Found a pretty interesting article in Barron’s today. The main thing that caught my attention was the paragraph about Viaticals and Life Settlements. Here it is:

For a time, investors used so-called viatical settlements to bet on deaths of people afflicted with the AIDS virus. That tawdry practice mutated into the so-called life settlements business of buying insurance on healthy, elderly people to prepare for a big payout when they die. At least seven Internet sites exist for betting on the date of death of famous people. Less organized “death pools” exist in offices all over the world. Like betting on who wins the Super Bowl, death pools collect wagers on when well-known people will die. One New York advertising executive wagered on Mother Teresa’s death.

If money can be made betting on a Saint’s demise, what’s so bad about wagering on sinners?

The complete article discusses stocks as well:
New Life for Death Trades

Life Settlement Related Articles and Reading:
Life Settlement Info
Life Settlement Information
Life Settlement Fraud

We usually dedicate some updates here at Life Settlement News to premium finance and premium financing information. I have been noticing a large change in parameters with a number of premium finance companies. It looks like almost every outfit is requiring an age minimum of 70 years old. A little less than 2 years ago when premium financing was booming age limits were as low as 65. We watched that increase to age 67 and now it looks like almost all financing groups are requiring an age of 70. This still can be a great financial product but now will be even more niche.

Here is an example parameter list and outline:

Need life insurance but can’t afford the premiums?

If so, try premium financing!

We are a financial consulting company looking for clients in need of help with attaining an insurance policy through premium financing. Premium financing is a process in which a high net worth person is able to get a loan to pay for life insurance. This loan will cover all the premiums and will be paid back with the proceeds from the life insurance. The client will not have to spend any money out of pocket or liquidate current assets.

Client Qualifications:
-Age 70+
-Net worth $1+million
-In good health
-Minimal life insurance policy

Call 1-888-973-8377 or visit Premium Finance Life

For more info, visit the following premium finance sites:
National Premium Finance
Florida Premium Finance