Aquarian Holdings Unveils New Structure to Boost Insurance and Reinsurance Operations
NEW YORK — Aquarian Holdings, a diversified global holding company involved in insurance and asset management, has announced the creation of Aquarian Insurance Holdings. This new structure will encompass the company’s reinsurance and retail insurance businesses. The move is designed to foster growth and enhance synergies across the organization.
Since its establishment in 2017, Aquarian has expanded to approximately $22 billion in assets under management (AUM), positioning itself as a significant player in the investment industry. Founder Rudy Sahay has led Aquarian in developing leading capabilities throughout the life insurance value chain. The formation of Aquarian Insurance Holdings is expected to facilitate further business expansion, increase operational efficiency, and seamlessly integrate insurance expertise across all levels of the organization, including the asset management division.
John Frye, Operating Partner at Aquarian Holdings and President of Investors Heritage, and Jeff Burt, CEO of Somerset Reinsurance, will jointly serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers of Aquarian Insurance Holdings.
Frye brings extensive experience in strategic growth and financial leadership roles at Advisors Excel, Security Benefit, and General Electric, where he oversaw significant insurance and financial operations. His track record includes innovation, effective operations, and dynamic leadership, which will be crucial for Aquarian during its next phase.
John Frye, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aquarian Insurance Holdings.
Jeff Burt, a leading figure in the insurance and reinsurance sectors, also has a strong history of innovation and growth, most recently as Chairman and CEO of Somerset Re. Previously, he served as President of Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, where he spearheaded numerous structured reinsurance transactions and established two thriving affiliates.
To ensure a smooth transition, Burt will remain as Co-CEO with Somerset Re’s incoming CEO during the transition.
Aquarian Insurance Holdings will encompass Somerset Reinsurance, Investors Heritage, and Hudson Life, with Via Management Solutions providing shared services and technological support.
Somerset Reinsurance, based in Bermuda, offers capital-efficient reinsurance solutions to life and annuity insurers. Investors Heritage, a U.S. life and annuity insurer founded in 1960 and acquired in 2018, has been recognized by S&P Global as one of the fastest-growing U.S. life and annuity insurers three times since its acquisition. Hudson Life, acquired and rebranded by Aquarian in 2022, provides insurance policies for New York State.
Via, a third-party administrator, supports Aquarian’s insurance companies and third-party carriers. It leverages technology expertise developed through Investors Heritage, including product and process management, alongside information and technology services.
“We see opportunity within the insurance sector, and Aquarian Insurance Holdings is the next evolution of our portfolio,” said Rudy Sahay, Founder and Managing Partner of Aquarian Holdings. “We’ll be able to leverage best practices and shared services across the organization, specifically the technology expertise and leadership within our Investor’s Heritage business. All of which position us for continued growth and expansion.”
About Aquarian Holdings
Aquarian is a global holding company with a diverse portfolio of insurance and asset management solutions, providing investment opportunities. With approximately $22 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2024, Aquarian invests across the capital structure and designs customized financing solutions to aid in the growth and development of high-quality companies.
