UK Insolvency Service Hires First Crypto Recovery Expert

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Amidst a rising tide of crypto-related financial failures, the UK Insolvency Service has appointed a dedicated specialist to focus exclusively on these complex cases. Andrew Small, previously an economic crime investigator with a background in law enforcement, will now lead this effort, leveraging his crypto expertise to maximize asset recovery.

Reports indicate a dramatic surge in insolvency cases involving cryptocurrency as a recoverable asset. Over the past five years, these cases have increased by 420%, climbing from 14 in 2019-20 to 59 in 2024-2025. The value of recovered crypto has seen an even more substantial jump, rising from a mere £1,436 in 2019/20 to over £520,000 in the most recent reporting year.

Commenting on his new position, Small stated:

"The growth in crypto ownership across the UK has been significant, and this trend is reflected in the increasing number of insolvency cases involving digital assets. My objective is to enhance the agency's understanding of cryptoasset technology and improve our ability to track and recover these assets effectively."

Small's work will be conducted within the Investigation and Enforcement Services division, with a primary focus on cases involving criminal activity where cryptoassets form part of the insolvent estate. The team's efforts are designed to bolster the agency's commitment to delivering optimal value to creditors by identifying all recoverable assets, regardless of whether they are traditional or digital.

Data published by the Financial Conduct Authority reveals a significant increase in cryptocurrency ownership among UK adults, rising from 4.4% in 2021 to 12% in 2024 – representing approximately 7 million individuals. These holdings encompass a range of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, as well as NFTs and other digital tokens.

Neil Freebury, Head of Intelligence at the Insolvency Service, observed:

"As crypto becomes increasingly mainstream, it's essential that our teams possess the specialized knowledge to manage it effectively. Andrew's appointment brings invaluable experience and strengthens our capacity to navigate the complexities of cryptoasset ownership in insolvency cases."