Is Crypto Insurance the Next Big Thing?

The crypto market is growing in leaps and bounds. As it does so, it’s gaining more acceptance in the traditional financial system. Governments are exploring their options for incorporating cryptocurrencies into their central banks, while financial institutions are investigating new crypto-inspired products to offer their customers. The world of decentralized finance is an exciting one, offering consumers numerous worldwide options to access vibrant new financial products, applications and services. But crypto also brings new risks. Is crypto insurance, which promises the protection we seek, the next big thing?

What Is Crypto Insurance?

Crypto insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect against losses associated with cybersecurity breaches. Most major crypto exchanges carry at least some insurance to protect the digital assets in their custody against losses from theft and other security breaches. 

Because cryptocurrency isn’t legal tender, it’s not protected the same way other deposits might be by bank insurance. For example, in the United States, bank deposits are typically protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or Securities Investor Protection Corporation.

On contrary, exchange insurance is designed to protect against losses incurred in covered security events. However, total losses may occasionally exceed insurance recoveries, leaving some investors unable to recover their entire investments. Additionally, policies don’t cover personal losses, such as those associated with lost credentials or personal data breaches — which means that there can be coverage gaps for some users.