# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000733076
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-057745
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 528432
**Document Hash:** f53b06150dc5a6f1909dc2c80823a6ec
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-057745.hdr.sgml**: 20230302

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-057745

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-3/A

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 11

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230302

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230302

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE Co
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000733076
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** LIFE INSURANCE [6311]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 060566090
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-3/A
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-268427
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23697560

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 11225 NORTH COMMUNITY HOUSE ROAD
- **CITY:** CHARLOTTE
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 28277
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 617-578-3514

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 11225 NORTH COMMUNITY HOUSE ROAD
- **CITY:** CHARLOTTE
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 28277

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MetLife Insurance Co USA
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20141118

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MetLife Insurance CO of Connecticut
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20060512

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** TRAVELERS INSURANCE CO
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILE NO. 333-268427** 

------

**UNITED STATES** <br>**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549** 

**FORM S-3/A** 

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** <br>**UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933** 

**PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1** 

**BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY** 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

**Delaware** 

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

**06-0566090** 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

**11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277** <br>**(980) 365-7100** 

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, <br>of registrant's principal executive offices)

**Brighthouse Life Insurance Company** <br>**c/o The Corporation Trust Company** <br>**1209 Orange Street** <br>**Corporation Trust Center** <br>**Wilmington, DE 19801** <br>**(302) 658-7581** 

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, <br>including area code, of agent for service)

*Copies to:* 

W. Thomas Conner <br> Carlton Fields <br> 1025 Thomas Jefferson St., N.W. <br> Suite 400 West <br> Washington, DC 20007-5208

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable following the effectiveness of the registration statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment

plans, please check the following box: ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than offered only in connection with dividend or interest

reinvestment plans, check the following box: ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective

registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same

offering. ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the

following box. ☐

------

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check

the following box. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ <br> Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☐ <br> Emerging growth company ☐

------

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of

the Securities Act. ☐

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

------

**BRIGHTHOUSE SHIELD**<sup>®</sup> **LEVEL SELECT ADVISORY ANNUITY** 

Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity is an individual single premium deferred index-linked separate account annuity contract (the "Contract") issued by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company ("BLIC", "we", "our" or "us").

This Contract is available for use in connection with Non-Qualified Plans, Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. BLIC is located at 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. The telephone number is 1-888-243-1932. Brighthouse Securities, LLC, 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277, is the principal underwriter and distributor of the Contracts. Prior to April 30, 2018, the name of the Contract was Brighthouse Shield Level Select<sup>SM</sup> Access Annuity.

**The Risk Factors for this Contract appear on Page 13.** 

**Please read the prospectus carefully before investing and keep it for future reference. This prospectus includes important information including a description of all material features, rights and obligations of the Contract. BLIC's obligations under the Contract are subject to our financial strength and claims-paying ability. The Contract offers various Shield Options which provide certain protections in that BLIC will absorb specified levels of negative indexed returns and the Performance Lock Rider allows you the option to lock positive Index Performance on certain Shield Options. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Shield Option, but after your Contract is issued, there will always be one Shield Option available although it may not be substantially similar to one of the currently available Shield Options. If we were to offer only one Shield Option, you would be limited to investing in that one Shield Option. If that Shield Option does not meet your investment objectives or financial goals, you could transfer to the Fixed Account (if available at that time and subject to applicable conditions described in the "TRANSFERS" section, including the requirement to remain invested in the Fixed Account until the Interest Rate Term End Date), surrender your Contract and/or invest in another investment vehicle. If you surrender your Contract, you might incur taxes, tax penalties or other adjustments. If you invest in another investment vehicle, that investment may have different features, fees and risks than your Contract. Index-linked annuity contracts are complex insurance and investment vehicles.** 

**Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Mutual funds, annuities and insurance products are not deposits of any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") or any other government agency. You may lose money invested in the Contract.** 

**Currently, you may purchase the Contract only if you are a participant in an account established under a fee-based program sponsored and maintained by a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary we approve (a "financial advisor"). Before you invest, be sure to ask your financial advisor about the Contract's features, benefits, risks and fees, and whether the Contract is appropriate for you based upon your financial situation and objectives. Subject to our administrative procedures, you may authorize your financial advisor to take withdrawals on your behalf, which may be used to pay fees and expenses associated with your fee-based program (together, "advisory fees"). These fees are in addition to the fees and charges you will pay under the Contract, and they will reduce your death benefit under the Contract. If you authorize your financial advisor to withdraw amounts from your Contract to pay for advisory fees, such fee deduction will be treated as a withdrawal. Withdrawals of taxable amounts will be subject to ordinary income tax and, under certain circumstances, may also be subject to a Federal income tax penalty. See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS."** 

**The Contracts may be distributed through broker-dealers that have relationships with banks or other financial institutions or by employees of such banks. However, the Contracts are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by such institutions or any Federal regulatory agency. Investment in the Contract involves investment risks, including possible loss of principal.** 

**The principal underwriter of the Contract is Brighthouse Securities, LLC. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous.** 

Prospectus dated March 16, 2023

------

**TABLE OF CONTENTS** <br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Special Terms](#xx_1ba82d69-afc0-4a29-b1c5-d74701b9cd24_1) | 4 |
| [Summary](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_1) | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Key Features of the Contract](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_2) | 10 |
| [Risk Factors](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_5) | 13 |
| [THE ANNUITY CONTRACT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_8) | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Third Party Agreement](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_9) | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Replacement of Contracts](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_9) | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Exchanges.](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_9) | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Exchange Programs.](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_9) | 17 |
| [PURCHASE](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_10) | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Purchase Payment](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_10) | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Allocation of the Purchase Payment](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_10) | 18 |
| [SHIELD OPTIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_10) | 18 |
| [TERM](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_12) | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Term Start Date](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_12) | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Term End Date](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_12) | 20 |
| [INDICES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_12) | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Discontinuation or Substantial Change to an Index.](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_13) | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Index Value](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_13) | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Index Performance](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_13) | 21 |
| [SHIELD RATES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_14) | 22 |
| [RATE CREDITING TYPES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_14) | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Cap Rate](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_14) | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Step Rate](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_14) | 22 |
| [Addition or Discontinuance of a Shield Option](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_15) | 23 |
| [ACCOUNT VALUE](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_15) | 23 |
| [Investment Amount](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_15) | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Investment Amount without Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_15) | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Investment Amount with Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_16) | 24 |
| [Interim Value Calculation](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_20) | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Interim Value Calculation without Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_20) | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Interim Value Calculation with Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_20) | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Accrued Shield Rate for Interim Value Calculation](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_21) | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Accrued Cap Rate for Interim Value Calculation](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_21) | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Accrued Step Rate for Interim Value Calculation](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_21) | 29 |
| [Withdrawal Provisions](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_26) | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Withdrawal Charge](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_27) | 35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Systematic Withdrawal Program](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_27) | 35 |
| [Transfers](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_32) | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Transfers without Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_32) | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Transfers with Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_34) | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Availability of the Performance Lock with a New Shield Option](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_34) | 42 |
| [Performance Lock Benefit](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_35) | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Locked Index Value](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_35) | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Setting a Target Index Value](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_35) | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Index Performance with a Locked Index Value](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_35) | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Performance Lock Factor](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_36) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Availability of the Performance Lock](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_36) | 44 |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [DEATH BENEFIT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_36) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Standard Death Benefit](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_36) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [General Death Benefit Provisions](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_37) | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Controlled Payout](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_37) | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Death of Owner During the Accumulation Period](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_37) | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Death of Annuitant During the Accumulation Period](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_38) | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Death Benefit Options](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_38) | 46 |
| [Income Payments (The Income Period)](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_39) | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Annuity Date](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_39) | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Maturity Date](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_39) | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Income Payments](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_39) | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Annuity Options](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_40) | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Death of Owner During the Income Period](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_41) | 49 |
| [PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_41) | 49 |
| [INCOME TAXES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_41) | 49 |
| [FEE-BASED EXPENSES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_41) | 49 |
| [FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_41) | 49 |
| [YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL (FREE LOOK)](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_50) | 58 |
| [OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_50) | 58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Owner](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_50) | 58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Joint Owner](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_50) | 58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Annuitant](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_50) | 58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Beneficiary](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_51) | 59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Assignment](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_51) | 59 |
| [ABANDONED PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_51) | 59 |
| [SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS OR TRANSFERS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_51) | 59 |
| [WHEN WE CAN CANCEL YOUR CONTRACT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_51) | 59 |
| [THE INSURANCE COMPANY](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_52) | 60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Brighthouse Life Insurance Company ("BLIC")](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_52) | 60 |
| [THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_52) | 60 |
| [INVESTMENTS BY BLIC](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_52) | 60 |
| [ANNUAL STATEMENT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_52) | 60 |
| [DOL INVESTMENT ADVICE FIDUCIARY RULE](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_53) | 61 |
| [DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_53) | 61 |
| [THE FIXED ACCOUNT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_54) | 62 |
| [RESTRICTIONS ON FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_54) | 62 |
| [REQUESTS AND ELECTIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_54) | 62 |
| [CONFIRMING TRANSACTIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [LEGAL PROCEEDINGS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [EXPERTS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [STATE VARIATIONS](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [ELECTRONIC DELIVERY](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [AMENDMENT OF THE CONTRACT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [MISSTATEMENT](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_56) | 64 |
| [INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_57) | 65 |
| [DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES](#xx_1ad1807e-cfc9-41be-a919-c7f24d980b60_57) | 65 |
| [Appendix](#xx_eb05ba99-ccce-4529-8c45-8978f2854988_2)[A](#xx_eb05ba99-ccce-4529-8c45-8978f2854988_2) [—](#xx_eb05ba99-ccce-4529-8c45-8978f2854988_2)[Index Publishers](#xx_eb05ba99-ccce-4529-8c45-8978f2854988_2) | A-1 |
| [Appendix](#xx_74e75674-e3c2-4565-a2a1-e01dc3d0f6fb_1)[B](#xx_74e75674-e3c2-4565-a2a1-e01dc3d0f6fb_1) [—](#xx_74e75674-e3c2-4565-a2a1-e01dc3d0f6fb_1)[Index Substitution Investment Amount Example](#xx_74e75674-e3c2-4565-a2a1-e01dc3d0f6fb_1) | B-1 |
| [Appendix](#xx_c002a2c7-f81f-4c20-91c0-d26024578dfa_1)[C](#xx_c002a2c7-f81f-4c20-91c0-d26024578dfa_1) [—](#xx_c002a2c7-f81f-4c20-91c0-d26024578dfa_1)[Return of Premium Death Benefit Example](#xx_c002a2c7-f81f-4c20-91c0-d26024578dfa_1) | C-1 |
| [Appendix](#xx_9de471e5-0a5f-4e6e-b403-75993469d30e_2)[D](#xx_9de471e5-0a5f-4e6e-b403-75993469d30e_2) [—](#xx_9de471e5-0a5f-4e6e-b403-75993469d30e_2)[The Fixed Account](#xx_9de471e5-0a5f-4e6e-b403-75993469d30e_2) | D-1 |

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**Special Terms** 

In this prospectus, the following capitalized terms have the indicated meanings:

**Account Value.** The total of the Fixed Account Value and the value of the Shield Option(s) under the Contract during the Accumulation Period.

**Accrued Cap Rate.** The portion of the Cap Rate that has accrued from the Term Start Date to any day within the Term. This is the maximum Index Performance that may be applied in calculating the Interim Value on any day prior to the Term End Date if Index Performance is greater than zero. The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date, divided by the total number of days in the Term.

**Accrued Shield Rate.** The portion of the Shield Rate that has accrued from the Term Start Date to any day within the Term. This is the amount that will be applied in calculating the Interim Value on any day prior to the Term End Date if Index Performance is less than zero. The Accrued Shield Rate is equal to the Shield Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date, divided by the total number of days in the Term.

**Accrued Step Rate.** The portion of the Step Rate that has accrued from the Term Start Date to any day within the Term. This is the rate that will be applied in calculating the Interim Value on any day prior to the Term End Date if Index Performance is equal to or greater than zero. The Accrued Step Rate is equal to the Step Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date, divided by the total number of days in the Term.

**Accumulation Period.** The period prior to the Annuity Date.

**Annuitant.** The natural person(s) listed on the Contract Schedule on whose life Income Payments are based. Any reference to Annuitant will also include any Joint Annuitant under an Annuity Option.

**Annuity Date.** A date on which you choose to begin receiving Income Payments. If we agree, you may change the Annuity Date, subject to certain requirements. If you do not choose an Annuity Date, the Annuity Date will be the Annuity Date indicated on the Contract Schedule.

**Annuity Service Office.** The office indicated on the Contract Schedule to which notices and requests must be sent, or as otherwise changed by Notice from us.

**BLIC ("we," "us," "our").** Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.

**Beneficiary.** The person(s) or entity(ies) you name to receive a death benefit payable under the Contract upon the death of the Owner or a Joint Owner, or in certain circumstances, an Annuitant.

**Brighthouse Securities.** Brighthouse Securities, LLC.

**Business Day.** Our "business day" is generally any day the NYSE is open for regular trading. For purposes of administrative requests and transactions, a Business Day ends at 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. If the SEC determines the existence of emergency conditions on any day, and consequently, the NYSE does not open, then that day is not a Business Day.

**Cap Rate.** The maximum rate that may be credited at the Term End Date based on Index Performance. **The Cap Rate may vary between Shield Options and it is not an annual rate.** 

**Code.** The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all related laws and regulations, which are in effect during the term of the Contract.

**Contract.** The legal agreement between you and BLIC. It contains relevant provisions of your deferred annuity.

**Contract Anniversary.** An anniversary of the Issue Date of the Contract.

**Contract Schedule.** The schedule attached to your Contract.

**Contract Year.** A one-year period starting on the Issue Date and on each Contract Anniversary thereafter.

**Death Benefit Amount.** For Owners age 81 or older at the Issue Date of the Contract, the standard death benefit is the Account Value. For Owners age 80 or younger at the Issue Date of the Contract, the standard death benefit (known as the Return of Premium death benefit) is the greater of the Account Value or your Purchase Payment (reduced proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees)). The Death Benefit Amount is determined as of the end of the Business Day on which we have received Notice of due proof of death and an acceptable election for the payment method.

**ERISA.** Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

**Exchange Act.** Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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**FDIC.** Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

**FINRA.** Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

**Fixed Account.** An account, if available, that consists of all of the assets under the Contract other than those in the Separate Account. You may allocate your Purchase Payment or transfer your Investment Amount to the Fixed Account. The Fixed Account is part of the General Account assets of BLIC.

**Fixed Account Value.** The initial Fixed Account Value is the amount of your Purchase Payment initially allocated to the Fixed Account. Thereafter, the Fixed Account Value equals: (a) the initial Fixed Account Value or the Fixed Account Value on the most recent Contract Anniversary, including any transfers, whichever is applicable; plus (b) any interest credited by us; less (c) the amount of any withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees); and less (d) any Premium or Other Taxes, if applicable.

**Free Look.** If you change your mind about owning the Contract, you can cancel it within a certain time period after receiving it. This is known as a "Free Look." Not all Contracts issued are subject to Free Look provisions under state law. We ask that you submit your request to cancel in writing, signed by you, to us (e.g., the Annuity Service Office) or to the financial advisor who sold it. Unless otherwise required by state law, you will receive whatever your Contract is worth on the day that we receive your cancellation request. The amount you receive may be more or less than your Purchase Payment depending upon the Shield Options you allocated your Purchase Payment to during the Free Look period. This means that you bear the risk of any decline in the Account Value of your Contract during the Free Look period. We do not refund any charges or deductions assessed during the Free Look period. In certain states, we are required to give back your Purchase Payment if you decide to cancel your Contract during the Free Look period.

**General Account.** Comprised of BLIC's assets, other than assets in any separate accounts it may maintain.

**Good Order.** A request or transaction generally is considered in "Good Order" if it complies with our administrative procedures and the required information is complete and accurate. A request or transaction may be rejected or delayed if not in Good Order. Good Order generally means the actual receipt by us of the instructions relating to the requested transaction in writing (or, when permitted, by telephone) along with all forms, information and supporting legal documentation necessary to effect the transaction. This information and documentation generally includes to the extent applicable to the transaction: your completed application; your contract number; the transaction amount (in dollars or percentage terms); the names and allocations to and/or from the Shield Options, or the Fixed Account if applicable, affected by the requested transaction; the signatures of all Contract Owners (exactly as indicated on the contract), if necessary; Social Security Number or Tax I.D.; and any other information or supporting documentation that we may require, including any spousal or Joint Owner's consents. With respect to purchase payments, Good Order also generally includes receipt by us of sufficient funds to effect the purchase. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in Good Order, and we reserve the right to change or waive any Good Order requirement at any time. If you have any questions, you should contact us or your financial advisor before submitting the form or request.

**Income Payments.** A series of payments made by us during the Income Period, which we guarantee as to dollar amount.

**Income Period.** A period starting on the Annuity Date during which Income Payments are payable.

**Index (Indices).** We currently offer Shield Options with indices based on the performance of securities. In the future we may offer Shield Options based on other types of Indices. We may also add other indices for new Contracts at our discretion.

**Index Performance.** The percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to any day, including the Term End Date, within the Term. Index Performance can be positive, zero or negative.

**Index Value.** The Index Value of an Index, on a Business Day, is the published closing value of the Index on that Business Day. The Index Value on any day that is not a Business Day is the value as of the prior Business Day.

**Interest Rate Term.** The length of time over which the current Fixed Account interest rate is guaranteed. No Interest Rate Term will extend beyond the Annuity Date. The minimum Interest Rate Term depends on the date your Contract is issued but will not be less than one (1) year.

**Interest Rate Term End Date.** The Contract Anniversary on which an Interest Rate Term ends.

**Interest Rate Term Start Date.** The Contract Anniversary on which an Interest Rate Term is established. If chosen at issue, the initial Interest Rate Term Start Date begins on the Issue Date or otherwise it will begin on the first Contract Anniversary on which you allocate to the Fixed Account.

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**Interim Value without Performance Lock.** For each Shield Option without a Locked Index Value, the value we assign on any Business Day prior to the Term End Date. During the Transfer Period, the Interim Value of each Shield Option is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term End Date in that Shield Option. After the Transfer Period, the Interim Value of that Shield Option is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date in that Shield Option, adjusted for the Index Performance of the associated Index and subject to the applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate. The Interim Value is the amount that is available for annuitization, death benefits, withdrawals and Surrenders.

**Interim Value with Performance Lock.** For each Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, the value we assign on any Business Day prior to the Term End Date. During the Transfer Period, the Interim Value of each Shield Option is equal to the Investment Amount on the Term End Date in that Shield Option. After the Transfer Period, the Interim Value of that Shield Option is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date in that Shield Option, adjusted for the Index Performance (using the Locked Index Value) of the associated Index and subject to the applicable Accrued Cap Rate (where the Performance Rate is the Index Performance, adjusted for the applicable Accrued Cap Rate), multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor. The Interim Value is the amount that is available for annuitization, death benefits, withdrawals and Surrenders.

**Investment Amount without Performance Lock.** The Investment Amount, for any Shield Option without a Locked Index Value, is the amount that is allocated to the Shield Option at the Term Start Date, reduced proportionately for any withdrawals at the time of such withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees) by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Interim Value attributable to that Shield Option, and then, at Term End Date, adjusted by the Performance Rate. The remaining Investment Amount after a withdrawal will be used as the new Investment Amount for the Term until the Term End Date or the next Interim Value calculation for that Shield Option.

**Investment Amount with Performance Lock**. The Investment Amount, for any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, is the amount that is allocated to the Shield Option at the Term Start Date, reduced proportionately for any withdrawals at the time of such withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees) by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Interim Value attributable to that Shield Option, and then, at Term End Date, adjusted by the Performance Rate (using the Locked Index Value) and multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor. The remaining Investment Amount after a withdrawal will be used as the new Investment Amount for the Term until the Term End Date or the next Interim Value calculation for that Shield Option. The Investment Amount for any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value at the end of the Term will not be less than the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date, reduced for any withdrawals by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Interim Value attributable to that Shield Option but not adjusted by the Performance Rate.

**Issue Date.** The date the Contract is issued.

**Joint Annuitant.** If there is more than one Annuitant, each Annuitant will be a Joint Annuitant of the Contract.

**Joint Owner.** If there is more than one Owner, each Owner will be a Joint Owner of the Contract. Joint Owners are limited to natural persons.

**Locked Index Value.** For any Shield Option with Performance Lock, once during each Term you may elect to lock the Index Value if the published closing value of the Index on a Business Day is greater than the Index Value at the Term Start Date.

**Maturity Date.** The Maturity Date is specified in your Contract and is the first day of the calendar month following the Annuitant's 90th birthday or 10 years from the date we issue your Contract, whichever is later. The Contract will be annuitized at the Maturity Date.

**Minimum Account Value.** $2,000. If your Account Value falls below the Minimum Account Value as a result of a withdrawal (including any withdrawal to pay for advisory fees) we will treat the withdrawal request as a request for a full withdrawal.

**Minimum Guaranteed Cap Rate.** The actual Minimum Guaranteed Cap Rate for your Contract is the amount shown on your Contract Schedule but will not be less than 2% for Shield Options with a 1-Year Term, 6% for Shield Options with a 3-Year Term and 8% for Shield Options with a 6-Year Term.

**Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate.** The current Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate will not be less than 1%. This interest rate is guaranteed to be a rate not less than the minimum interest rate allowed by state law—see Appendix D. The actual Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate for your Contract is the amount shown on your Contract Schedule and applies only to amounts in the Fixed Account.

**Minimum Guaranteed Step Rate.** The actual Minimum Guaranteed Step Rate for your Contract is the amount shown on your Contract Schedule but will not be less than 1.5%.

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**Notice.** Any form of communication providing information we need, either in a signed writing or another manner that we approve in advance. All Notices to us must be sent to our Annuity Service Office and received in Good Order. To be effective for a Business Day, a Notice must be received in Good Order prior to the end of that Business Day.

**NYSE.** New York Stock Exchange.

**Owner ("you", "yours").** The person(s) entitled to the ownership rights under the Contract. Subject to our administrative procedures, we may also permit ownership by a corporation (a type of non-natural person) or certain other legal entities. If Joint Owners are named, all references to Owner shall mean Joint Owners.

**Performance Lock Benefit.** A living benefit rider that allows you the option to lock positive Index Performance on certain Shield Options and that is automatically included with your Contract on the Issue Date. We may also refer to this as the "Performance Lock rider" and/or "Performance Lock." The Performance Lock Benefit generally is available with each Shield Option, except for those Shield Options with a Step Rate.

**Performance Lock Factor.** For any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, the Performance Lock Factor is the percentage we apply to (a) the Interim Value with Performance Lock prior to the end of the Term or (b) the Investment Amount at the end of the Term, as applicable. The percentage that we apply is less than 100% to compensate us for the costs and risks that we assume in providing the Performance Lock with your Shield Option.

**Performance Rate.** The Performance Rate is based on the Index Performance, adjusted as follows. Prior to Term End Date, the Index Performance is adjusted for the applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate. On the Term End Date, the Index Performance is adjusted for the applicable Shield Rate, Cap Rate or Step Rate. The Performance Rate can be positive, zero or negative. At the Term End Date, any increase or reduction in the Investment Amount in a particular Shield Option is determined by multiplying the Performance Rate by the Investment Amount of the Shield Option on the last day of the Term.

**Performance Rate Adjustment.** The adjustment made to the Investment Amount for each Shield Option on any day during the Term, up to, and including, the Term End Date. This adjustment is based on the Performance Rate. This adjustment can be positive, zero or negative. When the Performance Rate Adjustment is positive we may also refer to this adjustment as "earnings." When the Performance Rate Adjustment is negative we may also refer to this adjustment as "losses."

**Premium Tax.** The amount of tax, if any, charged by the state or municipality.

**Purchase Payment.** The amount paid to us under the Contract as consideration for the benefits it provides.

**Rate Crediting Type.** Either the Cap Rate or the Step Rate.

**RMD.** Required Minimum Distribution.

**SEC.** Securities and Exchange Commission.

**Separate Account.** The separate account is Brighthouse Separate Account SA.

**Shield 10.** The Contract provides downside protection through the Shield 10, which is a Shield Rate where negative Index Performance of up to 10% of your Investment Amount is absorbed by us at the Term End Date, which would leave you to absorb any remaining negative Index Performance of up to 90% of your Investment Amount.

**Shield 15.** The Contract provides downside protection through the Shield 15, which is a Shield Rate where negative Index Performance of up to 15% of your Investment Amount is absorbed by us at the Term End Date, which would leave you to absorb any remaining negative Index Performance of up to 85% of your Investment Amount.

**Shield 25.** The Contract provides downside protection through the Shield 25, which is a Shield Rate where negative Index Performance of up to 25% of your Investment Amount is absorbed by us at the Term End Date, which would leave you to absorb any remaining negative Index Performance of up to 75% of your Investment Amount.

**Shield Rate.** The amount of any negative Index Performance that is absorbed by us at the Term End Date. Any negative Index Performance beyond the Shield Rate will reduce the Investment Amount associated with the Shield Option. **The Shield Rate may vary between Shield Options and is not an annual rate.** We currently offer the following Shield Rates: Shield 10, Shield 15 and Shield 25.

**Shield Option.** You may allocate your Purchase Payment or transfer your Investment Amount to one or more of the available Shield Options. Each Shield Option offered through this Contract has an associated Term, Index, Shield Rate and either a Cap Rate or Step Rate.

**Step Rate.** The rate credited at the Term End Date if the Index Performance is equal to or greater than zero. The Step Rate may vary between Shield Options and it is not an annual rate.

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**Surrender.** A full withdrawal of your Account Value.

**Target Index Value.** For any Shield Option with Performance Lock, in lieu of providing Notice of election on a particular Business Day, you may, at any time prior to the Term End Date, set a target Index Value at which you would like the Performance Lock to take effect "automatically" (i.e., without further action on your part provided the Index Value meets or exceeds your target Index Value).

**Term.** The Term is the number of years that the Shield Option is in effect. We currently offer Terms of 1 year, 3 years or 6 years. The Initial Term(s) begin on the Issue Date.

**Term End Date.** The Contract Anniversary on which a Shield Option ends.

**Term Start Date.** The Contract Anniversary on which a Shield Option is established. The initial Term Start Date(s) begins on the Issue Date, and thereafter, will be the Contract Anniversary coinciding with the duration of the current Term you have selected.

**Transfer Period.** The five (5) calendar days following the Contract Anniversary coinciding with the Term End Date for each applicable Shield Option and/or the Interest Rate Term End Date for the Fixed Account, during the Accumulation Period. For a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, the Transfer Period does not apply to transfers of Interim Value (i.e., transfers on any Contract Anniversary prior to the end of the Term). After a Locked Index Value takes effect, you may transfer the Interim Value of that Shield Option before the Term End Date but only on a Contract Anniversary.

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**Summary** 

The Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity is an individual single premium deferred index-linked separate account annuity contract (the "Contract") issued by BLIC, that provides for the potential accumulation of retirement savings. The Contract is intended for retirement or other long term investment purposes.

The Contract offers various Shield Options, which permit Owners to potentially receive interest equal to the percentage returns of certain Securities Indices, up to a Cap Rate or Step Rate, with guarantees against a specified level of negative returns—guarantees we call "Shield Rates." **The protections specified by the Shield Rate and the level of positive investment experience that can be credited to Account Value allowed by the Cap Rate or specified by the Step Rate are only fully available for amounts held until the end of Term.** 

We currently offer Shield Options based on Securities Indices. Additionally, each Shield Option has a Term of 1, 3, or 6 years in length, a Shield Rate (Shield 10, Shield 15 or Shield 25) and Rate Crediting Type (Cap Rate or Step Rate). For each Shield Option, you select the Term, the Shield Rate, and which Securities Index you want the performance of your Contract to be based on. If you select Shield 10 with a 1-Year Term, you may also select whether you want your Contract performance based on the Cap Rate or Step Rate. A Fixed Account that guarantees a fixed rate of interest may also be available. **Unless you allocate your Purchase Payment to the Fixed Account, you may lose money by investing in the Contract**.

The Cap Rate and Step Rate (each, a "Rate Crediting Type") are the two ways we offer that you can potentially receive interest based on the upside performance of an Index. The Cap Rate is the maximum rate that may be credited at the Term End Date based on Index Performance and the Step Rate is the rate credited at the Term End Date if the Index Performance is equal to or greater than zero.

New Cap Rates and Step Rates are declared for each subsequent Term. There are two ways you may find out what the renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates will be for a subsequent Term. Thirty (30) days before the current Term expires, we will mail you a Notice indicating your maturing Shield Options and how you can obtain the new Cap Rates and Step Rates. You may also access our website at https://www.brighthousefinancial.com/products/annuities/shield-annuities/shield-rates/ where at least two months of renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates are posted – i.e., for the current month and the following month. See "RATE CREDITING TYPES."

You may withdraw a portion or all of your Account Value at any time until you commence receiving Income Payments, subject to an adjustment to the Investment Amounts. Depending on the performance of the Indices you choose, this adjustment may be substantial. The protections offered by the Shield Rate as to amounts withdrawn when there has been adverse investment experience to date is reduced based on the length of time remaining in the Term when the withdrawal is made. In addition, the Step Rate and the upper limit specified by the Cap Rate are reduced as to amounts withdrawn before the end of the Term based on the length of time remaining in the Term when the withdrawal is made.

The Contract is available only in those states where it has been approved for sale.

The Contract comes standard with a Performance Lock rider, which allows you the option to lock positive Index Performance on certain Shield Options. For any Shield Option with Performance Lock, once during each Term you may elect to lock the Index Value. A Locked Index Value will take effect only if the closing Index Value – that is, the published closing value of the Index on the Business Day – is greater than the Index Value at the Term Start Date. Once an Index Value is locked it is irrevocable for the remainder of that Term. The Locked Index Value will be used as the Index Value for the remainder of the Term to determine the Index Performance.

The Performance Lock rider is available only in those states where it has been approved for sale.

Currently, you may purchase the Contract only if you are a participant in an account established under a fee-based program sponsored and maintained by a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary we approve. We may, in the future, offer the Contract through other means. The fees and expenses of your fee-based program are separate from and in addition to the fees and expenses of the Contract and may provide for various services, such as brokerage services. We do not create or approve these fee-based programs, which are the sole responsibility of the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary that maintains them. If you purchase a Contract through a fee-based program and later terminate the program, the program termination will not prevent the Contract from continuing in force. Please consult with your financial advisor for more details about your fee-based program. See "FEE-BASED EXPENSES" and "DOL INVESTMENT ADVICE FIDUCIARY RULE".

We offer other individual single premium deferred indexed-linked separate account contracts, that are available if you are not a participant in a fee-based program. These other contracts may have a withdrawal charge, which the Contract offered by this prospectus does not have. In addition, these other contracts may have different Shield Options, Shield Rates, Cap Rates and Step Rates. For more information about these other contracts, including availability, please contact your financial advisor.

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When you purchase the Contract, if you are age 81 or older at the Issue Date of the Contract, the standard death benefit is the Account Value. For Owners age 80 or younger at the Issue Date of the Contract, the standard death benefit (known as the Return of Premium death benefit) will be the greater of your (i) Account Value or (ii) Purchase Payment, reduced proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal (including withdrawals to pay for advisory fees).

Like all annuity contracts the Contract offers a range of annuity options, which provide Income Payments for your lifetime.

We have the right to substitute a comparable index prior to the Term End Date if any Index is discontinued or, at our sole discretion, we determine that our use of such Index should be discontinued, or if the calculation of an Index is substantially changed. See "An Index may be Substituted."

See "SPECIAL TERMS" in this prospectus for more detailed explanations of the terms associated with the Shield Options.

The following chart describes the key features of the Contract. Please read this prospectus for more detailed information about the Contract.

**Key Features of the Contract** 

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| Contract | &nbsp;&nbsp; Individual single premium deferred index-linked separate account annuity <br> contract.<br>|
| Purchase Payment | &nbsp;&nbsp; The minimum Purchase Payment: $25,000. Prior approval required for a <br> Purchase Payment of less than $25,000 or $1,000,000 or more.<br>|
| Owner and Annuitant Issue Ages | 0-85 |
| Contract Periods | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Contract has two periods:<br> •The Accumulation Period, the period prior to the Annuity Date; and<br> •The Income Period, which begins on the Annuity Date and during which <br> Income Payments are provided.<br>|
| Account Value | &nbsp;&nbsp; The total of the Fixed Account Value and the value of the Shield Option(s) under <br> the Contract during the Accumulation Period.<br>|
| Shield Option | &nbsp;&nbsp; Each Shield Option has an associated Term, Index, Shield Rate and Rate <br> Crediting Type.<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Term | The Term may be 1, 3, or 6 years in length. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The current Indices are as follows:<br> •S&P 500® Index (Price Return Index); <br> •Russell 2000® Index (Price Return Index); and<br> •MSCI EAFE Index (Price Return Index). |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | &nbsp;&nbsp; We currently offer different levels of protection:<br> **Shield 10** — A Shield Rate where negative Index Performance of up to 10% of <br> your Investment Amount is absorbed by us at the Term End Date, which would <br> leave you to absorb any remaining negative Index Performance of up to 90% of <br> your Investment Amount.<br> **Shield 15** — A Shield Rate where negative Index Performance of up to 15% of <br> your Investment Amount is absorbed by us at the Term End Date, which would <br> leave you to absorb any remaining negative Index Performance of up to 85% of <br> your Investment Amount.<br> **Shield 25** — A Shield Rate where negative Index Performance of up to 25% of <br> your Investment Amount is absorbed by us at the Term End Date, which would <br> leave you to absorb any remaining negative Index Performance of up to 75% of <br> your Investment Amount.<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rate Crediting Type | &nbsp;&nbsp; A Shield Option can only have one associated Rate Crediting Type: either a Cap <br> Rate or a Step Rate.<br>|

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| &nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Lock Benefit – <br> Performance Lock<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For any Shield Option with Performance Lock, once during each Term you may <br> elect to lock the Index Value. A Locked Index Value will take effect only if the <br> closing Index Value – that is, the published closing value of the Index on the <br> Business Day – is greater than the Index Value at the Term Start Date. Once an <br> Index Value is locked it is irrevocable for the remainder of that Term. The <br> Locked Index Value will be used as the Index Value for the remainder of the <br> Term to determine the Index Performance.<br> There are two ways you can lock an Index Value:<br>1.<br> Provide Notice of election on a particular Business Day to lock the closing <br> Index Value on that day. The Performance Lock will only take effect if the <br> closing Index Value on that particular day is greater than the Index Value <br> at the Term Start Date. If you submit a Notice of election and the <br> Performance Lock does not take effect, we will notify you in writing. If the <br> Index Value is not locked, you will be treated as having not yet exercised <br> your Performance Lock and can submit a new Notice of election on <br> another Business Day.<br>2.<br> Set a Target Index Value. Currently, in lieu of providing Notice of election <br> on a particular Business Day, you may, at any time prior to the Term End <br> Date, set a target Index Value at which you would like the Performance <br> Lock to take effect "automatically" – i.e., without further action on your <br> part provided the Index Value meets or exceeds your target Index Value <br> prior to the Term End Date. The target Index Value you specify must be <br> higher than the Index Value at the Term Start Date, cannot be applied <br> retroactively and is available only if a Locked Index Value has not already <br> taken effect for that Shield Option during the Term.<br> Shield Options where Performance Lock is available are identified with a check <br>mark (☒) in the "Performance Lock Available" column of Shield Options chart. <br> (See "SHIELD OPTIONS.")<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Adjustments due to the Performance <br> Lock Factor<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; For any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, we apply a Performance Lock <br> Factor which reduces Interim Value or Investment Amount, as the case may be. <br> The percentage that we apply is less than 100% (for example, 97%); the <br> remaining percentage amount not included in the calculation (in this case, 3%) <br> compensates us for the costs and risks that we assume in providing the <br> Performance Lock with your Shield Option. The Performance Lock Factor is built <br> into the formula for determining the value of a Shield Option with a Locked <br> Index Value, and as a result, you will receive a reduced Interim Value prior to the <br> end of the Term or Investment Amount at the end of the Term.<br>|
| Interim Value | &nbsp;&nbsp; The Interim Value is the amount that is available for annuitization, death <br> benefits, withdrawals and Surrenders. For each Shield Option, we assign the <br> value of Interim Value on any Business Day prior to the Term End Date. There <br> are two types of Interim Value – Interim Value without Performance Lock and <br> Interim Value with Performance Lock.<br> Interim Value without Performance Lock applies to a Shield Option without a <br> Locked Index Value and is equal to the Investment Amount in the Shield Option, <br> adjusted for the Index Performance of the associated Index and subject to the <br> applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate.<br> Interim Value with Performance Lock applies to a Shield Option with a Locked <br> Index Value and is equal to the Investment Amount in the Shield Option, <br> adjusted for the Index Performance (using the Locked Index Value) of the <br> associated Index and subject to the applicable Accrued Cap Rate (where the <br> Performance Rate is the Index Performance, adjusted for the applicable <br> Accrued Cap Rate), multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor.<br>|

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| Transfers | &nbsp;&nbsp; During the Accumulation Period you may make transfers to the Fixed Account <br> and/or to new Shield Option(s). For a Shield Option without a Locked Index <br> Value, you may only transfer during the Transfer Period. The effective date of <br> such transfer is the first day of the Interest Rate Term and/or the Term(s) in <br> which the transfer is made.<br> For a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, transfers are not restricted to the <br> Transfer Period, and you may transfer on any Contract Anniversary.<br> Once a Locked Index Value takes effect, you may elect to transfer the entire <br> amount of the Shield Option to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account (if <br> available) on any Contract Anniversary prior to the Term End Date (i.e., during <br> the Term).<br> **Partial transfers of a Shield Option are not permitted, except on a Term** <br> **End Date (for a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value) or during the** <br> **Transfer Period (for a Shield Option without a Locked Index Value.) See** <br> **"TRANSFERS."**<br>|
| Fixed Account | See Appendix D. |
| Access to Your Money | &nbsp;&nbsp; You may withdraw some or all of your money at any time prior to the Annuity <br> Date. For any withdrawal, a Performance Rate Adjustment, as of the date of the <br> withdrawal, will apply and may be substantial.<br>|
| Withdrawal Charge | None. |
| Systematic Withdrawal Program | &nbsp;&nbsp; You may elect the Systematic Withdrawal Program to provide automated <br> processing of amounts withdrawn from your Contract, subject to program <br> terms. We do not assess a charge for the program and you may terminate your <br> participation in the program at any time. Withdrawals under the Systematic <br> Withdrawal Program are subject to the same risks as any other withdrawals <br> under the Contract. Moreover, since Withdrawal Amounts from a Shield Option <br> will reduce the Investment Amount for that Shield Option by the percentage <br> reduction in the Interim Value of that Shield Option, a withdrawal when Index <br> Performance is negative will cause a greater percentage reduction in the <br> Investment Amount relative to the percentage reduction for the same <br> Withdrawal Amount when Index Performance is positive. Since withdrawals <br> under the Systematic Withdrawal Program are automatic, you will have no <br> control over the timing of those withdrawals. See "WITHDRAWAL PROVISIONS – <br> Systematic Withdrawal Program" for availability and other restrictions.<br>|
| Death Benefit | &nbsp;&nbsp; For Owners age 81 or older at the Issue Date of the Contract, the standard <br> death benefit is the Account Value. For Owners age 80 or younger at the Issue <br> Date of the Contract, the standard death benefit (known as the Return of <br> Premium death benefit) is the greater of the Account Value or your Purchase <br> Payment (reduced proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value <br> of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal <br> (including withdrawals to pay for advisory fees)). The Death Benefit Amount is <br> determined as of the end of the Business Day on which we receive Notice of <br> due proof of death and an acceptable election for the payment method.<br>|
| Annuity Options | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can choose an Annuity Option. After Income Payments begin, you cannot <br> change the Annuity Option. You can choose one of the following Annuity Options <br> on a fixed payment basis or any other Annuity Option acceptable to us:<br>(i)Life Annuity;<br> (ii)Life Annuity with 10 Years of Income Payments Guaranteed;<br> (iii)Joint and Last Survivor Annuity; and<br> (iv)Joint and Last Survivor Annuity with 10 Years of Income Payments <br> Guaranteed.<br> The Annuity Options may be limited due to the requirements of the Code.<br>|
| Charges and Expenses | &nbsp;&nbsp; You will bear the expenses of Premium and Other Taxes. See also "Fee-Based <br> Expenses" below.<br>|

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|:---|:---|
| Your Right to Cancel | &nbsp;&nbsp; You may cancel the Contract within a certain time period after receiving it by <br> mailing or delivering the Contract to either us or the financial advisor who sold <br> it. This is known as a "Free Look." Unless otherwise required by state law, we <br> will return either your Purchase Payment or Account Value, depending on your <br> state.<br>|

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**Risk Factors** 

The purchase of the Contract involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the following factors, in addition to the matters set forth elsewhere in the prospectus, prior to purchasing the Contract.

**Risk of loss** 

There is a risk of substantial loss of your principal (unless you allocated your Purchase Payment to the Fixed Account) because you agree to absorb all losses that exceed the Shield Rate for the Shield Options you select under the Contract. This means that if a negative Index Performance for a Shield Option you select exceeds the corresponding Shield Rate at the Term End Date, you will bear the portion of the loss that exceeds the Shield Rate.

**No ownership of the underlying securities** 

When you purchase the Contract and allocate your Purchase Payment to a Shield Option(s), you will not be investing in the Index for the Shield Options you select or in a mutual fund or exchange traded fund that also tracks the Index. Your Performance Rate Adjustment for a Shield Option is limited by a Cap Rate or Step Rate, which means your Investment Amount will be lower than if you had invested in a mutual fund or exchange traded fund designed to track the performance of the applicable Index and the performance is greater than your Cap Rate or Step Rate.

**Effect of Withdrawals, Surrender, Annuitization or Death** 

The method we use in calculating your Interim Value may result in an amount that is less than the amount you would receive had you held the investment until the Term End Date. If you take a withdrawal when Index Performance is negative, your remaining Investment Amount may be significantly less than if you waited to take the withdrawal when Index Performance was positive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you take a withdrawal, including RMDs, your Account Value will be reduced by the amount withdrawn proportionally from your Shield Options and Fixed Account unless you tell us from which options, in which you currently have any Account Value, where the withdrawal should be taken.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you die (unless your Contract was issued with the Return of Premium death benefit), make a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract prior to the Term End Date, we will pay the Interim Value, which may be less than if you held the Contract until all of your Shield Options reached their Term End Dates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If your Contract is annuitized prior to a Term End Date, we will use the Interim Value to calculate the Income Payments you will receive based on the applicable Annuity Option. In deciding on an Annuity Date, you should take into consideration the Term End Dates of your Shield Options relative to the Annuity Date you have chosen.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The calculation of the Interim Value will be based on Index Performance and the applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate as of the date of the calculation (as well as a reduction for the Performance Lock Factor, if applicable). The Shield Rates, Cap Rates and Step Rates accrue during the Term and only reach full accrual on the last day of a Term. If negative Index Performance is constant during the Term, the Interim Value will be lower the earlier a withdrawal is made during the Term because the Shield Rate is accruing during this period. Also, withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees) prior to the Term End Date, when Index Performance is positive, are subject to an Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate based on the period those amounts were invested in the Shield Option. This means the earlier you take a withdrawal the lesser extent to which any positive Index Performance is reflected in your Account Value due to the accruing of the Cap Rate or Step Rate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If your Account Value falls below the Minimum Account Value as a result of a withdrawal, we may terminate your Contract.

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**Limitations on Transfers** 

You may make transfers between the Fixed Account and the Shield Option(s) only during the Transfer Period. Unless you have a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, you cannot make transfers outside the Transfer Period and you cannot transfer out of a current Shield Option to another Shield Option or the Fixed Account until the Term End Date of the current Shield Option and you cannot transfer out of the Fixed Account to a Shield Option until the Interest Rate Term End Date (which will not be less than one (1) year). In both cases, the amount transferred can only be transferred to new Shield Options or the Fixed Account. This may limit your ability to react to market conditions.

If you remain in your current Shield Option with a Locked Index Value until the Term End Date and decide to transfer the Investment Amount to a new Shield Option, the Index Value on the Term Start Date of your new Shield Option will be the then-current Index Value for that option, which may be higher or lower than the Locked Index Value from the transferred Shield Option.

In addition, you should understand that for renewals into the same Shield Option, a new Cap Rate or Step Rate, as applicable, will be declared and will go into effect on the Contract Anniversary that coincides with the beginning of the new Shield Option.

Moreover, at the Term End Date, the Investment Amount allocated to the Shield Option that has reached its Term End Date will be automatically renewed into the same Shield Option unless you instruct us to transfer such amount into a different Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account. You have the Transfer Period to notify us that you want to transfer some or all of your Investment Amount to a new Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account. Thus, failure to provide such instructions during the Transfer Period will result in an automatic renewal for a period of at least one (1) year.

If you have a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, you may transfer the Interim Value before the Term End Date. Once a Locked Index Value takes effect, you may elect to transfer the Interim Value to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account (if available) on any Contract Anniversary prior to the Term End Date (i.e., during the Term). You may only transfer the entire amount of the Interim Value to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account (if available). **Partial transfers of Interim Value are not permitted.** 

**Availability of Shield Options** 

Your selling firm may limit the Shield Options available through that firm when your Contract is issued or at Term End Date. Additionally, we may stop selling certain Shield Options. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Shield Option, but after your Contract is issued, there will always be one Shield Option available. Consequently, if we were to offer only one Shield Option, you would be limited to investing in that one Shield Option. If that Shield Option does not meet your investment objectives or financial goals, you could transfer to the Fixed Account (if available at that time and subject to applicable conditions described in the "TRANSFERS" section, including the requirement to remain invested in the Fixed Account until the Interest Rate Term End Date), surrender your Contract and/or invest in another investment vehicle. If you surrender your Contract, you might incur taxes, tax penalties or other adjustments. If you invest in another investment vehicle, that investment may have different features, fees and risks than your Contract. Similarly, a particular Shield Option may not be available for you to transfer your Investment Amount or Fixed Account Value into after a Term End Date or the Interest Rate Term End Date. If the same Shield Option is no longer available at the Term End Date, the Investment Amount in the applicable Shield Option(s) will automatically transfer into the Fixed Account at the Term End Date, unless you instruct us otherwise. The amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain in the Fixed Account until the Interest Rate Term End Date (which, currently, will not be less than one (1) year). The Investment Amount held in the Fixed Account may earn a return that is less than the return you might have earned if those amounts were held in a Shield Option. If we exercise this right, your ability to increase your Account Value and, consequently, increase your death benefit will be limited. If the Fixed Account is not available, the Investment Amount will automatically transfer into the Shield Option with, in order of priority, the shortest Term, the highest Shield Rate and the lowest Cap Rate from the Shield Options available at the Term End Date, unless you instruct us otherwise.

**Financial Advisor Initiated Withdrawals** 

Subject to our administrative procedures, you may authorize your financial advisor to take withdrawals on your behalf, which may be used to pay fees and expenses associated with your fee-based program. A withdrawal made to pay such fees and expenses is subject to the same withdrawal provisions described in the "Withdrawal Provisions" section. These withdrawals, like all withdrawals, will result in a reduction to the Investment Amount in each Shield Option and the Fixed Account in the ratio that each Shield Option and the Fixed Account bears to the total Account Value unless you instruct us otherwise. These fees and expenses are separate from and in addition to the fees and charges you will pay under the contract, will reduce your death benefit under the Contract, and may be subject to Federal income tax and penalties. You

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should consult with your financial advisor for more details about your particular fee-based program. See "FEE-BASED EXPENSES" and "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS -- Fee-Based Programs."

**Risks Associated with the Referenced Indices** 

Because the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index (Price Return Index), the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index (Price Return Index) and the MSCI EAFE Index (Price Return Index) are each comprised of a collection of equity securities, in each case the value of the component securities is subject to market risk, or the risk that market fluctuations may cause the value of the component securities to go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. In addition, the value of equity securities may increase or decline for reasons directly related to the issuers of the securities. (See "INDICES" and "SHIELD RATES.")

**An Index may be Substituted** 

We have the right to substitute a comparable index prior to the Term End Date if any Index is discontinued or, at our sole discretion, we determine that our use of such Index should be discontinued, or if the calculation of an Index is substantially changed. We would attempt to choose a substitute index that has a similar investment objective and risk profile to the replaced index. Upon substitution of an Index, we will calculate your Index Performance on the replaced Index up until the date of substitution and the substitute Index from the date of substitution to the Term End Date. An Index substitution will not change the Shield Rate, Cap Rate or Step Rate for an existing Shield Option. The performance of the new Index may not be as good as the one that it substituted and as a result your Index Performance may have been better if there had been no substitution.

**Performance Lock Risks** 

The Index Value may increase above the Locked Index Value; however, the higher Index Value will not be utilized in the Index Performance calculation. In addition, with a Locked Index Value you may receive less than you would have received had you not exercised a Locked Index Value due to the Performance Lock Factor. Furthermore, once a Locked Index Value takes effect, it is irrevocable for the remainder of that Term.

For a Shield Option where Performance Lock is available, you may set a Target Index Value. The ability to set a Target Index Value in advance is an administrative feature that may not be available in the future for new requests; however any previously received requests will be honored.

**Issuing Company** 

No company other than BLIC has any legal responsibility to pay amounts that BLIC owes under the Contract. An Owner should look to the financial strength of BLIC for its claims-paying ability.

**Cybersecurity and Certain Business Continuity Risks** 

Our business is largely conducted through complex digital communications and data storage networks and systems operated by us and our service providers or other business partners (e.g., the firms involved in the distribution and sale of our products). For example, many routine operations, such as processing your requests and elections and day-to-day record keeping, are all executed through computer networks and systems. We have established administrative and technical controls and business continuity and resilience plans to protect our operations against attempts by unauthorized third parties to improperly access, modify, disrupt the operation of, or prevent access to critical networks or systems or data within them (a "cyber-attack"). Despite these protocols, a cyber-attack could have a material, negative impact on BLIC, as well as individual Owners and their Contracts. Our operations also could be negatively affected by a cyber-attack at a third party, such as a service provider, business partner, another participant in the financial markets or a governmental or regulatory authority. Cyber-attacks can occur through unauthorized access to computer systems, networks or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; phishing attacks; account takeover attempts; or attacks that shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality. There may be an increased risk of cyber-attacks during periods of geo-political or military conflict. Disruptions or failures may also result from unintentional causes, such as market events that trigger a surge of activity that overloads current information technology and communication systems. Other disruptive events, including (but not limited to) natural disasters, military actions, and public health crises, may adversely affect our ability to conduct business, in particular if our employees or the employees of our service providers are unable or unwilling to perform their responsibilities as a result of any such event. Cyber-attacks, disruptions or failures to our business operations can interfere with our processing of Contract transactions, including the processing of transfer orders from our website; impact our ability to calculate values; cause the release and/or possible loss, misappropriation or corruption of confidential Owner or business information; or impede order processing or cause other operational issues. There can be no assurance that we or our service providers will avoid losses affecting your Contract due to

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cyber-attacks, disruptions or failures in the future. Although we continually make efforts to identify and reduce our exposure to cybersecurity risk, there is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully manage and mitigate this risk at all times. Furthermore, we cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems implemented by third parties, including service providers.

**COVID-19 and Market Conditions Risks** 

The COVID-19 pandemic has at times resulted in or contributed to significant financial market volatility, travel restrictions and disruptions, quarantines, an uncertain interest rate environment, elevated inflation, global business, supply chain, and employment disruptions affecting companies across various industries, and government and central bank interventions, wide-ranging changes in consumer behavior, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economic environment. At this time, it continues to not be possible to estimate (i) the severity or duration of the pandemic, including the severity, duration and frequency of any additional "waves" or emerging variants of COVID-19, or (ii) the efficacy or utilization of any therapeutic treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 or variants thereof. It likewise remains not possible to predict or estimate the longer-term effects of the pandemic, or any actions taken to contain or address the pandemic, on our business and financial condition, the financial markets, and the economy at large. BLIC has implemented risk management and contingency plans and continues to closely monitor this evolving situation, including the impact on services provided by third-party vendors. However, there can be no assurance that any future impact from the COVID-19 pandemic will not be material to BLIC and/or with respect to the services BLIC or its customers receive from third-party vendors. Significant market volatility and negative investment returns in the financial markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and market conditions could have a negative impact on the performance of the Indices. Depending on market conditions and your individual circumstances (e.g., your selected Shield Option and the timing of any Purchase Payments, transfers, or withdrawals), you may experience (perhaps significant) negative returns under the Contract. You should consult with your financial representative about how the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent market conditions may impact your future investment decisions related to the contract, such as purchasing the contract, transfers, or withdrawals, based on your individual circumstances.

**THE ANNUITY CONTRACT** 

This prospectus describes the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity issued by us and describes all the material features of the Contract. The Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity is a contract between you as the Owner, and us, the insurance company, where you agree to make a Purchase Payment to us and we agree to make a series of Income Payments at a later date you select (the "Annuity Date").

The Contract, like all deferred annuity contracts, has two periods: the Accumulation Period and the Income Period. During the Accumulation Period, Account Value accumulates on a tax-deferred basis and is taxed as income when you make a withdrawal. Withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees), depending on the amount and timing, may negatively impact the benefits and guarantees provided by your Contract. You should carefully consider whether a withdrawal under a particular circumstance will have any negative impact to your benefits or guarantees. The Income Period occurs when you or a designated payee begin receiving regular Income Payments from your Contract.

The maximum issue age for this Contract is 85.

When you purchase the Contract, you can choose one or more of the available Shield Options and the Fixed Account. A Purchase Payment applied to the Shield Options is allocated to the Separate Account. You do not share in the investment performance of assets allocated to the Separate Account. We are obligated to pay all money we owe under the Contract, including death benefits and Income Payments. Any such amount that exceeds the assets in the Separate Account is paid from our General Account, subject to our financial strength and claims-paying ability and our long-term ability to make such payments, and is not guaranteed by any other party. (See "THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.")

The Contract is intended for retirement savings or other long-term investment purposes. The Contract has features and benefits that may be appropriate for you based on your financial situation and objectives, but we are not a fiduciary and do not provide investment advice or make recommendations regarding insurance or investment products, or any securities transactions or investment strategies involving securities. You should ask your financial advisor for guidance as to whether this contract may be appropriate for you. Please bear in mind that your financial advisor, or any financial firm or financial professional with whom you consult for advice, acts on your behalf, not ours. We are not party to any agreement between you and your financial professional. See "DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS" for information on firms that sell the Contract.

The Contract benefits from tax deferral. Tax deferral means that you are not taxed on Account Value or appreciation on the assets in your Contract until you take money out of your Contract. Non-qualified annuity Contracts (which are not retirement plans) owned by a non-natural person such as a corporation or certain other legal entities (other than a trust that

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holds the Contract as an agent for a natural person), do not receive tax deferral on earnings. In addition, for any tax qualified account (e.g., an IRA), the tax deferred accrual feature is provided by the tax qualified retirement plan. Therefore, there should be reasons other than tax deferral for acquiring the Contract by a corporation, certain legal entities or within a qualified plan. (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.")

Currently, a Fixed Account is available. However, the Fixed Account may not always be available. You should consult your financial advisor for information regarding the Fixed Account, if available. See Appendix D for certain information regarding the Fixed Account. The Fixed Account offers an interest rate that is guaranteed by us. The minimum interest rate depends on the date your Contract is issued and will not be less than 1% annually. Your financial advisor can tell you the current and minimum interest rates that apply. If you select the Fixed Account, your money will be placed with our other General Account assets, and the amount of money you are able to accumulate in your Contract during the Accumulation Period depends upon the total interest credited to your Contract. The Fixed Account is part of our General Account. Our General Account consists of all assets owned by us other than those in the Separate Account and our other separate accounts. We have sole discretion over the investment of assets in the General Account and the Separate Account. If you select an Annuity Option during the Income Period, payments are made from our General Account assets.

The amount of the Income Payments you receive during the Income Period from an Income Payment option will remain level for the entire Income Period, subject to the payout chosen. (See "INCOME PAYMENTS (THE INCOME PERIOD)" for more information.)

As Owner, you exercise all interests and rights under the Contract. You can change the Owner at any time, subject to our underwriting requirements. The Contract may be owned generally by Joint Owners (limited to natural persons). (See "OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS.")

Any Internal Revenue Code reference to "spouse" includes those persons who are married spouses under state law, regardless of sex.

**Third Party Agreement** 

We do not offer advice about how to allocate your Account Value among the Shield Options and Fixed Account. As such, we are not responsible for any recommendations your financial advisor makes or any specific allocations or transfers they make on your behalf. You should speak with your financial advisor regarding any different arrangements that may apply, particularly with regard to any fee-based program you may have in connection with your Contract.

**We are not a party to the agreement you have with your financial advisor, and do not verify that amounts withdrawn from your Contract, including amounts withdrawn to pay for the fee-based program, are within the terms of your agreement with your financial advisor.** We will process requests for advisory fee withdrawals in accordance with instructions from you or, subject to our administrative procedures, an authorized third party representative, and you will receive confirmations of transactions that affect your Contract that among other things reflect withdrawals from your Contract. It is your responsibility to arrange for the payment of the fees charged by your financial advisor. Similarly, it is your responsibility to understand the services provided by your financial advisor and the fees charged for those services and programs. Fees and expenses associated with any fee-based program are separate from and in addition to the fees and charges you will pay under the Contract. Withdrawals to pay fees and charges associated with any fee-based program will be treated like any withdrawals and will reduce your death benefit under the contract and may be subject to Federal income tax and penalties. (See "WITHDRAWAL PROVISIONS--Financial Advisor Initiated Withdrawals," "FEE-BASED EXPENSES" and "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS--Fee Based Programs.")

**Replacement of Contracts** 

**Exchanges**. Generally you can exchange one non-qualified annuity contract for another in a tax-free exchange under Section 1035 of the Code. Before making an exchange, you should compare both annuities carefully. If you exchange another annuity for the one described in this prospectus, you might have to pay a withdrawal charge on your old annuity. Other charges may be higher (or lower) and the benefits may be different. Also, because we will not issue the Contract until we have received the initial premium from your existing insurance company, the issuance of the Contract may be delayed. Generally, it is not advisable to purchase a Contract as a replacement for an existing annuity contract. Before you exchange another annuity for our Contract, ask your financial advisor whether the exchange would be advantageous, given the Contract features, benefits and charges.

**Exchange Programs.** From time to time we may make available programs under which certain annuity contracts previously issued by us or one of our affiliates may be exchanged for the Contracts offered by this prospectus. Currently, with respect to exchanges from certain of our annuity contracts to the Contract, an existing contract is eligible for exchange if a surrender of the existing contract would not trigger a withdrawal charge. The Account Value of this Contract will not be

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subject to any withdrawal charge. You should carefully consider whether an exchange is appropriate for you by comparing the benefits and other guarantees provided by the contract you currently own to the benefits and guarantees that would be provided by the new Contract offered by this prospectus. Then, you should compare the fees and charges of your current contract to the fees and charges of the new Contract, which may be higher than your current contract. The programs we offer will be made available on terms and conditions determined by us, and any such programs will comply with applicable law. We believe the exchanges will be tax free for Federal income tax purposes; however, you should consult your tax advisor before making any such exchange.

**PURCHASE** 

The Contract may not be available for purchase through your broker dealer ("selling firm") during certain periods. There are a number of reasons why the Contract periodically may not be available, including that the insurance company wants to limit the volume of sales of the Contract. You may wish to speak to your financial advisor about how this may affect your purchase. For example, you may be required to submit your purchase application in Good Order prior to or on a stipulated date in order to purchase a Contract, and a delay in such process could result in your not being able to purchase a Contract. Your selling firm may offer the Contract with a lower maximum issue age for the Contract compared to what other selling firms may offer. Your selling firm may limit the Shield Options available through that firm when your Contract is issued or at the Term End Date. However, at the end of your initial Shield Option(s), you may transfer into any Shield Option(s) available under the Contract, subject to any transfer restrictions (see "TRANSFERS"). Please be aware that your financial advisor may not be able to provide you information or answer questions you may have with regard to those Shield Options that your selling firm does not make available. Therefore, you may contact us directly at (888) 243-1932 or in writing at Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Annuity Service Office, P.O. Box 305075, Nashville, TN, 37230-5075.

We offer other individual single premium deferred indexed-linked separate account contracts. However, not every contract we issue is available through every selling firm. In addition, these other contracts may have different Shield Options, Shield Rates, Cap Rates and Step Rates.

**Purchase Payment** 

A Purchase Payment is the total amount of money you give us to invest in the Contract. The Purchase Payment is due on the date the Contract is issued.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The minimum Purchase Payment we will accept is $25,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you want to make a Purchase Payment of less than $25,000 or $1,000,000 or more, you will need our prior approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We reserve the right to refuse a Purchase Payment made via a personal check in excess of $100,000. A Purchase Payment over $100,000 may be accepted in other forms, including, but not limited to, EFT/wire transfers, certified checks, corporate checks, and checks written on financial institutions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We will not accept a Purchase Payment made with cash, money orders, or travelers checks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Corporations and other legal entities we approve, may purchase the Contract; however, we will not accept a Purchase Payment made by a corporation or other legal entity (other than a trust that holds the Contract as agent for a natural person) to fund any type of qualified or non-qualified retirement plan.

We reserve the right to reject any application.

**Allocation of the Purchase Payment** 

You may allocate your Purchase Payment to one or more of the available Shield Options or into the Fixed Account. On your Issue Date, your Purchase Payment is allocated to the Shield Option(s) and/or the Fixed Account, as you specified on the application, unless we receive Notice of any changes from you before we have issued your Contract. All allocations must be in whole percentages that total 100% or in whole dollars. Once your Purchase Payment is allocated to the Shield Options and/or the Fixed Account, they become part of your Account Value.

**SHIELD OPTIONS** 

The Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity is not a variable annuity where your account value varies based on the investment performance of the underlying portfolios you choose, rather the Shield Options offer potential interest based upon index performance. This potential interest—the Performance Rate Adjustment—may be a positive or negative

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percentage or zero. You may allocate your Purchase Payment to one or more of the available Shield Options and the Fixed Account. Based upon the Index Performance of the Index associated with the Shield Option, a Performance Rate Adjustment will be applied to the Investment Amount in that Shield Option on any day during the Term that you make a withdrawal from the Shield Option, Surrender your Contract, annuitize your Contract, a Death Benefit is paid or the Term ends. Given that Index Performance may be positive, zero or negative, your Performance Rate Adjustment may be positive, zero or negative. It is possible for you to lose a portion of the Purchase Payment and any earnings invested in the Contract. The Performance Rate Adjustment is based on a certain amount of protection against decreases in an Index Value and a limitation on potential interest based on an Index Value. The extent of the downside protection varies by the Shield Rate you select. If you access amounts in the Shield Options before the Term End Date, we will instead calculate an Interim Value on each Business Day between the Term Start Date and the Term End Date. (See "Interim Value Calculation.")

You have the opportunity to allocate your Investment Amount to any of the Shield Options described below, subject to the requirements, limitations and procedures disclosed in the prospectus. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Shield Option and your selling firm may limit the Shield Options available through that firm when your Contract is issued. After the Contract is issued, there will always be at least one Shield Option available although it may not be substantially similar to one of the currently available Shield Options. Each Shield Option has an associated (i) Term, (ii) Index, (iii) Shield Rate and (iv) Rate Crediting Type you select.

The following chart lists the Shield Options (each of which is issued with a Cap Rate unless otherwise noted) currently available and indicates the availability of the Performance Lock Rider:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **SHIELD OPTIONS** | **SHIELD OPTIONS** | **SHIELD OPTIONS** |
| **TERM** | **INDEX** | **PERFORMANCE LOCK AVAILABLE** |
| SHIELD 25<br> (up to 25% downside protection) | SHIELD 25<br> (up to 25% downside protection) | SHIELD 25<br> (up to 25% downside protection) |
| 1 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| 6 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| SHIELD 15<br> (up to 15% downside protection) | SHIELD 15<br> (up to 15% downside protection) | SHIELD 15<br> (up to 15% downside protection) |
| 1 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| 3 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| 6 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| SHIELD 10<br> (up to 10% downside protection) | SHIELD 10<br> (up to 10% downside protection) | SHIELD 10<br> (up to 10% downside protection) |
| 1 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index Step Rate<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index Step Rate<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index Step Rate<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| 3 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |
| 6 Year | &nbsp;&nbsp; S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<br> Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<br> MSCI EAFE Index<br>| ☒<br> ☒<br> ☒ |

---

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The Indices are described in more detail below, under the heading "Indices." For each new Shield Option we declare a new Cap Rate or a new Step Rate, as applicable, for each Term. The initial Cap Rate or Step Rate, as applicable, for each Shield Option is declared on the Issue Date. Thereafter the Cap Rate or Step Rate, as applicable, for each subsequent Shield Option is declared for each subsequent Term. See "Cap Rate" and "Step Rate".

**Please note, Shield Options with higher Shield Rates tend to have lower Cap Rates and Step Rates, as applicable, than other Shield Options that use the same Index and Term but provide lower Shield Rates.** For example, a S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a 3-Year Term and a Shield 15 will tend to have a Cap Rate that is lower than a S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a 3-Year Term and a Shield 10.

A Shield Option will always be available; however, we reserve the right to change the duration of any new Shield Options, stop offering any of the Shield Options or suspend offering any of the Shield Options. We may also add Shield Options in the future. All Shield Options may not be available in all states.

**TERM** 

The Term is the number of years that a Shield Option is in effect. For specific Shield Options we currently offer Terms of 1 year, 3 years or 6 years. An initial Term(s) begins on the Issue Date. A Term ends and a subsequent Term begins on the Contract Anniversary coinciding with the duration of the then current Term for the Shield Option you have selected.

**Term Start Date** 

Each Shield Option will have a Term Start Date, which is the Contract Anniversary on which a Shield Option is established. The initial Term Start Date(s) begins on the Issue Date, and thereafter, will be the Contract Anniversary coinciding with the duration of the Term for the Shield Option completed.

**Term End Date** 

Each Shield Option will have a Term End Date, which is the Contract Anniversary on which a Shield Option ends. Thirty (30) days in advance of the Term End Date, we will send you written Notice stating that your current Shield Option is maturing and that, at the Term End Date, the Investment Amount allocated to that Shield Option will automatically be renewed into the same Shield Option unless you instruct us to transfer such amount into a different Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account, if available. The Notice will inform you of what your current Shield Options are and explain how you can obtain the different Shield Options available at the Term End Date, including the renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates and the interest rate for the Fixed Account. You may also access information on our website at https://www.brighthousefinancial.com/products/annuities/shield-annuities/shield-rates/renewal-rates/ where at least two months of available Shield Options and renewal rates are posted. If the same Shield Option is no longer available at the Term End Date, the Investment Amount will automatically transfer into the Fixed Account at the Term End Date, unless you instruct us otherwise. The amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain in the Fixed Account until the Interest Rate Term End Date (which, currently, will not be less than one (1) year). If the Fixed Account is not available, the Investment Amount will automatically transfer into the Shield Option with, in order of priority, the shortest Term, the highest Shield Rate and the lowest Cap Rate from the Shield Options available at the Term End Date, unless you instruct us otherwise. You have the Transfer Period to notify us that you want to transfer some or all of your Investment Amount to a new Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account. For renewals into the same Shield Option, a new Cap Rate or Step Rate, as applicable, will be declared and will go into effect on the Contract Anniversary that coincides with the beginning of the new Term in the Shield Option that just ended. The amount transferred to the new Shield Option is the Investment Amount as of the Contract Anniversary.

**INDICES** 

The Performance Rate of a Shield Option is based on the performance of the associated Index. We currently offer Shield Options with indices based on the performance of securities. In the future we may offer Shield Options based on other types of indices. We may also add or remove indices for new Contracts at our discretion.

The following Indices are currently available:

*S&P 500*<sup>®</sup> *Index (Price Return Index).* The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index includes 500 large cap stocks from leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy, capturing approximately 80% coverage of U.S. equities by market capitalization. The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies in this Index.

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*Russell 2000*<sup>®</sup> *Index (Price Return Index).* The Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 is a subset of the Russell 3000<sup>®</sup> Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies in this Index.

*MSCI EAFE Index (Price Return Index).* The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada. As of the date of this prospectus the MSCI EAFE Index consists of the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The MSCI EAFE Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies in this Index. Index Value and Index Performance will be calculated without any exchange rate adjustment.

See Appendix A for important information regarding the publishers of the Indices.

**Discontinuation or Substantial Change to an Index.** If any Index is discontinued or, we determine that our use of such Index should be discontinued, or if the calculation of an Index is substantially changed, we may substitute a comparable index with a similar investment objective and risk profile. We will send you (i) written Notice thirty (30) days in advance of such substitution if we determine such Index should be discontinued and (ii) reasonable written Notice relative to the notice we receive under our license agreements with the publishers of the Indices if an Index is discontinued. Upon substitution of an Index, we will calculate your Index Performance on the existing Index up until the date of substitution and the substitute Index from the date of substitution to the Term End Date. The Index Performance as of the Term End Date will be equal to the return from having invested in the initial Index up to the substitution date and then investing in the substitute Index from the date of substitution to the Term End Date assuming no withdrawals or transfers based on the following formula: (initial Index at Index substitution date ÷ initial Index at Term Start Date) x (substituted Index at Term End Date ÷ substituted Index at substitution date) – 1. An Index substitution will not change the Term, Shield Rate, Cap Rate or Step Rate for an existing Shield Option.

See Appendix B for an Index substitution Investment Amount example.

For the Performance Lock, if the Index associated with your Shield Option is substituted but a Locked Index Value has not yet taken effect, we will calculate a new Target Index Value based on the new Index and will notify you of the change. The new Target Index Value will reflect the same amount of growth between the replaced (i.e., old) Index's value at Term Start Date and the Target Index Value you had set on the replaced Index. You will have the opportunity to cancel the Notice of election with the new Target Index Value if you choose to do so.

**Index Value** 

The Index Value of an Index, on a Business Day, is the published closing value of the Index on that Business Day. The Index Value on any day that is not a Business Day is the value as of the prior Business Day. We will use consistent sources to obtain Index Values. If these sources are no longer available for specific indices, we will select an alternative published source(s) for these Index Values.

**Index Performance** 

The Performance Rate of a Shield Option is based on the performance of an Index. Index Performance is the percentage change in an Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to any day, including the Term End Date, within the Term. The Index Performance can be positive, zero or negative.

For any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, Index Performance is the percentage change in Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect. Since Index Performance is calculated as of the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect, subsequent changes to an Index—such as substitution of the Index for a Shield Option or changes in the value of an Index—will have no impact on your Index Performance. Index Performance with a Locked Index Value is calculated once—as of the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect—and does not change under any circumstances for the remainder of the Term.

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**SHIELD RATES** 

The Shield Rate is accrued from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date, and the full Shield Rate only applies if you hold the Shield Option until the Term End Date. The Shield Rate for each Shield Option is the amount of any negative Index Performance that is absorbed by us at the Term End Date. Any negative Index Performance beyond the Shield Rate will reduce the Investment Amount. **You should also keep in mind that if Index Performance is negative, the Performance Rate can never be greater than zero.** 

We currently offer the following Shield Rates: Shield 10, Shield 15 and Shield 25:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Shield Rate** | **Downside Protection** |
| Shield 10 | up to 10% |
| Shield 15 | up to 15% |
| Shield 25 | up to 25% |

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For example, a -15% Index Performance with a 10% Shield Rate will result in a -5% Performance Rate; or, a -10% Index Performance with a 25% Shield Rate will result in a 0% Performance Rate. **The Shield Rate may vary between Shield Options and it is not an annual rate.**

**In deciding whether to choose a Shield Option with a higher Shield Rate, you should consider that Shield Options with higher Shield Rates tend to have lower Cap Rates and Step Rates, as applicable, than Shield Options with lower Shield Rates that have the same index and term.**

**RATE CREDITING TYPES** 

**Cap Rate** 

The Cap Rate is the maximum rate that may be credited at the Term End Date based on Index Performance. For example, a 15% Index Performance with a 10% Cap Rate will result in a 10% Performance Rate; or, a 5% Index Performance with a 10% Cap Rate will result in a 5% Performance Rate. **The Cap Rate may vary between Shield Options and it is not an annual rate.** The Cap Rate is measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date, and the full Cap Rate only applies if you hold the Shield Option until the Term End Date. For renewals into the same Shield Option a new Cap Rate is declared for each subsequent Term, and such rate will not be less than the Minimum Guaranteed Cap Rate stated in your Contract, but will not be less than 2% for Shield Options with a 1-Year Term, 6% for Shield Options with a 3-Year Term and 8% for Shield Options with a 6-Year Term. A thirty (30) day advance written Notice will be mailed to you indicating your maturing Shield Options and how you can obtain the new Cap Rates and Step Rates for the available Shield Options and the interest rate for the Fixed Account.

There are two ways you may find out what the renewal Cap Rates will be for a subsequent Term. Thirty (30) days before the current Term expires, we will mail you a Notice indicating your maturing Shield Options and how you can obtain the new Cap Rates and Step Rates. You may also access our website at https://www.brighthousefinancial.com/products/annuities/shield-annuities/shield-rates/ where at least two months of renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates are posted – i.e., for the current month and the following month. At the Term End Date, the Investment Amount will automatically be renewed into the same Shield Option, with the new Cap Rate, unless you elect to transfer such amount into a different Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account. See "TRANSFERS."

**Step Rate** 

The Step Rate is the rate credited at the Term End Date if the Index Performance is equal to or greater than zero. For example, a 15% Index Performance with a 8% Step Rate will result in a 8% Performance Rate; or, a 5% Index Performance with a 8% Step Rate will result in a 8% Performance Rate. The Step Rate is measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date, and the full Step Rate only applies if you hold the Shield Option until the Term End Date. **The Step Rate may vary between Shield Options and it is not an annual rate.** For renewals into the same Shield Option a new Step Rate is declared for each subsequent Term, and such rate will not be less than the Minimum Guaranteed Step Rate stated in your Contract, but will not be less than 1.5%.

There are two ways you may find out what the renewal Step Rates will be for a subsequent Term. Thirty (30) days before the current Term expires, we will mail you a Notice indicating your maturing Shield Options and how you can obtain the new Cap Rates and Step Rates. You may also access the our website at https://www.brighthousefinancial.com/products/annuities/shield-annuities/shield-rates/ where at least two months of renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates are posted – i.e., for the

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current month and the following month. At the Term End Date, the Investment Amount will automatically be renewed into the same Shield Option, with the new Step Rate, unless you elect to transfer such amount into a different Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account. See "TRANSFERS."

In deciding whether to purchase a Shield Option with a Cap Rate or a Step Rate, you should consider that Step Rates are generally lower than Cap Rates. If Index Performance is equal to or greater than zero but less than the Step Rate, and you chose a Cap Rate for your Shield Option, your Performance Rate Adjustment will be lower than it otherwise would be had you chosen a Step Rate. Alternatively, if the Index Performance is positive and exceeds the Step Rate, and you chose a Step Rate for your Shield Option, your Performance Rate Adjustment will be lower than it would otherwise be had you chosen a Cap Rate. For example, if you chose a Shield Option with a 10% Cap Rate and there is a 15% Index Performance, your Performance Rate is 10%; however, if instead you were to choose a Shield Option with an 8% Step Rate, your Performance Rate would instead be 8%. Alternatively, if you chose a Shield Option with a 10% Cap Rate and there is a 0% Index Performance, your Performance Rate is 0%; however, if instead you were to choose a Shield Option with an 8% Step Rate, your Performance Rate would be 8%.

**Addition or Discontinuance of a Shield Option** 

A Shield Option will always be available; however, we can add or discontinue any Shield Option. When a change is made to a Shield Option or an Index, or changed subsequent to the Issue Date, we will send a notification describing any changes to the Shield Option, as required by law. This change will take effect under your Contract as of the next Contract Anniversary for any allowable transfers into the Shield Option(s). If you are currently allocated in a Shield Option which is no longer available, you will remain in that Shield Option until the Term End Date, but that Shield Option will no longer be available following the Term End Date. For more on transfers and renewals, see "TRANSFERS."

**ACCOUNT VALUE** 

Your Account Value is the total of the Fixed Account Value and the value of the Shield Option(s) under your Contract during the Accumulation Period.

The following four sections of the prospectus describe (1) the calculation of Investment Amount, (2) the calculation of Interim Value, (3) how Withdrawals work, and (4) how Transfers work. Each section has corresponding example(s). These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future performance for any Shield Option. **Actual performance may be greater or less than those shown in the examples. Similarly, the Index Values in the examples are not an estimate or guarantee of future Index Performance.** 

The rates for the Rate Crediting Types shown in the following examples are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect actual declared rates. Values are rounded for display purposes only.

**Investment Amount** 

The Investment Amount for each Shield Option is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date, reduced proportionately for any withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees) by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Interim Value attributable to that Shield Option, adjusted by the Performance Rate at Term End Date, and, for a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor. The Investment Amount for any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value at the end of the Term will not be less than the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date, reduced for any withdrawals by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Interim Value attributable to that Shield Option but not adjusted by the Performance Rate.

The remaining Investment Amount after a withdrawal will be used as the new Investment Amount for the Term until the Term End Date for that Shield Option, or the next Interim Value calculation.

There are two ways to calculate Investment Amount on a Term End Date, and the calculation depends on whether the Shield Option has a Locked Value Index.

**Investment Amount without Performance Lock** 

For a Shield Option without a Locked Index Value, we calculate Investment Amount without Performance Lock. We apply the Performance Rate Adjustment to your Investment Amount on the Term End Date.

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**Investment Amount with Performance Lock** 

For a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, we calculate Investment Amount with Performance Lock. We apply the Performance Rate Adjustment, multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor, to your Investment Amount on the Term End Date.

The Performance Rate Adjustment is based on the Performance Rate, which is the rate credited at the Term End Date. The Performance Rate is determined by the Index Performance adjusted for the applicable Shield Rate and Cap Rate, and for Shield Options with a Locked Index Value, multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor.

You should note that you will benefit from locking the Index Value when the Index Value at the Term End Date turns out to be lower than the Locked Index Value. Importantly, however, by locking in the Index Value, you are exposed to the risk that the Index Value at the Term End Date may exceed the Locked Index Value, in which case you would have received higher performance if you had not locked the Index Value.

The Performance Rate can be positive, zero or negative and is determined as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shield Option type:** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **If Index Performance (can be positive,**<br> **zero or negative) is:**<br>| **Performance Rate will equal:** |
| Shield Options with a Cap Rate | less than or equal to zero | &nbsp;&nbsp; the lesser of: zero or the Index <br> Performance increased by the Shield <br> Rate (For example: a -15% Index <br> Performance with a Shield 10 will <br> result in a -5% Performance Rate. The <br> Performance Rate can never be <br> greater than zero if the Index <br> Performance is negative.)<br>|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; greater than zero and less than the <br> Cap Rate<br>| the Index Performance |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; greater than zero and equals or <br> exceeds the Cap Rate<br>| the Cap Rate |
| Shield Options with a Step Rate | less than zero | &nbsp;&nbsp; the lesser of: zero or the Index <br> Performance increased by the Shield <br> Rate (For example: a -15% Index <br> Performance with a Shield 10 will <br> result in a -5% Performance Rate. The <br> Performance Rate can never be <br> greater than zero if the Index <br> Performance is negative.)<br>|
|  | equal to or greater than zero | the Step Rate |

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***Example 1.1—Calculating your Investment Amount without Performance Lock on a Term End Date***

Examples 1.1A and 1.1B are intended to show how the Investment Amount on a Term End Date is calculated. In both examples assume Owner 1 allocates her $50,000 Purchase Payment into a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index and she allows her allocation to renew year to year for five years. In Example 1.1A she has selected the Shield 10 S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 10%. In Example 1.1B she has selected the Shield 10 S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Step Rate of 8%. For purposes of both examples, assume no withdrawals are made during the five-year example period, the Example 1.1A Cap Rate stays at 10% for all five years and the Example 1.1B Step Rate stays at 8% for all five years. If a withdrawal were made, an Interim Value calculation may apply; and consequently the Investment Amount for the Term would be adjusted accordingly.

<u>Example 1.1A—Shield Option with Cap Rate:</u> 

Owner 1 allocates her $50,000 Purchase Payment into a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500® Index with a Cap Rate of 10% and lets it renew year after year for five years. The following example illustrates how her initial $50,000 Purchase Payment could perform over a five-year period given fluctuating Index Values. For renewals into the same Shield Option a new Cap Rate would be declared and go into effect on the Contract Anniversary that coincides with the beginning of the new Shield Option.

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![](g177627g08y25_2.jpg)

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contract Year** | **1** | **2** | **3** | **4** | **5** |
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| $50000 | $55000 | $57750 | $57750 | $57750 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 | 1200 | 1260 | 1260 | 1197 |
| **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1200 | 1260 | 1260 | 1197 | 1017 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 20% | 5% | 0% | -5% | -15% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate (one year)<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 10% | 5% | 0% | 0% | -5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $5000 | $2750 | $0 | $0 | -$2888 |
| **Investment Amount**<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| **$55000** | **$57750** | **$57750** | **$57750** | **$54862** |

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Investment Amount at Term Start Date in year one is the $50,000 Purchase Payment. In years two through five, the Investment Amount at Term Start Date would be $55,000, $57,750, $57,750 and $57,750, respectively, which was the Investment Amount at Term End Date for the prior year.

<sup>(2)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date. For example, in year one, Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Index Value at Term End Date] — 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(3)</sup>

In year one, Index Performance exceeds the Cap Rate and therefore the Performance Rate is equal to the Cap Rate. In years two and three the Performance Rate is equal to the Index Performance because the Index Performance is not negative and does not exceed the Cap Rate. In year four the Performance Rate is 0% because the Index Performance is –5% and the Shield 10 absorbs up to 10% of the negative Index Performance. In year five, the Performance Rate is –5% because the Index Performance is –15% and the Shield 10 absorbs up to 10% of negative Index Performance.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) multiplied by the Performance Rate. For example, in year one the Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 10% [Performance Rate] = $5,000

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Investment Amount at the Term End Date is equal to the Investment Amount at Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. For example, in year one the Investment Amount at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + $5,000 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $55,000

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<u>Example 1.1B—Shield Option with Step Rate:</u> 

Owner 1 allocates her $50,000 Purchase Payment into a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500® Index with a Step Rate of 8% and lets it renew year after year for five years. The following example illustrates how her initial $50,000 Purchase Payment could perform over a five-year period given fluctuating Index Values. For renewals into the same Shield Option a new Step Rate would be declared and go into effect on the Contract Anniversary that coincides with the beginning of the new Shield Option.

![](g177627g08y26_2.jpg)

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contract Year** | **1** | **2** | **3** | **4** | **5** |
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| $50000 | $54000 | $58320 | $62986 | $62986 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 | 1050 | 1260 | 1260 | 1134 |
| **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1050 | 1260 | 1260 | 1134 | 964 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% | 20% | 0% | -10% | -15% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step Rate | 8% | 8% | 8% | 8% | 8% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate (one year)<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 8% | 8% | 8% | 0% | -5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $4000 | $4320 | $4666 | $0 | -$3149 |
| **Investment Amount**<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| **$54000** | **$58320** | **$62986** | **$62986** | **$59837** |

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

The Investment Amount at Term Start Date in year one is the $50,000 Purchase Payment. In years two through five, the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date would be $54,000, $58,320, $62,986 and $62,986, respectively, which was the Investment Amount at the Term End Date for the prior year.

<sup>(2)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date. For example, in year one, Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,050 [Index Value at Term End Date] — 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br> ÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

In years one, two and three the Performance Rate is equal to the Step Rate because the Index Performance is positive or zero. It should be noted that although Index Performance was 20% in year two, the Performance Rate is capped at 8% by the Step Rate. In year four the Performance Rate is 0% because the Index Performance is –10% and the Shield 10 absorbs up to 10% of the negative Index Performance. In year five, the Performance Rate is –5% because the Index Performance is –15% and the Shield 10 absorbs up to 10% of the negative Index Performance.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) multiplied by the Performance Rate. For example, in year one the Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 8% [Performance Rate] = $4,000

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Investment Amount at the Term End Date is equal to the Investment Amount at Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. For example, in year one the Investment Amount at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + $4,000 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $54,000

***Example 1.2—Calculating your Investment Amount with Performance Lock on a Term End Date*** 

Example 1.2A is intended to show how the Investment Amount on a Term End Date is calculated when a Locked Index Value has taken effect. This example assumes a $100,000 Purchase Payment allocation to a 1-Year Term/ Shield 10 / S&P 500® Index with a Cap Rate of 10%. The example illustrates an Investment Amount calculation with a Locked Index Value and no withdrawal, calculated at the Term End Date.

Example 1.2A shows only the Investment Amount on a Term End Date and does not reflect an Interim Value calculation. To see how we calculate Interim Value, please see "INTERIM VALUE CALCULATION" and Examples 2.1 and 2.2 below.

<u>Example 1.2A—Investment Amount with a Locked Index Value (no withdrawals):</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $100000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 |
| **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Locked Index Value | 1200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $10000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Lock Factor<sup>(5)</sup> | 97% |
| **Investment Amount**<sup>(6)</sup> | **$106700** |

---

------

**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Index Value Lock date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Locked Index Value on the Index Value Lock date] — 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br> ÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap Rate] x 365 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 10%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Cap Rate because it cannot exceed the Cap Rate even though the Index Performance was 20%.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any Withdrawals (Example 1A assumes no withdrawals have been taken) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 10% [Performance Rate] = $10,000

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Performance Lock Factor is 97% and the remaining percentage (3%) is not included in the Investment Amount. 3% is equal to $3,300.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<sup>(6)</sup>

Investment Amount is calculated as follows:

The Greater of: <br>(i) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x (1+10%) [the lesser of Index Performance (20%) <br> or Cap Rate (10%)] x 97% [Performance Lock Factor] = $106,700 <br>**or** (ii) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date]

You should note that in the above example, the Index Value at Term End Date was assumed to be lower than the Locked Index Value. In that example, the Owner would have benefited from locking the Index Value. Importantly, however, by locking in the Index Value the Owner is exposed to the risk that the Index Value at the Term End Date may exceed the Locked Index Value, in which case the Owner would have received higher performance if the Owner had not locked the Index Value.

**Interim Value Calculation** 

Your Investment Amount in each Shield Option on the Term End Date is calculated as described above under "Calculating your Investment Amount on a Term End Date". In setting the various rates we use in calculating the Investment Amount, we assume that you are going to hold a Shield Option until the Term End Date. Nevertheless, you have the right under the Contract to make withdrawals, Surrender the Contract or annuitize before the Term End Date. Therefore, we calculate an Interim Value on each Business Day between the Term Start Date and prior to the Term End Date.

Prior to the Term End Date, we use the Interim Value to calculate the amount that is available for (1) annuitization; (2) death benefits; (3) withdrawals; or (4) Surrenders. You may obtain your Interim Value on any Business Day by calling us at (888) 243-1932 or by accessing our website at www.brighthousefinancial.com.

There are two ways to calculate Interim Value, and the calculation depends on whether the Shield Option has a Locked Index Value.

**Interim Value Calculation without Performance Lock** 

For a Shield Option without a Locked Index Value, we calculate Interim Value without Performance Lock. It is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date, adjusted proportionately for any withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees), in the Shield Option, adjusted for the Index Performance of the associated Index and subject to the applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate. A withdrawal from a Shield Option will reduce your Interim Value by the amount withdrawn on the date of withdrawal. The Interim Value calculation is different than the calculation we use to calculate the Investment Amount for a Shield Option on the Term End Date.

**The Withdrawal Amount (including amounts withdrawn to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program) will reduce the Investment Amount for each Shield Option by the percentage reduction in the Interim Value of such Shield Option (*i.e.* a proportional reduction). Accordingly, when negative performance has caused the Interim Value to be *less* than the Investment Amount, the reduction to the Shield Option is on more than dollar for dollar basis. On the other hand, when positive performance has caused the Interim Value to be *greater* than the Investment Amount, the reduction to the Shield Option is on a less than dollar for dollar basis.** 

**Interim Value Calculation with Performance Lock** 

For a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, we calculate Interim Value with Performance Lock. It is equal to the Investment Amount in the Shield Option at the Term Start Date, adjusted proportionately for any withdrawals (including withdrawals to pay for advisory fees), in the Shield Option, adjusted for the Index Performance (using the Locked Index Value) of the associated Index and subject to the applicable Accrued Cap Rate (where the Performance Rate is the Index Performance, adjusted for the applicable Accrued Cap Rate), multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor.

**The Withdrawal Amount (including amounts withdrawn to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program) will reduce the Investment Amount for each Shield Option by the percentage reduction in the Interim Value of such Shield Option (*i.e.* a proportional reduction). Accordingly, when negative performance has caused the Interim Value to be *less* than the Investment Amount, the reduction to the Shield Option is on more than dollar for dollar basis. On the other hand, when positive performance has caused the Interim Value to be *greater* than the Investment Amount, the reduction to the Shield Option is on a less than dollar for dollar basis.** 

However, the Interim Value after the Locked Index Value takes effect will not be less than the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date in the Shield Option reduced for any withdrawals (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees) by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Interim Value attributable to that Shield Option. This is because, after a Locked Index Value takes effect, Index performance is measured from the Term Start Date to the date on which the Index Value is locked. Therefore, subsequent changes to an Index—such as substitution of the Index for a Shield Option or changes

------

in the value of an Index—will have no impact on your Index Performance. Index Performance with a Locked Index Value is calculated once, as of the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect, and does not change under any circumstances for the remainder of the Term.

**The descriptions for Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate, Accrued Step Rate, and Performance Rate apply to both Interim Value without Performance Lock and Interim Value with Performance Lock.** 

**Accrued Shield Rate for Interim Value Calculation** 

The Accrued Shield Rate is the portion of the Shield Rate that has accrued from the Term Start Date to any day within the Term. This is the amount that will be applied in calculating the Interim Value on any day prior to the Term End Date if Index Performance is less than zero. The Accrued Shield Rate is equal to the Shield Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date, divided by the total number of days in the Term. Therefore, you receive a larger portion of the Shield Rate the closer you are to the Term End Date.

**Accrued Cap Rate for Interim Value Calculation** 

The Accrued Cap Rate is the portion of the Cap Rate that has accrued from the Term Start Date to any day within the Term. This is the maximum Index Performance that may be applied in calculating the Interim Value on any day prior to the Term End Date if Index Performance is greater than zero. The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date, divided by the total number of days in the Term. Therefore, you receive a larger portion of the Cap Rate the closer you are to the Term End Date.

**Accrued Step Rate for Interim Value Calculation** 

The Accrued Step Rate is the portion of the Step Rate that has accrued from the Term Start Date to any day within the Term. This is the rate that will be applied in calculating the Interim Value on any day prior to the Term End Date if Index Performance is equal to or greater than zero. The Accrued Step Rate is equal to the Step Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date, divided by the total number of days in the Term. Therefore, you receive a larger portion of the Step Rate the closer you are to the Term End Date.

For purposes of determining the Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate and Accrued Step Rate, the total number of days in each calendar year of a Term is 365.

**Performance Rate for Determination of Interim Value.** The Performance Rate during a particular Term is the Index Performance, adjusted for the applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate.

As noted above, the Interim Value is calculated using accrued values for the Shield Rate, Cap Rate and Step Rate. So if you annuitize, die, make a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract before the Term End Date, you will not receive the full benefit of the Shield Rate, Cap Rate or Step Rate but instead will receive the accrued percentage to the date of the annuitization, date of the payment of the death benefit, withdrawal or Surrender. In addition, a withdrawal from a Shield Option will reduce your Interim Value by the amount withdrawn on the date of the withdrawal. For example if you have a Shield Option with a 1-Year Term, a Shield 10 and a 10% Cap Rate and you make a withdrawal halfway through your Term, the Interim Value will be calculated using your Accrued Shield Rate and Accrued Cap Rate. That means your Accrued Shield Rate will be 5% and your Accrued Cap Rate will be 5%.

Based on the above, the accrued rates are calculated as follows:

The Shield Rate (10%) is multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date (183) and divided by the total number of days in the Term (365), so the Accrued Shield Rate is 5%.

The Cap Rate (10%) is multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date (183) and divided by the total number of days in the Term (365), so the Accrued Cap Rate is 5%.

An Accrued Step Rate is calculated in the same manner—the Step Rate is multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date and divided by the total number of days in the Term. For example, if the Step Rate is 8% and the total number of days in the Term is 365 and 183 days have elapsed, then the Step Rate (8%) is multiplied by 183 and divided by 365 to arrive at an Accrued Step Rate of 4%.

***Example 2.1—Calculating your Interim Value without Performance Lock*** 

Examples 2.1A and 2.1B are intended to show how Interim Value without Performance Lock is calculated. For a Shield Option without a Locked Index Value, an Interim Value Calculation will be made if you annuitize, die, make a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract before the Term End Date. In both examples, assume Owner 1 allocates her $50,000 Purchase

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Payment to a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 10% and has not exercised Performance Lock by locking an Index Value. Example 2.1A will illustrate an Interim Value calculation with positive Index Performance and Example 2.1B will illustrate an Interim Value calculation with negative Index Performance. For purposes of these examples, assume the activity that triggers the Interim Value calculation occurs exactly halfway through the Term and that there are no withdrawals made as of the date the Interim Value is calculated.

To see how we calculate Investment Amount without a Locked Index Value after a withdrawal, please see "WITHDRAWAL PROVISIONS" and Example 3A.

<u>Example 2.1A—Positive Index Performance:</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 500 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 600 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Cap Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $2500 |
| **Interim Value**<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| **$52500** |

---

------

**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date of the Interim Value calculation. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(600 [Index Value on date of Interim Value calculation] — 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Accrued Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap Rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Accrued Cap Rate because it cannot exceed the Accrued Cap Rate even though the Index Performance was at 20%.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 5% [Performance Rate] = $2,500

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Interim Value is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. The Interim Value is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + $2,500 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $52,500

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<u>Example 2.1B—Negative Index Performance:</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 500 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 400 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| –20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Shield Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| –15% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| –$7500 |
| **Interim Value**<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| **$42500** |

---

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date of the Interim Value calculation. Therefore, the Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(400 [Index Value on date of Interim Value calculation] — 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) = –20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Shield Rate is equal to the Shield Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Accrued Shield Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Shield Rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is –15% because the Index Performance is –20% and the Accrued Shield Rate of 5% absorbs up to 5% of the negative Index Performance.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x –15% [Performance Rate] = –$7,500

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Interim Value is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. The Interim Value is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + –$7,500 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $42,500

***Example 2.2—Calculating your Interim Value with Performance Lock*** 

Examples 2.2A and 2.2B are intended to show how Interim Value with Performance Lock is calculated with a Locked Index Value. For a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, an Interim Value Calculation will be made if you annuitize, die, make a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract before the Term End Date. The examples assume a $100,000 Purchase Payment allocation to a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 10% and that a Locked Index Value has taken effect. Specifically, the examples assume a Locked Index Value of $1,200. Example 2.2A illustrates an Interim Value calculation with a Locked Index Value and no withdrawal, calculated at day 183 of a 1-Year Term. Example 2.2B illustrates an Interim Value calculation with a Locked Index Value and withdrawal of 50% of the Investment Amount, calculated at day 183 of a 1-Year Term.

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<u>Example 2.2A—Interim Value with a Locked Index Value (no withdrawals):</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $100000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Locked Index Value | 1200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Cap Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $5000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Lock Factor<sup>(5)</sup> | 97% |
| **Interim Value**<sup>(6)</sup> | **$101850** |

---

------

**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Index Value Lock date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Locked Index Value on the Index Value Lock date] — 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Accrued Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap Rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Accrued Cap Rate because it cannot exceed the Accrued Cap Rate even though the Index Performance was 20%.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (Example 1A assumes no withdrawals have been taken) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 5% [Performance Rate] = $5,000

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Performance Lock Factor is 97% and the remaining percentage (3%) is not included in the Interim Value. 3% is equal to $3,150.

<sup>(6)</sup>

The Interim Value is calculated as follows:

The Greater of: <br>(i) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x (1+5%) [the lesser of Index Performance (20%) <br> or Accrued Cap Rate (5%)] x 97% [Performance Lock Factor] = $101,850 <br>**or** (ii) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date]

------

<u>Example 2.2B—Interim Value with a Locked Index Value After Withdrawal:</u> 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $100000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Locked Index Value | 1200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Cap Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $5000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Lock Factor<sup>(5)</sup> | 97% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interim Value<sup>(6)</sup> | $101850 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Withdrawal Amount taken | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount adjusted for any Withdrawals<sup>(7)</sup> | $50909 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Proceeds from Withdrawal paid to Contract Owner<sup>(8)</sup> | $50000 |
| **Interim Value after Withdrawal**<sup>(9</sup>) | **$51850** |

---

------

**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Index Value Lock date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Locked Index Value on the Index Value Lock date] — 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Accrued Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap Rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Accrued Cap Rate because it cannot exceed the Accrued Cap Rate even though the Index Performance was 20%.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 5% [Performance Rate] = $5,000

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Performance Lock Factor is 97% and the remaining percentage (3%) is not included in the Interim Value. 3% is equal to $3,150.

<sup>(6)</sup>

The Interim Value is calculated as follows:

The Greater of: <br>(i) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x (1+5%) [the lesser of Index Performance (20%) <br> or Accrued Cap Rate (5%)] x 97% [Performance Lock Factor] = $101,850 <br>**or** (ii) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date]

<sup>(</sup><sup>7</sup><sup>)</sup>

The Investment Amount is reduced proportionally by the withdrawal taken based on the reduction in Interim Value. Therefore, the Investment Amount adjusted for any withdrawals is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount on Term Start Date] x (1-$50,000 [gross withdrawal amount halfway through the Term] <br>÷ $101,850 [Interim Value on date of withdrawal]) = $50,909

The proportionally reduced Investment Amount is used as the new Investment Amount for the Term until the Term End Date for this Shield Option (assuming no additional withdrawals).

<sup>(</sup><sup>8</sup><sup>)</sup>

The net amount payable to the Contract Owner is equal to the amount withdrawn, which is $50,000.

<sup>(</sup><sup>9)</sup>

Interim Value after Withdrawal is equal to Interim Value ($101,850) minus the amount of the withdrawal ($50,000).

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**Withdrawal Provisions** 

Prior to the Annuity Date, you may, upon Notice to us, request a full or a partial withdrawal and we will withdraw that amount from your Account Value (the "Withdrawal Amount"). A withdrawal will result in a reduction to the Investment Amount in each Shield Option and the Fixed Account in the ratio that each Shield Option and the Fixed Account bears to the total Account Value, unless you instruct us otherwise. The amount payable to you will be a net amount equal to the Withdrawal Amount adjusted for any applicable Premium and Other Taxes. A withdrawal will also result in a proportionate reduction to the death benefit under the Contract. If you have the Return of Premium death benefit, your Purchase Payment is reduced proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees).

The total Withdrawal Amount from the Account Value must not be less than $500, which is the minimum partial withdrawal amount. If the withdrawal would result in the Account Value being less than the Minimum Account Value ($2,000), we will treat the withdrawal request as a request for a full withdrawal. We will not terminate any Contract if at the time the termination would otherwise occur the guaranteed amount under any death benefit is greater than the Account Value.

If you request a full or partial withdrawal, the Withdrawal Amount will result in our paying you a net amount. The net amount payable to you is equal to the amount withdrawn from the Account Value, less Premium and Other Taxes, if any.

**The Withdrawal Amount (including amounts withdrawn to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program) will reduce the Investment Amount for each Shield Option by the percentage reduction in the Interim Value of such Shield Option (*i.e.* a proportional reduction). Accordingly, when negative performance has caused the Interim Value to be *less* than the Investment Amount, the reduction to the Shield Option is on more than a dollar for dollar basis. On the other hand, when positive performance has caused the Interim Value to be *greater* than the Investment Amount, the reduction to the Shield Option is on a less than dollar for dollar basis.** 

For example, Performance Lock has not been exercised and Owner 1 makes a $100,000 Purchase Payment at Contract issue and allocates the Purchase Payment equally to two Shield Options so that each starts with $50,000. This amount is the initial Investment Amount. Assume in 6 months Shield Option A has an Interim Value of $65,000 and Shield Option B has an Interim Value of $45,000. Assume at this time Owner 1 decides to make a withdrawal of $20,000. If the withdrawal is taken completely from Shield Option A, the reduction in the Interim Value is 30.77% ($20,000 ÷ $65,000). The Investment Amount for Shield Option A would then be reduced to $34,615.38 ($50,000 x (1-30.77%)). The total Investment Amount is then $84,615.38 ($34,615.38 + $50,000). If the entire withdrawal is taken from Shield Option B, the reduction in the Interim Value is 44.44% ($20,000 ÷ $45,000). The Investment Amount for Shield Option B would be reduced to $27,777.78 ($50,000 x (1-44.44%)). The total Investment Amount is then $77,777.78 ($50,000 + $27,777.78).

The remaining Investment Amount after a withdrawal will be used as the new Investment Amount for the Term until the Term End Date for that Shield Option. A partial withdrawal from a Shield Option does not affect the Cap Rate or Step Rate, as applicable, and the Shield Rate that will apply to the remaining Investment Amounts that are held in the Shield Option through the Term End Date.

After receipt of a Notice of withdrawal from you, we reserve the right to defer payment for a withdrawal for the period permitted by applicable law but not more than six (6) months.

**Financial Advisor Initiated Withdrawals.** Subject to our administrative procedures, you may authorize your financial advisor to take withdrawals on your behalf, which may be used to pay fees and expenses associated with your fee-based program. **A withdrawal made to pay such fees and expenses is subject to the same withdrawal provisions described in this section.** These withdrawals, like all withdrawals, will result in a reduction to the Investment Amount in each Shield Option and the Fixed Account in the ratio that each Shield Option and the Fixed Account bears to the total Account Value unless you instruct us otherwise. Moreover, even relatively small withdrawals taken periodically can have a significant aggregate impact. Assuming a $100,000 Purchase Payment, no growth, no losses, and no other withdrawals except annual withdrawals to pay for a 1% advisory fee, over ten years the ending Account Value would be $90,438, whereas the ending Account Value would be $100,000 without withdrawals to pay for advisory fees. You should consult with your financial advisor for more details about your particular fee-based program, including the impact of taking withdrawals to pay fees and expenses associated with fee-based programs. See "FEE-BASED EXPENSES" and "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS".

**Divorce.** A withdrawal made pursuant to a divorce or separation agreement is subject to the same withdrawal provisions described in this section, if permissible under tax law. In addition, the withdrawal will reduce the Account Value and the death benefit. The withdrawal could have a significant negative impact on the death benefit.

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**Withdrawal Charge** 

During the Accumulation Phase, you can make a withdrawal from your Contract (either partial or a complete withdrawal). This Contract has no withdrawal charge.

**Systematic Withdrawal Program** 

For automated processing of RMD amounts withdrawn from an IRA Contract or qualified annuity Contract, you may elect this program in any Contract year. However, for automated processing of amounts withdrawn for purposes other than RMDs, you may elect this program after the first Contract Year for up to 10% of your Account Value as of the prior Contract Anniversary. We do not assess a charge for this program. You can receive payments monthly, quarterly, or annually provided that each payment must amount to at least $100 (a minimum of $500 must be distributed per Contract Year). We reserve the right to change the required minimum or the availability of this program. If the New York Stock Exchange is closed on a day when the withdrawal is to be made, we will process the withdrawal on the next Business Day. While the Systematic Withdrawal Program is in effect, you can make additional withdrawals.

Withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Program may either be drawn proportionally from all Shield Options and the Fixed Account to which you are allocated, or you can designate specific Shield Option(s) and/or the Fixed Account from which the withdrawal will be drawn.

**Each withdrawal, systematic or otherwise (including amounts withdrawn to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program) will reduce the Investment Amount for each Shield Option by the same percentage reduction in the Interim Value of such Shield Option (*i.e.* a proportional reduction). Therefore, a withdrawal when Index Performance is negative will cause a greater percentage reduction in the remaining Investment Amount relative to the percentage reduction for the same Withdrawal Amount when Index performance is positive.** Each withdrawal from the Fixed Account reduces the value of that account by the amount of the withdrawal (dollar for dollar).

If you choose proportional withdrawals, all withdrawals are drawn from the Shield Options and Fixed Account in the ratio that each Shield Option(s) and/or the Fixed Account bears to your Account Value.

If you choose withdrawals from specific Shield Option(s) and/or the Fixed Account, all withdrawals are drawn from the specified Shield Option(s) and/or Fixed Account in an amount you determine. If there are insufficient funds in the specified Shield Options or the Fixed Account to cover the amount of the withdrawal, the withdrawal will be processed to take the amount in that Shield Option or Fixed Account to $0, and the remaining amount of the withdrawal will default to proportional from all Shield Options and the Fixed Account to which you are allocated. Future withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Program will continue to be drawn proportionally, unless you instruct us otherwise.

You may terminate your participation in the Systematic Withdrawal Program at any time. We will terminate your participation in the Systematic Withdrawal Program when we receive notification of your death.

**Income taxes, tax penalties, and certain restrictions may apply to withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Program. Withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Program are subject to the same risks as any other withdrawals under the Contract. Since Withdrawal Amounts from a Shield Option will reduce the Investment Amount for that Shield Option by the percentage reduction in the Interim Value of that Shield Option, a withdrawal when Index Performance is negative will cause a greater percentage reduction in the Investment Amount relative to the percentage reduction for the same Withdrawal Amount when Index Performance is positive. Since withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Program are automatic, you will have no control over the timing of those withdrawals.** 

***Example 3—Withdrawals*** 

Examples 3A, 3B and 3C are intended to show how withdrawals work. In each example, assume that Performance Lock is not available or has not been exercised and that Owner 1 allocates her $50,000 Purchase Payment to the 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500® Index with a Cap Rate of 10%. Example 3A will illustrate a withdrawal when Index Performance is positive. Example 3B will illustrate a withdrawal when Index Performance is negative. In both examples, Owner 1 takes only one $20,000 withdrawal exactly halfway through the Term. The remaining Investment Amount after a withdrawal will be used as the new Investment Amount for the Term until the Term End Date for that Shield Option (assuming no additional withdrawals). Example 3C illustrates an Investment Amount calculation with a Locked Index Value and a withdrawal of 50% of the Investment Amount, calculated at the Term End Date.

For a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, an Interim Value Calculation will be made if you make a withdrawal before the Term End Date. Please see Example 2.2B – Interim Value with a Locked Index Value After Withdrawal.

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<u>Example 3A—</u><u>Calculating Investment Amount with</u> <u>Positive Index Performance</u> <u>with a Withdrawal</u><u>:</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 500 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 600 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Cap Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| $2500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interim Value<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| $52500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Withdrawal Amount taken | $20000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount at Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals<sup>(6)</sup> | $30952 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Proceeds from withdrawal paid to Contract Owner<sup>(7)</sup> <br>| $20000 |
| **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 650 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(8)</sup> | 30% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(9)</sup> <br>| 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(10)</sup> <br>| $3095 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount<sup>(11)</sup> <br>| $34047 |

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date of the Interim Value calculation. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(600 [Index Value on date of Interim Value calculation] — 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Accrued Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Accrued Cap Rate because it cannot exceed the Accrued Cap Rate even though Index Performance was at 20%.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (no withdrawals have been taken so far) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 5% [Performance Rate] = $2,500

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Interim Value is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. This is the amount in the Shield Option selected that would be available if you annuitize, die, make a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract on that date. The Interim Value is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + $2,500 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $52,500

<sup>(6)</sup>

The Investment Amount is reduced proportionally by the withdrawal taken based on the reduction in Interim Value. Therefore, the Investment Amount adjusted for any withdrawals is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount on Term Start Date] x (1- $20,000 [gross withdrawal amount halfway through the Term] <br> ÷ $52,500 [Interim Value on date of withdrawal]) = $30,952

The proportionally reduced Investment Amount is used as the new Investment Amount at Term Start Date for the Term until the Term End Date for this Shield Option (assuming no additional withdrawals).

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<sup>(7)</sup>

The net amount payable to the Contract Owner is equal to the amount withdrawn, which is $20,000.

<sup>(8)</sup>

Index Performance at the Term End Date is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date. Index Performance at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

(650 [Index Value at Term End Date] - 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br> ÷ 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 30%

<sup>(9)</sup>

Index Performance at the Term End Date exceeds the Cap Rate and therefore the Performance Rate at the Term End Date is equal to the Cap Rate.

<sup>(10)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment at the Term End Date is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals multiplied by the Performance Rate at the Term End Date. The Performance Rate Adjustment at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$30,952 [Investment Amount adjusted for withdrawal] x 10% [Performance Rate at Term End Date] = $3,095

<sup>(11)</sup>

The Investment Amount at the Term End Date is equal to the Investment Amount one year after the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals plus the Performance Rate Adjustment at Term End Date. The Investment Amount at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$30,952 [Investment Amount adjusted for withdrawal] <br>+ $3,095 [Performance Rate Adjustment at Term End Date] = $34,047

<u>Example 3B—</u><u>Calculating Investment Amount with</u> <u>Negative Index Performance</u> <u>with a Withdrawal</u><u>:</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 500 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 400 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| –20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Shield Rate<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| –15% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| –$7500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interim Value Halfway Through Term<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| $42500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Withdrawal Amount taken | $20000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount at Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals<sup>(6)</sup> | $26471 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Proceeds from Withdrawal paid to Contract Owner<sup>(7)</sup> <br>| $20000 |
| **Term End Date** | **Term End Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 450 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(8)</sup> <br>| –10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(9)</sup> <br>| 0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(10)</sup> <br>| $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount<sup>(11)</sup> <br>| $26471 |

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date of the Interim Value calculation. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(400 [Index Value on date of Interim Value calculation] — 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) = –20%

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<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Shield Rate is equal to the Shield Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Accrued Shield Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Shield Rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is –15% because the Index Performance is –20% and the Accrued Shield Rate of 5% absorbs up to 5% of the negative Index Performance.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (no withdrawals have been taken so far) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x –15% [Performance Rate] = –$7,500

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Interim Value is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. This is the amount in the Shield Option selected that would be available if you annuitize, die, make a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract on that date. The Interim Value is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + –$7,500 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $42,500

<sup>(6)</sup>

The Investment Amount is reduced proportionally by the withdrawal taken based on the reduction in Interim Value. Therefore, the Investment Amount adjusted for any withdrawals is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount on the Term Start Date] <br> x (1-$20,000 [gross withdrawal amount halfway through the Term]) <br> ÷ $42,500 [Interim Value on date of withdrawal] = $26,471

The proportionally reduced Investment Amount is used as the new Investment Amount at Term Start Date for the Term until the Term End Date for this Shield Option (assuming no additional withdrawals).

<sup>(7)</sup>

The net amount payable to the Contract Owner is equal to the amount withdrawn, which is $20,000.

<sup>(8)</sup>

Index Performance at the Term End Date is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date. Index Performance at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

(450 [Index Value at Term End Date] — 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br> ÷ 500 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = –10%

<sup>(9)</sup>

The Performance rate at the Term End Date is 0% because the Index Performance at the Term End Date is –10% and the Shield 10 absorbs up to 10% of the negative Index Performance.

<sup>(10)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment at the Term End Date is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals multiplied by the Performance Rate at the Term End Date. The Performance Rate Adjustment at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$26,471 [Investment Amount adjusted for withdrawal] x 0% [Performance Rate at Term End Date] = $0

<sup>(11)</sup>

The Investment Amount at the Term End Date is equal to the Investment Amount adjusted for any withdrawals plus the Performance Rate Adjustment at Term End Date. The Investment Amount at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$26,471 [Investment Amount adjusted for withdrawal] <br>+ $0 [Performance Rate Adjustment at Term End Date] = $26,471

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<u>Example 3C—Calculating Investment Amount with a Locked Index Value and with a Withdrawal:</u> 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $100000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 |
| **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** | **Interim Value Calculation Halfway Through Term** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Locked Index Value | 1200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> | 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Accrued Cap Rate<sup>(2)</sup> | 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(3)</sup> | 5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(4)</sup> | $5000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Lock Factor<sup>(5)</sup> | 97% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interim Value<sup>(6)</sup> | $101850 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Withdrawal Amount taken | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount at Term Start Date adjusted for any Withdrawals<sup>(7)</sup> | $50909 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interim Value after Withdrawal | $51850 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net Proceeds from Withdrawal paid to Contract Owner<sup>(8)</sup> | $50000 |
| **Term End Value** | **Term End Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Locked Index Value | 1200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(9)</sup> | 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate<sup>(10)</sup> | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate<sup>(11)</sup> | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(12)</sup> | $5091 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Lock Factor<sup>(13)</sup> | 97% |
| **Investment Amount**<sup>(14)</sup> | **$54320** |

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Index Value Lock date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Locked Index Value on the Index Value Lock date] — 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

The Accrued Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap Rate] x 183 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 5%

<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Accrued Cap Rate because it cannot exceed the Accrued Cap Rate even though the Index Performance was 20%.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any Withdrawals (no Withdrawals have been taken so far) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 5% [Performance Rate] = $5,000

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Performance Lock Factor is 97% and the remaining percentage (3%) is not included in the Interim Value. 3% is equal to $3,150.

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<sup>(6)</sup>

Interim Value is calculated as follows:

The Greater of: <br>$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x (1+5%) [the lesser of Index Performance (20%) <br>or Accrued Cap Rate (5%)] x 97% [Performance Lock Factor] = $101,850 <br>or (ii) $100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date]

<sup>(7)</sup>

The Investment Amount is reduced proportionally by the Withdrawal taken based on the reduction in Interim Value. Therefore, the Investment Amount adjusted for any Withdrawals is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount on Term Start Date] x (1-$50,000 [gross withdrawal] <br>÷ $101,850 [Interim Value on date of withdrawal]) = $50,909.

The proportionally reduced Investment Amount is used as the new Investment Amount at Term Start Date for the Term until the Term End Date for this Shield Option (assuming no additional withdrawals).

<sup>(8)</sup>

The net amount payable to the Contract Owner is equal to the amount withdrawn, which is $50,000.

<sup>(9)</sup>

Index Performance at the Term End Date is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Index Value Lock date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Locked Index Value on the Index Value Lock date) – 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date] = 20%

<sup>(10)</sup>

The Cap Rate is equal to the Cap Rate multiplied by the number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date divided by the total number of days in the Term. The Cap Rate is calculated as follows:

10% [Cap Rate] x 365 [number of days elapsed since the Term Start Date] <br>÷ 365 [total number of days in the Term] = 10%

<sup>(11)</sup>

Index Performance at the Term End Date exceeds the Cap Rate and therefore, the Performance Rate at the Term End Date is equal to the Cap Rate.

<sup>(12)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment at the Term End Date is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals, multiplied by the Performance Rate at the Term End Date. The Performance Rate Adjustment at the Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$50,909 [Investment Amount adjusted for Withdrawal] x 10% [Performance Rate at Term End Date] = $5,091

<sup>(13)</sup>

The Performance Lock Factor is 97% and the remaining percentage (3%) is not included in the Interim Value. 3% is equal to $1,680.

<sup>(14)</sup>

The Investment Amount at Term End Date with a Locked Index Value is determined by adjusting the Investment Amount by the lesser of the Index Performance or the Cap Rate, multiplied by the Performance Lock Factor of 97%. The Investment Amount at Term End Date with a Locked Index Value is calculated as follows:

$50,909 [Investment Amount after Withdrawal] <br> x (1+10%) [the lesser of Index Performance (20%) or Cap Rate (10%)] <br> x 97% [Performance Lock Factor] = $54,320

**Transfers** 

**Transfers without Performance Lock** 

***Transfers or Renewals during Transfer Period following Term End Date*** 

If you do not have Performance Lock, you may make transfers only during the Transfer Period following the Term End Date. You may transfer all or a portion of the amount in your Shield Option. You may make transfers to or from the Fixed Account and/or to or from the Shield Option(s) subject to the minimum allocation of $500. We must receive notification of your election to transfer, in a form satisfactory to us or by calling us at 1-888-243-1932, no later than five (5) calendar days after the Contract Anniversary on which the transfer will take place. Your financial advisor can provide more information or you may contact our Annuity Service Office. You cannot make transfers outside the Transfer Period and transfers may not be made after the Annuity Date. To make a transfer from a Shield Option in which you have an Investment Amount the Shield Option must have reached its Term End Date. The Transfer Period is the five (5) days following the Contract Anniversary coinciding with the Term End Date and Interest Rate Term End Date, as applicable, for the Shield Option(s) and/or the Fixed Account. The effective date of such transfer is the first day of the Interest Rate Term and/or a Term(s) in which the transfer is made.

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***Transfers during Term*** 

If you make a transfer during the Transfer Period, the amount available to transfer is the Interim Value of each Shield Option which will equal the Investment Amount in that Shield Option at the Term End Date. After the Transfer Period, the Interim Value of that Shield Option is equal to the Investment Amount in the Shield Option, adjusted for the Index Performance of the associated Index and subject to the applicable Accrued Shield Rate, Accrued Cap Rate or Accrued Step Rate.

If you do not make a transfer during the Transfer Period following the Term End Date, the Investment Amount allocated to the Shield Option that has reached its Term End Date will automatically be renewed into the same Shield Option unless you elect to transfer into a different Shield Option or the Fixed Account. If the same Shield Option is no longer available at the end of the existing Term, these amounts will automatically transfer into the Fixed Account at the Term End Date, unless otherwise instructed by you during the Transfer Period. The amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain in the Fixed Account until the Interest Rate Term End Date (which, currently, will not be less than one (1) year). If the Fixed Account is not available, these amounts will automatically transfer into the Shield Option with, in order of priority, the shortest Term, the highest Shield Rate and the lowest Cap Rate, from the Shield Options available at the Term End Date, unless otherwise instructed by you. There are two ways you may find out what the renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates will be for a subsequent Term. Thirty (30) days before the current Term expires, we will mail you a Notice indicating your maturing Shield Options and how you can obtain the new Cap Rates and Step Rates. You may also access our website at https://www.brighthousefinancial.com/products/annuities/shield-annuities/shield-rates/ where at least two months of renewal Cap Rates and Step Rates are posted – i.e., for the current month and the following month. See "RATE CREDITING TYPES." You have the Transfer Period to notify us if you want to transfer some or all of your Investment Amount to a new Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account.

*Renewals.* For renewals into the same Shield Option, a new Cap Rate or Step Rate, as applicable, will be declared and will go into effect on the Contract Anniversary that coincides with the beginning of the new Shield Option.

***Example 4—Transfers*** 

Example 4 is intended to show how transfers work. Owner 1 allocates her $50,000 Purchase Payment to the 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 10%. At the end of the 1-Year Term, she transfers 50% of her 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 10% into a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 12% and opts to let the remaining 50% of her Investment Amount automatically renew.

Shield Options prior to Transfer:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Contract Year** | **1** |
| **Term Start Date** | **Term Start Date** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount | $50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1000 |
| **Term End Dat**e | **Term End Dat**e |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Value | 1200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Performance<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap Rate | 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shield Rate | Shield 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate (one year)<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| $5000 |
| **Investment Amount**<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| **$55000** |

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**The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1,200 [Index Value at Term End Date] - 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1,000 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) = 20%

<sup>(2)</sup>

Since Index Performance is greater than zero and exceeds the Cap Rate, the Performance Rate equals the Cap Rate.

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<sup>(3)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 10% [Performance Rate] = $5,000

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Investment Amount at Term End Date is equal to the Investment Amount at Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. The Investment Amount is calculated as follows:

$50,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + $5,000 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $55,000

Shield Options after Transfer:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contract Year** | **2** | **2** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> <br>Index with a Cap Rate of 10%<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / Russell<br> 2000<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 12%<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Amount at Term Start Date <br> (second term)<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| $27500 | $27500 |

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**The following note to the table above provides important illustrations showing how values are calculated.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

The Investment Amount at Term End Date is reallocated so that 50% is renewed in the same Shield Option and 50% is allocated to a new Shield Option.

**Transfers with Performance Lock** 

***Transfers or Renewals at Term End Date*** 

You may remain in your current Shield Option until the Term End Date and either (i) transfer the Investment Amount to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account (if available) or (ii) renew into the same Shield Option (if available) for a new Term. We must receive notification of your election to transfer in a form satisfactory to us or by calling the Annuity Service Office at (888) 243-1932 no later than five (5) calendar days after the Contract Anniversary on which the transfer will take place. Your financial advisor can provide more information, or you may contract our Annuity Service Office. If you decide to transfer the Investment Amount to a new Shield Option, the Index Value on the Term Start Date of your new Shield Option will be the then-current Index Value for that option, which may be higher or lower than the Locked Index Value from the transferred Shield Option. For renewals into the same Shield Option, a new Cap Rate will be declared and will go into effect on the Contract Anniversary that coincides with the beginning of the new Term in the Shield Option that just ended.

If you do not notify us to transfer to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account, the Investment Amount will automatically be renewed into the same Shield Option. If the same Shield Option is no longer available at the Term End Date, the Investment Amount will automatically transfer into the Fixed Account at the Term End Date, unless you instruct us otherwise. The amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain in the Fixed Account until the Interest Rate Term End Date (which, currently, will not be less than one (1) year). If the Fixed Account is not available, the Investment Amount will automatically transfer into the Shield Option with, in order of priority, the shortest Term, the highest Shield Rate and the lowest Cap Rate from the Shield Options available at the Term End Date, unless you instruct us otherwise.

***Transfers During Term*** 

Once a Locked Index Value takes effect, you may elect to transfer the Interim Value to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account (if available) on any Contract Anniversary prior to the Term End Date (i.e., during the Term). We must receive notification of your election to transfer prior to or on any Contract Anniversary prior to the Term End Date. Notice of election to transfer under such circumstances must be received at our Annuity Service Office using one of the methods of communication identified in "REQUESTS AND ELECTIONS." A transfer of the Interim Value will only occur on a Contract Anniversary and you may only transfer the entire amount of the Interim Value to a new Shield Option or to the Fixed Account (if available). Partial transfers of Interim Value are not permitted.

**Availability of the Performance Lock with a New Shield Option** 

Whether you choose to transfer or renew the Investment Amount to a new Shield Option at the Term End Date or transfer the Interim Value to a new Shield Option prior to the Term End Date (or if your Investment Amount is automatically renewed or transferred), you will have the ability to elect a Performance Lock on that new Shield Option, provided the Shield Option is indicated as "Performance Lock Available." See the Shield Options chart in "**SHIELD OPTIONS**."

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**Performance Lock Benefit** 

**Locked Index Value** 

For any "Performance Lock Available" Shield Option (as identified with a check mark (☒) in the "**Performance Lock Available**" column of the Shield Options chart in "**SHIELD OPTIONS**"), once during each Term you may elect to lock the Index Value by providing Notice of election to the Annuity Service Office, using one of the methods identified in "REQUESTS AND ELECTIONS." **However, the "locked" Index Value ("Locked Index Value") will take effect only if, on the Business Day on which we receive your Notice of election, the closing Index Value – that is, the published closing value of the Index on the Business Day – is *greater* than the Index Value at the Term Start Date.** If, on the Business Day on which we receive your Notice of election, the closing Index Value is *equal to* or less than the Index Value at the Term Start Date, the Performance Lock will not take effect. This means that the Performance Lock has no impact if the closing Index Value is equal to or less than the Index Value at the Term Start Date. If you submit a Notice of election and the Performance Lock does not take effect, we will notify you in writing. **You are also encouraged to contact the Annuity Service Office by telephone at (888) 243-1932 to find out if the Performance Lock has taken effect – i.e., if the Index Value has been locked.** If the Index Value is not locked, you will be treated as having not yet exercised your Performance Lock and can submit a new Notice of election on another Business Day.

If we receive your Notice of election on a day that is not a Business Day, or after 4 PM Eastern Standard Time on a Business Day, the Notice of election will be deemed to have been received on the next Business Day. If multiple Notices of election are submitted during a Business Day, the last Notice received prior to 4 PM Eastern Standard Time will be utilized. If the Performance Lock takes effect, subsequent Notices of election will be disregarded.

Once an Index Value is locked it is irrevocable for the remainder of that Term. The Locked Index Value will be used as the Index Value for the remainder of the Term to determine the Index Performance.

**Setting a Target Index Value** 

Currently, in lieu of providing Notice of election on a particular Business Day, you may, at any time prior to the Term End Date, set a target Index Value at which you would like the Performance Lock to take effect "automatically" – i.e., without further action on your part provided the Index Value meets or exceeds your target Index Value prior to the Term End Date. Notice of election to set a target Index Value must be received at our Annuity Service Office using one of the methods of communication identified in "REQUESTS AND ELECTIONS." The target Index Value you specify must be higher than the Index Value at the Term Start Date, cannot be applied retroactively and is available only if a Locked Index Value has not already taken effect for that Shield Option during the Term. **The ability to set a target Index Value in advance is an administrative feature that may not be available in the future for new requests, however any previously received requests will be honored.** 

If the closing Index Value at the end of a Business Day equals or exceeds your target Index Value, that Index Value will become a Locked Index Value automatically. Until this occurs, you may change your target Index Value; regardless of whether multiple target Index Values are submitted during a Business Day or over the course of several days, the last request received prior to 4 PM Eastern Standard Time on a Business Day will be utilized as the applicable target Index Value. Any target Index Value submitted after 4 PM Eastern Standard Time will be set as of the following Business Day. However, upon effectiveness of the Performance Lock, subsequent submissions of target Index Values will be disregarded.

**Index Performance with a Locked Index Value** 

As described in the prospectus, the Performance Rate of a Shield Option is based in part on the performance of an Index. For any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, Index Performance is the percentage change in Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect.

Since Index Performance is calculated as of the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect, subsequent changes to an Index – such as substitution of the Index for a Shield Option or changes in the value of an Index – will have no impact on your Index Performance. Index Performance with a Locked Index Value is calculated once – as of the date on which the Locked Index Value takes effect – and does not change under any circumstances for the remainder of the Term.

If you have provided a Notice of election to set a target Index Value on a Shield Option, but a Locked Index Value has not yet taken effect – e.g., because the Index Value has not yet met your pre-set target – the Notice of election will continue to be kept on file. In such circumstances, if the Index associated with your Shield Option is substituted, we will calculate a new target Index Value based on the new Index and will notify you of the change. The new target Index Value will reflect the same

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amount of growth between the replaced (i.e., old) Index's value at Term Start Date and the target Index Value you had set on the replaced Index. You will have the opportunity to cancel the Notice of election with the new target Index Value if you choose to do so.

**Performance Lock Factor** 

For any Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, we apply a Performance Lock Factor that has the effect of reducing Interim Value or Investment Amount, as the case may be. The percentage that we apply is less than 100% (for example, 97%); the remaining percentage amount not included in the calculation (in this case, 3%) compensates us for the costs and risks that we assume in providing the Performance Lock with your Shield Option. The Performance Lock Factor is built into the formula for determining the value of a Shield Option with a Locked Index Value, and as a result, you will receive a reduced Interim Value prior to the end of the Term or Investment Amount at the end of the Term. The Performance Lock Factor is based on the Term of your Shield Option with a Locked Index Value and the number of completed Contract Year(s) since the Term Start Date as shown in the table below.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Number of Complete Contract Years Since** <br> **Term Start Date**<br>| **6-Year Terms** | **3-Year Terms** | **1-Year Terms** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Less than 1 Year | 95% | 96% | 97% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 Year | 95% | 96% | 97% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2 Years | 95% | 96% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3 Years | 95% | 96% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4 Years | 95% |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5 Years | 95% |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6 Years | 95% |  |  |

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**Availability of the Performance Lock** 

We currently offer Performance Lock with (i) Shield Option Terms of 1 year, 3 years or 6 years, (ii) Shield Rates of 10%, 15% and 25%, (iii) the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index and the MSCI EAFE Index, and (iv) a Cap Rate as the Rate Crediting Type. (The Performance Lock is not offered together with a Step Rate.) See the Shield Options chart in "SHIELD OPTIONS."

**DEATH BENEFIT** 

If you die during the Accumulation Period, we will pay a death benefit to your Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries). The standard death benefit for your Contract is described below.

Please check your Contract and riders for the specific provisions applicable to you. We will require both due proof of death and an acceptable election for the payment method before any death benefit is paid. Our obligations are subject to all payments made and actions taken by us before our receipt of Notice of due proof of death. Any death benefit will be paid in accordance with applicable law or regulations governing death benefit payments. (See "General Death Benefit Provisions" below.)

**Standard Death Benefit** 

If you are age 81 or older at the Issue Date of your Contract, the standard death benefit is the Account Value.

If you are age 80 or younger at the Issue Date of your Contract, the standard death benefit will be the Return of Premium death benefit which is the greater of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) your Account Value; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) your Purchase Payment, reduced proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees).

If a non-natural person owns the Contract, then the Annuitant will be deemed to be the Owner for purposes of determining the Death Benefit Amount. If Joint Owners are named, the age of the oldest Joint Owner will be used to determine the Death Benefit Amount.

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If the Owner is a natural person and the Owner is changed to someone other than a spouse, the Death Benefit Amount will be determined as defined above; however, for the Return of Premium death benefit, subsection (2) will be changed to provide as follows: "the Account Value as of the effective date of the change of Owner, reduced proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay for advisory fees) made after such date."

In the event that a Beneficiary who is the spouse of the Owner elects to continue the Contract in his or her name after the Owner dies, the Death Benefit Amount for the Return of Premium death benefit, will be determined in accordance with (1) or (2) above.

The Death Benefit Amount cannot be withdrawn as a lump sum prior to the death of the Owner (or Annuitant where the Owner is a non-natural person).

The current Death Benefit Amount will appear on any reports that are sent to you.

The death benefit terminates (a) upon termination of the Contract; (b) when the entire Account Value is applied to an Annuity Option; or (c) when the Account Value is reduced to zero.

See Appendix C for examples of the Return of Premium death benefit.

**General Death Benefit Provisions** 

If the Beneficiary under a Qualified Contract is the Annuitant's spouse, the tax law generally allows distributions to begin by the year in which the Annuitant would have been required to begin taking distributions (which may be more or less than ten years after the Annuitant's death). (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS" for a discussion of the tax law requirements applicable to distributions from Qualified Contracts).

The Death Benefit Amount is determined as of the end of the Business Day on which we receive both due proof of death and an acceptable election for the payment method. Where there are multiple Beneficiaries, the death benefit will be determined as of the time the first Beneficiary submits the necessary documentation in Good Order. The Death Benefit Amount remains in the Contract until each of the other Beneficiaries submits the necessary documentation in Good Order to claim his/her death benefit. Any Death Benefit Amounts held in the Contract on behalf of the remaining Beneficiaries will remain in the existing Shield Options and/or the Fixed Account and are subject to fluctuation in value. This risk is borne by the Beneficiaries. There is no additional death benefit guarantee.

For the Return of Premium death benefit, if the Beneficiary chooses to continue the Contract, any excess of the Death Benefit Amount over the Account Value will be allocated to the Fixed Account. If the Fixed Account is not available, any excess amount of the Death Benefit Amount over the Account Value will be allocated into the Shield Option with, in order of priority, the shortest Term, the highest Shield Rate, and the lowest Cap Rate from the Shield Options available at the next Contract Anniversary, unless otherwise instructed by the Beneficiary.

Upon the death of either Owner, the surviving Joint Owner will be the primary Beneficiary. Any other Beneficiary designation will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary, unless instructed otherwise.

If we are presented with notification of your death before any requested transaction is completed, we will cancel the request. As described above, the death benefit will be determined when we receive both due proof of death and an election for the payment method.

We will pay interest on any delayed death benefit payments in accordance with the laws and regulations in effect under the applicable state law.

**Controlled Payout** 

You may elect to have the death benefit proceeds paid to your Beneficiary in the form of Income Payments for life or over a period of time that does not exceed your Beneficiary's life expectancy, subject to applicable tax law requirements. This election must be in writing in a form acceptable to us. You may revoke the election only in writing and only in a form acceptable to us. Upon your death, the Beneficiary cannot revoke or modify your election. The Controlled Payout is only available to Non-Qualified Contracts.

**Death of Owner During the Accumulation Period** 

The death benefit will be paid to your Beneficiary(ies) upon your death, or the first death of a Joint Owner. If the Contract is owned by a non-natural person, the Annuitant will be deemed the Owner in determining the death benefit. If there are Joint Owners, the age of the older Owner will be used to determine the death benefit.

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**Death of Annuitant During the Accumulation Period** 

Upon the death of an Annuitant, who is not the Owner or Joint Owner, the Owner (or Oldest Joint Owner) automatically becomes the Annuitant, unless the Owner, subject to our underwriting requirements in effect at the time of the request, chooses a new Annuitant. If the Owner is a non-natural person, the death of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of an Owner, and a new Annuitant may not be named. (See "Death of Owner During the Accumulation Period" above).

**Death Benefit Options** 

In the event an Owner (or the Annuitant, where the Owner is not an individual) dies during the Accumulation Period, a Beneficiary must choose payment of the death benefit under one of the options below (unless the Owner has previously made the election or due to the requirements of the Code). The death benefit options available under the Contract include the following and any other options acceptable to you and us:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Option 1—lump sum payment in cash; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Option 2—payment of the entire death benefit under a Non-Qualified Contract within five (5) years (or under a Qualified Contract generally within ten (10) years) of the date of death of the Owner or the first Joint Owner to die; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Option 3—payment of the death benefit under an Annuity Option or other periodic payment option acceptable to us (if permitted by the Code) in substantially equal periodic payments (made at least annually) over the lifetime of the Beneficiary or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary with distribution beginning within one (1) year of the date of death of the Owner or the first Joint Owner to die. Any portion of the death benefit not applied within one (1) year of the date of the Owner's or Joint Owner's death must be distributed within five (5) years of the date of death.

For Non-Qualified Contracts, payment must begin within one year of the date of death. For Qualified Contracts, payment must begin no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the year of death.

We may also offer a payment option, for both Non-Qualified Contracts and certain Qualified Contracts, under which your Beneficiary may receive payments, over a period not extending beyond his or her life expectancy, under a method of distribution similar to the distribution of RMDs that are taken as withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts. Such payment option may be limited to certain categories of beneficiaries. If this option is elected, we will issue a new contract to your Beneficiary in order to facilitate the distribution of payments. Upon the death of your Beneficiary, the death benefit would be required to be distributed in accordance with applicable tax law requirements. In some cases, this will require that the proceeds be distributed more rapidly than the method of distribution in effect at the time of your Beneficiary's death. (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.")

If a lump sum payment is elected and all the necessary requirements are met, the payment will be made within seven (7) days.

All options must comply with applicable federal income tax rules. The tax rules are complex and differ for Non-Qualified Contracts and Qualified Contracts. As a general matter, the entire death benefit must be paid within five years (or in some cases 10 years for Qualified Contracts) of the Owner's date of death unless an exception applies. You should consult your tax adviser about the tax rules applicable to your situation.

***Beneficiary Continuation Options.*** We offer two types of Beneficiary Continuation Options during the Accumulation Period: the Spousal Continuation and Non-Spousal Beneficiary Continuation Options described below. We must receive Notice of the election of one of these Beneficiary Continuation Options by the end of the 90th day after we receive Notice of due proof of death. If the surviving spouse qualifies for Spousal Continuation and has not chosen one of the death benefit options above by the end of the 90 day period, the Spousal Continuation Option will be automatically applied on the 90th day. If a Non-Spousal Beneficiary qualifies for Non-Spousal Beneficiary Continuation and has not chosen one of the death benefit options above by the end of the 90 day period, the Non-Spousal Beneficiary Continuation Option will be automatically applied on the 90th day.

**Spousal Continuation.** If the Owner dies during the Accumulation Period, the spouse may choose to continue the Contract in his or her own name, to the extent permitted by law, and exercise all of the Owner's rights under the Contract. Upon such election the Account Value will be adjusted to an amount equal to the Death Benefit Amount determined upon such election and receipt of due proof of death of the Owner. Any excess of the Death Benefit Amount over the Account Value will be allocated to the Fixed Account. If the Fixed Account is not available, any excess amount of the Death Benefit Amount over the Account Value will be allocated into the Shield Option with, in order of priority, the shortest Term, the highest Shield Rate and the lowest Cap Rate from the Shield Options available at the next Contract Anniversary, unless otherwise elected by the spouse.

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Spousal continuation will not satisfy minimum required distribution rules for Qualified Contracts other than IRAs (see "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.")

**Non-Spousal Beneficiary Continuation.** A Beneficiary who is not a spouse generally can choose to continue a Non-Qualified Contract until the fifth anniversary of the Owner's death, and a Qualified Contract generally until the tenth anniversary of the Owner's death. The Contract can be continued by a Beneficiary only if his or her share of the death benefit is at least equal to the Minimum Account Value. If the Beneficiary continues the Contract under this provision his or her share will not be paid. It will instead be continued in the Contract on the date we determine the Death Benefit Amount. Such Beneficiary will have the right to make partial and full withdrawals of his/her share of the Contract. Such Beneficiary will also have the right to make transfers at the Term End Date or the Interest Rate Term End Date.

During the continuation period the Beneficiary can choose to receive his/her share of the Contract in a single lump sum payment or, to the extent permitted by the Code, apply it to an Annuity Option or other option acceptable to us that must be payable for the life of the Beneficiary or for a term no longer than the life expectancy of the Beneficiary starting within one (1) year after the death of the Owner.

On the fifth anniversary of the death of a Non-Qualified Contract Owner, (or generally the tenth anniversary of the death of a Qualified Contract Owner), any Beneficiary will be paid his/her share of the Account Value that has not been applied to an Annuity Option or other settlement option permissible under the Code, in a single lump sum payment and the Contract will terminate.

**Income Payments (The Income Period)** 

**Annuity Date** 

Under the Contract you can receive regular Income Payments. You can choose the month and year in which those payments begin (the "Annuity Date"). The Annuity Date must not be less than thirteen (13) months from the Issue Date and will be the first day of the calendar month unless, subject to our current established administrative procedures, we allow you to select another day of the month as your Annuity Date. You can change the Annuity Date at any time before the Annuity Date, subject to certain limitations and restrictions that may apply in your state. Income Payments must begin on, or before, the Maturity Date. Please note that in the Contract, the Annuity Date and Maturity Date are the same date.

**Maturity Date** 

The Maturity Date is specified in your Contract at purchase and is the first day of the calendar month following the Annuitant's 90th birthday or 10 years from the date we issue your Contract, whichever is later. If Income Payments don't begin on, or before, the Maturity Date, the Contract will be annuitized at the Maturity Date under the Contract's default Annuity Option, or you can make a complete withdrawal of your Account Value.

You can change or extend your Maturity Date at any time before the Maturity Date with thirty (30) days prior notice to us (subject to restrictions that may apply in your state, restrictions imposed by your selling firm and our current established administrative procedures.) The latest date we will allow you to extend to must be based on the Owner's age and not the Annuitant's age. You must contact us at our Annuity Service Office to make this election. This requirement may be changed by us. **Please be aware that once your Contract is annuitized, you are ineligible to receive the death benefit.** 

**Income Payments** 

You (unless another payee is named) will receive Income Payments during the Income Period. The Annuitant is the natural person(s) whose life we look to in the determination of Income Payments. All Income Payments are fixed as to amount.

The Account Value, less any applicable Premium Taxes on the day immediately preceding the Annuity Date will be used to determine the Income Payment amount. The amount of each Income Payment will be based upon the Annuity Option elected, the Annuitant's age, the Annuitant's sex (where permitted by law), and the appropriate Annuity Option table. Your annuity rates will not be less than those guaranteed in your Contract at the time of purchase. If, as of the annuity calculation date, the then current Annuity Option rates applicable to this class of contracts provide an Income Payment greater than that which is guaranteed under the same Annuity Option under the Contract, the greater payment will be made.

Income Payments will be paid as monthly installments or at any frequency acceptable to you and us. If the amount of the Account Value to be applied under an Annuity Option is less than $5,000, we reserve the right to make one lump sum payment equal to the then current Account Value in lieu of Income Payments. If the amount of the Income Payment would be less than $100, we may reduce the frequency of payments to an interval which will result in the payment being at least $100, but with a frequency of no less than annually.

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**Annuity Options** 

You can choose among income plans (the "Annuity Options"). You can change it at any time before the death benefit becomes payable or the Annuity Date.

If you do not choose an Annuity Option at the time you purchase the Contract, Option 2, which provides a life annuity with 10 years of guaranteed Income Payments, will automatically be applied.

You can choose one of the following Annuity Options or any other Annuity Option acceptable to us. After Income Payments begin, you cannot change the Annuity Option, subject to the requirements of the Code.

If more than one frequency is permitted under your Contract, choosing less frequent payments will result in each Income Payment being larger. Annuity Options that guarantee that payments will be made for a certain number of years regardless of whether the Annuitant or joint Annuitant are alive (such as Options 2 and 4 below) result in Income Payments that are smaller than Annuity Options without such a guarantee (such as Options 1 and 3 below). For Annuity Options with a designated period, choosing a shorter designated period will result in each Income Payment being larger.

**Option 1. Life Annuity.** Under this option, we will make Income Payments so long as the Annuitant is alive. We stop making Income Payments after the Annuitant's death. It is possible under this option to receive only one Income Payment if the Annuitant dies before the due date of the second payment or to receive only two Income Payments if the Annuitant dies before the due date of the third payment, and so on.

**Option 2. Life Annuity With 10 Years of Income Payments Guaranteed.** Under this option, we will make Income Payments so long as the Annuitant is alive. If, when the Annuitant dies, we have made Income Payments for less than ten years, we will then continue to make Income Payments to the Beneficiary for the rest of the 10 year period.

**Option 3. Joint and Last Survivor Annuity.** Under this option, we will make Income Payments so long as the Annuitant and a second person (joint Annuitant) are both alive. When either Annuitant dies, we will continue to make Income Payments, so long as the survivor continues to live. We will stop making Income Payments after the last survivor's death.

**Option 4. Joint and Last Survivor Annuity with 10 Years of Income Payments Guaranteed.** Under this option, we will make Income Payments so long as the Annuitant and a second person (joint Annuitant) are both alive. When either Annuitant dies, we will continue to make Income Payments, so long as the survivor continues to live. If, at the last death of the Annuitant and the joint Annuitant, we have made Income Payments for less than ten years, we will then continue to make Income Payments to the Beneficiary for the rest of the 10 year period.

We may require proof of the age or sex of an Annuitant before making any Income Payments under the Contract that are measured by the Annuitant's life. If the age or sex of the Annuitant has been misstated, the amount payable will be the amount that the Account Value would have provided at the correct age or sex. Once Income Payments have begun, any underpayments will be made up in one sum with the next Income Payment or in any other manner agreed to by us. Any overpayments will be deducted first from future Income Payments. No interest will be credited or charged in the event of an underpayment or overpayment.

Upon the death of the last surviving Annuitant, the Beneficiary may choose to continue receiving income payments (if permitted by the Code) or to receive the commuted value of the remaining guaranteed payments. The calculation of the commuted value will be done using the then current Annuity Option rates.

Due to underwriting, administrative or Code considerations, there may be limitations on payments to the survivor under Options 3 and 4 and/or the duration of the guarantee period under Options 2 and 4.

Tax rules with respect to decedent contracts may prohibit the election of Joint and Last Survivor Annuity Options (or income types) and may also prohibit payments for as long as the Owner's life in certain circumstances.

In addition to the Annuity Options described above, we may offer an additional payment option that would allow your Beneficiary to take distribution of the Account Value over a period not extending beyond his or her life expectancy. Under this option, annual distributions would not be made in the form of an annuity, but would be calculated in a manner similar to the calculation of RMDs from IRAs. (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.") We generally intend to make this payment option available to both Qualified Contracts and Non-Qualified Contracts, to the extent allowed under the Code; however, such payment option may be limited to certain categories of beneficiaries. In the event that you purchased the Contract as a Qualified Contract, you must take distribution of the Account Value in accordance with the minimum required distribution rules set forth in applicable tax law. (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.") Under certain circumstances, you may satisfy those requirements by electing an Annuity Option. Upon your death, if Income Payments have already begun under a Qualified Contract, applicable tax law may require that any remaining Income Payments be paid over a shorter period than originally elected or otherwise adjusted to comply with the tax law. If you purchased the Contract as a Non-Qualified Contract, the tax

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rules that apply upon your death are similar to the tax rules for Qualified Contracts, but differ in some material respects. For example, if you die after Income Payments have already begun under a Non-Qualified Contract, any remaining Income Payments can continue to be paid, provided that they are paid at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the time of your death.

**Death of Owner During the Income Period** 

If the Owner (or a Joint Owner), is not the Annuitant, and dies during the Income Period, any remaining guaranteed payments under the Annuity Option elected will continue at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the time of the Owner's (or Joint Owner's) death, but in all events in accordance with applicable tax law requirements. Upon the death of the Owner (or a Joint Owner) during the Income Period, the Beneficiary becomes entitled to exercise the rights of the Owner. If an Owner (or Joint Owner) is the Annuitant and dies during the Income Period, any remaining Income Payments (except under Option 1 or Option 3) will be as specified in the Annuity Option chosen and will continue at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the time of the Owner's (or Joint Owner's) death, but in all events in accordance with applicable tax law requirements.

**PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES** 

We reserve the right to deduct from the Purchase Payment or Account Value any taxes relating to the Contract paid by us to any government entity (including, but not limited to, Premium Taxes, Federal, state and local withholding of income, estate, inheritance, other taxes required by law and any new or increased state income taxes that may be enacted into law). Premium taxes generally range from 0.5% to 3.5%.We will determine when taxes relate to the Contract.

We may pay taxes when due and deduct that amount from the Account Value at a later date. Payment at an earlier date does not waive any right we may have to deduct amounts at a later date. Generally, it is our practice not to charge Premium Taxes until Income Payments begin.

**INCOME TAXES** 

We reserve the right to deduct from the Contract for any income taxes which we incur because of the Contract. At the present time, however, we are not incurring any such income tax or making any such deductions.

**FEE-BASED EXPENSES** 

The fees and expenses of a fee-based program are separate from and in addition to the fees and expenses of the Contract. You should ensure that within your fee-based program there are sufficient liquid assets outside of this Contract to pay any fees and expenses associated with the program.

Please be aware that if you authorize your financial advisor to withdraw amounts from your Contract to pay for the fees and expenses associated with the fee-based program, such fee deduction will be treated as a withdrawal. See "Financial Advisor Initiated Withdrawals" above. A withdrawal can have many consequences. For example, as with any other withdrawal from your Contract, you may incur adverse tax consequences upon the deduction of your financial advisor's fee from your Contract. See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS" below.

Please consult with your financial advisor for more details about your fee-based program.

**FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS**

**Introduction** 

The following information on taxes is a general discussion of the subject. It is not intended as tax advice. The provisions of the Code that govern the Contract are complex and subject to change. The applicability of Federal income tax rules may vary with your particular circumstances. This discussion does not include all the Federal income tax rules that may affect you and your Contract. Nor does this discussion address other Federal tax consequences (such as estate and gift taxes, sales to foreign individuals or entities), or state or local tax consequences, which may affect your investment in the Contract. As a result, you should always consult a tax adviser for complete information and advice applicable to your individual situation.

You are responsible for determining whether your purchase of a Contract, withdrawals, income payments and any other transactions under your Contract satisfy applicable tax law.

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For Federal tax purposes, the term "spouse" refers to the person to whom you are lawfully married, regardless of sex. The term "spouse" generally will not include individuals who are in a registered domestic partnership or civil union not denominated as marriage under state or other applicable law.

**Non-Qualified Annuity Contracts** 

This discussion assumes the Contract is a "non-qualified" annuity Contract for Federal income tax purposes, that is not held in a tax qualified "plan." Tax qualified plans include arrangements described in Code Sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(a), 403(b) or tax sheltered annuities ("TSA"), 408 or "IRAs" (including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs), 408A or "Roth IRAs" and 457(b) plans. Contracts owned through such plans are referred to below as "qualified" contracts.

**Non-Qualified Annuity Contracts Owned by Corporations and Other Legal Entities** 

Taxes on earnings are deferred until you take money out. Non-qualified annuity Contracts owned by a non-natural person, such as corporations or certain other legal entities (other than a trust that holds the Contract as an agent for a natural person), do not receive tax deferral on earnings.

**Accumulation** 

Generally, an owner of a non-qualified annuity Contract is not taxed on increases in the value of the Contract until there is a distribution from the Contract, i.e. surrender, partial withdrawal income payments or commutation. This deferral of taxation on accumulated value in the Contract is limited to Contracts owned by or held for the benefit of "natural persons." A Contract will be treated as held by a natural person even if the nominal owner is a trust or other entity which holds the Contract as an agent for the exclusive benefit of a natural person.

In contrast, a Contract owned by other than a "natural person," such as a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity (other than a trust holding the Contract as an agent for a natural person), will be taxed currently on the increase in accumulated value in the Contract in the year earned.

**Surrenders or Withdrawals—Early Distribution** 

If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, or surrender your Contract prior to the date you commence taking annuity or "income" payments (the "Annuity Starting Date"), the amount you receive will generally be treated first as coming from earnings, if any, (and thus subject to income tax) and then from your purchase payments (which are not subject to income tax). If the accumulated value is less than your purchase payments upon surrender of your Contract, your ability to claim any unrecovered purchase payments on your Federal income tax return as a miscellaneous itemized deduction is suspended under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. In general, withdrawals made from a non-qualified Contract by your financial advisor to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program will be reported and treated by us as partial withdrawals that are taxable to you for Federal income tax purposes.

The portion of any withdrawal from an annuity Contract that is subject to income tax (including to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program) may also be subject to a 10% Federal income tax penalty for "early" distribution if such withdrawal is taken prior to you reaching age 59 <sup>1</sup>∕2, unless an exception applies. Exceptions include distributions made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) on account of your death or disability;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made at least annually payable for your life (or life expectancy) or joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of you and your designated beneficiary; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) under certain immediate income annuities.

If you receive systematic payments that you intend to qualify for the "substantially equal periodic payments" exception noted above, any modifications (except due to death or disability) to your payment before age 59 <sup>1</sup>∕2 or within five years after beginning these payments, whichever is later, will result in the retroactive imposition of the 10% Federal income tax penalty with interest. Such modifications may include but are not limited to additional purchase payments to the Contract (including tax-free transfers or rollovers) or additional withdrawals from the Contract.

Amounts received as a partial withdrawal may be fully includable in taxable income to the extent of gain in the Contract.

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**Aggregation** 

If you purchase two or more deferred annuity Contracts after October 21, 1988, from BLIC (or its affiliates) during the same calendar year, the law requires that all such Contracts must be treated as a single Contract for purposes of determining whether any payments not received as an annuity (e.g., withdrawals) will be includible in income. Aggregation could affect the amount of a withdrawal that is taxable and subject to the 10% Federal income tax penalty described above. Since the IRS may require aggregation in other circumstances as well, you should consult a tax adviser if you are purchasing more than one annuity Contract from the same insurance company in a single calendar year. Aggregation does not affect distributions paid in the form of an annuity (See "Taxation of Payments in Annuity Form" below).

**Exchanges/Transfers** 

The annuity Contract may be exchanged in whole or in part for another annuity contract or a long-term care insurance policy. An exchange in whole of an annuity for another annuity or for a qualified long-term care insurance policy will generally be a tax-free transaction under Section 1035 of the Code. The partial exchange of an annuity contract may be a tax-free transaction provided that, among other prescribed IRS conditions, no amounts are distributed from either contract involved in the exchange for 180 days following the date of the exchange—other than annuity payments made for life, joint lives, or for a term of 10 years or more. If a distribution is made from either contract within the 180-day period after the exchange or the exchange otherwise fails to satisfy other IRS prescriptions, the IRS reserves the right to characterize the exchange in a manner consistent with its substance, based on general tax principles and all the facts and circumstances. For instance, distribution from either contract may be taxable to the extent of the combined gain attributable to both contracts, or only to the extent of your gain in the contract from which the distribution is paid. Some of the ramifications of a partial exchange remain unclear. You should consult your tax adviser concerning potential tax consequences prior to any partial exchange or split of annuity contracts.

A transfer of ownership of the Contract, or the designation of an annuitant or other beneficiary who is not also the Contract owner, may result in income or gift tax consequences to the Contract owner. You should consult your tax adviser if you are considering such a transfer or assignment.

**Death Benefit** 

For non-qualified Contracts, the death benefit is taxable to the recipient in the same manner as if paid to the Contract owner (under the rules for withdrawals or income payments, whichever is applicable). After your death, any death benefit determined under the Contract must be distributed according to certain rules. The method of distribution that is required depends on whether you die before or after the Annuity Starting Date. If you die on or after the Annuity Starting Date, the remaining portion of the interest in the Contract must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of death. If you die before the Annuity Starting Date, the entire interest in the Contract must be distributed within five (5) years after the date of death, or as periodic payments over a period not extending beyond the life or life expectancy of the designated beneficiary (provided such payments begin within one year of your death) and the beneficiary must be a natural person. Additionally, if the annuity is payable to (or for the benefit of) your surviving spouse, that portion of the Contract may be continued with your spouse as the owner. For Contracts owned by a non-natural person, the required distribution rules apply upon the death of the annuitant. If there is more than one annuitant of a Contract held by a non-natural person, then such required distributions will be triggered by the death of the first co-annuitant.

**Taxation of Payments in Annuity Form** 

Payments received from the Contract in the form of an annuity, are taxable as ordinary income to the extent they exceed the portion of the payment determined by applying the exclusion ratio to the entire payment. The exclusion ratio is determined at the time the Contract is annuitized (i.e. accumulated value is converted to an annuity form of distribution). Generally, the applicable exclusion ratio is your investment in the Contract divided by the total payments you expect to receive based on IRS factors, such as the form of annuity and mortality. The excludable portion of each annuity payment is the return of investment in the Contract and it is excludable from your taxable income until your investment in the Contract is fully recovered. We will make this calculation for you. However, it is possible that the IRS could conclude that the taxable portion of income payments under a non-qualified Contract is an amount greater—or less—than the taxable amount determined by us and reported by us to you and the IRS.

Once you have recovered the investment in the Contract, further annuity payments are fully taxable. If you die before your investment in the Contract is fully recovered, the balance may be deducted on your last tax return, or if annuity payments continue after your death, the balance may be deducted by your beneficiary.

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The IRS has not furnished explicit guidance as to how the excludable amount is to be determined each year under variable income annuities that permit transfers between a fixed annuity option and variable investment options, as well as transfers between investment options after the Annuity Starting Date. Once annuity payments have commenced, you may not be able to transfer to another non-qualified annuity contract or a long-term care contract as part of a tax-free exchange.

If you receive payments that you intend to qualify for the "substantially equal periodic payments" exception noted above, any modifications (except due to death or disability) to your payment before age 59 <sup>1</sup>∕2 or within five years after beginning these payments, whichever is later, will result in the retroactive imposition of the 10% Federal income tax penalty with interest. Such modifications may include additional purchase payments or withdrawals (including tax-free transfers or rollovers of income payments) from the Contract.

If the Contract allows, you may elect to convert less than the full value of your Contract to an annuity form of pay-out (i.e., "partial annuitization.") In this case, your investment in the Contract will be pro-rated between the annuitized portion of the Contract and the deferred portion. An exclusion ratio will apply to the annuity payments as described above, provided the annuity form you elect is payable for at least 10 years or for the life of one or more individuals.

**3.8% Tax on Net Investment Income** 

Federal tax law imposes a 3.8% Net Investment Income tax on the lesser of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the taxpayer's "net investment income," (from non-qualified annuities, interest, dividends, and other investments, offset by specified allowable deductions); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income in excess of a specified income threshold ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly and qualifying surviving spouses, $125,000 for married couples filing separately, and $200,000 for single filers).

"Net investment income" in Item 1 above does not include distributions from tax qualified plans, (i.e., arrangements described in Code Sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A or 457(b)), but such income will increase modified adjusted gross income in Item 2 above.

You should consult your tax adviser regarding the applicability of this tax to income under your annuity Contract.

**Qualified Annuity Contracts** 

**Introduction** 

Currently, the Contract is available for use in connection with Non-Qualified Plans, Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. In general, annuity contracts purchased through certain types of retirement plans receive favorable treatment under the Code ("tax qualified plans" or "qualified plans"). Tax-qualified plans include arrangements described in Code Sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(a), 403(b) or tax sheltered annuities ("TSA"), 408 or "IRAs" (including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs), 408A or "Roth IRAs" and 457(b) plans. Extensive special tax rules apply to qualified plans and to the annuity Contracts used in connection with these plans. Therefore, the following discussion provides only general information about the use of the Contract with the various types of qualified plans. Adverse tax consequences may result if you do not ensure that contributions, distributions and other transactions with respect to the Contract comply with the law.

The rights to any benefit under the plan will be subject to the terms and conditions of the plan itself as well as the terms and conditions of the Contract.

We exercise no control over whether a particular retirement plan or a particular contribution to the plan satisfies the applicable requirements of the Code, or whether a particular individual is entitled to participate or benefit under a plan.

All qualified plans and arrangements receive tax deferral under the Code. Since there are no additional tax benefits in funding such retirement arrangements with an annuity, there should be reasons other than tax deferral for acquiring the annuity within the plan. Such non-tax benefits may include additional insurance benefits, such as the availability of a guaranteed income for life.

**Accumulation** 

The tax rules applicable to qualified plans vary according to the type of plan and the terms and conditions of the plan itself. Both the amount of the contribution that may be made and the tax deduction or exclusion that you may claim for that contribution under qualified plans are limited under the Code.

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Purchase payments or contributions to IRAs or tax qualified retirement plans of an employer may be taken from current income on a before tax basis or after tax basis. Purchase payments made on a "before tax" basis entitle you to a tax deduction or are not subject to current income tax. Purchase payments made on an "after tax" basis do not reduce your taxable income or give you a tax deduction. Contributions may also consist of transfers or rollovers as described below and are not subject to the annual limitations on contributions.

An IRA Contract will accept as a single purchase payment a transfer or rollover from another IRA (including a SEP or SIMPLE IRA) or rollover from an eligible retirement plan of an employer (i.e., 401(a), 401(k), 403(a), 403(b) or governmental 457(b) plans.) A rollover or transfer from a SIMPLE IRA is allowed provided that the taxpayer has participated in such arrangement for at least two years. As part of the single purchase payment, the IRA Contract will also accept an IRA contribution subject to the Code limits for the year of purchase.

**Taxation of Annuity Distributions** 

If contributions are made on a "before tax" basis, you generally pay income taxes on the full amount of money you receive under the Contract. Withdrawals attributable to any after-tax contributions are your basis in the Contract and not subject to income tax (except for the portion of the withdrawal allocable to earnings if any). Under current Federal income tax rules, the taxable portion of distributions under annuity contracts and qualified plans (including IRAs) is not eligible for the reduced tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and qualifying dividends.

If you meet certain requirements, your Roth IRA earnings can be received free of Federal income taxes.

With respect to IRA Contracts, we will withhold a portion of the taxable amount of your withdrawal for income taxes, unless you elect otherwise. The amount we will withhold is determined by the Code.

**Withdrawals Prior to Age 59** <sup>1</sup>**∕2** 

A taxable withdrawal from a qualified Contract which is subject to income tax may also be subject to a 10% Federal income tax penalty for "early" distribution if taken prior to age 59 <sup>1</sup>∕2, unless an exception described below applies.

Exceptions to the early distribution penalty for qualified plans include withdrawals or distributions made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) on account of your death or disability,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments payable for your life (or life expectancy) or joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of you and your designated beneficiary and (in the case of certain employer-sponsored qualified plans) you are separated from employment,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) on separation from service after age 55. This rule does not apply to IRAs (including SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order ("QDRO"). This rule does not apply to IRAs (including SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) to pay IRS levies (and made after December 31, 1999),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) to pay deductible medical expenses, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) in the case of IRAs only, to pay for medical insurance (if you are unemployed), qualified higher education expenses, or for a qualified first time home purchase up to $10,000.

Other exceptions may be applicable under certain circumstances and special rules apply or may become applicable in connection with the exceptions enumerated above. Other exceptions include certain provisions under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 which may provide the ability to recontribute an "early" distribution to an IRA or employer sponsored qualified plan (subject to the provisions of the Code, the qualified plan/IRA, the Contract and our administrative rules.) You should consult your tax adviser to confirm whether an exception applies.

If you receive systematic payments or any other payments that you intend to qualify for the "substantially equal periodic payments" exception noted above, any modifications (except due to death or disability) to your payment before age 59 <sup>1</sup>∕2 or within five years after beginning these payments, whichever is later, will result in the retroactive imposition of the 10% Federal income tax penalty with interest. Such modifications may include but are not limited to additional purchase payments to the Contract (including tax-free transfers or rollovers) and additional withdrawals from the Contract.

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**Fee-Based Programs** 

In general, withdrawals made by you or your financial advisor from "before tax" contributions to your qualified plan to pay fees and expenses associated with a fee-based program you agreed to with your financial advisor will be reported and treated by us as partial withdrawals that are taxable to you for federal income tax purposes. In addition, as explained above, if such withdrawals are taken prior to you reaching age 59 <sup>1</sup>∕2, unless an exception applies, such withdrawals may be subject to a 10% Federal income tax penalty. If you have any questions about the tax treatment of the distribution of such fees, you should consult with your tax adviser.

**Rollovers and Transfers** 

Your Contract is non-forfeitable (i.e., not subject to the claims of your creditors) and non-transferable (i.e., you may not transfer it to someone else).

Under certain circumstances, you may be able to transfer amounts distributed from your Contract to another eligible retirement plan or IRA.

Generally, a distribution may be eligible for rollover. Certain types of distributions cannot be rolled over, such as distributions received on account of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) minimum distribution requirements, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) financial hardship; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for a period of ten or more years or for life.

Federal income tax law allows you to make only one rollover from an IRA to another (or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs you own. Generally, this limit does not apply to trustee-to-trustee transfers between IRAs. Because the rollover rules are complex, please consult with your tax adviser before making an IRA rollover.

**20% Withholding on Eligible Rollover Distributions** 

For certain qualified employer plans, we are required to withhold 20% of the taxable portion of your withdrawal that constitutes an "eligible rollover distribution" for Federal income taxes. The amount we withhold is determined by the Code. You may avoid withholding if you directly transfer a withdrawal from this Contract to another IRA or other qualified plan. Similarly, you may be able to avoid withholding on a transfer into this Contract from an existing qualified plan you may have with another provider by arranging to have the transfer made directly to us. For taxable withdrawals that are not "eligible rollover distributions," the Code imposes different withholding rules to determine the withholding percentages.

**Death Benefit** 

The death benefit in a qualified Contract is taxable to the recipient in the same manner as if paid to the Contract owner or plan participant (under the rules for withdrawals or income payments, whichever is applicable).

RMD amounts are required to be distributed from a Qualified annuity Contract (including a contract issued as a Roth IRA) following your death. Congress recently changed the RMD rules for individuals who die after 2019. The after-death RMD rules are complex, and you should consult your tax adviser about how they may apply to your situation.

Effective January 1, 2020, when an IRA owner or participant in a defined contribution plan dies, any remaining interest generally must be distributed within 10 years (or in some cases five years) after his or her death, unless an exception applies. An exception permits an "eligible designated beneficiary" to take distributions over life or a period not exceeding life expectancy, subject to special rules and limitations. An "eligible designated beneficiary" includes: the IRA owner/participant's spouse or minor child (until the child reaches age of majority), certain disabled or chronically ill individuals, and an individual who is not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner/participant. We may limit any payment option over life, or a period not exceeding life expectancy, to certain categories of eligible designated beneficiary.

Generally, distributions under this exception must start by the end of the year following your death. However, if your surviving spouse is the sole designated beneficiary, distributions may generally be delayed until December 31 of the year you would have attained the Applicable Age (as defined in the chart below), if your Contract permits.

If you die after annuity payments have already begun under a Qualified Contract, any remaining payments under the contract also must be made in accordance with the RMD rules. In some cases, those rules may require that the remaining payments be made over a shorter period than originally elected or otherwise adjusted to comply with the tax law.

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If your surviving spouse is the sole designated beneficiary of your Traditional or Roth IRA, then your surviving spouse may elect to treat the Traditional or Roth IRA as his or her own.

Your designated beneficiary is the person to whom benefit rights under the Contract pass by reason of death. The beneficiary generally must be a natural person in order to elect a periodic payment option based on life expectancy or a period exceeding five years. Different tax rules may apply if your Beneficiary is not a natural person, such as your estate.

Alternatively, your spouse may be able to roll over the death proceeds into another eligible retirement plan in which he or she participates, if permitted under the receiving plan, or he or she may elect to rollover the death proceeds into his or her own IRA, or he or she may elect to transfer the death proceeds into an inherited IRA.

If your beneficiary is not your spouse and your plan and Contract permit, your beneficiary may be able to rollover the death proceeds via a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer into an inherited IRA. However, a non-spouse beneficiary may not treat the inherited IRA as his or her own IRA.

Additionally, for contracts issued in connection with qualified plans subject to ERISA, the spouse or ex-spouse of the participant may have rights in the contract. In such a case, the participant may need the consent of the spouse or ex-spouse to change annuity options or make a withdrawal from the contract.

**Applicable Age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)** 

As used in this prospectus, "Applicable Age" means the following:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **If you…** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Your "Applicable Age"** <br> **is…**<br>|
| Were born on or before June 30, 1949 | 70½ |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Were born on or after July 1, 1949 (and attain age 72 prior to <br> January 1, 2023)<br>| 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Attain age 72 on or after January 1, 2023 (and attain age 73 on or <br> before December 31, 2032)<br>| 73\* |
| Attain age 74 on or after January 1, 2033 | 75\* |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

\*If you were born in 1959, you should consult your tax adviser regarding your "Applicable Age," because it is not clear under the SECURE 2.0 Act whether your Applicable Age is age 73 or age 75.

**Required Minimum Distributions During the Owner's Life** 

Generally, you must begin receiving RMD amounts from your qualified Contract by the Required Beginning Date. Generally, for retirement plans, the "Required Beginning Date" is April 1 following the latter of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the calendar year in which you reach the Applicable Age; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the calendar year you retire, provided you do not own more than 5% of the outstanding stock, capital, or profits of your employer.

For IRAs (including SEPs and SIMPLEs) the Required Beginning Date by which you must begin receiving withdrawals is the year in which you attain the Applicable Age even if you have not retired, taking your first distribution no later than April 1 of the year after you reach the Applicable Age.

For all subsequent years, including the first year in which you took your RMD by April 1, you must take the required minimum distribution for the year by December 31st. This will require you to take two distributions in the same calendar year if you wait to take your first distribution until April 1 of the year after attaining the Applicable Age.

A tax penalty (an excise tax) of up to 25% applies to the shortfall of any required minimum distributions you fail to receive.

The minimum required distribution is calculated with respect to each IRA, but the aggregate distribution may be taken from any one or more of your IRAs.

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The regulations also require that the value of benefits under a deferred annuity including certain death benefits in excess of Contract value must be added to the amount credited to your account in computing the amount required to be distributed over the applicable period. We will provide you with additional information regarding the amount that is subject to minimum distribution under this rule. You should consult your own tax adviser as to how these rules affect your own distribution under this rule.

If you intend to receive your minimum distributions in the form of Annuity Payments that are payable over the joint lives of you and a beneficiary or over a guaranteed duration of more than 10 years, be advised that Federal tax law rules may require that, after your death, any remaining payments be made over a shorter period or be reduced after your death to satisfy the RMD rules and avoid the up to 25% excise tax. Other complex rules also apply to RMDs taken in the form of Annuity Payments. You should consult your own tax adviser as to how these rules affect your own Contract.

Required minimum distribution rules that apply to other types of IRAs while you are alive do not apply to Roth IRAs. However, in general, the IRA post-death rules with respect to minimum distributions do apply to beneficiaries of Roth IRAs.

**Additional Information regarding IRAs** 

**Purchase payments** 

Traditional IRA purchase payments (except for permissible rollovers and direct transfers) are limited in the aggregate to the lesser of 100% of compensation or the deductible amount established each year under the Code. A purchase payment up to the deductible amount can also be made for a non-working spouse provided the couple's compensation is at least equal to their aggregate contributions. Individuals age 50 and older are permitted to make additional "catch-up" contributions if they have sufficient compensation. If you or your spouse are an active participant in a retirement plan of an employer, your deductible contributions may be limited. If you exceed purchase payment limits you may be subject to a tax penalty.

Roth IRA purchase payments for individuals are non-deductible (made on an "after tax" basis) and are limited to the lesser of 100% of compensation or the annual deductible IRA amount. Individuals age 50 and older can make an additional "catch-up" purchase payment each year (assuming the individual has sufficient compensation). You may contribute up to the annual purchase payment limit if your modified adjusted gross income does not exceed certain limits. If you exceed purchase payment limits, you may be subject to a tax penalty.

**Withdrawals** 

If and to the extent that Traditional IRA purchase payments are made on an "after tax" basis, withdrawals would be included in income except for the portion that represents a return of non-deductible purchase payments. This portion is generally determined based upon the ratio of all non-deductible purchase payments to the total value of all your Traditional IRAs (including SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs). We withhold a portion of the amount of your withdrawal for income taxes, unless you elect otherwise. The amount we withhold is determined by the Code.

Generally, withdrawal of earnings from Roth IRAs are free from Federal income tax if (1) they are made at least five taxable years after the tax year for which you made your first purchase payment to a Roth IRA; and (2) they are made on or after the date you reach age 59½ or upon your death, disability or for a qualified first-home purchase (up to $10,000). Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are made first from purchase payments and then from earnings. We may be required to withhold a portion of your withdrawal for income taxes, unless you elect otherwise. The amount will be determined by the Code.

**Conversion** 

Traditional IRAs may be converted to Roth IRAs. Except to the extent you have non-deductible contributions, the amount converted from an existing Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA is taxable. Generally, the 10% Federal income tax penalty does not apply. However, the taxable amount to be converted must be based on the fair market value of the entire annuity contract being converted into a Roth IRA. Such fair market value, in general, is to be determined by taking into account the value of all benefits (both living benefits and death benefits) in addition to the account balance; as well as adding back certain loads and charges incurred during the prior twelve month period. Your Contract may include such benefits and applicable charges. Accordingly, if you are considering such conversion of your annuity Contract, please consult your tax adviser. The taxable amount may exceed the account balance at the date of conversion.

Prior to 2018, contributions made to a Traditional IRA that were converted to a Roth IRA could be recharacterized as made back to the Traditional IRA, if certain conditions were met. Under a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, recharacterization cannot be used to unwind a conversion from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. For conversions made to a Roth IRA in 2017, the IRS has issued guidance allowing recharacterizations to be made in 2018. Please consult your tax adviser.

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**Additional Federal Tax Considerations** 

**Non-Qualified Annuity Contracts** 

**Changes to Tax Rules and Interpretations** 

Changes to applicable tax rules and interpretations can adversely affect the tax treatment of your Contract. These changes may take effect retroactively.

We reserve the right to amend your Contract where necessary to maintain its status as an Annuity Contract under Federal tax law and to protect you and other Contract owners from adverse tax consequences.

**Qualified Annuity Contracts** 

Annuity contracts purchased through tax qualified plans are subject to limitations imposed by the Code and regulations as a condition of tax qualification. There are various types of tax qualified plans which have certain beneficial tax consequences for Contract owners and plan participants.

**Types of Qualified Plans** 

The following includes individual account-type plans which may hold an annuity Contract as described in the Prospectus.

*IRA* 

A traditional IRA is established by an individual, under Section 408(a) or 408(b) of the Code. See also Roth IRAs below.

*Roth Account* 

Individual or employee plan contributions made to certain plans on an after-tax basis. An IRA may be established as a Roth IRA under Section 408A, and 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans may provide for Roth accounts. Contributions to a Roth IRA are limited based on the level of your modified adjusted gross income.

Comparison of Plan Limits for Individual Contributions:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Plan Type** | **Elective Contribution** | **Catch-up Contribution** |
| IRA | $6500 | $1000 |
| SIMPLE IRA | $15500 | $3500 |
| 401(k) | $22500 | $7500 |
| SEP/401(a) | (Employer contributions only) |  |
| 403(b) [TSA] | $22500 | $7500 |
| 457(b) | $22500 | $7500 |

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Dollar limits are for 2023 and subject to cost-of-living adjustments in future years. Employer-sponsored individual account plans (other than 457(b) plans) may provide for additional employer contributions not to exceed the lesser of $66,000 and 100% of an employee's compensation for 2023.

**Federal Estate Taxes** 

While no attempt is being made to discuss the Federal estate tax implications of the Contract, you should bear in mind that the value of an annuity contract owned by a decedent and payable to a beneficiary by virtue of surviving the decedent is included in the decedent's gross estate. Depending on the terms of the annuity contract, the value of the annuity included in the gross estate may be the value of the lump sum payment payable to the designated beneficiary or the actuarial value of the payments to be received by the beneficiary. Consult an estate planning adviser for more information.

**Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax** 

Under certain circumstances, the Code may impose a "generation-skipping transfer tax" when all or part of an annuity contract is transferred to, or a death benefit is paid to, an individual two or more generations younger than the contract owner. Regulations issued under the Code may require us to deduct the tax from your contract, or from any applicable payment, and pay it directly to the IRS.

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**SECURE 2.0 Act Considerations** 

As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (the "Act") which was signed into law on December 29, 2022. The Act includes many provisions updating the Code affecting employer sponsored qualified plans and IRAs, including provisions that become effective immediately and provisions which become effective in later years through 2033. For example, the Act includes provisions affecting required minimum distributions (RMD), certain contribution and other limits affecting IRAs and qualified plans, as well as provisions providing new exceptions to the 10% federal income tax penalty for "early" distributions which may also provide for the ability to recontribute such early distributions to an IRA or qualified plan (subject to the provisions of the Code, the qualified plan/IRA, the Contract and our administrative rules.) This prospectus does not attempt to provide a complete discussion of the Act and its provisions. Individuals should consult with a qualified tax adviser.

**Annuity Purchase Payments by Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities** 

The discussion above provides general information regarding U.S. Federal income tax consequences to annuity purchasers that are U.S. citizens or residents. Purchasers that are not U.S. citizens or residents will generally be subject to U.S. Federal withholding tax on taxable distributions from annuity contracts at a 30% rate, unless a lower treaty rate applies. In addition, purchasers may be subject to state and/or municipal taxes and taxes that may be imposed by the purchaser's country of citizenship or residence. Prospective purchasers are advised to consult with a qualified tax adviser regarding U.S., state and foreign taxation with respect to an annuity contract purchase.

**YOUR RIGHT TO CANCEL (FREE LOOK)** 

If you change your mind about owning the Contract, you can cancel it within a certain time period after receiving it. This is known as a "Free Look." We ask that you submit your request to cancel in writing, signed by you, to us (e.g., the Annuity Service Office) or to the financial advisor who sold it. Unless otherwise required by state law, you will receive whatever your Contract is worth on the day that we receive your cancellation request. The amount you receive for a cancellation request submitted to your financial advisor will depend on the day that such request is, in turn, provided to us. The amount you receive may be more or less than your Purchase Payment depending upon the Shield Options you allocated your Purchase Payment to during the Free Look period. This means that you bear the risk of any decline in the Account Value of your Contract during the Free Look period. We do not refund any charges or deductions assessed during the Free Look period. In certain states, we are required to give back your Purchase Payment if you decide to cancel your Contract during the Free Look period.

**OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS** 

**Owner.** You, as the Owner, have all the interest and rights under the Contract. Subject to our administrative procedures, we may also permit ownership by a corporation (a type of non-natural person) or other legal entity.

These rights include the right to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) change the Beneficiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) change the Annuitant before the Annuity Date (subject to our underwriting and administrative rules).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) assign the Contract (subject to limitation).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) change the Income Payment option before the Annuity Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) exercise all other rights, benefits, options and privileges permitted by the Contract or us.

The Owner is as designated at the time the Contract is issued, unless changed. You may change the Owner at any time. Any change of Owner is subject to our underwriting requirements in effect at the time of the request. A change of Owner will automatically revoke any prior designation of the Owner.

**Joint Owner.** The Contract can be owned by Joint Owners, limited to natural persons. Either Joint Owner can exercise all rights under the Contract unless you inform us otherwise as indicated on the Contract Schedule or in a Notice to us. Upon the death of either Owner, the surviving Joint Owner will be the primary Beneficiary, unless you inform us otherwise. Any other Beneficiary designation will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary unless otherwise indicated on the Contract Schedule or in a Notice to us.

**Annuitant.** The Annuitant is the natural person(s) on whose life we base Income Payments. The Annuitant is the person designated by you on the Issue Date. You can change the Annuitant at any time prior to the Annuity Date, unless an Owner is not a natural person. Any reference to Annuitant includes any joint Annuitant under an Annuity Option. The Owner

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and the Annuitant do not have to be the same person except as required under certain sections of the Code. Any change of the Annuitant is subject to our underwriting requirements in effect at the time of the request.

**Beneficiary.** The person(s) or entity(ies) you name to receive a death benefit payable under the Contract upon the death of the Owner or a Joint Owner, or in certain circumstances, an Annuitant. The Beneficiary is named at the time the Contract is issued unless changed at a later date. Unless an irrevocable Beneficiary has been named, you can change the Beneficiary at any time before you die by filing a Notice with us. If Joint Owners are named, and unless you tell us otherwise, the surviving Joint Owner will be the primary Beneficiary. Any other primary Beneficiary designation will be treated as the contingent Beneficiary.

**Assignment.** Our rights as evidenced by a Contract may not be assigned without our written consent and is subject to our underwriting requirements. You may not assign your rights under the Contract after the start of Income Payments. In certain tax markets, assignment of the Contract is prohibited by the Code. If the Contract is assigned absolutely, we will treat it as a change of ownership and all rights will be transferred. We are not bound by any assignment request unless it is in writing and until it is received at our Annuity Service Office. We assume no responsibility for the validity or effect of any assignment. We will not be liable for any payment or other action we take in accordance with the Contract before we record the assignment. Assignments will be effective as of the date the written notice of assignment was signed, subject to all payments made and actions taken by us before a copy of the signed assignment form is received by us at our Annuity Service Office. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of an assignment. **An assignment may be a taxable event.**

**ABANDONED PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS** 

Every state has unclaimed property laws that generally declare non-ERISA annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from the contract's maturity date, the date the death benefit is due and payable, or such other date as required by state law. For example, if the payment of a death benefit has been triggered, but, if after a thorough search, we are still unable to locate the Beneficiary of the death benefit, or the Beneficiary does not come forward to claim the death benefit in a timely manner, the death benefit will be paid to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the state in which the Beneficiary or you last resided, as shown on our books and records, or to our state of domicile. (Escheatment is the formal, legal name for this process.) However, the state is obligated to pay the death benefit (without interest) if your Beneficiary steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation. To prevent your Contract's proceeds from being paid to the state abandoned or unclaimed property office, it is important that you update your Beneficiary designations, including addresses, if and as they change. Please call 1-888-243-1932 to make such changes.

**SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS OR TRANSFERS** 

We may be required to suspend or delay the payment of death benefits, the calculation of income payments, withdrawals and transfers when we cannot obtain an Index Value under the following circumstances:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) trading on the NYSE is restricted;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) an emergency exists such that we cannot value Investment Amounts; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) during any other period when a regulator by order, so permits.

**WHEN WE CAN CANCEL YOUR CONTRACT** 

We may terminate your Contract by paying you the Account Value in one sum if, prior to the Annuity Date the Minimum Account Value after any partial withdrawal is less than $2,000 or any lower amount required by Federal tax laws. Accordingly, no Contract will be terminated due solely to negative Index Performance. We will only do so to the extent allowed by law. If we do so, we will return the full Account Value. Federal tax law may impose additional restrictions on our right to cancel your Traditional IRA or Roth IRA Contract. We will not terminate any Contract if at the time the termination would otherwise occur the guaranteed amount under any death benefit is greater than the Account Value. For all other Contracts, we reserve the right to exercise this termination provision, subject to obtaining any required regulatory approvals. State variations may apply.

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**THE INSURANCE COMPANY** 

**Brighthouse Life Insurance Company ("BLIC")** 

BLIC is a stock insurance company originally chartered in Connecticut in 1863 and currently subject to the laws of the state of Delaware. Prior to March 6, 2017, BLIC was known as MetLife Insurance Company USA. BLIC is licensed to conduct business in all states of the United States (except New York), the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, Guam, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. BLIC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of, and ultimately controlled by, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. ("BHF"), a publicly-traded company. BHF, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.

BLIC's executive offices are located at 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. Unless we designate a different office, the office that administers your Contract is located at P.O. Box 305075, Nashville, TN, 37230-5075.

**THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT** 

The assets of the Separate Account are held in our name on behalf of the Separate Account and legally belong to us. We are obligated to pay all money we owe under the Contracts—such as death benefits and Income Payments—even if that amount exceeds the assets in the Separate Account. Any such amount that exceeds the assets in the Separate Account is paid from our General Account. Amounts paid from the General Account are subject to the financial strength and claims paying ability of BLIC and our long term ability to make such payments and are not guaranteed by any other party. We issue other annuity contracts and life insurance policies where we pay all money we owe under those contracts and policies from our General Account. BLIC is regulated as an insurance company under state law, which includes, generally, limits on the amount and type of investments in its General Account. However, there is no guarantee that we will be able to meet our claims paying obligations; there are risks to purchasing any insurance product.

A Purchase Payment made to the Contract is allocated to the Separate Account. We have exclusive and absolute ownership and control of the assets of the Separate Account. It is a non-unitized separate account. You do not share in the investment performance of assets allocated to the Separate Account. All investment income, gains and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to the Separate Account are borne by BLIC. The obligations under the Contract are independent of the investment performance of the Separate Account and are our obligations.

We will maintain in the Separate Account assets with an aggregate value at least equal to the reserves for all contracts allocated under the Separate Account.

If the aggregate value of such assets in the Separate Account should fall below such amount, we will transfer assets into the Separate Account so that the value of the Separate Account's assets is at least equal to such amount. Assets supporting reserves for annuity benefits under such contracts, in the course of payment, will not be maintained in the Separate Account.

**INVESTMENTS BY BLIC** 

We must invest our assets according to applicable state laws regarding the nature, quality and diversification of investments that may be made by life insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in Federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks, real estate mortgages, real estate and certain other investments. Purchase Payments made to these Contracts issued by BLIC are invested in the Separate Account. The Separate Account is a non-unitized separate account. Owners do not share in the investment performance of assets allocated to the Separate Account. The obligations under the Contract are independent of the investment performance of the Separate Account and are the obligations of BLIC.

**ANNUAL STATEMENT** 

At least once each calendar year, we will send you a statement that will show:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) your Account Value;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) all transactions regarding your Contract during the year; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the Investment Amount and interest credited to your Contract.

Such statements will be sent to your last known address on our records. You will have sixty (60) days from the date you receive such statement to inform us of any errors, otherwise such statement will be deemed final and correct.

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**DOL INVESTMENT ADVICE FIDUCIARY RULE**

The Department of Labor ("DOL") issued regulations (the "DOL Fiduciary Rule") that became applicable on June 9, 2017 but were subsequently vacated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals effective June 21, 2018. The DOL took further regulatory action (the "Fiduciary Advice Rule"), which became effective on February 16, 2021 and reinstated the text of the DOL's 1975 investment advice regulation defining what constitutes fiduciary "investment advice" to ERISA Plans and IRAs and provides guidance interpreting such regulation.

Under the Fiduciary Advice Rule, individuals or entities providing investment advice would be considered fiduciaries under ERISA or the Tax Code, as applicable, and would therefore be required to act solely in the interest of ERISA Plan participants or IRA beneficiaries, or risk exposure to fiduciary liability with respect to their advice. They would further be prohibited from receiving compensation for this advice unless an exemption applied. In connection with the Fiduciary Advice Rule, the DOL issued Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02, that allows fiduciaries to receive compensation in connection with providing investment advice, including advice with respect to roll overs, that would otherwise be prohibited as a result of their fiduciary relationship to the ERISA Plan or IRA. In order to be eligible for the exemption, among other conditions, the investment advice fiduciary is required to acknowledge its fiduciary status, refrain from putting its own interests ahead of the plan beneficiaries' interests or making material misleading statements, act in accordance with ERISA's "prudent person" standard of care and receive no more than reasonable compensation for the advice. Under Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02, neither BLIC nor any of its affiliates is acting or intends to act as an "investment advice fiduciary" to you in connection with the offer or sale of the Contracts.

In order to receive commissions and certain other compensation forms related to the offer or sale of Contracts to certain ERISA plans, IRAs and IRA owners, selling firms to whom PTE 2020-02 applies are required to meet certain requirements. Neither we nor Brighthouse Securities pay commissions to selling firms or their financial advisors with respect to the Contracts. However, we and Brighthouse Securities may offer other compensation to certain selling firms, including compensation based on the volume of our contracts that such firms sell. (See "DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS" below).

The information contained in this prospectus is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation about managing or investing your retirement savings. In providing this information we are not acting as a fiduciary under any applicable laws and regulations. Please consult with a qualified investment professional if you wish to obtain investment advice.

**DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS** 

Brighthouse Securities, LLC ("Brighthouse Securities") is the principal underwriter and distributor of the securities offered through this prospectus. Brighthouse Securities is our affiliate and its principal executive offices are located at 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. Both we and Brighthouse Securities are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of BHF. Brighthouse Securities is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA provides background information about broker- dealers and their financial advisors through FINRA BrokerCheck. You may contact the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline at 1-800-289-9999, or log on to www.finra.org. An investor brochure that includes information describing FINRA BrokerCheck is available through the Hotline or on-line.

Brighthouse Securities is not obligated to take and pay for, and is not required to sell, any specific number or dollar amount of Contracts. Brighthouse Securities, and in certain cases, we, have entered into selling agreements with unaffiliated selling firms for the sale of the Contracts. No selling firms are affiliated with us or Brighthouse Securities. We pay compensation to Brighthouse Securities for sales of the Contracts by selling firms. We also pay amounts to Brighthouse Securities that may be used for its operating and other expenses, including the following sales expenses: compensation and bonuses for Brighthouse Securities' management team, advertising expenses and other expenses of distributing the Contracts. Brighthouse Securities' management team and financial advisors also may be eligible for non-cash compensation items that we may provide jointly with Brighthouse Securities. Non-cash items include conferences, seminars and trips (including travel, lodging and meals in connection therewith), entertainment, merchandise and other similar items.

**Selling Firms** 

As noted above, Brighthouse Securities, and in certain cases, we, have entered into selling agreements with selling firms for the sale of the Contracts. Selling firms may receive some form of non-cash compensation. Certain selected selling firms receive additional compensation (described below under "Additional Compensation for Selected Selling Firms"). These other incentives or payments are not charged directly to Owners. We intend to recoup other sales expenses through the charges and deductions under the Contract. A portion of the payments made to selling firms may be passed on to their financial advisors in accordance with the selling firms' internal compensation programs. Those programs may also include other types

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of cash and non-cash compensation and other benefits. Financial advisors of the selling firms may also receive non-cash compensation, pursuant to their firm's guidelines, directly from us or Brighthouse Securities.

**Compensation Paid to Selling Firms.** Neither we nor Brighthouse Securities pay compensation to selling firms in the form of commissions because these firms have their own compensation structures. We and Brighthouse Securities may provide certain types of non-cash compensation. Brighthouse Securities may also provide non-cash compensation items that we may provide jointly with Brighthouse Securities. Non-cash items may include expenses for conference or seminar trips, certain gifts, prizes and awards.

Ask your financial advisor for further information about what payments your financial advisor and the selling firm for which he or she works may receive in connection with your purchase of a Contract.

**Additional Compensation for Selected Selling Firms.** Brighthouse Securities, and in certain cases, we, have entered into distribution arrangements with certain selected unaffiliated selling firms. Under these arrangements we and Brighthouse Securities may pay additional compensation to selected selling firms, including marketing allowances, introduction fees, persistency payments, preferred status fees and industry conference fees. Marketing allowances are periodic payments to certain selling firms, the amount of which may be an annual flat fee, or in some cases depend on cumulative periodic (usually quarterly) sales of our insurance contracts (including the Contracts) and may also depend on meeting thresholds in the sale of certain of our insurance contracts (other than the Contracts). They may also include payments we make to cover the cost of marketing or other support services provided for or by financial advisors who may sell our products. Introduction fees are payments to selling firms in connection with the addition of our products to the selling firm's line of investment products, including expenses relating to establishing the data communications systems necessary for the selling firm to offer, sell and administer our products. Persistency payments are periodic payments based on account values of our insurance contracts (including Account Values of the Contracts) or other persistency standards. Preferred status fees are paid to obtain preferred treatment in selling firms' marketing programs, which may include marketing services, participation in marketing meetings, listings in data resources and increased access to their financial advisors. Industry conference fees are amounts paid to cover in part the costs associated with sales conferences and educational seminars for selling firms' financial advisors.

The additional types of compensation discussed above are not offered to all selling firms. Some selling firms may opt out of sales based payments and may instead request fees based on assets under management or some other fee basis. The terms of any particular agreement governing compensation may vary among selling firms and the amounts may be significant. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation as described above may provide selling firms and/or their sales representatives with an incentive to favor sales of the Contracts over other annuity contracts (or other investments) with respect to which selling firm does not receive additional compensation, or lower levels of additional compensation. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendation relating to the Contracts. For more information about any such additional compensation arrangements, ask your financial advisor.

**THE FIXED ACCOUNT** 

We may offer our Fixed Account as a funding option. Please refer to your Contract and Appendix D for more information.

**RESTRICTIONS ON FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS** 

Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering might, in certain circumstances, require us to block an Owner's ability to make certain transactions and thereby refuse to accept any request for transfers, withdrawals, Surrenders, or death benefits, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We may also be required to provide additional information about you and your Contract to government regulators.

**REQUESTS AND ELECTIONS** 

We will treat your request for a Contract transaction, or your submission of the Purchase Payment, as received by us if we receive a request conforming to our administrative procedures or the Purchase Payment at our Annuity Service Office on any Business Day before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. We will treat your submission of the Purchase Payment as received by us if we receive it at our Annuity Service Office (or a designee receives it in accordance with the designee's administrative procedures) on any Business Day before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. If we receive the request, or if we (or our designee) receive the Purchase Payment, on any Business Day on or after 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, then the request or payment will be treated as received on the next day. Our Annuity Service Office is located at P.O. Box 305075, Nashville, TN 37230-5075. If you send your Purchase Payment or transaction requests to an address other than the one we have

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designated for receipt of such Purchase Payment or requests, we may return the Purchase Payment to you, or there may be a delay in applying the Purchase Payment or processing the transaction.

Specific to the Performance Lock Benefit, all notifications to or other communication with us concerning Performance Lock - including, to submit a Notice of election to lock the Index Value for your Shield Option, to set a Target Index Value, to transfer or renew the investment Amount at Term End Date, or to transfer the Interim Value after a Locked Index Value takes effect - may be made by you or through your financial advisor.

Note that any notification of your election to transfer Interim Value after a Locked Index Value takes effect must be received prior to or on any Contract Anniversary by 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Unless otherwise noted, servicing requests and elections, including withdrawals, transfers, annuitizations, and general inquiries may be made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• By telephone at (888) 243-1932, between the hours of 7:30AM and 5:30PM Central Time Monday through Thursday and 7:30AM and 5:00PM Central Time on Friday;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In writing to our Annuity Service Office;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• By fax at (877) 246-8424; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• By Internet at www.brighthousefinancial.com (except requests for a transaction or other notification related to the Performance Lock Benefit must be submitted in writing, by telephone or by fax).

Some of the requests for service that may be made by telephone or Internet include transfers of your Account Value into Shield Option(s) or the Fixed Account. We may from time to time permit requests for other types of transactions to be made by telephone or Internet. All transaction requests must be in a form satisfactory to us. Contact us for further information. Some selling firms may restrict the ability of their financial advisors to convey transaction requests by telephone or Internet on your behalf.

We are not a fiduciary and do not provide investment advice or make recommendations regarding insurance or investment products. Ask your financial advisor for guidance regarding any requests or elections and for information about your particular investment needs. Please bear in mind that your financial advisor, or any financial firm or financial professional with whom you consult for advice, acts on your behalf, not ours. We are not party to any agreement between you and your financial advisor. We do not recommend and are not responsible for any securities transactions or investment strategies involving securities.

A request or transaction generally is considered in Good Order if it complies with our administrative procedures and the required information is complete and accurate. A request or transaction may be rejected or delayed if not in Good Order. If you have any questions, you should contact us or your financial advisor before submitting the form or request.

We will use reasonable procedures such as requiring certain identifying information, tape recording the telephone instructions, and providing written confirmation of the transaction, in order to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone, fax, Internet or other means are genuine. Any telephone, fax or Internet instructions reasonably believed by us to be genuine will be your responsibility, including losses arising from any errors in the communication of instructions. As a result of this policy, you will bear the risk of loss. If we do not employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone, fax or Internet are genuine, we may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. All other requests and elections under your Contract must be in writing signed by the proper party, must include any necessary documentation and must be received at our Annuity Service Office to be effective. If acceptable to us, requests or elections relating to Beneficiaries and Ownership will take effect as of the date signed unless we have already acted in reliance on the prior status. We are not responsible for the validity of any written request or action.

Telephone and computer systems may not always be available. Any telephone or computer system, whether it is yours, your service provider's, your financial advisor's, or ours, can experience outages or slowdowns for a variety of reasons. These outages or slowdowns may delay or prevent our processing of your request. Although we have taken precautions to help our systems handle heavy use, we cannot promise complete reliability under all circumstances. If you experience technical difficulties or problems, you should make your transaction request in writing to our Annuity Service Office.

**Inquiries.** If you need more information, please contact our Annuity Service Office at:

Brighthouse Securities, LLC <br>P.O. Box 305075 <br>Nashville, Tennessee 37230-5075 <br>(888) 243-1932

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**CONFIRMING TRANSACTIONS** 

We will send out written statements confirming that a transaction was recently completed. Unless you inform us of any errors within 60 days of receipt, we will consider these communications to be accurate and complete.

**LEGAL PROCEEDINGS** 

In the ordinary course of business, BLIC, similar to other life insurance companies, is involved in lawsuits (including class action lawsuits), arbitrations and other legal proceedings. Also, from time to time, state and Federal regulators or other officials conduct formal and informal examinations or undertake other actions dealing with various aspects of the financial services and insurance industries. In some legal proceedings involving insurers, substantial damages have been sought and/or material settlement payments have been made.

It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of any pending legal proceeding or regulatory action. However, BLIC does not believe any such action or proceeding will have a material adverse effect upon the Separate Account or upon the ability of Brighthouse Securities to perform its contract with the Separate Account or of BLIC to meet its obligations under the contracts.

**EXPERTS** 

Legal matters in connection with Federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contracts described in this prospectus and the organization of BLIC, its authority to issue such Contracts under Delaware law and the validity of the forms of the Contracts under Delaware law have been passed on by legal counsel for BLIC.

**INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** 

The financial statements of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. <br>

**STATE VARIATIONS** 

Contracts issued in your state may provide different features and benefits from, and impose different costs than, those described in this prospectus because of state law variations. These differences include, among other things, Free Look rights, age issuance limitations, transfer rights and limitations, the right to reject a Purchase Payment, the requirements for unisex annuity rates and the general availability of certain features. This prospectus describes all the material features of the Contract. If you would like to review a copy of the Contract and any endorsements, contact our Annuity Service Office.

**ELECTRONIC DELIVERY** 

As Owner you may elect to receive electronic delivery of current prospectuses related to the Contract and other Contract related documents. Contact us at our website at www.brighthousefinancial.com for more information and to enroll.

**AMENDMENT OF THE CONTRACT** 

We reserve the right to amend the Contracts to comply with applicable Federal or state laws or regulations. We will notify you in writing of any such amendments.

**MISSTATEMENT** 

We may require proof of the age or sex (where permitted) of the Annuitant, Owner and/or the Beneficiary before making any payments under the Contract that are measured by the Annuitant's, Owner's or Beneficiary's life. If the age or sex of the measuring life has been misstated, the amount payable will be the amount that would have been provided at the correct age and sex.

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**INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE** 

Under the Securities Act of 1933, BLIC has filed with the SEC a registration statement (the "Registration Statement") relating to the Contracts offered by this prospectus. This prospectus has been filed as a part of the Registration Statement and does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and reference is hereby made to such Registration Statement and exhibits for further information relating to BLIC and the Contracts.

BLIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023 via EDGAR File No. 033-03094. The Form 10-K contains information for the period ended December 31, 2022, about BLIC, including audited financial statements for BLIC's latest fiscal year. The Form 10-K is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In addition, all documents subsequently filed by BLIC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") prior to the termination of the offering, are also incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We are not incorporating by reference any documents or information deemed to have been furnished instead of filed under SEC rules, such as current reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01.

If requested, BLIC will furnish, without charge, a copy of any and all of the reports or documents that have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You may direct your requests to BLIC at 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. The telephone number is 1-888-243-1932. You may also access the incorporated reports and other documents at www.brighthousefinancial.com.

BLIC files periodic reports as required under the Exchange Act (including Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K). You may also read and copy any materials that BLIC files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

**DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION** <br>**FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES** 

Pursuant to applicable provisions of BLIC's by-laws or internal corporate policies adopted by BLIC or its ultimate parent, the directors, officers and other controlling persons of BLIC and of BLIC's affiliate and principal underwriter, Brighthouse Securities, who are made or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, may be eligible to obtain indemnification against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred as a result of such action or proceeding. Under the principal underwriting agreement between BLIC and Brighthouse Securities, the parties have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities and expenses from legal proceedings arising out of Brighthouse Securities' distribution of the Contracts.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling BLIC pursuant to the foregoing provisions, BLIC has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable.

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**Appendix A** 

**Index Publishers** 

BLIC uses the Indices under license from the Indices' respective publishers. The following information about the Indices is included in this prospectus in accordance with BLIC's license agreements with the publishers of the Indices:

S&P Opco, LLC requires that the following disclaimer be included in this prospectus:

The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates ("SPDJI") and has been licensed for use by affiliates of Brighthouse Financial, Inc., including Brighthouse Services, LLC and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (collectively, "Brighthouse Financial"). S&P<sup>®</sup> , S&P 500<sup>®</sup>, US 500, The 500, iBoxx<sup>®</sup>, iTraxx<sup>®</sup> and CDX<sup>®</sup> are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates ("S&P"); Dow Jones<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by Brighthouse Financial. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively, "S&P Dow Jones Indices"). S&P Dow Jones Indices makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity particularly or the ability of the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> to track general market performance. Past performance of an index is not an indication or guarantee of future results. S&P Dow Jones Indices' only relationship to Brighthouse Financial with respect to the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its licensors. The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to Brighthouse Financial or Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take the needs of Brighthouse Financial or the owners of Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500<sup>®</sup>. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity. There is no assurance that investment products based on the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment adviser, commodity trading advisory, commodity pool operator, broker dealer, fiduciary, promoter" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), "expert" as enumerated within 15 U.S.C. § 77k(a) or tax advisor. Inclusion of a security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset, nor is it considered to be investment advice or commodity trading advice.

NEITHER S&P DOW JONES INDICES NOR THIRD PARTY LICENSOR GUARANTEES THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500<sup>®</sup> INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, OWNERS OF BRIGHTHOUSE SHIELD<sup>®</sup> LEVEL SELECT ADVISORY ANNUITY, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500<sup>®</sup> OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAS NOT REVIEWED, PREPARED AND/OR CERTIFIED ANY PORTION OF, NOR DOES S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER, THE LICENSEE BRIGHTHOUSE SHIELD<sup>®</sup> LEVEL SELECT ADVISORY ANNUITY REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS OR OTHER OFFERING MATERIALS. THERE ARE NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.

Frank Russell Company requires that the following disclaimer be included in this prospectus:

The Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Frank Russell Company ("Russell"). Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity particularly or the ability of the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. Russell's publication of the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the Russell 2000® Index is based. Russell's only relationship to affiliates of Brighthouse Financial, Inc., including Brighthouse

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Services, LLC and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (collectively, "Brighthouse Financial") is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Russell and of the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Russell without regard to Brighthouse Financial or the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity. Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity nor any associated literature or publications and Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index. Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity.

RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RUSSELL 2000<sup>®</sup> INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INVESTORS, OWNERS OF THE BRIGHTHOUSE SHIELD<sup>®</sup> LEVEL SELECT ADVISORY ANNUITY OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RUSSELL 2000<sup>®</sup> INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL 2000<sup>®</sup> INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

MSCI Inc. requires that the following disclaimer be included in this prospectus:

THE BRIGHTHOUSE SHIELD<sup>®</sup> LEVEL SELECT ADVISORY ANNUITY IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI INC. ("MSCI"), ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING OR CREATING ANY MSCI INDEX (COLLECTIVELY, THE "MSCI PARTIES"). THE MSCI INDEXES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY AFFILIATES OF BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC. INCLUDING BRIGHTHOUSE SERVICES, LLC, BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NY (COLLECTIVELY, "BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL"). NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN PRODUCTS GENERALLY OR IN THIS PRODUCT PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDEXES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THIS PRODUCT OR THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDEXES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THIS PRODUCT TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY OR THE CONSIDERATION INTO WHICH THIS PRODUCT IS REDEEMABLE. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THIS PRODUCT.

ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDEXES FROM SOURCES THAT MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ISSUER OF THE PRODUCT, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND THE MSCI PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

No purchaser, seller or holder of the Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote this security without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI's permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.

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**Appendix B** 

**Index Substitution Investment Amount Example** 

The following example illustrates how we would calculate your Investment Amount on a Term End Date when there is an Index substitution. We assume no withdrawals and a $100,000 Purchase Payment into a Shield Option with a 1-Year Term / Shield 10 / S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index with a Cap Rate of 10%.

**Initial Account Value:** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Investment Amount at Term Start Date | $100000 |
| Term | 1-Year |
| Initial Index | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index |
| S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index Index Value on Term Start Date | 1400 |
| Cap Rate | 10% |
| Shield Rate | 10% |

---

**On date of Index Substitution halfway through the Term:** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Index substitution |  |
| Number of days since Term Start Date | 183 |
| Index Value for S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index | 1330 |
| Index Performance for S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| –5% |
| Substituted Index | Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index |
| Index Value for Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index on substitution date | 1250 |

---

**Calculation of Investment Amount at Term End Date:** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Index Value for Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index | 1375 |
| Index Performance for S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<sup>(1)</sup> <br>| –5% |
| Index Performance for Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index<sup>(2)</sup> <br>| 10% |
| Total Index Performance for the Term<sup>(3)</sup> <br>| 4.5% |
| Cap Rate | 10% |
| Shield Rate | 10% |
| Performance Rate<sup>(4)</sup> <br>| 4.5% |
| Performance Rate Adjustment<sup>(5)</sup> <br>| $4500 |
| Investment Amount at Term End Date<sup>(6)</sup> <br>| $104500 |

---

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**The following notes to the tables above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.** 

<sup>(1)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term Start Date to the date of the Index substitution. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1330 [Index Value at date of substitution] — 1400 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) <br>÷ 1400 [Index Value at Term Start Date]) = –5%

<sup>(2)</sup>

Index Performance is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the date of the Index substitution to the Term End Date. Index Performance is calculated as follows:

(1375 [Index Value at Term End Date] — 1250 [Index Value at date of the substitution]) <br>÷ 1250 [Index Value at date of substitution]) = 10%

<sup>(3)</sup>

Since there was an Index substitution from the S&P 500® Index (initial Index) to the Russell 2000® Index (substituted Index), the Total Index Performance for the Term is equal to the S&P 500® Index Value at the Index substitution date

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divided by the S&P 500® Index Value at the Term Start Date multiplied by the Russell 2000® Index Value at the Term End Date divided by the Russell 2000® Index Value at the substitution date –1. Total Index Performance for the Term is calculated as follows:

(initial Index at Index substitution date ÷ initial Index at Term Start Date) <br>x (substituted Index at Term End Date ÷ substituted Index at substitution date) –1 <br>(1330÷1400) x (1375÷1250) –1= 4.5%

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Performance Rate is equal to the Index Performance (4.50%) because the total Index Performance for the Term is greater than zero and less than the Cap Rate.

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Performance Rate Adjustment is equal to the product of the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) multiplied by the Performance Rate. The Performance Rate Adjustment is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] x 4.5% [Performance Rate] = $4,500

<sup>(6)</sup>

The Investment Amount at Term End Date is equal to the Investment Amount at the Term Start Date adjusted for any withdrawals (there are no withdrawals in the example) plus the Performance Rate Adjustment. The Investment Amount at Term End Date is calculated as follows:

$100,000 [Investment Amount at Term Start Date] + $4,500 [Performance Rate Adjustment] = $104,500

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**Appendix C** 

**Return of Premium Death Benefit Example** 

The purpose of this example is to illustrate the operation of the Return of Premium death benefit. The investment results shown are hypothetical and are not representative of past or future performance. Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend upon a number of factors, including the allocation made by an Owner and the Index Performance for the Shield Options chosen. **The examples do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges, if any, or income taxes and tax penalties.** 

**Return of Premium Death Benefit** 

The purpose of this example is to show how partial withdrawals reduce the Return of Premium death benefit proportionally by the percentage reduction in Account Value of the Shield Option(s) and the Fixed Account for each partial withdrawal.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Date** | **Amount** |
| A | Purchase Payment | Issue Date | $100000 |
| B | Account Value | First Contract Anniversary | $90000 |
| C | Death Benefit | First Contract Anniversary | &nbsp;&nbsp; $100,000<br> (= greater of A and B)<br>|
| D | Withdrawal | One Day after the First Contract Anniversary | $9000 |
| E | &nbsp;&nbsp; Percentage Reduction in Account <br> Value<br>| One Day after the First Contract Anniversary | 10% (= D/B) |
| F | Account Value after Withdrawal | One Day after the First Contract Anniversary | $81,000 (= B-D) |
| G | &nbsp;&nbsp; Purchase Payment Reduced for <br> Withdrawal<br>| One Day after the First Contract Anniversary | &nbsp;&nbsp; $90,000<br> (= A-(A × E))<br>|
| H | Death Benefit | One Day after the First Contract Anniversary | &nbsp;&nbsp; $90,000<br> (= greater of F and G)<br>|

---

**<u>The following notes to the table above provide important calculations showing how certain values are determined.</u>** 

Purchaser is age 60 at issue.

The Account Values on the First Contract Anniversary and One Day after the First Contract Anniversary are assumed to be equal prior to the withdrawal.

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**Appendix D** 

**The Fixed Account** 

The Fixed Account is a funding option that may be available and is part of BLIC's General Account assets. These General Account assets include all assets of BLIC other than those held in the Separate Accounts sponsored by BLIC or its affiliates.

Any interest in the Fixed Account is not a security under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Fixed Account is not registered under or regulated by the Investment Company Act of 1940. Accordingly, the Fixed Account is not offered by virtue of the prospectus. The staff of the SEC does not generally review the disclosure in the prospectus relating to the Fixed Account. Disclosure regarding the Fixed Account and the General Account may, however, be subject to certain provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in the prospectus.

Under the Fixed Account, BLIC assumes the risk of investment gain or loss, guarantees a specified interest rate, and guarantees a specified periodic Income Payment. We guarantee that, at any time, the Fixed Account Value will not be less than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account, plus interest credited as described below, less any applicable Premium Taxes or prior withdrawals.

Account Value allocated to the Fixed Account and any transfers made to the Fixed Account become part of BLIC's General Account, which supports insurance and annuity obligations. Where permitted by state law, we reserve the right to restrict Investment Amounts into the Fixed Account whenever the credited interest rate on the Fixed Account is equal to the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate specified in your Contract. The General Account and any interest therein is not registered under, or subject to the provisions of, the Securities Act of 1933 or Investment Company Act of 1940. We will invest the assets of the Fixed Account at our discretion. Investment income from such Fixed Account assets will be allocated to us and to the Contracts participating in the Fixed Account.

Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to us includes compensation for risks borne by us in connection with Fixed Account Contracts. The amount of such investment income allocated to the Contracts will vary from year to year in our sole discretion at such rate or rates as we prospectively declare from time to time.

We guarantee that for the life of the Contract interest credited to your Fixed Account Value during the Interest Rate Term beginning on the Issue Date will not be accumulated at less than the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate allowed by state law. The current Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate applicable to any Contract will not be less than 1%. We reserve the right to change the rate subject to applicable state law. We will determine any interest we credit to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account in excess of the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate at our sole discretion. You assume the risk that interest credited to the Fixed Account may not exceed the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate for any given year. We have no specific formula for determining the interest rate. Some factors we may consider are regulatory and tax requirements, general economic trends and competitive factors.

For renewals into the Fixed Account, the new guaranteed interest rate will be declared for each subsequent Interest Rate Term. At the Interest Rate Term End Date, the Fixed Account Value will automatically be renewed into the same Interest Rate Term, with the new interest rate, unless otherwise instructed by you. If the Fixed Account is not available at the end of the existing Interest Rate Term, these amounts will automatically transfer into the Shield Option with the lowest Cap Rate from the Shield Options available at the end of the Interest Rate Term unless otherwise instructed by you. You have the Transfer Period to notify us that you want to transfer some or all of your Fixed Account Value to a new Shield Option(s).

*Fixed Account Value.* We credit interest to the portion of the Account Value allocated to the Fixed Account. (See "Interest Crediting" below.) The Fixed Account is part of our General Account. We guarantee that the interest credited to your initial allocation to the Fixed Account during the Interest Rate Term beginning on the Issue Date will not be accumulated at less than the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate. Thereafter, we will declare an interest rate as of each Contract Anniversary for the duration of the Interest Rate Term and such rate will not be less than the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate. If the declared interest rate equals the Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate, we reserve the right to restrict transfers and allocations into the Fixed Account.

The initial Fixed Account Value is the amount initially allocated to the Fixed Account. Thereafter, the Fixed Account Value equals: (a) the initial Fixed Account Value or the Fixed Account Value on the most recent Contract Anniversary, as applicable, including any transfers; plus (b) any interest credited by us; less (c) the amount of any withdrawals (including withdrawals to pay for advisory fees); and less (d) any Premium or Other Taxes, if applicable.

*Interest Crediting.* Interest will be compounded and credited to the Fixed Account at an annual effective interest rate declared by us. Interest will be credited on amounts allocated to the Fixed Account through the effective date such amounts are withdrawn or transferred from the Fixed Account.

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Important terms that will help you understand this Appendix D:

**Interest Rate Term.** The Interest Rate Term is the length of time over which the current interest rate is guaranteed. The minimum Interest Rate Term depends on the date your Contract is issued but will not be less than one (1) year. No Interest Rate Term will extend beyond the Annuity Date.

**Fixed Account Value.** The Fixed Account Value at the end of the Interest Rate Term.

**Transfers.** During the Accumulation Period you may only make a transfer to the Fixed Account and to a new Shield Option(s) during the Transfer Period. The effective date of such transfer is the first day of the Interest Rate Term and/or a Term(s) in which the transfer is made.

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**Part II** 

**INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS**

**Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution** 

The following is an itemized list of the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the securities being offered:

Accountant's Fees and Expenses: $7,500

Legal Fees and Expenses: $9,000

Printing Expenses: $1,480

Registration Fee: $0

**Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers** 

Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Registrant's by-laws or internal corporate policies adopted by the Registrant or its ultimate parent, the directors, officers and other controlling persons of the Registrant who are made or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, may be eligible to obtain indemnification against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred as a result of such action or proceeding. Under the principal underwriting agreement between the Registrant and the Underwriter, the parties have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities and expenses from legal proceedings arising out of the Underwriter's distribution of the Contracts. BLIC also maintains insurance policies insuring its directors and officers against certain liabilities they may incur in their capacity as such.

**Item 16. Exhibits** 

**Exhibit** <br>**<u>Number</u>**

**<u>Description</u>** 

1(a).

[Principal Underwriting and Distribution Agreement between Brighthouse Life Insurance Company](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex1a.htm)[and Brighthouse Securities, LLC (effective 3-6-17)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex1a.htm)[.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex1a.htm)[(Filed as Exhibit 1(a) with Registration Statement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex1a.htm)[No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex1a.htm)

1(b).

[Brighthouse Securities, LLC Sales Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517230234/d384501dex1b.htm)[\[Enterprise Selling Agreement 5-17)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517230234/d384501dex1b.htm)[. (Filed as Exhibit 1(b)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517230234/d384501dex1b.htm)[with Registration Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3/A on July 18, 2017 and incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517230234/d384501dex1b.htm)[by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517230234/d384501dex1b.htm)

1(c).

[Form of Brighthouse Securities, LLC Sales Agreement (7-19 NY). (Filed herewith.)](d429395dex991c.htm)

2. None.

4(a).

[Contract \[L-22494 (09-12)-AV, L-22494 (09-12) base policy, L-22495 (09/12) CS\]. (Filed as Exhibit](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4a.htm)[4(a) with Registration Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4a.htm)[herein by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4a.htm)

4(b).

[Fixed Account Rider \[L-22496 (09-12)\]. (Filed as Exhibit 4(b) with Registration Statement No. 333-](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4b.htm)[218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4b.htm)

4(c).

[Death Benefit Rider - Return of Premium](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4c.htm)[\[](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4c.htm)[8-RPO-1 (5/17)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4c.htm)[\]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4c.htm)[. (Filed as Exhibit 4(c) with Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4c.htm)[Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4c.htm)

4(d).

[Individual Retirement Annuity Qualification Rider \[L-22499 (09/12)\]. (Filed as Exhibit 4(d) with](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4d.htm)[Registration Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4d.htm)[reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4d.htm)

4(e).

[Roth Individual Retirement Annuity ("Roth IRA") Endorsement \[L-22503 (09/12)\]. (Filed as Exhibit 4(e)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4e.htm)[with Registration Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4e.htm)[by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4e.htm)

4(f).

[Individual Non-Qualified Annuity Endorsement \[L-22504 (09/12)\]. (Filed as Exhibit 4(f) with](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4f.htm)[Registration Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4f.htm)[reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4f.htm)

------

**Exhibit** <br>**<u>Number</u><u>Description</u>**

4(g).

[Non-Qualified Annuity Endorsement \[MLIU-NQ (11/04)-I\]. (Filed as Exhibit 4(g) with Registration](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4g.htm)[Statement No. 333-218126 on Form S-3 on May 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312517176756/d393434dex4g.htm)

4(h).

[Performance Lock Rider \[5-PVL (01/21)\]. (Filed as Exhibit 4(h) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312521108519/d168007dex994h.htm)[to Registration Statement No. 333-238215 on Form S-3 on April 7, 2021 and incorporated herein by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312521108519/d168007dex994h.htm)[reference.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/733076/000119312521108519/d168007dex994h.htm)

5. [Opinion](d429395dex995.htm)[and Consent](d429395dex995.htm)[of Counsel.](d429395dex995.htm) [(](d429395dex995.htm)[Filed herewith.](d429395dex995.htm)[)](d429395dex995.htm)

8. None.

12. None.

15. None.

22. None.

23. [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. (](d429395dex9923.htm)[Filed herewith.](d429395dex9923.htm)[)](d429395dex9923.htm)

24. [Powers of Attorney for Eric Steigerwalt, Myles Lambert, David A. Rosenbaum, Jonathan Rosenthal,](d429395dex9924.htm)[Edward A. Spehar, Kristine Toscano and Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling. (Filed herewith.)](d429395dex9924.htm)

25. None.

96. None.

99. None.

101. None.

107. [Filing Fee Table. (Filed herewith.)](d429395dexfilingfees.htm)

**Item 17. Undertakings** 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows, pursuant to Item 512 of Regulation S-K:

1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales of the registered securities are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price set represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

Provided, however, that Paragraphs 1.i, 1.ii, and 1.iii do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

4. That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

5. That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv. Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

6. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

7. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

------

**SIGNATURES** 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on February 27, 2023.

BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY <br>(Registrant)

By:/s/ Donald A. Leintz

------

Donald A. Leintz

Vice President

------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on February 27, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| /s/ Eric Steigerwalt\*<br>Eric Steigerwalt<br>| Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director |
| /s/ Myles Lambert\*<br>Myles Lambert<br>| Director and Vice President |
| /s/ David A. Rosenbaum\*<br>David A. Rosenbaum<br>| Director and Vice President |
| /s/ Jonathan Rosenthal\*<br>Jonathan Rosenthal<br>| Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer |
| /s/ Edward A. Spehar\*<br>Edward A. Spehar<br>| Director, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| /s/ Kristine Toscano\*<br>Kristine Toscano<br>| Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
| /s/ Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling\*<br>Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling<br>| Vice President and Controller |
| \*By: /s/ Michele H. Abate<br>Michele H. Abate, Attorney-In-Fact <br> February 27, 2023<br>|  |

---

\* Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Executed by Michele H. Abate, Esquire on behalf of those indicated pursuant to powers of attorney filed herewith.

------

**INDEX TO EXHIBITS**

1(c).

Form of Brighthouse Securities, LLC Sales Agreement

5. Opinion and Consent of Counsel

23. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

24. Powers of Attorney

107. Filing Fee Table

------

## Exhibit 99.1

**BRIGHTHOUSE SECURITIES, LLC** 

**SALES AGREEMENT** 

This agreement, including the exhibits attached hereto (collectively the "Agreement") is made, entered into and effective as of**<u> </u>**, ("Effective Date") by and among Brighthouse Securities, LLC, a Delaware corporation (the "Principal Underwriter"), and **<u> </u>** (the "Broker") that is registered as a broker dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "1934 Act") and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") and is also either licensed as an insurance agency or is affiliated with one or more validly licensed insurance agencies.

**WITNESSETH:** 

**WHEREAS,** Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates (as hereafter defined) issue or provide access to certain insurance and financial products;

**WHEREAS,** Broker sells and services insurance and financial products and wishes to sell and service certain of Principal Underwriter's and its Affiliates insurance and financial products;

**WHEREAS,** Principal Underwriter proposes to compensate Broker for such sales and servicing;

**NOW, THEREFORE,** in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

**ARTICLE I.** 

**<u>DEFINITIONS</u>** 

Section 1.1. The following terms, when used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings set forth in this Article I. Other terms may be defined throughout this Agreement. Definitions shall be deemed to refer to the singular or plural as the context requires:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Affiliate - Any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with Principal Underwriter or Broker, as applicable, including, without limitation, any entity that owns 25% or more of the voting securities of any of the foregoing and any entity that is a subsidiary of any of the foregoing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Agency - Those agencies identified in Exhibit C hereto, which are properly licensed to participate in the
business of insurance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Applicable Law - Shall have the meaning given to such term in Article IV of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Business Day - Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a federal legal holiday.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Confidential Information - Includes without limitation, (i) statistical, premium rate and other information that is identified by Principal Underwriter as commercially valuable, confidential, proprietary or a trade secret, including but not limited to information regarding Principal Underwriter's systems and rating methodology; and (ii) any information identified in writing by a party as confidential at the time the information is divulged to the other party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Contracts - Those contracts and policies that are identified on Exhibits A and B attached hereto, which
Exhibits may be amended at any time by Principal Underwriter in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Customer Complaint - Shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Customer Information - Information in electronic, paper or any other form that Broker or its representatives
obtained, had access to or created in connection with its obligations under this Agreement regarding individuals who applied for or purchased Principal Underwriter's products. Customer Information includes Nonpublic Personal Information, as
defined below in paragraph (j), and Protected Health Information, as defined in paragraph (m). Customer Information may also include, but is not limited to, information such as the individual's name, address, telephone number, social security
number, as well as the fact that the individual has applied for, is insured under, or has purchased a Principal Underwriter product. Customer Information does not, however, include information that is (i) generally available in the public

obligations under this Agreement; (iii) disclosed to the Broker by a Third Party, provided such disclosure was made to Broker without any violation of an independent obligation of confidentiality or Applicable Law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) HIPAA - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as now in force or hereafter
amended, and all related regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Nonpublic Personal Information - Nonpublic personal information means financial or health related
information by which a financial institution's consumers and customers are individually identifiable, including but not limited to nonpublic personal information as defined by Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and regulations adopted
pursuant to the Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Non-variable Contracts - Those Contracts that include, without
limitation, non-variable rate annuity contracts, non-variable life insurance policies, long term care insurance and other fixed insurance contracts, issued by Principal
Underwriter or its Affiliates, as identified in Exhibit B, which Exhibit may be amended at any time by Principal Underwriter in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Prospectus - The prospectuses and statements of additional information included within the Registration
Statements referred to herein or filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Protected Health Information ("PHI") - Information related to individuals who have applied for,
have purchased or are insured under Principal Underwriter products that are considered to be health plans

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subject to HIPAA, such as Principal Underwriter's long-term care insurance policies and riders, for the purposes of this Agreement and, consistent with regulations issued pursuant to HIPAA. PHI is defined as individually identifiable information that is transmitted or maintained in any medium and relates to: the past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual; or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual. This definition of PHI includes demographic information about the individual, including, but not limited to, names, geographic subdivisions smaller than a state (including but not limited to street addresses and ZIP codes); all elements of dates (except year) for dates directly related to an individual, including but not limited to birth date; telephone numbers; fax numbers; electronic mail (E-mail) addresses; Social Security numbers; medical record numbers; health plan beneficiary numbers; account numbers; certificate/license numbers; vehicle identifiers and serial numbers, including license plate numbers; device identifiers and serial numbers; Web Universal Resource Locators; Internet Protocol address numbers; biometric identifiers, including finger and voice prints; full face photographic images and any comparable images; and any other unique identifying number, characteristic, or code. <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) Registration Statements - Registration statements and amendments thereto filed with the SEC relating to the
Variable Contracts, including those for any underlying investment vehicle or variable insurance rider.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Representatives - Those individuals, accepted by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to solicit and sell
Contracts under the terms of this Agreement, who are licensed and appointed as a life insurance agent of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates, and with respect to registered products, are also registered with Broker in compliance with the 1934
Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) Security Incident - The attempted or successful unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or
destruction of information or interference with system operations in an information system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) Third Party - A party that is not a signatory to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) Unsecured Protected Health Information - Shall have the meaning assigned to such term in 45 CFR §
164.402, limited however, to the information that Broker creates, accesses, or receives on behalf of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) Variable Contracts - Those Contracts that include variable life insurance policies, variable annuity
contracts, variable insurance riders and other variable insurance contracts, issued by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates, as identified in Exhibit A, which Exhibit may be amended at any time by Principal Underwriter in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) 1933 Act - The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) 1934 Act - The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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**ARTICLE II** 

**<u>AUTHORIZATIONS, REPRESENTATIONS, AND COVENANTS OF PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER</u>** 

Section 2.1. <u>Authorization</u>. Principal Underwriter represents that it is duly authorized, on behalf of itself and each Affiliate that issues or provides access to the Contracts, to enter into this Agreement with Broker to distribute such Contracts.

Section 2.2. <u>Solicitation of Applications</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Solicit Non-variable Contract Applications. Principal Underwriter authorizes Broker through its
Representatives to solicit applications for the Non-variable Contracts, provided that (i) Broker shall not solicit applications for Non-variable Contracts except in
those states where it and its Representatives are appropriately licensed; (ii) in which the Non-variable Contracts are qualified for sale under Applicable Law; and (iii) Broker complies in all other
respects with the published policies and procedures of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates, as applicable, and with the terms of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Solicit Variable Contract Applications. Principal Underwriter authorizes Broker through its Representatives
to offer and sell the Variable Contracts, provided that (i) Broker shall not solicit applications for Variable Contracts except in those states where it is and its Representatives are appropriately licensed; (ii) there is an effective
Registration Statement relating to such Variable Contracts; (iii) such Variable Contracts are qualified for sale under Applicable Law in such state in which the sale or solicitation is to take place; and (iv) Broker complies in all other
respects with the published policies and procedures of Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates, and with the terms of the Agreement.

Section 2.3. <u>Required Notices to Broker</u>. Principal Underwriter shall notify Broker or its designee of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order with respect to a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceeding by the SEC relating to the registration and/or offering of Variable Contracts and of any other action or circumstances that makes it no longer lawful for Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to offer or issue one or more of Variable Contracts. Principal Underwriter shall advise Broker of any revision of or supplement to any Prospectus related to the Variable Contracts or underlying investments of such Variable Contracts.

Section 2.4. <u>Rights of Principal Underwriter</u>. Without limiting Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates absolute control of their business and operations or other rights under this Agreement, Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates shall specifically retain authority to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) refuse for any reason to appoint a Representative and cancel any existing appointment at any time;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) direct the marketing of its financial and insurance products and services;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) refuse to issue any Product;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) underwrite all insurance policies issued by it;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e) cancel risks;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f) handle all matters involving claims adjusting and payment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g) prepare all policy forms and amendments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;h) maintain custody of, responsibility for and control of all investments; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i) withdraw a Contract from sale or change or amend a Contract at Principal Underwriter's discretion.

Section 2.5. <u>Broker's Access to Copies of Documents</u>. During the term of this Agreement, Principal Underwriter shall provide Broker, without charge and when applicable, with as many copies of the Contract prospectus(es), current underlying mutual fund prospectus(es), statements of additional information and applications for the Contracts, as Broker may reasonably request. Upon receipt from Principal Underwriter of updated copies of the Contract prospectus(es), current underlying mutual fund prospectus(es), statements of additional information and applications for the Contracts, Broker shall promptly discard or destroy all copies of such documents previously provided to them, except such copies as are needed for purposes of maintaining records as may be required in Article VII and by Applicable Law. Upon termination of this Agreement, Broker shall promptly return to Principal Underwriter all Contract prospectus(es), current underlying mutual fund prospectus(es), statements of additional information, Contract applications and other materials and supplies furnished by Principal Underwriter to Broker or to its Representatives, except for copies required for maintaining records as may be required in Article VII and by Applicable Law.

Section 2.6. <u>Advertising Material</u>. During the term of this Agreement, Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates shall be responsible for providing and approving all promotional, sales and advertising material to be used by Broker. Principal Underwriter shall file such materials or shall cause such materials to be filed with the SEC, FINRA, and any state securities or insurance regulatory authorities, as required by Applicable Law.

Section 2.7. <u>Marketing Reports</u>. Principal Underwriter or its Affiliate shall compile periodic marketing reports summarizing sales results to the extent reasonably requested by Broker.

**ARTICLE III** 

**<u>REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF BROKER</u>** 

Section 3.1. <u>Appointment of Broker</u>. Broker shall solicit, sell and service the Contracts and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to find suitable purchasers for the Contracts. Broker represents and warrants that it shall only offer Contracts in those states where it or its Agency is appropriately licensed and has obtained any other appointments, approvals, licenses, authorizations, orders or consents which are necessary to enter into this Agreement and to perform its duties hereunder.

Section 3.2. <u>Licenses, Appointments and Approvals</u>. Broker represents and warrants that it is a registered broker-dealer under the 1934 Act, has all necessary broker-dealer licenses, is a member in good standing with the FINRA, and is licensed as an insurance broker and has obtained any other approvals, licenses, authorizations, orders or consents which are necessary to enter into this Agreement and to perform its duties hereunder. Broker further represents that its Representatives who shall be soliciting applications for the Contracts, whether alone or jointly with representatives of Principal Underwriter or its designee, shall at all times be appropriately registered and/or licensed as required by Applicable Law and shall comply with all requirements of Applicable Law. Broker further represents that neither it nor any of its Representatives are currently under investigation by any insurance regulator, FINRA, any other self-regulatory organization or other governmental authority, including but not limited to the SEC and Departments of Insurance (except for any investigations of which it has notified Principal Underwriter in writing). Broker further represents that it shall notify Principal Underwriter of the existence and subject matter of any formal or informal investigation of Broker or any of its agents that is commenced by any insurance regulator, FINRA or SEC, any other self-regulatory organization or other governmental authority, in connection with the sale of the Contracts. Broker further represents that it shall immediately notify Principal Underwriter in writing if it or any of its Representatives have any of their respective licenses, which are required under this Agreement for the solicitation of, sale of or provision of services to the Contracts, surrendered, removed, revoked, cancelled or suspended, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

Section 3.3. <u>Policies and Procedures</u>. Broker shall comply with the policies and procedures of Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates with respect to the solicitation, sales and administration of Contracts and services Broker and Representatives are authorized to sell and service under the Agreement, including, but not limited to, privacy policies

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and procedures, as those policies and procedures may be provided to Broker by Principal Underwriter from time to time.

Section 3.4. <u>Disclosure of Relationship with Principal Underwriter and Disclosure of Compensation</u>. If and as required by Applicable Law, Broker shall disclose in writing to each applicant for a Contract Broker's relationship with Principal Underwriter and the compensation, and anything of value, Broker receives from Principal Underwriter for the services performed under this or any other Agreement. Principal Underwriter reserves the right to disclose to its purchasers of Contracts, and potential purchasers of Contracts, details regarding compensation, and anything of value, it, and any Principal Underwriter affiliate, may pay to Broker, or any of its affiliates, under this Agreement and any other agreement.

Section 3.5. <u>Education, Training, Supervision and Control of Representatives</u>. Broker shall train, supervise and be solely responsible for the conduct of its Representatives in their solicitation and servicing activities in connection with the Contracts, and shall supervise Representatives' strict compliance with Applicable Law, as well as the rules and procedures of Principal Underwriter pertaining to the solicitation, sale and submission of applications for the Contracts and the provision of services relating to the Contracts. Broker shall conduct background investigations of its current and proposed new Representatives to determine their qualifications, good character and moral fitness to sell the Contracts and shall provide Principal Underwriter with copies of such investigations upon Principal Underwriter's written request. Likewise, Broker is solely liable for the acts and omissions of its Representatives in the course of conducting its business.

Section 3.6. <u>Broker/Representative Communications</u>. Neither Broker nor any of its Representatives, are authorized by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to give any information or make any representation in connection with this Agreement or the offering of the Contracts other than those contained in the Contract, Prospectus, or promotional material authorized for use in writing by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates. Broker shall not make any representations or give information that is not contained in the Contract, Prospectus or promotional material of the Contracts.

Section 3.7. <u>Suitability Requirements</u>. Broker shall establish and maintain a system to supervise its Representatives reasonably designed to ensure that, in making a recommendation to purchase a Contract (including as a part of an exchange), the Representative has reasonable grounds to believe that, based on facts disclosed by the purchaser, the purchase of the Contract is suitable for the purchaser as and to the extent required by Applicable Law. As part of the supervisory system, Broker shall maintain written procedures and conduct periodic reviews of its records that are reasonably designed to achieve compliance with these requirements. Broker shall be solely responsible for determining the suitability of recommendations to purchase a Contract made by its Representatives in accordance with Applicable Law, and shall, upon a reasonable written request from Principal Underwriter, provide written documentation of such process, including without limitation the certifications required in Section 4.3. To the extent required by Applicable Law and upon written request from Principal Underwriter, Broker shall promptly provide documentation and other information reasonably necessary to allow Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to determine that Broker is performing the required functions described above.

Section 3.8. <u>Application Review</u>. Broker shall review diligently all Contract applications for accuracy and completeness and for compliance with the conditions herein, including the suitability and prospectus delivery requirements, and shall take all reasonable and appropriate measures to ensure that applications submitted to Principal Underwriter are accurate, complete, compliant with the conditions herein, and approved by a qualified registered principal.

Section 3.9. <u>Replacement</u>. Broker certifies on behalf of itself, its Representatives and its Agencies that it shall adhere to Applicable Law before it receives or solicits any applications for Contracts. In addition to the conditions and limitations elsewhere contained in this Agreement and the Compensation Schedules, no first year commission shall be payable on replacements or switches of any Contract with another Contract, which are undisclosed, and which require disclosure by Applicable Law or Principal Underwriter's or its Affiliates' rules on replacement transactions. Specific replacement or switching rules of each applicable Affiliate are described in Principal Underwriter's Rewritten

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Business Rules, which shall be made available to Broker and which may be amended at any time by Principal Underwriter in its sole discretion.

Principal Underwriter shall make available written guidelines of Principal Underwriter's position with respect to the acceptability of replacements (the "Replacement Guidelines"), which Replacement Guidelines may be amended at any time by Principal Underwriter in its sole discretion. Broker shall provide each of its Representatives with a copy of the Replacement Guidelines. Broker shall establish and maintain a system to supervise its Representatives reasonably designed to review the appropriateness of each replacement transaction and each transaction's conformity with the Replacements Guidelines. As part of its supervisory system, Broker shall implement procedures that are reasonably designed to detect transactions that are replacements of existing policies or contracts, but that have not been reported as such by the Representative making the sale. These procedures must include, but are not limited to, systematic customer surveys and interviews, confirmation letters and programs of internal monitoring. Broker shall be solely responsible for determining that a replacement transaction by any of its Representatives is in compliance with Principal Underwriter's Replacement Guidelines and with Applicable Law. To the extent required by Applicable Law and upon written request from Principal Underwriter, Broker shall promptly provide documentation and other information reasonably necessary to allow Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to determine that Broker is performing the required functions described in this Section 3.9.

Section 3.10. <u>Audit of Representatives</u>. Broker shall maintain reasonable procedures for its periodic audit of its Representatives' sales practices and shall, upon a reasonable written request from Principal Underwriter, provide a written report to Principal Underwriter on the results of such audits; provided, however, that Broker shall retain sole responsibility for the supervision, inspection and control of its Representatives.

Section 3.11. <u>Collection of Payments</u>. Only the initial purchase payments for the Contracts shall be collected by Representatives of Broker. All such purchase payments shall be remitted promptly in full (and in no event later than the time permitted under Applicable Law) together with any related application, forms and any other required documentation to Principal Underwriter or the appropriate Affiliate. The Broker shall make such remittances in accordance with any and all policies and procedures described in the Contract, prospectus, if appropriate, or as otherwise adopted by Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates.

Section 3.12. <u>Contract Delivery</u>. Unless otherwise requested by Broker and agreed to by Principal Underwriter, once a Contract has been issued, it shall be delivered to Broker and, after review by Broker, shall be timely delivered by Broker to the applicant, accompanied by any documents required to be delivered by Applicable Law and any additional appropriate documents. In the case of long-term care insurance, Broker shall ensure delivery of each new long-term care insurance contract within thirty (30) days of the contract's approval date. Principal Underwriter shall confirm or cause to be confirmed to customers all Contract transactions, to the extent required by Applicable Law, and shall administer the Contracts after they have been delivered, but may from time to time require assistance from Broker. If a purchaser exercises the free look rights under a Contract, Broker shall indemnify Principal Underwriter for any loss incurred by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates that results from Broker's failure to promptly deliver such Contract to its purchaser.

Section 3.13. <u>Rejection of Applications and Return of Contracts</u>. Broker acknowledges that Principal Underwriter, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, shall have the unconditional right to reject, in whole or in part, any application for a Contract. If Principal Underwriter rejects an application, Principal Underwriter or its Affiliate shall immediately return any purchase payments received directly to the Broker, and Broker shall be responsible for promptly returning such payments to the purchaser. If any purchaser of a Contract elects to return such Contract pursuant to any law or contractual provision, any purchase payment made or such other amount, as the Contract or Applicable Law shall specify, shall be returned by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to the Broker and the Broker shall be responsible for promptly returning such payments to the purchaser.

Section 3.14. <u>Independent Contractor</u>. Except as otherwise required by Applicable Law, Broker is not a principal, underwriter or agent of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates, or any separate account of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates. It is understood and acknowledged that Broker, its agents, designees or Representatives are independent contractors and not employees of Principal Underwriter or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. None of the terms of

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this Agreement shall be construed as creating an employer-employee relationship between Broker, its agents, designees or Representatives, on the one hand, and Principal Underwriter, on the other hand. Broker, its agents and its other representatives, shall not hold themselves out to be employees of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates in this connection or in any dealings with the public. Neither Broker nor its agents, designees or other representatives shall have authority on behalf of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates to alter or amend any Contract or any form related to a Contract to adjust or settle any claim or commit Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates with respect thereto, or bind Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates in any way; or enter into legal proceedings in connection with any matter pertaining to Principal Underwriter's business without its prior written consent. Broker shall not expend, nor contract for the expenditure of, funds of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates nor shall Broker possess or exercise any authority on behalf of Principal Underwriter other than that expressly conferred on Broker by this Agreement.

Section 3.15. <u>Promotional Materials</u>. To the extent that Broker uses brochures, other promotional materials and literature, and training material in connection with marketing or servicing Contracts, or that mention Principal Underwriter, its products or services in any way (collectively referred to herein as "Principal Underwriter Materials"), such Principal Underwriter Materials shall only be used with the prior written approval of Principal Underwriter. Similarly, Broker shall not use any information related to Principal Underwriter or Contracts on any Web site without the prior written consent of Principal Underwriter. Any requests for written approval of materials for use by Broker shall be submitted in writing by Broker to the individual and offices as directed by Principal Underwriter.

Section 3.16. <u>Instructions by Representative</u>. Broker and Agency shall be solely responsible for the accuracy and propriety of any (i) instruction given to Principal Underwriter by a Representative on behalf of an owner or prospective owner of a Contract, or (ii) action taken by a Representative on behalf of an owner or prospective owner of a Contract. Principal Underwriter shall have no responsibility or liability for any action taken or omitted by it in reliance on or by acceptance of such an instruction or action.

Section 3.17. <u>Furnishing Information</u>. Broker shall furnish Principal Underwriter and any regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Agreement with any information, documentation, or reports prepared in connection with or related to this Agreement which may be requested by Principal Underwriter or such a regulatory authority in order to ascertain whether the operations of Principal Underwriter or Broker related to the Contracts are being conducted in a manner consistent with Applicable Law.

Section 3.18. <u>Authority</u>. Broker represents that it has full authority to enter into this Agreement and that by entering into this Agreement it shall not impair any other of its contractual obligations with respect to sales of any Contract.

Section 3.19. <u>Insurance Coverage</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) Fidelity Bond. Broker shall secure and maintain a fidelity bond (including coverage for larceny and
embezzlement), issued by a bonding company acceptable to Principal Underwriter, covering all of its directors, officers, agents, Representatives, associated persons and employees who have access to funds of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates.
This bond shall be maintained at Broker's expense in at least the amount prescribed under Rule 3020 of the FINRA Conduct Rules or future amendments thereto. Broker shall provide Principal Underwriter with satisfactory evidence of said bond upon
Principal Underwriter's reasonable request. Broker hereby assigns any proceeds received from a fidelity bonding company, or other liability coverage, to Principal Underwriter, for itself or on behalf of its Affiliates, as their interest may
appear, to the extent of its loss due to activities covered by the bond, policy or other liability coverage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) Plan of Insurance. Broker shall maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement a plan
of insurance (which may be a plan of self-insurance if agreed to in writing in advance by Principal Underwriter) which shall provide coverage for errors and omissions of Broker and its directors, officers, employees, agents, Agencies and
Representatives, in such amounts and scope of coverage as are acceptable to Principal Underwriter in its sole discretion. If requested by Principal

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Underwriter, Broker shall provide evidence of coverage under an insurance policy, or a plan of self-insurance, satisfactory to Principal Underwriter showing the amount and scope of coverage provided. If such insurance plan terminates for any reason during the term of this Agreement, Broker shall immediately notify Principal Underwriter in writing of such termination and Principal Underwriter shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement. <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) <u>Loss of coverage</u>. The authority of any Representative to solicit and procure Contracts hereunder
shall terminate automatically upon the termination of such Representative's coverage under the Broker's fidelity bond or plan of insurance referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above.

Section 3.20. <u>Agency Distribution of Variable Contracts</u>. In such cases where Broker intends to distribute the Variable Contracts through an Agency, Broker further represents that Agency shall engage in the offer or sale of Variable Contracts only through persons who are Representatives of the Broker. Broker shall further ensure that unregistered employees shall not engage in any securities activities requiring registration, nor receive any compensation based on transactions in securities or the provision of securities advice.

Section 3.21. <u>Market Timing</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Broker shall not, and Broker shall take all steps necessary to ensure that its Representatives and any
Agency shall not (i) solicit, offer or sell Variable Contracts in connection with or to facilitate any program, plan or arrangement involving market timing transactions in underlying mutual funds within Variable Contracts, or (ii) take any
other actions that would promote, encourage or facilitate market timing transactions in the underlying mutual funds within Variable Contracts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Broker and its Representatives may provide incidental services in the form of
guidance to applicants and owners of Variable Contracts regarding the allocation of premium and Variable Contract value, provided that such services are (i) solely incidental to Broker's activities in connection with the sales of the
Variable Contracts, (ii) subject to the supervision and control of Broker, (iii) furnished in accordance with any rules and procedures that may be prescribed by Principal Underwriter, and (iv) not promoting, encouraging or
facilitating market timing transactions in the underlying mutual funds within Variable Contracts.

Section 3.22. <u>Prohibited Solicitation With Contract Holders</u>. For a period of 12 months after termination of the Agreement, the Broker and Agency shall not, directly or indirectly, and on a systematic basis, contact the contract holders of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates or condone such contact for the purpose of inducing any such contract holders to lapse, cancel, and fail to renew or replace any Contract. If the Broker or Agency, in the judgment of Principal Underwriter is determined to have engaged in such prohibited activity, then Principal Underwriter shall have the right to declare the Broker's and Agency's claims for compensation or any other benefit under the Agreement to be forfeited and void. Principal Underwriter, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, may also pursue all remedies, including injunction, to assure compliance with the covenants in this Section 3.22 and shall, if successful, be entitled to recover from the Broker and Agency all costs and expenses incurred in pursuing such remedies, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

**ARTICLE IV** 

**<u>COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW</u>** 

Section 4.1. <u>Applicable Law</u>. Principal Underwriter and Broker shall comply with all applicable state and federal statutes, laws, rules, and regulations including without limitation, state insurance laws, rules and regulations, and federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations ("Applicable Law"). Applicable Law also includes applicable guidelines, policies, and rulings of federal and state regulatory organizations and agencies, including without limitation state insurance departments, the SEC and the FINRA, consumer privacy laws, HIPAA, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (the "HITECH Act"), the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 ("GINA") and related federal regulations, and any other state or federal laws, rules

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or regulations and decisions, orders and rulings of state and federal regulatory agencies that are now or may hereafter become applicable to the parties hereto and the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement.

Section 4.2. <u>Anti-Money Laundering and Customer Identification</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) Broker shall comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, regulations, rules and government
guidance, including the reporting, recordkeeping and compliance requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act ("BSA"), as amended by The International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, Title III of the USA PATRIOT
Act ("the Act"), its implementing regulations, and related SEC and SRO rules. These requirements include requirements to identify and report currency transactions and suspicious activity, to implement a customer identification program to
verify the identity of customers, and to implement an anti-money laundering compliance program. As required by the Act, Broker certifies that it has: a comprehensive anti-money laundering compliance program that includes, policies, procedures and
internal controls for complying with the BSA; policies, procedures and internal controls for identifying, evaluating and reporting suspicious activity; a designated compliance officer or officers; training for appropriate persons; and an independent
audit function.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) Further Broker certifies, and shall certify to Principal Underwriter annually hereafter, that it has
established and implemented a training program for appropriate persons, including appropriate employees and all Representatives registered with Broker, and that such program includes training on the requirements of Broker's anti-money
laundering compliance program and on the identification of "red flags" associated with money laundering risks related to Principal Underwriter's covered products, as they are defined in the regulations promulgated under
Section 352 of the Act in accordance with the definitions provided in Section 103.37(a)(4).

Broker shall provide training to all appropriate persons, including its appropriate employees and all Representatives registered with Broker concerning their responsibilities under the company's anti- money laundering program, and that such training shall include instruction on the identification of "red flags" associated with money laundering risks related to Principal Underwriter's covered products, as they are defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 352 of the Act in accordance with the definitions provided in Section 103.37(a)(4).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) Further Broker certifies, and shall certify to Principal Underwriter annually hereafter, that it has
established and implemented a Customer Identification Program, in compliance with applicable regulations, as part of its anti-money laundering compliance program that, at a minimum, requires: (i) the verification of the identity of any customer
seeking to open an account; (ii) the retention of a record of the information used to verify each customer's identity; and (iii) the determination, within a reasonable time before or after the account is opened, as to whether the
customer appears on any lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations as provided to it by any government agency.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) Broker shall verify the identity of each customer that it introduces to Principal Underwriter, whether
through documentary or non-documentary means, and that Principal Underwriter shall rely upon such verification, as prescribed by the regulations promulgated under Section 326 of the Act in accordance with
the safe-harbor provided in Section 103.122(b)(6) of the regulations under the Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e) Broker shall immediately notify Principal Underwriter of any activity, behavior, or transaction that results
in Broker filing a suspicious activity report and that it shall share information to the extent permissible under the regulations promulgated under Section 314 of the Act in accordance with the safe harbor provided in Section 103.110(b)(5)
of the regulations under the Act.

Section 4.3. <u>Suitability Certification</u>. To the extent required by Applicable Law and in accordance with Section 3.7, Broker hereby certifies, and shall hereafter annually certify in writing to Principal Underwriter, to the following:

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With respect to the solicitation and sale of fixed and variable annuity Contracts offered by Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates, Broker has in place a system to supervise recommendations made for the Contracts that is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with state insurance laws or regulations regarding suitability and, with respect to variable annuities, to comply with applicable FINRA Conduct Rules, including Rule 2310, regarding suitability. As part of this supervisory system Broker maintains written procedures and conducts periodic reviews of its records that are reasonably designed to achieve compliance with these requirements.

Annual certificates shall be signed by an authorized senior officer or manager of the Broker with responsibility for overseeing annuity sales practices and who has a reasonable basis on which to make the certification on behalf of the Broker.

Section 4.4. <u>New York Products</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) With respect to recommendations as defined in New York Insurance Regulation 187, at 11 NYCRR 224.0 *et seq.*, ("Amended Reg. 187") involving both new and in-force Annuity Contracts and Life Insurance Policies delivered or issued for delivery in the state of New York ("NY Products") Broker
shall comply with, and ensure that the Representatives comply with, the requirements of Amended Reg. 187 applicable to producers, including without limitation compliance with all applicable best interest, suitability, training, disclosure,
information collection, documentation and determination requirements as in effect as of the Annuities Effective Date with respect to NY Products that are annuity contracts, as of the Life Effective Date with respect to NY Products that are life
insurance policies, and as of the effective date(s) of any subsequent amendments to Amended Reg. 187 that become effective after the date of this Amendment. Broker acknowledges and agrees that the submission of an application or transaction request
with respect to a NY Product by Broker or a Representative to Principal Underwriter shall be deemed to be a representation that Broker and Representative in connection therewith complied with all requirements of Amended Reg. 187 as in effect at the
time of such submission applicable to Broker and Representatives as producers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) Delegation to Broker. Pursuant to Amended Reg. 187, Principal Underwriter hereby delegates to Broker the
obligation to establish and maintain a system of supervision for recommendations of sales transactions (as such term is defined in Amended NY Ins. Reg. 187, herein "sales transactions") involving NY Products, and Broker hereby accepts such
delegation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) Broker Performance of Delegated Functions. Broker shall establish and maintain a supervision system for the
supervision of sales transactions recommended by the Representatives that meets the requirements of 11 NYCRR 224.6(b) of Amended Reg. 187, which shall include, but not be limited to, standards and procedures for: (i) the collection of a
consumer's suitability information with respect to sales transactions involving NY Products; (ii) the documentation and disclosure of the basis for any recommendation with respect to sales transactions involving NY Products; and
(iii) the auditing and/or contemporaneous review of recommendations of sales transactions involving NY Products to monitor Representatives' compliance with the obligation to act in the best interest of consumers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) Broker Certification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. Broker hereby certifies, and shall hereafter annually certify in writing, the following: "Broker has
established and maintains a system of supervision for recommendations of sales transactions involving both new and in-force annuity and life insurance products issued by Principal Underwriter that are or were
delivered or issued for delivery in the state of New York ("NY Products"), and such system of supervision includes, but is not limited to, standards and procedures for: (i) the collection of a consumer's suitability information
with respect to sales transactions involving NY Products; (ii) the documentation and disclosure

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of the basis for any recommendation with respect to sales transactions involving NY Products; and (iii) the auditing and/or contemporaneous review of recommendations of sales transactions involving NY Products to monitor Representatives' compliance with the obligation to act in the best interest of consumers." It is understood and agreed by the parties that Principal Underwriter, at its election, may rely upon the written certification Broker provides pursuant to this section to satisfy Principal Underwriter's supervision and audit obligations with respect to sales transactions that result from the exercise of contractual rights under NY Products. <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. Certifications provided pursuant to this Paragraph 4 shall be signed by an authorized senior officer or
manager of Broker with responsibility for overseeing NY Product sales practices and who has a reasonable basis on which to make the certification on behalf of Broker.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e) Audit of Delegated Supervision Functions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. Broker shall cooperate with Principal Underwriter in connection with Principal Underwriter's audits of
supervision functions delegated to Broker by Principal Underwriter under Amended Reg. 187.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. Broker shall maintain and make available upon reasonable request by Principal Underwriter records relating
to supervision functions delegated to Broker pursuant to this Amendment. Principal Underwriter may audit such records during regular business hours upon at least thirty (30) days advance written notice to Broker.

**ARTICLE V** 

**<u>COMPENSATION</u>** 

Section 5.1. <u>Payment Under Compensation Schedules</u>. Principal Underwriter shall pay Broker compensation for the sale of each Contract sold by Representatives of Broker as set forth in Exhibits A and B. Principal Underwriter shall identify to Broker with each such payment the name or names of the Representative(s) of Broker who solicited each Contract covered by the payment. Broker shall be responsible for issuing checks, statements or forms for tax purposes and other administrative duties connected with compensation of such Representatives. Unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties, Principal Underwriter shall have no obligation to any of the employees, agents or Representatives of Broker or Agency for the payment of any compensation. Unless otherwise provided in Exhibits A and B, compensation on the Contracts, including the commissions and fees therein, may be amended by Principal Underwriter at any time, in any manner, and without prior notice. If Broker or its Representatives replace an existing Product issued by any of Principal Underwriter's Affiliates in whole or in part, the compensation set forth in Exhibits A or B is inapplicable and Principal Underwriter, in its sole discretion, shall determine what, if any, commissions shall be payable in accordance with Principal Underwriter's Rewritten Business Rules in effect at the time of such replacement.

Section 5.2. <u>Sole Discretion to Refund Premiums</u>. Broker recognizes that Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates have sole discretion to refund or return purchase payments paid by applicants.

Section 5.3. <u>Chargeback of Compensation</u>. Except as otherwise may be provided in Exhibit A and B, no compensation shall be payable in connection with a purchase payment, and any compensation already paid shall be promptly returned to Principal Underwriter on request, under each of the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) if Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates, in their sole discretion, determine not to issue the Contract
applied for;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) if Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates refund or return the purchase payment paid by the applicant for
any reason, in whole or in part; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates determine that any person signing an application who is required to
be registered and/or licensed or any other person or entity receiving compensation for soliciting purchases of the Contracts is not duly registered and/or licensed to sell the Contracts in the jurisdiction of such attempted sale.

Section 5.4. <u>Offset</u>. When commission has been paid to a Broker hereunder for a purchase payment that has since been refunded or returned to the purchaser, Principal Underwriter may, at its option, offset the amount of that commission against any other amounts payable to Broker by Principal Underwriter or any one or more of its Affiliates. In addition, Principal Underwriter may at any time offset against any compensation payable to the Agency or its successors or assigns, any indebtedness due from the Agency to Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as giving Broker, Agency or Representative the right to incur any indebtedness on behalf of Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates. Any remaining indebtedness of Broker to Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates arising under this Agreement shall be a first lien against any monies payable hereunder. The right of Broker, or any person claiming through Broker to receive any compensation provided by this Agreement shall be subordinate to the right of Principal Underwriter to offset such compensation against any such indebtedness of the Broker to Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates.

Section 5.5. <u>No Right to Withhold</u>. Neither Broker nor any of its Representatives shall have any right to withhold or deduct any part of any premium or other purchase payment it shall receive with respect to the Contracts covered by this Agreement for purposes of payment of commission or for any other purpose.

Section 5.6. <u>Impact on Termination</u>. Principal Underwriter shall pay compensation to Broker for Contracts credited to an Agency prior to the termination date of this Agreement, as set forth in Exhibits A and B. Such compensation shall be payable when the premium is due and paid to Principal Underwriter subject to the provisions of this Agreement and of the Compensation Schedule(s).

Section 5.7. <u>Principal Underwriter Payment of Compensation; Discharge of Obligation</u>. Agency and Broker hereby acknowledge that compensation attributable to the sale of any Contract issued by an Affiliate may be payable directly by Principal Underwriter, in its discretion, to Agency or Broker where permitted, and not by the Affiliate. Agency and Broker further acknowledge that such payment of compensation by Principal Underwriter attributable to the sale of such Contracts shall constitute a complete discharge of the obligation to pay compensation by the Affiliate issuer under this Agreement. The foregoing manner of payment shall not affect the right of offset or chargeback as referred to in Sections 5.3 and 5.4 of this Agreement, or other compensation rules as may be set forth in this Agreement, Exhibits A and B, or rules of the Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates.

Section 5.8. <u>Expenses</u>. Broker is responsible for all expenses incurred by the Broker, except as may be agreed to in writing by Principal Underwriter prior to the Broker incurring such expenses. Additionally, Principal Underwriter shall, at its expense, provide its standard advertising and promotional material to the Broker when deemed appropriate by Principal Underwriter.

Section 5.9. <u>Conflict</u>. With respect to compensation under this Agreement, in the event that anything contained in this Article 5 conflicts with the terms of the compensation described in the attached Exhibits A and B, the terms contained in Exhibits A and B shall prevail.

**ARTICLE VI** 

**<u>COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS</u>** 

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Section 6.1. <u>Investigation by Regulator</u>. Broker and Principal Underwriter shall cooperate fully in any regulatory investigation or proceeding or judicial proceeding arising in connection with the offer, sale, and/or servicing of the Contracts.

Section 6.2. <u>Customer Complaints</u>. The term Customer Complaint shall mean an oral or written communication either directly from the purchaser of or applicant for a Contract covered by this Agreement or his/her legal representative, or indirectly from a regulatory agency to which he/she or his/her legal representative has expressed a grievance.

Section 6.3. <u>Notice and Handling of Customer Complaints</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) Principal Underwriter shall promptly notify Broker of Principal Underwriter's receipt of notice of any
Customer Complaints relating to sales practices or marketing issues relating to the Contracts by forwarding to Broker a copy of any written materials in connection with such Customer Complaint and any additional information as may be necessary to
furnish a complete understanding of same. Broker shall be responsible for resolving Customer Complaints involving sales practices or marketing issues. Principal Underwriter shall cooperate with Broker and provide information to Broker related to
sales practices and marketing Customer Complaints that is reasonably required by Broker to facilitate the resolution of such Customer Complaints. During the resolution of a sales practices or marketing related Customer Complaint, Broker shall
provide Principal Underwriter with a copy of all correspondence sent and received regarding that Customer Complaint. Nothing contained in this Section 6.3 (a) shall limit Principal Underwriter's right to settle as described in
Section 6.4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) Broker shall promptly notify Principal Underwriter of Broker's receipt of notice of any Customer
Complaint by forwarding to Principal Underwriter a copy of any written materials in connection with the Customer Complaint and such additional information as may be necessary to furnish a complete understanding of same. Principal Underwriter shall
be responsible for resolving Customer Complaints involving administrative issues. Broker shall cooperate with Principal Underwriter and provide information to Principal Underwriter related to administrative Customer Complaints that is reasonably
required by Principal Underwriter to facilitate the resolution of such Customer Complaints.

Section 6.4. <u>Right to Settle</u>. Principal Underwriter reserves the right to settle on behalf of itself, and on behalf of itself and Broker collectively if Broker agrees, any claims, complaints or grievances made by applicants, contract holders or others in connection with the Contracts, and concerning any conduct, act or omission by the Broker or its agents or representatives with respect to the Contracts or any transactions arising out of this Agreement. If Broker does not agree to a collective settlement with Principal Underwriter and Principal Underwriter, on behalf of itself, settles the matter, Broker shall indemnify and hold harmless Principal Underwriter from any and all claims, complaints or grievances made by Broker or any applicant, contract holder or other person or entity made in connection with such matter.

**ARTICLE VII** 

**<u>RECORDS AND ADMINISTRATION</u>** 

Section 7.1. <u>Books and Records</u>. Broker shall maintain all books and records as required by Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4 under the 1934 Act, except to the extent that Principal Underwriter may agree in writing to maintain any such records on Broker's behalf. Records subject to any such agreement shall be maintained by Principal Underwriter as agent for Broker in compliance with said rules, and such records shall be and remain the property of Broker and be at all times subject to inspection by the SEC in accordance with Section 17(a) of that Act. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect Principal Underwriter's or its Affiliates' right to ownership and control of all records and documents pertaining to its business operations including, without limitation, its operations relating to the Contracts. Principal Underwriter and Broker shall each retain all records related to this Agreement as required by the 1934 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder and by any other Applicable Law, as Confidential Information.

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**ARTICLE VIII** 

**<u>CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION</u>** 

Section 8.1. <u>Treatment of Customer Information</u>. Broker shall treat Customer Information confidentially as required by Applicable Law and by Principal Underwriter, as described in Principal Underwriter's privacy notices and in accordance with Principal Underwriter policies and procedures. Broker shall also establish and implement administrative, physical and technical procedures to ensure the confidentiality, security and integrity of Customer Information in accordance with Applicable Law. Broker shall comply with Principal Underwriter's terms of use, policies and procedures with respect to use of Principal Underwriter electronic systems and databases providing access to Customer Information by Broker, its employees and Representatives, and shall promptly report to Principal Underwriter any actual or suspected breach of security related to such systems and databases of which it becomes aware. To the extent that Broker becomes aware of any actual or suspected security breach or unauthorized use, disclosure, acquisition or access to any Customer Information, Broker shall: (i) promptly notify Principal Underwriter, (ii) take all necessary and advisable corrective actions, and (iii) cooperate fully with Principal Underwriter in all reasonable and lawful efforts to prevent, mitigate or rectify such security breach or unauthorized use, disclosure, acquisition, or access to the Customer Information. Broker may use Customer Information only for the purpose of fulfilling its obligations under the Agreement. Broker shall limit access to Customer Information to its employees, Representatives and other Third Parties who need to know such Customer Information to permit Broker to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement and who have agreed to treat such Customer Information in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Broker shall not disclose or otherwise make accessible Customer Information to anyone other than to the individual to whom the information relates (or to his or her legally authorized representative) or to other persons pursuant to a valid authorization signed by the individual to whom the information relates (or by his or her legally authorized representative), except as required for Broker to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, as otherwise directed by Principal Underwriter, or as expressly required by Applicable Law. Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates may market, offer, sell or distribute insurance products, including, but not limited to, the Contracts, or any of their other products and related services, outside of this Agreement to customers of Broker provided they do not use Nonpublic Personal Information regarding Broker's customers provided by Broker to specifically target those customers, and such marketing, offering, selling or distributing by Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates of insurance (including but not limited to the Contracts) or any of their other products or services shall not be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

Section 8.2. <u>Protected Health Information</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Use and Disclosure</u>. Broker: (a) shall not use or disclose PHI except as necessary to provide the services contemplated by this Agreement or as required by law; (b) shall limit the use and disclosure of PHI to the minimum required to accomplish the intended purpose of such use or disclosure and shall comply with any guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding what constitutes "minimum necessary" with respect to the use or disclosure of PHI; (c) shall use appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent use or disclosure of PHI except as permitted by this Agreement; (d) shall require that any of its Brokers or independent contractors to whom PHI is disclosed or made accessible or who uses PHI has agreed in writing to the same restrictions and conditions that apply to Broker with respect to PHI pursuant to this Agreement; (e) shall, within fifteen (15) days of Principal Underwriter's request, provide to Principal Underwriter any PHI or information relating to PHI as deemed necessary by Principal Underwriter to provide individuals with access to, amendment of, and an accounting of disclosures of their PHI, and to incorporate any amendments of the PHI as requested by Principal Underwriter; (f) shall make its internal practices, books and records relating to its use or disclosure of PHI available to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services at his/her request to determine Principal Underwriter's and its Affiliate's compliance with Applicable Law; and (g) shall comply with the applicable standards of 45 CFR §§ 164.306, 164.308, 164.310, 164.312, 164.314, and 164.316 with respect to electronic PHI. Broker shall not use or disclose PHI in any manner that violates HIPAA, the HITECH Act, GINA, or any other applicable federal or state laws and regulations relating to the privacy and security of PHI.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Breach of Unsecured PHI</u>. Broker shall report to Principal Underwriter without unreasonable delay any acquisition, access, use or disclosure of Unsecured Protected Health Information not permitted by this Agreement at

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the following e-mail address: **<u>securitybreach@brighthousefinancial.com</u>.** In no case shall such notification occur later than two (2) calendar days of Broker's discovery of the impermissible acquisition, access, use or disclosure of Unsecured PHI. Discovery will be deemed to occur on the date that Broker actually became aware or, by exercising reasonable diligence should have been aware, of the impermissible acquisition, access, use or disclosure of Unsecured PHI. Such notification shall include an assessment of whether the incident constitutes a "Breach" under 45 CFR § 164.402.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) To the extent such assessment concludes that a Breach has occurred, or as requested by Principal Underwriter, such notification shall also include, to the extent possible, the identification of each Individual whose PHI has been or is reasonably believed to have been accessed, acquired, used or disclosed during the incident and any other information that the Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates will be required to include in its notification to the Individual, the media and/or the Secretary, as applicable, including, without limitation, (A) a description of the incident, (B) the date of the incident and the date of its discovery, (C) the types of Protected Health Information involved, and (D) a description of Broker's investigation, mitigation, and prevention efforts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In the event of any such Breach, Broker shall also: fully cooperate with Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates in connection with the investigation of such Breach; not make any public announcements or notifications to any government authority, potentially affected Individual or entity, or other third party without Principal Underwriter's prior written approval; take all necessary and appropriate corrective action, including (without limitation, at the request of Principal Underwriter, and at the expense of Broker): (A) providing notice to all persons whose PHI may have been affected by such Breach, whether or not such notice is required by Applicable Law, (B) establishing a toll-free telephone number where affected Individuals may receive information, and (C) providing credit monitoring/repair and/or identity restoration/insurance for affected Individuals for one year following the announcement or disclosure of the Breach or following notice to the affected Individuals, whichever is later. If a longer period is requested or required by Applicable Law or the demand or request of any government authority, such services shall be provided for at least that long.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Notwithstanding any other clause hereof, Broker shall indemnify, hold harmless, and reimburse Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates from all claims, losses, and expenses caused by any such Breach and for all reasonable fees and costs Principal Underwriter and its Affiliates may incur in connection with investigation, remediation, reporting, and notification efforts, including but not limited to, retaining a computer forensics experts, providing credit monitoring and identity theft services to affected individuals, and responding to the Breach (e.g., costs of notification to affected individuals and government agencies).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Mitigation</u>. Broker shall mitigate promptly, to the extent practicable, any harmful effect that is known to Broker of an acquisition, access, use or disclosure of PHI by Broker in violation of this Agreement, the Privacy Rule, the Security Rule, or other applicable federal or state laws concerning the privacy or security of PHI. Broker shall promptly thereafter provide Principal Underwriter with a written report of the issues and corresponding actions taken by Broker.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Security Incident</u>. Broker shall report to Principal Underwriter without unreasonable delay any Security Incident of which Broker becomes aware.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Certain Permitted Uses</u>. In accordance with 45 CFR §§ 164.504(e)(2)(i) and 164.504(e)(4), Broker may use or disclose PHI if such use or disclosure is necessary (a) for the proper management and administration of Broker's organization; (b) to provide Data Aggregation services relating to the Health Care Operations of the Principal Underwriter's Affiliates; or (c) to carry out the legal responsibilities of Broker; provided, however, that any disclosure of PHI permitted by this subsection must be either required by law or subject to reasonable assurances obtained by Broker from the third party that the PHI will be held confidentially and used or further disclosed only as required by law or for the purposes for which it was disclosed to such third party, and that any breaches of confidentiality of the PHI which become known to such third party will be immediately reported to Broker. Broker may use and disclose PHI to the extent such use or disclosure is Required By Law provided (a) the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law, (b) Broker promptly notifies Principal Underwriter of such use or disclosure and, at Principal Underwriter's request and Broker's expense, assists in

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obtaining a protective order or other similar order, and (c) the use or disclosure complies with the requirements of 45 CFR § 164.512 to the same extent such requirements would apply if the use or disclosure were made by Principal Underwriter or its Affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Termination</u>. In addition to any other termination rights available to the Parties, upon Principal Underwriter's knowledge of a material violation by Broker of this Agreement, Principal Underwriter may: (i) immediately terminate this Agreement if Broker has violated a material term of this Section 6.2 and cure is not possible; or (ii) terminate this Agreement upon thirty 30 days' notice if Principal Underwriter determines that Broker has violated a material term of this Section 6.2 if, following Principal Underwriter's notification to Broker of the material violation, Broker is unable or unwilling to take steps to cure the violation within such thirty 30-day period. In the event of such a cure, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

Broker agrees that upon termination of this Agreement it will, if feasible, return to Principal Underwriter or destroy all PHI it maintains in any form and retain no copies, and if such return or destruction is not feasible, to extend the protections of this Agreement to the PHI beyond the termination of this Agreement and for as long as Broker has PHI, and further agrees that any further use or disclosure of the PHI will be solely for the purposes that make return or destruction infeasible. Destruction without retention of copies is not deemed feasible if prohibited by the terms of this Agreement or by Applicable Law, including record retention requirements under state insurance laws.

Section 8.3 <u>Additional Broker Responsibility With Respect To PHI</u>. The Broker agrees and acknowledges that the Broker is a business associate that is directly subject to HIPAA as amended by the HITECH Act, including its provisions relating to security and privacy of PHI as well as its enforcement and penalty provisions. The Broker shall comply with all applicable security and privacy provisions of HIPAA as amended by the HITECH Act and as it may be amended from time to time. The Broker shall not act in any way to interfere with or hinder the Principal Underwriter's ability to comply with HIPAA as amended by the HITECH Act and as it may be amended from time to time.

Section 8.4. <u>Privacy Notices and Authorization</u>. Broker shall provide to customers and prospective customers who apply for or purchase Principal Underwriter products, and shall ensure that its Representatives provide to such customers and prospective customers, Principal Underwriter privacy notices as required by Applicable Law and by Principal Underwriter. Broker shall also ensure that its Representatives obtain signed authorizations from customers and prospective customers who apply for Principal Underwriter products, as required by Principal Underwriter, and provide upon request of such customers and prospective customers, copies of their signed authorizations as required by Applicable Law and Principal Underwriter policy. In the event that a customer or prospective customer has signed a Principal Underwriter authorization and subsequently informs Broker or Representatives that he or she is revoking that authorization, Broker shall promptly inform Principal Underwriter in writing of such revocation. Broker shall comply with the requirements of 45 C.F.R. § 164.520 that apply to covered entities in the performance of its obligations under this Section 8.4.

**ARTICLE IX** 

**<u>CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION</u>** 

Section 9.1. <u>Treatment of Confidential Information</u>. Principal Underwriter and Broker and their respective Affiliates each shall keep confidential all Confidential Information of the other. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Principal Underwriter and Broker and their respective Affiliates shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any Third Party without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however, that each may disclose Confidential Information (a) to those of its Representatives who have a need to know the Confidential Information in the ordinary course of business and who are informed of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information, and (b) as and to the extent required by Applicable Law or by legal process or requested by an insurance regulatory or administrative body. However, in the event that clause (b) of the preceding sentence is applicable, the party required or requested to disclose Confidential Information shall give prompt written notice thereof to the other party and shall reasonably cooperate in the other party's efforts to obtain an appropriate remedy to prevent or limit such disclosure. It is understood by Principal Underwriter and Broker that this Section 9.1 shall not prevent Broker from quoting Principal Underwriter premium rates in the ordinary course of business.

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Section 9.2. <u>Return of Confidential Information</u>. Promptly upon the termination of this Agreement or the request of the providing party, the receiving party shall return to the providing party all Confidential Information furnished by the providing party or its Representatives. Neither the receiving party nor any of its Representatives shall make any copies in any form of any documents containing Confidential Information of the providing party without the prior written consent of an officer of the providing party, except such copies as need to be made in the ordinary course of business by Principal Underwriter or Broker to fulfill their respective obligations under this Agreement.

Section 9.3. <u>Damages</u>. Principal Underwriter and Broker each acknowledge that (a) money damages may not be a sufficient remedy for breach of this Article IX, (b) the Party aggrieved by any such breach may be entitled to specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief with respect to such breach, (c) such remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for any such breach but shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity, and (d) in the event of litigation relating to this Article IX, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final non-appealable order that either Principal Underwriter or Broker or any of their respective Representatives has breached this Article IX, then the party that is found (or whose Representative is found) to have committed such breach shall be liable for reasonable legal fees incurred by the aggrieved party or its affiliates in connection with such litigation including, without limitation, any appeals.

**ARTICLE X** 

**<u>INDEMNIFICATION</u>** 

Section 10.1. <u>Indemnification</u>. Each party shall hold harmless, defend, exonerate and indemnify each other party to this Agreement, as well as their respective employees, agents, trustees, Representatives, officers or directors, for any and all losses, claims, judgments, fines, penalties, damages, or liabilities (or any actions or threatened actions in respect of any of the foregoing) the other party suffers that results from the actions of the indemnifying party or its representatives with respect to its/their obligations under this Agreement, or breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, condition or duty contained in this Agreement or violation of Applicable Law with respect to its services required under this Agreement.

Section 10.2. <u>Notice of Claim</u>. After receipt of notice of the commencement of, or threat of, any claim, action, or proceeding by a third party (a "Third Party Action") by a party that believes it is entitled to indemnification under this Article X (the "Indemnified Party"), the Indemnified Party shall notify the party obligated to provide indemnification under this Article X (the "Indemnifying Party") in writing of the commencement thereof as soon as practicable thereafter, provided that the omission to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve it from any liability under this Article X, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party demonstrates that the defense of such Third Party Action is materially prejudiced by the failure to give timely notice. Such notice shall describe the claim in reasonable detail.

Section 10.3. <u>Defense, Settlement and Subrogation</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume control of the defense of such Third Party Action and
shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to represent the Indemnified Party and shall pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such Third Party Action. The Indemnified Party shall cooperate
and provide such assistance as the Indemnifying Party reasonably may request in connection with the Indemnifying Party's defense and shall be entitled to recover from the Indemnifying Party the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of providing such assistance (including reasonable fees of any counsel retained by the Indemnified Party with the consent of the Indemnifying Party to facilitate such assistance). The
Indemnifying Party shall inform the Indemnified Party on a regular basis of the status of any Third Party Action and the Indemnifying Party's defense thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) In any such Third Party Action, the Indemnified Party may, but shall not be obligated to, participate in the
defense of any Third Party Action, at its own expense and using counsel of its own choosing, but the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to control the defense thereof unless the Indemnified

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Party has relieved the Indemnifying Party from liability with respect to the particular Third Party Action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) If notice is given to the Indemnifying Party of the commencement of any Third Party Action hereunder and the
Indemnifying Party does not, either (i) within ten (10) Business Days after the receipt of such notice, give notice to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense of such Third Party Action, or (ii) give notice to the
Indemnified Party that it rejects the claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 10.5 herein, the Indemnified Party shall have the right, at its option and at the Indemnifying Party's expense, to defend such Third Party Action in a
manner that the Indemnified Party deems appropriate. In such a case, the Indemnified Party shall not consent to the settlement, compromise or entry of judgment with respect to the Third Party Action without prior written notice to, consultation
with, and written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) In any Third Party Action, the defense of which is controlled by the Indemnifying Party: (i) the
Indemnifying Party shall not, without the Indemnified Party's prior written consent, compromise or settle such Third Party Action, if (1) such compromise or settlement would impose an injunction or other equitable relief upon the
Indemnified Party or (2) such compromise or settlement does not include the Third Party's release of the Indemnified Party from all liability relating to such Third Party Action; and (ii) the Indemnified Party shall not compromise or
settle such Third Party Action without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that, if the Indemnified Party desires to compromise or settle such claim, suit or proceeding and
the Indemnifying Party reasonably refuses to consent to such compromise or settlement, the Indemnified Party may enter into a compromise or settlement but shall be solely responsible for the cost of any compromise or settlement amount.

Section 10.4. <u>Claim Not Involving Third Party Action</u>. A claim for indemnification by a party hereunder for any matter not involving a Third Party Action may be asserted by notice to another party.

Section 10.5. <u>Notice of Rejection of Claim</u>. Notwithstanding anything within this Article X to the contrary, a party who has received a notice of claim for indemnification under this Article X, may notify the party asserting such claim for indemnification that it rejects the claim. Such notice rejecting a claim for indemnification must be given by the rejecting party within ten (10) business days of its receipt of the notice of claim and shall describe the basis for the rejection of the claim in reasonable detail.

Section 10.6. <u>Provisions Not to Control</u>. Notwithstanding anything in this Article X to the contrary, the terms and provisions of Article VI shall control in the event of any conflict or alleged conflict with this Article X.

**ARTICLE XI** 

**<u>GENERAL PROVISIONS</u>** 

Section 11.1. <u>Term and Termination</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) <u>Term</u>. This Agreement shall continue in force from the Effective Date, provided that any party may
unilaterally terminate this Agreement with or without cause upon thirty (30) days prior written notice of termination to the other parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) <u>Termination Due to Change in Status</u>.

1) <u>Broker-Dealer Status</u>. The Agreement shall terminate immediately upon Principal Underwriter or Broker ceasing to be a registered broker-dealer or a member of the FINRA.

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2) <u>Legal Status</u>. The Agreement shall terminate immediately upon the termination of the legal existence of Selling Broker-Dealer or the Agency, or the merger, consolidation, reorganization, dissolution, receivership or bankruptcy of either, or whenever the Agency is no longer licensed under law to solicit and procure applications for Contracts, unless the Agency notifies the other parties in writing at least thirty (30) days' prior to the occurrence of any of the above events and obtains written permission to continue on a basis approved by the other parties. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) <u>Continuing Obligations</u>. Upon termination of this Agreement, all authorizations, rights and
obligations shall cease except (a) the agreements contained in Articles VI,VII, VIII, IX, and X, Sections 11.4, 11.5, 11.6 and 11.10 hereof; and (b) the obligation to settle accounts hereunder. Except with respect to records required to be
maintained by Broker pursuant to Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4 under the 1934 Act, Broker shall return to Principal Underwriter, within 30 days after the Effective Date of termination, any and all records in its
possession which have been specifically maintained in connection with Principal Underwriter's operations related to the Contracts.

Section 11.2. <u>Assignability</u>. This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other; provided, however, that Principal Underwriter may assign this Agreement to any of its Affiliates at any time. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section 11.2 shall be void.

Section 11.3. <u>Amendments</u>. No oral promises or representations shall be binding nor shall this Agreement be modified except by agreement in writing, executed on behalf of the parties by a duly authorized officer of each of them.

Section 11.4. <u>Notices</u>. All notices, demands and other communications required or permitted to be given to any party under this Agreement shall be in writing and any such notice, demand or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand, courier or overnight delivery service or, if mailed, two (2) Business Days after deposit in the mail and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and with first-class postage prepaid:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) If to Broker, to the address on the signature page of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If to Principal Underwriter:

Brighthouse Securities, LLC

Attn: Installations

11225 North Community House Road

Charlotte, NC 28277

Either party may change its respective notice address by advance written notice to the other.

Section 11.5. <u>Arbitration</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) <u>When Arbitration Required</u>. All disputes and differences between the parties, other than those seeking
injunctive relief or a restraining order under this Agreement, or arising with respect to the use of Customer Information, PHI or Confidential Information under Articles VIII and IX, must be decided by arbitration in accordance with the rules of
arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, regardless of the insolvency of either party, unless the conservator, receiver, liquidator or statutory successor is specifically exempted from an arbitration proceeding by applicable state law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) <u>Initiation of Arbitration</u>. Either party may initiate arbitration by providing written notification to
the other party. Such written notice shall set forth (i) a brief statement of the issue(s); (ii) the failure of the parties to reach agreement; and (iii) the date of the demand for arbitration.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) <u>Arbitration Panel</u>. The arbitration panel shall consist of three arbitrators. The arbitrators must be
impartial and must be or must have been officers of life insurance and or securities companies other than the parties or their affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) <u>Selection of Arbitrators</u>. Each party shall select an arbitrator within thirty (30) days from the
date of the demand. If either party shall refuse or fail to appoint an arbitrator within the time allowed, the party that has appointed an arbitrator may notify the other party that, if it has not appointed its arbitrator within the following ten
(10) days, an arbitrator shall be appointed on its behalf. The two (2) arbitrators shall select the third arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the appointment of the second arbitrator. If the two arbitrators fail to agree on the
selection of the third arbitrator within the time allowed, each arbitrator shall submit to the other a list of three (3) candidates. Each arbitrator shall select one name from the list submitted by the other and the third arbitrator shall be
selected from the two names chosen by drawing lots.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e) <u>Rules; Place for Meetings; Majority Vote</u>. The arbitrators shall determine all arbitration schedules
and procedural rules. Organizational and other meetings shall be held in New York, unless the arbitrators select another location. The arbitrators shall decide all matters by majority vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f) <u>Decision Final</u>. The decisions of the arbitrators shall be final and binding on both parties. The
arbitrators may, at their discretion, award costs and expenses, as they deem appropriate, including but not limited to legal fees and interest. The arbitrators may not award exemplary or punitive damages. Judgment may be entered upon the final
decision of the arbitrators in any court of competent jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g) <u>Fees and Expenses</u>. Each party shall be responsible for (a) all fees and expenses of its
respective counsel, accountants, actuaries and any other representatives in connection with the arbitration and (b) unless the arbitrators shall provide otherwise, one-half (1/2) of the expenses of the
arbitration, including the fees and expenses of the arbitrators.

Section 11.6. <u>Governing Law</u>. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to Delaware choice of law provisions.

Section 11.7. <u>Entire Understanding</u>. This Agreement and any reference incorporated herein constitute the complete understanding of the parties and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior and contemporaneous agreements among the parties with respect to the subject matter discussed herein. No oral agreements or representations shall be binding.

Section 11.8. <u>Third Party Beneficiaries</u>. Nothing in the Agreement shall convey any rights upon any person or entity, which is not a party to the Agreement. Principal Underwriter's Affiliates shall be Third Party beneficiaries of this Agreement, entitled to enforce the provision hereof as if they were a party to this Agreement.

Section 11.9. <u>Non-Exclusivity</u>. No territory or product is assigned exclusively hereunder to Broker and Agency and Principal Underwriter reserves the right in its discretion to enter into selling agreements with other broker-dealers, and to contract with or establish one or more insurance agencies in any jurisdiction in which Broker transacts business hereunder.

Section 11.10. <u>Non-Solicitation of Employees and Agents</u>. For purposes of this Section 11.10 only, the term "agent" shall include all appointed agents and Representatives. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that each may have access to the names and identities of agents of each party as a result of performing their respective obligations under this Agreement, and that each may establish close working relationships with such persons. Therefore:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) Broker and Agency (for purposes of this Section 11.10, "Selling Group"), shall not solicit
any agent of Principal Underwriter while an agent maintains his/ her affiliation with Principal Underwriter and for twelve (12) months after termination of the affiliation. In addition, Selling Group shall not

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interfere in any way with the relationships, contractual or otherwise, between Principal Underwriter and its agents. Selling Group shall not induce or encourage, or attempt to induce or encourage, any agent of Principal Underwriter to terminate or change his/her relationship with Principal Underwriter; and <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) Principal Underwriter shall not solicit any agent of Selling Group while an agent maintains his/her
affiliation with Selling Group and for twelve (12) months after termination of the affiliation. In addition, Principal Underwriter shall not interfere in any way with the relationships, contractual or otherwise, between Selling Group and its
agents. Principal Underwriter shall not induce or encourage, or attempt to induce or encourage, any agent of Selling Group to terminate or change his/her relationship with Selling Group.

Section 11.11. <u>Waiver</u>. The failure of either party to strictly enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of such provision or release either party from its obligation to perform strictly in accordance with such provision.

Section 11.12. <u>Counterparts</u>. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, with the same force and effect as if executed in one complete document.

Section 11.13. <u>Severability</u>. If any provision of this Agreement is declared null, void or unenforceable in whole or in part by any court, arbitrator or governmental agency, said provision shall survive to the extent it is not so declared and all the other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless, in each case, such declaration shall serve to deprive any of the parties hereto of the fundamental benefits of this Agreement**.**

Section 11.14. <u>Trademarks</u>. Neither party may use the other party's trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, or other commercial or product designations (collectively, "Marks") for any purpose whatsoever without the prior written consent of the other party.

Section 11.15. <u>Preparation of Certificates</u>. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Broker and Principal Underwriter shall cooperate fully in the preparation of and execution of any certificates that may be required by a regulatory authority or by Applicable Law, in connection with the offer, sale, and/or servicing of the Contracts.

Section 11.16. <u>Parties' Control of Business and Operations</u>. The performance or receipt of services pursuant to this Agreement shall in no way impair the absolute control of the business and operations of each of the parties and their respective Affiliates by their own Board of Directors.

Page **22** of **23**

Sales Agreement – 7-19 NY

------

In reliance on the representations set forth and in consideration of the undertakings described, the parties represented below do hereby contract and agree.

**"PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER"** 

---

| |
|:---|
| **BRIGHTHOUSE SECURITIES, LLC** |
| By |
| Date |
| Address: |
| Brighthouse Securities, LLC |
| 11225 North Community House Road |
| Charlotte, NC 28277 |
| Fax #: |
| **"BROKER DEALER"** |
| (Broker Firm) |
| By |
| Print Name & Title |
| Date |
| Address: |
| Fax #: |

---

Page **23** of **23**

Sales Agreement – 7-19 NY

------

**EXHIBIT A** 

**Schedule of Variable Product and Compensation** 

**[TO BE INSERTED]** 

------

**EXHIBIT B** 

**Schedule of Fixed Product and Compensation** 

**[TO BE INSERTED]** 

------

**EXHIBIT C** 

**ASSOCIATED INSURANCE AGENCY** 

The Broker/Dealer named below ("Broker"), having executed a Retail Sales Agreement (the "Agreement") by and between Broker, and Brighthouse Securities, LLC (the "Company") dated **<u> </u>** that, among other things, provides for sales of Company's or its Affiliates' Contracts through a designated associated insurance agency or agencies, hereby designates the associated insurance agency(s) (the "Associated Insurance Agency(s)") named below as its Agency (as that term is defined in the Agreement) pursuant to Article III thereof. By signing this Exhibit C, each of Broker and the Associated Insurance Agency(s) hereby represents and warrants that each of the Associated Insurance Agency(s) is and will remain qualified to serve as an Agency in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. Each of the Associated Insurance Agency(s) hereby acknowledge that it has received a copy of the Agreement, that it has reviewed the Agreement and understands all of its terms, covenants and agreements, that it has had the opportunity to consult with counsel of choice relative thereto and that it agrees to be bound by and subject to the terms of the Agreement.

Without limiting the foregoing, Broker-Dealer and Insurance Agent represent that they are in compliance with the terms and conditions of Howard & Howard (sub. nom. First of America Brokerage Service, Inc.) (avail. Sept. 28, 1995) issued by the Staff of the SEC with respect to the non-registration as a broker-dealer of an insurance agency associated with a registered broker-dealer. Broker-Dealer and Insurance Agent shall notify Company immediately in writing if Broker-Dealer and/or Insurance Agent fail to comply with any such terms and conditions and shall take such measures as may be necessary and as promptly as practicable under the circumstances to cure any such non-compliance.

**THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION THAT MAY BE ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u> </u>** | **<u> </u>** |
| **Broker/Dealer** | **Associated Insurance Agency Name** |
| By:<u> </u> | By:<u> </u> |
| <u> </u> | <u> </u> |
| (Print Name & Title) | (Print Name & Title) |
| Date:<u> </u> | Date:<u> </u> |
| Tax ID:<u> </u> | Tax ID:<u> </u> |

---

------

---

| |
|:---|
| **<u> </u>** |
|  **Associated Insurance Agency Name** |
| By:<u> </u> |
| <u> </u> |
| (Print Name & Title) |
| Date:<u> </u> |
| Tax ID:<u> </u> |

---

## Exhibit 99.5

![LOGO](g429395page01.jpg)

**Nancy H. Badeer** 

Associate General Counsel

285 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10017

T: 980-949-3600

March 2, 2023

Board of Directors

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

1209 Orange Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

Re: Opinion of Counsel

Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

File No. 333-268427

Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am an Associate General Counsel to the Insurance Products Group of the Law and Compliance organization and provide legal counsel to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. This opinion is furnished in connection with the proposed offering of a certain single premium deferred index-linked annuity contract (the "Contract") issued by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company ("Company") under Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-268427, filed on March 2, 2023 (the "Registration Statement") and described therein, filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

I have made such examination of law and examined such records of the Company and other documents as in my judgment are necessary or appropriate to render the opinion expressed below.

I am of the following opinions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Company is duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has been duly authorized to do business and to issue annuity contracts by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Delaware.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Contract covered by the above Registration Statement, and all amendments relating thereto, when delivered and when the first purchase payment made by an owner all in accordance with the prospectus (the "Prospectus") included in the Registration Statement and in compliance with the applicable local law, will be a legal and binding obligation of the Company in accordance with its terms. Owners of Contracts, as such, will not be subject to any deductions and charges by the Company other than those described in the Contract and as referred to in the Prospectus.

I hereby consent to the use of this opinion letter, or a copy thereof, as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Sincerely,

/s/ Nancy H. Badeer

Nancy H. Badeer

Associate General Counsel

## Exhibit 99.23

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Pre-Effective Amendment to Registration Statement File No. 333-268427 on Form S-3 of our report dated March 1, 2023, relating to the financial statements of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company for the year ended December 31, 2022. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina <br>March 2, 2023

------

## Exhibit 99.24

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Eric Steigerwalt

Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Eric Steigerwalt, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

------

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 Vintage Annuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup>

Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

------

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of November 2022.

<u>/s/ Eric Steigerwalt</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eric Steigerwalt

------

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Myles Lambert

Director and Vice President

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Myles Lambert, a Director and Vice President of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

------

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 Vintage Annuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup>

Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

------

Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity,

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of November 2022.

---

| |
|:---|
| <u>/s/ Myles Lambert</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Myles Lambert |

---

------

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

David A. Rosenbaum

Director and Vice President

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, David A. Rosenbaum, a Director and Vice President of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

------

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 VintageAnnuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II) 

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup>

Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

------

Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of November 2022.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ David A. Rosenbaum |
| David A. Rosenbaum |

---

------

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Jonathan Rosenthal

Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Jonathan Rosenthal, a Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

------

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 Vintage Annuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup>

Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

------

Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of November 2022.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Jonathan Rosenthal |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jonathan Rosenthal |

---

------

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Edward A. Spehar

Director, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Edward A. Spehar, a Director, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

------

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 Vintage Annuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup>

Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

------

Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of November 2022.

<u>/s/ Edward A. Spehar</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Edward A. Spehar

------

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Kristine Toscano

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Kristine Toscano, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

------

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 Vintage Annuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup>

Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

------

Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity,

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of November 2022.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Kristine Toscano |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kristine Toscano |

---

------

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling

Vice President and Controller

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling, Vice President and Controller of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware company (the "Company"), do hereby constitute and appoint Michele H. Abate and Alexander Ulianov, as my attorney-in-fact and agent, each of whom may act individually and none of whom is required to act jointly with any of the others, to sign and file on my behalf and to execute and file any instrument or document required to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to, the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, pertaining to:

• Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance (811-03927)

File No. 002-88637 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup> and Invest

File No. 333-152219 MarketLife<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-56952 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II

File No. 333-69771 Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life

File No. 333-96515 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator and Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 2

File No. 333-96519 Brighthouse Variable Life

File No. 333-113109 Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator- Series 3

File No. 333-152216 Portfolio Architect Life

File No. 333-152217 VintageLife,

• Brighthouse Fund UL III for Variable Life Insurance (811-09215)

File No. 333-71349 Corporate Owned VUL Series 1

File No. 333-94779 Corporate Owned VUL 2000 and Corporate Owned VUL III

File No. 333-105335 Corporate Select Policy

File No. 333-113533 Corporate Owned VUL IV,

• Brighthouse Separate Account A (811-03365)

File No. 333-200231 Series VA (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200232 Series S (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016) and Series S-L Share Option (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200233 Series VA- 4 (offered between October 7, 2011 and May 1, 2016)

File No. 333-200234 Series O (offered between April 30, 2012 and July 19, 2015)

File No. 333-200236 Series L- 4 Year (offered on and after April 29, 2013)

File No. 333-200237 PrimElite IV

File No. 333-200238 Marquis Portfolios (offered on and after April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200239 Brighthouse Growth and Income

File No. 333-200240 Group Flexible Payment Variable Annuity

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Flexible Bonus/Retirement Companion/Smart Choice)

File No. 333-200243 PrimElite III

File No. 333-200246 Brighthouse Simple Solutions<sup>SM</sup>

File No. 333-200250 Marquis Portfolios (offered between November 7, 2005 and April 30, 2012)

File No. 333-200253 Series XC

File No. 333-200256 Series VA (offered between March 22, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200259 Series L and Series L– 4 Year (offered between November 22, 2004 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200261 Series C (offered between September 4, 2001 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200263 Series XTRA

------

File No. 333-200265 Series S and Series S- L Share Option (offered between April 30, 2007 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200268 Series L- 4 Year (offered between October 7, 2011 and April 28, 2013)

File No. 333-200270 Group Annuity SF 101

File No. 333-200272 Ultimate Annuity FSL 224

File No. 333-200275 Foresight SF 137

File No. 333-200277 SecurAnnuity (CLICO) 224/ SF 1700

File No. 333-200278 Group VA SF 234 (Texas)

File No. 333-200280 Sunshine SF 236 FL

File No. 333-200281 Flexible Value SF 230

File No. 333-200282 Investors Choice Annuity, Capital Strategist Annuity, Imprint Annuity and Strive Annuity

File No. 333-200283 Protected Equity Portfolio (PEP)

File No. 333-200284 Vintage L and Vintage XC

File No. 333-200285 Series XTRA 6

File No. 333-200286 Series VA- 4 (offered between May 1, 2011 and October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200287 Series C (offered on and after October 7, 2011)

File No. 333-200288 Pioneer PRISM

File No. 333-200289 Pioneer PRISM L

File No. 333-200290 Pioneer PRISM XC

File No. 333-200323 Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup>-Standard Version and Brighthouse Investment Portfolio Architect<sup>SM</sup> -C Share Option

File No. 333-203748 Series O (offered on and after July 20, 2015)

File No. 333-209053 Series VA (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209054 Series VA- 4 (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209055 Series S (offered on and after May 2, 2016) and Series S- L Share Option (offered on and after May 2, 2016)

File No. 333-209411 Brighthouse Prime Options,

• Brighthouse Separate Account Eleven for Variable Annuities (811-21262)

File Nos. 333-101778 and 333-152234 Pioneer AnnuiStar Plus Annuity, Portfolio Architect Plus Annuity and Scudder Advocate Rewards Annuity

File No. 333-152189 Universal Annuity

File No. 333-152190 Universal Select Annuity

File No. 333-152191 Universal Annuity Advantage

File Nos. 333-152192 and 333-152193 Brighthouse Retirement Account

File No. 333-152194 Gold Track and Gold Track Select

File Nos. 333-152197 and 333-152198 Brighthouse Access Annuity and Brighthouse Access Select Annuity

File Nos. 333-152199 and 333-152200 Vintage Annuity

File Nos. 333-152201 and 333-152202 Index Annuity

File Nos. 333-152232 and 333-152233 Portfolio Architect Annuity, Portfolio Architect Select Annuity, Premier Advisers Annuity (Class I) and Premier Advisers Annuity (Class II)

File Nos. 333-152235 and 333-152236 Pioneer AnnuiStar Annuity, Portfolio Architect II Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Value Annuity

File Nos. 333-152237 and 333-152238 Premier Advisers II Annuity, Premier Advisers III (Series I) and Premier Advisers III Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152239 and 333-152240 Premier Advisers AssetManager Annuity, Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series I) and Premier Advisers L Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152255 and 333-152265 Vintage XTRA Annuity, Portfolio Architect XTRA Annuity and Vintage XTRA Annuity (Series II)

File Nos. 333-152256 and 333-152292 Vintage 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect 3 Annuity, Portfolio Architect L Annuity, Vintage L Annuity and Pioneer AnnuiStar Flex Annuity

File Nos. 333-152258 and 333-152261 PrimElite Annuity

File Nos. 333-152259 and 333-152262 PrimElite II Annuity

------

File Nos. 333-152260 and 333-152266 Protected Equity Portfolio Annuity

File Nos. 333-152263 and 333-152269 Marquis Portfolios

File Nos. 333-152264 and 333-152270 Vintage Access, Portfolio Architect Access, Scudder Advocate Advisor and Scudder Advocate Advisor- ST1 Annuity

File Nos. 333-152267 and 333-152268 Vintage II Annuity and Vintage II Annuity (Series II)

File No. 333-197658 Brighthouse Accumulation Annuity

File No. 333-208464 Brighthouse Premier Variable Annuity<sup>SM</sup>,

• Brighthouse Separate Account QPN for Variable Annuities

File No. 333-156867 Unallocated Group Variable Annuity

File No. 333-156911 Brighthouse Retirement Perspectives,

• Brighthouse Variable Annuity Account C (811-05200)

File No. 333-200244 Class XC

File No. 333-200247 Class VA, Class AA and Class B

File No. 333-200249 Class L and Class L– 4 Year

File No. 333-200252 Class A

File No. 333-200255 COVA VA, Firstar Summit VA, Premier Advisor VA, Destiny Select VA, Prevail VA

File No. 333-200258 COVA VA SPDA

File No. 333-200260 COVA Series A

File No. 333-200262 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select

File No. 333-200264 Navigator-Select/Custom-Select/Russell-Select (CA)

File No. 333-200266 COVA VA and Premier Advisor (CA)

File No. 333-200267 COVA Series A (CA)

File No. 333-200269 Class C

File No. 333-200271 Class VA (CA), Class AA (CA), and Class B (CA)

File No. 333-200273 Class XC (CA)

File No. 333-200274 Class L (CA) and Class L - 4 Year (CA)

File No. 333-200276 Class A (CA)

File No. 333-200279 Class C (CA),

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account A (811-21851)

File No. 333-200241 Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life,

• Brighthouse Variable Life Account One (811-07971)

File No. 333-200242 Class VL

File No. 333-200245 Class VL (CA)

File No. 333-200248 Modified Single Premium Variable Life

File No. 333-200251 Custom Select and Russell Select Variable Life

File No. 333-200254 Modified Single Premium Variable Life (CA)

File No. 333-200257 Custom Select Variable Life,

And pertaining to:

File No. 333-262390 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Annuity and Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Pay Plus<sup>SM</sup> Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-259505 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity v.3

File No. 333-233240 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-268427 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select Advisory Annuity

File No. 333-263492 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 6-Year Annuity

File No. 333-263495 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level Select 3-Year Annuity

File No. 333-238213 Brighthouse Shield<sup>®</sup> Level 10 Annuity

File No. 333-208664 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> Annuity

File No. 333-207091 Brighthouse Shield Level Selector<sup>®</sup> 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Retirement Account Liquidity Benefit

T-Mark Fixed Annuity

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Fixed Annuity (Strategic Value Annuity)

Registered Fixed Account Option

Target Maturity,

And new annuities and life products such as:

Brighthouse Shield Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 3-Year Annuity

Brighthouse Shield 6-Year Annuity

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus index-linked life insurance policy,

and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney does not revoke any prior powers of attorney.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th of November 2022.

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| /s/ Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gianna H. Figaro-Sterling |

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## Ex-Filing

**Calculation of Filing Fee Tables** 

**FORM S-3** 

…………..

(Form Type)

**Brighthouse Life Insurance Company** 

……………………………………………………..

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

<u>Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities</u> 

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Security <br>Type** | <br>**Security**<br> **Class Title** | <br>**Fee Calculation or<br>Carry Forward<br>Rule** | <br>**Amount<br>Registered** | <br>**Proposed<br>Maximum<br>Offering<br>Price Per<br>Unit<sup>(1)</sup>** | <br>**Maximum<br>Aggregate<br>Offering**<br> **Price** | <br>**Fee Rate** | <br>**Amount of<br>Registration**<br> **Fee** | <br>**Carry<br>Forward<br>Form**<br> **Type** | <br>**Carry<br>Forward<br>File<br>Number** | <br>**Carry<br>Forward<br>Initial<br>effective<br>date** | <br> **Filing Fee<br>Previously<br>Paid In<br>Connection<br>with Unsold<br>Securities to<br>be Carried<br>Forward**<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Newly Registered Securities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fees to Be<br> Paid | <br> Other | <br> Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | <br> 457(o) | <br> N/A | <br> N/A | <br> $332714714 | <br> $110.20<br>per million | <br> $36665.16 | <br> N/A | <br> N/A | <br> N/A | <br> N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fees<br> Previously<br> Paid | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Security<br>Type** | <br>**Security**<br> **Class Title** | <br>**Fee Calculation or<br>Carry Forward<br>Rule** | <br>**Amount<br>Registered** | <br>**Proposed<br>Maximum<br>Offering<br>Price Per<br>Unit<sup>(1)</sup>** | <br>**Maximum<br>Aggregate<br>Offering<br>Price** | <br>**Fee Rate** | <br>**Amount of<br>Registration**<br> **Fee** | <br>**Carry<br>Forward<br>Form**<br> **Type** | <br>**Carry<br>Forward<br>File<br>Number** | <br>**Carry<br>Forward<br>Initial<br>effective<br>date** | <br> **Filing Fee<br>Previously<br>Paid In<br>Connection<br>with Unsold<br>Securities to<br>be Carried<br>Forward**<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Carry Forward Securities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Carry<br> Forward<br> Securities | <br> Other | <br> Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | <br> 415(a)(6) | <br> 113891000 | <br> N/A | <br> $113891000 | <br> N/A | <br> N/A | <br> S-3/A | <br> 333-238215 | <br> August 31, 2020 | <br> $14783.05 |
|  | **Total Offering Amounts** | **Total Offering Amounts** | **Total Offering Amounts** | **Total Offering Amounts** |  | $446605714 | N/A | $36665.16 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | **Total Fees Previously Paid** | **Total Fees Previously Paid** | **Total Fees Previously Paid** | **Total Fees Previously Paid** |  |  |  | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | **Total Fee Offsets** | **Total Fee Offsets** | **Total Fee Offsets** | **Total Fee Offsets** |  |  |  | $36665.16 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | **Net Fee Due** | **Net Fee Due** | **Net Fee Due** | **Net Fee Due** |  |  |  | $0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Interests are sold on a dollar for dollar basis and not on the basis of a price per share or unit.

<u>Table 2: Fee Offset Claims and Sources</u> 

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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Registrant or**<br> **Filer Name** | **Form or<br>Filing<br>Type\*** | **File Number** | **Initial Filing<br>Date** | **Filing Date** | **Fee Offset<br>Claimed** | **Security<br>Type<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Security Title<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Unsold<br>Securities<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Unsold Aggregate<br>Offering Amount<br>Associated<br>with Fee Offset**<br> **Claimed** | **Fee Paid with<br>Fee Offset<br>Sources** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Claims | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Sources | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Registrant or**<br> **Filer Name** | **Form or<br>Filing<br>Type\*** | **File Number** | **Initial Filing<br>Date** | **Filing Date** | **Fee Offset<br>Claimed** | **Security<br>Type<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Security Title<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Unsold<br>Securities<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Unsold Aggregate<br>Offering Amount<br>Associated<br>with Fee Offset**<br> **Claimed** | **Fee Paid with<br>Fee Offset<br>Sources** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 457(p)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Claims | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | S-3 | 333-238213 | 5/13/2020 | N/A | $505.57 | Other | Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | 3895000 | $3895000 | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Sources | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Claims | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | S-3/A | 333-233239 | 11/7/2019 | N/A | $20122.36 | Other | Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | 155025886 | $155025886 | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Sources | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | S-3 | 333-233239 | N/A | 8/13/2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $121.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Claims | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | S-3/A | 333-233235 | 11/7/2019 | N/A | $5369.95 | Other | Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | 41371000 | $41371000 | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Sources | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | S-3 | 333-233235 | N/A | 8/13/2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $121.20 |

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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Registrant or**<br> **Filer Name** | **Form or<br>Filing<br>Type\*** | **File Number** | **Initial Filing<br>Date** | **Filing Date** | **Fee Offset<br>Claimed** | **Security<br>Type<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Security Title<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Unsold<br>Securities<br>Associated<br>with Fee<br>Offset<br>Claimed** | **Unsold Aggregate<br>Offering Amount<br>Associated<br>with Fee Offset**<br> **Claimed** | **Fee Paid with<br>Fee Offset<br>Sources** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Claims | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY | S-3/A | 333-229553 | 5/20/2019 | N/A | $10282.11 | Other | Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | 79215000 | $79215000 | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Sources | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY | S-3 | 333-229553 | N/A | 2/7/2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $121.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Claims | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY | S-3 | 333-234535 | 11/6/2019 | N/A | $385.17 | Other | Individual Single Premium Deferred Index-Linked Separate Account Annuity Contract | 2967000 | $2967000 | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fee Offset<br> Sources | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

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\* The Registrant has either withdrawn each such prior registration statement or has terminated or completed any offering that included the unsold securities under the prior registration stratement.