In 2025, the National Structured Settlements Trade Association reached a milestone that few organizations achieve: 40 years of sustained advocacy for injured people and their families.
This anniversary is more than a marker of longevity. It reflects four decades of work dedicated to protecting financial security, advancing education, and ensuring structured settlements remain a trusted, court-supported solution for individuals facing life-altering injuries and wrongful death.
As NSSTA closes the year, Executive Director Eric Vaughn shared a year-end message highlighting why 2025 stands out — not only for the organization, but for the people the industry serves every day.
Measuring Impact Where It Matters Most
The structured settlement industry often references premium volume as a measure of growth. While important, Eric Vaughn emphasized a more meaningful metric: case counts.
Case counts represent people — individuals and families who have experienced serious physical injury, catastrophic loss, or wrongful death, and who rely on structured settlements for long-term financial security.
In 2025 alone, the industry helped tens of thousands of people secure predictable, tax-free income designed to meet medical, living, and family needs over time. These outcomes underscore the real-world impact of structured settlements beyond financial statistics.
A Year of Leadership and Industry Engagement
Several defining moments shaped NSSTA’s work in 2025.
One highlight was the continued growth of the NSSTA Women’s Caucus, which marked its fifth anniversary. The Women’s Caucus has become an influential force within the industry, elevating leadership, collaboration, and visibility across professional roles.
Another major development was the momentum of the Next Generation Committee. Formed organically by emerging leaders in the industry, the committee focused on engagement, education, and practical contributions — including the launch of a new Case Managers Training Guide. This initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening the future of structured settlements through mentorship and shared expertise.
Together, these efforts demonstrate NSSTA’s investment in leadership development at every stage of the profession.
Advocacy During a Critical Policy Year
Federal tax reform made 2025 one of the most consequential advocacy years in recent history.
For the first time in decades, Congress undertook a comprehensive review of the tax code — including provisions essential to structured settlements, such as Sections 104(a)(2) and 130 of the Internal Revenue Code.
NSSTA members met directly with lawmakers, committee leadership, and staff across both parties. Over a two-year period, more than 140 industry advocates traveled to Washington, D.C., to educate policymakers on the purpose and value of structured settlements.
These efforts resulted in strong bipartisan support, reaffirming structured settlements as a vital public policy tool that promotes long-term financial security for injured individuals.
Education as a Foundation for Trust
Education remains central to NSSTA’s mission.
Through NSSTA University, the association provides accredited education recognized by all 50 state insurance departments. These programs support attorneys, judges, mediators, claims professionals, and consultants with accurate, practical guidance grounded in real-world application.
This commitment ensures that structured settlements are not only protected by law, but understood by those responsible for guiding injured individuals through critical financial decisions.
Looking Ahead
As NSSTA enters its fifth decade, the focus remains clear: expand awareness, strengthen advocacy, and continue building systems that protect people during the most difficult moments of their lives.
Growth in membership, new industry partners, and continued collaboration across committees signal a strong future. But the guiding principle remains unchanged — using experience, education, and advocacy to help more people achieve long-term financial security.
The work continues, and the opportunity ahead is significant.
Settle Smart. The Best Is Yet To Come.
