Edgar Filing: GWG Holdings, Inc.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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GWG HOLDINGS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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GWG HOLDINGS, INC.

220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 1, 2015

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF GWG HOLDINGS, INC.:

Please take notice that the annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of GWG Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held, pursuant to due call by the Board of Directors of the Company, at Monday, June 1, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., at 220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, for the purpose of considering and taking appropriate action with respect to the following:

1. The election of seven directors;

2. The adoption of an amendment to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the reserve of shares authorized for issuance and to increase the threshold of limitation on certain grants;

3. The ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for fiscal 2015; and

4. The transaction of any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Pursuant to due action of the Board of Directors, stockholders of record on April 22, 2015 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

The proxy statement for the Annual Meeting and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, each of which is included with this Notice, are also available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

To view the proxy statement and Annual Report to Stockholders on the Internet, visit www.gwglife.com.

		By Order of the Board of Directors

		/s/ Jon R. Sabes
		Jon R. Sabes
		Chief Executive Officer

April 30, 2015

GWG HOLDINGS, INC.
220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402

________________

PROXY STATEMENT

________________

Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held
June 1, 2015

VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXY

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of GWG Holdings, Inc. (periodically referred to herein as “GWG,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us”) to be used at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on Monday, June 1, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., at 220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, for the purpose of considering and taking appropriate action with respect to the following:

1. The election of seven directors;

2. The adoption of an amendment to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the reserve of shares authorized for issuance and to increase the threshold of limitation on certain grants;

3. The ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for fiscal 2015; and

4. The transaction of any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy were first sent or provided to stockholders was April 30, 2015.

PROXIES AND VOTING

Registered holders of our Common Stock may vote in one of four ways: by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card via regular mail, scan or email or by voting via the Internet. Registered holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may vote in one of three ways: by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card via regular mail, scan or email. Specific instructions for using these methods are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. The Internet procedure is designed to authenticate the stockholder’s identity and to allow stockholders to vote their shares and confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded.

The Board of Directors has set the close of business on April 22, 2015 as the “Record Date” for the Annual Meeting. Only holders of our Common Stock or Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as of the Record Date, or their duly appointed proxies, are entitled to notice of and will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. On the Record Date, there were 5,870,193 shares of our Common Stock and 2,765,280 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote upon each matter to be presented at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock entitles the holder to vote on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting the number of shares of Common Stock into which such holder’s stock is convertible. A quorum, consisting of a majority of the voting power of stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, must be present in person or represented by proxy before action may be taken at the Annual Meeting.

Each proxy returned to us will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated thereon. If no direction is given by a stockholder, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors. If any nominee for the Board of

Directors should withdraw or otherwise become unavailable for reasons not presently known, the proxies that would have otherwise been voted for such nominee will be voted for such substitute nominee as may be selected by the Board of Directors. If a stockholder abstains from voting on any matter, the abstention will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting for the transaction of business, as well as shares entitled to vote on that matter. On matters other than the election of directors, an action of the stockholders generally requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. Accordingly, an abstention on any matter other than the election of directors will have the same effect as a vote against that matter. A non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner votes on one proposal, but does not vote on another proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Broker non-votes on a matter are counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum for the Annual Meeting, but are not considered entitled to vote on that particular matter. Consequently, non-votes generally do not have the same effect as a negative vote on the matter.

A stockholder giving us a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by (i) giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company, (ii) delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or (iii) voting in person at the Annual Meeting. The mere presence at the Annual Meeting of a stockholder who has earlier signed a proxy does not, alone, revoke that proxy; revocation must be announced by the stockholder at the time of the Annual Meeting. Unless so revoked, the shares represented by each proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof.

NOTICE TO BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF SHARES HELD IN BROKER ACCOUNTS:

New York Stock Exchange Rule 452 prohibits NYSE member organizations from giving a proxy to vote with respect to an election of directors (Proposal One) or with respect to equity compensation plan authorizations (Proposal Two) without receiving voting instructions from a beneficial owner. Because NYSE Rule 452 applies to all brokers that are members of the NYSE, this prohibition applies to the Annual Meeting even though the Company’s Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Therefore, brokers will not be entitled to vote shares at the Annual Meeting with respect to Proposal ONE or TWO without instructions by the beneficial owner of the shares. AS A RESULT, BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF SHARES HELD IN BROKER ACCOUNTS ARE ADVISED THAT, IF THEY DO NOT TIMELY PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS TO THEIR BROKER, THEIR SHARES WILL NOT BE VOTED IN CONNECTION WITH THESE PROPOSALS.

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

We currently have seven directors serving on our Board of Directors. Each of our seven directors has been nominated for re-election at the Annual Meeting. If elected, each nominee has consented to serve as a director of the Company and to hold office until the next annual stockholders’ meeting, and until his successor is elected and shall have qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation, removal or disqualification.

The following paragraphs provide information as of the date of this Proxy Statement about each nominee. The information presented includes information that each nominee has given us about his age, all positions he holds within the Company, his principal occupation and business experience for the past five years, and the names of other publicly held companies of which he currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years. In addition to the information presented below regarding each nominee’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our Board of Directors to the conclusion that he should serve as a director, our director nominees have experience in developing and overseeing businesses and implementing near term and long-range strategic plans. We also believe that all of our director nominees have a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards. Collectively, they have demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to our Company and our Board of Directors. Although we do not believe that share ownership alone qualifies any person to serve as a director of our Company, we believe that the beneficial ownership of our Board nominees (collectively 77.7% as of the Record Date) aligns their interests with those of our stockholders and will drive our Board of Directors to focus on maximizing stockholder value.

Name and Age of Director and/or Nominee	Principal Occupation, Business Experience For the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies	Director Since
Jon R. Sabes Age 48	Jon R. Sabes, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of our company, is a financial professional with over 20 years of experience in the fields of finance, venture capital, business development, managerial operations, and federal taxation. Since 1999, Mr. Sabes has served as Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity Finance, LLC, a family investment company specializing in structured finance. Over his career, Mr. Sabes has been active in receivable financing, life insurance financing, and casualty insurance financing, structuring over $900 million in financing commitments for his related businesses. Mr. Sabes’ experience includes co‑founding and leading the development of two leading insurance-related finance companies: GWG Life, a company in the life insurance finance industry founded in 2006, and MedFinance, an innovator in casualty insurance and healthcare finance founded in 2005. Through these companies, Mr. Sabes has developed and applied financial structuring techniques, underwriting algorithms, and business modeling aspects to the insurance industry. Mr. Sabes’ education includes a Juris Doctor degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Colorado. Over his career, Mr. Sabes has held several licenses and professional association memberships including FINRA Series 7, Series 63, Minnesota State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. In addition to being an active father of three, Mr. Sabes serves on the boards of Saving Children and Building Families, and the Insurance Studies Institute. Mr. Sabes is the brother of Steven F. Sabes. Mr. Sabes has served as our Chief Executive Officer, and a director, since 2006.	2011

Paul A. Siegert Age 76	Paul A. Siegert, co-founder of our company, has over 50 years of experience in national and international business with focus on general business, financial and investment strategies, management practices, fiscal controls, profit incentives, systems and corporate structuring and governance. Over his career, Mr. Siegert has provided consulting services to Fortune 500 corporations, regional firms, emerging businesses, government and educational organizations, and has served as director, general partner and advisor to partnerships and corporations, including restructuring of economically troubled businesses. Mr. Siegert has provided written testimony to the Senate Finance Committee regarding SEC practices and	2011

Name and Age of Director and/or Nominee	Principal Occupation, Business Experience For the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies	Director Since
	created two companies registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Mr. Siegert was an active participant in the formation and direction of the Colorado Institute for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Colorado. Mr. Siegert’s education includes studies toward a Master of Business Administration, University of Chicago; and Bachelor of Science and Industrial Management, Purdue University. His insurance-related experiences include the creation of one of the nation’s first employer self-funded life, medical and disability insurance programs; designing medical, life insurance and social security opt-out programs for educational institutions; incorporation of financial analysis disciplines in life insurance and estate planning; and strategizing of key-man insurance plans and life insurance in business continuation planning for corporations and senior executives. From 1979 to 1986, Mr. Siegert was nationally recognized as a tax and estate planning expert. In 1999, Mr. Siegert retired from active business to engage in various personal financial and investment endeavors. In 2004, he founded Great West Growth, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company and a predecessor to GWG Life, to purchase life insurance policies. In his capacities with GWG Life, he created an insurance policy valuation and pricing model, created life insurance policy purchase documentation, undertook state licensing and compliance and developed operating and marketing systems. Mr. Siegert currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Studies Institute, which he founded in 2007, and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Life Insurance Settlement Association. Mr. Siegert currently serves as Director and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of GWG Holdings, Inc., and served as its President until May 30, 2014. He has been active in a variety of charities and foundations, including Rotary International.

Steven F. Sabes Age 46	Steven F. Sabes, co-founder, Executive Vice President of Originations and Servicing and Secretary of our company, is responsible for various managerial aspects of our business, with a specific focus on treasury and financial operations, life insurance policy purchasing, and specialty finance operations. Since 1998, Mr. Sabes has served as a Managing Director of Opportunity Finance, LLC, a family investment company specializing in structured finance. Mr. Sabes holds a Doctor of Philosophy in organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in organic chemistry from Colorado College. Mr. Sabes is the brother of Jon Sabes. Mr. Sabes has served as our Secretary, and a director, since 2006. He also served as our Chief Operating Officer from 2006 until May 30, 2014, when he was appointed as our President. On November 13, 2014, Mr. Sabes resigned from the position of President and was appointed Executive Vice President of Originations and Servicing.	2011

David H. Abramson Age 73	David H. Abramson, a certified public accountant, is presently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of David Abramson & Associates, LLC, an executive search and leadership development and financial consulting firm that he founded in 2002. The firm provides retained executive search services at the senior leadership levels as well as senior leadership mentoring and coaching. In addition, the firm provides financial and other consulting services to clients. In 2001, Mr. Abramson was a Senior Vice President of AXA Financial/Equitable Life Insurance based in New York City, and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grant Thornton Advisors, a joint venture of AXA Financial and Grant Thornton. Required by his responsibility, Mr. Abramson held NASD series 7, 24 and 66 licenses during his tenure at Grant Thornton Advisors. From 1999 to 2001 Mr. Abramson was Grant Thornton’s National Managing Partner of Financial Advisory Services where he led the design of the vision, strategy, governance and operational planning for Grant Thornton Advisors. Grant Thornton Advisors was designed to offer personal financial and estate planning, and investment and insurance products and services to middle-market companies, their owners and officers and other high net worth individuals.	2013

Name and Age of Director and/or Nominee	Principal Occupation, Business Experience For the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies	Director Since
	The core of Mr. Abramson’s career was as a Partner in Grant Thornton from 1972 until 2001. In 1972, Mr. Abramson became an Audit Partner and the Minneapolis Office Managing Partner, and he continued serving in those roles throughout most of his time at Grant Thornton. Mr. Abramson also became a member of Grant Thornton’s National Senior Leadership Team in 1982 and continued in that role until 2001. In this regard, his primary responsibility was Regional Managing Partner with direct line responsibility over assigned operating offices throughout the country. From 1988 to 1990, Mr. Abramson was Grant Thornton’s National Managing Director of Client Services directly responsible for the professional services of Assurance, Tax and Management Consulting as well as for Human Resources, Marketing and Strategic Planning. During the 1990s, Mr. Abramson also led the development and implementation of the Manufacturing/Distribution Services practice. Mr. Abramson’s partners at Grant Thornton elected him to serve on Grant Thornton’s 11-person Partnership Board for three terms from 1982 to 1990. This board provided oversight and direction related to governance, partner admission and compensation, financial and strategic issues.

	Mr. Abramson previously served on the Board of Directors of Southwest Casino Corporation, and served as Chairman of that board’s Audit Committee and a member of its Governance and Nominating Committee from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Abramson has also served as a board member, Chairman or President of a number of nonprofit organizations, including President of the Minnesota Society of CPAs, Chairman of The Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, and President of Temple Israel. He currently is a Member of the University of Minnesota Carlson School Of Management Alumni Board.

	Mr. Abramson received his B.S. degree (Accounting) from the University of Minnesota and his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Charles H. Maguire III Age 71	Charles H. Maguire III, a registered FINRA Arbitrator, has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. The core of Mr. Maguire’s career has been with Merrill Lynch and Company from 1969 to 2004. In one of his last positions with Merrill Lynch, Mr. Maguire served as Director of Financial Institutions Services Group, where he had complete responsibility for the Merrill Lynch’s institutional client services within its domestic branch office system. In addition, Mr. Maguire oversaw the professional teams responsible for product creation and had oversight of an institutional trading desk in New York City. Mr. Maguire’s most notable contribution to Merrill Lynch was the creation of the Consults Product, which to this day is one of the most profitable products at Merrill Lynch. In addition to serving as Director of Financial Institutions Services Group, Mr. Maguire held a variety of sales and management roles at Merrill Lynch, including Sales Manager, Resident Vice President, Regional Sales Manager, Senior Resident Vice President, and Managing Director.	2013

	From 2009 to 2011, Mr. Maguire served as a leadership consultant for the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and the Economic Center, University of Cincinnati. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Maguire also served as the Senior Advisor on Staff to the Governor of the State of South Carolina, the Director of Cabinet Affairs, and the Chief of Staff of the Department of Commerce for the State of South Carolina. During his tenure as Director of Cabinet Affairs for the Governor of the State of Carolina, Mr. Maguire was fully responsible for overseeing the operations of all agencies that reported to the Governor of South Carolina. In his role as Chief of Staff of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Mr. Maguire was responsible for the daily operations of the Department of Commerce. During his tenure with the Department of Commerce, Mr. Maguire led the restructuring of the Department of Commerce, which led to South Carolina becoming one of the top three states for job creation and corporate relocations.

Name and Age of Director and/or Nominee	Principal Occupation, Business Experience For the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies	Director Since
	Mr. Maguire has served on the boards (or similar functions) of over 25 nonprofit organizations, including services as a trustee for Centre College, trustee for The Seven Hills School, member of the Charter Review Committee of Cincinnati, trustee for the Queen City Foundation, trustee and executive committee member for St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and President for the Joy Outdoor Education Center. Mr. Maguire holds a B.A. from Centre College.

Jeffrey L. McGregor Age 61	Jeffrey L. McGregor has had an extensive career in the insurance and financial services industry, serving as President for three major financial sales and distribution companies. Mr. McGregor has 34 years of experience in sales, distribution strategies and leadership with a proven track record in sales and growth of annuity, life insurance, and mutual fund products. Mr. McGregor has been a quoted industry source for Ignites, Foxfire, Dalbar, Mutual Fund Forum and Investment News, and has served on numerous industry boards and associations, including the Life and Annuity Advisory Board, the Mutual Fund Forum, and the International Association for Financial Planning. Mr. McGregor has written, published and presented a number of papers focused on the insurance and financial industry. Throughout his career, Mr. McGregor’s primary focus has been to promote successful collaboration with employees, clients and colleagues to create respectful, profitable, and long‑term relationships.	2013

	Mr. McGregor has led teams that represented all traditional life insurance products, including term, whole life, universal life, disability insurance, long-term care, along with high-net worth and estate planning strategies that maximize the protection and tax advantages that life insurance products provide. Mr. McGregor has worked closely with product development teams in determining the risk and required sales results necessary to meet profitability targets. Mr. McGregor’s professional career encompasses the oversight and creation of marketing, sales presentations and advisor/only materials, seeking a balanced approached to the risks and rewards of the insurance, annuity and asset management products offered.

	From 2005 to 2010, Mr. McGregor served as the President of RiverSource Distributors and Senior Vice President of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. During his tenure as the President of RiverSource Distributors, he was responsible for the sales and distribution of all insurance, annuity and asset management product lines of Ameriprise through existing and new channels. In this position, Mr. McGregor identified and greatly influenced strategy, compliance, profitability and the success of multiple insurance and investment products offered by Ameriprise.

	From 2001 to 2004, Mr. McGregor was President of AXA Distributors, where he was responsible for the sales and distribution of insurance and annuity products manufactured by AXA Financial. In 2003, Mr. McGregor’s sales team achieved annuity sales of $7.0 billion. This record sales year resulted in AXA Distributors’ market share position going from number six in 2002 to number two in 2003. From 1988 to 1998, Mr. McGregor served in a variety of senior leadership positions for Colonial Investment Services. Mr. McGregor was named President of Colonial Investment Services in 1990 and joined Colonial’s Board of Directors. During his tenure, assets under management grew from $9.0 billion to $24.0 billion. During Mr. McGregor’s leadership, Colonial earned a number one rating in wholesaler and marketing support three times, according to Dalbar Survey. Over his career, Mr. McGregor has also worked with American Capital, Prudential-Bache Securities, Planco and IDS, where he began his career as a financial advisor in 1978. Mr. McGregor has earned numerous industry degrees and certifications, including LUTC CFP, CLU, and NASD licenses Series 7 and 24. Mr. McGregor received his B.S. and M.B.A. from California Coast University. In 2012, Mr. McGregor authored a life experience and motivational book — A Spirit Never Tires — which echoes his results driven style to inspire others through passion, energy, courage and a positive attitude.

Name and Age of Director and/or Nominee	Principal Occupation, Business Experience For the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies	Director Since
Shawn R. Gensch Age 45	Shawn R. Gensch is a financial and marketing executive with over 20 years of professional experience. Previously, Mr. Gensch was the Senior Vice President, Marketing, at Target Corporation, a role he held from 2012 through 2013, and in which he led, among other things, that corporation’s media strategy, public relations, social media, strategic partnerships, experiential and lifestyle marketing efforts. In previous marketing roles with Target, beginning in 2008, Mr. Gensch led brand marketing, storewide and seasonal campaigns, agency management, and marketing finance, production and technology teams. Prior to 2008, Marketing, Mr. Gensch served as the initial President of Target Bank (2003-2007), served as Vice President, Financial Product Design & Development, at Target Financial Services (2005-2008), and served as Director of New Business Development (2003-2005). Prior to joining Target Corporation in 2003, Mr. Gensch worked in various roles in the structured finance, insurance, banking and related consulting industries, including work as Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of Green Tree Financial Corporation (Conseco Finance), in which role he led that corporation’s commercial paper program and asset-based funding conduits, syndicated banking lines and structured-finance securitization efforts across a variety of asset classes. Mr. Gensch began his career with KPMG as an Assurance Accountant in 1992.	2014

	Mr. Gensch is co-founder of a mobile technology company, serves as a director of Anser Innovation, a technology company developing Internet-based software and hardware to enhance remote interaction, and is currently also Chair of the Board of Directors of Avenues for Homeless Youth based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Gensch graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a B.S. degree in accounting.

Vote Required

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors. The nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of the six nominees named above. If you do not vote for a particular nominee, or you withhold authority for one or all nominees, your vote will not count either “for” or “against” the nominee, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. If any director nominee should withdraw or otherwise become unavailable for reasons not presently known, the proxies which would have otherwise been voted for that director nominee may be voted for a substitute director nominee selected by the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of each named nominee.

PROPOSAL 2

AMENDMENT TO 2013 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE THE RESERVE OF SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE AND TO INCREASE THE THRESHOLD OF LIMITATION ON CERTAIN GRANTS

Introduction

The GWG Holdings, Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Plan has previously been adopted by our Board of Directors and approved by a majority of our stockholders.

On April 23, 2015, our Board of Directors approved an amendment (the “Amendment”) to our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan that (1) increases the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 1,000,000, to a total of 2,000,000, (2) increases the threshold of limitation on discretionary grants that may be made by our Chief Executive Officer to new employees of GWG who are not officers, such that, during any one fiscal year, such grants do not exceed 200,000 shares of our Common Stock, and (3) increases the threshold of limitation on grants, such that, during any one fiscal year no person shall receive incentives that could result in that person receiving, earning or acquiring, subject to adjustment, stock options and stock appreciate rights that exceed, in the aggregate, more than 400,000 shares of Common Stock.

The Amendment is subject to and contingent upon the approval of our stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

Background

We initially adopted the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan in April 2013 to aid our efforts to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors and align the interests of such persons with those of our stockholders. At the time the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted, 2,000,000 shares of our Common Stock were reserved for issuance under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, 1,188,601 Common Stock shares are issuable upon exercise of outstanding incentives granted under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

Throughout fiscal years 2013 and 2014, we hired new executive officers and engaged in capital raising efforts. The Board of Directors determined that it was, and continues to be, necessary to grant significant equity awards to our officers to reward them for these efforts, to align their interests with those of stockholders, and to provide competitive compensation to retain their services.

Additionally, on June 24, 2014, the Board of Directors and majority stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse split of the issued and outstanding Common Stock on a 2-for-1 basis. The par value of the Common Stock remained at $0.001 per share. As a result, (i) the total number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan was reduced to 1,000,000, (ii) the maximum amount of discretionary grants permitted to be made by the Chief Executive Officer was reduced to 100,000, and (iii) the maximum amount of stock options and stock appreciation rights a person could receive during any one fiscal year was reduced to 200,000.

The Board of Directors has determined that in order for us to continue to leverage the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors and align the interests of such persons with those of stockholders, the shares reserved for issuance and maximum amounts of shares permitted to be issued under certain circumstances should be increased. On April 23, 2015, our Board of Directors approved an increase by 1,000,000 to a total of 2,000,000 in the number of shares of our Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. In determining the amount of the increase in the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, the Board of Directors took into account its intention to grant further equity awards to current and future executive officers and key employees and the current value of our Common Stock. The closing price of our Common Stock was $6.9 per share on April 27, 2015 and the average reported closing price of the Common Stock for the 20 business days prior to that date was $7.4 per share. Because the future stock price cannot be predicted, the Board of Directors recommended the increase in the share reserve in an amount that it believes sufficient for our needs based on the current stock price. However, if our stock price were to increase substantially in the future, then the Board of Directors believes that fewer shares would be needed for future individual awards to executive officers and key employees.

The Board of Directors believes that the Amendment is in the best interests of GWG and our stockholders because the availability of an adequate number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan is an important

factor in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees, consultants and directors in order to achieve long-term growth and profitability objectives.

Below is a summary of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, which is qualified entirely by reference to the complete text of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, a copy of which, marked to show changes from the previous version of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

Description of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended)

General. The purpose of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan is to increase stockholder value and to advance the interests of GWG by furnishing a variety of economic incentives designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors of GWG. The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan is administered by a stock option or Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, or if no such committee exists, by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee may grant incentives to employees (including officers) or our subsidiaries, members of the Board of Directors, and consultants or other independent contractors who provide services to us or our subsidiaries, in the following forms: (a) incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options; (b) stock appreciation rights; (c) stock awards; (d) restricted stock; (e) restricted stock units; and (f) performance shares. In addition, our Chief Executive Officer may, on a discretionary basis and without review or approval by the Compensation Committee, grant incentives to our new employees who are not officers of GWG. Such discretionary grants shall not exceed, in the aggregate, incentives for more than 200,000 shares in any fiscal year.

Shares Subject to 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. Subject to adjustment, we may issue up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. If an incentive granted under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan expires or is terminated or canceled unexercised as to any shares of Common Stock or forfeited or reacquired by us pursuant to rights reserved upon issuance thereof, we may again issue such shares under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan pursuant to another incentive.

Description of Incentives

Stock Options. Our Compensation Committee may grant incentive and non-statutory stock options to eligible employees to purchase shares of Common Stock from GWG. The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan confers on the Compensation Committee the discretion, with respect to any such stock option, to determine the term of each option, the time or times during its term when the option becomes exercisable and the number and purchase price of the shares subject to the option. However, the term of each option shall not exceed ten years and one day from the grant date. With respect to stock options which are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), the aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time cannot exceed $100,000. The option price per share for incentive stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant date. We must grant all incentive stock options within ten years from the earlier of the date of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan’s adoption by the Board of Directors or approval by our stockholders.

Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right is a right to receive, without payment to GWG, a number of shares of Common Stock, the amount of which is determined by dividing (a) the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the stock appreciation right is exercised multiplied by the amount of the appreciation in such shares (i.e. the amount by which the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the stock appreciation right on the exercise date exceeds (1) in the case of a stock appreciation right related to a stock option, the purchase price of the shares of Common Stock under the stock option or (2) in the case of an stock appreciation right granted alone, without reference to a related stock option, an amount which shall be determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant); by (b) the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date. Our Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine the number of shares as to which a stock appreciation right will relate as well as the duration and exercisability of a stock appreciation right. The exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of our Common Stock on the grant date.

Limitation on Certain Grants. During any one fiscal year, we may not grant to any one person stock options and stock appreciation rights under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan that exceed, in the aggregate, 400,000 shares of our Common Stock.

Stock Awards. Stock awards consist of the transfer by GWG to an eligible participant of shares of Common Stock, without other payment, as additional compensation for services to GWG. The number of shares transferred pursuant to any stock award is determined by the Compensation Committee.

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock consists of the sale or transfer by GWG to an eligible participant of one or more shares of our Common Stock that are subject to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the employee, which restrictions will lapse after a period of time as determined by the Compensation Committee. If restricted stock is sold to a participant, the sale price will be determined by the Compensation Committee, and the price may vary from time to time and among participants and may be less than the fair market value of the shares at the date of sale. Subject to these restrictions and the other requirements of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, a participant receiving restricted stock shall have all of the rights of a stockholder as to those shares.

Transferability of Incentives. Incentives granted under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan may not be transferred, pledged or assigned by the holder thereof, except in the event of the holder’s death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. However, stock options may be transferred by the holder thereof to certain family members or related entities.

Duration, Termination and Amendment of the Incentive Plan and Incentives. The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan will remain in effect until all incentives granted under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan have been satisfied or terminated and all restrictions on shares issued under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan have lapsed. We may not grant incentives under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the approval of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may amend or discontinue the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan at any time. However, no such amendment or discontinuance may adversely change or impair a previously granted incentive without the consent of the recipient thereof. Certain 2013 Stock Incentive Plan amendments require stockholder approval, including amendments which would increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued to all participants under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, change or expand the types of incentives that may be granted under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, change the class of persons eligible to receive incentives under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, or materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. Generally, the terms of an existing incentive may be amended by agreement between the Compensation Committee and the participant. However, in the case of a stock option or stock appreciation right, no such amendment shall (a) extend the term of the incentive; nor (b) reduce the exercise price per share below the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the incentive was granted, unless, in either case, the amendment complies with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

Effect of Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation. In the event of an acquisition of GWG through the sale of substantially all of its assets or through a merger, exchange, reorganization or liquidation of the GWG or a similar event, all as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, the Compensation Committee shall be authorized to take any and all action it deems equitable under the circumstances, including but not limited to terminating the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan and issuing to the holders of outstanding vested options and stock appreciation rights the stock, securities or assets, including cash, they would have received if the incentives had been exercised immediately before the transaction, or other specified actions.

2013 Stock Incentive Plan Benefits

The amount and timing of all awards under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan are determined in the sole discretion of our Compensation Committee (or if no committee is designated, the Board of Directors) and therefore cannot be determined in advance.

Vote Required

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve the Amendment to the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the Amendment to the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the reserve of shares authorized for issuance and to increase the threshold of limitation on certain grants.

PROPOSAL 3

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Our Board of Directors and management are committed to the quality, integrity and transparency of the GWG’s financial reports. In accordance with the duties set forth in its written charter, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has appointed Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2015 fiscal year. A representative of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is expected to attend this year’s Annual Meeting and be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders, and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so.

Fees Billed to Company by Its Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The following table presents fees for professional audit services and 401(k) audit services, tax services and other services rendered by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP during fiscal years 2014 and 2013:

	2014		2013
Audit Fees(1)	$	158,000	$	253,000
Audit Related Fees(2)		—		—
Tax Fees(3)	$	93,000	$	130,000
All Other Fees(4)	$	279,000	$	39,000
Total Fees	$	530,000	$	422,000

(1) Audit Fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements and review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

(2) Audit-Related Fees consist principally of assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements but not reported under the caption Audit Fees above, including the 401(k) audit.

(3) Tax Fees consist of fees for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

(4) All Other Fees typically consist of fees for permitted non-audit products and services provided. All Other Fees in 2014 included expenses related to the Company’s initial public offering of its Common Stock and continuous offering of L Bonds.

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has reviewed the services provided by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP during fiscal year 2014 and the fees billed for such services. After consideration, the Audit Committee has determined that the receipt of these fees by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP is compatible with the provision of independent audit services. The Audit Committee discussed these services and fees with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP and our management to determine that they are permitted under the rules and regulations concerning auditor independence promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Pre-Approval Policy

The written charter of the Audit Committee provides that all audit and non-audit accounting services permitted to be performed by the our independent registered public accounting firm under applicable rules and regulations must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee or by designated members of the Audit Committee, other than with respect to de minimis exceptions permitted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. All services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were pre-approved in accordance with the written charter.

Prior to or as soon as practicable following the beginning of each fiscal year, a description of the audit, audit-related, tax, and other services expected to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in the following fiscal year will be presented to the Audit Committee for approval. Following such approval, any requests for audit, audit-related, tax, and other services not presented and pre-approved must be submitted to the Audit Committee for specific pre-approval and cannot commence until such approval has been granted. However, we have delegated the authority to grant specific pre-approval between meetings, as necessary, to the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Chair then updates the Audit Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting of any services that were granted specific pre-approval.

Vote Required

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2015. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, the Audit Committee may reconsider its selection, but is not required to do so. Notwithstanding the proposed ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP by our stockholders, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of new independent auditors at any time during the year without notice to, or the consent of, the stockholders, if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for fiscal 2015.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

Name and Title	Age	Principal Occupation, Business Experience for the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies
Jon R. Sabes Chief Executive Officer, Director	48	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

Paul A. Siegert Executive Chairman (Chairman of the Board)	76	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

Steven F. Sabes Executive Vice President of Originations and Servicing, Secretary and Director	46	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

Michael D. Freedman President	51	Michael D. Freedman, our President, joined GWG in September 2014 as General Counsel and was appointed President in November. For over a decade, he has been the life settlement industry’s chief advocate for laws promoting life settlements as a way for seniors to fund their retirement and long-term care needs. Mr. Freedman was a driving force behind the development of life settlement laws in 42 states and more than 60 different pieces of legislation, including several federal laws. Also in 2014, Mr. Freedman was elected to the Board of Directors of the Life Insurance Settlement Association for a three-year term, and he founded Sentinel Solutions, LLC, a provider of strategic services to clients in the life settlement and related industries, including insurance and financial services. Previously, he served as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Coventry First, LLC, a participant in the life settlement industry, from June 2002 to December 2013. Mr. Freedman received his Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1993, where he served for two years as the Graduate Fellow in Public Interest/Public Service. Mr. Freedman was appointed as our President on November 13, 2014.

William B. Acheson Chief Financial Officer	50	William B. Acheson became our Chief Financial Officer on May 30, 2014. Prior to joining us, Mr. Acheson served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for The Homeownership Preservation Foundation, a residential real estate foreclosure prevention organization seeded by GMAC, from 2009 through 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Acheson served as Managing Director of Global Structured Finance and Investments at Merrill Lynch in London, England, from 2007 through 2008. From 1991 to 2007, Mr. Acheson spent his career at GMAC-RESCAP, where he served as Managing Director for a number of business units, concluding his career as Chief Financial Officer of the United Kingdom division from 2005 through 2007. Mr. Acheson’s international experience includes structured finance, capital markets, and risk management experience in Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Latin America. Mr. Acheson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1991 while working for Ernst & Young in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Name and Title	Age	Principal Occupation, Business Experience for the Past Five Years and Directorships of Public Companies
Jon L. Gangelhoff Chief Operating Officer	56	Jon L. Gangelhoff, our Chief Operating Officer, has served rapidly growing businesses in several industries as chief financial officer with a strong focus on business operations since 1986. Prior to joining our company as Chief Financial Officer in March 2009, he served as chief financial officer for Northern Metal Recycling, a metal recycling firm the sales of which exceeded $500 million annually, from 2006 to 2008. Mr. Gangelhoff’s responsibilities at Northern Metal Recycling included acquisition and related integration operations focused on finance, information systems, and human resources functions. Prior to that, from 2003 to 2006, Mr. Gangelhoff served as the chief financial officer of Kuhlman Company, formerly a public reporting company, where he established corporate infrastructure, developed financial reporting and internal control systems, and managed the SEC reporting process. During his 25-year career, Mr. Gangelhoff has used an integrated hands-on and financial management approach to improve the performance of the companies he served in a variety of industries. Mr. Gangelhoff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mankato State University. Mr. Gangelhoff was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer on May 30, 2014.

David H. Abramson Director	73	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

Charles H. Maguire III Director	71	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

Jeffrey L. McGregor Director	61	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

Shawn R. Gensch Director	45	See ‘‘Election of Directors (Proposal One)” — above.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by: (i) each individual who served as the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of GWG Holdings during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013; and (ii) each other individual that served as an executive officer of either GWG Holdings or GWG Life, Inc. at the conclusion of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and who received more than $100,000 in the form of salary and bonus during such fiscal year. For purposes of this document, these individuals are collectively the “named executives” of the Company.

Name and Principal Position		Salary		Bonus and Other		Total
Jon R. Sabes	2014	$	371,546	$	40,036	$	411,582
Chief Executive Officer	2013	$	350,000	$	561,486	$	911,486

Michael D. Freedman	2014	$	87,500	$	102,985	$	190,485
President	2013	$	—	$	—	$	—

William B. Acheson	2014	$	115,385	$	6,060	$	121,445
Chief Financial Officer	2013	$	—	$	—	$	—

Jon L. Gangelhoff	2014	$	223,077	$	24,707	$	247,784
Chief Operating Officer	2013	$	120,000	$	70,520	$	190,520

Steven F. Sabes	2014	$	194,784	$	21,189	$	215,973
Executive Vice President and Secretary	2013	$	150,000	$	437,899	$	587,899

Paul A. Siegert	2014	$	186,539	$	21,189	$	207,728
President and Chairman of the Board	2013	$	150,000	$	56,867	$	206,867

Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Provisions

In June 2011, we entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Jon R. Sabes, Steven F. Sabes, Paul A. Siegert and Jon Gangelhoff. Mr. Jon R. Sabes is our Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Steven F. Sabes is our Executive Vice President of Originations and Servicing and Secretary and previously served as our President and our Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Siegert previously served as our President and Chairman of the Board of Directors and is currently the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors; and Mr. Gangelhoff previously served as our Chief Financial Officer and is currently our Chief Operating Officer. On May 30, 2014, we entered into an employment agreement with William Acheson coincident with his appointment as our new Chief Financial Officer. These employment agreements establish key employment terms (including reporting responsibilities, base salary, discretionary and bonus opportunity and other benefits), provide for severance benefits in certain situations, and contain non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants.

Under their respective employment agreements, Mr. Jon R. Sabes receives an annual base salary of $480,000 (effective December 1, 2014), Messrs. Steven F. Sabes, William Acheson and Paul A. Siegert receive an annual base salary of $200,000, and Mr. Gangelhoff receives an annual base salary of $250,000. The employment agreements contain customary provisions prohibiting the executives from soliciting our employees for a period of 12–18 months after any termination of employment, and from competing with the Company for either two years (if the executive is terminated for good cause or if he resigns without good reason) or one year (if we terminate the executive’s employment without good cause or if he resigns with good reason). In the case of Mr. Acheson, his employment agreement prohibits him from competing against the Company for a one-year period after his termination of employment, regardless of the circumstances relating to that termination. If an executive’s employment is terminated by us without “good cause” or if the executive voluntarily resigns with “good reason,” then the executive will be entitled to (i) severance pay for

a period of 12 months and (ii) reimbursement for health insurance premiums for his family if he elects continued coverage under COBRA.

The employment agreements for Messrs. Jon R. Sabes, Steve F. Sabes and Paul A. Siegert also provide that we will reimburse them for any legal costs they incur in enforcing their rights under the employment agreement and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify them for claims, costs and expenses arising in connection with their employment, regardless of the outcome of any such legal contest, as well as interest at the prime rate on any payments under the employment agreements that are determined to be past due, unless prohibited by law.

All of the foregoing executive employment agreements include a provision allowing us to reduce their severance payments and any other payments to which the executive becomes entitled as a result of our change in control to the extent needed for the executive to avoid paying an excise tax under Code Section 280G, unless the named executive officer is better off, on an after-tax basis, receiving the full amount of such payments and paying the excise taxes due.

In September 2014, we entered into an employment agreement with Michael D. Freedman, who was appointed as our President in November 2014. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Freedman receives an annual base salary of $350,000 and a signing bonus of $200,000. His employment agreement contains customary provisions prohibiting him from soliciting our employees or customers for a one-year period after his termination of employment, regardless of the circumstances relating to that termination. If Mr. Freedman’s employment is terminated without “cause” or if he voluntarily resigns with “good reason,” then he will be entitled to (i) severance pay equal to one-half of his annual salary then in effect (if such termination or resignation occurs one year or less from the date he was first employed by the Company) or his annual salary then in effect (if such termination or resignation occurs more than one year from the date he was first employed by the Company) 12 months; and (ii) reimbursement for health insurance premiums for his family if he elects continued coverage under COBRA for six months (if such termination or resignation occurs one year or less from the date he was first employed by the Company) or for 12 months (if such termination or resignation occurs more than one year from the date he was first employed by the Company).

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

In April 2013, our Board of Directors and our stockholders adopted the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. The plan was subsequently revised on March 4, 2015 and reserved 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance. The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan permits the grant of both incentive and non-statutory stock options. As of December 31, 2014, there are 682,101 common shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding incentives granted under the plan. The Board of Directors adopted the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan to provide a means by which our employees, directors, officers and consultants may be granted an opportunity to purchase our Common Stock, to assist in retaining the services of such persons, to secure and retain the services of persons capable of filling such positions and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for our success.

In September 2014, as an inducement grant we granted an option outside the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, exercisable into an aggregate of 318,000 shares of Common Stock, to Michael D. Freedman, who was then a new management employee.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

As of December 31, 2014, our named executives had the following outstanding options to purchase Common Stock:

	Vested Shares	Un-Vested Shares	Total Shares
Jon R. Sabes	2,000	19,000	21,000
Michael D. Freedman	—	318,000	318,000
William B. Acheson	2,500	40,000	42,500
Jon L. Gangelhoff	59,000	33,000	92,000
Steven F. Sabes	25,833	16,667	42,500
Paul A. Siegert	25,834	11,666	37,500
	115,167	438,333	553,500

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by each individual who served as a member of our Board of Directors during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Director’s Name	Fees Earned or Paid in Cash 2014
Paul A. Siegert (Chairman)	$	20,000
Jon R. Sabes	$	20,000
Steven F. Sabes	$	20,000
David H. Abramson	$	44,000
Charles H. Maguire III	$	32,000
Jeffrey L. McGregor	$	32,000
Shawn R. Gensch	$	21,000

Each independent member of our Board of Directors receives base compensation of $5,000 and an option to purchase 1,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per quarter. In addition, the Chair of the Audit Committee receives $4,000 and an option to purchase up to 1,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per quarter. The Chairmen of the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee each receive $2,000 and an option to purchase up to 500 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per quarter. Also each non-chair member of committees receives $1,000 and an option to purchase up to 250 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per quarter.

Upon joining the Board of Directors, each independent director also received stock options that vest quarterly over three years commensurate with their board responsibilities as follows: David H. Abramson 42,500 options, Jeffrey L. McGregor 29,750 options, Charles H. Maguire III 29,750 options, and Shawn R. Gensch 22,500 options. The executive officers employed by the Company receive no additional compensation for service on the Board of Directors.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Director Qualifications and Independence

When considering whether directors have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, our Board of Directors focuses primarily on the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above. With regard to Mr. Jon R. Sabes, the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to financial matters, and his demonstrated experience and skills in managing the Company’s business. With respect to Mr. Siegert, the Board of Directors considered his significant experience in securities and finance, and his background in secondary life insurance market. With regard to Mr. Steven F. Sabes, the Board of Directors considered his background and experience with the Company and its business. With regard to Mr. McGregor, the Board of Directors considered his experience in the financial and insurance industries, and in particular his sales, marketing and leadership experience relative to those industries. In the case of Mr. Maguire, the Board of Directors considered his extensive background in the financial services industry and service in various leadership positions for multiple organizations. With regard to Mr. Abramson, the Board of Directors considered his extensive background and knowledge of accounting and finance, his focus on wealth management, and prior leadership positions. With regard to Mr. Gensch, the Board of Directors considered his finance background as well as his marketing expertise.

Our Board of Directors periodically reviews relationships that directors have with the Company to determine whether the directors are independent. Directors are considered “independent” as long as they do not accept any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee (other than director fees) from the Company, are not an affiliated person of the Company or its subsidiaries (e.g., an officer or a greater-than-ten-percent stockholder) and are independent within the meaning of applicable laws, regulations, and the NASDAQ listing rules. In this latter regard, our Board of Directors uses the NASDAQ listing rules (specifically, Section 5605(a)(2) of such rules) as a benchmark for determining which, if any, of our directors are independent, solely in order to comply with applicable SEC disclosure rules. Our Board of Directors has determined that, of current directors, Messrs. Abramson, McGregor, Maguire III and Gensch are independent within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing rule cited above. In the case of Mr. Siegert, his position as an executive officer of the Company precludes him from being considered independent. In the case of both Messrs. Jon R. and Steven F. Sabes, their positions as executive officers of the Company, together with their beneficial ownership of more than ten percent of the Common Stock of the Company, similarly preclude them from being considered independent within the meaning of the cited NASDAQ listing rule.

Board Committees

Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee. The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Abramson (Chair), McGregor, Maguire and Gensch. The Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. Maguire (Chair), Abramson and Gensch. The Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of Messrs. McGregor (Chair) and Abramson. Each of the foregoing Committees has a written charter, a copy of each of which is available at the Company’s website at www.gwglife.com. Our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee each comply with the listing requirements of The NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

During fiscal 2014, each member of the Board of Directors attended at least 75% of the Board meetings and meetings of committees to which they belong. Although we have no formal policy regarding directors’ attendance at our annual stockholder meetings, the Company encourages such attendance by members of the Board of Directors. All of the seven Company directors serving on the Board of Directors at the time of the Company’s most recent annual stockholders’ meeting were in attendance at that meeting.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists of four members: David H. Abramson, Jeffrey L. McGregor, CH Maguire and Shawn Gensch. All of the members are financially literate and are independent directors under the NASDAQ, and SEC audit committee structure and membership requirements. The Audit Committee has certain duties and powers as described in its written charter adopted by the Board. A copy of the charter is attached as an appendix to this proxy statement and also can be found on the Company’s website at www.gwglife.com.

The Audit Committee’s job is one of oversight as set forth in its charter. It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, to plan or conduct audits or investigations, or to determine that the Company’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s management is responsible for preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accountants are responsible for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the review of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee is responsible primarily for assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight and monitoring responsibility of reviewing the financial information that will be provided to shareholders and others, appointing the independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing the services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing the Company’s accounting policies and the internal controls established by management and the Board, reviewing significant financial transactions, the integrity of the financial statements and the company’s enterprise risk management framework. The Audit Committee also reviews the Anonymous Complaint Program including reviewing if any such complaints were received and the disposition of those complaints.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibility of appointing and reviewing the services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee carefully reviews the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm, including the scope of the audit, audit fees, the assigned audit partner(s) and other personnel and their industry experience, auditor independence matters, peer and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) reviews of the registered public accounting firm, the significant legal proceedings facing the firm, the Company’s and Audit Committee’s previous experience with the firm’s performance and the extent to which the independent registered public accounting firm may be retained to perform non-audit services. The audit committee has engaged Baker Tilly, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the December 31, 2014 audit. This is the 2nd consecutive year Baker Tilly has been so engaged.

The Company maintains an auditor independence policy that, among other things, prohibits the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm from performing non-financial consulting services, such as information technology consulting and internal audit services. This policy mandates that the Audit Committee approve in advance the audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm and the related budget and the Audit Committee will be provided with reports on actual costs incurred, if any. This policy also mandates that the Company may not enter into engagements with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for non-audit services without the express pre-approval of the Audit Committee Chair and subsequent acceptance of the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audit and the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 with the Company’s management and Baker Tilly including a discussion related to the accounting principles used that are unique to this industry. The Audit Committee also has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Baker Tilly required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Baker Tilly’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Baker Tilly its independence from the Company. The Audit Committee also discussed with Baker Tilly the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, “Communications with Audit Committees” issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Audit Committee meets independently with management, also independently with Baker Tilly and also in executive session with only the Committee members present.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Compensation Committee

Our Compensation Committee is charged with oversight responsibility for the adequacy and effectiveness of our executive compensation and benefit plans and is primarily responsible for all matters relating to compensation of our executive officers and the directors, the adoption of all employee compensation and employee benefit plans and the administration of such plans including granting stock incentives or other benefits, and the review and approval of disclosures regarding executive compensation included in this Proxy Statement (and our other annual reports). Our Compensation Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from external legal, accounting or other advisors, and has the authority to retain, terminate and approve the fees payable to any external compensation

consultant to assist in the evaluation of director, and senior executive compensation. However, any services to be rendered by our independence accounting firm shall be pre-approved by the Audi Committee if required under our policy regarding pre-approval pf such services.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The primary role of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is to consider and make recommendations to the full Board of Directors concerning the appropriate size, function and needs of the Board of Directors, including establishing criteria for Board membership and considering, recruiting and recommending candidates (including those recommended by stockholders) to fill new Board positions. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also considers and advises the full Board of Directors on matters of corporate governance and monitors and recommends the functions of, and membership on, the various committees of the Board of Directors.

Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (or a subcommittee thereof) recruits and considers director candidates and presents all qualified candidates to the full Board of Directors for consideration. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

In identifying and evaluating potential candidates to be nominees for directors, our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has the flexibility to consider such factors as it deems appropriate under relevant circumstances. These factors may include education, general business and industry experience, ability to act on behalf of stockholders and build long-term stockholder value, potential concerns regarding independence or conflicts of interest and other factors relevant in evaluating Board nominees. Although our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director candidates, overall Board of Directors diversity of industry background and experience is generally among the factors considered. Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes that a Board of Directors comprised of directors with diverse skills and experiences relevant to our industry will result in efficient and competent oversight of our various core competencies.

Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider recommendations by stockholders of candidates for election to the Board of Directors. Any stockholder who wishes that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee consider a candidate must follow the procedures set forth in our Bylaws. Under our Bylaws, if a stockholder plans to nominate a person as a director at a meeting, the stockholder is required to place a proposed director’s name in nomination by written request delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we first mailed proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting. However, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered not less than 90 nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the date of such annual meeting, or if the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is made.

Ability of Stockholders to Communicate with the Company’s Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has established several means for stockholders and others to communicate with our Board of Directors. If a stockholder has a concern regarding our financial statements, accounting practices or internal controls, the concern should be submitted in writing to the Chair of our Audit Committee in care of our Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices. If the concern relates to our governance practices, business ethics or corporate conduct, the concern should be submitted in writing to the Chair of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in care of our Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices. If a stockholder wishes to provide input with respect to the Company’s executive compensation policies and programs, input should be submitted in writing to the Chair of our Compensation Committee in care of our Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices. If a stockholder is unsure as to which category the concern relates, the stockholder may communicate it to any one of the independent directors in care of our Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices. All stockholder communications sent in care of our Company Secretary will be forwarded promptly to the applicable director(s).

Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides for, under certain circumstances, the indemnification of our officers, directors, employees and agents against liabilities that they may incur in such capacities. A summary of the circumstances in which such indemnification provided for is contained herein, but that description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant Section of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

In general, the statute provides that any director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation may be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred in a proceeding (including any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceeding) to which the individual was a party by reason of such status. Such indemnity may be provided if the indemnified person’s actions resulting in the liabilities: (i) were taken in good faith; (ii) were reasonably believed to have been in or not opposed to our best interest; and (iii) with respect to any criminal action, such person had no reasonable cause to believe the actions were unlawful. Unless ordered by a court, indemnification generally may be awarded only after a determination of independent members of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, by independent legal counsel or by vote of the stockholders that the applicable standard of conduct was met by the individual to be indemnified.

The statutory provisions further provide that to the extent a director, officer, employee or agent is wholly successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a party, he or she is entitled to receive indemnification against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding.

Indemnification in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of GWG in which the director, officer, employee or agent is successful is permitted only with respect to expenses, including attorneys’ fees actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense. In such actions, the person to be indemnified must have acted in good faith, in a manner believed to have been in our best interest and must not have been adjudged liable to us unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expense which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. Indemnification is otherwise prohibited in connection with a proceeding brought on behalf of GWG in which a director is adjudged liable to us, or in connection with any proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director in which the director is adjudged liable for receipt of an improper personal benefit.

Delaware law authorizes us to reimburse or pay reasonable expenses incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent in connection with a proceeding in advance of a final disposition of the matter. Such advances of expenses are permitted if the person furnishes to us a written agreement to repay such advances if it is determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by us.

The statutory section cited above further specifies that any provisions for indemnification of or advances for expenses does not exclude other rights under our Certificate of Incorporation, corporate Bylaws, resolutions of our stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. These indemnification provisions continue for a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such persons.

The statutory provision cited above also grants the power to us to purchase and maintain insurance policies that protect any director, officer, employee or agent against any liability asserted against or incurred by him in such capacity arising out of his status as such. Such policies may provide for indemnification whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to provide for it.

Article 6 of our corporate Bylaws provides that we shall indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling GWG pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we understand that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in that Act and is therefore unenforceable.

We have purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in order to limit the exposure to liability for indemnification of directors and officers, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

We have two classes of voting securities outstanding: (1) Common Stock, $0.001 par value, of which 5,870,193 shares were outstanding as of the close of business on the Record Date, and (2) Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, of which 2,765,280 shares were outstanding as of the close of business on the Record Date. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters put to a vote of shareholders. Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock entitles the holder to vote on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting the number of shares of Common Stock into which such holder’s stock is convertible.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of the Record Date by (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each director or director nominee, (iii) each named executives identified in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all named executives and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the following persons is 220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, and each such person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock set forth opposite each of their respective names.

Name	Shares Beneficially Owned	Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned
Jon R. Sabes(1)	2,516,060	42.8	%
Steven F. Sabes(2)	2,488,748	42.2	%
Paul A. Siegert(3)	227,946	3.9	%
Jon L. Gangelhoff(4)	60,667	1.0	%
David H. Abramson(5)	35,000		*
Jeffrey L. McGregor(6)	22,750		*
Charles H. Maguire(7)	22,750		*
Shawn R. Gensch(8)	12,000		*
Michael D. Freedman(9)	2,700		*
William B. Acheson(10)	12,500		*
All current directors and officers as a group	4,812,035	79.0	%

____________

* less than one percent.

** total is reduced by 489,086 shares to avoid double-counting shares over which both Jon and Steven Sabes possess beneficial ownership through Opportunity Finance, LLC, and further reduced by 100,000 shares held by Insurance Strategies Fund, LLC (again, to avoid double-counting those shares).

(1) Mr. Sabes is our Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 1,092,276 shares held individually, 489,086 shares held by Opportunity Finance, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company of which Mr. Sabes is a manager and member, 169,671 shares held by Jon Sabes 1992 Trust No.1, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is the beneficiary, 168,801 shares held by Jon Sabes 12.30.92 Trust, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is a beneficiary, 241,631 shares held by Jon Sabes 1982 Trust, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is a beneficiary, and 163,737 shares held by Jon Sabes 1976 Trust, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is a beneficiary. Also included are 102,192 shares held by Mr. Sabes’ immediate family members. The trustees of each of the trusts are Robert W. Sabes, Steve F. Sabes and Ross A. Sabes. The number of shares also includes 3,667 stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days granted pursuant to stock option agreements. Figures also include 100,000 shares held by Insurance Strategies Fund, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company over whose securities each of Jon R. and Steven F. Sabes exercise voting and dispositive control. Jon R. and Steve F. Sabes disclaim beneficial ownership over the shares held by Insurance Strategies Fund, LLC except to the extent of their pecuniary interest in such shares.

(2) Mr. Sabes is our Executive Vice President of Originations and Servicing, Secretary and a director of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 799,779 shares held individually, 489,086 shares held by Opportunity Finance, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company of which Mr. Sabes is a manager and member, 521,158 shares held by Moe Sabes 1982 Trust FBO Steven Sabes, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is the beneficiary, 350,779 shares held by Esther Sabes 1992 Trust FBO Steven Sabes, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is a beneficiary, and 200,445 shares held by Moe Sabes 1976 Trust FBO Steven Sabes, a trust of which Mr. Sabes is a beneficiary. The trustees of each of the trusts are Robert W. Sabes, Jon R. Sabes and Ross A. Sabes. The number of shares also includes 27,501 stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days granted pursuant to stock option agreements. Figures also includes 100,000 shares held by Insurance Strategies Fund, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company over whose securities each of Jon R. and Steven F. Sabes exercise voting and dispositive control. Jon R. and Steve F. Sabes disclaim beneficial ownership over the shares held by Insurance Strategies Fund, LLC except to the extent of their pecuniary interest in such shares.

(3) Mr. Siegert is our President and a director of the Company (Chairman). Shares reflected in the table include 200,445 shares held individually and 27,501 of vested stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

(4) Mr. Gangelhoff is our Chief Operating Officer. Shares reflected in the table include 60,667 of vested stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

(5) Mr. Abramson is a director of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 35,000 of stock options vested or vesting within 60 days or less, granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

(6) Mr. McGregor is a director of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 22,750 of stock options vested or vesting within 60 days or less, granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

(7) Mr. Maguire is a director of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 22,750 of stock options vested or vesting within 60 days or less, granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

(8) Mr. Gensch is a director of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 12,000 of vested stock options vested or vesting within 60 days or less, granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

(9) Mr. Freedman is a president of the Company. Shares reflected in the table include 2,700 shares held individually.

(10) Mr. Acheson is our Chief Financial Officer. Shares reflected in the table include 12,500 of vested stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Related-Party Transactions

On July 11, 2011, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Athena Securities Group, Ltd. and Athena Structured Funds PLC. These companies were affiliated with Brian Tyrell, then a director of the Company. Under this agreement, we issued to Athena Securities Group, Ltd. (“Athena”) 494,500 shares of Common Stock, which was equal to 9.9% of our then-outstanding shares, in exchange for shares equal to 9.9% of the outstanding shares in Athena Structured Funds, PLC and cash of $5,000. This 2011 agreement had contemplated cooperative efforts by the parties aimed at developing a security and related offering in Europe or Ireland, the proceeds of which would be used to finance the acquisition of life-insurance related assets in the United States. In 2013, we sought to terminate the 2011 agreement due to a changing regulatory environment in Europe that negatively affected the likelihood of consummating the contemplated offering of securities, and our dissatisfaction with Athena’s performance under the 2011 agreement. As a result, in June 2013 we entered into a second Purchase and Sale Agreement with Athena Securities Ltd. and Athena. This agreement effected the termination of the 2011 agreement. The June 2013 agreement contained mutual general releases of claims and substantially unwound certain capital stock transactions that had been effected under the 2011 agreement. In particular, Athena returned to us for redemption 432,500 shares of our Common Stock, and retained 62,000 common shares in recognition of their earlier efforts under the 2011 agreement. For our part, we sold back to Athena all of our ownership in Athena Structured Funds, PLC that we had originally acquired under the 2011 agreement. Presently, we have no ongoing business relationship with Athena.

Related-Party Transaction Policy

In all cases, we abide by applicable state corporate law when approving all transactions, including transactions involving officers, directors or affiliates. More particularly, our policy is to have any related-party transactions (i.e., transactions involving a director, an officer or an affiliate of the Company) be approved solely by a majority of the disinterested and independent directors serving on our Board of Directors. Presently, we have four independent directors on the Board of Directors, and intend to maintain a Board of Directors on which independent directors comprise a majority of the Board of Directors.

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. With the exception of this filing, and based solely on review of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to such fiscal year, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, we believe that our officers and directors have each filed one Section 16(a) report late, except Jon Sabes who filed two such reports late, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014:

PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Proposals by stockholders (other than director nominations) that are submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement for our 2016 annual stockholders’ meeting must follow the procedures set forth in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and our Bylaws. To be timely under Rule 14a-8, a stockholder proposal must be received by our Secretary at 220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, by January 1, 2016.

Under our Bylaws, if a stockholder does not submit a proposal for inclusion in our proxy statement but does wish to propose an item of business to be considered at our annual stockholders’ meeting (including director nominations), that stockholder must deliver notice of the proposal or proposed director’s name at our principal executive offices not less than 90 nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we first mailed proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting. For our 2016 annual stockholders’ meeting, notices must be received not prior to January 1, 2016 and not later than January 31, 2016.

If the date of our 2016 annual stockholders’ meeting is advanced more than 30 calendar days prior to or delayed by more than 60 calendar days after the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, timely notice of stockholder proposals and stockholder nominations for directors may be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the date of such annual meeting, or if the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, not later than the close of business on the 10th calendar day following the day on which we first make a public announcement of the date of such meeting.

Notices of stockholder proposals and stockholder nominations for directors must comply with the informational and other requirements set forth in our Bylaws as well as applicable statutes and regulations. Due to the complexity of the respective rights of the stockholders and the Company in this area, any stockholder desiring to propose actions or nominate directors is advised to consult with his or her legal counsel with respect to such rights. We suggest that any such proposal be submitted by certified mail return receipt requested.

DISCRETIONARY PROXY VOTING AUTHORITY/

UNTIMELY STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Rule 14a-4(c) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 governs our use of its discretionary proxy voting authority with respect to a stockholder proposal that the stockholder has not sought to include in our proxy statement. The Rule provides that if a proponent of a proposal fails to notify us of the proposal at least 45 days before the date of mailing of the prior year’s proxy statement, then the management proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority when the proposal is raised at the meeting, without any discussion of the matter in the proxy statement.

With respect to the Company’s 2016 annual stockholders’ meeting, if we are not provided notice of a stockholder proposal, which the stockholder has not previously sought to include in our proxy statement, by March 17, 2016, the management proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary authority as outlined above.

SOLICITATION

We will bear the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the Proxy, Proxy Statement, Annual Report and other material which may be sent to the stockholders in connection with this solicitation. Brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries may be requested to forward soliciting material to the beneficial owners of stock, in which case they may be reimbursed by us for their expenses in doing so. Proxies may be solicited personally, by email or by special letter.

The Board of Directors does not intend to present to the meeting any other matter not referred to above and does not presently know of any matters that may be presented to the meeting by others. However, if other matters come before the meeting, it is the intent of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment.

		By Order of the Board of Directors

		/s/ Jon R. Sabes
		Jon R. Sabes
		Chief Executive Officer

APPENDIX A

GWG HOLDINGS, INC.

2013 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

(~~APRIL ___, 2013)~~ AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF ________________, 2015)

GWG HOLDINGS, INC.

2013 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

(AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF _______________, 2015)

1. Purpose. The purpose of the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of GWG Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) is to increase stockholder value and to advance the interests of the Company by furnishing a variety of economic incentives (“Incentives”) designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors of the Company. Incentives may consist of opportunities to purchase or receive shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) or other incentive awards on terms determined under this Plan.

2. Administration.

2.1. Administration by Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) or by a stock option or compensation committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors. The Committee shall consist of not less than two directors of the Company and shall be appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors. During any time period during which the Company has a class of equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including the regulations thereunder, the “1934 Act”), each member of the Committee shall be (a) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b3 of the 1934 Act (a “Non-Employee Director”), and (b) an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The Committee shall have complete authority to award Incentives under the Plan, to interpret the Plan, and to make any other determination which it believes necessary and advisable for the proper administration of the Plan. The Committee’s decisions and matters relating to the Plan shall be final and conclusive on the Company and its participants. If at any time there is no stock option or compensation committee, the term “Committee,” as used in the Plan, shall refer to the Board of Directors.

2.2. Delegation of Authority. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer may, on a discretionary basis and without Committee review or approval, grant Incentives to new employees of the Company who are not officers of the Company. Such discretionary grants shall not exceed, in the aggregate, Incentives for more than 200,0001 shares in any fiscal year. Subject to the foregoing limitations, the Chief Executive Officer shall determine from time to time (a) the new employees to whom grants will be made, (b) the number of shares to be granted, and (c) the terms and provisions of each option (which need not be identical). The Chief Executive Officer shall report each stock option granted pursuant to this Section 2.2 at the Committee’s first meeting following the date of such grant.

3. Eligible Participants. Officers of the Company, employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, members of the Board of Directors, and consultants or other independent contractors who provide services to the Company or its subsidiaries shall be eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan when designated by the Committee. Participants may be designated individually or by groups or categories (for example, by pay grade) as the Committee deems appropriate. Participation by officers of the Company or its subsidiaries and any performance objectives relating to such officers must be approved by the Committee. Participation by others and any performance objectives relating to others may be approved by groups or categories (for example, by pay grade) and authority to designate participants who are not officers and to set or modify such targets may be delegated.

4. Types of Incentives. Incentives under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of the following forms: (a) incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options; (b) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”); (c) stock awards; (d) restricted stock; (e) restricted stock units; and (f) performance shares. Subject to the specific limitations provided in this Plan, payment of Incentives may be in the form of cash, Common Stock or combinations thereof as the Committee shall determine, and with such other restrictions as it may impose.

____________

1 Initially approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders in April 2013.

On June 24, 2014, the Company effected a 1-for 2 reverse split of its common stock, which reduced this amount to 100,000.

An increase to 2,000,000 was approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders on ____________, 2015.

A-2

5. Shares Subject to the Plan.

5.1. Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9.6, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the Plan shall not exceed 2,000,0002 shares of Common Stock. Shares of Common Stock that are issued under the Plan or are subject to outstanding Incentives will be applied to reduce the maximum number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance under the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock subject to SARs granted under this Plan shall be counted in full against the above-indicated share limit, regardless of the number of shares of Common Stock actually issued upon the exercise of such SARs.

5.2. Cancellation. If any Incentive granted hereunder (including without limitation any stock option, SAR or restricted stock unit) expires or is terminated or canceled unexercised as to any shares of Common Stock, such shares may again be issued under the Plan either pursuant to stock options, SARs, restricted stock units, or otherwise. If shares of Common Stock are issued pursuant to a stock award, as restricted stock, or as performance shares) and thereafter are forfeited or reacquired by the Company pursuant to rights reserved upon issuance thereof, such forfeited and reacquired shares may again be issued under the Plan, either pursuant to a stock award, as restricted stock, as performance shares, or otherwise. The Committee may also determine to cancel, and agree to the cancellation of, Incentives in order to make a participant eligible for the grant of an Incentive at a lower exercise price than the Incentive to be canceled.

5.3. Type of Common Stock. Common Stock issued under the Plan in connection with Incentives may be authorized and unissued shares or, if so designated by the Committee, may be treasury stock.

5.4. Limitation on Certain Grants. No person shall receive grants of stock options and SARs under the Plan that exceed, in the aggregate, 400,0003 shares of Common Stock during any one fiscal year of the Company.

6. Stock Options. A stock option is a right to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company. Each stock option granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

6.1. Price. The option price per share shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment under Section 9.6.

6.2. Number. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock option shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9.6. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock option shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder thereof exercises an SAR if any SAR is granted in conjunction with or related to the stock option.

6.3. Duration and Time for Exercise. Subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 9.3, the term of each stock option shall be determined by the Committee but shall not exceed ten years and one day from the Grant Date, as that term is defined in Section 9.15 below. Each stock option shall become exercisable at such time or times during its term as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any stock option. Subject to the first sentence of this paragraph, the Committee may extend the term of any stock option to the extent provided in Section 9.4.

6.4. Manner of Exercise. A stock option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanied by the full purchase price for such shares. The option price shall be payable: (a) in United States dollars upon exercise of the option and may be paid by cash, uncertified or certified check or bank draft; (b) unless otherwise provided in the option agreement, by delivery of shares of Common Stock in payment of all or any part of the option price, which shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value on the date such option is exercised; or (c) unless otherwise provided in the option agreement, by instructing the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the stock option shares of Common Stock in payment of all or any part of the exercise price and/or any related withholding tax obligations consistent with Section 9.8, which

____________

2 Intially approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders in April 2013.

On June 24, 2014, the Company effected a 1-for 2 reverse split of its common stock, which reduced this amount to 1,000,000.

An increase to 2,000,000 was approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders on __________, 2015.

3 Intially approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders in April 2013.

On June 24, 2014, the Company effected a 1-for 2 reverse split of its common stock, which reduced this amount to 1,000,000.

An increase to 400,000 was approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders on ___________, 2015.

A-3

shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value or in such other manner as may be authorized from time to time by the Committee. Prior to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of a stock option, a participant shall have no rights as a stockholder.

6.5. Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the following additional provisions shall apply to the grant of stock options which are intended to qualify as “Incentive Stock Options,” as such term is defined in Code Section 422:

(a) The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the option is granted) of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any participant during any calendar year (under all of the Company’s plans) shall not exceed $100,000. The determination will be made by taking Incentive Stock Options into account in the order in which they were granted. If such excess only applies to a portion of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee, in its discretion, will designate which shares will be treated as shares to be acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.

(b) Any option agreement for an Incentive Stock Option under the Plan shall contain such other provisions as the Committee shall deem advisable, but shall in all events be consistent with and contain all provisions required in order to qualify the options as Incentive Stock Options.

(c) All Incentive Stock Options must be granted within ten years from the earlier of the date on which this Plan was adopted by Board of Directors or the date this Plan was approved by the stockholders.

(d) Unless sooner exercised, all Incentive Stock Options shall expire no later than ten years after the Grant Date.

(e) The option price for Incentive Stock Options shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the option on the Grant Date.

(f) If Incentive Stock Options are granted to any participant who, at the time such option is granted, would own (within the meaning of Code Section 422) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the employer corporation or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, (i) the option price for such Incentive Stock Options shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the option on the Grant Date and (ii) such Incentive Stock Options shall expire no later than five years after the Grant Date.

7. Stock Appreciation Rights. An SAR is a right to receive, without payment to the Company, a number of shares of Common Stock, the amount of which is determined pursuant to the formula set forth in Section 7.5. An SAR may be granted (a) with respect to any stock option granted under this Plan, either concurrently with the grant of such stock option or at such later time as determined by the Committee (as to all or any portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the stock option), or (b) alone, without reference to any related stock option. Each SAR granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

7.1. Price. The exercise price per share of any SAR granted without reference to a stock option shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment under Section 9.6. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, except as permitted under Section 9.16, the exercise price per share shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date unless the SAR satisfies the provisions of Code Section 409A.

7.2. Number. Each SAR granted to any participant shall relate to such number of shares of Common Stock as shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9.6. In the case of an SAR granted with respect to a stock option, the number of shares of Common Stock to which the SAR relates shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder of the option exercises the related stock option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitation on grants under Section 5.4 shall apply to grants of SARs under the Plan

7.3. Duration. Subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 9.3, the term of each SAR shall be determined by the Committee but shall not exceed ten years and one day from the Grant Date. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, each SAR shall become exercisable at such time or times, to such extent and upon such conditions as the stock option, if any, to which it relates is exercisable. The Committee may in its discretion

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accelerate the exercisability of any SAR. Subject to the first sentence of this paragraph, the Committee may extend the term of any SAR to the extent provided in Section 9.4.

7.4. Exercise. An SAR may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of SARs which the holder wishes to exercise. Upon receipt of such written notice, the Company shall, within 90 days thereafter, deliver to the exercising holder certificates for the shares of Common Stock or cash or both, as determined by the Committee, to which the holder is entitled pursuant to Section 7.5.

7.5. Issuance of Shares Upon Exercise. The number of shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by dividing:

(a) the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the SAR is exercised multiplied by the amount of the appreciation in such shares (for this purpose, the “appreciation” shall be the amount by which the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the SAR on the exercise date exceeds (1) in the case of an SAR related to a stock option, the purchase price of the shares of Common Stock under the stock option or (2) in the case of an SAR granted alone, without reference to a related stock option, an amount which shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, subject to adjustment under Section 9.6); by

(b) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date.

No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the exercise of an SAR; instead, the holder of the SAR shall be entitled to receive a cash adjustment equal to the same fraction of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date or to purchase the portion necessary to make a whole share at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise.

8. Stock Awards and Restricted Stock. A stock award consists of the transfer by the Company to a participant of shares of Common Stock, without other payment therefor, as additional compensation for services to the Company. A share of restricted stock consists of shares of Common Stock which are sold or transferred by the Company to a participant at a price, if any, determined by the Committee and subject to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant. The transfer of Common Stock pursuant to stock awards and the transfer and sale of restricted stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

8.1. Number of Shares. The number of shares to be transferred or sold by the Company to a participant pursuant to a stock award or as restricted stock shall be determined by the Committee.

8.2. Sale Price. The Committee shall determine the price, if any, at which shares of restricted stock shall be sold to a participant, which may vary from time to time and among participants and which may be below the Fair Market Value of such shares of Common Stock at the date of sale.

8.3. Restrictions. All shares of restricted stock transferred or sold by the Company hereunder shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may determine, including, without limitation any or all of the following:

(a) a prohibition against the sale, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance of the shares of restricted stock, such prohibition to lapse at such time or times as the Committee shall determine (whether in annual or more frequent installments, at the time of the death, disability or retirement of the holder of such shares, or otherwise);

(b) a requirement that the holder of shares of restricted stock forfeit, or (in the case of shares sold to a participant) re-sell back to the Company at his or her cost, all or a part of such shares in the event of termination of his or her employment or consulting engagement during any period in which such shares are subject to restrictions; and/or

8.4. Restrictions. In order to enforce the restrictions imposed by the Committee pursuant to Section 8.3, the participant receiving restricted stock shall enter into an agreement with the Company setting forth the conditions of the grant. Shares of restricted stock shall be registered in the name of the participant and deposited, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company. Each such certificate shall bear a legend that refers to the Plan and the restrictions imposed under the applicable agreement. The Committee may provide that no certificates representing restricted stock be issued until the restriction period is completed.

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8.5. End of Restrictions. Subject to Section 9.5, at the end of any time period during which the shares of restricted stock are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, such shares will be delivered free of all restrictions to the participant or to the participant’s legal representative, beneficiary or heir.

8.6. Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and subject further to the terms and conditions of each written agreement evidencing an Incentive, each participant receiving restricted stock shall have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to shares of stock during any period in which such shares are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, including without limitation, the right to vote such shares.

9. General Provisions.

9.1. Effective Date. The Plan will become effective upon the date of approval by the Board of Directors (the “Effective Date”).

9.2. Duration. The Plan shall remain in effect until all Incentives granted under the Plan have either been satisfied by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash or been terminated under the terms of the Plan and all restrictions imposed on shares of Common Stock in connection with their issuance under the Plan have lapsed. No Incentives may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date of the Plan.

9.3. Non-Transferability of Incentives. No stock option, SAR, restricted stock or stock award may be transferred, pledged or assigned by the holder thereof (except, in the event of the holder’s death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution to the limited extent provided in the Plan or the Incentive, or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or the rules thereunder), and the Company shall not be required to recognize any attempted assignment of such rights by any participant. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, stock options may be transferred by the holder thereof to the holder’s spouse, children, grandchildren or parents (collectively, the “Family Members”), to trusts for the benefit of Family Members, to partnerships or limited liability companies in which Family Members are the only partners or shareholders, or to entities exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to Code Section 501(c)(3). During a participant’s lifetime, a stock option may be exercised only by him or her, by his or her guardian or legal representative or by the transferees permitted by this Section 9.3.

9.4. Effect of Termination or Death. If a participant ceases to be an employee of or consultant to the Company for any reason, including death or disability, any Incentives may be exercised or shall expire at such times as may be set forth in the agreement, if any, applicable to the Incentive, or otherwise as determined by the Committee; provided, however, the term of an Incentive may not be extended beyond the term originally prescribed when the Incentive was granted, unless the Incentive satisfies (or is amended to satisfy) the requirements of Code Section 409A; and provided further that the term of an Incentive may not be extended beyond the maximum term permitted under this Plan.

9.5. Restrictions under Securities Laws. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary: (a) the Company may, if it shall determine it necessary or desirable for any reason, at the time of award of any Incentive or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any Incentive, require the recipient of the Incentive, as a condition to the receipt thereof or to the receipt of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant thereto, to deliver to the Company a written representation of present intention to acquire the Incentive or the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant thereto for his or her own account for investment and not for distribution; and (b) if at any time the Company further determines, in its sole discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification (or any updating of any such document) of any Incentive or the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant thereto is necessary on any securities exchange or under any federal or state securities or blue sky law, or that the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with the award of any Incentive, the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto, or the removal of any restrictions imposed on such shares, such Incentive shall not be awarded or such shares of Common Stock shall not be issued or such restrictions shall not be removed, as the case may be, in whole or in part, unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.

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9.6. Adjustment. In the event of any recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or other change in the Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the Plan, including shares subject to outstanding Incentives, and the other numbers of shares of Common Stock provided in the Plan, shall be adjusted in proportion to the change in outstanding shares of Common Stock. In the event of any such adjustments, the purchase price of any option, the performance objectives of any Incentive, and the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to any Incentive shall be adjusted as and to the extent appropriate, in the discretion of the Committee, to provide participants with the same relative rights before and after such adjustment.

9.7. Incentive Plans and Agreements. Except in the case of stock awards, the terms of each Incentive shall be stated in a plan or agreement approved by the Committee. The Committee may also determine to enter into agreements with holders of options to reclassify or convert certain outstanding options, within the terms of the Plan, as Incentive Stock Options or as non-statutory stock options and in order to eliminate SARs with respect to all or part of such options and any other previously issued options. The Committee shall communicate the key terms of each award to the participant promptly after the Committee approves the grant of such award.

9.8. Withholding.

(a) The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payments made under the Plan or to collect as a condition of payment, any taxes required by law to be withheld. At any time when a participant is required to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income tax laws in connection with a distribution of Common Stock or upon exercise of an option or SAR or upon vesting of restricted stock, the participant may satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by electing (the “Election”) to have the Company withhold, from the distribution or from such shares of restricted stock, shares of Common Stock having a value up to the minimum amount of withholding taxes required to be collected on the transaction. The value of the shares to be withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (“Tax Date”).

(b) Each Election must be made before the Tax Date. The Committee may disapprove of any Election, may suspend or terminate the right to make Elections, or may provide with respect to any Incentive that the right to make Elections shall not apply to such Incentive. An Election is irrevocable.

9.9. No Continued Employment, Engagement or Right to Corporate Assets.

No participant under the Plan shall have any right, because of his or her participation, to continue in the employ of the Company for any period of time or to any right to continue his or her present or any other rate of compensation. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed as giving an employee, a consultant, such persons’ beneficiaries or any other person any equity or interests of any kind in the assets of the Company or creating a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship of any kind between the Company and any such person.

9.10. Payments Under Incentives. Payment of cash or distribution of any shares of Common Stock to which a participant is entitled under any Incentive shall be made as provided in the Incentive. Except as permitted under Section 9.16, payments and distributions may not be deferred under any Incentive unless the deferral complies with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

9.11. Amendment of the Plan. The Board of Directors may amend or discontinue the Plan at any time. Nevertheless, no such amendment or discontinuance shall adversely change or impair, without the consent of the recipient, an Incentive previously granted. Further, no such amendment shall, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, (a) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued to all participants under the Plan, (b) change or expand the types of Incentives that may be granted under the Plan, (c) change the class of persons eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan, or (d) materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan.

9.12. Amendment of Agreements for Incentives. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9.12, the terms of an existing Incentive may be amended by agreement between the Committee and the participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in the case of a stock option or SAR, except as permitted under Section 9.16, no such amendment shall: (a) extend the term of the Incentive, except as provided in Section 9.4; nor (b) reduce the exercise price per share below the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the Incentive was granted, unless, in either case, the amendment complies with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

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9.13. Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation. Unless otherwise provided in the agreement for an Incentive, in the event of an acquisition of the Company through the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or through a merger, exchange, reorganization or liquidation of the Company or a similar event, all as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion (collectively a “Sale Transaction”), the Committee shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, to take any and all action it deems equitable under the circumstances, including but not limited to any one or more of the following:

(a) providing that the Plan and all Incentives shall terminate and the holders of (i) all outstanding vested options shall receive, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock they would be entitled to receive under such options, such stock, securities or assets, including cash, as would have been paid to such participants if their options had been exercised and such participant had received Common Stock immediately before such Sale Transaction (with appropriate adjustment for the exercise price, if any), (ii) SARs that entitle the participant to receive Common Stock shall receive, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock each participant was entitled to receive as of the date of the Sale Transaction pursuant to the terms of such Incentive, if any, such stock, securities or assets, including cash, as would have been paid to such participant if such Common Stock had been issued to and held by the participant immediately before such Sale Transaction, and (iii) any Incentive under this Agreement which does not entitle the participant to receive Common Stock shall be equitably treated as determined by the Committee;

(b) providing that participants holding outstanding vested Common Stock-based Incentives shall receive, with respect to each share of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such Incentives as of the effective date of any such Sale Transaction, at the determination of the Committee, cash, securities or other property, or any combination thereof, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of such Common Stock on a date within ten days before the effective date of such Sale Transaction over the option price or other amount owed by a participant, if any, and that such Incentives shall be cancelled, including the cancellation without consideration of all options that have an exercise price below the per share value of the consideration received by the Company in the Sale Transaction;

(c) providing that the Plan (or replacement plan) shall continue with respect to Incentives not cancelled or terminated as of the effective date of such Sale Transaction and provide to participants holding such Incentives the right to earn their respective Incentives on a substantially equivalent basis (taking into account the Sale Transaction and the number of shares or other equity issued by such successor entity) with respect to the equity of the entity succeeding the Company by reason of such Sale Transaction; or

(d) providing that all unvested, unearned or restricted Incentives, including but not limited to restricted stock for which restrictions have not lapsed as of the effective date of such Sale Transaction, shall be void and deemed terminated, or, in the alternative, for the acceleration or waiver of any vesting, earning or restrictions on any Incentive.

The Board of Directors may restrict the rights of participants or the applicability of this Section 9.13 to the extent necessary to comply with Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, the Code or any other applicable law or regulation. The grant of an Incentive award pursuant to the Plan shall not limit in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure or to merge, exchange or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

9.14. Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan, the “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock at a specified date shall, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, be the amount which the Committee determines in good faith to be 100% of the fair market value of such a share as of the date in question. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

(a) If such shares are listed on a U.S. securities exchange, then Fair Market Value shall be determined by reference to the last sale price of a share of Common Stock on such U.S. securities exchange on the applicable date. If such U.S. securities exchange is closed for trading on such date, or if the Common Stock does not trade on such date, then the last sale price used shall be the one on the date the Common Stock last traded on such U.S. securities exchange.

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(b) If such shares are publicly traded but are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange, then Fair Market Value shall be determined by reference to the trading price of a share of Common Stock on such date (or, if the applicable market is closed on such date, the last date on which the Common Stock was publicly traded), by a method consistently applied by the Committee.

(c) If such shares are not publicly traded, then the Committee’s determination will be based upon a good faith valuation of the Company’s Common Stock as of such date, which shall be based upon such factors as the Committee deems appropriate. The valuation shall be accomplished in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A and shall be consistently applied to Incentives under the Plan.

9.15. Definition of Grant Date. For purposes of this Plan, the “Grant Date” of an Incentive shall be the date on which the Committee approved the award (or, if applicable, the date on which the Company’s Chief Executive Officer exercised discretionary authority under this Plan or otherwise granted by the Committee and approved the award) or, if later, the date on which (a) the participant is no longer able to negotiate the terms of the award and (b) it is expected that the key terms of the award will be communicated within a relatively short period of time.

9.16. Compliance with Code Section 409A. The Plan and the agreement for each Incentive shall be interpreted and administered so as to be exempt from the requirements of Code Section 409A or to comply with such requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incentives may be awarded or amended in a manner that does not comply with Code Section 409A, but only if and to the extent that the Committee specifically provides in written resolutions that the Incentive or amendment is not intended to comply with Code Section 409A.

Initially approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders in April 2013.

On June 24, 2014, the Company effected a 1-for 2 reverse split of its common stock.

The Board of Directors and the stockholders approved the increases in share limits in Sections 2.2, 5.1 and 5.4 on ___________, 2015.

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GWG HOLDINGS, INC.

PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Monday, June 1, 2015
9:00 a.m.

220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200

Minneapolis, MN 55402

GWG HOLDINGS, INC.

220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200

Minneapolis, MN 55402

proxy

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned, a stockholder of GWG Holdings, Inc., hereby appoints Jon R. Sabes and William B. Acheson, and each of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, to vote on behalf of the undersigned the number of shares which the undersigned is then entitled to vote at the annual meeting of stockholders of the company to be held at 220 South Sixth Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis, MN 55402, on Monday, June 1, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., and at any and all adjournments thereof.

See reverse for voting instructions.

PROPOSALS: The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees listed and FOR Proposals Two and Three.

1. To elect seven directors. Nominees below:

	For	Withhold
Jon R. Sabes	¨	¨
Paul A. Siegert	¨	¨
Steven F. Sabes	¨	¨
Charles H. Maguire III	¨	¨
David H. Abramson	¨	¨
Jeffrey L. McGregor	¨	¨
Shawn R. Gensch	¨	¨

2. To approve an amendment to the company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan:

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

3. To ratify the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the company for fiscal 2015:

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

The undersigned hereby revokes all previous proxies relating to the shares covered hereby and acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of stockholders. When properly executed, this proxy will be voted on the proposal set forth herein as directed by the stockholder. The undersigned authorizes the proxies to vote in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

		Dated _________________________________________

		x

		x

		(Please sign exactly as name appears at left. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, or in some other fiduciary capacity, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer(s). If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person(s).)