If a crypto exchange fails, what records help prove your claim?

The most useful evidence is a dated record that links you, the exchange account, and the amount or assets you say were owed. Keep the original files where possible: identity and verification records, account statements or exports, transaction history, bank or card records, deposit and withdrawal details, messages with the exchange, and relevant tax records.

That bundle can help an administrator, liquidator or other claims process understand your account. It does not, by itself, decide your legal entitlement to a particular asset, amount, priority or distribution. Those questions depend on the exchange’s terms, the facts of the case and the applicable insolvency process.

This is an evidence checklist, not legal advice or a promise that a claim will succeed.

What “evidence” can and cannot show

A record can support a fact without proving every conclusion built on that fact.

For example:

An account profile and identity check can connect a person to an exchange account. They do not, on their own, establish the balance owed when the business failed.
An exchange balance or account export can show what the platform recorded at a particular time. It may not settle whether the figure was accurate, whether assets were held for the customer, or how a claim should rank.
A blockchain transaction hash can help identify an on-chain transfer. It does not automatically prove who controlled the sending address, who owned the assets, or what contract existed between a customer and an exchange.
A bank statement can show money leaving or arriving at an account. It may not show which cryptoasset was bought, or the balance remaining at the exchange.
A tax computation can show how transactions were reported or valued for tax purposes. It is not automatically a ruling on an insolvency claim.

Use careful wording in a claim: “This record supports…” is safer and more accurate than “This proves I own…”, unless the relevant process has actually determined that point.

Records to gather

1. Account identity and verification

Save records that identify the account holder and the account in question, such as:

the name, address and email used on the account
customer or account number, username, and any firm reference or case reference
account-opening confirmations
identity-verification or “know your customer” confirmations
notices showing a change of name, address or linked bank account
copies of the exchange’s terms and privacy or custody notices that applied at the time

Redact unnecessary identity numbers before sharing a document widely. Send sensitive material only through the official claims channel identified by the administrator, liquidator or exchange notice. Never send a password, two-factor code, private key or recovery phrase as evidence.

2. Balances and account statements

Look for dated statements, downloadable account reports, portfolio snapshots and screenshots. A useful record may show:

each asset and the quantity recorded
fiat balances, if any
the date and time of the balance
pending orders, locked balances, staking or lending entries, where relevant
fees, adjustments, reversals or account restrictions
the currency and method used for any displayed valuation

An undated screenshot is weaker than a complete export, but it can still preserve information that is no longer visible online. Keep the original image file and note when and how it was captured. Do not crop away the account identifier, date, URL or surrounding context unless you retain an uncropped copy.

3. Transaction history and on-chain references

Download the exchange’s trade, ledger and transaction history. Depending on the platform, this may include:

purchases, sales, conversions and fees
deposits and withdrawals
dates, quantities and asset symbols
order IDs, transaction IDs and blockchain transaction hashes
destination or source addresses
the status of each transfer, such as pending, completed, failed or reversed

HMRC’s cryptoassets manual says exchanges may keep records for only a short period, or may no longer exist when records are needed. Its record-keeping guidance recommends retaining transaction details, balances, bank statements and wallet addresses. That guidance is about an individual’s records and tax enquiries, but the same documents may also help reconstruct what happened at a failed platform.

A public blockchain record can corroborate a transfer’s timing and amount. Treat it as one part of the account history, not as a complete answer about identity or entitlement.

4. Deposits, withdrawals and payment records

Match the exchange’s ledger to independent payment records. Keep:

bank statements showing deposits to or withdrawals from the exchange
card statements and payment confirmations
Faster Payments, CHAPS or international transfer references, where applicable
records of chargebacks, rejected payments or returned funds
the sending or receiving bank-account details shown on the payment record
notes explaining payments made through a third-party account, if that occurred

For each payment, record the date, amount, currency, reference and the exchange account it was intended to fund. Matching the two sides of the trail—your bank record and the exchange record—is often more useful than either in isolation.

5. Correspondence and notices

Keep the complete communication history, not only the last email. This can include:

emails confirming deposits, withdrawals or account restrictions
support-ticket numbers and full ticket threads
notices about a wind-down, suspension, withdrawal-only mode or insolvency
messages about disputed balances or failed withdrawals
terms, fee schedules and policy changes saved with their dates
letters from an administrator, liquidator, trustee or claims agent

Export emails where possible and preserve attachments and headers. For web chats, save a readable copy and note the date, account used and conversation reference. Do not rely on a forwarded message with no surrounding thread.

6. Tax and accounting records

Tax returns, self-assessment calculations, spreadsheets, accountant correspondence and valuation notes may help explain the transaction trail. HMRC says records should include the type of cryptoasset, transaction date, whether it was bought or sold, units, sterling value, cumulative units held, bank statements and wallet addresses.

These records can provide dates, quantities and valuation assumptions. They do not turn a tax treatment into a decision about an insolvency claim. Keep the underlying exchange export and payment records alongside the tax summary, especially if a spreadsheet has been manually edited.

A practical evidence checklist

Create a folder for the case and keep a simple index. Include:

[ ] Account identity and customer number
[ ] Identity-verification confirmation
[ ] Exchange terms and relevant notices
[ ] Dated balance statements or exports
[ ] Full trade and ledger history
[ ] Deposit and withdrawal history
[ ] Bank and card statements matching the payments
[ ] Transaction IDs, hashes and relevant wallet addresses
[ ] Support tickets, emails and account notices
[ ] Tax returns, calculations and valuation records
[ ] A timeline of deposits, trades, withdrawals, restriction and failure
[ ] A calculation showing how the amount claimed was reached
[ ] Copies of everything submitted and proof of submission

Keep a copy of the original files, then make a working copy for redaction or annotation. Use consistent filenames such as 2026-02-14_exchange-statement_BTC.pdf. Record the source, date downloaded and any conversion from crypto units to fiat currency.

What to do when a formal insolvency process starts

First confirm the process and the correct contact. The Insolvency Service says creditors can check the Companies House service for a company liquidation or administration, and should contact the official receiver or insolvency practitioner if they have not been contacted. A creditor may be asked to complete a proof-of-debt form.

Follow the published instructions and deadline. Submit only through the contact details in an official notice or verified register entry. Keep the case number and an exact copy of the form and attachments. If the exchange is overseas, the process, terminology and deadlines may differ.

Being listed as a creditor is not the same as being guaranteed payment. The Insolvency Service explains that recovery depends on the assets and the order in which claims are dealt with. The FCA also warns that most crypto-related activities are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service if a firm goes out of business; the position depends on the firm and the particular regulated activity, so do not infer protection from registration alone.

Be cautious of anyone offering to “unlock” a balance or recover crypto for an upfront fee. Use the administrator’s or liquidator’s verified contact details, and do not disclose login credentials or wallet secrets.

Internal links

Sources

HMRC, CRYPTO10400: Introduction to cryptoassets: record keeping — exchange records may be short-lived; recommended records include transaction details, balances, bank statements and wallet addresses.
Insolvency Service, What to do when an insolvent company or bankrupt person owes you money — checking formal proceedings, contacting the office-holder and proof-of-debt process.
FCA, Crypto investment scams — limits of FSCS and Financial Ombudsman access for most crypto-related activities, and warnings about firms failing.
FCA, Gemini Payments UK Ltd and Gemini Intergalactic UK Ltd exit the UK market — example of a dated UK wind-down notice distinguishing payment services from unregulated cryptoasset activities.
FCA, Investing in crypto — risks including firm failure and the importance of understanding the particular activity and protections.
Citizens Advice, Letter to ask to be placed on list of unsecured creditors — consumer example of enclosing order and payment proof with a claim.

Last checked: 23 September 2026. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Insolvency rules and claim instructions vary by jurisdiction and case.