Life Settlements and Longevity Swaps

Trillions of dollars of unfunded (and under-funded) social security and pension liabilities, combined with the demographic time bomb of aging populations, creates a daunting challenge in terms of covering the costs of retirees’ costs of living, care and health care — before even considering their desire to bequeath wealth. Many older people may not realize that they do have assets, besides their home, that can be monetized – and life insurance policies can be amongst the most valuable financial instruments they may own. In this article, The Hedge Fund Journal talks to partner and co-head of the firm’s Finance & Derivatives Group Boris Ziser and partner Thomas R. Weinberger about the opportunities for investors, individuals, insurers and pension funds in the life settlements market.