Can a creditor seize cryptocurrency to satisfy a judgment in Ontario?

In principle, yes — cryptocurrency is generally treated as a form of property that can be reached to satisfy a judgment, but enforcing against it in practice raises challenges that traditional assets like bank accounts or real estate don't. Ontario's enforcement tools weren't originally designed with digital assets in mind, so a creditor generally has to first identify that the debtor actually holds cryptocurrency, which can be difficult given how easily it can be held anonymously or moved between wallets and exchanges, sometimes across borders.

Where cryptocurrency is held through a regulated exchange rather than a private wallet, enforcement is somewhat more practical, since the exchange may be treated similarly to a bank for garnishment or disclosure purposes once identified. Crypto held in a private wallet controlled directly by the debtor is considerably harder to reach through ordinary enforcement mechanisms, since there's no third-party institution to serve with a garnishment notice. An examination in aid of execution, where the debtor is required to disclose their assets under oath, is often the practical starting point for a creditor who suspects cryptocurrency holdings, since it can force disclosure that wouldn't otherwise be discoverable. Given how technical and fast-moving this area is, specialized legal advice is generally worthwhile.