How do you secure active DeFi positions, staked assets, and liquidity pools for your heirs?

Active DeFi positions need current records and an appropriately authorised person who understands the risks. Document relevant networks, protocols, positions, adviser contacts and where approved recovery procedures are held. Keep private keys separately.

A delayed message is unsuitable as the only response to liquidation risk, market changes or a technical incident. ZeroLatch does not monitor positions, execute withdrawal commands or move assets. Its trigger is a missed check-in followed by extra waiting time, not a verified emergency.

Retain independent records and arrange timely access through appropriate custody and authorisation processes. Rehearse with synthetic information and review the plan whenever positions or protocols change.

The six unique risks of DeFi estate planning

DeFi positions can depend on collateral levels, withdrawal conditions, network fees and protocol availability. An inventory should identify each network, contract and official documentation route. Describe the position and escalation contact without promising that an heir can exit immediately or recover its full value. Do not assume one recovery phrase, token balance or application screen represents every position.

The step-by-step DeFi succession protocol

Step 1: Map your dApp footprint Create a spreadsheet in your ZeroLatch vault listing: • The name of every protocol you use (Aave, Uniswap, Lido, Rocket Pool, Jupiter) • The blockchain network for each position (Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum) • The type of position (Staking, LP, Borrow/Lend, Yield Farm) • Approximate asset values and current yields • Direct links to the portfolio trackers (like DeBank or Zapper) that aggregate your holdings in one view

Step 2: Preserve current official instructions For each position, record the official protocol documentation, network and account involved. Withdrawal queues, repayment assets, fees and interface labels can change. Have a qualified person review any time-sensitive action; avoid following an old screenshot or a fixed waiting-time estimate. Practise unfamiliar navigation with harmless examples, without signing a live transaction.

Step 3: Keep recovery factors deliberately separated Document the custody arrangement, backup locations and appropriate contacts without collecting every seed, device PIN and wallet passphrase in one delivery. Use the wallet’s official recovery procedure and preserve independent copies of the instructions.

Step 4: Include native gas buffers Ensure your primary self-custody wallets maintain a buffer of native gas tokens (ETH on Ethereum/Base, SOL on Solana) so heirs can execute transactions. Document where these gas funds are located.

Step 5: Automate delivery with ZeroLatch Configure your dead man's switch to deliver your DeFi map, withdrawal instructions, and master keys to your technical heir or attorney. They can log in, assess portfolio health, and wind down positions safely, preventing liquidations, impermanent loss, and invisible on-chain assets.

Use our Death Audit Checklist to ensure every DeFi protocol and network is inventoried.