CERTIFICATE OF TRUST


         The undersigned,  the trustees of Conseco  Financing Trust IX, desiring
to form a business  trust  pursuant to Delaware  Business  Trust Act, 12 Del. C.
Section 3810, hereby certify as follows:

         1.  The name of the business trust being formed hereby (the "Trust") is
             "Conseco Financing Trust IX."

         2.  The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust which has
             its  principal  place of  business  in the State of  Delaware is as
             follows:

                 First Union Trust Company, National Association
                         Corporate Trust Administration
                                One Rodney Square
                                 920 King Street
                              Wilmington, DE 19801

         3.  This  Certificate  of Trust  shall be  effective  as of the date of
             filing  with the office of the  Secretary  of State of the State of
             Delaware.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the undersigned have executed this Certificate of
Trust as of the date written below.

Dated: July 22, 1999

                                             FIRST UNION TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL
                                              ASSOCIATION, as Trustee


                                             By: /s/ Stephen Kaba
                                                 -------------------------------
                                             Name:  Stephen Kaba
                                             Title: Vice President




                                             /s/ Rollin M. Dick
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Rollin M. Dick, Trustee


                                             /s/ Stephen C. Hilbert
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Stephen C. Hilbert, Trustee