Meanwhile, a pioneering company in the life insurance sector, has introduced a novel approach to insurance policies by operating exclusively in bitcoin.
Roundtable anchor Rob Nelson engaged in a detailed conversation with Meanwhile CEO and co-founder Zachary Townsend to explore the unique aspects of bitcoin-powered life insurance.
Nelson kicked off the discussion by expressing his initial surprise at the existence of a bitcoin life insurance company. Townsend clarified that Meanwhile is the first and only company of its kind, operating under traditional life insurance regulations but transacting solely in bitcoin. “We operate like a normal life insurance company,” Townsend explained. “We’re regulated, licensed, and based in Bermuda, the insurance capital of the world.”
Unlike conventional life insurance policies that deal in fiat currencies, Meanwhile offers policies and payouts strictly in bitcoin. This approach, according to Townsend, provides a hedge against inflation and the depreciating value of traditional currencies. “Last year, 57 countries had inflation rates over 10%,” Townsend noted. “If you had a policy in bitcoin, the purchasing power would have increased over time, unlike fiat currencies.”
Nelson questioned about the risks associated with a bitcoin-based insurance policy, given the cryptocurrency’s volatility. Townsend acknowledged the risks but emphasized Meanwhile’s conservative investment strategies and robust risk management framework. “We have a credit committee, an independent board, and an enterprise risk management framework. We’re not promising high returns like some failed crypto companies,” Townsend stated.
One of the standout features of Meanwhile’s policies is their commitment to fixed bitcoin payouts. Townsend illustrated this by explaining a typical policy: “You pay one bitcoin a year for ten years, and we guarantee a payout of 1.5 bitcoins.” This model ensures that the beneficiaries receive a predetermined amount of bitcoin, regardless of its fluctuating market value at the time of payout.
Nelson highlighted a critical aspect: If bitcoin’s value appreciates significantly, the beneficiaries stand to gain substantially more in dollar terms. Townsend agreed, reinforcing that all guarantees and contracts are denominated in bitcoin, positioning it as a potential long-term investment in a growing bitcoin economy.
Meanwhile envisions a future where bitcoin plays a central role in the global economy. “We’re building a fundamental piece of infrastructure,” Townsend said. “We believe the bitcoin economy will be one of the top five economies globally, with its capital markets, payments companies, and banks.”
