“Working hard, playing even harder.”
Nicholas Sawuk stands at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and resilience in the financial services industry. With over 18 years of experience in structured finance, insurance, asset management, and sales leadership, Nicholas has consistently delivered transformative impact by integrating traditional investment frameworks with emerging opportunities in uncorrelated asset classes. His career reflects not just a mastery of financial systems, but also a dynamic commitment to leadership, mentorship, and global business development.
Currently serving as Managing Director at Abacus Global Management, a publicly traded alternative asset manager specializing in lifespan-based financial products, Nicholas brings a unique perspective to institutional investment. At Abacus, he plays a key role in shaping the firm’s direction across policy origination, actuarial technology, and capital strategies. Under his leadership, the company’s $3 billion portfolio has expanded in both reach and sophistication, offering consistent returns to investors seeking stability beyond traditional asset classes.
Nicholas’s deep-rooted expertise in life settlements and insurance-linked securities has made him a prominent voice in a niche yet rapidly growing space. His work has enabled countless institutional clients—pension funds, endowments, and family offices—to diversify effectively, tapping into the reliability of longevity-based assets. His strategic influence was particularly felt at Life Policy Traders, where, as Head of Sales, he led market penetration efforts and investor education initiatives that significantly enhanced the firm’s client base and industry reputation.
Earlier in his career, Nicholas held influential roles with prestigious organizations including Cantor Fitzgerald, AXIS Capital, and Green Leaf Capital. His tenure across these institutions offered him comprehensive insight into capital markets, risk management, and operations. At Cantor Fitzgerald, he served on the Insurance Linked Securities trading desk, structuring longevity risk assets for top-tier institutional investors—experience that would lay the groundwork for his later leadership in structured finance.
A significant turning point in Nicholas’s journey was his transition from national to international operations. With experience in the UK, Sweden, Italy, and other parts of Europe, he has cultivated a global mindset. This international exposure has sharpened his adaptability, cultural fluency, and ability to identify cross-border investment synergies, reinforcing his value to organizations navigating today’s interconnected markets.
Nicholas’s leadership extends beyond financial metrics—he is a people-first executive known for cultivating enduring relationships and motivating teams toward peak performance. Whether leading a high-performing sales unit or advising on portfolio strategy, his ability to blend emotional intelligence with analytical rigor sets him apart. He believes that success in business comes down to building trust, communicating effectively, and embracing continuous improvement.
His thought leadership is grounded in real-world experience. Nicholas has been a featured speaker at the Institutional Life Settlement Investor Conference, where he shared insights on the evolution of longevity-linked investment products and their place in a diversified portfolio. While he remains humble about his public presence, his contributions to the field have quietly shaped how institutional investors perceive and engage with the asset class.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Nicholas remains grounded in his passions. An avid sports enthusiast, he draws parallels between the discipline of athletics and business leadership—both requiring strategy, teamwork, and resilience. His early years as a collegiate athlete at Florida Southern College continue to influence his mindset today, fostering a competitive yet collaborative approach to every challenge he encounters.
He also brings a sense of civic engagement to his profile, having served on the board of a local baseball association. This experience not only reflects his leadership off the field but also underscores his commitment to community development and youth mentorship. His “work hard, play hard” philosophy resonates across all facets of life, embodying a balanced and purpose-driven career.
Nicholas is now at a pivotal stage in his professional evolution. With nearly two decades of high-level experience, he seeks new board and advisory opportunities that allow him to share his knowledge while continuing to learn. He views this next phase not as a culmination, but as a strategic expansion—one where his background in structured finance, international markets, and organizational leadership can add meaningful value to mission-driven companies and evolving boards.
Character:
Nicholas is principled and authentic, consistently showing up for his colleagues and clients with integrity. His leadership is marked by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to elevate those around him.
Knowledge:
He possesses a rare depth of expertise in insurance-linked securities and longevity finance, informed by nearly two decades of hands-on experience. His ability to translate complex financial products into actionable strategies is a hallmark of his professional value.
Strategic:
Nicholas is a visionary thinker who bridges traditional finance with alternative investments to unlock long-term growth. His strategic mindset enables him to adapt swiftly and guide organizations through evolving market landscapes.
Communication:
His communication style is both articulate and approachable, allowing him to connect with stakeholders across functions and cultures. He excels at distilling intricate financial concepts into clear, engaging narratives that drive alignment and action.
