’s recent update , which introduced an emergency contact feature designed to notify a chosen person after a user’s prolonged inactivity.

CZ Calls for Crypto ‘Will’ Feature

The Binance founder asked crypto platforms to adopt a “will function ” to enable users to distribute their digital assets in the event of their death.

“This is a topic people avoid, but the fact is, humans cannot live forever,” CZ wrote.

“Every platform should have a ‘will function’ so that when someone is no longer around, their assets can be distributed to designated accounts according to specified proportions,” he said.

CZ added that the feature will be needed by everyone who holds digital assets on an exchange platform at some point.

Binance Adds Emergency Contact Feature

According to crypto KOL @cryptobraveHQ on June 18, Binance’s June 12 update gave users on the exchange the option to submit “an inheritance application.”

“Every year, people who die in accidents around the world have over $1 billion in crypto assets inherited by centralized exchanges,” they wrote.

“Recently, Binance has updated the emergency contact function and will have the option to submit an inheritance application.”

They added that they hope other exchanges will “speed up the introduction of this function.”

Self-Custody Concerns

CZ’s comments have received mixed reactions from the community. Some praised his forward-thinking stance, while others raised concerns about the challenges of self-custody.

“Self-custody is a double-edged sword,” one X user wrote.

“Sure, it gives control, but it also means you need to be the IT department for your own assets. If you can’t set it up right, you’re just one misstep away from a bad day. Know your limits.”

Self-custody is a double-edged sword. Sure, it gives control, but it also means you need to be the IT department for your own assets. If you can't set it up right, you're just one misstep away from a bad day. Know your limits.

— Market Observer (@lookatthemarket) June 19, 2025

Another wrote: “Not your keys, not your crypto. Glad to see CZ still advocating for proper self-custody in 2025.”

One X user highlighted the personal risk involved in either option.

“If I self-custody and screw up, I lose my crypto. But if I leave it on Binance and don’t die properly (with emergency contact set), I also lose my crypto.”

“Sounds like either way, my biggest risk… is me?” they wrote.