GWG Holdings files for bankruptcy

GWG Holdings files for bankruptcy
The market has been anticipating the move for more than two weeks; the company has struggled of late and repeatedly missed the deadline to file audited financial statements in the past couple of years.
APR 20, 2022

As expected, GWG Holdings Inc., which sold $1.6 billion in bonds backed by life settlements through a network of independent broker-dealers, said it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company made the announcement Wednesday morning on its website. The market has been anticipating the measure for more than two weeks; the company has struggled of late and repeatedly missed the deadline to file audited financial statements in the past couple of years.

In January, it failed to make $13.6 million in combined interest and principal payments for its L Bonds series, ultimately defaulting on those bonds.

Investors in the $1.6 billion of bonds could face dire consequences from the GWG bankruptcy; one GWG investor, who asked not to be named, earlier this month said he estimated the L Bonds are worth 20 cents to 30 cents on the dollar.

In its statement, GWG Holdings said that it had secured $65 million in debtor-in-possession financing to facilitate the restructuring, subject to court approval. Its filing was made in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

This story is developing.

Latest News

Maryland bars advisor over charging excessive fees to clients
Maryland bars advisor over charging excessive fees to clients

Blue Anchor Capital Management and Pickett also purchased “highly aggressive and volatile” securities, according to the order.

Wave of SEC appointments signals regulatory shift with implications for financial advisors
Wave of SEC appointments signals regulatory shift with implications for financial advisors

Reshuffle provides strong indication of where the regulator's priorities now lie.

US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel
US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel

Goldman Sachs Asset Management report reveals sharpened focus on annuities.

Why DA Davidson's wealth vice chairman still follows his dad's investment advice
Why DA Davidson's wealth vice chairman still follows his dad's investment advice

Ahead of Father's Day, InvestmentNews speaks with Andrew Crowell.

401(k) participants seek advice, but few turn to financial advisors
401(k) participants seek advice, but few turn to financial advisors

Cerulli research finds nearly two-thirds of active retirement plan participants are unadvised, opening a potential engagement opportunity.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today’s choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave