Financial
Redefining Business Interruption Insurance for Bitcoin Miners

Exclusive interview with Claire Davey, Head of Product Innovation & Emerging Risk, RELM
Relm Insurance, a leading specialty insurer for emerging and innovative sectors, has announced the launch of BTC Business Interruption Insurance (BTC BI), the first-ever Bitcoin-denominated business interruption coverage tailored specifically for Bitcoin miners. Unlike traditional policies, BTC BI eliminates currency conversion risks by aligning directly with miners’ revenue streams. It uses hashprice, a real-time metric based on mining economics, to accurately calculate losses and ensure fair compensation, providing miners with coverage that truly reflects their operational realities.
How AI Can Elevate Blockchain Security to New Heights?
The key difference is that the BTC BI is entirely denominated in Bitcoin. For miners, this is a game-changer. They earn revenue in Bitcoin, so having insurance coverage in the same currency eliminates the complexities and risks associated with currency conversion. Traditional insurers typically offer policies in fiat currency, which can misalign coverage with actual losses and expose miners to exchange rate volatility.
By denominating limits, premiums, and claims in Bitcoin we’re aligning our policies directly with miners’ revenue streams. This alignment provides stability in a volatile market and ensures that, in the event of a claim, miners receive compensation that truly reflects their operational losses. It removes the uncertainty of fluctuating currency values, allowing miners to focus on what they do best — power the digital economy.
Another standout feature is how we calculate loss of revenue. We use each miner’s hashprice, a metric that measures revenue per unit of computing power. This approach means any payout is based on real-time mining economics and ensures fair and accurate compensation.
Traditional policies often rely on generalized metrics or historical financial data that don’t capture the nuances of mining operations. Mining profitability can change rapidly due to factors like network difficulty, hash rate, and Bitcoin’s market price. By tying our calculations to the hashprice, we’re directly reflecting the miner’s actual earning potential at the time of the interruption.
This tailored method acknowledges that no two mining operations are the same. Whether a miner is operating a large-scale facility with the latest ASICs or a smaller setup with different equipment, our coverage adapts to their specific situation. It provides a safety net that’s as dynamic and responsive as the industry itself.
Can you elaborate on the technical underwriting expertise that Relm brings to the Bitcoin mining sector?
Absolutely. Our underwriting team, led by experts like George Frith , is deeply embedded in the Bitcoin mining community. George and his team maintain ongoing dialogues with miners and their broking partners to truly understand the exposures and challenges they face.
Claire Davey, Head of Product Innovation and Emerging Risk, puts it best:
“We’re not just insurers sitting behind desks — we’re partners invested in our clients’ success. By engaging directly with miners, we gain insights that allow us to craft policies that genuinely meet their needs. We visit mining sites, attend industry conferences, and stay up to date with the latest technological advancements. This hands-on approach enables us to anticipate risks rather than just react to them.”
Our team’s expertise spans the technical aspects of mining hardware, software, and operations. We understand the critical importance of uptime, the impact of energy costs, and the nuances of regulatory environments across different jurisdictions. This deep knowledge allows us to assess risks with precision and offer coverage that truly reflects the realities of mining.
Moreover, our proactive engagement means we’re aware of emerging trends before they become mainstream. Whether it’s the shift towards renewable energy sources, advancements in mining equipment efficiency, or changes in network protocols, we’re positioned to adjust our offerings accordingly.
By staying at the frontier of industry developments, we ensure that our clients are not only protected against current risks but prepared for future challenges. This level of commitment and expertise is what sets us apart in the insurance sector.
What prompted Relm to develop BTC Business Interruption Insurance specifically for Bitcoin miners?
Bitcoin miners have been underserved by the traditional insurance market for too long. Many insurers lack appetite for this space due to unfamiliarity or scepticism about cryptocurrency. There’s a perception that the crypto industry is too volatile or complex, which has led to a lack of suitable insurance products for miners.
Even those willing to offer coverage often can’t denominate policies in Bitcoin, creating a disconnect with how miners operate. This mismatch can lead to complications when filing claims and can expose miners to unnecessary financial risks due to currency fluctuations.
Miners face unique challenges that traditional insurers just haven’t addressed. For one, there’s the massive energy demand. Mining operations require a lot of power, making them vulnerable to power outages and spikes in energy prices. Then there’s the equipment itself. The hardware miners use is highly specialized and prone to damage and obsolescence over time, adding a layer of risk. Finally, there’s market volatility. Bitcoin’s value regularly dips and soars, greatly impacting miners’ revenue streams and operational stability. With BTC BI, we have addressed these specific pain points, offering a solution that wholly aligns with miners’ needs.
By launching BTC BI, we’re not just providing insurance; we’re empowering miners to innovate without the burden of unmanaged risk. We believe in the future of cryptocurrency and the vital role miners play in the digital economy.
As Claire notes:
“Bitcoin miners are at the forefront of a financial revolution and they deserve an insurance solution that recognizes and supports their vital role in the digital economy. We developed BTC BI to be that solution — a policy that speaks their language and meets their specific needs.”
What kinds of clients and partnerships does Relm engage with across its specialty industries?
We specialize in supporting clients from emerging sectors with innovative business models, and Bitcoin mining is a prime example.
Our clientele includes:
● Publicly Traded Miners
Large-scale operations with significant infrastructure and investment.
● Private Miners
Independent operations that may be scaling up or focusing on niche markets.
● Off-Grid Miners
Innovative setups utilizing renewable energy sources or operating in remote locations to optimize costs and efficiency.
Each client has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on offering customized solutions that address their specific challenges. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we tailor our policies to fit the operational realities of each miner.
We also cultivate strategic partnerships with brokers who specialize in emerging risks. These brokers understand the nuances of the industries we serve and help us stay connected to the evolving needs of our clients. Their expertise is invaluable in crafting policies that are both comprehensive and flexible.
Additionally, we collaborate with Web3 technology firms that enhance our risk management capabilities. By integrating cutting-edge tech solutions, we’re able to improve risk assessment by using advanced analytics and blockchain data that allows us to evaluate exposures with greater accuracy. With real-time monitoring tools, we proactively identify and address potential issues before they become significant, providing a more robust layer of risk mitigation for our clients.
These collaborations allow us to offer more than just insurance, they enable us to provide a suite of services that support our clients’ operational efficiency and strategic goals. We’re helping industries grow and become stronger.
Financial
Reimagining Banking: Unlocking Endless Potential and Unlimited Growth in the Middle East

By Keith Redding, Chief Revenue Officer, Universal Banking at Finastra

Reimagining banking in the Middle East is redefining how financial institutions grow, engage, and innovate. As digital transformation accelerates, banks must evolve to deliver seamless, secure, and personalized experiences that meet rising customer expectations.
Across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, adoption of digital banking continues to surge. According to Capco’s “Bank of the Future” survey, 89% of UAE customers have become more confident using mobile banking services, while 83% now access them primarily via mobile apps. Similarly, Saudi Arabia expects online banking penetration to grow by over 16 percentage points between 2024 and 2029, underscoring the region’s momentum toward smarter, connected financial ecosystems.
Reimagining Banking Middle East with Data and Analytics
Data has become the new cornerstone of success. Through AI, analytics, and machine learning, banks can decode customer behaviour and anticipate needs more precisely than ever. As a result, they can personalize offerings, boost retention, and reduce friction across the customer journey.
A clear example of this transformation is Riyad Bank’s Centre of Intelligence (COI) — Saudi Arabia’s first AI-focused banking hub — which enhances operational efficiency while driving innovation in customer engagement.
By reimagining banking in the Middle East with data-driven strategies, institutions can align financial products with real-time insights and deliver experiences that feel intuitive, predictive, and human.
Hyper-Personalization and Omnichannel Growth
Customers today interact through multiple touchpoints — mobile apps, websites, and physical branches — expecting consistent, personalized service. Therefore, delivering a seamless omnichannel experience has become the foundation of loyalty.
In the UAE, 70% of consumers are willing to share personal data for tailored experiences, while in Saudi Arabia, the number climbs to 71%. This readiness empowers banks to use analytics ethically and transparently, transforming everyday banking into relationship-driven engagement.
Digital Sales Outreach and New Engagement Models
Digital outreach is not an option — it’s essential. Mobile-first strategies, social media engagement, and AI-driven marketing are now central to how banks connect with customers.
Take D360 Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s first digital-only institutions. It attracted over 600,000 customers within two months of launch, proving that mobile-first banking can scale fast when powered by user-centric design.
Ecosystem Collaboration: Powering Innovation in the Middle East
Another major force reimagining banking in the Middle East is ecosystem collaboration. By partnering with fintechs, big tech firms, and infrastructure providers, banks can expand capabilities faster than ever before.
Globally, fintech startups have surged from 12,000 in 2020 to nearly 30,000 in 2024. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) now hosts over 1,000 fintech firms, while Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem has more than doubled within a year. This growth underscores the importance of collaboration as a driver of agility and innovation.
Such partnerships empower banks to deploy advanced solutions like AI-powered risk scoring, embedded finance, and real-time payments — all while ensuring compliance with regional and global standards.
Looking Ahead: Building a Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem
The future of reimagining banking in the Middle East lies in intelligent, insight-led operations. Automated recommendations, predictive support, and AI-driven decision-making will soon define how banks engage customers.
Forward-thinking institutions in the UAE are already adopting AI-assisted frameworks that streamline service and elevate the customer experience. In Saudi Arabia, agile innovation models like Alinma Bank’s digital factory accelerate product launches and improve customer alignment.
As the region continues to evolve, banks that combine innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric transformation will achieve sustainable growth and long-term market leadership.
Check this out UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint
Financial
UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint

By Karl Naïm, Group Chief Commercial Officer, XBTO
The UAE has evolved from a crypto sandbox to a global model for digital asset regulation, demonstrating how policy clarity, investor protection, and innovation can coexist. Once a regional testing ground, the nation now leads in tokenization, blockchain adoption, and institutional-grade compliance — setting a framework others are eager to emulate.
Institutions Move from Observation to Adoption
Over the last two years, institutional investors — from sovereign funds to global asset managers — have shifted from cautious exploration to structured allocations in digital assets. Yet, these investors only engage when they see robust regulatory infrastructure.
Here, UAE crypto regulation stands apart. While the U.S. remains divided over jurisdictional control and Europe’s MiCA awaits full rollout, the UAE offers a complete ecosystem where policy meets execution. This maturity has transformed the country into a trusted base for large-scale blockchain initiatives.
Two Regulatory Paths, One Unified Objective
The UAE’s approach balances innovation and oversight through two distinct yet aligned regulatory arms.
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), it licenses custody, tokenization, and brokerage activities under strict governance criteria.
- Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): Instead of classifying asset types, VARA regulates activities, giving firms flexibility to innovate without restarting their licensing process.
This dual model ensures both stability and adaptability — a rare equilibrium that reinforces confidence among enterprises and investors.
Tokenization Moves from Pilot to Production
In 2023, Neovision and Realize launched one of the first tokenized U.S. Treasury funds under ADGM’s oversight, now part of a market valued at over $2.4 billion. Soon after, HSBC piloted tokenized gold settlement in the Emirates, leveraging the UAE’s mature legal and technical infrastructure.
Unlike most markets, where tokenization remains conceptual, the UAE has operationalized it across corporate bonds, commodities, and private equity. This tangible progress makes UAE crypto regulation a benchmark for turning blockchain theory into enterprise-scale reality.
Proven Resilience Through Market Turbulence
The UAE’s frameworks were tested during the 2022 digital asset downturn. While some regions froze licensing or enforcement, VARA introduced stricter custodial and marketing rules while continuing to issue licenses transparently.
In 2024, both VARA and ADGM demonstrated accountability by penalizing unlicensed operators and enforcing compliance — signaling a regulatory environment that values both innovation and discipline.
Blockchain Beyond Finance
Beyond crypto trading and tokenization, the UAE is using blockchain to drive cross-sector innovation.
- Ras Al Khaimah has built a dedicated Web3 zone for decentralized applications.
- Sharjah is piloting blockchain in public services, from identity to supply chain tracking.
This diversification proves the national model’s flexibility and depth, blending economic and civic value under a unified UAE crypto regulation framework.
Geography Meets Governance
Situated between Asia and Europe, the UAE benefits from time-zone overlap, U.S. dollar settlement, and investor-friendly tax structures. Yet its real advantage lies in policy precision. Since 2023, VARA has issued frequent updates and consultative papers, responding dynamically to industry input.
Following its removal from the FATF grey list in 2024, the UAE has accelerated compliance reforms faster than most peers, turning global scrutiny into strategic progress.
A Replicable Blueprint for the World
While the U.S. debates regulatory ownership and Europe await MiCA’s maturity, the UAE has implemented a live, multi-emirate framework. It balances openness with oversight — a model now studied by global policymakers.
For institutional investors, the question has shifted from if to were. Increasingly, the answer is clear: the UAE — where crypto regulation is no longer an experiment, but the emerging global standard.
Read our previous post, UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment
Financial
UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment

By Shabbir Moonim, CFO, The Continental Group

A Sharper Edge for UAE Property Depreciation Investors
The UAE property depreciation is reshaping how businesses and family offices view property as an investment. Real estate has always anchored wealth and stability, but its treatment within corporate tax frameworks now determines how effectively it performs over time.
The latest guidance allows depreciation deductions on properties valued at fair market value, adding a layer of fiscal precision. Companies choosing the realization basis—deferring tax until sale—can now claim an annual deduction of up to 4 percent on the property’s original cost or written-down tax value. This refinement strengthens property’s role inside long-term, tax-efficient portfolios.
How Depreciation Boosts UAE Property Cash Flow
Investment success depends not only on appreciation but also on liquidity and reinvestment power. Depreciation lowers taxable income, improving post-tax returns for assets that are typically illiquid.
For structured property holders, claiming depreciation under fair-value accounting boosts internal yield and aligns property with other income-producing assets. Even at a modest 4 percent, the deduction releases capital that can be reallocated or retained, enhancing overall portfolio efficiency.
Moreover, this recurring offset stabilizes cash flows, giving investors predictable returns that complement the long-term nature of property ownership.
Aligning UAE Property Depreciation with Tax Efficiency
Previously, owners had to choose between fair-value accounting and depreciation benefits. Businesses valuing properties at market rates lost tax deductions, while those using historical cost models retained them. The new UAE depreciation rules remove this compromise.
Now, companies can maintain up-to-date valuations and still claim depreciation, ensuring transparency and consistency. This alignment allows property to compete directly with other investment classes, from private equity to listed securities, on a balanced tax basis.
Consequently, financial planners can make clearer, data-driven decisions about capital allocation and portfolio composition.
Small Rule, Big Impact on UAE Property Investment
While no single regulation redefines real-estate logic, subtle fiscal changes can transform investment behavior. This policy turns property from a passive holding into an active component of strategic capital management.
It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to predictable, rules-based governance that supports investment without distorting markets. For business owners and families planning across generations, this stability builds confidence and encourages long-term commitment to the country’s economy.
Ultimately, the UAE depreciation rules help transform real estate from a static asset into a dynamic tool for tax optimization and sustainable growth.
A Foundation for Smarter Real Estate Portfolios
These reforms make it easier to incorporate real estate within diversified investment portfolios. They support businesses in balancing cash flow needs, compliance requirements, and performance targets.
For investors, the message is clear: property can now compete with other asset classes not only on returns but also on efficiency and resilience. The UAE continues to build a financial landscape where predictability and innovation work hand in hand.
About the Author
Shabbir Moonim is the Chief Financial Officer at The Continental Group, with over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, and governance. He aligns financial operations with enterprise growth, oversees risk management and treasury, and drives regulatory readiness and data-driven decision-making across the organization.
About The Continental Group
Founded in 1994 by Ashok Sardana, The Continental Group is a leading insurance and financial services provider licensed by the UAE Insurance Authority, SCA, and DFSA. With over 250 professionals operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the Group offers customized solutions in investments, wealth management, succession planning, and insurance. Its core values — integrity, insight, and innovation — continue to drive client trust and long-term financial well-being.
Check out our previous post, ADIB Launches Remit Service, Expands Digital Banking Solutions
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