Conning's 2025 Life Settlements Report Highlights Market Pause and Long-Term Growth
Conning has released its 20th annual strategic study titled "2025 Life Settlements – A Pause for Now," providing a detailed analysis of the U.S. life settlement market from 2024 through 2034. The report notes a decline in new policy settlements in 2024, attributed to economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and equity market volatility. Despite this short-term pause, the long-term drivers for growth remain robust due to ongoing investor interest in alternative assets and growing consumer demand for retirement income and long-term care funding. The report highlights the impact of economic conditions and regulatory stability on the life settlement market potential, estimating an average annual gross market potential of $224 billion. It projects annual market volumes to reach $4.6 billion. Additionally, the study points to the emergence of a broader direct-to-consumer life settlement market, which is increasing access and awareness among policyholders. Conning has been tracking the development of the life settlement market since 1999, providing valuable insights into market trends, insurer performance, and forecast drivers. This annual report serves as an important resource for insurance professionals, institutional investors, and pension plans seeking to understand the dynamics affecting life settlements and alternative asset classes. Conning's role as a leading investment management firm with specialized expertise in the insurance sector strengthens the relevance of this research. The report offers guidance for managing risks and capitalizing on market opportunities amidst an evolving economic and regulatory environment. Institutional stakeholders can leverage these insights to inform strategic decisions in insurance investment and portfolio management. The full report is available for purchase directly from Conning and contributes to industry knowledge by clarifying the implications of demographic shifts, market volatility, and regulatory factors on life settlements. It underscores the continuing importance of alternative investments in diversified asset strategies for insurers and other institutional investors.