Cryptocurrency Insurance Could Be a Big Industry in the Future

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Cryptocurrency Insurance Could Be a Big Industry in the Future FACEBOOK Rakesh Sharma Updated May 6, 2021 As cryptocurrency markets mature, they are attracting players from other industries.The insurance industry is one of them.According to a Bloomberg report, cryptocurrency insurance is poised to become a “big opportunity.” A spokesman from Allianz, one of the world’s…

imageCryptocurrency Insurance Could Be a Big Industry in the Future FACEBOOK Rakesh Sharma Updated May 6, 2021 As cryptocurrency markets mature, they are attracting players from other industries.The insurance industry is one of them.According to a Bloomberg report, cryptocurrency insurance is poised to become a “big opportunity.” A spokesman from Allianz, one of the world’s biggest insurers, told the news publication that the company was exploring product and coverage options in the space because cryptocurrencies were “becoming more relevant, important and prevalent on the real economy.” Why Does the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem Need Insurance? Currently, the cryptocurrency business, which mostly consists of startups and exchanges, is not big enough to provide substantial revenues for the insurance industry.Based on publicly available information, even North America’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase holds only 2% of its coins insured with Lloyd’s of London.These coins are held in hot storage (or are connected to the Internet).The rest are disconnected from the internet and not much is known about their insurance status.

Insurance for cryptocurrencies becomes important when you consider the instability of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.The skyrocketing valuation of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has resulted in massive thefts of online wallets and exchanges.

For example, cryptocurrency worth $500 million was stolen from Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck in January 2018.The cumulative result of these hacks is a vulnerable ecosystem that the mainstream finance ecosystem either ignores or refuses to take seriously.As an example of the perils of cryptocurrency insurance, consider the case of BitGo, a blockchain security company.In 2015, the company claimed to have secured insurance for coins held in its custody from XL Group.But it temporarily removed and, subsequently, reinstated a blog post making the announcement after a hack at Bitfinex, a cryptocurrency exchange which was also a customer, that resulted in theft of more than $70 million worth of cryptocurrency.Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies present unique challenges for insurers.Typically, insurance premiums are based on historical data.Such data is absent for cryptocurrencies.

Volatility in valuations, where three-figure price swings are not uncommon, can also affect premiums because it reduces the total number of coins being insured.Regulatory uncertainty and lack of oversight at cryptocurrency exchanges can further complicate matters for insurers interested in providing services to the industry.To be sure, bitcoin has always been on the radar of insurance companies.As far back as 2015, Lloyd’s came out with a report listing risk factors for the cryptocurrency.”The establishment of recognised security standards for cold (offline) and hot (online) bitcoin storage would greatly assist risk management and the provision of insurance,” the firm wrote.

It also mentioned server-side security, cold storage, and multi-signature wallets as possible methods to mitigate risk attacks.A Source of Revenue But problems within the cryptocurrency ecosystem could also be a potential source of revenue for the insurance industry.Most insurance products aimed at the industry are bespoke products that have tailored to fit client needs.

According to the Bloomberg report, startups and companies operating within the cryptocurrency industry typically opt for theft coverage, which includes cyber insurance and crime.

Hacks, however, are excluded.Startups can end up paying as much as 5% of their coverage limits, according to the report.Insurance Journal estimates that annual premiums could be as much as $10 million for theft coverage.In cases of large amounts, the coverage is split between dozens of underwriters for amounts ranging between $5 million to $15 million to ensure that no single insurer is on the hook in cases of hacks.Attracted to the opportunity, insurance companies have devised new ways to calculate premiums.

Christopher Lin, the head of AIG’s North American Cyber Insurance practice head, compared the crypto industry to a digital armored car service.He said that he had adopted a strategy of finding an established business without a similar risk profile.Investing in cryptocurrencies and other Initial Coin Offerings (“ICOs”) is highly risky and speculative, and this article is not a recommendation by Investopedia or the writer to invest in cryptocurrencies or other ICOs.Since each individual’s situation is unique, a qualified professional should always be consulted before making any financial decisions.Investopedia makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.As of the date this article was written, the author owns small amounts of bitcoin and litecoin.

Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work.These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts.We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate.You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy..

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