Notes from the Life ILS and AIR Asset Management Conferences

?? Beginning in London and ending in Chicago. Last week marked the completion of ISC’s spring tour of life settlement conferences.

The second annual Private Life Settlement Symposium was hosted by AIR Asset Management in Chicago on June 7-8.

• The team promised – and delivered – the latest life settlement market insights, news, and trends from experts active in the space. Beyond the insightful content, attendees had opportunities to network, share knowledge, and meet the AIR Asset Management Team.

Why it Matters. The pandemic precipitated the cessation of commercial events in the life settlement industry. AIR’s annual event offers a focused cross-section of the industry’s major players in a well-managed, investment-focused setting.

Report from London. Earlier, at the Life ILS Conference hosted by Life Risk News at EY’s Canary Wharf offices in London I witnessed a convergence of technology innovation and life risk discussions. There was buzz over presentations on cutting-edge InsurTech advancements and their profound long-term implications for life risk origination, unlocking growth prospects for the industry.

• Discussions focused on the development of new avenues for transferring longevity and mortality risk, emphasizing the importance of utilizing secondary markets to enhance liquidity and create additional opportunities.

Among the Conference Highlights: a meticulous analysis of mortality rate variations among different cohorts. In-depth discussions illuminated the implications and potential impacts of these variations, offering attendees a look at the intricacies surrounding life expectancy estimation.

Bottom Line: The Life ILS Conference serves as a reminder that life settlements are currently a small part of a much larger ecosystem. Life risk is a big business becoming bigger and this event offers attendees the opportunity to learn about and interact with the larger universe of longevity/mortality companies within that community.

Not Getting All Knackered Over AI. Where was all the Artificial Intelligence talk? Interestingly, in contrast to U.S. conferences, London presented a refreshing departure from the current AI obsession. No fervor or apprehension. Perhaps it stems from a lack of unwarranted fear that automation will seize jobs, as you simply cannot automate what we do.

A Delightful Detour. As the curtains closed on the Life ILS Conference, and for the first time despite attending for many years, I took the time to explore London as a tourist. Traveling with my adventurous son, we explored the vibrant streets of a busy London, took the opportunity to indulge in London's iconic landmarks and soak up its rich cultural heritage. Every corner we turned, there was a new discovery waiting to be made. Oh, and the weather was perfect every day for a week - cool mornings, warm afternoons and no rain.

Were you in London or Chicago? Feel free to continue the conversation in the comments.