IFS Special Markets was created in order to expand the use of structured settlements in two unique ways: a broader distribution channel and broader opportunities for using periodic payments to resolve disputes and claims.

Broader Distribution Channel
Wire Houses, Financial Planners and Broker Dealers face significant challenges in today’s marketplace. The need to deliver greater service and more complex solutions for their clients while seeing commissions and margins compressed is an every growing challenge.

IFS Special Markets is uniquely positioned to provide unique products and services that can deliver the solutions you need.

With the largest structured settlement distribution channel in the industry and extensive back office capabilities, you can be assured of getting access to the products and services you need, from basic information, to extensive training, to partnership with an experienced, full-time structured settlement consultant in your area.

IFS Special Markets offers more than just traditional structured settlement products in the physical injury and Workers’ Compensation arenas. It offers unparalleled opportunities for growth in providing solutions for law firms, employment litigation, non-physical injury claims, divorces and many other types of disputes. We also offer Structured Sales, a product based on installment sales and a new way to defer capital gains when selling appreciated property.

Broader Use of Structured Settlements
Structured settlements have been used to resolve tax-free physical injury and Workers’ Compensation claims for many years, and have been very effective in helping to settle claims quickly and cost effectively. There are many other types of claims, both tax exempt, such as long term disability and construction defect, and taxable, such as contractual disputes, D&O, and E&O, that can still be effectively resolved with a structured settlement through the use of a Non-qualified Assignment.

By entering into an agreement for periodic payments and then transferring the payment obligation through an assignment, defendants reduce the risk of large jury-awarded damages, save the cost of ongoing litigation and claims expense by moving negotiations forward that have otherwise deadlocked, increase the attractiveness of settlements by offering lump sums, immediate payments, deferrals, or some other combination that better meets the needs of claimants.

Plaintiffs benefit equally by achieving unsurpassed security, since all periodic payments are made by highly rated life insurers such as Allstate, Liberty Life or Prudential. Although most non-qualified settlements are ultimately taxable, receiving payments over time results in less being lost to taxes and the funds grow on a tax-deferred basis. Reducing the amount received up front may result in a lower tax bracket or Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and payments may be for a guaranteed period, lump sums and/or for life.