The primary focus of this discourse revolves around the intricate dynamics of life settlements as an alternative asset class with our guest Jay Jackson, the Chairman and CEO of Abacus Life. We embark upon a comprehensive exploration of the uncorrelated nature of life insurance products, which stand in stark contrast to traditional investment vehicles, thus presenting an opportunity for diversification within investors' portfolios. Jackson expounds upon the significant misconception that life insurance is merely a debt obligation rather than a tangible asset with a calculable net present value, a perspective that could fundamentally reshape financial planning practices. We delve into the regulatory advancements that have fortified the life settlement market, thereby enhancing consumer protections and enabling greater access for institutional investors. Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for financial advisors and individual policyholders alike to recognize the latent value within life insurance policies, advocating for a paradigm shift in how these instruments are perceived and utilized in the broader landscape of wealth management.

Jay Jackson, Chairman & CEO of Abacus Life (NASDAQ: ABL) joined ATLalts today to discuss life settlements. Jay has deep expertise in alternative assets and leads a company that has purchased over $4.6 billion in life insurance policies and helped thousands of policy holders maximize their value. Jay is a life settlements industry trailblazer as Abacus Life is the ONLY pure play, publicly traded life settlement company. Abacus recently acquired Carlisle Management Company for $200 million, making ABL the largest life settlement company in the world. On August 7, 2024 Abacus announced the acquisition of FCF Advisors. Press release below:

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/08/07/2926361/0/en/Abacus-Life-Announces-Agreement-to-Acquire-FCF-Advisors.html

Finally, Jay is an innovative thought leader and a contributing author of ‘Pursuing Wealthspan,’ a book that discusses how individual lifespan affects wealth, and recently hosted a longevity summit that brought together some of the top minds in the industry. To learn more about Abacus Life you can visit the company's website at: https://abacuslifesettlements.com/

The dialogue presented within the ATL Alts podcast encapsulates an exploration of the alternative asset landscape, specifically emphasizing the intricacies and strategic advantages of life settlements as a compelling investment avenue. With the distinguished Jay Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Abacus Life, as a guest, the conversation delves into the multifaceted aspects of life insurance as an asset class. Jackson articulates the concept of life settlements being inherently uncorrelated to traditional financial markets, thereby offering a unique risk-reward profile that can significantly enhance portfolio diversification. He elucidates the fundamental issues surrounding accessibility to these assets, highlighting the barriers that both investors and policyholders face. By employing sophisticated actuarial data and mortality projections, Jackson underscores the necessity for financial advisors to educate their clients on the value inherent within life insurance policies, which are often misperceived as mere liabilities rather than valuable assets.

Takeaways:

• The discussion emphasizes the significance of comprehending the true market value of life insurance policies, as most individuals perceive them erroneously as mere debts rather than legitimate assets.
• Jay Jackson elucidates on the critical nature of lifespan data in financial planning, asserting that it fundamentally alters how advisors should approach their clients' future needs and investments.
• Listeners are informed that a staggering $13 trillion is currently in force within the life insurance market, yet only a mere 10% of policies are projected to ever pay a claim, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness and education.
• The podcast underscores the transformative potential of alternative assets, particularly life settlements, which are presented as uncorrelated investment opportunities that can substantially diversify portfolios for investors.
• Abacus Life's innovative approach aims to empower policyholders by elucidating the net present value of their insurance contracts, thereby fostering a paradigm shift in how these assets are perceived and utilized.
• The conversation reveals how regulatory changes over the past two decades have enhanced consumer protections in life settlements, encouraging institutional interest and investment in this previously obscure asset class.

Links referenced in this episode:

• abacuslife.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Abacus Life
• Franklin Templeton
• BlackRock
• FCF Advisors