Timeline of
Life Settlements
Life settlements have grown from a century-old legal concept into a trusted financial option. As a leader in the industry, Abacus Life offers policyholders a clear and reliable way to unlock the value of their life insurance.
A Century of Life Settlements
From a landmark Supreme Court ruling to a publicly traded company on the NYSE, here is how the life settlement industry has evolved.
Grigsby v. Russell
The U.S. Supreme Court established life insurance policies as private property in Grigsby v. Russell, 222 U.S. 149. This opened the possibility for policies to be bought, sold, and traded just like any other high-value asset — laying the early groundwork for life settlement options.
An Industry Takes Shape
Starting in the late 1980s, life insurance options were largely seen in the form of viatical settlements — the sale of a policy by a person facing terminal illness. Most individuals at that time were facing cancer or HIV/AIDS.
By the mid-1990s, the range of life insurance options had broadened and was being considered by individuals facing nearly every type of serious illness.
Major Institutions Take Notice
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.
Our Story Begins
A group of financial and insurance professionals who met in the mid-1990s in New York's financial district came together to form what is now Abacus Life. Their mission: to ensure more individuals had access to life insurance options.
Industry Headwinds
The industry was not immune to the financial crash of 2008. Major banks and financial institutions pulled back from non-core investing, which caused demand for the option to lessen for a time.
Confidence Returns
Funding confidence bounced back around 2010, which opened the door for many life insurance buyers to expand operations and grow the market once again.
State Regulations Enacted
U.S. states began enacting important safeguards, including disclosure requirements and improved regulations to ensure the safety and legitimacy of life insurance options for all policyholders.
50 Employees, 47 States
Abacus grows to 50 home-office employees and is authorized to purchase policies in 47 states, offering complete back-office support in APS retrieval, life expectancy evaluation, pre-pricing, and producer licensing.
Nearly 60 Employees, 49 States
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.
First Publicly Traded Life Settlement Company
Abacus Life becomes the first and only publicly traded life settlement company in the United States, a landmark milestone for the entire industry.
$3 Billion in Assets Under Management
Abacus acquired both Carlisle Management Company S.C.A. and FCF Advisors, bringing assets under management to nearly $3 billion.
The Carlisle acquisition provides ABX with a presence in international markets, transforming the company from a U.S. leader to a global player. FCF Advisors expands the product suite with thematic free cash flow investments and over 50 customizable index strategies across 8 global categories.
Trading on the New York Stock Exchange
Abacus Life begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ABX — the only publicly traded life settlement company in the U.S., bringing full accountability and transparency to policyholders and investors alike.
