Understanding Crowdfunding Insurance

Crowdfunding has been described as “a collective effort of individuals who pool their resources to support initiatives promoted by other people or organizations.” Using social networks and the viral nature of online communication, individuals and companies have raised billions of dollars in debt, equity, and donations over the past decade. Crowdfunding emerged from innovation in technologies that made it possible for businesses, NGOs, and individuals to secure funding with no or limited intermediation. According to the World Bank, the crowdfunding market as a whole is expected to hit $90 billion in volume by 2020.

On April 5, 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The stated purpose of the Act was to “increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies.” On October 23, 2013, the SEC released proposed rules establishing a framework for crowdfunding offerings which would be regulated under the JOBS Act. On October 30, 2015, the SEC adopted final rules allowing Title III equity crowdfunding. These rules went into effect on May 16, 2016.

In this practical webinar, you will learn about the legislative background of these rules, as well as resulting insurance implications.