Insurance Fund

Definition ∞ An insurance fund in the context of cryptocurrency platforms and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols is a reserve of assets designed to cover potential losses arising from unforeseen events. These events can include smart contract exploits, oracle failures, or extreme market volatility leading to liquidations that exceed protocol capacity. The fund acts as a protective buffer, enhancing user confidence and systemic stability.
Context ∞ The establishment and size of insurance funds are frequently reported in crypto news, especially concerning centralized exchanges and lending protocols, as a key measure of their risk mitigation strategies. Debates often surround the adequacy of these funds and their governance mechanisms, particularly following high-profile security incidents or market dislocations within the digital asset space.