Originally published in the Journal of Taxation of Investments in December 2012.

Introduction -

This article is designed to provide an overview of the benefits of private placement life insurance (PPLI) and private placement variable deferred annuity products (PPVA) for ultra-high net worth investors. PPLI is an institutionally priced variable universal life policy designed for accredited investors and qualifies purchasers as defined under federal securities law. The policy allows for customized investment options which may include alternative investments such as hedge funds. PPVA is an institutionally priced variable deferred annuity which allows for customized investment option as well.

In spite of volatile equity markets, the retail variable life and annuity marketplaces, according to The IRI Fact Book, have $1.5 trillion of assets under management. Obviously, this is no small amount of capital.