CML Working Paper: The use of insurance documents in international trade – enabling digitalisation by Dr Miriam Goldby

ABSTRACT
For the past few years, work has been underway to harness emerging technologies such as blockchain, smart contracts, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the insurance industry. The technologies can be harnessed to digitalise cargo insurance documentation. However, one of the barriers to adopting and using digital alternatives is the legal framework governing this documentation and its use in transactions. Focusing on the UK jurisdiction and the marine insurance market in London, this paper argues that legal reform may be required to enable effective technological innovation when digitalising transactions in the cargo insurance space. The paper also discusses a recent law reform initiative, namely the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, commenting on how it may achieve the necessary enabling effects.

Keywords: Cargo insurance, marine policy, insurance certificate, blockchain, digitalisation, Electronic Trade Documents Act, automation, assignment, insurable interest, insurance claims processes

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