UPDATE 1-Imperial Holdings files for $287.5 mln IPO

* Says to use proceeds to run regular business

* Says to list shares under the symbol "IFT" on NYSE

* FBR Capital Markets underwriter to issue

Aug 12 (Reuters) - Specialty finance company Imperial Holdings Inc filed with U.S. securities regulators on Thursday to raise up to $287.5 million in an initial public offering of common stock.

The company, which provides premium financing for individual life insurance policies and buys structured settlements, plans to use the net proceeds to operate its regular business.

Imperial said it was unable to access traditional sources of capital to finance the acquisition and sale of structured settlements after the global economic downturn.

"At certain points, we were unable to obtain any debt financing," the company said in its filing.

Imperial Holdings intends to be listed under the ticker symbol "IFT" on the New York Stock Exchange.

FBR Capital Markets will act as underwriter to the issue. (Reporting by Vinay Sarawagi in Bangalore; Editing by Unnikrishnan Nair) ((vinay.sarawagi@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800; Reuters Messaging: vinay.sarawagi.reuters.com@reuters.net))