Conning--Indications of Renewed Interest in Life Settlements among Investors

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Jan 06, 2014, 09:30 ET

HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The difficulties in the Life Settlements market continued in 2012, but the beginnings of a recovery were seen in 2013, according to a new study by Conning.

"The life settlements asset class continued to struggle to attract new capital through 2012," said Scott Hawkins, analyst at Conning. "Yet as 2013 developed, some indications of renewed interest in life settlements among investors surfaced. This renewal was driven in part by the prolonged low-interest rate environment, while at the same time; a new market opportunity emerged in the form of long-term care funding opportunities."

The Conning study, "Life Settlements: A New Opportunity in Smaller Policies" examines the opportunities and challenges in providing funding for long-term care. As always, the report also provides Conning's annual Life Settlements Market Review and Forecast, along with market guidance and lessons learned for new investors. This is the tenth study of this market published by Conning.

"The prolonged low-interest rate environment continues to attract investors to life settlements, and provides a foundation for continued growth. However, that growth may accelerate due to two distinct opportunities in the long-term care market," said Steve Webersen, director of research at Conning. "The first opportunity, driven by regulatory changes, is to meet the financial needs of nursing home patients. The second is in helping elderly individuals finance their stay in assisted living facilities and with home health care. These developments, combined with the solid consumer demand and a settling regulatory climate, point towards future growth in this market."

"Life Settlements: A New Opportunity in Smaller Policies" is available for purchase from Conning by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com.

About Conning
Conning (www.conning.com) is a leading investment management company for the global insurance industry, with almost $83 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2013 through Conning, Inc., Conning Asset Management Limited, Cathay Conning Asset Management Limited, and Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. The company's unique combination of asset management, risk and capital management solutions and insurance research helps clients achieve their financial goals through customized business and investment strategies. Founded in 1912, Conning is focused on the future, providing clients with innovative solutions, leveraging its global capabilities, investment experience, and proprietary research. The company is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, with additional offices in Purchase, London, Cologne, and Hong Kong.