Smart contracts, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
A legal overview for insurers
Investment in blockchain, smart contract and related areas has been gathering pace and focus now turns to making the innovative ideas a reality in the financial services sector including insurance.
Clyde & Co's team is actively engaged in reviewing such transactions on a multi-sector basis and our series of papers from 2016 dealing with some of the detailed considerations can be found at https://www.clydeco.com/ insight/search/list/any/all-regions/any/any/any/any?q=Bloc kchain§ion=&y=&m=&author=any&tag=&orderby=po st_date&sort=desc.
We highlight below some of the core factors to consider when aligning the exciting new technologies with the existing legal framework.
What is blockchain and distributed ledger technology?
A blockchain is simply a database or ledger. Given its broad meaning, it can be a database of virtually any recordable information (for instance the transfer of bitcoins its pure meaning). Blockchain platforms store data in "blocks" and "chain" them together to form a cohesive, unbreakable record of that information. The wider term is Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) which encompasses, but is not limited to, blockchain platforms.
The joint operation of two features in particular make DLT potentially revolutionary. First, identical copies of the particular ledger are stored on and accessed from many computers around the world sometimes in the thousands or more, other times on a couple. Hence the distributed in DLT. Any attempted addition or change to the ledger is only allowed if permitted by the code; is authenticated by the entire network of servers and any validated change to one ledger automatically updates the others. Second, the cryptographic technology that validates the changes is both transparent to the whole network and secure records are created. Once amended the record cannot be altered (it is immutable). All of these events take place practically instantaneously.
Smart contracts
So-called smart contracts are coded instructions which execute on the occurrence of an event. These often
use DLT or blockchain technology to record and execute transactions. Whilst their common name is arguably a misnomer (they are not necessarily contracts in the traditional legal sense), their implementation can enable, for example, insurance monies to be transferred virtually immediately on the occurrence of an event (such as a travel insurance payout following a delay to a flight). In their purest sense the code once agreed becomes selfexecuting and self-governing and thus (it is argued) replaces the need for a wider contract or checks and balances. Thus the code replaces traditional legal contractual script.
Usage in the insurance sector There are various examples of how the technology may be utilised in the insurance sector, so as to produce what we have dubbed `Smart Policies':
Digital tracing and identification of assets linked to the relevant insurance (and see the Everledger records for diamonds)
Parametric insurances where cover is triggered by external inputs such as weather data
Back office claims functions in a subscription market
In the marine and transportation sectors, verification of delivery and a running record of the status of the goods (for example, remote humidity controls) and pricing linked to Forex rates
Application to the energy insurance market, in particular renewables, by covers triggered by grid input and other production data
The scope, when allied with the Internet of Things, to realign policies away from disaster response to risk management
Any area is ripe for development in which the availability of trusted data held on secure ledgers, thus bypassing intermediation, allows either fractional costs savings at the lower end of the spectrum or whole new product models at the extreme.
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Core considerations
Those who are charged with implementing Smart Policies will need to consider a number of key factors, each of which will turn on the nature of the transaction. At its simplest, they may relate to a simplified "railed" payment scheme or, at its most complex, a multi-tiered and multi-party placement involving insurers, reinsurers and retrocessionaires and potentially with linked financing support.
Whether to use a public blockchain/DLT platform (such as ethereum) or a private platform to host the DAO
or Smart Policy?
If a public platform is used, should it be permissioned access only or permissionless?
We consider that a private platform or permissioned public platform is likely the most suitable for commercial
transactions
Who is to run the Smart Policy? Where does liability lie for
errors (if at all)? Will it be fully autonomous once coded?
Does subsidiary insurance or other financing such as Letters of Credit need to be in place and within the codified parameters?
An understanding of the
contractual nexus with all necessary parties is crucial, and with all potential third parties
could be hugely beneficial.
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Reliance on legal script or
programming code tool?
We suspect that most Smart Policies will utilise a traditional scripted wrap-around master
contract allied to a codified execution. This may allow permissioned adjustments
of records.
Immutable (ie an unchangeable record) and fully binding, or
mutable and capable of change?
What is the impact of the three "F" words: frustration, force majeure and fraud?
If not immutable, which party has the power and responsibility
to effect or manage changes?
Certainty as to rights and obligations as to the management of the platform itself and the Smart Policy
is crucial.
Quality of the data input needs to be managed to avoid:
"rubbish in: rubbish out". Who will be the "Oracle"?
Detailed consideration of the basis of the Smart Policy
is required to analyse the appropriate data entry and
management points.
A single data entry point is preferable which requires trust.
Should the codified outputs of the Smart Policy require verification or a "pause" period to
allow a review?
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Jurisdiction where the server is based is the normal domicile rule in the EU. Is this relevant to your
Smart Policy?
Dispute resolution provisions and enforceability on an
international basis need to be considered. Arbitration clauses are likely preferable: what are the implications for a multi-party
environment?
Consider how best to protect the enforceability of rights and obligations. It may be preferable
for the codified elements to simply be the execution tool.
Is there an effective risk transfer and insurable interest?
Are standard conditions relevant to transferable Smart Policies?
How are data, IP and solvency considerations to be managed from a regulatory perspective?
What is the validity of electronic contracts under applicable laws?
The interface between present and future is crucial in the early days. Common law systems, and competitive regulators, will likely facilitate a pragmatic approach.
In addition to the usual regulatory and contractual matters, we see three areas in which legal advice needs to be allied with appropriate programming and technical support:
Creation of the Smart Policy, conceptually and in its detail
Verification that the Smart Policy will work as intended and is legal compliant and enforceable (whether for one party or all parties)
Resolution of any disputes or uncertainties that arise
None of these factors need inhibit the development of this technology. The insurance market, with its acceptance of risk and traditional reliance on short form contracts (slip policies) which build upon underlying agreements and relationships, is in our view ideally placed.
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Contact
Lee Bacon Partner
T: +44 (0) 20 7876 4410 E: lee.bacon@clydeco.com
Nigel Brook Partner
T: +44 (0) 20 7876 4414 E: nigel.brook@clydeco.com
Sally Sfeir-Tait Partner
T: +971 2 494 3535 E: sally.sfeir-tait@clydeco.ae
Christina Terplan Partner
T: +1 415 365 9821 E: christina.terplan@clydeco.us
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Further advice should be taken before relying on the contents of this summary. Clyde & Co LLP accepts no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of material contained in this summary.
Clyde & Co LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Clyde & Co LLP 2017
Clyde & Co LLP
J383622 - June 2017
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