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John Oliver Slams $1B Settlement Factoring Industry, Calls Reform

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Oliver condemned factoring companies that buy structured settlement payments on Last Week Tonight.
He said the industry purchases about $1 billion of future payments annually and typically takes 60% of the lump-sum.
Oliver noted roughly 750,000 Americans receive structured settlements for injuries or wrongful deaths and may seek advances.
He suggested reforms including local hearings, a seven-minute judge review, and mandatory attorney advisers to protect sellers.

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Story summary

John Oliver condemned factoring companies that buy structured settlement payments on Last Week Tonight.
He said the industry purchases about $1 billion of future payments annually and typically takes 60% of the lump-sum.
Oliver noted roughly 750,000 Americans receive structured settlements for injuries or wrongful deaths and may seek advances.
He suggested reforms including local hearings, a seven-minute judge review, and mandatory attorney advisers to protect sellers.