Description: FFIEC Joint Statement on Cyber Insurance and Its Potential Role in Risk Management Programs

Summary

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), on behalf of its members,¹ has issued a joint statement that discusses considerations for financial institutions contemplating the purchase of cyber insurance as a component of their risk management programs.

Highlights

Although the FFIEC members do not require financial institutions to maintain cyber insurance, the evolving cyber insurance market and the shifting cyber threat landscape may prompt institutions to consider whether cyber insurance would be an effective part of their overall risk management programs. The joint statement notes that

• cyber attacks are increasing in volume and sophistication and that traditional general liability coverage insurance policies may not provide effective coverage for potential exposures caused by cyber events
• cyber insurance may help reduce financial losses from a variety of exposures, such as data breaches resulting in the loss of sensitive customer information.
• cyber insurance does not diminish the importance of a sound control environment; rather, cyber insurance may be a component of a broader risk management strategy.

For further information on overall insurance management expectations, institutions can refer to the “Corporate and Risk Governance” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook, in the section titled “Ensure an Appropriate Insurance Program.”

Further Information

Please contact Kevin Greenfield, Director of Bank Information Technology, at (202) 649-6550.

Bethany A. Dugan
Deputy Comptroller for Operational Risk

Related Link

• Joint Statement on Cyber Insurance and Its Potential Role in Risk Management Programs (PDF)