Timeline of Life Settlements

1911

Grigsby v. Russell, 22 U.S. 149, established life insurance policies as private property. This opened up the possibility for policies to be bought, sold, and traded, just like any other high-value asset. This laid the early groundwork for life settlement options.

1980s

Starting in the late 1980s, life insurance options were largely seen in the form of viatical options, which involve the sale of a policy by a person facing terminal illness. At that time and into the early 90s, most individuals who sold their policies were facing either cancer or HIV/Aids. However, by the mid-90s, the range for life insurance options had broadened and were being considered by individuals facing nearly every type of illness.

2001

Increasing investor interest in life insurance options as an alternative investment continued to grow. By 2001, what was once a small industry, had started to attract the interest of major financial institutions.

2004

A group of financial and insurance professionals, who met in the mid 90’s in New York’s financial district, came together to form what is now Abacus Life. They wanted to ensure more individuals had access to life insurance options.

2009

The industry was not immune to the financial crash of 2008. Major banks and financial institutions pulled back from any non-core investing, which caused the demand for the option to lessen for a time.

2010

Funding confidence bounced back around 2010, which opened the door for many life insurance buyers to expand operations.

2015

U.S. states began enacting safeguards, including disclosure requirements, and improved regulations to ensure the safety and legitimacy of life insurance options.

2020

Abacus grows to 50 home-office employees, is authorized to purchase policies in 47 states, and offers complete back-office support in areas of APS retrieval, life expectancy evaluation, pre-pricing, and producer licensing.

2022

Abacus Life has continued to grow and lead the industry. With nearly 60 employees, Abacus is now licensed to purchase life insurance in 49 states!

2023

Abacus Life becomes the first and only publicly traded life settlement company, listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker ABL.

2024

Abacus Life continues high growth as they acquired both Carlisle Management Company S.C.A and FCF Advisors, bringing them to nearly $3 billion in assets under management.

The Carlisle acquisition provides ABL with a presence in international markets, helping transform the company from a US leader to a global player.

Meanwhile, the company’s acquisition of FCF Advisors helps expand its suite of products, as FCF’s core offering is thematic free cash flow investments and the company offers over 50 total customizable index strategies across 8 global categories.