In today’s digital world, your estate includes more than physical assets. It encompasses your digital assets. From cryptocurrencies to NFTs, social media accounts, online businesses, and stored data, these assets hold significant financial and personal value. Without clear planning, your loved ones may struggle to access or manage your digital legacy.

Why Digital Assets Matter

Digital assets often carry both monetary and emotional value. Cryptocurrencies¹, online investment accounts, and NFTs may represent substantial wealth. Emails, photos, and social media accounts contain irreplaceable memories and important documents. Without instructions, these assets may be lost due to passwords protection, encryption, privacy settings or platform regulations.

Key Steps to Include Digital Assets

1. Identify Your Digital Assets

List a detailed inventory of all digital accounts: banking, crypto wallets, social media, subscriptions, cloud storage, and business accounts. Include login details, security questions, and recovery options.

2. Appoint a Digital Assets Administrator

Choose a trusted², tech savvy person who understands the platforms you use to manage your digital estate according to your wishes. Specify the role of your Executor or a specific person to administer your digital assets in your Will, granting them authority to access and handle online accounts as you direct.

3. Provide Clear Instructions

State clearly how each digital asset should be handled, whether to be closed, transferred, or memorialised. Use secure tools like password managers to share access safely, avoiding insecure written information lists.

4. Update Regularly

Review your digital asset list and instructions annually or after major changes to keep your plans current and actionable.

¹ According to the case of LEE EE FOONG v. ONG SEOW LEE [2025] CLJU 371, cryptocurrency is a digital asset and is universally accepted as a form of money.

² According to the case of BRIAN LIM YEN WEI & ORS v. NG GEOCK SIN & ANOR [2025] CLJU 2614, the Executor can be held liable for tampering with digital devices and the systematic obstruction of the administration of the Estate.

Why Professional Guidance Helps
Legal and technical complexities surrounding digital estates can a challenge to your Executor and Beneficiaries. An estate planner can help ensure your digital assets are properly integrated into your Will, providing clarity and legal compliance.

Protect your entire legacy, both physical and digital. Plan ahead to give your loved ones clarity and access.

Secure your digital legacy today.

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals in Malaysia for guidance tailored to your specific personal and family circumstances.

About the Author: Ho Yi Yern

Ho Yi Yern is a Family and Estate Planning Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, Partner and Head of Family Law, Succession & Estate Administration in Messrs Azhar & Goh, proud member of Worldwide International Lawyers League (WILL), Malaysian Collaborative Practice Group (MCPG) and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), guiding clients through Wills, inheritance, and family-related legal matters. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and families make informed strategic decisions that safeguard their loved ones and preserve their legacy.