The Hidden Risks of Inherited Digital Wealth: A Shocking 24.9 Billion Yen Loss Annually

A recent investigation by GOODREI has unveiled startling figures regarding the loss of digital assets among individuals in their 50s. This study, targeting 480 people with digital financial assets, estimates that around 24.9 billion yen worth of digital assets are potentially lost each year without being inherited. This equates to an abandonment of approximately 480,000 yen per individual at the time of their unexpected passing, underscoring new inheritance risks brought about by the digital age.

Understanding the Background: The 'Invisible Inheritance Risk'

Digital financial assets, including online bank accounts, online securities, and cryptocurrencies, often lack the physical manifestations found in traditional banking—such as passbooks or mailed documents. Because of this, families may remain unaware of their existence after the owner's death, leading to complications in the inheritance process. Past research by GOODREI indicated that only 45% of heirs were aware of the deceased’s digital financial assets, with more than half completely in the dark about the services the deceased used.

This research aims to quantify this “invisible inheritance risk” and has successfully calculated the amount of digital assets that will disappear without being inherited by heirs.

Summary of Findings

1. An Annual Loss of 24.9 Billion Yen Due to Sudden Deaths in Their 50s

The survey's estimates revealed that approximately 24.9 billion yen in digital financial assets, specifically from online banking, online securities, and cryptocurrencies held by individuals in their 50s, remain unclaimed each year. The following factors contribute to this worrying situation:

- Many individuals feel too young to start preparing for inheritance.
- Financial assets are on the rise, increasing the proportion of digital assets.
- This generation has notably higher engagement with online banking, online securities, and cryptocurrencies than previous generations.

2. An Average Abandonment of Approximately 480,000 Yen

The survey also estimates that, on average, digital financial assets equivalent to about 480,000 yen (or 477,623 yen) per person will remain unclaimed upon death. This breakdown is as follows:

- Online Banking Deposits: 251,089 yen
- Online Securities: 152,775 yen
- Cryptocurrencies: 73,759 yen

3. Over Half of Digital Assets Go Unclaimed

The survey showed alarmingly high rates of unclaimed digital financial assets, with rates ranging from 53% to 57% for bank deposits, securities, and cryptocurrencies. This staggering statistic reveals that more than half of these digital assets are effectively abandoned due to families either not being aware of their existence or lacking information needed for the inheritance process. The study specifically focused on assets that can only be transacted online, which highlights the severity of the issue.

Legal Perspective

Comments from Lawyer Kiyohisa Tsubouchi (Sfil Law Office)

Kiyohisa Tsubouchi emphasized that digital financial assets pose one of the greatest challenges in inheritance practice. The absence of paper statements and mailed correspondence means that families cannot even begin to search for these assets. In particular, losing the private key for cryptocurrencies equates to a complete loss of that asset, complicating recovery processes both technically and legally. Tsubouchi stressed the necessity of creating a system to inform heirs about existing assets and appropriately managing access credentials in advance to avoid potential inheritance disputes.

Proposing Solutions: Making Digital Assets Visible

The shocking 24.9 billion yen lost annually underscores the importance of early management of passwords and asset organization, as highlighted in the lawyer’s commentary. However, many individuals express confusion about where to begin. In response to this need, GOODREI is set to release a practical guidebook titled “A Secure Note for Organizing Smartphone Passwords After 60” on December 17, 2025. This workbook aims to facilitate the organization of assets, making it an essential first step in digital asset management for those preparing for the future.

Research Overview

- Purpose: Visualizing the risk of unclaimed digital financial assets.
- Method: Web Survey
- Timing: November 2025
- Participants: 480 individuals aged in their 50s who hold digital financial assets (banking, securities, cryptocurrencies)
- Conducted by: GOODREI, Inc.

About GOODREI, Inc.

GOODREI specializes in digital heirloom organization and cryptocurrency recovery, catering to a wide range of needs from individuals to small businesses. Our mission is to support the recovery and inheritance of lost digital assets using advanced digital forensic technologies, ensuring your valuable digital possessions are safeguarded and passed on to future generations. Recently, we've seen a surge in inquiries about restoring cryptocurrencies like Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP), highlighting the growing importance of transitioning digital assets to the next generation.

- Representative: Kensei Sueyoshi
- Headquarters: 1-11-12 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Website: GOODREI

For Inquiries

GOODREI Public Relations
Email: [email protected]

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Conclusion

In the modern digital age, proactively communicating the existence of digital assets and securely managing access information is crucial. With the reality that 24.9 billion yen could vanish annually, it is imperative for individuals, especially those in their 50s, to take action in safeguarding their digital legacy before it’s too late.