The UK Insolvency Service has appointed a former police detective, Andrew Small, as its first – ever crypto – asset intelligence specialist. His role is to trace and identify digital assets in bankruptcy and criminal cases, aiming to assist in improving the efficiency of liquidation and recovery.
The appointment comes as the number of insolvency cases involving recoverable crypto – assets in the UK has seen a significant increase. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, there were 59 such cases, a 420% increase compared to the 14 cases in 2019/20. Meanwhile, the total value of related assets has risen from approximately £1,400 to over £520,000.
Small, who has a background in economic crime, will provide specialist knowledge on various cryptocurrencies and the technology used for their purchase, sale, and storage. His work will cover a wide range of digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ether, meme coins like Dogecoin, and non – fungible tokens (NFTs).
The Insolvency Service’s head of intelligence, Neil Freebury, believes that Small’s appointment will enhance collaboration and lead to better outcomes for investigators handling crypto – asset – related cases. This move also aligns with the UK’s broader efforts to tighten the regulation of the crypto industry. Starting from January 1, 2026, UK crypto companies will be required to collect and report data on every customer trade and transfer to improve tax reporting transparency.
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