Crypto insurance: Do you need one in 2024?

Disclaimer: This article is intended for US audiences.

Obviously, the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry is not going to stand still, as new projects and innovative financial instruments are constantly entering the market, and user adoption is increasing.

According to Triple-A estimates, there will be around 560 million cryptocurrency users worldwide in 2024. The number could be higher, as accurate determination is difficult due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.

However, the more the crypto industry expands, the more vulnerable it becomes to hacking and exploitation.

According to data published by TRM on June 24, 2024, the value of stolen cryptocurrencies doubled from $657 million to $1.38 billion within a year by June 24, 2024. Such a sharp increase could prompt crypto investors to consider purchasing crypto insurance.

One notable project in this space is 99Bitcoins, which aims to enhance security awareness and provide educational resources to help users understand the importance of protecting their digital assets. 

By offering comprehensive guides and tools, 99Bitcoins empowers users to take proactive measures in securing their investments, thereby complementing the role of crypto insurance.

What is Crypto Insurance and How Does it Work?

Essentially, crypto insurance follows the same principles of effective risk management as traditional insurance, says Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO and co-founder of Relm Insurance, an insurance provider specializing in the digital assets and Web3 industries.

The main focus of crypto insurance is to protect crypto holders and businesses from risks such as theft, hacking, and technical failure. They provide financial protection for damage caused by such incidents and form a safety net. 

However, due to the volatile nature of DeFi, cryptocurrency insurance coverage could tide over fluctuating market movements or accidental user errors, added Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain consultant.

In addition, Lian introduced the idea of ​​DeFi insurance, explaining that it uses blockchain technology to create a community-run pool for covering losses, eliminating the need for a traditional insurance company.

Demand for Crypto Insurance is Increasing

With the increase in cyberattacks on crypto exchanges and wallets, the demand for crypto insurance has certainly increased significantly, which also coincides with the overall growth and acceptance of the cryptocurrency industry. 

Relm Insurance’s Ziolkowski noted that the company has observed significant growth in the crypto insurance market, especially following the introduction of new regulations and due to the ecosystem’s continuous development of innovative solutions.

He said: “Demand for crypto insurance has remained consistently strong and has proven its resilience even in bear markets. Due to this high demand, Relm has launched a Web3 product range that offers tailored and comprehensive insurance coverage for clients exploring or using Web3 technologies.”

“Our five distinct products directly address the nuanced risks faced by cryptocurrency exchanges, asset managers, technology developers, miners, token issuers, institutional staking providers, and other entities operating in the ecosystem.”

However, according to Ziolkowski, the increasing number of insurance claims also means that insurers are less willing to cover these types of risks.

Protection from the Wild West of Crypto Risks

Unlike traditional insurance, crypto insurance focuses on eliminating specific threats that the crypto industry is more vulnerable to, such as theft and hacking, loss of crypto and keys, and cyber and technical errors and omissions.

Lian described cryptocurrency insurance coverage as protection “against the Wild West of cryptocurrency risks,” noting that some of the most popular solutions include protection against hacking and theft.

This covers and protects crypto assets stolen during a security breach, as well as the loss of custodians due to accidental loss or loss caused by a technical malfunction.

Relm Insurance’s Ziolkowski further explained that some of the most common types of crypto insurance include directors and officers (D&O), cyber and technology professional liability, and investment manager insurance.

D&O insurance protects crypto companies and their executives from lawsuits, typically resulting from alleged mismanagement, and includes three levels of coverage:

The protection of individual directors if they are sued and the company cannot compensate them.

Reimbursement of costs incurred by the company in naming executives in legal proceedings.

Covering the company’s expenses if both the company and its executives are sued.

The cyber and technology professional covers technology-related liabilities specified in contracts.

Finally, the Investment Managers Insurance Coverage provides special coverage for investment managers who oversee cryptocurrency assets.

It typically includes protection against claims arising from professional error, mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, and violation of regulations. 

It can cover legal defense costs, settlements, and damages and protect both the managers and the investment firm from financial losses due to these risks.

Crypto Insurance Companies “In Cahoots” With Regulators

According to Relm Insurance’s Ziolkowski, Relm works with regulators around the world to address the insurance requirements embedded in their respective legal frameworks.

“It is crucial to recognize the considerable differences in these requirements: some countries require only a single type of insurance, while others require eight or more types of insurance.”

Ziolkowski cited Hong Kong as an example, where 50% of all assets held in custody must be insured – a requirement that is not applied uniformly in all regulations.

Such regional differences underscore the evolving landscape of regulatory frameworks in which insurance mandates are increasingly creating credibility and legitimacy within the crypto industry.

Lian added that regulatory frameworks can often influence the types of risks covered by crypto-insurance, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

“For example, regulations addressing smart contract vulnerabilities could pave the way for insurance against bugs or exploits within these digital agreements. Conversely, a lack of regulations for certain crypto activities could result in them not being covered by insurance.”

Crypto Insurance: A Promising Concept?

Lian stressed that crypto insurance is “a promising concept, but it is still uncharted territory.”

“Unlike traditional insurance, which relies on decades of data, the new and ever-changing landscape of cryptocurrencies makes it difficult for insurers to assess risk and set fair prices for insurance coverage.”

Furthermore, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies clashes with traditional insurance models, which could make insuring digital assets somewhat more challenging, as they are often distributed across a number of digital wallets.

Relm Insurance’s Ziolkowski highlighted that a striking trend Relm is observing is the increasing demand for higher coverage amounts in slashing insurance, reflecting increased risk awareness and exposure.

“In addition, there is a remarkable increase in dynamic insurance offerings entering the market due to customer innovation. Companies’ risks are growing at a pace that far exceeds that of the traditional financial world.”

Therefore, cryptocurrency insurance could experience even more growth in the future.

Conclusion

Crypto insurance has become a crucial component in the rapidly evolving digital asset and DeFi industry.

As the number of users and the value of digital assets continue to grow, so does the potential for risks such as hacking, theft, and regulatory challenges, forcing more and more investors to consider options for protecting their investments.

Despite the challenges of insuring digital assets in a decentralized and volatile environment, the demand for comprehensive insurance coverage is growing.

By collaborating with regulators and developing innovative products, the crypto insurance sector will play a critical role in securing the future of digital finance.

As the industry matures, the protection offered by crypto insurance will be essential to promoting trust and stability in the crypto world.

ADVT. 

This article is brought to you by Clickout Media.