# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001678124
**File Stem:** 0001104659-23-021538
**Filing Date:** 2023-2
**Character Count:** 30356
**Document Hash:** c3a7479a70085b1f5346b72c6f18dd8c
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-23-021538.hdr.sgml**: 20230214

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-23-021538

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: SC 13G/A

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 1

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230214

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230214

**GROUP MEMBERS**: AISG GP LTD.

**GROUP MEMBERS**: APOLLO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT GP, LLC

**GROUP MEMBERS**: APOLLO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.

**GROUP MEMBERS**: APOLLO INSURANCE SOLUTIONS GROUP LP

**GROUP MEMBERS**: APOLLO LIFE ASSET GP, LLC

**GROUP MEMBERS**: APOLLO LIFE ASSET, L.P.

**GROUP MEMBERS**: APOLLO MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS, L.P.

**GROUP MEMBERS**: ATHENE ANNUITY & LIFE CO

**SUBJECT COMPANY**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001678124
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** SC 13G/A
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 005-92736
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23628849

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 PARK AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** 25TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10017
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 212-418-4700

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 PARK AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** 25TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10017
**FILED BY**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001449433
- **IRS NUMBER:** 208351017
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** SC 13G/A

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9 W. 57TH STREET
- **STREET 2:** 43RD FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10019
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 212-515-3200

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9 W. 57TH STREET
- **STREET 2:** 43RD FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10019

&nbsp;&nbsp; **UNITED STATES**<br> **SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**<br> **Washington, D.C. 20549**<br>

**SCHEDULE 13G**

**(Amendment No. 2)\***

&nbsp;&nbsp;**Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;(Name of Issuer) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;(Title of Class of Securities) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; 17260G2@1<br> 17260G3@0<br> 17260G4@9  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; 17260G5@8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;(CUSIP Number) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; (Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)<br> December 31, 2022  |

---

Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed:

⌧ Rule 13d-1(b) <br> ¨ Rule 13d-1(c) <br> ◻ Rule 13d-1(d)

<sup>\*</sup> The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, *see* the *Notes*).

SEC 1745 (3-06)

**CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8**<br>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Athene Annuity and Life Company |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Iowa |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IC |

---

**CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Insurance Solutions Group LP |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IA |

---

**CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> AISG GP Ltd. |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cayman Islands |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> HC |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** | **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** |
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Life Asset, L.P. |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cayman Islands |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> HC |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** | **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** |
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Life Asset GP, LLC |
| **2** | <br> CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cayman Islands |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ⌧ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> HC |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** | **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** |
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Capital Management, L.P. |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> IA |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** | **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** |
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> HC |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** | **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** |
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> HC |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** | **CUSIP No. 17260G2@1; 17260G3@0; 17260G4@9; 17260G5@8** |
| **1** | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS<br> Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC |
| **2** | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP <br> (a) ◻<br> (b) ◻ |
| **3** | SEC USE ONLY<br>|
| **4** | SOURCE OF FUNDS<br> OO |
| **5** | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) ◻<br>|
| **6** | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **7** | SOLE VOTING POWER<br>|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **8** | SHARED VOTING POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **9** | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER<br>|
| **NUMBER OF**<br> **SHARES**<br> **BENEFICIALLY**<br> **OWNED BY**<br> **EACH**<br> **REPORTING**<br> **PERSON**<br> **WITH** | **10** | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON<br> Series A – 960,000<br> Series B – 1,040,000<br> Series C – 800,000<br> Series D – 800,000 |
| **12** | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES\* ◻ |
| **13** | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)<br> Series A – 40.0%<br> Series B – 28.9%<br> Series C – 13.3%<br> Series D – 36.4% |
| **14** | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON<br> HC |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.** | **(a)** | **Name of Issuer** |

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CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)** **Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices** 

3 Park Avenue

36th Floor

New York, New York 10016

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item 2.** | **(a)** | **Name of Person Filing** |

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This statement is filed by: (i) Athene Annuity and Life Company ("AAIA"); (ii) Apollo Insurance Solutions Group LP ("AISG"); (iii) AISG GP Ltd. ("AISG GP"); (iv) Apollo Life Asset, L.P. ("Apollo Life"); (v) Apollo Life Asset GP, LLC ("Apollo Life GP"); (vi) Apollo Capital Management, L.P. ("Capital Management"); (vii) Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC ("Capital Management GP"); (viii) Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. ("Management Holdings"); and (ix) Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC ("Management Holdings GP").

AAIA holds the Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock of the Issuer.

AISG is the investment adviser of AAIA. AISG GP is the general partner of AISG. Apollo Life is the general partner of AISG GP, and Apollo Life GP is the general partner of Apollo Life. Capital Management is the sole member of Apollo Life GP. The general partner of Capital Management is Capital Management GP. Management Holdings is the sole member and manager of Capital Management GP, and Management Holdings GP is the general partner of Management Holdings.

None of the Reporting Persons nor any of the persons or entities referred to in Appendix A to Item 2 has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and similar misdemeanors) or been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree, or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, Federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)** **Address of Principal Business Office or, if none, Residence** 

The address of the principal office of AAIA is 7700 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. The address of the principal office of AISG is 2121 Rosecrans Ave. Ste 5300, El Segundo, California 90245. The address of the principal office of each of AISG GP, Apollo Life, Apollo Life GP, is c/o Walkers Corporate Limited, Cayman Corporate Center, 27 Hospital Road, George Town, KY1-9008 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The address of the principal office of each of Capital Management, Capital Management GP, Management Holdings, and Management Holdings GP is 9 West 57th Street, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10019.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(c)** **Citizenship** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| AAIA | Iowa |
| AISG | Delaware |
| AISG GP | Cayman Islands |
| Apollo Life | Cayman Islands |
| Apollo Life GP | Cayman Islands |
| Capital Management | Delaware |
| Capital Management GP | Delaware |
| Management Holdings | Delaware |
| Management Holdings GP | Delaware |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(d)** **Title of class of securities** 

Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(e)** **CUSIP No.** 

Series A: 17260G2@1

Series B: 17260G3@0

Series C: 17260G4@9

Series D: 17260G5@8

**Item 3.** **If this statement is filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b), or 13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) ◻ Broker or dealer registered under section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) ◻ Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) ⌧ Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) ◻ Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C 80a-8);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) ⌧ An investment adviser in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) ◻ An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) ⌧ A parent holding company or control person in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) ◻ A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) ◻ A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) ◻ A non-U.S. institution in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) ◻ Group, in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(K). If filing as a non-U.S. institution in accordance with §240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), please specify the type of institution: ____

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 4** | **Ownership.** |

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(a) & (b) Information in Rows 7 to 13 of the respective cover pages of the individual Reporting Persons are incorporated into this Item 5 by reference.

The Reporting Persons' aggregate percentage beneficial ownership of the total amount of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock outstanding is based on 2,400,000 shares of Series A; 3,600,000 shares of Series B: 6,000,000 shares of Series C; and 2,200,000 shares of Series D Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock outstanding.

AISG, AISG GP, Apollo Life, Apollo Life GP, Capital Management, Capital Management GP, Management Holdings, Management Holdings GP, each disclaim beneficial ownership of all Common Stock held of record by AAIA and the filing of this report shall not be construed as an admission that any such person or entity is the beneficial owner of any such securities for purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or for any other purpose.

**Item 5.** **Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class.**

If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following: ◻

**Item 6.** **Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person.**

Not applicable.

**Item 7.** **Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company.**

See response to Item 2(a), which is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 8.** **Identification and Classification of Members of the Group.**

Not applicable.

**Item 9.** **Notice of Dissolution of Group.**

Not applicable.

**Item 10.** **Certification.**

By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §240.14a-11.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]

**SIGNATURE**

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: February 13, 2023

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ATHENE ANNUITY AND LIFE COMPANY | ATHENE ANNUITY AND LIFE COMPANY |
| By: | Apollo Insurance Solutions Group LP,<br> its investment adviser |

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By: AISG GP Ltd., <br> its general partner <br>

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Angelo Lombardo |
|  | Angelo Lombardo |
|  | Authorized Signatory |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| APOLLO INSURANCE SOLUTIONS GROUP LP | APOLLO INSURANCE SOLUTIONS GROUP LP |
| By: | AISG GP Ltd.,<br> its general partner |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Angelo Lombardo |
|  | Angelo Lombardo |
|  | Authorized Signatory  |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| AISG GP LTD. | AISG GP LTD. |
| By: | /s/ Angelo Lombardo |
|  | Angelo Lombardo |
|  | Authorized Signatory  |

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APOLLO LIFE ASSET, L.P. <br>By: Apollo Life Asset GP, LLC, its general partner

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ William B. Kuesel |
|  | William B. Kuesel |
|  | Vice President |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| APOLLO LIFE ASSET GP, LLC | APOLLO LIFE ASSET GP, LLC |
| By: | /s/ William B. Kuesel |
|  | William B. Kuesel |
|  | Vice President |

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APOLLO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. <br>By: Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC, its general partner

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ William B. Kuesel |
|  | William B. Kuesel |
|  | Vice President |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| APOLLO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT GP, LLC | APOLLO CAPITAL MANAGEMENT GP, LLC |
| By: | /s/ William B. Kuesel |
|  | William B. Kuesel |
|  | Vice President |

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APOLLO MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS, L.P. <br>By: Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC, its general partner

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ William B. Kuesel |
|  | William B. Kuesel |
|  | Vice President |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| APOLLO MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS GP, LLC | APOLLO MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS GP, LLC |
| By: | /s/ William B. Kuesel |
|  | William B. Kuesel |
|  | Vice President |

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