Methods and apparatus for securitizing insurance, reinsurance, and retrocessional risk

A method and apparatus of securitizing insurance, reinsurance and retrocession risk is provided. The system provides a vehicle whereby investors may directly participate in such risk. The system includes establishing a limited-life business entity. Capital is raised through the sale of common and/or preferred shares in the business entity. The capital is invested against which the business entity assumes premium and risk liability. After a first predetermined period of time (i.e., an underwriting phase), the business entity stops underwriting risks for premium and gives investors options to liquidate shares in the business entity for cash or in the form of a roll over to a similar business entity. The business entity then runs off remaining risk liabilities during a second predetermined period of time (i.e., a runoff phase). Upon completion of the runoff phase, the business entity distributes all its remaining assets to its shareholders and/or rolls over their equity to another similar business entity, and the original business entity is wound up.