Protecting investors by insuring a portfolio manager
Insuring a key person
$60M
tax-free liquidity upon an early death
PRODUCTS
OTHER CASE STUDIES
The viability of a top performing hedge fund is highly dependent on their founder and chief executive. Because the fund uses debt, both investors and bankers need assurances against loss if the founder were to die.
Challenge
The boutique nature of the hedge fund combined with the unique talents of the founder and portfolio manager created unique and costly business expenses for the fund and its investors. Between replacement costs, interest carry, and estimated loss to fund value upon the death of the founder, the company estimated its exposure at over $60,000,000.
Solution
After evaluating several options, the company decided to implement a Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI) plan where the owner and beneficiary was the hedge fund. We successfully aligned coverage with three (3) highly rated insurance carriers who could issue the combined $60,000,000 of death benefit on one insured (the Founder).
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Acquired significant life insurance coverage with ability to recoup the premiums plus a return
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The structure allowed the insured to receive favorable underwriting treatment compared to more traditional product options
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Protected investors, banks and the fund value should an early and unexpected death occur on its founder and primary hedge fund manager
Results
For the company:
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Allocated a small portion of the fund value into the general account of the insurance carrier
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Combined carrier yields delivered 1.50% which provided an acceptable net return given the credit of the carrier as well as the protection from mark-to-market adjustments
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Available for liquidity at anytime
For the Investors:
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Along with a written plan, the insurance gave both existing and new investors assurances that the fund would continue or would have the liquidity to unwind the fund
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Provided stability to current and future banking relationships
The above client case study is based on the economic results for one of TRC Financial's clients. The economics associated with each individual client are unique and impacted by the insurance product acquired, the performance of the life insurance policy, timing of premium payments, medical underwriting for the insured(s), and the actual life expectancy of the insured(s). The client case study is not intended to be opinion or advice on legal, tax, accounting or investment matters. Private counsel should be consulted prior to application of this general information to specific situations.
These results are for illustrative/informational purposes only and may not reflect the typical purchaser's (client’s) experience and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.