Life Settlements Today

Abstract

The life settlement market continued to expand in 2005. The expansion has led to an increase in the recognition of this asset class and more traditional lenders have begun to enter the market. Life settlement transactions can be complicated and require structuring expertise to address various issues, including tax and securities law issues. The market is waiting for securitization to become an available vehicle through which industry participants will be able to access the capital markets. As the life settlement market continues to develop and issues such as longevity risk are addressed, we should see an increase in life settlement securitization transactions.