Asfiled with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2023
RegistrationNo. 333-
SECURITIESAND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,D.C. 20549
FORMS-1
RegistrationStatement Under the Securities Act of 1933
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
(Exactname of registrant as specified in its charter)
IOWA (State or other jurisdiction of incorporationor organization) | 6311 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | 39-1236386 (I.R.S. Employer IdentificationNo.) |
2000Heritage Way
Waverly,Iowa 50677
(319)352-4090
(Address,including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
ofregistrant’s principal executive offices)
BritneySchnathorst, Esq.
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
2000Heritage Way
Waverly,Iowa 50677
(319)352-4090
(Name,address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
COPY TO:
StephenE. Roth, Esq.
ThomasE. Bisset, Esq.
EvershedsSutherland (US) LLP
700Sixth Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington,DC 20001
(202)383-0100
Approximatedate of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
Ifany of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 underthe Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☒
Ifthis Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check thefollowing box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for thesame offering. ☐
Ifthis Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and listthe Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Ifthis Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and listthe Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicateby check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smallerreporting company, or an emerging growth company. See 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 ☐ |
| | |
| Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☐ |
| | |
| | Emerging Growth Company ☐ |
Ifan emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period forcomplying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.☐
Theregistrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date untilthe registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter becomeeffective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effectiveon such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity
For Contracts Issued after May 25, 2023
Issuedby:
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
2000 Heritage Way
Waverly, Iowa 50677
Telephonenumber: 800-798-5500
Offered Through: CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
DATEDMAY 15, 2023
ThisProspectus describes the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity, an individual or joint owned, single premium deferred annuity contractwith index-linked interest options issued by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. This Prospectus applies only to Contracts issuedafter May 25, 2023.
Youmay purchase the Contract with a single Purchase Payment of at least $5,000. You may not make additional Purchase Payments.The Contract is a complex insurance and investment vehicle. You should speak with a financial professional about the Contract’sfeatures, benefits, risks, and fees, and whether it is appropriate for you based upon your financial situation and objectives.
TheContract offers index-linked Allocation Options (“Risk Control Accounts”) and a guaranteed interest rate AllocationOption (“Declared Rate Account”) for accumulation and long-term investment purposes. The Contract also offers a deathbenefit and standard annuity features, including multiple fixed annuitization options (“Payout Options”).
Wecredit interest daily to the Declared Rate Account based on a fixed annual interest rate that is guaranteed for each one-yearInterest Term. The Declared Interest Rate will never be below the Minimum Interest Rate.
Forthe Risk Control Accounts, we offer one-year Interest Terms and six-year Interest Terms. We credit interest to the RiskControl Accounts based in part on the performance of an external Index by comparing the change in the Index from the first dayof the Interest Term to the last day of the Interest Term (“Index Return”). We currently offer three reference indices:the S&P 500 Price Return Index (“S&P 500”), the Barclays Risk Balanced Index (“Barclays Risk Balanced”),and the Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index (“Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic”). It is possiblethat we will credit negative interest to the Risk Control Accounts.
EachRisk Control Account has a Crediting Strategy. Risk Control Accounts with one-year Interest Terms have either a CreditingStrategy of a Floor and Cap or a Buffer and Cap, and Risk Control Accounts with six-year Interest Terms have a Crediting Strategyof a Buffer and Participation Rate. These features may provide protection by limiting the amount of negative interest creditedto you, but they also may limit the amount of positive interest credited to you. You may receive only a portion of any positiveIndex performance.
| ● | The Cap is the maximum amount of positive interest that we will credit you. For example, if the Index Return is 10% and the Cap is 5%, your interest will be limited to 5%. Generally, the Cap varies according to the level of risk you accept in choosing a Floor; the Cap is highest for the -10% Floor (allowing potentially greater increases and decreases) and lowest for the 0% Floor (limiting the amount of potential increases and decreases). We reset the Caps at the start of each Interest Term, but no Cap will be lower than 1.0%. |
| ● | The Participation Rate is the percentage of any positive Index Return that we will credit you. A Participation Rate may limit the amount of interest you receive. For example, if the Index Return is 10% and the Participation Rate is 80%, you would be credited 8% (80% of 10%). We reset the Participation Rate at the start of each Interest Term, but the Participation Rate will never be lower than 10%. |
| ● | The Floor is the maximum amount of negative interest that we will credit you. Any negative Index Return will reduce your Risk Control Account Value by up to the amount of the Floor you elected. For example, if you elect a Floor of 0%, a negative Index Return will not reduce your Risk Control Account Value. If you elect a Floor of -10% and the Index Return is -15%, we will credit you -10% (decreasing your Risk Control Account value by 10%). We currently offer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection: 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%, -9%, and -10%. An Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. With the Floor, there is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interest of up to 10% (with a Floor of -10%) if there is negative Index performance. |
| ● | The Buffer is the maximum amount of negative interest we will not credit to you, while we will credit you any additional negative interest that exceeds the Buffer. For example, if the Buffer is -10% and the Index Return is -5%, we will credit you 0% (your Risk Control Account value will not increase or decrease). If the Buffer is -10% and the Index Return is -15%, we will credit you -5% (decreasing your Risk Control Account value by 5%).We currently offer one Buffer option, -10%. We may not always offer Allocation Options with Buffers, but if we do, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available (limiting your losses due to negative Index Return to 90%). With the Buffer, there is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interest of up to 90% (if there is a negative Index Return of 100% over the Interest Term). |
ThisContract may not be appropriate for investors who plan to take withdrawals or surrender the Contract. The Surrender Charge, EquityAdjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, and proportionate calculations for withdrawals and Flex Transfers couldsignificantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments. It is possible in extreme circumstancesto lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest due to the following:
| ● | If you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract in the first six years, you may pay a Surrender Charge of up to 8% of the amount withdrawn. Federal income taxes and penalties may also apply. |
| ● | If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary, we will apply an Interest Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the payment amount. A negative Interest Adjustment could significantly decrease the amount you receive from a surrender, partial withdrawal, Death Benefit payment, or income payment. |
| ● | If you take a withdrawal, make a Flex Transfer, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk Control Account. A negative Equity Adjustment could significantly decrease the values under your Contract by more than the amount withdrawn, transferred, surrendered or paid. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal or transfer will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. |
| ● | We calculate withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit value, which may reduce the Death Benefit by substantially more than the amount of the withdrawal. We also use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment to withdrawals and Flex Transfers, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
ThisContract is a security. It involves investment risk and may lose value. For additional information on risks associated withthe Contract, see the “Risk Factors” section on Page 12 of this Prospectus. The guarantees in this Contract aresubject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
TheContract is offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”), which is the principal underwriter. CBSI’sprincipal business address is 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677. CBSI is not required to sell any specific number or dollaramount of Contracts but will use its best efforts to sell the Contracts. There are no arrangements to place funds in an escrow,trust, or similar account. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous.
Aregistration statement relating to this offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).You may request a copy of the Prospectus by writing to our Administrative Office at 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, orby calling 1-800-798-5500. This Prospectus can also be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Please keep thisProspectus for future reference.
Neitherthe SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus istruthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Contracts are not insured by the Federal DepositInsurance Corporation or any other government agency. They are not deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not bankguaranteed. They are subject to investment risks and possible loss of principal and previously credited interest.
Thedate of this Prospectus is May 15, 2023
TABLEOF CONTENTS
TheContract may not be available in all states. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell any Contract and it is not solicitingan offer to buy any Contract in any state in which the offer or sale is not permitted. We do not authorize anyone to provide anyinformation or representations regarding the offering described in this Prospectus other than the information and representationscontained in this Prospectus.
GLOSSARY
Wehave tried to make this Prospectus as understandable as possible. However, in explaining how the Contract works, we have had touse certain terms that have special meanings. We define these terms below.
AccumulationPeriod. The period of time that begins on the Contract Issue Date stated on the Data Page and ends on the Income Payout Dateor the date this Contract is terminated if earlier.
AdjustedIndex Return. The Index Return for the current Interest Term adjusted for the Crediting Strategy.
AdministrativeOffice. MEMBERS Life Insurance Company, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677. Phone: 1-800-798-5500.
Age.Age as of last birthday.
AllocationOptions. All Risk Control and Declared Rate Account options available under the Contract for allocating your Purchase Paymentand Contract Value. Your selling firm may limit the Allocation Options available to you when your Contract is issued.
AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount. The amount that can be withdrawn without incurring a Surrender Charge or Interest Adjustment eachContract Year. It is equal to 10% of the Contract Value determined at the beginning of the Contract Year.
Annuitant(Joint Annuitant). The person(s) whose life (or lives) determines the income payment amount payable under the Contract. Ifthe Owner is a non-natural person, the Annuitant(s) is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit.
AuthorizedRequest. A request in Good Order and signed and dated by all Owners, including without limitation a request to: transfer value,change a party to the Contract, change the Income Payout Date, or make a partial withdrawal or full surrender of the Contract.An Authorized Request may also include a phone, fax, or electronic request for specific transactions.
Beneficiary.The person(s) or entity named by the Owner to receive proceeds payable upon the death of the first Owner or the first Annuitantif the Owner is a non-natural person.
Buffer.The maximum amount of negative interest assumed by the Company for an Interest Term, and any additional negative interestwill be credited to the Risk Control Account.
BusinessDay. Any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. All requests for transactions that are received at ourAdministrative Office in Good Order on any Business Day prior to market close, generally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, will be processedas of the end of that Business Day.
Cap.The maximum amount of interest the Company will credit to the Risk Control Account for an Interest Term.
Company.MEMBERS Life Insurance Company; also referred to as “we”, “our” and “us”.
Contract.The TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity, an individual or joint owned, single premium deferred annuity contract with index-linkedinterest options issued by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company.
ContractAnniversary. The same day and month as the Contract Issue Date for each year the Contract remains in force.
ContractIssue Date. The day your Contract is issued. This date will be used to determine Contract Years and Contract Anniversaries.
ContractValue. The total value of your Contract during the Accumulation Period. All values are calculated as of the end of a BusinessDay.
ContractYear. Any twelve-month period beginning on the Contract Issue Date or Contract Anniversary and ending one day before the nextContract Anniversary.
CreditingBase. The amount used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value. It is equal to the amount allocated to a Risk Control Accountat the start of the Interest Term, reduced proportionally for any withdrawals and Flex Transfers.
CreditingStrategy. The method by which interest is calculated for an Allocation Option during the Interest Term.
DataPage. Pages attached to your Contract that describe certain terms applicable to your specific Contract.
DeathBenefit. The amount the Beneficiary is entitled to upon the death of an Owner who is a natural person or the death of an Annuitantif the Owner is a non-natural person. It is equal to the greater of Contract Value, including any applicable Equity Adjustmentor Interest Adjustment, or the Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals as of the date Death Benefit proceeds are payable. Wedo not apply the Surrender Charge in determining the Death Benefit payable.
DeclaredInterest Rate. The effective annual rate of interest credited to the Declared Rate Account. The Declared Interest Rate willnever be lower than the Minimum Interest Rate.
DeclaredRate Account. An Allocation Option to which we credit a fixed annual rate of interest referred to as the Declared InterestRate.
EquityAdjustment. Used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value during the Interest Term. This adjustment (increase or decrease)will be applied to any distribution prior to the end of an Interest Term, including a partial withdrawal, Flex Transfer, a fullsurrender of the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option. Reflects the value ofderivative instruments that hedge market risks associated with the Risk Control Accounts. The Equity Adjustment is calculatedseparately for each Risk Control Account at the end of each Business Day except the last day of an Interest Term. The Equity Adjustmentvaries based on the Crediting Strategy. The Equity Adjustment does not apply to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
FlexTransfer. The voluntary transfer of some or all of the value in any Risk Control Account to the Declared Rate Account priorto the end of the Interest Term. Flex Transfers are subject to the Equity Adjustment, which is calculated for the transferredamount on a proportional basis to adjust the Crediting Base for the Risk Control Account.
Floor.The maximum amount of negative interest that may be credited to the Risk Control Account for an Interest Term.
GeneralAccount. All of the Company’s assets other than the assets in its separate accounts.
GoodOrder. A request or transaction generally is considered in “Good Order” if we receive it at our Administrative Officewithin the time limits, if any, prescribed in this Prospectus for a particular transaction or instruction, it includes all informationand supporting legal documentation necessary for us to execute the requested instruction or transaction, and is signed by theindividual or individuals authorized to provide the instruction or engage in the transaction. A request or transaction may berejected or delayed if not in Good Order. This information and documentation necessary for a transaction or instruction generallyincludes, to the extent applicable: the completed application or instruction form; your contract number; the transaction amount(in dollars or percentage terms); the signatures of all Owners (exactly as indicated on the Contract), if necessary; Social SecurityNumber or Tax I.D.; and any other information or supporting documentation that we may require, including any consents. With respectto the Purchase Payment, Good Order also generally includes receipt by us of sufficient funds to affect the purchase. We may,in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in Good Order, and we reserve the right to changeor waive any Good Order requirement at any time. If you have any questions, you should contact us or your financial professionalbefore submitting the form or request.
IncomePayout Date. The date the first income payment is paid from the Contract to the Owner.
IncomePayout Option. The choices available under the Contract for payout of your Contract Value.
Index,Indices. The reference index (or indices) we use in determining interest credited to the Risk Control Account Value.
IndexReturn. The percentage change in the reference Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the end of the Interest Term.
IndexValue. The value for the reference Index as of a Business Day.
InterestAdjustment. Adjustment (increase or decrease) that may be applied to any distribution from the Contract prior to the end ofthe six-year rolling period that begins on the Contract Issue Date. Distributions include a partial withdrawal, a full surrenderof the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option. The Interest Adjustment reflectsthe change in the value of the investments that support the guarantees under the Contract. Rates used in determining the InterestAdjustment are reset every sixth Contract Anniversary. The Interest Adjustment will always apply for the six-year rolling periodbeginning on the Contract Issue Date even if the Allocation Options elected have an Interest Term of less than six years. TheInterest Adjustment does not apply to transfers (including Flex Transfers) or to the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount.
InterestTerm. The period for which interest is calculated for an Allocation Option. The Interest Term may vary by Allocation Option.Interest Terms will start and end on a Contract Anniversary, unless otherwise specified.
InternalRevenue Code (IRC). The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
MinimumInterest Rate. The minimum effective annual rate of interest we will credit to the Declared Rate Account.
Non-QualifiedContract. An annuity contract that is independent of any formal retirement or pension plan.
Owner(Joint Owner). The person(s) or entity who own(s) the Contract and has (have) all rights under the Contract. Unless ownedby a non-natural person, the Owner is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit. The Owner is also referredto as “you” or “your”.
PayoutPeriod. The period of time that begins on the Income Payout Date and continues until we make the last payment as providedby the Income Payout Option chosen.
ParticipationRate. The percentage multiplied by an Index Return if the Index Return is positive. If the Participation Rate is lower than100%, it will limit the amount of interest credited by the Company to the Risk Control Account.
PurchasePayment. The amount paid to us, by or on behalf of an Owner, that is used to establish the annuity on the Contract Issue Date.We do not allow any additional Purchase Payments under the Contract after the initial Purchase Payment.
QualifiedContract. An annuity that is part of an individual retirement plan, pension plan or employer-sponsored retirement programthat is qualified for special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.
RequiredMinimum Distributions. The required minimum distribution (RMD) defined by section 401(a)(9) of the IRC for the Contract andas determined by us. RMDs only apply to Qualified Contracts.
RiskControl Account. An Allocation Option to which we credit interest based in part on the performance of a reference Index, subjectto the Crediting Strategy.
RiskControl Account Value. The value of the Contract in a Risk Control Account.
SEC.The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Spouse.The person to whom you are legally married. The term Spouse includes the person with whom you have entered into a legally-sanctionedmarriage that grants you the rights, responsibilities, and obligations married couples have in accordance with applicable statelaws. Individuals who do not meet the definition of Spouse may have adverse tax consequences when exercising provisionsunder this contract and any attached endorsements or riders. Additionally, individuals in other arrangements that are not recognizedas marriage under the relevant state law will not be treated as married or as Spouses as defined in this contract for federaltax purposes. Consult with a tax advisor for more information on this subject and before exercising benefits under the contractand any attached endorsements or riders.
SurrenderCharge. The charge associated with surrendering either some or all of the Contract Value.
SurrenderValue. The amount you are entitled to receive if you elect to surrender this Contract during the Accumulation Period.
ValuationPeriod. The period beginning at the close of one Business Day and continuing to the close of the next succeeding BusinessDay.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thefollowing is a summary of the key features of the Contract. This summary does not include all the information you should considerbefore purchasing a Contract. You should carefully read the entire Prospectus, which contains more detailed information concerningthe Contract and the Company before making an investment decision.
HowYour Contract Works
Overview.Your Contract is an individual or joint owned, single premium deferred annuity contract with index-linked interest options.There are two periods to your Contract: an Accumulation Period and a Payout Period. Your Contract can help you save for retirementby allowing your Contract Value to earn interest from the Risk Control Accounts and/or Declared Rate Account on a tax-deferredbasis and by providing the opportunity for lifetime payments. You generally will not pay taxes on your earnings (your ContractValue minus the portion of your Purchase Payment not previously withdrawn) until you withdraw them.
Duringthe Accumulation Period of your Contract, you allocate your Contract Value between the Allocation Options. Interest amountsearned in the Risk Control Accounts may be negative, and there is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interestof up to 90% with the Buffer and 10% with the Floor due to negative Index performance. However, if you make withdrawals, makeFlex Transfers, or surrender your Contract, the Floor and Buffer do not limit losses from the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment,Interest Adjustment, federal taxes, or the use of proportionate calculations for withdrawals and Flex Transfers, which could significantlyreduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments. The Payout Period begins when you allocateyour Contract Value to an Income Payout Option.
Pleasecall your financial professional or the Company at 1-800-798-5500 if you have questions about how your Contract works.
PurchasePayment. You may purchase the Contract with a Purchase Payment of at least $5,000. The Company does not allow additionalPurchase Payments after the initial Purchase Payment. A Purchase Payment for a Contract, or Purchase Payments for multiple Contractsowned by the same individual, that equals or exceeds $1 million requires our prior approval, which may be withheld at our solediscretion.
AllocationOptions. There are two types of Allocation Options: a Declared Rate Account and Risk Control Accounts. Each of these optionsis described below.
DeclaredRate Account. The portion of your Contract Value allocated to the Declared Rate Account is credited interest daily based onthe Declared Interest Rate. The initial Declared Interest Rate is available in advance of the Contract Issue Date and willbe provided by your financial professional or by calling the Company at 1-800-798-5500. The Declared Interest Rate for the initialInterest Term is shown on your Contract Data Page. You will be notified of Declared Interest Rates for any subsequent InterestTerm at least two weeks in advance of the start of the Interest Term. You can also contact your financial professional or theCompany at 1-800-798-5500 to obtain current rates.
RiskControl Accounts. The portion of your Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account is credited with interest, if any,based in part on the investment performance of an external Index (currently the S&P 500 Index, Barclays Risk Balanced Index,or Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index) over the Interest Term. Detailed information about each Index is providedin the RISK CONTROL ALLOCATION OPTIONS section. An Interest Term can be one year or six years. The Index Return for the referenceIndex is subject to the Crediting Strategy, which may limit the amount of interest credited due to a Cap, Participation Rate,Floor, and/or Buffer, and is unique to each Risk Control Account.
| ● | The Floor and Buffer describe the level of protection provided by the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Account will have either a Floor or a Buffer. The Floor represents the maximum amount of negative interest that may be credited to the Risk Control Account. For example, if the Floor is -10%, you could lose up to $1,000 on a $10,000 investment during the Interest Term (i.e., -10% x $10,000). |
TheBuffer represents the maximum amount of negative interest assumed by the Company, and any additional negative interest will becredited to the Risk Control Account. For example, if the Buffer is -10%, the Company will not credit any interest if the IndexReturn is between 0% and -10% but will credit negative interest in excess of -10%. This means you could lose up to $9,000 on a$10,000 investment during the Interest Term (i.e., -90% x $10,000).
Negativeinvestment performance is limited by the Floor and Buffer during the Interest Term, but you could lose more due to losses in subsequentInterest Terms. If you make withdrawals, make Flex Transfers, or surrender or your Contract, the Floor and Buffer do not limitlosses from the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, or proportionate calculationsfor withdrawals and Flex Transfers, which could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receivefrom any payments.
| ● | The Cap and Participation Rate limit the amount of positive interest credited to the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Account will have either a Cap or a Participation Rate. The Cap represents the maximum amount of interest that the Company will credit to the Risk Control Account. For example, if the Index Return is 15% and the Cap is 10%, the Company will credit 10%. The Participation Rate is a percentage multiplied by the Index Return if the Index Return is Positive. If the Participation Rate is lower than 100%, it will limit the amount of interest credited by the Company. For example, if the Index Return is 15% and the Participation Rate is 80%, the Company will credit 12% (i.e., 15% x 80%). If the Index Return is 15% and the Participation Rate is 120%, the Company will credit 18% (i.e., 15% x 120%). |
Thereare currently up to nine Allocation Options under the Contract, among which you may allocate your Purchase Payment and ContractValue. Your selling firm may limit the Allocation Options available to you when your Contract is issued.
| Allocation Options |
| Interest Term | Crediting Strategy(1) | Account | Minimum Guarantee |
| 1-Year | Declared Interest Rate | Declared Rate Account | Minimum Interest Rate |
| 1-Year | Floor and Cap | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Floor and Cap | Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Floor and Cap | Barclays Risk Balanced Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Buffer and Cap | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Buffer and Cap | Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 10% Participation Rate |
| 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index Risk Control Account | 10% Participation Rate |
| 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | Barclays Risk Balanced Index Risk Control Account | 10% Participation Rate |
| (1) | The Floor and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued. However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not always make available Allocation Options with Buffers, however, if one is available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In other words, there would be a Buffer option to limit the maximum loss to no more than 90%. |
Youmust specify the percentage of your Purchase Payment to be allocated to each Allocation Option on the Contract Issue Date. Wecurrently offer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection, 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%,-9%, and -10%. If you allocate to an Allocation Option with a Floor Crediting Strategy, you must also specify your Floor by choosingone of the eleven available options.
Generally,the lower the Floor, the higher the Cap. For example, the Cap may be 2% for the 0% Floor, whereas the Cap may be 12% for the -10%Floor. Once elected, the Floor cannot be changed until the end of the Interest Term.
Indeciding between the Floor and Buffer options, you should consider the loss potential for each account. With the Buffer, lossesup to -10% will not be credited, but there is potential to lose substantially more than the Floor if there are large market losses.The Buffer may offer additional gain potential through the Participation Rate in comparison to the Cap, but the gain potentialshould be weighed against the risk of loss.
Additionally,an investor should consider and understand the difference between the 6-year Interest Term and the 1-year Interest Term. For the6-year Interest Term, interest is not calculated or credited until the end of the Interest Term; therefore, the Crediting Strategyfactors (i.e., the Participation Rate and Buffer) only apply at the end of the Interest Term and not on an annual basis. Furthermore,any partial withdrawal, Flex Transfer, full surrender, Death Benefit payment, or amounts withdrawn to be applied to an IncomePayout Option prior to the end of the Interest Term could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount youreceive from any payments due to the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and the use of proportionate calculationsfor withdrawals and Flex Transfers. Only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal or transfer will be credited interest,positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term.
Transfersat the End of an Interest Term. An Allocation Option is available on the Contract Issue Date and at the end of each InterestTerm. For example, an Interest Term of one year is available on the Contract Issue Date and every Contract Anniversary thereafter,but an Interest Term of six years is available on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary thereafter. Thismeans that the six-year Interest Term will not be available for you to allocate Contract Value to on every Contract Anniversary.Additionally, the six-year Interest Term is unavailable if the Income Payout Date is less than six years from the start of theInterest Term.
Atleast two weeks prior to the end of an Interest Term, Owners will be notified of the available Allocation Options to which theymay transfer their maturing Contract Value. The new Allocation Options may have different Interest Terms and Crediting Strategiesthan what was previously available.
Newtransfer instructions by Authorized Request will supersede any prior transfer instructions for a given Allocation Option. Exceptfor Flex Transfers described below, transfers are not permitted during an Interest Term. For example, you may not transfer valuesfrom the Declared Rate Account to any Risk Control Account or transfer values among Risk Control Accounts during an Interest Term.
Ifwe do not receive transfer instructions by Authorized Request at least one Business Day prior to the end of the current InterestTerm, we will apply the maturing Contract Value to a new Interest Term of the same Allocation Option. Any applicable Floor willalso be applied to the new Interest Term. If the same Allocation Option is not available, we will apply the value to the DeclaredRate Account with a 1-year Interest Term.
FlexTransfers. During an Interest Term, you may transfer some or all of the Risk Control Account Value from any Risk Control Accountto the Declared Rate Account. Flex Transfers are subject to the Equity Adjustment, which is calculated for the transferred amounton a proportional basis to adjust the Crediting Base for the Risk Control Account. If you make a Flex Transfer when there is anegative Equity Adjustment, you may transfer at a loss, which means your Crediting Base will be reduced by more than the transferredamount, and that reduction could be substantial. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the Flex Transfer willbe credited index interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. The decision to make a Flex Transfer couldtherefore significantly negatively impact your Risk Control Account Value, which impacts other values under the Contract and theamount you receive from any payments.
FlexTransfer instructions must be provided by Authorized Request at least one Business Day prior to the end of the Risk Control Account’sInterest Term. The Flex Transfer is irrevocable once requested, and the transferred amount will remain in the Declared Rate Accountuntil your next Contract Anniversary, when you can leave values in the Declared Rate Account or transfer to any other availableAllocation Option.
Youshould fully understand the impact of the Flex Transfer and consult your financial adviser before making a Flex Transfer. See“Flex Transfer Risk,” “Contract Value-Risk Control Account Value-Determining the Crediting Base,” andAppendix A.
Declarationof Rates. The Cap, Participation Rate, and Declared Interest Rate will not change for the duration of the Interest Term. Theinitial Caps, Participation Rates, and Declared Interest Rate are available in advance of the Contract Issue Date and will beprovided by your financial professional or by calling the Company at 1-800-798-5500. The rate is shown on your Contract Data Page.
Wemay declare a new Cap, Participation Rate, or Declared Interest Rate for each subsequent Interest Term and will notify you ofthe new rate two weeks in advance of the start of an Interest Term. The Cap will never be lower than 1%. The Participation Ratewill never be lower than 10%. The Declared Interest Rate will never be lower than the Minimum Interest Rate.
TheMinimum Interest Rate will be determined on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary based on the calendarquarter in which the Issue Date or Contract Anniversary falls. The Minimum Interest Rate will apply for six years and then willbe recalculated for the next six-year period. The Minimum Interest Rate will never be less than the lesser of:
| b) | The interest rate determined as the greater of: |
| 1) | The average of the three applicable monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rates reported by the Federal Reserve rounded to the nearest 0.05%, as described below, minus 1.25%; or |
| 2) | The nonforfeiture interest rate floor required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, 0.15%. |
Changesto an Allocation Option or Index. We may offer additional Allocation Options at our discretion, which includes offering anadditional Index, Crediting Strategy, or Interest Term. We may also discontinue an Allocation Option or Index at our discretioneffective as of the end of an Interest Term.
TheFloors and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued.However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not always make available Allocation Optionswith Buffers; however, if one is available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In other words, there will be an optionfor the maximum loss from the Buffer to be no more than 90%.
Generally,the Index associated with a given Risk Control Account will remain unchanged for the duration of the Interest Term. However,if the publication of an Index is discontinued, or calculation of the Index is materially changed, we may discontinue an Indexduring an Interest Term and substitute a suitable Index that will be used for the remainder of the Interest Term. To determinethe Index Return, we will add (1) the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on whichthe Index became unavailable and (2) the percentage change for the substitute Index from the date of substitution until the endof the Interest Term. The performance of the new Index may differ from the original Index. If there is a delay between the datewe remove the Index and the date we add a substitute Index, your Risk Control Account Value will be based on the value of theIndex on the date the Index ceased to be available, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculatethe Index Return.
AnAllocation Option may be discontinued before the end of an Interest Term if an Index is discontinued and we do not provide a substituteIndex. In the unlikely event an Allocation Option is discontinued before the end of an Interest Term, we will credit interestfrom the beginning of the Interest Term until the date the Allocation Option is discontinued using the percentage change in theIndex from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailable. The resulting Risk Control AccountValue will be transferred to the Declared Rate Account for the remainder of the Interest Term, where it will earn the DeclaredInterest Rate starting on the date of transfer until the next Contract Anniversary. The amount of interest you earn in the DeclaredRate Account may be less than the amount you would have earned in the Risk Control Account at the end of the Interest Term. Ifthere is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we transfer value to the Declared Rate Account, your Risk ControlAccount Value prior to the transfer will be based on the value of the Index on the date the Index ceased to be available, whichmeans market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
Sucha change will be subject to any required regulatory approval. We will notify you of an Allocation Option or Index change by sendingyou written notice at your last known address.
AnIndex or Allocation Option change may negatively affect interest credited and your resulting Contract Value, as well as how youwant to allocate Contract Value between available Allocation Options.
ContractValue. Your Contract Value on your Contract Issue Date is equal to the Purchase Payment. On any other day during the AccumulationPeriod, the Contract Value is equal to the sum of the account value in all Allocation Options in which you are invested. The AccumulationPeriod begins on the Contract Issue Date and continues until the Income Payout Date. Upon reaching the Income Payout Date, wewill begin income payments unless the Contract is surrendered.
DeclaredRate Account Value. The Declared Rate Account Value on any Business Day is equal to the amount applied to the Declared RateAccount at the start of the current Interest Term, plus any Flex Transfers, minus any withdrawals (including any Surrender Chargeand Interest Adjustment), plus the interest earned.
RiskControl Account Value. The Risk Control Account Value is equal to the amount applied to each Risk Control Account at the startof the current Interest Term, adjusted proportionately for any withdrawals (including any Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment,and Interest Adjustment) and Flex Transfers (including any Equity Adjustment), plus or minus any interest. The amount of interestcredited, if any, may be limited by the Cap and Participation Rate.
IndexReturn and Adjusted Index Return. The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated to determine the interestcredited to a Risk Control Account. The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated separately for each Risk ControlAccount as follows:
| ● | Interest is calculated based on the change in the Index from the first day of the Interest Term to the last day of the Interest Term; |
| ● | The Index Return is adjusted based on the Cap and Floor, the Cap and Buffer, or the Participation Rate and Buffer, as applicable; and |
| ● | This Adjusted Index Return is multiplied by the Risk Control Account Value (without any Equity Adjustment applied) on the last day of the Interest Term (which may have been adjusted for withdrawals and Flex Transfers, as described below) to determine how much interest is credited, if any. For example, if the Adjusted Index Return is 10% and the Risk Control Account Value without any Equity Adjustment applied is $10,000, the interest credited is $1,000 (i.e., 10% x $10,000). |
Theamount of interest credited may be negative, even with the Floor or Buffer. There is a risk of loss of principal and previouslycredited interest of up to 90% with the Buffer and 10% with the Floor due to negative Index performance.
Impactof Withdrawals and Flex Transfers. The Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, andproportionate calculations for withdrawals and Flex Transfers could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and theamount you receive from any payments. It is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previouslycredited interest due to the following:
| ● | If you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract in the first six Contract Years, you may pay a Surrender Charge of up to 8% of the amount withdrawn. Federal income taxes and tax penalties may also apply. |
| ● | The Equity Adjustment applies for the entire Interest Term of each Risk Control Account, up to six years. If you take a withdrawal, make a Flex Transfer, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk Control Account. A negative Equity Adjustment could significantly decrease the values under your Contract by more than the amount withdrawn, transferred, surrendered or paid. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal or transfer will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. |
| ● | The Interest Adjustment applies for a rolling six-year period beginning on the Contract Issue Date. Rates used in determining the Interest Adjustment are reset every sixth Contract Anniversary. If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary, we will apply an Interest Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the payment amount. A negative Interest Adjustment could significantly decrease the amount you receive from a surrender, partial withdrawal, Death Benefit payment, or income payment. |
| ● | We calculate withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit value, which may reduce the Death Benefit by substantially more than the amount of the withdrawal. We also use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment to withdrawals and Flex Transfers, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
TheCompany does not apply the Equity Adjustment on the first and last Business Day of an Interest Term and does not apply the InterestAdjustment on every sixth Contract Anniversary (i.e., the last day of the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract IssueDate).
WithdrawalOptions. Amounts withdrawn include partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions),full surrenders, payment of the Death Benefit, and amounts withdrawn to be applied to an Income Payout Option. Withdrawals,including Annual Free Withdrawal Amounts, could significantly reduce the Death Benefit and the Contract Value, perhaps bysubstantially more than the amount withdrawn, as well as the amount of interest credited to an Allocation Option, and could terminatethe Contract, as described above. This Contract may not be appropriate for you if you intend to take partial withdrawals (includingsystematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions) or surrender the Contract. However, the Contract offers the followingliquidity features during the Accumulation Period.
| ● | Annual Free Withdrawal Amount: Each Contract Year, you may withdraw up to 10% of your Contract Value determined as of the beginning of the Contract Year without incurring a Surrender Charge or Interest Adjustment. Although a Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment will not apply, the Company will calculate the withdrawal on a proportionate basis and apply the Equity Adjustment. Any unused Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to any subsequent Contract Year. |
| ● | Partial withdrawal option: You may make partial withdrawals during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. Any applicable Surrender Charge, Interest Adjustment, Equity Adjustment, and the use of proportionate calculations will affect the amount available for a partial withdrawal. A partial withdrawal may reduce your Death Benefit and the Crediting Base by more than the amount of the partial withdrawal. Additionally, only the remaining principal in the Risk Control Account will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. If a partial withdrawal would cause the Surrender Value to be less than $2,000, we will treat your request as a full surrender of the Contract. Before processing the full surrender, we will attempt to contact you or your financial professional to provide the opportunity for you to take a lower amount to maintain a Surrender Value of at least $2,000. If we are unable to contact you within one Business Day after receiving your request, we will process the full surrender. |
| ● | Full surrender option: You may surrender your Contract during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. Upon full surrender, a Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, and Interest Adjustment may apply. |
Withdrawalsand surrenders are subject to income taxes, and if taken before the owner is age 59½, tax penalties may apply. See “FederalIncome Tax Matters” on page 50 and “Access to Your Money” on page 40 for more details.
SurrenderCharge. A Surrender Charge may be imposed upon the surrender of the Contract or withdrawal of Contract Value from theContract for a period of six years from the Contract Issue Date. The maximum Surrender Charge is 8% of the Contract Value withdrawn(See “Fees and Expenses” on page 16).
IncomeOptions. You have several income options to choose from during the Payout Period.
DeathBenefit. The Death Benefit during the Accumulation Period is equal to the greater of Contract Value (including any applicableEquity Adjustment or Interest Adjustment) or the Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals as of the date the Death Benefit ispayable. Withdrawals and Flex Transfers could significantly reduce the Death Benefit, perhaps by substantially more than theamount of the withdrawal or transfers, because of the Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and the Company’s calculationof withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit. We do not apply a Surrender Charge in determiningthe Death Benefit.
Rightto Examine. You may cancel your Contract and receive either your Purchase Payment or yourContract Value depending upon applicable state law (See “Right to Examine” on page 21).
RiskFactors
YourContract has various risks associated with it. We list these risk factors below, as well as other important information you shouldknow before purchasing a Contract.
IndexReturn Risk. If you are invested in a Risk Control Account and the relevant Index declines, it may or may not reduce yourRisk Control Account Value. This depends on the Risk Control Account to which you allocated your Contact Value. Nevertheless,you always assume the investment risk that no interest will be credited and therefore the Index Return will not increase yourRisk Control Account Value. You also bear the risk that sustained declines in the relevant Index may cause the Index Return tonot increase your Risk Control Account Value for a prolonged period. Additionally, the Company relies on a single point in timeto calculate the Index Return. You may experience a negative return even if the Index has experienced gains through some, or most,of the Interest Term.
Ifyou allocate to a Risk Control Account with a Floor, you assume the risk of a negative Adjusted Index Return up to the amountof the Floor, which means your Risk Control Account Value could decline.
Additionally,if you allocate to a Risk Control Account with a Buffer, you assume the risk of a negative Adjusted Index Return after applicationof the Buffer, which means your Risk Control Account Value could decline significantly. If there is a large decline in the referenceIndex, the risk of loss on the Buffer is significantly higher than the Floor. For example, if the Floor is -10% and the Bufferis -10%, if the Index declines by 30% during the Interest Term, the Adjusted Index Return applied to the Floor account is -10%whereas the Adjusted Index Return applied to the Buffer account is -20% (the excess of the 30% decline over the -10% Buffer).
Inaddition, you assume the risk that the Cap can be reduced to as little as 1.0% and the Participation Rate can be reduced to aslittle as 10%. The Floors and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the AllocationOption is discontinued. You assume the risk that the Allocation Options are discontinued, including the -10% Buffer, and the onlyoption remaining is a Floor of 0%.
Liquidityand Withdrawal Risk. The Contract may not be appropriate for investors who plan to take withdrawals or surrenderthe Contract . We designed your Contract to be a long-term investment that you may use to help save for retirement and providelifetime income. Your Contract is not designed to be a short-term investment. We may defer payments made under this Contract forup to six months if the insurance regulatory authority of the state in which we issued the Contract approves such deferral.
Ifyou make withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions) or surrender your Contract, the SurrenderCharge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, and proportionate withdrawal calculations could significantlyreduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments. It is possible in extreme circumstancesto lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest if you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract.
| ● | Interest Adjustment Risk. If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary, we will apply an Interest Adjustment. Particularly in an increasing interest rate environment, the Interest Adjustment could significantly decrease the amount you receive from a partial withdrawal, surrender, Death Benefit payment, or income payment. |
| ● | Equity Adjustment Risk. The Equity Adjustment used to calculate your Risk Control Account Value during an Interest Term could be significantly lower than the performance of the reference Index during most of the Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment may be negative even when the value of the applicable Index has increased or when the value of the applicable Index has declined less than the Buffer. |
Ifyou take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Accountbefore the expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment to the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk ControlAccount. A negative Equity Adjustment could significantly decrease the values under your Contract by more than the amount withdrawn,surrendered, or paid. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positiveor negative, at the end of the Interest Term.
| ● | Surrender Charge Risk. If you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract during the first six Contract Years, you may pay a Surrender Charge of up to 8% of the amount withdrawn. |
| ● | Proportionate Calculation Risk. We generally calculate withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit value, which could reduce the Death Benefit by substantially more than the amount of the withdrawal. We also use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment to withdrawals, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
FlexTransfer Risk. You should fully understand the impact of Flex Transfers and consult your financial adviser before makinga Flex Transfer. As described below, the decision to make a Flex Transfer could significantly negatively impact your Risk ControlAccount Value, which impacts other values under your Contract and the amount you receive from any payments. It is possiblein extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest with respect to a Risk ControlAccount if you make a Flex Transfer.
| ● | Equity Adjustment and Risk of Loss. Flex Transfers are subject to the Equity Adjustment, which is calculated for the transferred amount on a proportional basis to adjust the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk Control Account. The Equity Adjustment could be significantly lower than the performance of the reference Index during most of the Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment may be negative even when the value of the applicable Index has increased or when the value of the applicable Index has declined less than the Buffer. If you make a Flex Transfer when there is a negative Equity Adjustment, you may transfer at a loss, which means your Crediting Base will be reduced by more than the transferred amount, and that reduction could be substantial. It is possible that you would have realized less of a loss or no loss if the Flex Transfer occurred later or if values remained until the end of the Interest Term. We will not provide you advice or notify you as to whether you should or should not make a Flex Transfer or the optimal time for doing so. We are not responsible for any losses related to your decision whether or not to make a Flex Transfer. |
| ● | Proportionate Calculation Risk. As noted above, we use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
| ● | Reduced Interest Risk. Only the Crediting Base remaining after the Flex Transfer will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. As a result, you may receive less than you would have received if you remained in the Risk Control Account until the end of the Interest Term. |
| ● | Valuation Risk. The transferred value is the Risk Control Account Value calculated at the end of the Business Day that we receive your Flex Transfer request in Good Order. This means that you will not be able to determine your Risk Control Account Value before requesting the Flex Transfer, and the transferred value may be higher or lower than it was at the time of your request. The Flex Transfer is irrevocable once requested. |
Lossof Principal Risk. You could lose your investment. There is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interest inthe Risk Control Accounts of up to 90% with the Buffer and 10% with the Floor due to negative Index performance. The Floorand Buffer describe the level of investment loss that can be experienced in one Interest Term, but losses over multiple InterestTerms could result in a loss of previously credited interest and a loss of principal. Moreover, if you take withdrawals, makeFlex Transfers, or surrender your Contract for any reason, the Floor and Buffer do not limit losses to the
Risk Control Accountsfrom the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, and proportionate calculations for withdrawalsand Flex Transfers, which could result in a loss of previously credited interest or principal even if performance has been positive.Investment in the Declared Rate Account could result in a loss of principal and previously credited interest due to SurrenderCharges and the Interest Adjustment.
MarketRisk. The historical performance of an Index relating to a Risk Control Account should not be taken as an indication ofthe future performance of the Index. The performance of an Index will be influenced by complex and interrelated economic, financial,regulatory, geographic, judicial, political, and other factors that can affect the capital markets generally, and by various circumstancesthat can influence the performance of securities in a particular market segment.
TheRussian/Ukraine conflict and the resulting responses by the United States and other governments could create economic disruptionthat results in increased market volatility and present economic uncertainty. The duration of these events and their futureimpact on the financial markets and global economy, are difficult to determine. Any such impact could adversely affect theperformance of the securities that comprise the reference Indices and may lead to losses on your investment in the AllocationOptions.
ReinvestmentRisk. You assume the risk that if we do not receive transfer instructions at least one Business Day prior to the end ofthe current Interest Term, we will apply the maturing Contract Value to a new Interest Term of the same Allocation Option. Anyapplicable Floor will also be applied to the new Interest Term. If the same Allocation Option is not available, we will applythe value to the Declared Rate Account with a 1-year Interest Term. These default Allocation Options may not align with your desiredallocations.
RiskThat We May Eliminate an Allocation Option or Eliminate or Substitute an Index. There is no guarantee that any AllocationOption or Index will be available during the entire time you own your Contract. We may discontinue an Allocation Option or Indexeffective as of the end of an Interest Term, or in the case of certain Index changes, discontinue an Index and substitute a newIndex for an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term. The performance of the new Index may differ from the originalIndex. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we add a substitute Index, your Risk Control AccountValue will be based on the value of the Index on the date the Index ceased to be available, which means market changes duringthe delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
AnAllocation Option may also be discontinued before the end of an Interest Term if we do not provide a substitute Index and transferyour Risk Control Account Value to the Declared Rate Account for the remainder of the Interest Term. The amount of interest youearn in the Declared Rate Account may be less than the amount you would have earned in the Risk Control Account at the end ofthe Interest Term. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we transfer value to the Declared RateAccount, your Risk Control Account Value prior to the transfer will be based on the value of the Index on the date the Index ceasedto be available, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
AnIndex or Allocation Option change may negatively affect interest credited and your resulting Contract Value, as well as how youwant to allocate Contract Value between available Allocation Options.
Ifwe eliminate an Allocation Option or eliminate or substitute an Index, and you do not wish to allocate your Contract Value tothe Risk Control Accounts available under the Contract, you may surrender your Contract, but you may be subject to a SurrenderCharge, Equity Adjustment, and Interest Adjustment, which may result in a loss of principal and credited interest. A surrenderof the Contract may also be subject to taxes and tax penalties.
ContractIssue Date Risk. The Company only issues the Contract on the 10th and 25th of each month. Therefore,the Purchase Payment may be held in the Company’s General Account for up to fifteen days prior to being invested in theContract and will not earn any interest during that period.
Creditorand Solvency Risk. Our General Account assets support the guarantees under the Contract and are subject to theclaims of our creditors. As such, the guarantees under the Contract are subject to our financial strength and claims-payingability, and therefore, to the risk that we may default on those guarantees. You need to consider our financial strength andclaims-paying ability in meeting the guarantees under the Contract. You may obtain information on our financial condition by reviewingour financial statements included in this Prospectus. Additionally, information concerning our business and operations is setforth in the section of this Prospectus entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition andResults of Operations.”
Weare exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, epidemics,pandemics, malicious acts, and terrorist acts, which could adversely affect our ability to conduct business. A natural or man-madedisaster or catastrophe, including a pandemic (such as the coronavirus COVID-19), could affect the ability, or willingness, ofour workforce and employees of service providers and third-party administrators to perform their job responsibilities. Even ifour workforce and employees of our service providers and third-party administrators were able to work remotely, those remote workarrangements could result in our business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances and lead to delays inour issuing Contracts and processing of other Contract-related transactions, including orders from Owners. Catastrophic eventsmay negatively affect the computer and other systems on which we rely and may interfere with our ability to receive, pickup andprocess mail, our processing of Contract-related transactions, impact our ability to calculate Contract Value, or have other possiblenegative impacts. There can be no assurance that we or our service providers will avoid losses affecting your Contract due toa natural disaster or catastrophe.
OtherImportant Information You Should Know
NoOwnership Rights. As a Contract Owner, you have no ownership interest or rights in the underlying securities comprisingthe reference Indexes, such as voting rights, dividend payments, or other distributions. Purchasing the Contract is not equivalentto investing in the underlying securities comprising the Indexes. The S&P 500 Index and Dimensional US Small Cap Value SystematicIndex do not reflect dividends paid on the securities comprising such Index, and, therefore, the calculation of the performanceof each Index under the Contract does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities. The Barclays RiskBalanced Index deducts a fee of 0.5% for the equity exposure, and 0.2% per year for the treasury exposure, and a cost equal toSOFR plus 0.1145% for the equity component, which may be increased or decreased in the aggregate by the volatility control mechanism.These deductions will reduce Index performance, and the Index will underperform similar portfolios from which these fees and costsare not deducted.
NoAffiliation with Index or Underlying Securities. We are not affiliated with the sponsors of the Indexes or the underlyingsecurities comprising the Indexes. Consequently, the Indexes and the issuers of the underlying securities comprising the Indexeshave no involvement with the Contract.
PossibleTax Law Changes. There always is the possibility that the tax treatment of the Contract could change by legislationor otherwise. We have the right to modify the Contract in response to legislative changes that could diminish the favorable taxtreatment that Owners receive. You should consult a tax adviser with respect to legislative developments and their effect on theContract.
FEESAND EXPENSES
Thefollowing information describes the fees and expenses you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering the Contract.
SurrenderCharge(1) (as a percentage of Contract Value withdrawn)
Contract
Year | Surrender Charge
Percentage |
| 1 | 8% |
| 2 | 8% |
| 3 | 8% |
| 4 | 7% |
| 5 | 6% |
| 6 | 5% |
| 7+ | 0% |
OtherExpenses
| Premium Tax(2) (as a percentage of the PurchasePayment) | 3.5% |
EquityAdjustment
Appliesto any distribution (including Flex Transfers) prior to the end of an Interest Term (except for value in the Declared Rate Account)and can significantly decrease the values under your Contract. It is possible to lose up to 100% of your principal and previouslycredited interest due to the Equity Adjustment in extreme circumstances.(3)
InterestAdjustment
Appliesto any distribution prior to the end of the six-year rolling period that begins on the Contract Issue Date and can significantlydecrease the payment amount you receive from a withdrawal or surrender. It is possible to lose up to 100% of your principal andpreviously credited interest due to the Interest Adjustment in extreme circumstances. (4)
(1)We deduct a Surrender Charge from each withdrawal and surrender that exceeds the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount during thefirst six Contract Years. We do not assess a Surrender Charge on certain withdrawals and surrenders described below.
(2)Premium tax is not currently deducted, but we reserve the right to do so in the future. State premium taxes currently rangefrom 0% to 3.5% of the Purchase Payment.
(3)For example, if you surrender your Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account with -10% Buffer, the value of thereference Index has decreased significantly, and amortized option and trading costs are 10%, you would lose 100% (90% + 10%) ofthe Risk Control Account Value. In the same scenario allocated to a Risk Control Account with a -10% Floor, you would lose 20%(10% + 10%).
(4)For example, if Treasury rates increase from less than 10% to 1,000%, and you surrender your Contract, you could lose 90%of your principal and previously credited interest, since the Interest Adjustment does not apply to the 10% Annual Free WithdrawalAmount.
SurrenderCharge
Wededuct a Surrender Charge from each withdrawal or surrender that exceeds the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount during the first sixContract Years. The Surrender Charge schedule is expressed as a percentage of the Contract Value withdrawn or surrendered as shownin the Surrender Charge table. The Surrender Charge is assessed before application of the Interest Adjustment.
Forexample, if it is the 3rd Contract Year and the Contract Value as of the second Contract Anniversary is $100,000 andyou withdraw $30,000, the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount is $10,000 (i.e., $100,000 x 10%) and the Surrender Charge is $1,600 (i.e.,($30,000 - $10,000) x 8%). Unless otherwise instructed, the Surrender Charge will be deducted from the amount withdrawn. Therefore,the amount received will be $28,400 (i.e., $30,000 - $1,600). For more examples of how we calculate the Surrender Charge, seeAppendix B to this Prospectus.
Wewill not assess the Surrender Charge on:
| ● | Withdrawalsunder the Nursing Home or Hospital waiver or Terminal Illness waiver; |
| ● | Refundsunder the Right to Examine; |
| ● | RequiredMinimum Distributions that are withdrawn under the automatic withdrawal program provided by the Company; |
| ● | YourAnnual Free Withdrawal Amount; |
| ● | Amountswithdrawn after the first six Contract Years; |
| ● | ContractValue applied to an Income Payout Option; and |
| ● | Transfers(including Flex Transfers). |
SurrenderCharges offset promotion, distribution expenses, and investment risks born by the Company. To the extent Surrender Charges areinsufficient to cover these risks and expenses, the Company will pay for the costs that it incurs from its General Account.
Forinformation on the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount and Surrender Charge waivers, see “Access to Your Money.”
EquityAdjustment
TheEquity Adjustment is used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value during an Interest Term. If you take a withdrawal, makea Flex Transfer, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account beforethe expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply the Equity Adjustment, which may be positive or negative.
TheEquity Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investments that support theRisk Control Accounts when withdrawals or Flex Transfers are made during the Interest Term. You bear the risk that the EquityAdjustment may decrease your Risk Control Account Value if you withdraw or transfer amounts from a Risk Control Account duringthe Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment applies for the entire Interest Term, which could be six years, but does not apply onthe first or last day of the Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment may be negative even when the Index Return is positive. This is primarily due to market inputs for volatility,interest rates, and dividends as well as the amortized option cost, and trading costs. A negative Equity Adjustment will reducethe values under the Contract. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal or Flex Transfer will be creditedinterest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment is calculated separately for each Risk Control Account and varies based on the Crediting Strategy. The EquityAdjustment is calculated as of the end of each day, except the first and last Business Day of an Interest Term. The Equity Adjustmentis not applied to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
InterestAdjustment
Awithdrawal, including a partial withdrawal, a full surrender of the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value appliedto an Income Payout Option, may be adjusted (increased or decreased) for the Interest Adjustment. The Interest Adjustment appliesto every Allocation Option, including the Declared Rate Account, and will always apply for the six-year rolling period beginningon the Contract Issue Date even if the Allocation Options elected have an Interest Term of less than six years. The Interest Adjustmentdoes not apply to transfers (including Flex Transfers), to amounts withdrawn on every sixth Contract Anniversary, or to the AnnualFree Withdrawal amount.
Therolling six-year Interest Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investmentsthat support the guarantees under the Contract when amounts are withdrawn from an Allocation Option before the end of each six-yearperiod. You bear the risk that the Interest Adjustment may decrease the amount of a withdrawal made during the six-year period.
TheInterest Adjustment reflects the change in value of the investments that support the guarantees under this Contract upon withdrawalduring the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date. Rates used in determining the Interest Adjustment arereset every sixth Contract Anniversary.
IMPORTANT:It is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest if you take or withdrawal,make a Flex Transfer, or surrender your Contract, due to the Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment. You directly bear theinvestment risk associated with an Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment. You should carefully consider your income needsbefore purchasing the Contract.
OtherInformation
Weassume investment risks and costs in providing the guarantees under the Contract. These investment risks include the risks weassume in providing the Floors and Buffers for the Risk Control Accounts, the Declared Interest Rate for the Declared Rate Account,the surrender rights available under the Contract, the Death Benefit, and the income payments. We must provide the rates and benefitsset forth in your Contract regardless of how our General Account investments that support the guarantees we provide perform. Tohelp manage our investment risks, we engage in certain risk management techniques. There are costs associated with those riskmanagement techniques. You do not directly pay the costs associated with our risk management techniques. However, we take thosecosts into account when we set rates and guarantees under your Contract.
GETTINGSTARTED – THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD
TheProspectus describes all material rights, benefits, and obligations under the Contract. All material state variations in the Contractare described in Appendix C to this Prospectus and in your Contract. Please review Appendix C for any variations from standardContract provisions that may apply to your Contract based on the state in which your Contract was issued. Your financial professionalcan provide you with more information about those state variations.
Purchasinga Contract
Weoffer the Contract to individuals, certain retirement plans, and other entities. To purchase a Contract, you and the Annuitantmust be at least Age 21 and no older than Age 85.
Wesell the Contract through financial professionals who are also agents of the Company. To start the purchase process, you mustsubmit an application to your financial professional. The Purchase Payment must either be paid at the Company’s AdministrativeOffice or delivered to your financial professional. Your financial professional will then forward your completed application andPurchase Payment (if applicable) to us. After we receive a completed application, Purchase Payment, and all other informationnecessary to process a purchase order in Good Order, we will begin the process of issuing the Contract on the next Contract IssueDate available. The selling firm’s determination of whether the Contract is suitable for you may delay our receipt of yourapplication. Any such delays will affect when we issue your Contract. If the application for a Contract is properly completedand is accompanied by all the information necessary to process it, including payment of the Purchase Payment, the Purchase Paymentwill be allocated to the Allocation Options you choose on the next available Contract Issue Date.
IMPORTANT:You may use the Contract with certain tax qualified retirement plans (“IRA”). The Contract includes attributes suchas tax deferral on accumulated earnings. Qualified retirement plans provide their own tax deferral benefit; the purchase of thisContract does not provide additional tax deferral benefits beyond those provided in the qualified retirement plan. Accordingly,if you are purchasing this Contract through a qualified retirement plan, you should consider purchasing the Contract for its otherfeatures and other non-tax related benefits. Please consult a tax adviser for information specific to your circumstances to determinewhether the Contract is an appropriate investment for you.
Ifmandated by applicable law, including Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering, we may be requiredto reject your Purchase Payment. We may also be required to provide additional information about you or your Contract to governmentregulators. In addition, we may be required to block an Owner’s Contract and thereby refuse to honor any request for transfers,partial withdrawals, surrender, income payments, and Death Benefit payments, until instructions are received from the appropriategovernment regulator.
Tax-FreeSection 1035 Exchanges
Youcan generally exchange one annuity contract for another in a “tax-free exchange” under Section 1035 of the InternalRevenue Code. Before making an exchange, you should compare both contracts carefully. Remember that if you exchange another contractfor the one described in this Prospectus, you might have to pay a Surrender Charge or negative Interest Adjustment on the existingcontract. If the exchange does not qualify for Section 1035 tax treatment, you may have to pay federal income tax, including apossible penalty tax, on your old contract. There will be a new Contract Issue Date for the purpose of determining any SurrenderCharges for this Contract and other charges may be higher (or lower) and the benefits may be different. There may be delays inour processing of the exchange. You should not exchange another contract for this one unless you determine, after knowing allthe facts that the exchange is in your best interest. In general, the person selling you this Contract will earn a commissionfrom us.
Owner
TheOwner is the person(s) or entity who own(s) this Contract and has (have) all rights under this Contract. Unless owned by a non-naturalperson, the Owner is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit. Joint Owners are not allowed on Qualified Contractsor contracts owned by a non-natural person. The maximum number of Owners is two. The consent of both Joint Owners is needed tocomplete an Authorized Request. The Owner is also referred to as “you” or “your”. While the Owner is living,the Owner is also the person(s) or entity who receives income payments during the Payout Period while the Annuitant is also living.If there are multiple Owners, each Owner will have equal ownership of the Contract and all references to Owner will mean JointOwners. Joint Owners are not allowed on qualified contracts or contracts owned by a non-natural person.
TheOwner names the Annuitant or Joint Annuitants. All rights under the Contract may be exercised by the Owner, subject to the rightsof any other Owner. Assignment of the Contract by the Owner is not permitted unless the state in which the Contract is issuedrequires us to provide the Owner the right to assign the
Contract, as identified in Appendix C to this Prospectus. In that case,the Owner must provide us with advance Written Notice of the assignment and the assignment is subject to our approval, unlessthose requirements are inconsistent with the law of the state in which the Contract is issued.
TheOwner may request to change the Owner at any time before the Income Payout Date. If an Owner is added or changed, the amount thatwill be paid upon the death of the new Owner will be impacted as described in the “Death Benefit” section in thisProspectus. Any change of Owner must be made by Authorized Request and is subject to our acceptance. We reserve the right to refusesuch change on a non-discriminatory basis. Unless otherwise specified by the Owner, such change, if accepted by us, will takeeffect as of the date the Authorized Request was signed. We are not liable for any payment we make or action we take before wereceive the Authorized Request.
Ifan Owner who is a natural person dies during the Accumulation Period, your Beneficiary is entitled to a Death Benefit. If youhave a Joint Owner, the Death Benefit will be available when the first Joint Owner dies. If there is a surviving Joint Owner thesurviving Joint Owner will be treated as the sole primary Beneficiary, and any other designated Beneficiary will be treated asa contingent Beneficiary.
Divorce
Inthe event of divorce, the former Spouse must provide a copy of the divorce decree (or a qualified domestic relations order ifit is a qualified plan) to us. The terms of the decree/order must identify the Contract and specify how the Contract Value shouldbe allocated among the former Spouses.
Annuitant
TheAnnuitant is the natural person(s) whose life (or lives) determines the income payment amount payable under the Contract. If theOwner is a non-natural person, the Annuitant(s) is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit. If the Owner isa natural person, the Owner may change the Annuitant at any time provided it is at least 30 days before the Income Payout Dateby Authorized Request. Unless otherwise specified by the Owner, such change will take effect as of the date the Authorized Requestwas signed. We are not liable for any payment we make or action we take before we receive the Authorized Request. If you changethe Annuitant, the Income Payout Date will not change. If the Owner is a non-natural person, the Annuitant cannot be changed.The Annuitant does not have any rights under the Contract.
Beneficiary
Theperson(s) or entity named by the Owner to receive proceeds payable upon the death of the first Owner or the first Annuitant ifthe Owner is a non-natural person. Prior to the Income Payout Date, if no Beneficiary survives the Owner, the proceeds will bepaid to the Owner’s estate. If there are Joint Owners and we are unable to determine that one of the Joint Owners predeceasedthe other, it will be assumed that the Joint Owners died simultaneously. In this instance the Death Benefit will be divided equallyamong the Joint Owners’ estates. If there is more than one Beneficiary, each Beneficiary will receive an equal share unlessotherwise specified by the Owner. If Joint Owners have been designated, the surviving Joint Owner will be treated as the soleprimary Beneficiary and any other designated Beneficiary will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary.
Youmay change the Beneficiary by an Authorized Request sent to us, or you may name one or more Beneficiaries. A change of Beneficiarywill take effect on the date the Authorized Request was signed. If there are Joint Owners, each Owner must sign the AuthorizedRequest. In addition, any irrevocable beneficiary or assignee must sign the Authorized Request. An irrevocable beneficiary isany beneficiary who must consent to being changed or removed. We are not liable for any payment we make or action we take beforewe receive the Authorized Request.
Usecare when naming Beneficiaries. If you have any questions concerning the criteria you should use when choosing Beneficiaries,consult your financial professional.
Rightto Examine
Youmay cancel your Contract and return it to your financial professional or to us within a certain number of days after you receivethe Contract and receive a refund of either the Purchase Payment you paid less withdrawals or your Contract Value, depending onthe state in which your Contract was issued. If the Contract Value exceeds your Purchase Payment, you will receive the ContractValue regardless of where the Contract was issued. If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be yourContract Value unless the state in which the Contract was issued requires that the Purchase Payment less withdrawals be returned.If your Contract is an IRA, we will refund the greater of your Purchase Payment less withdrawals or your Contract Value. The ContractValue includes any applicable Equity Adjustment. Generally, you must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (30 days ifit is a replacement contract), but some states may permit a different period for you to return your Contract. Refunds will notbe subject to a Surrender Charge or Interest Adjustment and will be paid within seven days following the date of cancellation.State variations are described in Appendix C to this Prospectus. If you cancel your Contract by exercising your Right to Examineand attempt to purchase a substantially similar Contract the Company may refuse to issue the second Contract.
ALLOCATINGYOUR PURCHASE PAYMENT
PurchasePayment
Ifthe application for a Contract is in Good Order, which includes our receipt of the Purchase Payment, we will issue the Contracton the next available Contract Issue Date. Contract Issue Dates offered by the Company are currently the 10th and 25thof each month unless those days fall on a non-Business Day. In that case, we issue the Contract on the next Business Daywith an effective Contract Issue Date of the 10th or 25th. Please note that during the period between thedate your Purchase Payment is delivered to us and the next available Contract Issue Date, we will hold your Purchase Payment inour General Account and not pay interest on it. Thus, during that period, your Purchase Payment will not be allocated to eitherthe Risk Control Accounts or the Declared Rate Account.
Theminimum initial Purchase Payment for a Non-Qualified or Qualified Contract is $5,000. The Company does not allow additional PurchasePayments after the initial Purchase Payment. A Purchase Payment for a Contract, or Purchase Payments for multiple Contracts ownedby the same individual, that equals or exceeds $1 million requires our prior approval, which may be withheld at our sole discretion.
PurchasePayment and Allocation Options
Thereare currently up to nine Allocation Options under the Contract, among which you may allocate your Purchase Payment and ContractValue. Your selling firm may limit the Allocation Options available to you when your Contract is issued.
| Allocation Options |
| Interest Term | Crediting Strategy(1) | Account | Minimum Guarantee |
| 1-Year | Declared Interest Rate | Declared Rate Account | Minimum Interest Rate |
| 1-Year | Floor and Cap | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Floor and Cap | Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Floor and Cap | Barclays Risk Balanced Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Buffer and Cap | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 1-Year | Buffer and Cap | Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index Risk Control Account | 1% Cap |
| 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 10% Participation Rate |
| 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index Risk Control Account | 10% Participation Rate |
| 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | Barclays Risk Balanced Index Risk Control Account | 10% Participation Rate |
| (1) | The Floor and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued. However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not always make available Allocation Options with Buffers, however, if one is available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In other words, there would be a Buffer option to limit the maximum loss to no more than 90%. |
Youmust specify the percentage of your Purchase Payment to be allocated to each Allocation Option on the Contract Issue Date. Theamount you direct to an Allocation Option must be in whole percentages from 1% to 100% of the Purchase Payment and your totalallocation must equal 100%. Generally, the lower the Floor, the higher the Cap. For example, the Cap may be 2% for the 0% Floor,whereas the Cap may be 12% for the -10% Floor. Once elected, the Floor cannot be changed until the end of the Interest Term.
Indeciding between the Floor and Buffer options, you should consider the loss potential for each account. With the Buffer, lossesup to -10% will not be credited, but there is potential to lose substantially more than the Floor if there are large market losses.The Buffer may offer additional gain potential through the Participation Rate in comparison to the Cap, but the gain potentialshould be weighed against the risk of loss.
Additionally,an investor should consider and understand the difference between the 6-year Interest Term and the 1-year Interest Term. For the6-year Interest Term, interest is not calculated or credited until the end of the Interest Term; therefore, the Crediting Strategyfactors (i.e., the Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, and Buffer) only apply at the end of the Interest Term and not on an annualbasis. Furthermore, any partial withdrawal, Flex Transfer, full surrender, Death Benefit payment, or amounts withdrawn to be appliedto an Income Payout Option prior to the end of the Interest Term could significantly reduce the values under the Contract, theamount you receive from any payments, and the amount of interest credited at the end of the Interest Term due to the SurrenderCharge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and the use of proportionate calculations for withdrawals and Flex Transfers.Only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal or transfer will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the endof the Interest Term.
Weoffer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection, 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%, -9%, and-10%. If you allocate to an Allocation Option with a Floor Crediting Strategy, you must also specify your Floor by choosing oneof the eleven available options.
ThePurchase Payment will be allocated on the Contract Issue Date to the Allocation Options according to the allocation instructionson file with us.
Transactionsthat are scheduled to occur on a day that the Index Value for a Risk Control Account is not available will be processed on thenext Business Day at the Index Value for that day.
ReallocatingYour Contract Value: Transfers
AnAllocation Option is available on the Contract Issue Date and at the end of the Interest Term. For example, an Interest Term ofone year is available on the Contract Issue Date and every Contract Anniversary thereafter; whereas an Interest Term of six yearsis available on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary. This means that the six-year Interest Term willnot be available for you to allocate Contract Value to on every Contract Anniversary. Additionally, the six-year Interest Termis unavailable if the Income Payout Date is less than six years from the start of the Interest Term.
Atleast two weeks prior to the end of an Interest Term, Owners will be notified of the available Allocation Options to which theymay transfer their maturing Contract Value. The new Allocation Options may have different Interest Terms and Crediting Strategiesthan what was previously available.
Newtransfer instructions by Authorized Request will supersede any prior transfer instructions for a given Allocation Option. Exceptfor Flex Transfers described below, transfers are not permitted during an Interest Term. For example, you may not transfer valuesfrom the Declared Rate Account to any Risk Control Account or transfer values among Risk Control Accounts during an Interest Term.
Ifwe do not receive transfer instructions by Authorized Request at least one Business Day prior to the end of the current InterestTerm, we will apply the value of the maturing Contract Value to a new Interest Term of the same Allocation Option. Any applicableFloor will also be applied to the new Index Term. If the same Allocation Option is not available, we will apply the value to theDeclared Rate Account with a 1-year Interest Term.
FlexTransfers. Prior to the end of the Interest Term, you may transfer some or all of the Risk Control Account Value from anyRisk Control Account to the Declared Rate Account. Flex Transfers are subject to the Equity Adjustment, which is calculated forthe transferred amount on a proportional basis to adjust the Crediting Base for the Risk Control Account. If you make a Flex Transferwhen there is a negative Equity Adjustment, you may transfer at a loss, which means your Crediting Base will be reduced by morethan the transferred amount, and that reduction could be substantial. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after theFlex Transfer will be credited index interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. The decision to make a FlexTransfer could therefore significantly negatively impact your Risk Control Account Value, which impacts other values under theContract and the amount you receive from any payments. It is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principaland previously credited interest with respect to a Risk Control Account if you make a Flex Transfer.
FlexTransfer instructions must be provided by Authorized Request at least one Business Day prior to the end of the Risk Control Account’sInterest Term. Requests for Flex Transfers that are received at our Administrative Office in Good Order at least one BusinessDay prior to the end of the Risk Control Account’s Interest Term will be processed as of the end of that Business Day. Requestsreceived on the last Business Day of the Interest Term will be considered not in Good Order and no transfers will be made pursuantto the request. Requests received at any other time will be processed as of the end of the next Business Day.
TheRisk Control Account Value will be calculated at the end of the Business Day the Flex Transfer request is received in Good Order.This means you will not be able to determine your Risk Control Account Value in advance of requesting the Flex Transfer, and thetransferred value may be higher or lower than it was at the time of your request. If your requested Flex Transfer is greater thanthe Risk Control Account Value at the end of the Business Day the transfer request is received in Good Order, we will transferall remaining Risk Control Account Value, which will be less than the Flex Transfer you requested.
TheFlex Transfer is irrevocable once the transfer is requested, and the transferred amount will remain in the Declared Rate Accountuntil the next Contract Anniversary, when you can leave values in the Declared Rate Account or transfer to any other availableAllocation Option.
Youshould fully understand the impact of the Flex Transfer and consult your financial adviser prior to making a Flex Transfer. See“Flex Transfer Risk,” “Contract Value-Risk Control Account Value-Determining the Crediting Base,” andAppendix A.
Wemay change, discontinue, or establish restrictions on Flex Transfers, including limitations on the number, frequency, or amountof Flex Transfers, at any time.
Changesto Crediting Strategy Components. The initial Cap, Participation Rate, and Declared Interest Rate are available in advanceof the Contract Issue Date and will be provided by your financial professional or by calling the Company at 1-800-798-5500. TheCap, Participation Rate, and Declared Interest Rate will not change during the Interest Term. We may declare a new Cap, ParticipationRate and Declared Interest Rate for each subsequent Interest Term and will notify you of the new Cap, Participation Rate and DeclaredInterest Rate at least two weeks in advance of the start of an Interest Term. The Cap and Participation Rate will never be lowerthan the minimum rates described in this Prospectus. See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option” for the MinimumInterest Rate and “Risk Control Account Allocation Options – Setting the Crediting Strategies” for the minimumCap and Participation Rate. The Floors and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unlessthe Allocation Option is discontinued. However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not alwaysmake available Allocation Options with Buffers, however, if one is available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In otherwords, there would be a Buffer option to limit the maximum loss to no more than 90%.
Additionor Discontinuation of an Allocation Option or Index. There is no guarantee that any Allocation option or Index will be availableduring the entire time you own your Contract. We may offer additional Allocation Options at our discretion, which includes offeringan additional Index, Crediting Strategy, or Interest Term. We may also discontinue an Allocation Option or Index at our discretioneffective as of the end of an Interest Term. In the case of certain Index changes, we may discontinue an Index and substitutea new Index for an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term. An Allocation Option may be discontinued before the endof an Interest Term if an Index is discontinued and we do not provide a substitute Index. Such a change will be subject to anyrequired regulatory approval. Any change we make will be on a non-discriminatory basis.
See“Risk Control Allocation Options –Allocation Option and Index Changes” below.
DECLAREDRATE ACCOUNT ALLOCATION OPTION
TheDeclared Rate Separate Account is an insulated separate account that we established within our General Account and under the lawsof Iowa in which we hold reserves for our guarantees under the Declared Rate Account. Our other General Account assets are alsoavailable to meet those and other guarantees under the Contract and our other general obligations. The Declared Rate SeparateAccount is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The assets in the Declared Rate Separate Account are equalto the reserves and other liabilities of the contracts supported by the Declared Rate Separate Account and are not chargeablewith liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct. We have the right to transfer to our General Account any assetsof the Declared Rate Separate Account that are in excess of such reserves and other contract liabilities. The guarantees in thisContract are subject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Youmay allocate all or a portion of your Purchase Payment and Contract Value to the Declared Rate Account. Contract Value allocatedto the Declared Rate Account becomes part of the Declared Rate Account Value.
TheCrediting Strategy, which is the method by which interest is calculated, for the Declared Rate Account is the Declared InterestRate. The Declared Rate Account Value is credited with interest at the end of each business day. The applicable interest credited,when compounded, equals the Declared Interest Rate. The Declared Interest Rate will not change for the duration of the 1-YearInterest Term. We may declare a new Declared Interest Rate for each subsequent 1-year Interest Term and will notify you of
thenew Declared Interest Rate two weeks in advance of the start of an Interest Term. The Declared Interest Rate will never be lessthan the Declared Rate Account Minimum Interest Rate. The initial Minimum Interest Rate is shown on your Contract Data Page.
TheMinimum Interest Rate will be determined on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary based on the calendarquarter in which the Issue Date or Contract Anniversary falls. The Minimum Interest Rate will apply for six years and then willbe recalculated for the next six-year period.
TheMinimum Interest Rate will never be less than the lesser of:
| b) | The interest rate determined as the greater of: |
| 1) | Theaverage of the three applicable monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rates reported by the Federal Reserve roundedto the nearest 0.05%, as described below, minus 1.25%; or |
| 2) | The nonforfeiture interest rate floor required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, 0.15%. |
Thethree monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates used in the calculation above are as follows:
| ● | The prior September, October, and November monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the first quarter interest rate that is effective each January 1; |
| ● | The prior December, January, and February monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the second quarter interest rate that is effective each April 1; |
| ● | The prior March, April, and May monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the third quarter interest rate that is effective each July 1; and |
| ● | The prior June, July, and August monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the fourth quarter interest rate that is effective each October 1. |
RISKCONTROL ACCOUNT ALLOCATION OPTIONS
TheRisk Control Separate Account is an insulated separate account that we established within our General Account and under the lawsof Iowa in which we hold reserves for our guarantees under the Risk Control Accounts. Our other General Account assets are alsoavailable to meet those and other guarantees under the Contract and our other general obligations. The Risk Control Separate Accountis not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The assets in the Risk Control Separate Account are equal to the reservesand other liabilities of the contracts supported by the Risk Control Separate Account and are not chargeable with liabilitiesarising out of any other business that we conduct. We have the right to transfer to our General Account any assets of the RiskControl Separate Account that are in excess of such reserves and other contract liabilities. The guarantees in this Contract aresubject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Youmay allocate all or a portion of your Purchase Payment and Contract Value to the Risk Control Accounts we make available. Theportion of the Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account becomes part of the Risk Control Account Value.
EachRisk Control Account is uniquely structured based on the combination of Crediting Strategy, reference Index, and Interest Term.The Crediting Strategy is the method by which interest is calculated. Currently, the following Crediting Strategies are availablefor the Risk Control Accounts:
| ● | Buffer with Participation Rate |
Additionally,we currently offer three reference indices, the S&P 500 Index, the Barclays Risk Balanced Index, and the Dimensional US SmallCap Value Systematic Index.
| ● | The S&P 500 Index is a stock market index based on the market capitalizations of 500 leading companies publicly traded in the U.S. stock market, as determined by Standard & Poor’s. The Index can go up or down based on the stock prices of the companies that comprise the Index. The Index does not include dividends paid on the securities comprising the Index and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities. |
| ● | The Barclays Risk Balanced Index allocates between equities and fixed income using the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory, which seeks to maximize the expected return based on a given level of market risk. Equities consist of an equally weighed portfolio of 50 US stocks that have shown low volatility during the past year. To ensure sector diversification, there can be no more than 10 securities per sector. Dividends are reinvested. For fixed income, the Index provides exposure to four indices tracking the 2, 5, and 10-year US Treasury futures, equally weighted. Each month, the Index will determine the optimal weights to be allocated between equities and fixed income using Mean Variance Optimization, an approach in which the risk, expressed as the variance, is compared against the expected return to choose the investment portfolio that results in the maximum expected return for a given level of risk. This process selects the combination that has the highest estimated return potential with 10% risk, assuming that the risk-adjusted returns offered by equities and fixed income will be comparable to each other in the near future. In addition to this monthly process, the Index may rebalance daily to adjust for a 10% volatility (risk) target. Should the selected optimal weights exceed the 10% target, the index will reduce its exposure to equities and fixed income. Conversely, should optimal weights result in a lower volatility than 10%, the index may increase its exposure to equities and fixed income. The Index deducts a fee of 0.5% for the equity exposure, 0.2% per year for the treasury exposure, and a cost equal to SOFR plus 0.1145% for the equity component which may be increased or decreased in aggregate by the volatility control mechanism. These deductions will reduce Index performance, and the Index will underperform similar portfolios from which these fees and costs are not deducted. |
| ● | The Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index is designed to capture the returns associated with the small cap value premium in the US by investing in stocks within the smallest 8% of the US market down to $100 million in market capitalization with relative prices in the lowest 40% when ranked by price to book. Within this universe, the index is designed to target higher-expected-return securities by excluding stocks with lower profitability or high asset growth. The Index uses information in market prices to systematically pursue higher expected returns in a broadly diversified manner. The Index does not include dividends paid on the securities comprising the Index and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities. |
TheBarclays Risk Balanced Index is not available with the Buffer with Cap Crediting Strategy.
Weoffer two Interest Terms, 1 year or 6 years. Risk Control Account Value is credited with interest based on the investment performanceof external Indices, subject to the applicable Crediting Strategy.
TheFloor and Buffer are used in determining the level of protection provided by the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Accountwill have either a Floor or a Buffer. The Floor represents the maximum amount of negative interest that may be credited to theRisk Control Account. The Buffer represents the maximum amount of negative interest assumed by the Company, and any additionalnegative interest will be credited to the Risk Control Account.
Wecurrently offer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection, 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%,-9%, and -10%. If a Floor of 0% is elected, negative investment performance of the applicable Index will not reduce your RiskControl Account Value. If any other Floor is chosen, negative investment performance of the applicable Index will reduce yourRisk Control Account Value by up to the amount of the Floor you elected for any Interest Term. Negative investment performancewill not reduce your Risk Control Account Value by more than the Floor even if the Index performance for that Interest Term islower than the Floor. For example, if the Index performance is -15% and you elected a Floor of -10%, the Company will credit -10%to the Risk Control Account Value.
Wecurrently offer one Buffer option, -10%. If this option is elected, negative investment performance of the applicable Index willnot reduce your Risk Control Account Value if the negative investment performance is between zero and -10% for the Interest Term.If the investment performance is lower than -10% for the Interest Term, your Risk Control Account Value will be reduced by theamount of negative investment performance in excess of -10%. This means your Risk Control Account Value can be reduced by as muchas 90% due to negative investment performance of the applicable Index over the Interest Term.
Negativeinvestment performance is limited by the Floor and Buffer for a given Interest Term, but you could lose more due to losses insubsequent Interest Terms. If you make withdrawals, make Flex Transfers, or surrender your Contract, the Floor and Buffer do notlimit losses from the Surrender Charge, Interest Adjustment, Equity Adjustment, federal income taxes, or proportionate calculationsfor withdrawals and Flex Transfers, which could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receivefrom any payments.
TheCap and Participation Rate limit the amount of positive interest credited to the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Accountwill have either a Cap or a Participation Rate. The Cap represents the maximum amount of interest that the Company will creditto the Risk Control Account. The Participation Rate is a percentage multiplied by the Index Return if the Index Return is positive.If the Participation Rate is lower than 100%, it will limit the amount of interest credited by the Company.
TheCap and Participation Rate will not change for the duration of the Interest Term. We may declare a new Cap and Participation Ratefor each subsequent Interest Term and will notify you of the new Cap or Participation Rate two weeks in advance of the start ofan Interest Term.
Wehold reserves in the Risk Control Separate Account for amounts allocated to the Risk Control Accounts in support of the guaranteesassociated with the Floor, Buffer, Cap, and Participation Rate. Your Risk Control Account Value reflects, in part, the performanceof the reference Index, subject to the Equity Adjustment and applicable Crediting Strategy. When funds are withdrawn from a RiskControl Account prior to the end of the Interest Term for a surrender, partial withdrawal, Flex Transfer, annuitization or paymentof the Death Benefit, we apply the Equity Adjustment on the date of withdrawal to determine the Risk Account Control Value asdescribed below.
Theperformance of the S&P 500 Index and Dimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index do not include dividends paid on thesecurities comprising such Index, and therefore, the performance of each Index does not reflect the full performance of thoseunderlying securities.
Theperformance of the Barclays Risk Balanced Index reflects dividends reinvested. The Index deducts a fee of 0.5% for the equityexposure, 0.2% per year for the treasury exposure, and a cost equal to SOFR plus 0.1145% for the equity component which may beincreased or decreased in aggregate by the volatility control mechanism. These deductions will reduce Index performance, and theIndex will underperform similar portfolios from which these fees and costs are not deducted.
TheIndex Return is the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the end of the Interest Term. Becauseinterest is calculated on a single point in time you may experience negative or flat performance even though the Index experiencedgains through some, or most, of the Interest Term.
Settingthe Crediting Strategies
Weconsider various factors in determining the Crediting Strategies and associated rates, including investment returns, the costsof our risk management techniques, sales commissions, administrative expenses, regulatory and tax requirements, general economictrends, and competitive factors. We determine the rates for the Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, and Buffer at our sole discretion.
Weset the Cap and Participation Rate at the start of each Interest Term and guarantee them for the duration of the Interest Term.We will forward advance written notice to Owners of any change in the Cap and Participation Rate for the subsequent Interest Termat least two weeks prior to start of the Interest Term. This notice will describe the Owner’s right to transfer ContractValue between available Allocation Options. The Cap will always be positive and will be subject to a guaranteed minimum of 1%.The Participation Rate will always be positive and will be subject to a guaranteed minimum of 10%.
AllocationOption and Index Changes
Atour discretion, we may:
| ● | offer additional Allocation Options, such as an additional Index, Crediting Strategy, or Interest Term; |
| ● | discontinue an Allocation Option or Index effective as of the end of an Interest Term; |
| ● | in the case of an Index change described below, substitute a new Index for an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term; or |
| ● | in the case of an Index change described below, discontinue an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term if we do not provide a substitute Index. |
Wereserve the right to add or substitute any Index. Generally, the Index associated with a given Risk Control Account will remainunchanged for the duration of the Interest Term. However, if the publication of an Index is discontinued or the calculation ofthat Index is materially changed, we may substitute a suitable Index that will be used for the remainder of the Interest Term.Examples of such material changes to the Index include, without limitation: a contractual dispute between us and the Index provider,changes that make it impractical or too expensive to purchase derivatives to hedge the Index, or changes that result in significantlydifferent Index Values or performance. The performance of the new Index may differ from the original Index, which may affectthe interest credited to the Risk Control Account and the interest you earn under the Contract. However, a change in the Indexwill not change the Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer for your Contract at the time of the change.
Ifwe remove an Index, we will attempt to add a suitable alternative index that is substantially similar to the Index being replacedon the same day that we remove the Index. To determine the Index Return, we will add (1) the percentage change in the Index fromthe beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailable and (2) the percentage change for the substituteIndex from the date of substitution until the end of the Interest Term.
Ifwe are unable to substitute a new Index at the same time an Index ceases to be available, there may be a brief interval betweenthe date on which we remove the Index and add a substitute Index. In this situation, your Contract Value will continue to be allocatedto the Risk Control Accounts. However, during the interim period, your Contract Value (including any Equity Adjustment) will bebased on the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailableunder the Contract, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to determine your Risk Control Account Value.
Inthe unlikely event that an Index is discontinued, we do not provide a substitute Index, and the Allocation Option is discontinuedduring an Interest Term as a result, we will credit interest from the beginning of the Interest Term until the date the AllocationOption is discontinued using the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which theIndex became unavailable. The resulting Risk Control Account Value will be transferred to the Declared Rate Account for the remainderof the Interest Term, where it will earn the Declared Interest Rate starting on the date of transfer until the next Contract Anniversary.The amount of interest you earn in the Declared Rate Account may be less than the amount you would have earned in the Risk ControlAccount at the end of the Interest Term. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we transfer valueto the Declared Rate Account, your Risk Control Account Value prior to the transfer will be based on the value of the Index onthe date the Index ceased to be available, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the IndexReturn.
Sucha change will be subject to any required regulatory approval, such as any required approval of the Index by the insurance departmentin your state. We will notify you of an Allocation Option or Index change and its effective date by sending you written noticeat your last known address.
AnIndex or Allocation Option Change may negatively affect interest credited and your resulting Contract Value, as well as how youwant to allocate Contract Value between available Allocation Options.
CONTRACTVALUE
Onthe Contract Issue Date, your Contract Value equals the Purchase Payment. After the Contract Issue Date, during the AccumulationPeriod, your Contract Value is equal to the sum of the account value in all Allocation Options, including the Declared Rate AccountValue and the Risk Control Account Value(s). The calculation of account value varies by Allocation Option as described below.
DeclaredRate Account Value
TheDeclared Rate Account Value on any Business Day is equal to:
| a.) | The amount applied to the Declared Rate Account at the start of the current Interest Term; less |
| b.) | Any withdrawals (including any Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment); plus |
| c.) | Any Flex Transfers; plus |
TheEquity Adjustment does not apply to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
RiskControl Account Value
YourContract Value allocated to the Risk Control Accounts for any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of your Risk Control AccountValue in each Risk Control Account. The Risk Control Account Value varies based on the Business Day it is calculated:
| ● | On the first Business Day of an Interest Term, the Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base. |
| ● | On the last Business Day of an Interest Term the Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. |
| ● | On every other Business Day, the Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base plus the Equity Adjustment. |
Determiningthe Crediting Base
TheCrediting Base is equal to the amount allocated to a Risk Control Account at the start of the Interest Term, reduced proportionallyfor any withdrawals or Flex Transfers. Withdrawals include partial withdrawals, a full surrender, Death Benefit payments, or amountswithdrawn to be applied to an Income Payout Option.
Awithdrawal or Flex Transfer will proportionally reduce the Crediting Base by the ratio of the withdrawal or Flex Transfer to theRisk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal or Flex Transfer. Withdrawals include any applicable SurrenderCharge and Interest Adjustment. A proportional reduction to the Crediting Base could be larger than the amount of the withdrawalor Flex Transfer.
| ● | If the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal or Flex Transfer is greater than the Crediting Base, the reduction to the Crediting Base will be less than the amount of the withdrawal or Flex Transfer. |
| ● | If the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal of Flex Transfer is less than the Crediting Base, the reduction to the Crediting Base will be greater than the amount of the withdrawal or Flex Transfer. |
Thefollowing formulas are used for this calculation:
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = withdrawal or Flex Transfer / (Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to withdrawal or Flex Transfer), where “withdrawal” includes any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment |
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = (Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer) x (withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value) |
| ● | Crediting Base After Withdrawal or Flex Transfer = (Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer) – (reduction in Crediting Base) |
TheCrediting Base is not used for the Declared Rate Account.
Examplesof Crediting Base After a Withdrawal or Flex Transfer
Note,the “withdrawal,” as used in the examples below, includes any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment.The Equity Adjustment is reflected in the Risk Control Account Value.
Example1. Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal or Flex Transfer is greater than the Crediting Base.
Assumethe following:
| ● | Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $100,000 |
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $20,000 |
| ● | Risk Control Account Value at time of withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $115,000 |
| ○ | Equity Adjustment = $115,000 - $100,000 (the Crediting Base) = $15,000 |
Step1: Calculate the withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = withdrawal or Flex Transfer / (Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to withdrawal or Flex Transfer) |
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = $20,000 / $115,000 = 0.173913 |
Step2: Calculate the reduction in the Crediting Base
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = (Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer) x (withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value) |
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = $100,000 x 0.173913 = $17,391.30 |
Step3: Calculate the Crediting Base after withdrawal or Flex Transfer
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal or Flex Transfer = (Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer) – (reduction in Crediting Base) |
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $100,000 - $17,391.30 = $82,608.70 |
Inthis example, because the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal or Flex Transfer is greater than theCrediting Base, the reduction to the Crediting Base ($17,391.30) is less than the amount of the withdrawal or Flex Transfer ($20,000).
Example2. Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal or Flex Transfer is less than the Crediting Base.
Assumethe following:
| ● | Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $100,000 |
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $20,000 |
| ● | Risk Control Account Value at time of withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $80,000 |
| ○ | Equity Adjustment = $80,000 - $100,000 (the Crediting Base) = -$20,000 |
Step1: Calculate the withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = withdrawal or Flex Transfer / (Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to withdrawal or Flex Transfer) |
| ● | Withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = $20,000 / $80,000 = 0.25 |
Step2: Calculate the reduction in the Crediting Base
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = (Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer) x (withdrawal or Flex Transfer as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value) |
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = $100,000 x 0.25 = $25,000 |
Step3: Calculate the Crediting Base after withdrawal or Flex Transfer
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal or Flex Transfer = (Crediting Base before withdrawal or Flex Transfer) – (reduction in Crediting Base) |
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal or Flex Transfer = $100,000 - $25,000 = $75,000 |
Inthis example, because the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal or Flex Transfer is less than the CreditingBase, the reduction to the Crediting Base ($25,000) is greater than the amount of the withdrawal or Flex Transfer ($20,000). Thisillustrates that the Crediting Base calculation may result in a reduction in the Crediting Base that is significantly larger thanthe withdrawal or Flex Transfer amount.
IndexReturn and Adjusted Index Return
Onthe last Business Day of an Interest Term the Risk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of oneplus the Adjusted Index Return.
IndexReturn. The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated to determine the interest credited to a Risk Control Account.The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated separately for each Risk Control Account.
TheIndex Return is the percentage change in the index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the end of the Interest Term. TheIndex Return is calculated using the following formula:
IndexReturn = A / B – 1 where,
A= Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term
B= Index Value on the first day of the Interest Term
Ifthe first or last day of the Interest Term does not fall on a Business Day, the Index Value for the next Business Day will beused.
AdjustedIndex Return. The Adjusted Index Return is the Index Return for the current Interest Term adjusted for the Crediting Strategy.The calculation of the Adjusted Index Return varies based on the Crediting Strategy:
TheAdjusted Index Return for the Floor and Cap Crediting Strategy is calculated as follows:
| ● | If the Index Return is positive or zero, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap. |
| ● | If the Index Return is negative, the Adjusted Index Return equals the greater of the Index Return or the Floor. |
Examples:Assume the Floor is -10.00% and the Cap is 10.00%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 6.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
| ○ | Lesser of 6.00% or 10.00% = 6.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is 16.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
| ○ | Lesser of 16.00% or 10.00% = 10.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is -6.00%, because the Index Return is negative, the Adjusted Index Return is the greater of the Index Return or the Floor: |
| ○ | Greater of -6.00% or -10.00% = -6.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is -16.00%, because the Index Return is negative, the Adjusted Index Return is the greater of the Index Return or the Floor: |
| ○ | Greater of -16.00% or -10.00% = -10.00%. |
TheAdjusted Index Return for the Buffer and Participation Rate Crediting Strategy is calculated as follows:
| ● | If the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return multiplied by the Participation Rate. |
| ● | If the Index Return is between zero and the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals zero. |
| ● | If the Index Return is lower than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer. |
Examples:Assume the Buffer is -10.00% and the Participation Rate is 125%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 6.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return multiplied by the Participation Rate: |
| ● | If the Index Return is -6.00%, because the Index Return is negative and between 0.00% and -10.00%, the Adjusted Index Return is zero: |
| ● | If the Index Return is -16.00%. Because the Index Return is negative and less than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer: |
| ○ | -16.00% - (-10.00%) = -6.00%. |
TheAdjusted Index Return for the Buffer and Cap Crediting Strategy is calculated as follows:
| ● | If the Index Return is positive or zero, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap. |
| ● | If the Index Return is between zero and the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals zero. |
| ● | If the Index Return is lower than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer. |
Examples:Assume the Buffer is -10.00% and the Cap is 10%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 6.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
| ○ | Lesser of 6.00% or 10.00% = 6.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is 16.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
| ○ | Lesser of 16.00% or 10.00% = 10.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is -6.00%, because the Index Return is negative and between 0.00% and -10.00%, the Adjusted Index Return is zero: |
| ● | If the Index Return is -16.00%. Because the Index Return is negative and less than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer: |
| ○ | -16.00% - (-10.00%) = -6.00%. |
Examplesof the Risk Control Account Value Calculation on the Last Business Day of an Interest Term
Thefollowing examples illustrate how investment performance of the reference Index is applied in crediting interest to the Risk ControlAccounts. No withdrawals or Flex Transfers are assumed to occur under these examples and all values are determined on the lastBusiness Day of an Interest Term. The examples illustrate hypothetical circumstances solely for the purpose of demonstrating RiskControl Account calculations and are not intended as estimates of future performance of the Index.
Example1: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Cap and Floor CreditingStrategy. In this example, the Index Return is positive and greater than the Cap.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | RiskControl Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | ClosingIndex Value: 1300 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 1300 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 1300 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals 30% (1300 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Floor and Cap. Therefore, because the Index Return of 30% is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equalsthe lesser of the Index Return or the Cap. The lesser of the Index Return of 30% and the Cap of 15% is 15%.
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus 15% is $115,000 ($100,000 x (1 + 15%)). The Risk Control Account Value increased by $15,000($115,000 - $100,000).
Example2: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Cap and Floor CreditingStrategy. In this example, the Index Return is negative.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | RiskControl Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 700 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 700 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals -30% (700 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Floor and Cap. Therefore, because the Index Return of -30% is negative, the Adjusted Index Return equalsthe greater of the Index Return or the Floor. The greater of the Index Return of -30% and the Floor of -10% is -10%.
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus -10% is $90,000 ($100,000 x (1 + (-10%))). The Risk Control Account Value decreased by $10,000($90,000 - $100,000).
Example3: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Participation Rate andBuffer Crediting Strategy. In this example, the Index Return is positive.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | RiskControl Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
| ● | ParticipationRate: 115.00% |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | ClosingIndex Value: 1300 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 1300 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 1300 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals 30% (1300 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Buffer and Participation Rate. Therefore, because the Index Return of 30% is positive, the Adjusted IndexReturn equals the Index Return multiplied by the Participation Rate. The Index Return of 30% multiplied by the Participation Rateof 115% equals 34.5% (30% x 115%).
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus 34.5% is $134,500 ($100,000 x (1 + 34.5%)). The Risk Control Account Value increased by $34,500($134,500 - $100,000).
Example4: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Participation Rate andBuffer Crediting Strategy. In this example, the Index Return is between zero and the Buffer.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | RiskControl Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
| ● | ParticipationRate: 115.00% |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 950 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 950 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals -5% (950 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Buffer and Participation Rate. Therefore, because the Index Return of -5% is between zero and the Buffer,the Adjusted Index Return equals zero (0%).
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus 0% is $100,000 ($100,000 x (1 + 0%)). The Risk Control Account Value did not change ($100,000- $100,000).
Example5: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Participation Rate andBuffer Crediting Strategy. In this example, the Index Return is lower than the Buffer.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | RiskControl Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
| ● | ParticipationRate: 115.00% |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 700 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 700 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals -30% (700 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Buffer and Participation Rate. Therefore, because the Index Return of -30% is less than the Buffer, theAdjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer. The Index Return of -30% minus the Buffer of -10% is -20% (-30%- (-10%)).
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus -20% is $80,000 ($100,000 x (1 + (-20%))). The Risk Control Account Value decreased by $20,000($80,000 - $100,000).
EquityAdjustment
Onevery Business Day other than the first or last Business Day of an Interest Term, the Risk Control Account Value equals the CreditingBase plus the Equity Adjustment.
TheEquity Adjustment is used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value during an Interest Term. If you take a withdrawal, makea Flex Transfer, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account beforethe expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply the Equity Adjustment, which may be positive or negative.
TheEquity Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investments that support theRisk Control Accounts when withdrawals or Flex Transfers are made during the Interest Term. You bear the risk that the EquityAdjustment may decrease your Risk Control Account Value if you withdraw or transfer amounts from a Risk Control Account duringthe Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment may be negative even when the Index Return is positive. This is primarily due to market inputs for volatility,interest rates, and dividends as well as the amortized option cost, and trading costs. A negative Equity Adjustment will reducethe values under the Contract, and it is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previouslycredited interest if you take a withdrawal, make a Flex Transfer, or surrender your Contract. Additionally, only the CreditingBase remaining after a withdrawal or Flex Transfer will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the InterestTerm.
TheEquity Adjustment is calculated separately for each Risk Control Account and varies based on the Crediting Strategy. The EquityAdjustment is calculated as of the end of each day, except the first and last Business Day of an Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment reflects the value of hypothetical derivative instruments that hedge market risks associated with the Risk ControlAccounts. The value is represented by the difference between the value of the hypothetical derivative instruments on a given datebefore the end of the Interest Term and the value of the hypothetical derivative instruments at the start of the Interest Term,adjusted for the time elapsed in the Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment calculation uses the Black Scholes or Black’smodel to value the hypothetical derivatives.
Thehypothetical derivatives include calls and puts. The current value of the hypothetical call options reflects the potential forincreases in the reference Index during the Interest Term. The current value of the hypothetical put options reflects the potentialfor decreases in the reference Index during the Interest Term. Specifically,
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Cap, the current value of the hypothetical long call and short call reflects the potential for increases in the reference Index during the Interest Term up to the Cap. |
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Participation Rate, the current value of the hypothetical long call multiplied by the Participation Rate reflects the potential for increases in the reference Index during the Interest Term. |
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Floor, the current value of the hypothetical short put and long put reflects the potential for decrease in the reference Index during the Interest Term up to the Floor. |
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Buffer, the current value of the hypothetical short put reflects the potential for decreases in the reference Index during the Interest Term in excess of the Buffer. |
TheEquity Adjustment for a Risk Control Account is calculated as A x (B - C - D), where:
A= Crediting Base
B= Hypothetical option value
C= Amortized option cost
D= Trading costs
| ● | Hypothetical option value is the hypothetical option value as of the current Business Day. |
| ● | Amortized option cost is the hypothetical option value as of the start of the Interest Term, adjusted for the time elapsed in the Interest Term. To adjust for the time elapsed in the Interest Term, the hypothetical option value as of the start of the Interest Term is multiplied by the number of days remaining in the Interest Term divided by the total number of days in the Interest Term. |
| ● | Trading costs represent the additional cost of selling the hypothetical options. The trading cost may vary by Risk Control Account and time remaining and is expressed as a percentage of the Crediting Base. |
Forexamples of how we calculate the Equity Adjustment, see “Appendix A” to this Prospectus.
HypotheticalOption Value
Thehypothetical option value for the Floor and Cap Crediting Strategy is calculated as long call – short call – shortput + long put.
Thehypothetical option value for the Buffer and Participation Rate Crediting Strategy is calculated as (Participation Rate x longcall) – short put.
Thefollowing inputs are used to calculate the hypothetical call and put option values under a Black-Scholes pricing model. The impliedvolatility, divided rate, and risk-free rate are obtained from independent third parties.
StrikePrice of the Option. The strike price varies for each derivative instrument. The strike price for each derivative instrumentis described below.
| ○ | Index Value as of the start of the Interest Term |
| ○ | Floor Crediting Strategy: Index Value as of the start of the Interest Term |
| ○ | Buffer Crediting Strategy: (Index Value at start of the Interest Term) x (1 + Buffer) |
| ● | Long put (Floor Crediting Strategy only): |
| ○ | (Index Value at start of the Interest Term) x (1 + Floor) |
| ● | Short call (Cap Crediting Strategy only) |
| ○ | (Index Value as of the start of the Interest Term) x (1 + Cap) |
Thevalue of the call or put option is measured as a percentage of the Crediting Base.
TimeRemaining. Represents the portion of the Interest Term remaining. It is measured as the number of whole and partial yearsremaining in the Interest Term.
StrikeRatio. The Strike Price of the Option divided by the closing value for the associated index as of the current Business Day.
ImpliedVolatility. The implied volatility is approximated using observed option prices. Linear interpolation is used between impliedvolatilities for similar options with the closest available time remaining and Strike Ratio.
DividendRate of the Index for the Remaining Term of the Option. The dividend rate for the time remaining using linearly interpolatedrates or implied from market data.
Risk-FreeInterest Rate for the Remaining Term of the Option. The risk-free rate is a benchmark rate used for the U.S. financial servicesindustry in valuing financial instruments, with a maturity equal to the time remaining in the Interest Term. If there is no correspondinglength, linear interpolation is used using rates with the closest remaining term.
TheEquity Adjustment is not applied to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
InterestAdjustment
Awithdrawal, including a partial withdrawal, a full surrender of the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value appliedto an Income Payout Option, may be adjusted (increased or decreased) for the Interest Adjustment. The Interest Adjustment appliesto every Allocation Option, including the Declared Rate Account, and will always apply for the six-year rolling period beginningon the Contract Issue Date even if the Allocation Options elected have an Interest Term of less than six years. The Interest Adjustmentdoes not apply to transfers (including Flex Transfers), to amounts withdrawn on every sixth Contract Anniversary, or to the AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount.
TheEquity Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investments that support theRisk Control Accounts when withdrawals are made during the Interest Term. You bear the risk that the Interest Adjustment may decreasethe amount of a withdrawal made during the six-year period.
TheInterest Adjustment reflects the change in value of the investments that support the guarantees under this Contract upon withdrawalduring the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date. Rates used in determining the Interest Adjustment arereset every sixth Contract Anniversary.
Onany given Business Day, the Interest Adjustment is calculated by multiplying the amount withdrawn by the sum of the Interest Adjustmentfactor (IAF) minus one (i.e., IAF – 1), where IAF is equal to the following formula:
| IAF | = | ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N, where |
| | I | = | The Constant Maturity Treasury rate as of the start of the rolling six-year period beginning on the Contract Issue Date for a maturity of six years. |
| | | | |
| | J | = | The Constant Maturity Treasury rate as of the date of withdrawal for a maturity consistent with the remaining number of years (whole and partial) in the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. |
| | | | |
| | K | = | The ICE BofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index as of the start of the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. |
| | | | |
| | L | = | The ICE BofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index as of the date of withdrawal. |
| | | | |
| | N | = | The number of years (whole and partial) from the date of withdrawal until the end of the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. |
Wedetermine “I” based on the 6-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate at the start of the six-year rolling period beginningon the Contract Issue Date, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. We determine “J” when you take a withdrawal.For example, if you surrender the Contract two years after the start of the six-year rolling period, “J” would correspondto the Constant Maturity Treasury rate consistent with the time remaining in the six-year period of four years (4 = 6 - 2). For“I” and “J” where there is no Constant Maturity Treasury rate declared, we will use linear interpolationof the Constant Maturity Rates Index with maturities closest to “I” and “J” to determine “I”and “J”.
Thevalue of “K” and “L” on any Business Day will be equal to the closing value of the I ICE BofA 1-10 YearUS Corporate Constrained Index on the previous Business Day.
TheInterest Adjustment applies for the entire six years but does not apply on every sixth Contract Anniversary. Additionally, theInterest Adjustment applies during every six-year rolling period, even after the first six Contract Years. This means it appliesfor the initial six-year period beginning on the Contract Issue Date, is zero on the sixth Contract Anniversary, and restartsfor any subsequent six-year rolling period.
Ifthe publication of any component of the Interest Adjustment indices is discontinued or if the calculation of the Interest Adjustmentindices is changed substantially, we may substitute a new index for the discontinued or substantially changed index, subject toapproval by the insurance department in your state. Before we substitute an Interest Adjustment index, we will notify you in writingof the substitution.
Forexamples of how we calculate Interest Adjustments, see “Appendix B” to this Prospectus.
IMPORTANT:The Interest Adjustment will either increase or decrease the amount you receive from a withdrawal, surrender, Death Benefit payment,or income payment. You may lose a significant portion of your principal and previously credited interest due to the Interest Adjustmentregardless of the Allocation Options to which you allocated Contract Value. You directly bear the investment risk associated withan Interest Adjustment. You should carefully consider your income needs before purchasing the Contract.
Purposeof the Interest Adjustment. The Company purchases assets that support the guarantees under this Contract. When a withdrawalis made from the Contract, the Company may liquidate assets to fund the withdrawal. These assets may be sold at a premium or adiscount depending on current market conditions. The Interest Adjustment approximates this change in value of the investments.Therefore, it can be positive if the assets are sold at a premium or negative if the assets are sold at a discount.
TheInterest Adjustment reflects, in part, the difference in yield of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate for a six-year period beginningon the Contract Issue Date or every sixth Contract Anniversary and the yield of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate for a periodstarting on the date of withdrawal to the end of the six-year period. The Constant Maturity Treasury rate is a rate representingthe average yield of various Treasury securities. The calculation also reflects in part the difference between the effective yieldof the ICE BofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index, Asset Swap Spread (the “ICE BofA Index”), a rate representativeof investment grade corporate debt credit spreads in the U.S., at the start of the rolling six-year period and the effective yieldof the ICE BofA Index at the time of withdrawal. The greater the difference in those yields, respectively, the greater the effectthe Interest Adjustment will have.
Ifthe combination of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and ICE BofA Index has increased at the time of withdrawal over their levelsat the start of the six-year period, the Interest Adjustment will be negative and will decrease the Surrender Value, amount youreceive from a partial withdrawal, amount you receive as the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income PayoutOption by the amount of the Interest Adjustment. Similarly, if the combination of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and ICEBofA Index has decreased at the time of surrender or partial withdrawal over their levels at the start of the six-year period,
theInterest Adjustment will be positive and will increase the Surrender Value, amount you receive from a partial withdrawal, amountyou receive as the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option by the amount of the Interest Adjustment.
TheCompany uses both the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and ICE BofA Index in determining any Interest Adjustment since togetherboth indices represent a broad mix of investments whose values may be affected by changes in market interest rates. The InterestAdjustment helps us offset our costs and risks of owning fixed income investments and other investments we use to back the guaranteesunder your Contract from the start of the six-year period to the time of a surrender, partial withdrawal, Death Benefit, or allocationto an Income Payout Option.
SURRENDERVALUE
Youhave the right to surrender this Contract at any time during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. If you surrender theContract, you will be paid the Surrender Value, as of the Business Day we received your Authorized Request in Good Order. We mayrequire that the Contract be returned to our Administrative Office prior to making payment of the Surrender Value.
TheSurrender Value is equal to:
| a) | Your Contract Value at the end of the Valuation Period in which we receive your Authorized Request, including any applicable Equity Adjustment; minus |
| b) | Any applicable Surrender Charge; adjusted for |
| c) | Any applicable Interest Adjustment. |
Insteadof crediting interest to amounts that are surrendered prior to the end of the Interest Term, we apply an Equity Adjustment, whichmay be positive or negative. The Surrender Value could be significantly lower than your Contract Value due to the Equity Adjustment,Interest Adjustment, and Surrender Charge applied to amounts that are surrendered prior to the end of the Interest Term.
Uponpayment of the Surrender Value, this contract is terminated, and we have no further obligation under this contract. The SurrenderValue will not be less than the amount required by state law in which the contract was delivered. We will pay you the amount yourequest in connection with a full surrender by withdrawing Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account and the Risk Control Accounts.
ACCESSTO YOUR MONEY
PartialWithdrawals
TheContract may not be appropriate for investors who plan to take withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and Required MinimumDistributions) or surrender the Contract. All withdrawals, including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions,will proportionally reduce the Death Benefit and Crediting Base by the ratio of the withdrawal to the Contract Value immediatelyprior to the withdrawal. This means the Death Benefit and Crediting Base may decrease by more than the amount of the withdrawal,and that decrease could be significant. Partial withdrawals could terminate the Contract. Partial Withdrawals could also significantlyreduce the values under your Contract due to the Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and Surrender Charge. Moreover, onlythe Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the InterestTerm.
Atany time during the Accumulation Period you may make partial withdrawals by Authorized Request in Good Order. The minimum partialwithdrawal amount is $100. Unless you instruct us otherwise, withdrawals will be processed proportionally from the Contract Valuein all Allocation Options. Any applicable Surrender Charge, Interest Adjustment, and Equity Adjustment will affect the amountavailable for a partial withdrawal.
Wewill pay you the amount you request in connection with a partial withdrawal by reducing Contract Value in the Declared Rate Accountor the appropriate Risk Control Accounts.
Partialwithdrawals for less than $25,000 are permitted by telephone and in writing. The written consent of all Owners must be obtainedbefore we will process the partial withdrawal. If an Authorized Request in Good Order is received by 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, itwill be processed that day. If an Authorized Request in Good Order is received after 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, it will be processedon the next Business Day. If a partial withdrawal would cause your Surrender Value to be less than $2,000, we will treat yourrequest for partial withdrawal as a request for full surrender of your Contract. Before processing the full surrender, we willattempt to contact you or your financial professional to provide the opportunity for you to take a lower amount to maintain aSurrender Value of at least $2,000. If we are unable to contact you within one Business Day after receiving your request, we willprocess the full surrender.
Partialwithdrawals may be subject to Surrender Charges and an Interest Adjustment and may include an Equity Adjustment. See “Feesand Expenses”, “Equity Adjustment” and “Interest Adjustment.” Partial withdrawals may also be subjectto income tax and, if taken before age 59½, an additional 10% federal penalty tax. You should consult your tax adviserbefore taking a partial withdrawal. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount. Your Annual Free Withdrawal Amount is the amount that can be withdrawn without incurring a SurrenderCharge or Interest Adjustment in a Contract Year. The Annual Free Withdrawal Amount in the first Contract Year is 10% of the PurchasePayment less any withdrawal taken in that Contract Year. The Annual Free Withdrawal Amount in subsequent Contract Years is equalto 10% of the Contract Value as of the last Contract Anniversary less any withdrawals taken in the current Contract Year. Anyunused Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to the next Contract Year. Partial annuitization will count toward theAnnual Free Withdrawal Amount.
TheAnnual Free Withdrawal Amount is subtracted from surrenders for purposes of calculating the Surrender Charge.
SystematicWithdrawals. Reoccurring withdrawals are referred to as systematic withdrawals. If electedat the time of the application or requested at any other time by Authorized Request in Good Order, you may elect to receive periodicpartial withdrawals under our systematic withdrawal plan. Under the systematic withdrawal plan, we will make partial withdrawals(on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis), as specified by you. Systematic withdrawals must be at least $100 each.Generally, you must be at least age 59½ to participate in the systematic withdrawal plan. Systematic withdrawals may berequested on the following basis:
| ● | Total systematic withdrawals for the calendar year equal to your annual Required Minimum Distribution; or |
| ● | As a specified dollar amount |
NoSurrender Charge will be deducted for Required Minimum Distribution systematic withdrawals. Allother systematic withdrawals in excess of the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will be subject to Surrender Charges. Systematic withdrawals,including Required Minimum Distributions, could significantly reduce the Contract Value due to Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment,and Interest Adjustment, and the use of proportionate withdrawal calculations. The Contract may not be appropriate for investorswho plan to take systematic withdrawals under the Contract.
Unlessyou instruct us otherwise, systematic withdrawals will be taken proportionally from the Contract Value in each Allocation Option.
Participationin the systematic withdrawal plan will terminate on the earliest of the following events:
| ● | The Surrender Value falls below the minimum required value of $2,000; |
| ● | The contract is surrendered; |
| ● | You request by Authorized Request in Good Order that your participation in the plan cease; or |
| ● | The Income Payout Date is reached. |
Likeall withdrawals, systematic withdrawals will reduce the Death Benefit on a proportional basis, perhaps by more than the amountof the withdrawal, as well as the values under the Contract.
Thereare federal income tax consequences to partial withdrawals through the systematic withdrawal plan and you should consult withyour tax adviser before electing to participate in the plan. We may discontinue offering the systematic withdrawal plan at anytime.
Waiverof Surrender Charges. The following amounts may be withdrawn without incurring a SurrenderCharge:
| a) | Withdrawals under the Nursing Home or Hospital or Terminal Illness waiver, as described below; |
| b) | Refunds under the Right to Examine; |
| c) | Required Minimum Distributions that are withdrawn under the systematic withdrawal plan provided by us; |
| d) | The Annual Free Withdrawal Amount; |
| e) | Death Benefit proceeds; |
| f) | Amounts withdrawn after the first six Contract Years; |
| g) | Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option; and |
| h) | Transfers (including Flex Transfers). |
NursingHome or Hospital or Terminal Illness Waiver. Wewill waive the Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where the Owner or Annuitant qualifies for theNursing Home or Hospital or Terminal Illness waiver. Before granting the waiver, we may request a second opinion or examinationof the Owner or Annuitant by one of our examiners. We will bear the cost of such second opinion or examination. If there is aconflicting opinion between physicians, the Company’s physician will rule. Each waiver may be exercised only one time.
| ● | Nursing Home or Hospital Waiver. We will not deduct a Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where any Owner or Annuitant is confined to a licensed nursing home or hospital and has been confined to such nursing home or hospital for at least 180 consecutive days after the latter of the Contract Issue Date or the date of change of the Owner or Annuitant. A hospital refers to a facility that is licensed and operated as a hospital according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located. A nursing home refers to a facility that is licensed and operates as a nursing facility according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located. We require verification of confinement to the nursing home or hospital, and such verification must be signed by the administrator of the facility. |
| ● | Terminal Illness Waiver. We will not deduct a Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where any Owner or Annuitant has a life expectancy of 12 months or less due to illness or accident. As proof, we require a determination of the Terminal Illness. Such determination must be signed by the licensed physician making the determination after the latter of Contract Issue Date or the date of change of the Owner or Annuitant. The physician may not be a member of your or the Annuitant’s immediate family. |
AnAuthorized Request is required to exercise this privilege. Proof must be provided at the time of your request for partial withdrawalor full surrender under this privilege. If we deny your claim, the surrender or partial withdrawal proceeds will not be disburseduntil you are notified of the denial and provided with the opportunity to accept or reject the proceeds, which will be reducedby any Surrender Charges.
Thelaws of your state may limit the availability of the Surrender Charge waivers and may also change certain terms and/or benefitsunder the waivers. You should consult Appendix C to this Prospectus for further details on these variations. Even if you do notpay a Surrender Charge because of the waivers, you still may be required to pay taxes or tax penalties on the amount withdrawn.You should consult a tax adviser to determine the effect of a partial withdrawal on your taxes. Additionally, any applicable EquityAdjustment and Interest Adjustment will apply to amounts withdrawn under this Waiver and there may be a proportionate reductionin the Crediting Base and Death Benefit.
Surrenders
Youmay surrender your Contract for the Surrender Value at any time during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. If an AuthorizedRequest in Good Order is received before 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time on a Business Day, it will be processed that day. If an AuthorizedRequest in Good Order is received at or after 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time on a Business Day or on a non-Business Day, it will be processedon the next Business Day.
Tosurrender your Contract, you must make an Authorized Request in Good Order to our Administrative Office. The consent of all Ownersmust be obtained before the Contract is surrendered.
SurrenderCharges, an Equity Adjustment and an Interest Adjustment may apply to your Contract surrender. Instead of crediting interest toamounts surrendered prior to the end of the Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment, which may be positive or negative.A surrender may also be subject to income tax and, if taken before age 59½, an additional 10% federal penalty tax. Youshould consult a tax adviser before requesting a surrender. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
PartialWithdrawal and Surrender Restrictions
Yourright to make partial withdrawals and surrender the Contract is subject to any restrictions imposed by any applicable law or employeebenefit plan.
Rightto Defer Payments
Wereserve the right to postpone payment for up to six months after we receive your Authorized Request in Good Order, subject toobtaining prior written approval by the state insurance commissioner if required by the law of the state in which we issued theContract. In the event we postpone payment, we will pay interest on the proceeds if required by state law, calculated at the effectiveannual rate and for the time period required under state law.
DEATHBENEFIT
Deathof the Owner during the Accumulation Period
Ifthe Owner dies during the Accumulation Period (if there are Joint Owners, after the first Joint Owner dies), a Death Benefit willbecome payable to the Beneficiary. We will pay the Death Benefit after we receive the following at our Administrative Office ina form and manner satisfactory to us:
| ● | Proof of death of the Owner while the Contract is in force (proof of death may consist of a certified copy of the death record, a certified copy of a court decree reciting a finding of death or other similar proof); |
| ● | Our claim form from each Beneficiary, properly completed; and |
| ● | Any other documents we require. |
Ifthere is a surviving Joint Owner the surviving Joint Owner will be treated as the sole primary Beneficiary, and any other designatedBeneficiary will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary.
Thefollowing Death Benefit options are available:
OptionA: If the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving Spouse of the deceased Owner, the surviving Spouse may elect to continuethe Contract as the new Owner. This benefit may only be exercised one time. An individual who does not meet the definition ofSpouse may not be able to continue the Contract for that person’s lifetime. That individual must receive the proceeds ofthe Contract and any attached endorsements or riders within the time period specified in section 72(s) of the IRC.
OptionB: If the Beneficiary is a natural person, the Death Benefit proceeds will be applied in accordance with section 72(s) ofthe IRC under one of the Income Payout Options. The income payments must be made for the Beneficiary’s life or a periodnot extending beyond the Beneficiary’s life expectancy. Payments must commence within one year of the date of the Owner’sdeath.
OptionC: A Beneficiary may receive the Death Benefit proceeds in a single lump sum at any time within five years of the Owner’sdeath.
Unlessoption A is elected or payments under Option B commence within one year of the date of the Owner’s Death, the entire interestin the Contract will be paid under Option C.
Ifthere are multiple Beneficiaries, each Beneficiary will be able to elect to receive his or her share of the benefits under eitherOption B or Option C. If a Beneficiary does not make such an election, their share of the Death Benefit proceeds will bepaid under Option C. Until payment of the Death Benefit proceeds, the proceeds remain in the Contract. Death Benefit proceedswill be distributed 5 years from the Owner’s death or earlier if requested by the Beneficiary. Interest, if any, willbe paid on the Death Benefit proceeds under Option C as required by applicable state law. Other minimum distribution rules applyto Qualified Contracts.
Deathof the Annuitant during the Accumulation Period
Ifan Annuitant who is not an Owner dies during the Accumulation Period and there is a surviving Owner who is a natural person, thefollowing will occur:
| ● | If there is a surviving Joint Annuitant, the surviving Joint Annuitant will become the Annuitant. |
| ● | If there is no Joint Annuitant, the Owner(s) will become the Annuitant(s). |
Ifan Annuitant dies during the Accumulation Period and the Owner is a non-natural person, the following will occur:
| ● | The death of any Annuitant will be treated as the death of the Owner and Death Proceeds must be distributed in accordance with Death Benefit Options B or C. |
| ● | Unless payments under option B commence within one year of the date of death, the entire interest in the Contract will be paid in accordance with Death Benefit Option C. |
Paymentof Death Benefit Proceeds
TheDeath Benefit proceeds are payable upon our receipt of proof of death of the Owner (or Annuitant’s death if the Owner is anon-natural person), and proof of each Beneficiary’s interest. Proof of death may consist of a certified copy of the deathrecord, a certified copy of a court decree reciting a finding of death or other similar proof. Proof of each Beneficiary’sinterest includes the required documentation and proper instructions from each Beneficiary. If we receive proof of death before 4:00P.M. Eastern Time, we will determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of that day. If we receive proof of death at or after 4:00P.M. Eastern Time, we will determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of the next Business Day. The Death Benefit proceeds will bepaid within 7 days after our receipt of proof of death and proof of each Beneficiary’s interest.
Sofar as permitted by law, the Death Benefit proceeds will not be subject to any claim of the Beneficiary’s creditors.
TheDeath Benefit terminates on the earlier of the termination of the Contract, payment of the Death Benefit proceeds, or when theentire Contract is applied to an Income Payout Option.
Death Benefit Proceeds Amount
The amount that will be paid as Death Benefitproceeds during the Accumulation Period is equal to the greater of:
| a) | The current Contract Value on the date Death Benefit proceeds are payable, including any applicableEquity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment; or |
| b) | The Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals. |
Withdrawals will proportionally reducethe Purchase Payment by the ratio of the withdrawal to the Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal, which can resultin decreasing the Death Benefit by more than the amount of the withdrawal and that decrease can be significant. Withdrawals andFlex Transfers can also significantly reduce the Death Benefit because the Company calculates withdrawals and transfers on a proportionatebasis when determining values under the Contract that are used to determine the Death Benefit. Withdrawals include deductionsfor any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment.
If an Owner is added or changed, exceptin the case of spousal continuation, the amount that will be paid upon the death of the new Owner is equal to the Contract Valueon the date death benefit proceeds are payable, including any applicable Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment. There is noimpact on the Death Benefit if an Owner is removed.
Examplesof Death Benefit after a Withdrawal:
Example1. This example assumes the Contract Value is greater than the Purchase Payment at the time of the withdrawal.
Assumethe following information:
| ● | Purchase Payment = $100,000 |
| ● | Withdrawal (including Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment)= $20,000; no other withdrawals have been taken |
| ● | Contract Value at the time of withdrawal, including EquityAdjustments = $115,000 |
Step1: Calculate the Death Benefit that would be payable immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Paymentand Contract Value |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of $100,000 and $115,000= $115,000 |
Step2: Calculate ratio of the withdrawal to the Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Ratio = Withdrawal / (Contract Value immediately prior tothe withdrawal) |
| ● | Ratio = $20,000 / $115,000 = 0.173913 |
Step3: Calculate reduction to Purchase Payment:
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = Ratio x (Purchase Paymentprior to withdrawal) |
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = 0.173913 x $100,000 = $17,391.30 |
Step4: Calculate Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals:
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = Purchase Paymentprior to withdrawal – Reduction to Purchase Payment |
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = $100,000 –$17,391.30 = $82,608.70 |
Step 5: Calculate the Contract Value afterthe withdrawal:
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal– withdrawal |
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = $115,000 –$20,000 = $95,000 |
Step 6: Calculate the Death Benefit thatwould be payable immediately after the withdrawal
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Payment adjustedfor withdrawals and Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of $82,608.70 and $95,000= $95,000 |
| ● | The withdrawal of $20,000 reduced the Death Benefit payable by $20,000 (i.e., $115,000 - $95,000) |
Example2. This example assumes the Contract Value is less than the Purchase Payment at the time of the withdrawal.
Assumethe following information:
| ● | Purchase Payment = $100,000 |
| ● | Withdrawal (including Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment)= $20,000; no other withdrawals have been taken |
| ● | Contract Value at the time of withdrawal, including EquityAdjustments = $60,000 |
Step1: Calculate the Death Benefit that would be payable immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Paymentand Contract Value |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of $100,000 and $60,000= $100,000 |
Step2: Calculate ratio of the withdrawal to the Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Ratio = Withdrawal / (Contract Value immediately prior tothe withdrawal) |
| ● | Ratio = $20,000 / $60,000 = 0.3333333 |
Step3: Calculate reduction to Purchase Payment:
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = Ratio x (Purchase Paymentprior to withdrawal) |
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = 0.3333333 x $100,000 = $33,333.33 |
Step4: Calculate Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals:
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = Purchase Paymentprior to withdrawal – Reduction to Purchase Payment |
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = $100,000 –$33,333.33 = $66,666.67
|
Step 5: Calculate the Contract Valueafter the withdrawal:
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal– withdrawal |
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = $60,000 –$20,000 = $40,000 |
Step 6: Calculate the Death Benefit thatwould be payable immediately after the withdrawal
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Payment adjustedfor withdrawals and Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of $66,666.67 and $40,000= $66,666.67 |
| ● | The withdrawal of $20,000 reduced the Death Benefit payable by $33,333.33 (i.e., $100,000 - $66,666.67) |
As illustrated in Example 2, the Death Benefitcalculation may result in a reduction in the Death Benefit that is significantly larger than the withdrawal amount.
The Death Benefit amount will not be lessthan the amount required by state law in which the Contract was delivered. The Death Benefit proceeds include any interest paidon the Death Benefit proceeds as required by state law. Interest, if any, will be calculated at the rate and for the time periodrequired by state law. A Surrender Charge will not apply to Death Benefit proceeds.
Spousal Continuation
If the sole primary Beneficiaryis the surviving Spouse of the deceased Owner, the surviving Spouse may elect to continue the Contract at the current ContractValue. In this event, the surviving Spouse will assume ownership of the Contract. Spousal continuation may only be exercised onetime, and there is no impact on the Death Benefit.
Death of Owner or Annuitant After theIncome Payout Date
We must be notified immediately of the deathof an Annuitant or Owner. Proof of death will be required upon the death of an Annuitant or Owner. We are not responsible for anymisdirected payments that result from the failure to notify us of any such death.
If all Annuitants die before all of theguaranteed income payments have been made, remaining guaranteed income payments will be treated as the Death Benefit and will bedistributed in one of the following two ways:
| a) | Income payments will be continued during the remainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Owner;or |
| b) | The present value of the remaining income payments computed at the interest rate used to create theincome payout option in effect will be paid to the Owner. |
If all Annuitants die and there are no remainingguaranteed income payments, the contract is terminated, and we have no further obligation under the contract.
Ifan Owner dies during the Payout Period, any remaining income payments will be distributed to the Beneficiary at least as rapidlyas provided by the Income Payout Option in effect.
Intereston Death Benefit Proceeds
Interestwill be paid on lump sum Death Benefit proceeds if required by state law. Interest, if any, will be calculated at the rate andfor the time period required by state law.
AbandonedProperty Requirements
Everystate has unclaimed property laws which generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of threeto five years from the date the Death Benefit is due and payable. 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, or the Beneficiary does not come forward to claimthe Death Benefit in a timely manner, the Death Benefit will be paid to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property officeof the state in which the Beneficiary or you last resided, as shown on our books and records, or to our state of domicile. The“escheatment” is revocable, however, and the state is obligated to pay the Death Benefit (without interest) if yourBeneficiary steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation. To prevent such escheatment, it is important that you updateyour Beneficiary designations, including addresses, if and as they change. To make such changes, please contact us by writing tous or calling us at our Administrative Office.
INCOMEPAYMENTS – THE PAYOUT PERIOD
Income Payout Date
The anticipated Income Payout Date is thefirst Contract Anniversary after the oldest Annuitant’s 95th birthday. Even if the Annuitant is changed, the IncomePayout Date will not change unless you request a different Income Payout Date via Authorized Request.
Youmay change the Income Payout Date by sending an Authorized Request in Good Order to our Administrative Office provided: (i) therequest is made while an Owner is living; (ii) the request is received at our Administrative Office at least 30 days before theanticipated Income Payout Date; (iii) the requested Income Payout Date is at least two years after the Contract Issue Date; and(iv) the requested Income Payout Date is no later than the anticipated Income Payout Date as shown on your Contract Data Page.Any such change is subject to any maximum maturity Age restrictions that may be imposedby law.
PayoutPeriod
ThePayout Period is the period of time that begins on the Income Payout Date and continues until we make the last payment as providedby the Income Payout Option chosen. On the first day of the Payout Period, the Contract Value, including any applicableEquity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment, will be applied to the Income Payout Option youselected. See “Income Payout Options“ on page 49. A Surrender Charge willnot apply to proceeds applied to an Income Payout Option. You cannot change the Annuitant or Owner on or after the Income PayoutDate for any reason.
Terms of Income Payments
Weuse fixed rates of interest to determine the amount of fixed income payments payable under the Income Payout Options. Fixedincome payments are periodic payments from us to the Owner, the amount of which is fixed and guaranteed by us. The amount of eachpayment depends on the form and duration of the Income Payout Option chosen, the Age of the Annuitant, the gender of the Annuitant(if applicable), the amount applied to purchase the income payments and the applicable income purchase rates in the Contract. Theincome purchase rates in the Contract are based on a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1%. We may, in our discretion and on anon-discriminatory basis, make income payments in an amount based on a higher interest rate. Onceincome payments begin, you cannot change the terms or method of those payments. We do not apply a Surrender Charge or InterestAdjustment to income payments.
Wewill make the first income payment on the Income Payout Date. We may require proof of age and gender (if the Income Payout Optionrate is based on gender) of the Annuitant/Joint Annuitants before making the first income payment. To receive income payments,the Annuitant/Joint Annuitant must be living on the Income Payout Date and on the date that each subsequent payment is due as requiredby the terms of the Income Payout Option. We may require proof from time to time that this condition has been met.
INCOMEPAYOUT OPTIONS
The amount applied to an Income Payout Optionis equal to the Contract Value, including any applicable Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment, immediately prior to the commencementof the Payout Period less the amount of any premium taxes paid. To determine the Contract Value prior to the end of the InterestTerm, we apply an Equity Adjustment to the amounts applied to an Income Payout Option, which may be positive or negative, insteadof crediting interest. The Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment could significantly reduce the amount applied to an IncomePayout Option.
Election of an Income Payout Option
Youand/or the Beneficiary may elect to receive one of the Income Payout Options described under “Options” below. The IncomePayout Option and distribution, however, must satisfy the applicable distribution requirements of Section 72(s) or 401(a)(9) ofthe Internal Revenue Code, as applicable.
Theelection of an Income Payout Option must be made by Authorized Request. The election is irrevocable after the payments commence.The Owner may not assign or transfer any future payments under any option.
Wewill make income payments monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually for the Installment Option. Life Income and Joint and SurvivorLife Income options allow monthly income payments.
Youmay change your Income Payout Option any time before payments begin on the Income Payout Date.
Income Payout Options
Weoffer the following Income Payout Options described below. The frequency and duration of income payments will affect the amountyou receive with each payment. In general, if income payments are expected to be made over a longer period of time, theamount of each income payment will be less than the amount of each income payment if income payments are expected to be made overa shorter period of time. Similarly, more frequent income payments will result in the amount of each income payment being lowerthan if income payments were made less frequently for the same period of time. Additionally, electing an Income Payout Option couldsignificantly reduce the amount applied to the Income Option due to the Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment.
Option 1 – Installment Option.We will pay monthly income payments for a chosen number of years, not less than 10, nor more than 30. If the Annuitant dies beforeall income payments have been made for the chosen number of years, remaining guaranteed income payments will be treated as theDeath Benefit and will be distributed in one of the following two ways: a.) income payments will be continued for the remainderof the period to the Owner; or b.) the present value of the remaining income payments, computed at the interest rate used to createthe Option 1 rates, will be paid to the Owner.
Option 2 – Life Income Option –Guaranteed Period Certain. We will pay monthly income payments for as long as the Annuitant lives. If the Annuitant dies beforeall of the income payments have been made for the guaranteed period certain, remaining guaranteed income payments will be treatedas the Death Benefit and will be distributed in one of the following two ways: a.) income payments will be continued during theremainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Owner; or b.) the present value of the remaining income payments, computed atthe interest rate used to create the Option 2 rates, will be paid to the Owner. If a Guaranteed Period of 0 years is selected andthe Annuitant dies before the first income payment is made, no income payments will be made and the Death Benefit described inthe “DEATH BENEFIT – Death Benefit Proceeds Amount” on page 45 of this Prospectus will be paid.
The Guaranteed Period Certain choices are:
| ● | 0 years (life income only); |
Option 3 – Joint and Survivor LifeIncome Option – 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain. We will pay monthly income payments for as long as either of the Annuitantsis living. If at the death of the second surviving Annuitant, income payments have been made for less than 10 years, remainingguaranteed income payments will be treated as the Death Benefit and will be distributed in one of the following two ways: a) incomepayments will be continued during the remainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Owner; or b) the present value of the remainingincome payments, computed at the interest rate used to create the Option 3 rates, will be paid to the Owner.
Income payment(s) will be made to the Beneficiaryif there is no surviving Owner. If there is no surviving Owner or Beneficiary, income payment(s) will be made to the Owner’sestate.
Ifyou do not select an Income Payout Option, we will make monthly payments on the following basis, (unless the Internal Revenue Code(“IRC”) requires that we pay in some other manner in order for the Contract to qualify as an annuity or to comply withSection 401(a)(9) of the IRC, in which case we will comply with those requirements):
| ● | Income payments will be equal to the Contract Value, including any applicable Equity Adjustmentand Interest Adjustment, applied to the Life Income Option with 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain for Contracts with one Annuitantor the Joint and Survivor Life Income Option with 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain for Contracts with two Annuitants, as describedin Income Payout Options 2 and 3 above. |
| ● | Upon the death of all Annuitants, we will pay the Beneficiaryas described in Income Payout Options 2 and 3 above. |
The minimum amount which can be appliedunder all income payout options is the greater of $2,500 or the amount required to provide an initial monthly income payment of$20. We may require due proof of age and gender of any Annuitant on whose life an income payout option is based.
We allow partial annuitization. Partialannuitization will count toward the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount.
TheIncome Payout Options described above may not be offered in all states. Any state variations are described in Appendix Cto this Prospectus. Further, we may offer other Income Payout Options. More than one optionmay be elected. If your Contract is a Qualified Contract, not all options may satisfy required minimum distribution rules. In addition,note that effective for Qualified Contract Owners who die on or after January 1, 2020, subject to certain exceptions, most non-spousedesignated beneficiaries must now complete death benefit distributions within ten years of the Owner’s death in order tosatisfy required minimum distribution rules. You should consult a tax advisor before electing an Income Payout Option.
FEDERALINCOME TAX MATTERS
Thefollowing discussion is general in nature and is not intended as tax advice. Each person concerned should consult a competent taxadviser. No attempt is made to consider any applicable state or other income tax laws, any state and local estate or inheritancetax, or other tax consequences of ownership or receipt of distributions under a Contract.
Whenyou invest in an annuity contract, you usually do not pay taxes on your investment gains until you withdraw the money—generallyfor retirement purposes. If you invest in an annuity as part of an individual retirement plan, pension plan or employer-sponsoredretirement program, your contract is called a Qualified Contract. If your annuity is independent of any formal retirement or pensionplan, it is termed a Non-Qualified Contract. The tax rules applicable to Qualified Contracts vary according to the type of retirementplan and the terms and conditions of the plan. See “Non-Natural Person“below for a discussion of Non-Qualified Contracts owned by persons such as corporations and trusts that are not natural persons.
Tax Status of the Contracts
Taxlaw imposes several requirements that annuities must satisfy in order to receive the tax treatment normally accorded to annuitycontracts.
Required Distributions. Inorder to be treated as an annuity contract for Federal income tax purposes, Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code requiresany Non-Qualified Contract to contain certain provisions specifying how your interest in the Contract will be distributed in theevent of the death of an Owner of the Contract. Specifically, Section 72(s) requires that (i) if any Owner dies on or after theannuity starting date, but prior to the time the entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the entire interest in theContract will be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of such Owner’sdeath; and (ii) if any Owner dies prior to the annuity starting date, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed withinfive years after the date of such Owner’s death unless distributions are made over life or life expectancy, beginning withinone year of the death of the Owner. However, if the designated Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased Owner, the Contractmay be continued with the surviving spouse as the new Owner.
TheNon-Qualified Contracts contain provisions that are intended to comply with these Internal Revenue Code requirements, althoughno regulations interpreting these requirements have yet been issued. We intend to review such provisions and modify them if necessary,to assure that they comply with the applicable requirements when such requirements are clarified by regulation or otherwise.
Otherrules may apply to Qualified Contracts.
Taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts
Non-Natural Person. Ifa non-natural person (e.g., a corporation or a trust) owns a Non-Qualified Contract, the taxpayer generally must include in incomeany increase in the excess of the account value over the investment in the Contract (generally, the Purchase Payment or other considerationpaid for the Contract) during the taxable year. There are some exceptions to this rule and a prospective Owner that is a non-naturalperson should discuss these with a tax adviser.
The following discussion generally applies to Contracts owned by natural persons.
Withdrawals. Whena withdrawal from a Non-Qualified Contract occurs, the amount received will be treated as ordinary income subject to tax up toan amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Contract Value, without adjustment for any applicable Surrender Charge, immediatelybefore the distribution over the Owner’s investment in the Contract (generally, the Purchase Payment or other considerationpaid for the Contract, reduced by any amount previously distributed from the Contract that was not subject to tax) at that time.The Contract Value immediately before a withdrawal may have to be increased by any positive Interest Adjustment that results froma withdrawal. There is, however, no definitive guidance on the proper tax treatment of Interest Adjustments and you may want todiscuss the potential tax consequences of an Interest Adjustment with your tax adviser. In the case of a surrender under a Non-QualifiedContract, the amount received generally will be taxable only to the extent it exceeds the Owner’s investment in the Contract.
Inthe case of a withdrawal under a Qualified Contract, a ratable portion of the amount received is taxable, generally based on theratio of the “investment in the contract” to the individual’s total account balance or accrued benefit underthe retirement plan. The “investment in the contract” generally equals the amount of any non-deductible Purchase Paymentpaid by or on behalf of any individual. In many cases, the “investment in the contract” under a Qualified Contractcan be zero.
Additional Tax on Certain Withdrawals.In the case of a distribution from a Non-Qualified Contract and Qualified Contract,there may be an imposed federal additional tax equal to ten percent of the amount treated as income. In general, however, thereis no penalty on distributions if they are:
| | ● | made on or after the taxpayer reaches age 59½; |
| | ● | made on or after the death of an Owner; |
| | ● | attributable to the taxpayer’s becoming disabled; or |
| | ● | made as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the taxpayer. |
Otherexceptions may be applicable under certain circumstances and special rules may be applicable in connection with the exceptionsenumerated above. Additional exceptions may apply to distributions from a Qualified Contract. You should consult a qualified taxadviser.
Income Payments. Althoughtax consequences may vary depending on the payout option elected under an annuity contract, a portion of each income payment isgenerally not taxed and the remainder is taxed as ordinary income. The non-taxable portion of an income payment is generally determinedin a manner that is designed to allow you to recover your investment in the Contract ratably on a tax-free basis over the expectedstream of income payments, as determined when income payments start. Once your investment in the Contract has been fully recovered,however, the full amount of each income payment is subject to tax as ordinary income.
Partial Annuitization. Ifpart of an annuity contract’s value is applied to an annuity option that provides payments for one or more lives or for aperiod of at least ten years, those payments may be taxed as annuity payments instead of withdrawals. The payment options underthe Contract are intended to qualify for this “partial annuitization” treatment. Please consult a tax advisorif you are considering a partial annuitization.
Taxation of Death Benefit Proceeds.Amounts may be distributed from a Contract because of your death or the death of the Annuitant.Generally, such amounts are includible in the income of the recipient as follows: (i) if distributed in a lump sum, they are taxedin the same manner as surrender of the Contract, or (ii) if distributed under a payout option, they are taxed in the same way asincome payments.
Transfers,Assignments or Exchanges of the Contract. A transfer or assignment of ownership of the Contract, the designation of anAnnuitant other than the Owner, the selection of certain maturity dates, or the exchange of the Contract may result in certaintax consequences to you that are not discussed herein. An Owner contemplating any such transfer, assignment or exchange, shouldconsult a tax advisor as to the tax consequences.
Withholding. Annuitydistributions are generally subject to withholding for the recipient’s federal income tax liability. Recipients can generallyelect, however, not to have tax withheld from distributions. Certain limitations may apply that are not discussed herein. An Ownercontemplating an election not to have withholding should consult a tax advisor as to the tax consequences.
Multiple Contracts. AllNon-Qualified deferred annuity contracts that are issued by us (or our affiliates) to the same Owner during any calendar year aretreated as one annuity contract for purposes of determining the amount includible in such Owner’s income when a taxable distributionoccurs.
Further Information. Webelieve that the Contracts will qualify as annuity contracts for federal income tax purposes and the above discussion is basedon that assumption.
Taxation of Qualified Contracts
Thetax rules applicable to Qualified Contracts vary according to the type of retirement plan and the terms and conditions of the plan.Your rights under a Qualified Contract may be subject to the terms of the retirement plan itself, regardless of the terms of theQualified Contract. Adverse tax consequences may result if you do not ensure that contributions, distributions and other transactionswith respect to the Contract comply with the law. This Contract is available as a Qualified Contract as follows.
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs),as defined in Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code, permit individuals to make annual contributions of up to the lesser ofa specified dollar amount for the year or the amount of compensation includible in the individual’s gross income for theyear. The contributions may be deductible in whole or in part, depending on the individual’s income. Distributions from certainretirement plans may be “rolled over” into an IRA on a tax-deferred basis without regard to these limits. Amounts inthe IRA (other than nondeductible contributions) are taxed when distributed from the IRA. A 10% additional tax generally appliesto distributions made before age 59½, unless an exception applies. Distributions that are rolled over to an IRA within 60days are not immediately taxable, however only one such rollover is permitted each year. An individual can make only one rolloverfrom an IRA to another (or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs that are owned. The limit willapply by aggregating all of an individual’s IRAs, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs as well as traditional and Roth IRAs, effectivelytreating them as one IRA for purposes of the limit. This limit does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers or conversationto Roth IRAs.
Roth IRAs,as described in Internal Revenue Code Section 408A, permit certain eligible individuals to contribute to make non-deductible contributionsto a Roth IRA in cash or as a rollover or transfer from another Roth IRA or other IRA. A rollover from or conversion of an IRAto a Roth IRA is generally subject to tax and other special rules apply. The Owner may wish to consult a tax adviser before combiningany converted amounts with any other Roth IRA contributions, including any other conversion amounts from other tax years. Distributionsfrom a Roth IRA generally are not taxed, except that, once aggregate
distributions exceed contributions to the Roth IRA, incometax and a 10% additional tax may apply to distributions made (i) before age 59½ (subject to certain exceptions), or (ii)during the five taxable years starting with the year in which the first contribution is made to any Roth IRA. A 10% additionaltax may apply to amounts attributable to a conversion from an IRA if they are distributed during the five taxable years beginningwith the year in which the conversion was made. Distributions that are rolled over to an IRA within 60 days are not immediatelytaxable, however only one such rollover is permitted each year. An individual can make only one rollover from an IRA to another(or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs that are owned. The limit will apply by aggregatingall of an individual’s IRAs, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs as well as traditional and Roth IRAs, effectively treating themas one IRA for purposes of the limit. This limit does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers or conversions to Roth IRAs.
Other Tax Issues. QualifiedContracts have minimum distribution rules that govern the timing and amount of distributions. You should refer to your retirementplan, adoption agreement, or consult a tax adviser for more information about these distribution rules. Please note recent importantchanges to the required minimum distribution rules. Under IRAs and defined contribution retirement plans, most non-spouse beneficiarieswill no longer be able to satisfy these rules by “stretching” payouts over life. Instead, those beneficiaries willhave to take their after-death distributions within ten years. Certain exceptions apply to “eligible designated beneficiaries”which include disabled and chronically ill individuals. Individuals who are ten or less years younger than the deceased individualand children who have not reached the age of majority. This change applies to distributions to designated beneficiaries of individualswho die on and after January 1, 2020. Consult a tax advisor if you are affected by these new rules.
Distributionsfrom Qualified Contracts generally are subject to withholding for the Owner’s federal income tax liability. The withholdingrate varies according to the type of distribution and the Owner’s tax status. The Owner will be provided the opportunityto elect not have tax withheld from distributions. Certain limitations may apply.
Federal Estate Taxes, Gift and Generation-SkippingTransfer Taxes
Whileno attempt is being made to discuss in detail the Federal estate tax implications of the Contract, a purchaser should keep in mindthat the value of an annuity contract owned by a decedent and payable to a Beneficiary by virtue of surviving the decedent is includedin the decedent’s gross estate. Depending on the terms of the annuity contract, the value of the annuity included in thegross estate may be the value of the lump sum payment payable to the contingent Owner orthe actuarial value of the payments to be received by the Beneficiary. Consult an estate planning adviser for more information.
Under certain circumstances, the InternalRevenue Code may impose a “generation skipping transfer (“GST”) tax” when all or part of an annuity contractis transferred to, or a Death Benefit is paid to, an individual two or more generations younger than the Owner. Regulations issuedunder the Internal Revenue Code may require us to deduct the tax from your Contract, or from any applicable payment, and pay itdirectly to the IRS.
Thepotential application of these taxes underscores the importance of seeking guidance from a qualified adviser to help ensure thatyour estate plan adequately addresses your needs and those of your beneficiaries under all possible scenarios.
Medicare Tax
Distributionsfrom non-qualified annuity policies will be considered “investment income” for purposes of the Medicare tax on investmentincome. Thus, in certain circumstances, a 3.8% tax may be applied to some or all of the taxable portion of distributions (e.g.,earnings) to individuals whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Please consult a tax advisor for more information.
Same-Sex Spouses
TheContract provides that upon your death, a surviving Spouse may have certain continuation rights that he or she may elect to exercisefor the Contract’s Death Benefit and any joint-life coverage under an optional living benefit. All Contract provisions relatingto spousal continuation are available only to a person who meets the definition of “spouse” under federal law. TheU.S. Supreme Court has held that same-sex marriages must be permitted under state law and that marriages recognized under statelaw will be recognized for federal law purposes. Domestic partnerships and civil unions that are not recognized as legal marriagesunder state law, however, will not be treated as marriages under federal law. Consult a taxadviser for more information on this subject.
Annuity Purchases by Nonresident Aliensand Foreign Corporations
The discussion above provides general informationregarding U.S. federal income tax consequences to annuity purchasers that are U.S. citizens or residents. Purchasers that are notU.S. citizens or residents will generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax on taxable distributions from annuity contractsat a 30% rate unless a lower treaty rate applies. In addition, such purchasers may be subject to state and/or municipal taxes andtaxes that may be imposed by the purchaser’s country of citizenship or residence. Additional withholding may occur with respectto entity purchasers (including foreign corporations, partnerships and trusts) that are not U.S. residents. Prospective purchasersare advised to consult with a qualified tax adviser regarding U.S., state, and foreign taxation with respect to an annuity contractpurchase.
Possible Tax Law Changes
Althoughthe likelihood of legislative changes is uncertain, there is always the possibility that the tax treatment of the Contract couldchange by legislation or otherwise. Consult a tax adviser with respect to legislative developments and their effect on the Contract.
Wehave the right to modify the Contract in response to legislative changes that could otherwise diminish the favorable tax treatmentthat annuity contract owners currently receive. We make no guarantee regarding the tax status of the Contract and do not intendthe above discussion as tax advice.
OTHERINFORMATION
Important Information about the Indices
S&P 500 Index. The Contractis not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill companies, Inc. (“S&P”).S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Owners of the Contract or any member of the public regardingthe advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Contract particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 Indexto track general stock market performance. S&P’s only relationship to the Company is the licensing of certain trademarksand trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regardto the Company or the Contract. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the Owners of the Contract intoconsideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participatedin the determination of the prices and amount of the Contract or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Contract or in determinationor calculation of the equation by which the Contract is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connectionwith the administration, marketing or trading of the Contract.
S&PDOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, AND S&P SHALLHAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTSTO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANYDATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITYOR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITINGANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
TheS&P 500 Index is a stock market index based on the market capitalizations of 500 leading companies publicly traded in the U.S.stock market, as determined by Standard & Poor’s. The S&P 500 Index can go up or down based on the stock prices ofthe 500 companies that comprise the Index. The S&P 500 Index does not include dividends paid on the securities comprising theIndex and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities.
TheS&P 500 Index is a trademark of Standard & Poor’s or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by the Company.
BarclaysRisk Balanced Index. Neither Barclays Bank PLC (“BB PLC”) nor any of itsaffiliates (collectively ‘Barclays’) is the issuer or producer of TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity and Barclays hasno responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity. The Barclays Risk Balanced Index(the “Index”), together with any Barclays indices that are components of the Index, is a trademark owned by Barclaysand, together with any component indices and index data, is licensed for use by the Company as the issuer or producer of TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity (the “Issuer”).
Barclays’only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Index is the licensing of the Index, which is administered, compiled and publishedby BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the “Index Sponsor”) without regard to the Issuer or the TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity or investors in the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity. Additionally, the Company as issuer or producer TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Index in connection with TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity. Investors acquire TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity from the Company and investors neither acquire any interestin the Index nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment TruStage™ ZoneChoiceAnnuity. The TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes norepresentation regarding the advisability of the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity or use of the Index or any data included therein.Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, investors or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy ofthe Index or any data included therein.
BarclaysIndex Administration (“BINDA”), a distinct function within BB PLC, is responsible for day-to-day governance of BB PLC’sactivities as Index Sponsor.
Toprotect the integrity of Barclays’ indices, BB PLC has in place a control framework designed to identify and remove and/ormitigate (as appropriate) conflicts of interest. Within the control framework, BINDA has the following specific responsibilities:
| ● | oversight of any third party index calculation agent; |
| ● | acting as approvals body for index lifecycle events (index launch, change and retirement); and |
| ● | resolving unforeseen index calculation issues where discretion or interpretation may be required (forexample: upon the occurrence of market disruption events). |
Topromote the independence of BINDA, the function is operationally separate from BB PLC’s sales, trading and structuring desks,investment managers, and other business units that have, or may be perceived to have, interests that may conflict with the independenceor integrity of Barclays’ indices.
Notwithstandingthe foregoing, potential conflicts of interest exist as a consequence of BB PLC providing indices alongside its other businesses.Please note the following in relation to Barclays’ indices:
| ● | BB PLC may act in multiple capacities with respect to a particular index including, but not limitedto, functioning as index sponsor, index administrator, index owner and licensor. |
| ● | Sales, trading or structuring desks in BB PLC may launch products linked to the performance ofan index. These products are typically hedged by BB PLC’s trading desks. In hedging an index, a trading desk may purchaseor sell constituents of that index. These purchases or sales may affect the prices of the index constituents which could in turnaffect the level of that index. |
| ● | BB PLC may establish investment funds that track an index or otherwise use an index for portfolioor asset allocation decisions. |
TheIndex Sponsor is under no obligation to continue the administration, compilation and publication of the Index or the level of theIndex. While the Index Sponsor currently employs the methodology ascribed to the Index (and application of such methodology shallbe conclusive and binding), no assurance can be given that market, regulatory, juridical, financial, fiscal or other circumstances(including, but not limited to, any changes to or any suspension or termination of or any other events affecting any constituentwithin the Index) will not arise that would, in the view of the Index Sponsor, necessitate an adjustment, modification or changeof such methodology. In certain circumstances, the Index Sponsor may suspend or terminate the Index. The Index Sponsor has appointeda third-party agent (the “Index Calculation Agent”) to calculate and maintain the Index. While the Index Sponsor isresponsible for the operation of the Index, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the Index Calculation Agent.
Barclays
| 1. | makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Issuer or any member of the publicregarding the advisability of investing in transactions generally or the ability of the Index to track the performance of any marketor underlying assets or data; and |
| 2. | has no obligation to take the needs of the Issuer into consideration in administering, compilingor publishing the Index. |
Barclayshas no obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity.
Thelicensing agreement between the Company and BB PLC is solely for the benefit of the Company and Barclays and not for the benefitof the owners of the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity, investors or other third parties.
BARCLAYSDOES NOT GUARANTEE, AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE PURCHASERS AND TRADERS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF THE TRANSACTION OR TO THIRDPARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERYOF THE INDEX. BARCLAYS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITYOR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDICES, OR ANY DATA INCLUDEDTHEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL BARCLAYS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSTPROFITS, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES SAVE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PROHIBITEDBY LAW.
Noneof the information supplied by Barclays and used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior writtenpermission of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167. Registered office 1 Churchill Place LondonE14 5HP.
Anyreference to ‘Bloomberg Index Services Limited’ (including as abbreviated to ‘Bloomberg’) in their capacityas the index calculation agent must include the following:
Bloomberg Index ServicesLimited is the official index calculation and maintenance agent of the Index, an index owned and administered by Barclays. BloombergIndex Services Limited does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of the Index calculations or any data orinformation relating to the Index. Bloomberg Index Services Limited makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the Index or anydata or values relating thereto or results to be obtained therefrom, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantabilityand fitness for a particular purpose with respect thereto. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Bloomberg Index Services Limited,its affiliates, and all of their respective partners, employees, subcontractors, agents, suppliers and vendors (collectively, the“protected parties”) shall have no liability or responsibility, contingent or otherwise, for any injury or damages,whether caused by the negligence of a protected party or otherwise, arising in connection with the calculation of the Index orany data or values included therein or in connection therewith and shall not be liable for any lost profits, losses, punitive,incidental or consequential damages.
DimensionalUS Small Cap Value Systematic Index. TheDimensional US Small Cap Value Systematic Index (the “Index”) is sponsoredand published by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”). References to Dimensional include its respective directors,officers, employees, representatives, delegates or agents. The use of “Dimensional” in the name of the Index and therelated stylized mark(s) are service marks of Dimensional and have been licensed for use by TruStage. TruStage has entered intoa license agreement with Dimensional providing for the right to use the Index and related trademarks in connection with the TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity (the “Financial Product”). The Financial Product is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted byDimensional, and Dimensional makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in such Financial Product. Dimensionalhas no responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in the Financial Product, nor does Dimensional make any express orimplied warranties, including, but not limited to, any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or usewith respect to the Index, or as to results to be obtained by a Financial Product or any other person or entity from the use ofthe Index, trading based on the Index, the levels of the Index at any particular time on any particular date, or any data includedtherein, either in connection with the Financial Product or for any other use. Dimensional has no obligation or liability in connectionwith the administration, marketing or trading of the Financial Product. In certain circumstances, Dimensional may suspend or terminatethe Index. Dimensional has appointed a third-party agent (the “Index Calculation Agent”) to calculate and maintainthe Index. While Dimensional is responsible for the operation of the Index, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the IndexCalculation Agent. Dimensional does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the Index, or any data included thereinor the calculation thereof or any communications with respect thereto. Dimensional has no liability for any errors, omissions orinterruptions of the Index or in connection with its use. In no event shall Dimensional have any liability of whatever nature forany losses, damages, costs, claims and expenses (including any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (includinglost profits)) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages. Dimensionalhas provided TruStage with all material information related to the Index methodology and the maintenance, operation and calculationof the Index. Dimensional makes no representation with respect to the completeness of information related to the Index providedby TruStage in connection with the offer or sale of any Financial Product. Dimensional acts as principal and not as agent or fiduciaryof any other person. Dimensional has not published or approved this document, nor does Dimensional accept any responsibility forits contents or use.
Distribution of the Contract
Weoffer the Contract on a continuous basis. We have entered into a distribution agreement with our affiliate, CBSI, for the distributionof the Contract. MEMBERS Life Insurance Company and CBSI are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation.The principal business address of CBSI is 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677.
Weand CBSI enter into selling agreements with other broker-dealer firms (the “Selling Broker-Dealers”) registered underthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), who are members of the Financial Industry RegulatoryAuthority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Contracts are sold by registered representatives of the Selling Broker-Dealers (the “SellingAgents”). In those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold, the Selling Agents are licensed as insurance agents byapplicable state insurance authorities and appointed as agents of the Company. CBSI also offered securities to customers throughCBSI registered representatives until May 2022. Through an agreement between LPL Financial (“LPL”) and CBSI, the majorityof these former CBSI registered representatives, which primarily include employees of CBSI’s affiliates or the credit unionwhere their FINRA registered branch is located, registered with LPL. LPL is one of the Selling Broker-Dealers. CBSI receives compensationfrom LPL for sales by certain LPL registered representatives pursuant to networking agreements with various credit unions, LPLand CBSI.
Wepay CBSI and/or our affiliates pay the Selling Broker-Dealers compensation for the promotion and sale of the Contract. The SellingAgents who solicit sales of the Contract typically receive a portion of the compensation paid to the Selling Broker-Dealers inthe form of commissions or other compensation, depending on the agreement between the Selling Broker-Dealer and the Selling Agent.The amount and timing of commissions we may pay to Selling Broker-Dealers may vary depending on the selling agreement and the Contractsold but is not expected to be more than 7.25% of the Purchase Payment. We may also pay asset-based commission (sometimes calledtrail commissions) in addition to the Purchase Payment-based commission. We may pay or allow other promotional incentives or paymentsin the form of cash or other compensation to the extent permitted by FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations.
Wealso pay compensation to wholesaling broker-dealers or other firms or intermediaries, including payments to affiliates of ours,in return for wholesaling services such as providing marketing and sales support, product training and administrative servicesto the Selling Agents of the Selling Broker-Dealers. These allowances may be based on a percentage of the Purchase Payment.
Inaddition to the compensation described above, we may make additional cash payments, in certain circumstances referred to as “override”compensation or reimbursements to Selling Broker-Dealers in recognition of their marketing and distribution, transaction processingand/or administrative services support. These payments are not offered to all Selling Broker-Dealers, and the terms of any particularagreement governing the payments may vary among Selling Broker-Dealers depending on, among other things, the level and type ofmarketing and distribution support provided. Marketing and distribution support services may include, among other services, placementof the Company’s products on the Selling Broker-Dealers’ preferred or recommended list, increased access to the SellingBroker-Dealers’ registered representatives for purposes of promoting sales of our products, assistance in training and educationof the Selling Agents, and opportunities for us to participate in sales conferences and educational seminars. The payments or reimbursementsmay be calculated as a percentage of the particular Selling Broker-Dealer’s actual or expected aggregate sales of our annuitycontracts (including the Contract) and/or may be a fixed dollar amount. Broker-dealers receiving these additional payments maypass on some or all of the payments to the Selling Agent.
Youshould ask your Selling Agent for further information about what commissions or other compensation he or she, or the Selling Broker-Dealerfor which he or she works, may receive in connection with your purchase of a Contract.
Commissionsand other incentives or payments described above are not charged directly to you. We intend to recover commissions and other compensation,marketing, administrative and other expenses and costs of Contract benefits through the fees and charges imposed under the Contract.
Business Disruption and Cyber-SecurityRisks
We rely heavily on interconnected computersystems and digital data to conduct our index-linked product business activities. Because our index-linked product business ishighly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of our business partners, our business is vulnerableto disruptions from utility outages, and susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from information systemsfailure (e.g., hardware and software malfunctions), and cyber-attacks. These risks include, among other things, the theft, misuse,corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, interference with or denial of service, attacks on websitesand other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential Owner information. Such systems failures and cyber-attacksaffecting us, CBSI and intermediaries may adversely affect us and your Contract Value. For instance, systems failures and cyber-attacksmay interfere with our processing of Contract transactions, including the processing of orders, impact our ability to calculateContract Value, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential customer or business information, impede order processing,subject us and/or CBSI and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The risk ofcyber-attacks may be higher during periods of geopolitical turmoil (such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the responses bythe United States and other governments). There can be no assurance that we, CBSI or intermediaries will avoid losses affectingyour Contract due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.
Authority to Change
Onlythe President or Secretary of the Company may change or waive any of the terms of your Contract. Any change must be in writingand signed by the President or Secretary of the Company. You will be notified of any such change, as required by law.
Incontestability
Weconsider all statements in your application (in the absence of fraud) to be representations and not warranties. We will not contestyour Contract.
Misstatement of Age or Gender
Ifan Annuitant’s date of birth is misstated, we will adjust the income Payments under the Contract to be equal to the payoutamount the Contract Value would have purchased based on the individuals correct date of birth. If an Annuitant’s gender hasbeen misstated, and the life income rate type is based on gender, we will adjust the income payments under the Contract to be equalto the payout amount the Contract Value would have purchased based on the Annuitant’s correct gender. We will add any underpaymentsto the next payment. We will subtract any overpayment from future payments. We will not credit or charge any interest to any underpaymentor overpayment.
Conformity with Applicable Laws
Theprovisions of the Contract conform to the minimum requirements of the state in which the Contract is delivered (i.e., the “stateof issue”). The laws of the state of issue control any conflicting laws of any other state in which the Owner may live onor after the Contract Issue Date. If any provision of your Contract is determined not to provide the minimum benefits requiredby the state in which the Contract is issued, such provision will be deemed to be amended to conform or comply with such laws orregulations. Further, the Company will amend the Contract to comply with any changes in law governing the Contract or the taxationof benefits under the Contract.
Reports to Owners
Atleast annually, we will mail a report to you at your last known address of record, a report that will state the beginning and enddates for the current report period; your Contract Value at the beginning and end of the current report period; the amounts thathave been credited and debited to your Contract Value during the current report period, identified by the type of activity theamount represents; the Surrender Value at the end of the current report period; and any other information required by any applicablelaw or regulation.
Youalso will receive confirmations of each financial transaction, such as transfers, withdrawals, and surrenders.
Householding
To reduce service expenses, the Companymay send only one copy of certain mailings and reports per household, regardless of the number of contract owners at the household.However, you may obtain additional copies upon request to the Company. If you have questions, please call us at 1-800-798-5500,Monday through Friday, 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Central Time.
Change of Address
Youmay change your address by writing to us at our Administrative Office. If you change your address, we will send a confirmationof the address change to both your old and new addresses.
Inquiries
Youmay make inquiries regarding your Contract by writing to us or calling us at our Administrative Office.
CORPORATEHISTORY OF THE COMPANY
Weare a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CMFG Life”) and a direct wholly-owned subsidiaryof CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation (“CMIC”). We were formed by CMFG Life on February 27, 1976, as a stock life insurancecompany under the laws of the State of Wisconsin for the purpose of writing credit disability insurance. The original name of theCompany was CUDIS Insurance Society, Inc. On August 3, 1989, the Company’s name changed to CUMIS Life Insurance, Inc., andwas subsequently changed to its current name on January 1, 1993. League Life Insurance Company (Michigan) merged into the Companyon January 1, 1992 in connection with the concurrent merger of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (Texas) into the Company. We re-domiciledfrom Wisconsin to Iowa on May 3, 2007. On February 17, 2012, we amended and restated our Articles of Incorporation to change ourpurpose to be the writing of any and all of the lines of insurance and annuity business authorized by Iowa Code Chapter 508 andany other line of insurance or annuity business authorized by the laws of the State of Iowa. Currently, we have no employees.
CMFGLife is a stock insurance company organized on May 20, 1935 and domiciled in Iowa. CMFG Life is one of the world’s largestdirect underwriters of credit life and disability insurance and is a major provider of qualified pension products to credit unions.Further, CMFG Life and its affiliated companies currently offer deferred and immediate annuities, individual term and permanentlife insurance, and accident and health insurance. In 2012, CMFG Life was reorganized as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TruStageFinancial Group, Inc. (f/k/a CUNA Mutual Financial Group, Inc.), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Holding Company(“CM Holding”), a mutual holding company organized under the laws of the State of Iowa.
In August 2013, the Company began issuing an Index-Linked Annuity Contract under thename “MEMBERS® Zone Annuity”. In July 2016, the Company began issuing a flexible premium variable andindex-linked annuity contract under “MEMBERS® Horizon Variable Annuity”. In December 2018, the Companybegan issuing a flexible premium variable and index-linked annuity contract under “MEMBERS® Horizon II FlexiblePremium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity”. In August 2019, the Company began issuing a single premium deferredindex annuity under the name “CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income
Annuity.” In July 2021, the Company began issuing a singlepremium deferred annuity with index-linked interest options under the name “CUNA MutualGroup ZoneChoice™ Annuity”. Effective May 1, 2023, the MEMBERS®Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity, CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income Annuity, and CUNAMutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity were renamed the TruStage™Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity, TruStage™Zone Income Annuity, and TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity,respectively. These annuity contracts account for all the new product sales of theCompany. The Company also serves previously existing blocks of individual and group life policies.
CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations.We have entered into a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement for the administration of ourbusiness pursuant to which CMFG Life performs certain administrative functions related to agent licensing, payment of commissions,actuarial services, annuity policy issuance and service, accounting and financial compliance, market conduct, general and informationalservices and marketing as well as share certain resources and personnel with us; and pursuant to which CMFG Life provides us withcertain procurement, disbursement, billing and collection services.
Youmay write us at 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677-9202, or call us at 1-800-798-5500.
Weshare office space with our indirect parent, CMFG Life. CMFG Life occupies office space in Madison, Wisconsin and Waverly, Iowathat is owned by CMFG Life. Expenses associated with the facilities are allocated to us through the Amended and Restated ExpenseSharing Agreement that we entered into with CMFG Life on January 1, 2015.
Financial Information
Our financial statements have been preparedin accordance with the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance regulatory authorities in the Company’sstate of domicile.
Investments
Ourinvestment portfolio consists primarily of fixed income securities.
Reinsurance
We reinsure our life insurance exposurewith an affiliated insurance company under a traditional indemnity reinsurance arrangement. Weentered into a Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life in 2012. Under this agreement, we agreed to cede 95% of all insurance in forceas of October 31, 2012 to CMFG Life. On September 30, 2015, we amended the Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life and now cede 100%of our insurance policies in force to CMFG Life. In 2013, we entered into a second agreement to cede 100% of the business relatedto MEMBERS® Zone Annuity contracts to CMFG Life. On November 1, 2015, we entered into a Coinsurance and ModifiedCoinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of the business related to MEMBERS® Horizon Flexible Premium DeferredVariable and Index Linked Annuity contracts. On October 15, 2018, we amended the Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreementwith CMFG Life to cede 100% of the business related to MEMBERS® Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable andIndex Linked Annuity contracts. Effective January 1, 2019 an Amended and Restated Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreementwith CMFG Life ceding 100% of the business relating to the MEMBERS Zone Annuity contracts, the MEMBERS Horizon Flexible PremiumDeferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity contracts, the MEMBERS Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index LinkedAnnuity contracts and the CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income™ Annuity Contracts was put in place. This Amended and Restated Coinsuranceand Modified Coinsurance Agreement replaced all prior reinsurance agreements relating to the variable and index-linked annuitycontracts issued by the Company. These agreements do not relieve us of our obligations to our policyholders under contracts coveredby these agreements. However, they do transfer all of the Company’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and requireCMFG Life to indemnify the Company for all of its liabilities.
Policy Liabilities and Accruals
Theapplicable accounting standards and state insurance laws under which we operate require that we record policy liabilities to meetthe future obligations associated with all of our outstanding policies.
POTENTIALRISK FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND OUR FUTURE RESULTS
Risks Related to Global Capital Markets,Economy, Competition, and Events Outside Our Control
We are vulnerable to market uncertaintyand financial instability. Conditions in the global capital markets and economy could deteriorate in the near future and affectour financial position and our level of earnings from our operations.
Marketsin the United States and elsewhere are subject to volatility and disruption. Factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, civilunrest, availability and cost of credit, geopolitical issues and trade disputes have contributed to increased volatility in worldwidecapital and equity markets. These global factors also could impact business and consumer confidence and may lead to economic uncertainty,stay-at-home orders, and business shutdowns, thereby causing a slowdown in economic activity. Changes in interest rates and creditspreads could result in fluctuations in the income derived from our investments and could cause a material adverse effect on ourbusiness, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. General economic conditions could also adversely affect theCompany by impacting consumer by driving decreased demand for the Company’s products. For example, holders of interest-sensitivelife insurance and annuity products may engage in an elevated level of discretionary withdrawals of contract-holder funds, whichwould adversely affect our business.
Anyeconomic downturn or market disruption could negatively impact our ability to invest our funds. Specifically:
| | ● | ourinvestment portfolio could incur other-than-temporary impairments; |
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| | ● | due topotential downgrades in our investment portfolio, we could be required to raise additional capital to sustain our current businessin force and new sales of our annuity products, which may be difficult in a distressed market. If capital would be available,it may be at terms that are not favorable to us; or |
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| | ● | our liquiditycould be negatively affected. The principal sources of our liquidity are monthly settlements under the coinsurance agreementswith CMFG Life, annuity deposits, investment income, proceeds from the sale, maturity and call of investments and capital contributionsfrom CMFG Life. Without sufficient liquidity to pay our policyholder benefits and operating expenses, we could be forced to furtherlimit our operations, and our business could suffer. |
Events outside of our control maynegatively affect our business continuity, results of operations and financial performance.
The occurrence of a disaster, such as anatural catastrophe, pandemic, industrial accident, blackout, terrorist attack, war, cyberattack, computer virus, insider threat,unanticipated problems with our disaster recovery processes, a support failure from external providers or other events outsideof our control, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financialcondition, particularly if those events affects our computer-based data processing transmission, storage, and retrieval systemsor destroy data. If a significant number of employees were unavailable in the event of a disaster, our ability to effectively conductbusiness could be severely compromised. Our systems are also subject to compromise from internal threats. In addition to disruptionsto our operations, period of market volatility may occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of our control.
Thefailure to understand and respond effectively to the risks associated with global climate change could adversely affect our achievementof our long-term strategy.
Global climate change could pose a systemicrisk to the financial system. Global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of weather-related disasters andpandemics. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming could impact global investment asset valuations.There is also a risk that some asset sectors could face significantly higher costs and an adjustment to asset values leading toan adverse impact on the value and future performance of investment assets as a result of global climate change and regulatoryor other responses, including changing preferences of investment managers and investors and their evaluation of associated risk.Climate change could also impact other counterparties, including reinsurers and derivatives counterparties. A failure to identifyand address these global climate issues could cause a material adverse effect on the achievement of our business objectives.
The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic,development of variant strains of the virus, and actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the continued pandemicmay adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We continue to closely monitor developmentsrelated to COVID-19. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, results of operations, financial conditionand cash flows will depend on future developments, which remain uncertain, including the efficacy of vaccines and effective long-termtreatments against variant strains of COVID-19. We are also unable to predict the duration and effectiveness of governmental andregulatory actions taken to contain the variant strains or the impact of future laws, regulations or restrictions on our business.These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.
We operate in a highly competitiveindustry, which may impair our ability to attract new customers and impair our ability to retain customers, which could impactprofitability and financial strength.
Weface competition from companies that are substantially larger and enjoy substantially greater financial resources, claims-payingability and financial strength, broader and more diversified product lines and more widespread distribution relationships. Ourannuity products compete with fixed indexed, traditional fixed rate and variable annuities (and combinations thereof) sold by otherinsurance companies and also with mutual fund products, traditional bank investments and other investment and retirement fundingalternatives offered by asset managers, banks and broker-dealers. Our annuity products also compete with products of other insurancecompanies, financial intermediaries and other institutions based on a number of factors, including crediting rates, policy termsand conditions, services provided to distribution channels and policyholders, ratings, reputation and distribution compensation.
Ourability to compete will depend in part on the performance of our products. We will not be able to accumulate and retain assetsunder management for our products if our products underperform the market or the competition, since such underperformance likelywould result in asset withdrawals and reduced sales.
Wecompete for distribution sources for our products. Our distributors will generally be free to sell products from whichever providersthey wish, which makes it important for us to continually offer distributors products and services they find attractive. If ourproducts or services fall short of distributors’ needs, we may not be able to establish and maintain satisfactory relationshipswith distributors of our annuity products. Our ability to compete will also depend in part on our ability to develop innovativenew products and bring them to market more quickly than our competitors. In order for us to compete in the future, we will needto continue to bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion. Otherwise, our revenues and profitability could suffer.
The loss of key executives could disruptour operations.
Oursuccess depends in part on the continued service of key executives within our Company and CMFG Life’s ability to attractand retain additional executives and employees. The loss of key executives or CMFG
Life’s inability to recruit and retainadditional qualified personnel could cause disruption in our business and prevent us from fully implementing our business strategies,which could materially and adversely affect our business, growth and profitability.
Risks Related to Regulation
Our business is heavily regulated,which impacts our profitability and growth.
Our business is subject to extensive andpotentially conflicting state and federal tax, securities, insurance and employee benefit plan laws and regulations in the jurisdictionsin which we operate. These laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which could have an unknown or adverse impacton us. Moreover, these laws and regulations are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental and self-regulatoryauthorities, including state insurance regulators, state securities administrators, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission(“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, banking regulators, the U.S. Department of Labor, the UnitedStates Department of Justice, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and state attorneys general, each of which exercises a degreeof interpretive latitude. We are also subject to the laws and regulations from state insurance regulators and the National Associationof Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), who regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurancecompanies and their products. In some cases, these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests of a specificconstituency rather than a range of constituencies. In many respects, these laws and regulations limit our ability to grow andimprove the profitability of our business.
Governmental initiatives intendedto improve global and local economies may not be effective and may be accompanied by other initiatives that could materially affectour results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in ways that we cannot predict.
Regulatoryauthorities are or may in the future consider enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future crises or otherwiseassure the stability of institutions under their supervision. These authorities may also seek to exercise their supervisory orenforcement authority in new or more robust ways. All of these possibilities, if they occurred, could affect the way we conductour business and manage our capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements, any of which in turn could materiallyaffect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
The application of, or changes in, stateand federal regulation and oversight may affect our profitability.
Weare subject to regulation under applicable insurance statutes, including insurance holding company statutes, in the various statesin which we transact business. Insurance regulation is intended to provide safeguards for policyholders rather than to protectshareholders of insurance companies or their holding companies. A failure to meet these requirements could subject us to furtherexamination or corrective action imposed by insurance regulators, including limitations on our ability to write additional business,increased regulatory supervision, or seizure or liquidation.
Regulatorsoversee matters relating to trade practices, policy forms, claims practices, guaranty funds, types and amounts of investments,reserve adequacy, insurer solvency, minimum amounts of capital and surplus, transactions with related parties, changes in controland payment of dividends.
Stateinsurance regulators and the NAIC continually reexamine existing laws and regulations and may impose changes in the future.
Weare subject to the NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements which are intended to be used by insurance regulators as an earlywarning tool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action.We also may be required, under solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which we do business, to pay assessments up to certainprescribed limits to fund policyholder
losses or liabilities for insolvent insurance companies. A failure to meet these requirementscould subject us to further examination or corrective action imposed by insurance regulators, including limitations on our abilityto write additional business, increased regulatory supervision, or seizure or liquidation.
Federallegislation and administrative policies in several areas, including pension regulation, anti-discrimination regulation, financialservices regulation, securities regulation and federal taxation, significantly affect the insurance business.
For example, the Dodd-Frank Wall StreetReform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) enacted in July 2010 made sweeping changes to the regulation of financialservices entities, products and markets.
Among other things, Dodd-Frank imposes acomprehensive regulatory regime on the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives marketplace and grants joint regulatoryauthority to the SEC and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) over OTC derivatives. As a result,certain of the Company’s derivatives operations are subject to, among other things, recordkeeping, reporting and documentationrequirements and clearing requirements for certain swap transactions (currently, certain interest rate swaps and index-based creditdefault swaps; cleared swaps require the posting of margin to a clearinghouse via a futures commission merchant and, in some case,to the futures commission merchant as well).
In addition, in the latter part of 2015,U.S. federal banking regulators and the CFTC adopted regulations that require swap dealers, security-based swap dealers, majorswap participants and major security-based swap participants (“Swap Entities”) to post margin to, and collect marginfrom, their OTC swap counterparties (the “Margin Rules”). The Margin Rules imposed phased-in requirements for the Companyto exchange variation margin and initial margin with its derivatives counterparties that are Swap Entities.
Dodd-Frank also established various oversightregimes that impact our business:
| ● | The Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) under the U.S. Treasury Department is authorizedto, among other things, (1) monitor all aspects of the insurance industry and of lines of business other than certain health insurance,certain long-term care insurance and crop insurance and (2) recommend changes to the state system of insurance regulation to theU.S. Congress. The FIO was required to issue several reports to Congress on the insurance industry, most notably, (i) a reporton “how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States”, and (ii) a report on “thebreadth and scope of the global reinsurance market and the critical role such market plays in supporting insurance in the UnitedStates.” |
| ● | The Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”) is charged with identifyingrisks to the financial stability of the U.S. financial markets, promoting market discipline, and responding to emerging threatsto the stability of the U.S. financial markets. The FSOC is empowered to make recommendations to primary financial regulatory agenciesregarding the application of new or heightened standards and safeguards for financial activities or practices, and certain participationin such activities, that threaten the stability of the U.S. financial markets. In addition, the FSOC is authorized to determinewhether an insurance company is a systematically important financial institution (“SIFI”) and to recommend that itshould be subject to enhanced prudential standards and to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.The Company’s assets, liabilities and operations do not currently satisfy the financial thresholds that serve as the firststep of the three-stage process to designate a non-bank financial company as a SIFI. While it is unlikely that FSOC will be designatingadditional non-bank financial companies as systematically significant, there can be no assurance of that it will not do so in thefuture. |
| ● | Title II of Dodd-Frank provides that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”),under certain circumstances, may be appointed receiver of a “covered financial company,” which could include an insurancecompany, for purposes of liquidating such company. This would apply to insurance companies in a limited context, where the relevantstate insurance regulator has failed to act within 60 days after a determination has been made to subject the insurance companyto the FDIC’s orderly liquidation authority, and resolution by the FDIC would be in accordance with state insurance law.The uncertainty about regulatory requirements could influence the Company’s product line or other business decisions withrespect to some product lines. |
| ● | The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) is an independent division of theDepartment of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, butexcluding investment products already regulated by the SEC or the CFTC. The CFPB has supervisory authority over certain non-bankswhose activities or products it determines pose risks to consumers. |
In addition to promulgating rules that couldimpose compliance obligations on the Company, the CFPB continues to bring enforcement actions involving a growing number of issues,including actions brought jointly with state Attorneys General, which could directly or indirectly affect the Company. Additionally,the CFPB is exploring the possibility of helping Americans manage their retirement savings and is considering the extent of itsauthority in that area.
Many of the Dodd-Frank’s requirementscould have adverse consequences for the financial services industry, including for the Company. Dodd-Frank could make it more expensivefor the Company to conduct business, require the Company to make changes to its business model, or satisfy increased capital requirements.
Other regulatory requirements may indirectlyimpact us. For example, non-U.S. counterparties of the Company may also be subject to non-U.S. regulation of their derivativestransactions with the Company. In addition, counterparties regulated by the Prudential Regulators (which consist of the Officeof the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC, the Farm Credit Administration,and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) are subject to liquidity, leverage and capital requirements that impact their derivativestransactions with the Company. Collectively, these new requirements have increased the direct and indirect costs of our derivativesactivities and may further increase them in the future.
Changes in state laws and federallaws regarding fiduciary/best interest standards may affect the Company’s operations and profitability.
The salesof our insurance products could also be adversely affected to the extent that some or all of the firms that distribute our productsface heightened regulatory scrutiny, increased regulation and potentially heightened litigation risks that cause them to de-emphasizesales of the types of products issued by us.
The SEC adopted RegulationBest Interest (“Regulation BI”), which generally went effective on June 30, 2020. Among other things, Regulation BIimposes a standard of care on broker-dealers making recommendations to their customers of securities transactions. The changesunder Regulation BI could increase our overall compliance costs. In addition, these changes may lead to greater exposure to legalclaims in certain circumstances, including an increased risk of regulatory enforcement actions or potentially private claims. Itremains unclear whether or to what extent Regulation BI, and the evolving nature of the enforcement and interpretation of the rulesby the SEC, could ultimately affect distribution partners’ willingness to recommend our insurance products.
Various statesare also developing rules raising the standard of care owed by insurance agents to their customers. For example, in February 2020,the NAIC adopted a model rule requiring a “best interest” standard of care in connection with sales of annuity products.Some state insurance regulators have adopted the NAIC model, or their own regulations that may impose similar obligations as theNAIC’s model. As a result, as this or similar changes are adopted by our state insurance regulator(s) and made applicableto us or the third-party firms that distribute our products, they could have an adverse impact on our business.
Changes in federal income taxation lawsmay affect sales of our products and profitability.
Theannuity products that we market generally provide the policyholder with certain federal income tax advantages. For example, federalincome taxation on any increases in non-qualified annuity contract values (i.e., the “inside build-up”) is deferreduntil it is received by the policyholder. With other savings and investments, such as certificates of deposit and taxable bonds,the increase in value is generally taxed each year as it is earned.
Fromtime to time, various tax law changes have been proposed that could have an adverse effect on our business, including the eliminationof all or a portion of the income tax advantages for annuities. If legislation were enacted to eliminate the tax deferral for annuities,such a change may have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities. Non-qualified annuities are annuitiesthat are not sold to a qualified retirement plan.
Distributionsfrom non-qualified annuity policies have been considered “investment income” for purposes of the Medicare tax on investmentincome contained in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. As a result, in certain circumstances, a 3.8% tax(“Medicare Tax”) may be applied to some or all of the taxable portion of distributions from non-qualified annuitiesto individuals whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts. This new tax may have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualifiedannuities to individuals whose income exceeds these threshold amounts and could accelerate withdrawals due to this additional tax.The constitutionality of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 is currently the subject of multiple litigationactions initiated by various state attorneys general, and the Act is also the subject of several proposals in the U.S. Congressfor amendment and/or repeal. The outcome of such litigation and legislative action as it relates to the 3.8% Medicare Tax is unknownat this time.
Risks Related to Regulatory Investigationsand Litigation
We face risks relating to legal andregulatory investigations and litigation, which may adversely impact our business.
Wemay become involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff, relating to claims arising out of our operations inthe normal course of business. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, the Departmentof Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations of companies in the annuitybusiness concerning compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee Retirement Income SecurityAct of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. Companies in the annuity business have faced litigation,including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similar claims. Litigation andactions, inquiries and investigations by governmental authorities and regulators are inherently unpredictable, and a substantiallegal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditionor results of operations, including requiring significant time and expense. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in any litigationor any action or investigation by governmental authorities or regulators, we could suffer significant reputational harm.
MANAGEMENT’SDISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’sDiscussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reviews our financial condition at December 31, 2022 andDecember 31, 2021; our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020; and where appropriate, factorsthat may affect future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our statutory basis financialstatements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The dollar amounts disclosed in this Management’s Discussionand Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are in thousands.
Thefollowing discussion covers the year ended December 31, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2021. Please see the discussion that followsfor a more detailed analysis of the fluctuations. Our comparative analysis of 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 is includedunder the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” inour Form S-1 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on April 6, 2022.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-LookingInformation
Allstatements, trend analyses and other information contained in this Prospectus and elsewhere (such as in press releases, presentationsby us, our immediate parent, CMIC, or CUNA Mutual Holding Company (“CM Holding”), our management or oral statements)relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including wordssuch as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”,and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these statements may vary fromactual results and the differences between these statements and actual results can be material. Accordingly, the Company cannotassure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factorsthat could contribute to these differences include, among other things:
| | ● | generaleconomic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance whichmay affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associatedtherewith, the fair value of our investments, which could result in other than temporary impairments, and the lapse rate and profitabilityof policies; |
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| | ● | customerresponse to new products and marketing initiatives; |
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| | ● | changesin the Federal income tax laws and regulations that may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products; |
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| | ● | increasingcompetition in the sale of annuities; |
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| | ● | regulatorychanges or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) bank and creditunion sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products; and |
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| | ● | the riskfactors or uncertainties disclosed in this Prospectus. |
Fora detailed discussion of these and other factors that might affect our performance see the section entitled “Potential RiskFactors That May Affect Our Business and Our Future Results.”
Overview
TheCompany is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of CMIC. The Company’s ultimate parent is CM Holding, a mutual insurance holdingcompany organized under the laws of Iowa. On February 17, 2012, the Company amended and restated the Company’s Articles ofIncorporation to change the Company’s purpose to be the writing of any and all of the lines of insurance and annuity businessauthorized by Iowa Code Chapter 508 as authorized by the laws of the State of Iowa.
TheCompany is authorized to sell life, health and annuity policies in all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, exceptNew York. All life and health premiums of the Company are generated in the United States with a significant portion in Texas, Michigan,Georgia, California, Florida and Pennsylvania. No other state represents more than 5% of the Company’s premiums for any yearin the three years ended December 31, 2022. All annuity premium deposits of the Company are received in the United States witha significant portion in Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin and Michigan. No other state represents morethan 5% of the Company’s premium deposits for any year in the three years ended December 31, 2022. Premiums for life andhealth products are related to the Company’s legacy products and the whole life product introduced in 2021. Premium depositson annuities are related to the Company’s annuity contracts including MEMBERS® Zone Annuity, MEMBERS®Horizon Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity, TruStage™ Horizon II Annuity (f/k/a MEMBERS®Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity), TruStage™ Zone Income Annuity (f/k/a CUNA MutualGroup Zone Income™ Annuity) and TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity (f/k/a CUNA Mutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity) (collectively,the “Registered Index Annuities”).
Asof December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had more than $346,000 and $387,000 in assets and more than $681,000 and$376,000 of life insurance in force, respectively.
The Company distributes the annuity contractsthrough multiple face-to-face distribution channels, including:
| | ● | Managed Agents: employees of CMFG Life who sell insurance and investment productsto members of credit unions that have contracted with the Company and its affiliates to provide these services. In May 2022, CMFGLife discontinued offering securities to customers through managed agents. The majority of these former managed agents, whichprimarily include employees of CMFG Life or the credit union where their FINRA registered branch is located, registered with LPLthrough an agreement with CBSI. LPL is one of the Selling Broker-Dealers.; |
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| | ● | Dual Employee Agents: employees of credit unions who sell insurance and investment productsto members of credit unions that have contracted with the Company and its affiliates to provide these services. These agents areregistered representatives of LPL as described previously; and |
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| | ● | Independent Agents: agents who also represent other insurance companies and, along with or through an unaffiliated broker-dealer, contract with the Company to offer its annuity products that are made available for distribution through this channel. |
TheCompany has entered into reinsurance agreements to cede to CMFG Life 100% of the business related to the Registered Index Annuitiesand all insurance policies in force. These agreements do not relieve the Company of the Company’s obligations to the Company’spolicyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, they do transfer all of the Company’s underwriting profitsand losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for all of its liabilities. As a result, the Company believesits profitability from insurance operations going forward will be minimal.
Priorto 2021, the Company only serviced existing closed blocks of individual and group life policies which were 100% ceded to CMFG Life.In 2021, the Company began selling a whole life policy under the name TruStage Advantage Whole Life (“TAWL”). The Companydistributes TAWL through unaffiliated broker-dealers which also represent other insurance companies and contracts with the Companyto offer its whole life product through the broker-dealer’s distribution channels. In 2021, the Company entered into a reinsuranceagreement to cede 100% of the premium, expenses and benefits of TAWL to CMFG Life.
CMFGLife provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations pursuant to a Cost Sharing, Procurement,Disbursement and Billing and Collection Agreement. CMFG Life allocates expenses to the Company on the basis of estimated time spentby employees of CMFG Life on Company matters and the use of operational resources. Management believes the allocations of expensesare reasonable and that the results of the Company’s operations may have materially differed in a negative manner from theresults reflected in the accompanying statutory basis financial statements if the Company did not have this relationship.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Thecomplexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting guidance requires us to closely monitor the Company’saccounting policies. The following summary of the Company’s critical accounting policies is intended to enhance the assessmentof the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates.
Use of Estimates -The preparation of the statutory basis financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thereported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statutorybasis financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results coulddiffer from those estimates and, in some cases, the difference could be material. Investment valuations, policy reserve valuations,determination of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”), deferred tax asset valuation reserves and reinsurance balancesare most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Investments -Investments are valued as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”).
Bonds and notes: Bonds and noteswith an NAIC designation of 1 through 5 are generally stated at amortized cost. Bonds and notes with an NAIC designation of 6 arestated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loan-backed securities may be carried at the lower of amortized cost or fairvalue if they receive an initial rating of 6 under the multiple-designation methodology. Prepayment assumptions for loan-backedsecurities are obtained from historical industry prepayment averages, industry survey values or internal estimates to determinethe effective yield. Changes in the anticipated prepayments are incorporated when determining statement values. Changes in estimatedcash flows from the previous assumptions are accounted for using the prospective method.
FairValue - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in anorderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Thefair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities into threebroad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuationtechnique, as follows:
Level 1: Inputs are directlyobservable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Company has the ability to accessat the measurement date.
Level 2: All significantinputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability.This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instrumentsin markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments and (iv) inputsthat are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3: One or moresignificant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants woulduse in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk.
Forpurposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, observable inputs are those inputs used bymarket participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources.In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’s estimates of the assumptionsmarket participants would use in valuing financial assets and liabilities, are developed based on the best information availablein the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In some instances, valuationinputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair valuehierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The following table summarizes the carryingamounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value by fairvalue measurement level at December 31, 2022:
| | | Carrying
Amount | | | Fair
Value | | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | |
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| Financial instruments recorded as assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 42,116 | | | | - | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
The following table summarizes the carryingamounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value by fairvalue measurement level at December 31, 2021:
| | | Carrying
Amount | | | Fair
Value | | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | |
| Financial instruments recorded as assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 27,450 | | | $ | 28,961 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 27,961 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
Thecarrying amounts for accrued net investment income, and certain receivables and payables approximate fair value due to their short-termnature and have been excluded from the fair value tables above.
Other-Than-TemporaryInvestment Impairments – Investmentsecurities are reviewed for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlistof securities primarily based on the fair value of an investment security relative to its amortized cost. When the fair value dropsbelow the Company’s cost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgmenton the part of the Company and depends on several factors, including, but not limited to:
| | ● | The existence of any plans to sell the investment security. |
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| | ● | The extent to which fair value is less than statement value. |
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| | ● | The underlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.). |
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| | ● | The financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevant industry trends and conditions and cash flow analysis. |
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| | ● | For mortgage-backed and structuredsecurities, the Company’s intent and ability to retain our investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipatedrecovery in fair value. |
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| | ● | The Company’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements. |
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| | ● | The Company’s collateral position in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. |
A bond or note is considered to be other-than-temporarilyimpaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’sholding period. When this occurs, the Company records a realized capital loss equal to the difference between the amortized costand fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new amortized cost. If the bond is aloan-backed or structured security, it is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the amortized cost exceeds thepresent value of cash flows expected to be collected and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’s holdingperiod. The amount of the OTTI recognized in net income as a realized loss equals the difference between the investment’samortized cost basis and its expected cash flows.
Management believes it has made an appropriateprovision for other-than-temporarily impaired securities owned at December 31, 2022 and 2021. Future declines in fair value mayresult in additional OTTI. Additional OTTI will be recorded as appropriate and as determined by the Company’s regular monitoringprocedures of additional facts. In light of the variables involved, such additional OTTI could be significant.
Reinsurance- Reinsurance premiums, claims and benefits,commission expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accounted for on a basis consistent withthe accounting for the underlying direct policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and benefits cededto other companies have been reported as reductions of premium income and benefits in the accompanying statutory basis statementsof operations. Policy and claim reserves are reported net of unbilled reinsurance recoverables. The Company has evaluated its reinsurancecontracts and determined that all significant contracts transfer the underlying economic risk of loss. CMFG Life, which is a relatedparty, is the only reinsurer, and there is no concern of default on reinsurance receivable balances as CMFG Life is highly ratedand well capitalized.
The Company entered into coinsurance andmodified coinsurance agreements with our affiliate, CMFG Life, to cede 100% of our life, accident and health, and annuity businessas described previously in the Overview of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results ofOperations. The Company entered into the agreements for the purpose of limiting our exposure to loss on any one single insured,diversifying our risk and limiting our overall financial exposure to certain products, and to meet our overall financial objectives.The Company retains the risk of loss in the event that CMFG Life is unable to meet the obligations assumed under the reinsuranceagreements.
Separate Accounts -The Company issues Registered Index Annuities, the assets and liabilities of which are legally segregated and reflected in theaccompanying statutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities and capital and surplus as assets and liabilities of theseparate accounts. All separate account assets and liabilities are ceded to CMFG Life except the MEMBERS Life Variable SeparateAccount which is used to fund the variable accounts within the flexible premium variable and index linked deferred annuities.
Separate account assets for the variableannuity component of the flexible premium variable and index linked deferred annuities are stated at fair value. Separate accountliabilities are accounted for in a manner similar to other policy reserves. Separate account premium deposits, benefit expensesand contract fee income for investment management and policy administration are reflected by the Company in the accompanying statutorybasis statements of operations.
The variable annuity contract holders ofthe flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity are able to invest in investment funds managed for their benefit.All of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity separate account assets are invested in unit investmenttrusts that are registered with the SEC as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
CMFG Life, on behalf of the Company, investsthe single premium deferred index annuity, single premium deferred index-linked interest options annuity, single premium deferredmodified guaranteed index annuity and flexible premium deferred variable premiums for the benefit of the contract holder. The singlepremium deferred index, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index and flexible premium variable and index linked deferredannuities have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts; the Secure Account has a yearly creditedinterest rate floor of 0% and the yearly Growth Account floor is -10%. The Secure and Growth Accounts both have credited interestrate caps that vary with issuance. The single premium deferred index-linked interest options annuity has risk control accounts,with either caps and floors or participation rates and buffers applied based on the performance of an external index. For positiveindex performance, accounts with caps limit the interest credited to the policyholder at the cap; accounts with participation ratescredit the full index performance multiplied by the participation rate to the policyholder. For negative index performance, floorsrepresent the maximum negative interest credited a policyholder can receive, while the buffer represents the maximum negative indexreturn for an interest term that will not result in negative interest credited to the contract. Interest is credited at the endof each Contract Year during the selected index term based on the allocation between risk control accounts and the performanceof an external index during that Contract Year.
Policy and Contract Claim Reserves- Liabilities established for unpaid benefits for life insurance contracts represent the estimated amounts required tocover the ultimate cost of settling reported and incurred but unreported losses. These estimates are adjusted in the aggregatefor ultimate loss expectations based on historical experience patterns and current economic trends. Any change in the probableultimate liabilities, which might arise from new information emerging, is reflected in the statutory basis statements of operationsin the period the change is determined to be necessary. Such adjustments could be material.
The policy and contract claim reserves are100% ceded to CMFG Life.
Policy Reserves - LifeInsurance reserves: Traditional life insurance reserves are computed on either the net level reserve basis or the Commissioner’sReserve Valuation Method basis dependent on product type and issue date using the applicable mortality table.
The Company waives deduction of deferredfractional premiums upon death of the insured and returns the portion of the final premium beyond the date of death. Surrendervalues are not promised in excess of legally computed reserves.
Extra premiums are charged for substandardlives, plus the gross premium for a rated age. Mean reserves are determined by computing the regular mean reserve for the planat the rated age and holding, plus one-half of the extra premium charge for the year.
Tabular interest, tabular less actual reservesreleased, tabular cost and tabular interest on funds not involving life contingencies have all been determined by formulas prescribedby the regulator of the Company’s state of domicile (“Insurance Department”).
Individual annuity reserves: Policyholderreserves related to individual annuity contracts are computed using the Commissioner’s Annuity Reserve Valuation Method (“CARVM”),along with Valuation Method (“VM”) 21 for equity indexed annuities, during the contract accumulation period and thepresent value of future payments for contracts that have annuitized. Policyholder reserves related to single premium deferred indexannuity, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity and flexible premium variable and index linked deferred annuitycontracts are computed using CARVM, along with Actuarial Guideline (AG) 33 and 35 and VM 21 for policies greater than ten daysafter issue; for the first ten days, the reserve is equal to the return of premium. A reserve floor for all deferred annuitiesis set equal to the cash surrender value.
The policy reserves are 100% ceded to CMFGLife.
Liability for Deposit-Type Contracts- The Company recognizes a liability for policyholder deposits that are not subject to policyholder mortality or longevityrisk at the stated account value. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit plus accumulated interest, less anywithdrawals and expense charges. Such deposits primarily represent annuity contracts without life contingencies.
Theliability for deposit-type contracts is 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
Income Tax - Deferred incometaxes are recognized, subject to an admissibility test for deferred tax assets, and represent the future tax consequences attributableto differences between the statutory basis financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective taxbases. Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a statutory valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portionor all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Recorded deferred tax amounts are adjusted to reflect changes in incometax rates and other tax law provisions as they are enacted. The net change in deferred taxes is recorded directly to unassignedsurplus.
The Company is subject to tax-related audits.The Company accounts for any federal and foreign tax contingent liabilities in accordance with Statement of Statutory AccountingPrinciples (“SSAP”) No. 5R, Liabilities, Contingencies and Impairments of Assets as modified by SSAP No. 101, IncomeTaxes, and any state and other tax contingent liabilities in accordance with SSAP No. 5R.
Statutory Valuation Reserves - TheInterest Maintenance Reserve (“IMR”) is maintained for the purpose of stabilizing the surplus of the Company againstgains and losses on sales of investments that are primarily attributable to changing interest rates. The interest rate-relatedgains and losses are deferred and amortized into income over the remaining lives of the securities sold. If the IMR is calculatedto be a net asset, it is nonadmitted.
The Asset Valuation Reserve (“AVR”)is a formulaic reserve for fluctuations in the values of invested assets, primarily bonds and notes. Changes in the AVR are chargedor credited directly to unassigned surplus.
Other Liabilities - TheCompany issues the Registered Index Annuities on the 10th and 25th of each month. The Company recognizes a liability oncontracts for which it has received cash, but has not issued a contract. Other liabilities primarily consist of these pending customerfunds, which are released from other liabilities when the policy is issued.
Executive Summary
The Company provides life and health insurancethroughout the United States servicing its existing blocks of individual and group life policies. The Company began marketing anddistributing, through a third party, TAWL contracts in 2021 and since has expanded using other third party distributors. The Companyprovides the registered index annuities throughout the United States except in New York. The Company began marketing and distributingTruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity (f/k/a CUNA Mutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity) Contract in 2021.
The Company cedes100% of our insurance and annuity policies in force to CMFG Life. This does not relieve the Company of our obligations to our policyholdersunder contracts covered by these agreements. However, the reinsurance agreements transfer all of the Company’s underwritingprofits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for all of its liabilities. See Note 7 ofthe Notes to the Statutory Basis Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus for information on the effect of theseagreements and information on commissions.
Resultsof Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Totalrevenues, which consisted mainly of investment income, reinsurance commissions and other income were $160,907 and $202,540 forthe years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in total revenues in 2022 as compared to 2021, was primarilydue to a decrease in other income, as described below. Total net investment income was $1,679 and $748 for the years ended December31,
2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents an average yield earned of 1.8% and 1.1% for the same periods, respectively.The increase in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily reflects an increase in the Company’s investments in bonds and notes alongwith increased rates on these assets. All premiums are 100% ceded to CMFG Life, resulting in no net premium in 2022 or 2021 dueto the reinsurance agreements as described in the Executive Summary section. The Company receives a commission equal to100% of its actual expenses incurred for the Company’s Registered Index Annuities, which was $129,562 and $138,109 for theyears ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. All remaining commissions relate to the Company’s life and health productsand totaled $33,910 and $30,994, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company also records other incomerelated to the modified coinsurance agreement, which represents the aggregate ceding allowance payable by the reinsurer to theCompany in relation to its flexible premium deferred variable annuity contracts. The decrease in 2022 as compared to 2021 is dueto a decrease in annuity sales and increased benefit payments, the two primary components of the ceding allowance.
Totalbenefits and expenses were $159,220 and $201,554 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease inbenefits and expenses in 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the aggregate ceding allowance transferredto the separate account related to the decrease in premium and increase in benefit payments as previously discussed regarding otherincome. Additionally, the Company had a decrease in commission expense due to a decrease in sales of its registered index annuitiesand the TAWL product. This decrease was partially offset by increases in the Company’s general insurance expenses relatedto increased sales and production of the Company’s current annuity products along with the Company’s TAWL product,which the Company began selling in 2021. CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’soperations. Operating expenses incurred by the Company that are specifically identifiable are borne by the Company; other operatingexpenses are allocated from CMFG Life on the basis of estimated time and usage studies. Operating expenses are primarily employeecosts such as wages and benefits, legal and other operating expenses such as rent, insurance and utilities. The increase in theseexpenses in 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily due to increased salaries allocated to the Company and marketing costs relatedto the Company’s existing products and the TAWL product which the Company began selling in 2021.
Federalincome tax expense was $1,142 and $1,668 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents an effectivetax rate of 67.7% and 169.2% for the same periods, respectively. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory income tax rateof 21% primarily due to the following: 1) nondeductible IMR amortization; 2) dividends received deductions and foreign tax creditsrelated to separate account investments; 3) expenses required to be capitalized and amortized for tax purposes; 4) differencesin timing of certain accrued expenses; and 5) interest on accrued refund claims filed for prior years. The decrease in 2022 ascompared to 2021 was driven mainly by a decrease in tax expense from prior years related to interest on accrued refund claims in2021.
Netincome (loss) was $540 and ($703) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in 2022 as comparedto 2021 was primarily due to higher net investment income.
Financial Condition
TheCompany’s investment strategy is based upon a strategic asset allocation framework that considers the need to manage ourGeneral Account investment portfolio on a risk-adjusted spread basis for the underwriting of contract liabilities and to maximizereturn on retained capital. The Company’s investment in bonds and notes consists of U.S. government and agencies, industrialand miscellaneous, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, and non-mortgage-backed securities.The Company generally holds our bond portfolio to maturity.
Insurancestatutes regulate the type of investments that the Company is permitted to purchase and limit the amount of funds that may be usedfor any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations and our business and investment strategy, the Companygenerally seeks to invest in United States government and government-sponsored agency securities and bonds and notes rated investment
grade by established nationally recognized rating organizations or in securities of comparable investment quality, if not rated.
TheCompany’s investment portfolio was comprised solely of bonds and notes at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The tablebelow presents the carrying value of our total bonds and notes by type at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
| | | December 31 | |
| | | 2022 | | | % | | | 2021 | | | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 8,724 | | | | 19.0 | % | | $ | 8,729 | | | | 18.6 | % |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 27,887 | | | | 60.8 | | | | 14,939 | | | | 54.4 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | 1.4 | | | | 1,953 | | | | 7.1 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 830 | | | | 3.0 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | 10.4 | | | | 999 | | | | 3.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 27,450 | | | | 100.0 | % |
Thestatement value and estimated fair value of bonds and notes by contractual maturity are shown below at December 31, 2022. Actualmaturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or withoutcall or prepayment penalties.
| | | Statement Value | | | Estimated Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 1,998 | | | $ | 1,981 | |
| Due after one year through five years | | | 14,611 | | | | 14,244 | |
| Due after five years through ten years | | | 11,278 | | | | 10,228 | |
| Due after ten years | | | 8,724 | | | | 6,907 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | 569 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | 3,606 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | 4,581 | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | |
At December 31, 2022, the Company owned37 securities with a fair value of $42,116 in an unrealized loss position. The Company owned 7 industrial and miscellaneous securitiesand one commercial mortgage-backed security of $1,073 and $229, respectively, in unrealized loss positions greater than twelvemonths. The aggregate severity of unrealized losses for bonds and notes with a loss period of 12 months or greater is approximately15.1% of amortized cost. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2022 are rated “investment grade”based on having an NAIC rating of 1 or 2. At December 31, 2021, the Company owned six securities with a fair value of $6,658 inan unrealized loss position. The Company owned five industrial and miscellaneous securities and one commercial mortgage-backedsecurity with an unrealized loss of $232 and $37, respectively. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2021are rated “investment grade” based on having an NAIC rating of 1 or 2.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company cedes 100% of the Company’sinsurance and annuity policies in force to CMFG Life. This does not relieve the Company ofour obligations to our policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, the agreements do transfer all of theCompany’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for all of its liabilities.
As consideration for the reinsurance providedunder these agreements, the Company transfers all of the Company’s revenues to CMFG Life. Specifically, CMFG Life receives100% of all premiums and other amounts received on account of our existing business and new business. CMFG Life pays the Companya monthly expense allowance to reimburse the Company for expenses and costs incurred on account of its insurance business.
Whilethe reinsurance transactions have a minimal impact on our capital and surplus, they substantially diminish our net liabilitiesand greatly decrease the amount of capital and liquidity needed within the Company.
Operatingactivities provided (used) $12,641 and $6,842 of net operating cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.The Company’s sources of funds include renewal premiums, sales of annuities and investment income. The Company’s primaryuse of funds includes the payment of benefits and related operating expenses as well as settlements related to the reinsuranceagreements with CMFG Life. The Company issues the Registered Index Annuities contracts on the 10th and 25thof each month. The Company recognizes a liability on contracts for which it has received cash but has not issued a contract. Theincrease in operating cash flow in 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the net transfers to the separateaccount, a decrease in operating expenses reimbursed to CMFG Life, both offset by decreases in the ceding of premium and the reinsurancecommission received from CMFG Life.
Investingactivities provided $1,205 and $2,813 of net cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’smain investing activities include purchases and sales and maturity of bonds and notes. The Company had maturities on bonds andnotes, which provided cash of $1,198 and $2,820 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in bond proceeds from maturities drovethe net decrease of cash from investing activities in 2022 as compared to 2021.
TheCompany’s financing activities provided (used) ($4,799) and $2,660 of net cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022and 2021, respectively. The Company’s main financing activities include the collection of deposits and payment of withdrawalson deposit contracts. The decrease in financing activities in 2022 was primarily due to an increase in the payment of prepaid commissionson the Company’s TAWL product. Total cash provided or (used) for financing activities can vary based upon the timing of depositsreceived. The Company received $19,680 of securities and related tax benefits as a non-cash capital contribution in 2022 from CMFGLife.
Asof December 31, 2022, the Company’s cash requirements were primarily for the payment of benefits, operating expenses as wellas settlements with CMFG Life for reinsurance agreements. These liquidity requirements are met primarily through monthly settlementsunder the coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements with CMFG Life. The Company anticipates receiving adequate cash flowfrom these settlements and investment income to meet its obligations. However, a primary liquidity concern going forward is therisk of an extraordinary level of early policyholder withdrawals. The Company includes provisions within its policies, such asSurrender Charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals.
TheCompany believes that cash flows generated from sources above will be sufficient to satisfy the near term liquidity requirementsof its operations, including reasonable foreseeable contingencies. However, the Company cannot predict future experience regardingbenefits and surrenders since benefit and surrender levels are influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, theCompany’s claims paying ability and the Company’s financial credit ratings.
Mostannuity deposits the Company will receive going forward are ceded to CMFG Life and will be invested in high quality investments,those identified by CMFG Life as investment grade, to fund future commitments. The Company believes that the settlement it receivesunder the reinsurance agreements with CMFG Life, the diversity of its investment portfolio and a concentration of investments inhigh quality securities should provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Company’s long-term cash requirements. Although thereis no present
need or intent to dispose of our investments, the Company could readily liquidate portions of our investments, ifsuch a need arose.
Statutory Dividend Restrictions
The Company is subject to statutory regulationsas to maintenance of equity and the payment of dividends. Generally, ordinary dividends from an insurance subsidiary to its parentcompany must meet notice requirements promulgated by the Insurance Department. Extraordinary dividends, as defined by state statutes,must be approved by the Insurance Department. The Company cannot pay stockholder dividends in 2023 without regulatory approval.
Risk-based capital requirements promulgatedby the NAIC require U.S. insurers to maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determined based on formulas incorporatingcredit risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk and general business risk. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s adjustedcapital exceeded the minimum capitalization requirements.
Contractual Obligations
On January 1, 2015, the Company enteredinto a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement with CMFG Life and certain other affiliated companieswhereby CMFG Life has agreed to provide certain of our operational requirements. Additionally,the Company is allocated a certain portion of the total compensation of each of the Company’s executive officers and directors,based on various factors, the primary being the estimated time allocated to providing services to the Company. In exchangefor providing these administrative functions and use of shared resources and personnel, the Company reimburses CMFG Life for thecost of providing such administrative functions, resources and personnel. The Company reimbursed CMFG Life $79,869 and $67,119for these expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Fordetailed discussion of the management services agreement, the investment advisory agreement and the coinsurance agreements, see“Management – Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons.”
Inthe future, the Company may enter into financing transactions, lease agreements, or other commitments in the normal course of ourbusiness.
The Company has the following future minimum estimated claim and benefit payments that are100% reinsured as of December 31, 2022.
| | | Estimated Future Claim
and Benefit Payments | |
| | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 7,557 | |
| Due after one year through three years | | | 22,349 | |
| Due after three years through five years | | | 15,800 | |
| Due after five years | | | 181,967 | |
| | | | | |
| Total estimated payments | | $ | 227,673 | |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosuresabout Market Risk and Cyber Security
TheCompany has exposure to market risk through both our insurance operations and investment activities, although a significant portionof this risk is reinsured by CMFG Life pursuant to the coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements discussed above. In addition,many of the measures described herein to offset these market risks are taken by CMFG Life because it holds all assets related toour insurance business as a result of the coinsurance agreements.
Interestrate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates willaffect the profitability of our annuity products and the fair value of our investments. Most of the interest rate risk is absorbedby CMFG Life under the coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. The profitability of most of our annuity products willdepend on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on the annuity products. The Company has the abilityto adjust crediting rates (caps, participation rates or asset fee rates for indexed annuities) on substantially all of our annuityproducts at least annually (subject to minimum guaranteed values). In addition, substantially all of our annuity products havesurrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned. However,competitive factors, including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjust or maintaincrediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.
Amajor component of our interest rate risk management program is structuring the General Account investment portfolio with cashflow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our annuity products. The Company uses computer models tosimulate cash flows expected from our existing business under various interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable us to measurethe potential gain or loss in fair value of our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacy of expectedcash flows from our assets to meet the expected cash requirements of our annuity products and to determine if it is necessary tolengthen or shorten the average life and duration of our investment portfolio. The duration of a security is the time weightedpresent value of the security’s expected cash flows and is used to measure a security’s sensitivity to changes in interestrates. When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimized because a change invalue of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’sfixed bonds and notes securities investment portfolio consisted of U.S. government and agencies, industrial and miscellaneous,residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other non-mortgage asset-backed securities withstatement values of $8,724, $27,887, $625, $3,863 and $4,756, respectively, and has an average duration of 9.11 years.
The Company’s business is highly dependentupon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of the Company’s business partners, so that the Company’sbusiness is potentially susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from a cyber-attack. These risks include,among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, denial of service onwebsites and other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential customer information. Cyber-attacks affectingthe Company may adversely affect the Company and the Company’s contract holders. For instance, cyber-attacks may interferewith the processing of Contract transactions, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential Owner or business information,impede order processing, subject the Company to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. There canbe no assurance that we will avoid losses affecting the Company’s customer’s Contract due to cyber-attacks or informationsecurity breaches in the future.
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
Ourdirectors and executive officers are as follows:
| Name | | Age | | Position |
| | | | | |
| David L. Sweitzer | | 59 | | President and Director |
| Paul D. Barbato | | 46 | | Secretary and Director |
| Brian J. Borakove | | 44 | | Treasurer |
| Michael F. Anderson | | 55 | | Director |
| William Karls | | 52 | | Director |
| Abigail R. Rodriguez | | 40 | | Director |
Allexecutive officers and directors are elected annually.
DavidL. Sweitzer has served as President and as director of the Company since October 31, 2016. He also serves as Executive VicePresident-Chief Experience Officer for CMFG Life since 2021. He served as the Senior Vice President of Wealth Management for CMFGLife where he lead overall business strategy and product management for CBSI and CMFGLife’s and affiliates family of annuity products. Mr. Sweitzer has held various positions in CMFG Life for 31 years. He bringsmore than 29 years of progressive experience in sales and marketing, sales operations and sales strategy.
Paul D. Barbato has servedas Secretary and as director of the Company since December 28, 2018. As of January 7, 2019, he also serves as Vice President, AssociateGeneral Counsel for CMFG Life. Mr. Barbato re-joined CMFG Life in May 2017 after spending two years as corporate counsel with EpicSystems Corporation (March 2015-May 2017). He originally joined CMFG Life in January 2009 as a Lead Counsel and later held rolesas Associate General Counsel and Director of Corporate Governance. Before joining CMFG Life, Mr. Barbato spent two years at MichaelBest & Friedrich, LLP, in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was an Associate Attorney.
Brian J. Borakove hasserved as our Treasurer since November 9, 2012 and Vice President, Corporate Treasurer since November 19, 2012 at CMFG Life. Heserved as Director of Investment Finance from 2007 to 2011 and was promoted to Associate Treasurer in 2011. Prior to joining CMFGLife, he was a Senior Manager, Investment Finance at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston,Massachusetts from 2005 to 2007. Prior to joining Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mr. Borakove served as a SeniorAnalyst, Treasury at FM Global in Johnston, Rhode Island from 2003-2005. Mr. Borakove held various positions at State Street Bankin Boston, Massachusetts from 2001-2003.
Michael F. Anderson hasbeen a director of the Company since December 15, 2015. He also serves as the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer for CMFGLife where he has been responsible for all legal matters across CMFG Life’s business entities since 2011. He served as ManagingAssociate General Counsel from 2008 to 2009, was promoted to Vice President in 2009 and in 2011 was promoted to Senior Vice President.Before joining the Company, Mr. Anderson spent 15 years in private practice, most recently as a partner in the New York officeof Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.
William Karls has beendirector of the Company since August 4, 2017 and has served as Controller for CMFG Life since 2012. Prior to joining CMFG Lifein 2004, Mr. Karls was a Senior Manager with Strohm Ballweg, LLP, which provides audit and consulting services to insurance companies.
AbigailR. Rodriguez has been a director of the Company since October 1, 2019. She also serves as Senior Vice President of CustomerSuccess within the Customer Experience Unit at CMFG Life. Ms. Rodriguez previously served as Vice President of Consumer Operationsfrom 2013-2019, and Senior Business Continuous Improvement Consultant from 2011-2013. Before joining the Company, Ms. Rodriguezheld several positions at Ace World Wide in Muskego, Wisconsin from 2008-2011. Ms. Rodriguez served as Six Sigma Black Belt atGraphic Packaging International in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 2004-2008. Ms. Rodriguez served as Implementation Specialist at SonooProducts Company in Hartsville, South Carolina in 2004.
Transactions with Related Persons,Promoters and Certain Control Persons
Policy Regarding Related Person Transactions.It is our policy to enter into or ratify related person transactions only when our Boardof Directors determines that the transaction either is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests, including but not limitedto situations where we may obtain products or services of a nature, quantity or quality, or on other terms, that are not readilyavailable from alternative sources or when we provide products or services to related persons on an arm’s length basis onterms comparable to those provided to unrelated third parties or on terms comparable to those provided to employees generally.
Therefore,we have adopted the following written procedures for the review, approval or ratification of related person transactions. For purposesof the related person transaction policy, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any seriesof similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships) in which (i) we were, are or will be a participant, (ii) the amount ofthe transaction, arrangement or relationship exceeds $120,000, and (iii) in which a related person had, has or will have a director indirect material interest in the transaction.
Arelated person means:
| • | any person who is, or at any time since the beginningof our last fiscal year was, a member of our Board of Directors or an executive officer or a nominee to become a member of ourBoard of Directors; |
| • | any person who is known to be the beneficial owner ofmore than 5% of any class of our voting securities; |
| • | any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons;or |
| • | any firm, corporation, or other entity in which any ofthe foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a5% or greater beneficial ownership interest. |
Any proposedtransaction with a related person will be consummated or amended only if the following steps are taken:
| • | Counsel (either inside or outside) will assess whether theproposed transaction is a related person transaction for purposes of this policy. |
| • | If counsel determines that the proposed transaction isa related person transaction, the proposed transaction will be submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration at the nextmeeting or, in those instances in which counsel, in consultation with the President or the Treasurer, determines that it is notpracticable or desirable for us to wait until the next Board of Directors meeting, to the President of the Company (who has beendelegated authority to act between meetings). |
| • | The Board of Directors shall consider all of the relevantfacts and circumstances available, including (if applicable) but not limited to: (i) the benefits to the Company; (ii) the impacton a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family |
| | | member of a director, oran entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder, or executive officer; (iii) the availability of other suppliers or customersfor comparable products or services; (iv) the terms of the transaction; and (v) the terms available to unrelated third partiesor to employees generally. |
| • | The Board of Directors shall approve only those related persontransactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, as the Board ofDirectors determines in good faith. The Board of Directors shall convey the decision to counsel, who shall convey the decisionto the appropriate persons within the Company. |
Atthe Board of Director’s first meeting of each fiscal year, it shall review any previously approved related person transactionsthat remain ongoing and have a remaining term of more than six months or remaining amounts payable to or receivable from the Companyof more than $120,000. Based on all relevant facts and circumstances, taking into consideration the Company’s contractualobligations, the Board of Directors shall determine if it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to continue,modify, or terminate the related person transaction.
Nomember of the Board of Directors shall participate in any review, consideration, or approval of any related person transactionwith respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person.
Certain Relationships and RelatedPerson Transactions. Except for the agreements noted below, there have been no transactionsbetween the Company and any related person since January 1, 2011, nor are any such related person transactions currently beingcontemplated for which disclosure would be required.
OnSeptember 30, 2015, the Company amended its coinsurance agreement with CMFG Life and now cedes 100% of its insurance policies inforce to CMFG Life. In 2013, we entered into a second coinsurance agreement to cede 100% of all insurance issued on and after January1, 2013 to CMFG Life. On November 1, 2015, we entered into a Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life to cede100% of the business related to the Contract, and other investment type contracts similar to the Contract. These agreements donot relieve us of our obligations to our policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, they do transfer nearlyall of the Company’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for nearlyall of its liabilities. We filed a new Coinsurance Agreement to cede 100% of the business related to CUNA Mutual Group ZoneIncome Annuity Contracts for approval with the State of Iowa in July, 2019.
On January 1, 2015, the Company enteredinto a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement with CMFG Life and certain other affiliated companiesand on that same day, January 1, 2015, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement with CMFG Life.See “Contractual Obligations“ for more information about each of these agreements.
The Company has hired MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc. (“MCA”) to provide investmentadvisory services with respect to the Company’s General Account assets. MCA, which is 100% owned by CMIC, manages substantiallyall of the Company’s invested assets in accordance with policies, directives and guidelines established by the Company.
Committees of the Board of Directors
OurBoard of Directors of the Company has not established any committees. The Board of Directors relies upon the committees of theCM Holding to oversee actions over the subsidiary companies. For example, the CM Holding Audit Committee will assist with oversightof the Company’s external auditors, performance of internal audit functions and legal and regulatory compliance requirements.
Compensation Committee Interlocks andInsider Participation
OurBoard of Directors has not established a compensation committee. None of our current executive officers serves on the board ofdirectors or compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity whose executive officersserved on our Board of Directors. Mr. Sweitzer is on the Board of Directors for CBSI whose Board of Directors include Messrs. Anderson,Karls, Copeland and Ms. Rodriguez, the other Directors of the Company.
Executive Compensation.We do not have any employees but rather are provided personnel, including our named executive officers, by our parent company,CMFG Life, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement between CMFG Life and us. As a result, we do not determineor pay any compensation to our named executive officers or additional personnel provided by CMFG Life for our operations. CMFGLife determines and pays the salaries, bonuses and other wages earned by our named executive officers and by additional personnelprovided to us by CMFG Life. CMFG Life also determines whether and to what extent our named executive officers and additional personnelfrom CMFG Life may participate in any employee benefit plans. We do not have employment agreements with our named executive officersand do not provide pension or retirement benefits, perquisites or other personal benefits to our named executive officers. We donot have arrangements to make payments to our named executive officers upon their termination or in the event of a change in controlof the Company. See “Contractual Obligations“ for more information about the Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreementbetween CMFG Life and us.
Director Compensation
Thedirectors of the Company are also officers of CMFG Life. The Company’s directors receive no compensation for their serviceas directors of the Company but are compensated by CMFG Life for their services as officers of CMFG Life. Accordingly, no costswere allocated to the Company for services of following persons in their role as current directors: Michael F. Anderson, WilliamKarls, Paul D. Barbato, David L. Sweitzer and Abigail R. Rodriguez.
Legal Proceedings
Likeother insurance companies, we routinely are involved in litigation and other proceedings, including class actions, reinsuranceclaims and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. In recent years, the life insurance and annuityindustry, including us and our affiliated companies, has been subject to an increase in litigation pursued on behalf of both individualand purported classes of insurance and annuity purchasers, questioning the conduct of insurance companies and their agents in themarketing of their products. In addition, state and federal regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments and attorneysgeneral, periodically make inquiries and conduct examinations concerning compliance by us and others with applicable insuranceand other laws.
In connection with regulatory examinationsand proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution and changes in businesspractices. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations and to supportfinancial reporting. These actions are based on a variety of issues and involve a range of the Company’s practices. Werespond to such inquiries and cooperate with regulatory examinations in the ordinary course of business. In the opinionof management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all such pending actions will not materially affect the financialstatements of the Company, nor the Company’s ability to meet its obligations under the Contracts.
* **
We do not file reports under the 1934Act in reliance on Rule 12h-7 under the 1934 Act, which provides an exemption from the reporting requirements of Sections 13 and15 of the 1934 Act.
FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
StatutoryBasis Financial Statements
asof December 31, 2022 and 2021
andfor the Three Years in the Period Ended
December31, 2022, Supplemental Schedules
asof and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022
andIndependent Auditor’s Report
INDEPENDENTAUDITOR’S REPORT
AuditCommittee and Stockholder of
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
Waverly,Iowa
Opinions
Wehave audited the statutory basis financial statements of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), which comprisethe statutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities, and capital and surplus as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, andthe related statutory basis statements of operations, changes in capital and surplus, and cash flows for each of the three yearsin the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes to the statutory basis financial statements (collectively referredto as the “statutory basis financial statements”).
UnmodifiedOpinion on Statutory Basis of Accounting
Inour opinion, the statutory basis financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the admitted assets, liabilities,and capital and surplus of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flowsfor each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permittedby the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division, described in Note 2.
AdverseOpinion on Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America
Inour opinion, because of the significance of the matter described in the Basis for Adverse Opinion on Accounting Principles GenerallyAccepted in the United States of America section of our report, the statutory basis financial statements do not present fairly,in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the financial position of the Companyas of December 31, 2022 and 2021, or the results of its operations or its cash flows for each of the three years in the periodended December 31, 2022.
Basisfor Opinions
Weconducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilitiesunder those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Statutory Basis FinancialStatements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company, and to meet our other ethical responsibilities,in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtainedis sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Basisfor Adverse Opinion on Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America
Asdescribed in Note 2 to the statutory basis financial statements, the statutory basis financial statements are prepared by theCompany using the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division, which isa basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to meet the requirementsof the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division. The effects on the statutory basis financial statements of the variancesbetween the statutory basis of accounting described in Note 2 and accounting principles generally accepted in the United Statesof America, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material and pervasive.
Emphasisof Matter
Asdiscussed in Note 1 to the statutory basis financial statements, the results of the Company may not be indicative of those ofa stand-alone entity, as the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies. Our opinion is not modified withrespect to this matter.
Responsibilitiesof Management for the Statutory Basis Financial Statements
Managementis responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the statutory basis financial statements in accordance with the accountingpractices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division. Management is also responsible for thedesign, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of statutory basisfinancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Inpreparing the statutory basis financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events,considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern forone year after the date that the statutory basis financial statements are issued.
Auditor’sResponsibilities for the Audit of the Statutory Basis Financial Statements
Ourobjectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statutory basis financial statements as a whole are free frommaterial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonableassurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conductedin accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatementresulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihoodthat, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the statutory basisfinancial statements.
Inperforming an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
| ● | Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
| ● | Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the statutory basis financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the statutory basis financial statements. |
| ● | Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. |
| ● | Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the statutory basis financial statements. |
| ● | Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
Weare required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing ofthe audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control–related matters that we identified during the audit.
Reporton Supplemental Schedules
Our2022 audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the 2022 statutory basis financial statements as a whole. Thesupplemental schedule of selected financial data, summary investment schedule, reinsurance contract interrogatories, and supplementalinvestment risks interrogatories as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, are presented for purposes of additional analysisand are not a required part of the 2022 statutory basis financial statements. These schedules are the responsibility of the Company’smanagement and were derived from and relate directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the statutorybasis financial statements. Such schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the 2022 statutorybasis financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such schedules directly to theunderlying accounting and other records used to prepare the statutory basis financial statements or to the statutory basis financialstatements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the UnitedStates of America. In our opinion, such schedules are fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the 2022 statutorybasis financial statements as a whole.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
March15, 2023
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Admitted Assets, Liabilities and Capital and Surplus |
| December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| Admitted Assets | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and invested assets | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 27,450 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | 47,772 | | | | 38,725 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash and invested assets | | | 93,627 | | | | 66,175 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued investment income | | | 539 | | | | 216 | |
| Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate | | | 16 | | | | 43 | |
| Net deferred tax asset | | | 505 | | | | 563 | |
| Amounts due from reinsurers | | | 21,993 | | | | 25,030 | |
| Receivables from affiliates | | | 45 | | | | 308 | |
| Other assets | | | 14 | | | | 10 | |
| Separate account assets | | | 229,659 | | | | 294,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total admitted assets | | $ | 346,398 | | | $ | 386,650 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities and Capital and Surplus | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance payable | | $ | 18,442 | | | $ | 21,558 | |
| Payable to affiliates | | | 25,569 | | | | 21,606 | |
| Commissions, expenses, taxes, licenses, and fees accrued | | | 2,757 | | | | 2,379 | |
| Asset valuation reserve | | | 68 | | | | 18 | |
| Other liabilities | | | 22,548 | | | | 23,360 | |
| Transfers to (from) separate accounts | | | (4,695 | ) | | | (12,213 | ) |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 229,659 | | | | 294,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liabilities | | | 294,348 | | | | 351,013 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Capital and surplus | | | | | | | | |
| Capital | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock, $5 par value, 1,000 shares | | | | | | | | |
| issued and outstanding | | | 5,000 | | | | 5,000 | |
| Paid-in capital | | | 51,170 | | | | 31,153 | |
| Unassigned surplus (deficit) | | | (4,120 | ) | | | (516 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total capital and surplus | | | 52,050 | | | | 35,637 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liabilities and capital and surplus | | $ | 346,398 | | | $ | 386,650 | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 4 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Operations |
| Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance commissions | | $ | 163,472 | | | $ | 169,103 | | | $ | 103,297 | |
| Net investment income | | | 1,679 | | | | 748 | | | | 1,017 | |
| Other income (loss) | | | (4,244 | ) | | | 32,689 | | | | 31,596 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total income | | | 160,907 | | | | 202,540 | | | | 135,910 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits and expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| General insurance expenses | | | 75,646 | | | | 62,147 | | | | 45,029 | |
| Insurance taxes, licenses, fees, and commissions | | | 87,648 | | | | 107,116 | | | | 58,279 | |
| Net transfers to (from) separate accounts | | | (4,074 | ) | | | 32,291 | | | | 31,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total benefits and expenses | | | 159,220 | | | | 201,554 | | | | 135,216 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income before federal income tax expense and net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 1,687 | | | | 986 | | | | 694 | |
| Federal income tax expense | | | 1,142 | | | | 1,668 | | | | 256 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income (loss) before net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 545 | | | | (682 | ) | | | 438 | |
| Net realized capital gains (losses), excluding gains transferred to IMR, net of tax expense (2022 - $5; 2021 - $21; 2020 - $100) excluding taxes transferred to IMR (2022 - $0; 2021 - $0; 2020- $0) | | | (5 | ) | | | (21 | ) | | | (241 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 540 | | | $ | (703 | ) | | $ | 197 | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 5 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Changes in Capital and Surplus |
| Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital and surplus at beginning of year | | $ | 35,637 | | | $ | 40,700 | | | $ | 39,989 | |
| Additions (deductions) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | | 540 | | | | (703 | ) | | | 197 | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | 1,769 | | | | 2,100 | | | | 241 | |
| Change in nonadmitted assets | | | (5,863 | ) | | | (6,442 | ) | | | 233 | |
| Change in asset valuation reserve | | | (50 | ) | | | (18 | ) | | | 40 | |
| Capital contribution from parent, net of tax | | | 20,017 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net additions (deductions) | | | 16,413 | | | | (5,063 | ) | | | 711 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital and surplus at end of year | | $ | 52,050 | | | $ | 35,637 | | | $ | 40,700 | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 6 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Cash Flows |
| Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Premiums and other considerations | | $ | (3,115 | ) | | $ | 14,161 | | | $ | (7,537 | ) |
| Net investment income received | | | 1,461 | | | | 802 | | | | 1,191 | |
| Reinsurance commissions | | | 163,472 | | | | 169,103 | | | | 103,297 | |
| Other income | | | 2,855 | | | | 20,389 | | | | 25,668 | |
| Policy and contract benefits and dividends paid | | | (3,866 | ) | | | 151 | | | | 187 | |
| Operating expenses paid | | | (158,638 | ) | | | (164,222 | ) | | | (94,087 | ) |
| Federal income taxes received (paid) | | | (1,120 | ) | | | 1,546 | | | | (141 | ) |
| Net transfers from (to) separate accounts | | | 11,592 | | | | (35,088 | ) | | | (34,175 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 12,641 | | | | 6,842 | | | | (5,597 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash from investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | | 1,198 | | | | 2,820 | | | | 11,864 | |
| Miscellaneous proceeds | | | 7 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total investment proceeds | | | 1,205 | | | | 2,820 | | | | 11,864 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cost of investments acquired | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,951 | |
| Miscellaneous applications | | | - | | | | 7 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total investments acquired | | | - | | | | 7 | | | | 7,951 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by investing activities | | | 1,205 | | | | 2,813 | | | | 3,913 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash from financing and miscellaneous activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net deposits (withdrawals) on deposit-type contracts | | | (126 | ) | | | (65 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
| Other cash provided (used) | | | (4,673 | ) | | | 2,725 | | | | (917 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| and miscellaneous activities | | | (4,799 | ) | | | 2,660 | | | | (943 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | | | 9,047 | | | | 12,315 | | | | (2,627 | ) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | | | 38,725 | | | | 26,410 | | | | 29,037 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | | $ | 47,772 | | | $ | 38,725 | | | $ | 26,410 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash paid (received) to (from) affiliate for income taxes | | $ | 1,120 | | | $ | (1,546 | ) | | $ | 141 | |
| Capital contribution of securities from parent | | | 19,680 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 7 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note1: Nature of Business
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company (“MEMBERS Life” or the “Company” or “MLIC”) is a stock life and healthinsurance company organized under the laws of Iowa and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation (“CMIC”).CMIC is organized under the laws of Wisconsin and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CMFG Life”),an Iowa life insurance company. CMFG Life and its affiliated companies primarily sell insurance and other products to credit unionsand consumers. The Company’s ultimate parent is CUNA Mutual Holding Company (“CMHC”), a mutual insurance holdingcompany organized under the laws of Iowa.
TheCompany began selling a single premium deferred index annuity contract in 2013, a flexible premium deferred variable and index-linkedannuity contract in 2016, a single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity contract in 2019, and a single premium deferredindex-linked interest options annuity contract (collectively the “registered index annuities”) and whole life insurancepolicies in 2021. Products are sold to consumers, including credit union members, through face-to-face and call center distributionchannels. The Company has reinsurance agreements under which it cedes 100% of its business to CMFG Life. See Note 7, Reinsurance,for information on the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
TheCompany is authorized to sell life, health and annuity policies in all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, exceptNew York. All premiums of the Company are generated in the United States with a significant portion in Texas, Michigan, Georgia,California, Florida and Pennsylvania. All annuity deposits of the Company are received in the United States with a significantportion in Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Theaccompanying statutory basis financial statements reflect various transactions and balances with the Company’s affiliates.See Note 6, Related Party Transactions, for a description of the significant transactions. While the Company believes that thesetransactions were at reasonable terms, the results of operations of the Company may have materially differed had these transactionsbeen consummated with unrelated parties.
Note2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basisof Presentation
Theaccompanying statutory basis financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permittedby the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division (“Insurance Department”), which differ in some respects fromaccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Prescribedstatutory accounting practices are practices incorporated directly or by reference in state laws, regulations and general administrativerules and are applicable to all insurance enterprises domiciled in a particular state. The Insurance Department has identifiedthe Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (“APPM”), as promulgated by the Insurance Department, as a source ofprescribed statutory accounting practices for insurers domiciled in Iowa. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass allaccounting practices not prescribed by the NAIC and are approved by the insurance department of the insurer’s state of domicile.The Company does not utilize any permitted practices.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
GAAP/StatutoryAccounting Differences
Thefollowing summary identifies the significant differences between the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the InsuranceDepartment and GAAP:
“Nonadmittedassets” (principally a portion of deferred taxes, certain non-affiliated accounts receivable and commission receivable accounts,the interest maintenance reserve and debit suspense balances) are excluded from the statutory basis statements of admitted assets,liabilities and capital and surplus through a direct charge to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, nonadmitted assets are presentedin the balance sheet, net of any valuation allowance.
Investmentsin bonds and notes are generally carried at amortized cost, while under GAAP, they are carried at either amortized cost or fairvalue based on their classification according to the Company’s ability and intent to hold or trade the securities.
Forstatutory accounting, after an other-than-temporary impairment of bonds, other than loan-backed securities, is recorded, the fairvalue of the other-than-temporarily impaired bond, other than loan-backed securities, becomes its new cost basis. If the bondis a loan-backed or structured security, it is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the amortized cost exceedsthe present value of cash flows expected to be collected and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’sholding period. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in net income as a realized loss equals the differencebetween the investment’s amortized cost basis and its expected cash flows. For GAAP, an impairment is based on the net presentvalue of expected cash flows if the Company intends to hold the security until it has recovered, and an impairment is recordedas a valuation allowance.
Policyreserves, which are 100% ceded to CMFG Life, are established based on mortality and interest assumptions prescribed by state statutes,without consideration for withdrawals, which may differ from reserves established for GAAP using assumptions with respect to mortality,interest, expense, and withdrawals that are based on company experience and expectations.
TheCompany cedes 100% of its annuity business to its parent, CMFG Life, which is accounted for as reinsurance ceded under statutoryaccounting. These contracts are accounted for as investment-type contracts under GAAP; as such, deposits are not reported as revenuesfor GAAP. Consequently, deposit accounting is used to account for the reinsurance agreement for GAAP.
Underboth GAAP and statutory accounting, deferred federal income taxes are provided for unrealized capital gains or losses on investmentsand the temporary differences between the reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities; however, there are limits as to theamount of deferred tax assets that may be reported as admitted assets under statutory accounting. Further, the change in deferredtaxes is recognized as an adjustment to unassigned surplus under statutory accounting. For GAAP, changes in deferred taxes relatedto revenue and expense items are recorded in the statements of operations and comprehensive income. A federal income tax provisionis required on a current basis only for the statutory basis statements of operations.
Theasset valuation reserve (“AVR”), a statutory only reserve established by formula for the purpose of stabilizingthe surplus of the Company against fluctuations in the fair value of certain invested assets, is recorded as a liability by adirect charge to unassigned surplus for statutory accounting. Such a reserve is not recorded under GAAP.
Forstatutory reporting, the interest maintenance reserve (“IMR”) defers recognition of interest rate-related gains andlosses resulting from the disposal of investment securities and amortizes them into income over the remaining contractual maturitiesof those securities; under GAAP, such gains and losses are recognized in income immediately.
Amountsdue from reinsurers for their share of ceded reserves are netted against the reserves rather than shown as assets as under GAAP.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Deposits,surrenders, and benefits on certain annuities, including those recorded in the separate accounts, are recorded in the statutorybasis statements of operations, while such deposits and benefits are credited or charged directly to the policyholder accountbalances under GAAP. As a result, under GAAP, revenues on these types of contracts are composed of contract charges and fees,which are recognized when assessed against the account balance. Under GAAP, amounts collected are credited directly to policyholderaccount balances, and the benefits and claims on these contracts that are charged to expense only include benefits incurred inthe period in excess of related policyholder account balances.
Theregistered index annuities are reported as separate account products for statutory reporting. For GAAP, only the variable annuitycomponent of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity is reported as a separate account product, with theother related assets and liabilities reported in the general account because criteria for separate account reporting are not met.The criteria are that funds must be invested at the direction of the contract holder and investment results must be passed throughto the contract holder.
Comprehensiveincome and its components are not presented in the statutory basis financial statements, whereas under GAAP, comprehensive incomeis presented and changes in comprehensive income are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholder’sequity.
Thestatutory basis statements of cash flows are presented in the required statutory format. Under GAAP, the indirect method for thestatements of cash flows requires a reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities.
Useof Estimates
Thepreparation of the statutory basis financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thereported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statutorybasis financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results coulddiffer from those estimates and, in some cases, the difference could be material. Investment valuations, policy reserve valuations,determination of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”), deferred tax asset valuation reserves and reinsurancebalances are most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Investments
Investmentsare valued as prescribed by the NAIC.
Bondsand notes: Bonds and notes with an NAIC designation of 1 through 5 are generally stated at amortized cost. Bonds and noteswith an NAIC designation of 6 are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loan-backed securities may be carried atthe lower of amortized cost or fair value if they receive an initial rating of 6 under the multiple-designation methodology. Prepaymentassumptions for loan-backed securities are obtained from historical industry prepayment averages, industry survey values or internalestimates to determine the effective yield. Changes in the anticipated prepayments are incorporated when determining statementvalues. Changes in estimated cash flows from the previous assumptions are accounted for using the prospective method.
Netinvestment income: Investment income is recognized on an accrual basis. Investment income reflects amortization of premiumsand accretion of discounts on an effective-yield basis using expected cash flows.
Netrealized capital gains (losses): Realized capital gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined based upon thespecific identification method and are recorded on the trade date.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Cashand Cash Equivalents
Cashincludes unrestricted deposits in financial institutions. Cash equivalents include money market mutual funds and investments withmaturities at the date of purchase of 90 days or less and are reported at carrying value, which approximates amortized cost. Moneymarket mutual funds are valued based on the closing price as of December 31.
IncomeTax
Deferredincome taxes are recognized, subject to an admissibility test for deferred tax assets, and represent the future tax consequencesattributable to differences between the statutory basis financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and theirrespective tax bases. Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a statutory valuation allowance if it is more likely than not thatsome portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 5, Income Tax, for the components of the admissibilitytest used to calculate the admitted deferred tax assets. Recorded deferred tax amounts are adjusted to reflect changes in incometax rates and other tax law provisions as they are enacted. The net change in deferred taxes is recorded directly to unassignedsurplus.
TheCompany is subject to tax-related audits. The Company accounts for any federal and foreign tax contingent liabilities in accordancewith Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles (“SSAP”) No. 5R, Liabilities, Contingencies and Impairments of Assetsas modified by SSAP No. 101, Income Taxes, and any state and other tax contingent liabilities in accordance with SSAP No. 5R.
Reinsurance
Reinsurancepremiums, claims and benefits, commission expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accountedfor on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying direct policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.Premiums and benefits ceded to other companies have been reported as reductions of premium income and benefits in the accompanyingstatutory basis statements of operations. Policy and claim reserves are reported net of unbilled reinsurance recoverables. TheCompany has evaluated its reinsurance contracts and determined that all significant contracts transfer the underlying economicrisk of loss. CMFG Life, which is a related party, is the only reinsurer and there is no concern of default on reinsurance receivablebalances as CMFG Life is highly rated and well capitalized.
SeparateAccounts
TheCompany issues registered index annuities, the assets and liabilities of which are legally segregated and reflected in the accompanyingstatutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities and capital and surplus as assets and liabilities of the separate accounts.All separate account assets and liabilities are ceded to CMFG Life on a coinsurance basis except the variable annuity of the flexiblepremium variable and index-linked deferred annuities that are ceded on a modified coinsurance basis and the related assets andliabilities are retained in the Company’s separate account.
Separateaccount assets for the variable annuity component of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity are statedat fair value. Separate account liabilities are accounted for in a manner similar to other policy reserves. Separate account premiumdeposits, benefit expenses and contract fee income for investment management and policy administration are reflected by the Companyin the accompanying statutory basis statements of operations.
Thevariable annuity contract holders of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity are able to invest in investmentfunds managed for their benefit. All of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity separate account assetsare invested in unit investment trusts that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of December 31, 2022and 2021.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
CMFGLife, on behalf of MEMBERS Life, invests the single premium deferred index annuity, single premium deferred index-linked interestoptions annuity, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity and flexible premium deferred variable premiums forthe benefit of the contract holder. The single premium deferred index, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index and flexiblepremium variable and index-linked deferred annuities have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts;the Secure Account has a yearly credited interest rate floor of 0% and the yearly Growth Account floor is -10%. The Secure andGrowth Accounts both have credited interest rate caps that vary with issuance. The single premium deferred index-linked interestoptions annuity has risk control accounts, with either caps and floors or participation rates and buffers applied based on theperformance of an external index. For positive index performance, accounts with caps limit the interest credited to the policyholderat the cap; accounts with participation rates credit the full index performance multiplied by the participation rate to the policyholder.For negative index performance, floors represent the maximum negative interest credited a policyholder can receive, while thebuffer represents the maximum negative index return for an interest term that will not result in negative interest credited tothe contract. Interest is credited at the end of each contract year during the selected index term based on the allocation betweenrisk control accounts and the performance of an external index during that contract year. At the end of the initial index term,only the Secure Account will be available as an option to the policyholder.
Policyand Contract Claim Reserves
Liabilitiesestablished for unpaid benefits for life insurance contracts represent the estimated amounts required to cover the ultimate costof settling reported and incurred but unreported losses. These estimates are adjusted in the aggregate for ultimate loss expectationsbased on historical experience patterns and current economic trends. Any change in the probable ultimate liabilities, which mightarise from new information emerging, is reflected in the statutory basis statements of operations in the period the change isdetermined to be necessary. Such adjustments could be material.
Thepolicy and contract claim reserves are 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
PolicyReserves
Lifeinsurance reserves: Traditional life insurance reserves are computed on either the net level reserve basis or the Commissioner’sReserve Valuation Method (“CRVM”) basis dependent on product type and issue date using the applicable mortality table.
TheCompany waives deduction of deferred fractional premiums upon death of the insured and returns the portion of the final premiumbeyond the date of death. Surrender values are not promised in excess of legally computed reserves.
Extrapremiums are charged for substandard lives, plus the gross premium for a rated age. Mean reserves are determined by computingthe regular mean reserve for the plan at the rated age and holding, plus one-half of the extra premium charge for the year.
Tabularinterest, tabular less actual reserves released, tabular cost and tabular interest on funds not involving life contingencies haveall been determined by formulas prescribed by the Insurance Department.
Individualannuity reserves: Policyholder reserves related to individual annuity contracts are computed using the Commissioner’s AnnuityReserve Valuation Method (“CARVM”), along with Valuation Manual (“VM”) 21, for equity indexed annuitiesand variable annuities, during the contract accumulation period and the present value of future payments for contracts that haveannuitized. Policy reserves related to the registered index annuities contracts are computed using CARVM, along with ActuarialGuideline (“AG”) 33 and 35 and VM 21 for policies greater than ten days after issue; for the first ten days, the reserveis equal to the return of premium. A reserve floor for all deferred annuities is set equal to the cash surrender value. The policyreserves are 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Liabilityfor Deposit-Type Contracts
TheCompany recognizes a liability for policyholder deposits that are not subject to policyholder mortality or longevity risk at thestated account value. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit plus accumulated interest, less any withdrawalsand expense charges. Such deposits primarily represent annuity contracts without life contingencies.
Theliability for deposit-type contracts is 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
StatutoryValuation Reserves
TheIMR is maintained for the purpose of stabilizing the surplus of the Company against gains and losses on sales of investments thatare primarily attributable to changing interest rates. The interest rate-related gains and losses are deferred and amortized intoincome over the remaining lives of the securities sold. If the IMR is calculated to be a net asset, it is nonadmitted.
TheAVR is a formulaic reserve for fluctuations in the values of invested assets, primarily bonds and notes, mortgage loans, commonstocks and limited partnerships. Changes in the AVR are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus.
OtherLiabilities
TheCompany issues the registered index annuities on the 10th and 25th of each month. The Company recognizes a liability on contractsfor which it has received cash, but has not issued a contract. Other liabilities primarily consist of these customer fundspending completion of the policy issuance process. The customer funds are released from other liabilities when the policy applicationis completed.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note3: Investments
Bondsand Notes
Thestatement value, which generally represents amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investments inbonds and notes at December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Gross | | | Gross | | | | |
| | | Statement | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | | |
| | | Value | | | Gains | | | Losses | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 8,724 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (1,817 | ) | | $ | 6,907 | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 27,887 | | | | - | | | | (1,434 | ) | | | 26,453 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | - | | | | (56 | ) | | | 569 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | - | | | | (257 | ) | | | 3,606 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | - | | | | (175 | ) | | | 4,581 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (3,739 | ) | | $ | 42,116 | |
Thestatement value, which generally represents amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of investments inbonds and notes at December 31, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Gross | | | Gross | | | | |
| | | Statement | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | | |
| | | Value | | | Gains | | | Losses | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 8,729 | | | $ | 1,090 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 9,819 | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 14,939 | | | | 654 | | | | (232 | ) | | | 15,361 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 830 | | | | 34 | | | | - | | | | 864 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 1,953 | | | | - | | | | (37 | ) | | | 1,916 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 999 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | 1,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 27,450 | | | $ | 1,780 | | | $ | (269 | ) | | $ | 28,961 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Thestatement value and fair value of bonds and notes at December 31, 2022, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturitiesmay differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or withoutcall or prepayment penalties. Because of the potential for prepayment on residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backedand non-mortgage asset-backed securities, such securities have not been classified by expected maturity in the table below bycontractual maturity.
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | Statement | | | | |
| | | Value | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 1,998 | | | $ | 1,981 | |
| Due after one year through five years | | | 14,611 | | | | 14,244 | |
| Due after five years through ten years | | | 11,278 | | | | 10,228 | |
| Due after ten years | | | 8,724 | | | | 6,907 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | 569 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | 3,606 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | 4,581 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | |
Cashand Cash Equivalents
Thedetails of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash equivalents | | $ | 42,915 | | | $ | 37,939 | |
| Cash | | | 4,857 | | | | 786 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 47,772 | | | $ | 38,725 | |
NetInvestment Income
Sourcesof net investment income for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 1,064 | | | $ | 792 | | | $ | 954 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | 693 | | | | 12 | | | | 116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross investment income | | | 1,757 | | | | 804 | | | | 1,070 | |
| Less investment expenses | | | 78 | | | | 56 | | | | 53 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 1,679 | | | $ | 748 | | | $ | 1,017 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Investmentexpenses are charged by a related party for investment management fees and include interest, salaries, brokerage fees and securities’custodial fees.
Dueand accrued investment income over 90 days past due is excluded from the statutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities,and capital and surplus as a nonadmitted asset. There was no accrued investment income excluded at December 31, 2022 or 2021 onthis basis.
NetRealized Capital Gains (Losses)
Netrealized capital gains (losses) for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross gains from sales of bonds and notes | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1 | |
| Other | | | - | | | | - | | | | (142 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Realized capital gains (losses) before taxes and transfer to IMR | | | - | | | | - | | | | (141 | ) |
| Tax on realized capital gains (losses) | | | (5 | ) | | | (21 | ) | | | (100 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net realized capital gains (losses) | | $ | (5 | ) | | $ | (21 | ) | | $ | (241 | ) |
Therewere no sales of bonds and notes in 2022 or 2021. Proceeds from the sale of bonds and notes were $2,002 in 2020.
Other-Than-TemporaryInvestment Impairments
Investmentsecurities are reviewed for OTTI on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlist of securities based primarily on the fairvalue of an investment security relative to its amortized cost. When the fair value drops below the Company’s amortizedcost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgment on the part of the Companyand depends on several factors, including, but not limited to:
| ● | The existence of any plans to sell the investment security. |
| ● | The extent to which fair value is less than statement value. |
| ● | The underlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.). |
| ● | The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevant industry trends and conditions and cash flow analysis. |
| ● | For mortgage-backed and structured securities, the Company’s intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. |
| ● | The Company’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements. |
| ● | The Company’s collateral position, in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Abond or note is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis andits value is not expected to recover through the Company’s holding period. When this occurs, the Company records a realizedcapital loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impairedsecurity becomes its new amortized cost. If the bond is a loan-backed or structured security, it is considered to be other-than-temporarilyimpaired when the amortized cost exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and its value is not expectedto recover through the Company’s holding period. The amount of the OTTI recognized in the Statutory Basis Statement of Operationsas a realized loss equals the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its expected cash flows.
Managementbelieves it has made an appropriate provision for other-than-temporarily impaired securities owned at December 31, 2022 and 2021.Future declines in fair value may result in additional OTTI. Additional OTTI will be recorded as appropriate and as determinedby the Company’s regular monitoring procedures of additional facts. In light of the variables involved, such additionalOTTI could be significant.
TheCompany did not recognize any OTTI on mortgage-backed and structured securities during 2022, 2021 and 2020 caused by an intentto sell or lack of intent and ability to hold until recovery of the amortized cost basis.
NetUnrealized Capital Gains (Losses)
Informationregarding the Company’s bonds and notes with unrealized losses at December 31, 2022 is presented below, segregated betweenthose that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and those that have been in a continuousunrealized loss position for twelve or more months.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Months in Unrealized Loss Position | | | | | | | |
| | | Less Than | | | Twelve | | | Total | |
| | | Twelve Months | | | Months or Greater | | | December 31, 2022 | |
| | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 6,907 | | | $ | (1,817 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,907 | | | $ | (1,817 | ) |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 20,846 | | | | (361 | ) | | | 5,607 | | | | (1,073 | ) | | | 26,453 | | | | (1,434 | ) |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 569 | | | | (56 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 569 | | | | (56 | ) |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 1,906 | | | | (28 | ) | | | 1,700 | | | | (229 | ) | | | 3,606 | | | | (257 | ) |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,581 | | | | (175 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 4,581 | | | | (175 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 34,809 | | | $ | (2,437 | ) | | $ | 7,307 | | | $ | (1,302 | ) | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | (3,739 | ) |
AtDecember 31, 2022, the Company owned 37 securities with a fair value of $42,116 in an unrealized loss position. The Company owned7 industrial and miscellaneous securities and one commercial mortgage-backed security of $1,073 and $229, respectively, in unrealizedloss positions greater than twelve months. The aggregate severity of unrealized losses for bonds and notes with a loss periodof 12 months or greater is approximately 15.1% of amortized cost. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31,2022 are rated “investment grade” based on having an NAIC rating of 1 or 2.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Informationregarding the Company’s bonds and notes with unrealized losses at December 31, 2021 is presented below, segregated betweenthose that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and those that have been in a continuousunrealized loss position for twelve or more months.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Months in Unrealized Loss Position | | | | | | | |
| | | Less Than | | | Twelve | | | Total | |
| | | Twelve Months | | | Months or Greater | | | December 31 | |
| | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 4,742 | | | $ | (232 | ) | | $ | 4,742 | | | $ | (232 | ) |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 1,916 | | | | (37 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,916 | | | | (37 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 1,916 | | | $ | (37 | ) | | $ | 4,742 | | | $ | (232 | ) | | $ | 6,658 | | | $ | (269 | ) |
AtDecember 31, 2021, the Company owned six securities with a fair value of $6,658 in an unrealized loss position. The Company ownedfive industrial and miscellaneous securities and one commercial mortgage-backed security with an unrealized loss of $232 and $37,respectively. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2021 are rated “investment grade” based onhaving an NAIC rating of 1 or 2.
RestrictedAssets
Iowalaw requires that assets equal to a life insurer’s legal reserve must be designated for the Insurance Department for theprotection of all policyholders. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, securities with admitted asset values of $45,905 and $27,500,respectively, were on deposit with government authorities as required by law to satisfy regulatory requirements. These holdingsas a percentage of total assets and total admitted assets were 13% and 13%, respectively, as of December 31, 2022 and 7% and 7%,respectively, as of December 31, 2021.
InvestmentCredit Risk
TheCompany maintains a diversified investment portfolio including issuer, sector and geographic stratification, where applicable,and has established certain exposure limits, diversification standards, and review procedures to mitigate credit risk.
Note4: Fair Value
TheCompany uses fair value measurements to record fair value of certain assets and liabilities and to estimate fair value of financialinstruments not recorded at fair value but required to be disclosed at fair value. Certain financial instruments, such as insurancepolicy liabilities other than deposit-type contracts, are excluded from the fair value disclosure requirements. The Company usesfair value measurements obtained using observable inputs or internally determined estimates to estimate fair value.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
ValuationHierarchy
Fairvalue is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transactionbetween market participants at the measurement date.
Thefair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities intothree broad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in thevaluation technique, as follows:
| ● | Level 1: Inputs are directly observable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. |
| ● | Level 2: All significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability. This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. |
| ● | Level 3: One or more significant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. |
Forpurposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, observable inputs are those inputsused by market participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained fromindependent sources. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’sestimates of the assumptions market participants would use in valuing financial assets and liabilities, are developed basedon the best information available in the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of themeasurement date. In some instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair valuehierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significantto the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Thehierarchy requires the use of market observable information when available for measuring fair value. The availability of observableinputs varies by investment. In situations where the fair value is based on inputs that are unobservable in the market or on inputsfrom inactive markets, the determination of fair value requires more judgment and is subject to the risk of variability. The degreeof judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for investments categorized in Level 3. Transfersin and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the end of the quarter in which the transfer occurred.Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized gains and losses and all changes in unrealized gains and losses in thefourth quarter are not reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table.
ValuationProcess
TheCompany is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company usesa consistent application of valuation methodologies and inputs and compliance with accounting standards through the executionof various processes and controls designed to provide assurance that assets and liabilities are appropriately valued.
TheCompany has policies and guidelines that require the establishment of valuation methodologies and consistent application of suchmethodologies. These policies and guidelines govern the use of inputs and price source hierarchies and provide controls aroundthe valuation processes. These controls include appropriate review and analysis of prices against market activity or indicatorsof reasonableness, approval of price source changes, price overrides, methodology changes and classification of fair value hierarchylevels. The valuation policies and guidelines are reviewed and updated as appropriate.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Forfair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes are designed to provide assurancethat the valuation methodologies and inputs are appropriate and consistently applied, the assumptions are reasonable and consistentwith the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are appropriately recorded. The Company performs proceduresto understand and assess the methodologies, processes, and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company mayvalidate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to otherthird-party valuation sources for selected securities. When using internal valuation models, these models are developed by theCompany’s investment group using established methodologies. The models, including key assumptions, are reviewed with variousinvestment sector professionals, accounting, operations, compliance, and risk management professionals. In addition, when fairvalue estimates involve a high degree of subjectivity, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management whohave relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
TransfersBetween Levels
Therewere no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Determinationof Fair Values
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31,2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets, at Fair Value | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash equivalents | | $ | 42,915 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 42,915 | |
| Separate account assets | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets at fair value | | $ | 42,915 | | | $ | 229,659 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 272,574 | |
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31,2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets, at Fair Value | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash equivalents | | $ | 37,939 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 37,939 | |
| Separate account assets | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets at fair value | | $ | 37,939 | | | $ | 294,305 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 332,244 | |
Therewere no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
FairValue Measurement of Financial Instruments
Accountingstandards require disclosure of fair value information about certain on and off-balance sheet financial instruments for whichit is practicable to estimate that value.
Thefollowing table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicableto estimate fair value by fair value measurement level at December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Carrying | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Amount | | | Fair Value | | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial instruments recorded as assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | - | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
Thefollowing table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicableto estimate fair value by fair value measurement level at December 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Carrying | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Amount | | | Fair Value | | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial instruments recorded as assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 27,450 | | | $ | 28,961 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 27,961 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
Thecarrying amounts for accrued net investment income and certain receivables and payables approximate fair value due to their short-termnature and have been excluded from the fair value tables above.
Thefollowing methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instrumentsby fair value hierarchy level:
Level1 Measurements
Cashequivalents: Consists of money market mutual funds reported as cash equivalents. Valuation for money market mutual funds isbased on the closing price as of the balance sheet date.
Level2 Measurements
Bondsand notes: Valuation is principally based on observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets in markets thatare active and observable market data.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Separateaccount assets and liabilities: Separate account assets are investments in mutual funds and unit investment trusts in whichthe contract holders could redeem their investment at net asset value per share at the measurement date with the investee; andmutual funds where valuation is principally based on observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets in markets thatare active and observable market data. Separate account liabilities represent the account value owed to the customer; the fairvalue is determined by reference to the fair value of the related separate account assets.
Level3 Measurements
Bondsand notes: Valuation is principally based on unobservable inputs that are significant including estimated prices for assetsin markets that may not be active. When available, market indices and observable inputs, along with analytical modeling are used.
Note5: Income Tax
TheCompany is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of CMHC along with the following affiliates, which are alsosubsidiaries of CMHC: CMFG Life, CUMIS Mortgage Reinsurance Company, CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc., CUMIS Specialty InsuranceCompany, Inc., CUMIS Vermont, Inc., CMIC, CUNA Mutual Insurance Agency, Inc., CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”),International Commons, Inc., MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc., CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc., TruStage Financial Group, Inc.,CUNA Mutual Global Holdings, Inc., CuneXus Solutions, Inc. and Family Considerations, Inc.
TheCompany has entered into a tax sharing agreement with CMHC and certain of its subsidiaries. The agreement provides for the allocationof tax expense based on each subsidiary’s contribution to the consolidated federal income tax liability. Pursuant to theagreement, subsidiaries that have incurred losses are reimbursed regardless of the utilization of the loss in the current year.
Currentincome tax expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Federal income tax expense on operations | | $ | 1,142 | | | $ | 1,668 | | | $ | 256 | |
| Federal income tax expense on realized capital gains (losses) | | | 5 | | | | 21 | | | | 100 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Federal income tax expense | | $ | 1,147 | | | $ | 1,689 | | | $ | 356 | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
The2022 change in net deferred income tax is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 5,117 | | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | 1,926 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| Net deferred tax asset (excluding nonadmitted) | | $ | 5,117 | | | $ | 3,011 | | | | 2,106 | |
| Tax effect of unrealized capital gains and losses, unrealized foreign exchange capital gains and losses, and changes as a result of other surplus adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | (337 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,769 | |
The2021 change in net deferred income tax is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | 1,108 | | | $ | 2,083 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (180 | ) | | | (197 | ) | | | 17 | |
| Net deferred tax asset (excluding nonadmitted) | | $ | 3,011 | | | $ | 911 | | | | 2,100 | |
| Tax effect of unrealized capital gains and losses, unrealized foreign exchange capital gains and losses, and changes as a result of other surplus adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,100 | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
The2020 change in net deferred income tax is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 1,108 | | | $ | 1,010 | | | $ | 98 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (197 | ) | | | (340 | ) | | | 143 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net deferred tax asset (excluding nonadmitted) | | $ | 911 | | | $ | 670 | | | | 241 | |
| Tax effect of unrealized capital gains and losses, unrealized foreign exchange capital gains and losses, and changes as a result of other surplus adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | | | | | | | | $ | 241 | |
Reconciliationto U.S. Tax Rate
Thetotal statutory provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21% to income before federal income taxes plus gross realized capital gains (losses) dueto the items listed in the following reconciliation:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Tax expense computed at federal corporate rate | | $ | 354 | | | $ | 207 | | | $ | 116 | |
| Foreign tax credit | | | (79 | ) | | | (42 | ) | | | (32 | ) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) related to prior years | | | (19 | ) | | | 508 | | | | (82 | ) |
| Nonadmitted assets | | | (791 | ) | | | (997 | ) | | | 161 | |
| Interest maintenance reserve amortization | | | 15 | | | | 21 | | | | 26 | |
| Dividends received deductions | | | (106 | ) | | | (108 | ) | | | (76 | ) |
| Other | | | 4 | | | | - | | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total statutory income taxes | | $ | (622 | ) | | $ | (411 | ) | | $ | 116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Federal income tax expense | | $ | 1,147 | | | $ | 1,689 | | | $ | 356 | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | (1,769 | ) | | | (2,100 | ) | | | (240 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total statutory income taxes | | $ | (622 | ) | | $ | (411 | ) | | $ | 116 | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
DeferredIncome Taxes
Thecomponents of the net deferred tax asset at December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 4,976 | | | $ | 141 | | | $ | 5,117 | | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | 1,785 | | | $ | 141 | | | $ | 1,926 | |
| Statutory valuation allowance adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | | 4,976 | | | | 141 | | | | 5,117 | | | | 3,191 | | | | - | | | | 3,191 | | | | 1,785 | | | | 141 | | | | 1,926 | |
| Deferred tax assets nonadmitted | | | (4,471 | ) | | | (141 | ) | | | (4,612 | ) | | | (2,448 | ) | | | - | | | | (2,448 | ) | | | (2,023 | ) | | | (141 | ) | | | (2,164 | ) |
| Admitted deferred tax assets | | | 505 | | | | - | | | | 505 | | | | 743 | | | | - | | | | 743 | | | | (238 | ) | | | - | | | | (238 | ) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | (180 | ) | | | - | | | | 180 | | | | 180 | |
| Net admitted deferred tax assets | | $ | 505 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | (180 | ) | | $ | 563 | | | $ | (238 | ) | | $ | 180 | | | $ | (58 | ) |
Thenonadmitted deferred tax asset increased $2,164 in 2022 and $1,792 in 2021. There are no known deferred tax liabilities not recognized.Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a statutory valuation allowance adjustment if it is more likely than not that some portionor all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Based on the Company’s assessment, no valuation allowance was requiredas of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thetax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities atDecember 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred acquisition costs | | $ | 2,871 | | | $ | 1,904 | | | $ | 967 | |
| Miscellaneous nonadmitted assets | | | 2,012 | | | | 1,221 | | | | 791 | |
| Other - accrued general expense | | | 93 | | | | 66 | | | | 27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal ordinary deferred tax assets | | | 4,976 | | | | 3,191 | | | | 1,785 | |
| Nonadmitted ordinary deferred tax assets | | | (4,471 | ) | | | (2,448 | ) | | | (2,023 | ) |
| Admitted ordinary deferred tax assets | | | 505 | | | | 743 | | | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | 141 | | | | - | | | | 141 | |
| Subtotal capital deferred tax assets | | | 141 | | | | - | | | | 141 | |
| Nonadmitted capital deferred tax assets | | | (141 | ) | | | - | | | | (141 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Admitted capital deferred tax asset | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Admitted deferred tax assets | | | 505 | | | | 743 | | | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| Subtotal capital deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net admitted deferred tax asset | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 563 | | | $ | (58 | ) |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
DeferredTax Asset Admission Calculation
Thecomponents of the deferred tax asset admission calculation at December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (a) Federal income taxes paid in prior years recoverable through loss carrybacks | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| (b) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized after application of the threshold limitation; the lesser of (i) or (ii): | | | 505 | | | | - | | | | 505 | | | | 563 | | | | - | | | | 563 | | | | (58 | ) | | | - | | | | (58 | ) |
| (i) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized following the balance sheet date | | | 505 | | | | - | | | | 505 | | | | 563 | | | | - | | | | 563 | | | | (58 | ) | | | - | | | | (58 | ) |
| (ii) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets allowed per limitation threshold | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,732 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,261 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,471 | |
| (c) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets offset by gross deferred tax liabilities | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 180 | | | | - | | | | 180 | | | | (180 | ) | | | - | | | | (180 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Admitted deferred tax assets | | $ | 505 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | (238 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (238 | ) |
Theamounts calculated in (b)(i) and (b)(ii) in the table above are based on the following information:
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Ratio percentage used to determine recovery period and threshold limitation amount (RBC reporting entity) | | | 5775 | % | | | 6909 | % |
| Recovery period used in (b)(i) | | | 3 years | | | | 3 years | |
| Percentage of adjusted capital and surplus used in (b)(ii) | | | 15 | % | | | 15 | % |
| Amount of adjusted capital and surplus used in (b)(ii) | | $ | 51,544 | | | $ | 35,074 | |
Notax planning strategies were used in the calculation of adjusted gross deferred tax assets or net admitted adjusted gross deferredtax assets during 2022 and 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
OtherTax Items
Asof December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any federal capital loss, operating loss, or credit carryforwards.
TheCompany has no taxes incurred in 2022, 2021, and 2020 that are available for recoupment in the event of future capital losses.
TheCompany did not have any protective tax deposits under Section 6603 of the Internal Revenue Code.
TheCompany did not have any tax contingencies as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and has no tax loss contingencies for which it isreasonably possible that the total liability will significantly increase within twelve months of the reporting date.
TheCompany recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to tax contingencies, if any, in income tax expense in the statutorybasis statements of operations.
TheCompany is included in a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return filed by CMHC. The Company also files income tax returnsin various states. The Company is subject to tax audits. These audits may result in additional tax liabilities. For the majorjurisdictions where it operates, the Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examination by tax authorities for theyears ended before 2019.
InAugust 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Act”) was passed by the US Congress and signed into law. TheAct includes a new Federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”), effective in 2023, that is based on the adjusted financialstatement income (“AFSI”) set forth on the applicable financial statement (“AFS”) of an applicable corporation.A corporation is an applicable corporation if its rolling average pre-tax AFSI over three prior years (starting with 2020-2022)is greater than $1,000,000. For a group of related entities, the $1,000,000 threshold is determined on a group basis, and thegroup’s AFS is generally treated as the AFS for all separate taxpayers in the group. Except under limited circumstances,once a corporation is an applicable corporation, it is an applicable corporation in all future years.
Anapplicable corporation is not automatically subject to an AMT liability. The corporation’s tentative AMT liability is equalto 15% of its adjusted AFSI, and AMT is payable to the extent the tentative AMT liability exceeds regular corporate income tax.However, any AMT paid would be indefinitely available as a credit carryover that could reduce future regular tax in excess ofAMT.
Thecontrolled group of corporations of which the Company is a member has determined that it likely will not be an applicable corporationin 2023. In making such determination, the group has made certain interpretations of, and assumptions regarding, the AMT provisionsof the Act. The US Treasury Department is expected to issue guidance throughout 2023 that may differ from the group’s interpretationsand assumptions and that could alter the group’s determination. No provision for the AMT has been made in the Company’scurrent or deferred tax accounts as of December 31, 2022.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note6: Related Party Transactions
Inthe normal course of business, the Company has various transactions with related entities, primarily CMFG Life, such as informationtechnology support, benefit plan administration and costs associated with accounting, actuarial, tax, investment and administrativeservices. In certain circumstances, expenses are shared between the companies. Expenses incurred that are specifically identifiablewith a particular company are borne by that company; other expenses are allocated among the companies on the basis of time andusage studies. Amounts due from related party activity are generally settled monthly. The Company reimbursed CMFG Life $79,869,$67,119 and $47,364 for allocated expenses in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Asof December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, $24,611 and $17,091 was due to CMFG Life for such expense sharing transactions andrelated party borrowing transactions, as described above.
TheCompany utilizes CBSI, which is 100% owned by CMIC, to distribute its annuity products. Beginning in May 2022, CBSI advisors arelicensed with LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”), an unaffiliated third party, such that starting in June 2022, commissionsare paid to LPL prior to being collected by CBSI. The Company recorded a commission expense for this service of $32,497 in 2022,$49,484 in 2021 and $36,884 for 2020, which is included in insurance taxes, licenses, fees and commissions.
TheCompany received a non-cash capital contribution from its parent, CMIC, of $20,017 during the year ended December 31, 2022. Suchamount included $19,680 of bonds and $337 of a related deferred tax asset. The Company did not receive a capital contributionin 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note7: Reinsurance
TheCompany entered into coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements with its affiliate, CMFG Life, to cede 100% of its life,accident and health, and annuity business. The Company entered into the agreements for the purpose of limiting its exposure toloss on any one single insured, diversifying its risk and limiting its overall financial exposure to certain products, and tomeet its overall financial objectives. The Company retains the risk of loss in the event that CMFG Life is unable to meet theobligations assumed under the reinsurance agreements.
Thefollowing table shows the effect of reinsurance on premiums, contract charges, benefits and surrenders, and increase in policyreserves for 2022, 2021, and 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Premiums earned: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 1,324,876 | | | $ | 1,580,410 | | | $ | 1,170,733 | |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (1,324,876 | ) | | | (1,580,410 | ) | | | (1,170,733 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Premiums earned, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contract charges | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 5,744 | | | $ | (1,598 | ) | | $ | (836 | ) |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (5,744 | ) | | | 1,598 | | | | 836 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contract charges, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits and surrender expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 538,661 | | | $ | 491,970 | | | $ | 348,428 | |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (538,661 | ) | | | (491,970 | ) | | | (348,428 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits and surrender expenses, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in policy reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 109,870 | | | $ | 8,624 | | | $ | (2,136 | ) |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (109,870 | ) | | | (8,624 | ) | | | 2,136 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in policy reserves, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Policyreserves and claim liabilities are stated net of reinsurance balances ceded of $167,272 and $52,607 in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
TheCompany receives a reinsurance ceding commission equal to 100% of its actual expenses for life insurance and annuities ceded toCMFG Life, which was $163,472, $169,103 and $103,297 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note8: Annuity Reserves and Deposit-Type Liabilities
Thefollowing tables show an analysis of annuity actuarial reserves and deposit type contract liabilities by withdrawal characteristicsat December 31, 2022:
IndividualAnnuities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Separate | | | Separate | | | | | | | |
| | | General | | | Account with | | | Account | | | | | | % of | |
| | | Account | | | Guarantees | | | Nonguaranteed | | | Total | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal - lump sum: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| With market value adjustment | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,457,388 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,457,388 | | | | 91.8 | % |
| At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more | | | 402 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 402 | | | | 0.0 | % |
| At fair value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 225,401 | | | | 225,401 | | | | 3.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total with adjustment or at fair value | | | 402 | | | | 6,457,388 | | | | 225,401 | | | | 6,683,191 | | | | 95.0 | % |
| At book value with minimal or no charge adjustment | | | - | | | | 229,185 | | | | - | | | | 229,185 | | | | 3.3 | % |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | | 122,176 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 122,176 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 122,578 | | | | 6,686,573 | | | | 225,401 | | | | 7,034,552 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 122,578 | | | | 6,686,573 | | | | - | | | | 6,809,151 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | 225,401 | | | | | |
TheCompany had policy liabilities associated with its separate accounts of $225,401 as of December 31, 2022.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Deposit-TypeContracts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Separate | | | | Separate | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | General | | | | Account with | | | | Account | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | Account | | | | Guarantees | | | | Nonguaranteed | | | | Total | | | | Total | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | $ | 8,041 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 8,041 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 8,041 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,041 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 8,041 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,041 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | | | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thefollowing table shows life policy reserves by withdrawal characteristics at December 31, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | General Account | | | Separate Account -
Guaranteed and Non Guaranteed | |
| | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal, surrender values, or policy loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies with cash value | | $ | - | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 38 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| Universal life | | | 2,232 | | | | 2,232 | | | | 2,278 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Other permanent cash value life insurance | | | - | | | | 15,385 | | | | 19,884 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | 59 | | | | 59 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal or no cash values: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies without cash value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,503 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Accidental death benefits | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - active lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - disabled lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 38 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | - | | | | 49 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross reserves before reinsurance | | | 2,232 | | | | 17,698 | | | | 25,857 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ceded reinsurance | | | 2,232 | | | | 17,698 | | | | 25,857 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net reserves | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thefollowing tables show an analysis of annuity actuarial reserves and deposit type contract liabilities by withdrawal characteristicsat 2021:
IndividualAnnuities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Separate | | | | Separate | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | General | | | | Account with | | | | Account | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | Account | | | | Guarantees | | | | Nonguaranteed | | | | Total | | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal - lump sum: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| With market value adjustment | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,370,222 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,370,222 | | | | 94.2 | % |
| At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more | | | 3,783 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,783 | | | | 0.1 | % |
| At fair value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 285,266 | | | | 285,266 | | | | 4.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total with adjustment or at fair value | | | 3,783 | | | | 6,370,222 | | | | 285,266 | | | | 6,659,271 | | | | 98.4 | % |
| At book value with minimal or no charge adjustment | | | 403 | | | | 95,657 | | | | - | | | | 96,060 | | | | 1.4 | % |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | | 8,838 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,838 | | | | 0.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 13,024 | | | | 6,465,879 | | | | 285,266 | | | | 6,764,169 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 13,024 | | | | 6,465,879 | | | | - | | | | 6,478,903 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | | | $ | 285,266 | | | | | |
TheCompany had policy liabilities associated with its separate accounts of $285,266 as of December 31, 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Deposit-TypeContracts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Separate | | | Separate | | | | | | | |
| | | General | | | Account with | | | Account | | | | | | % of | |
| | | Account | | | Guarantees | | | Nonguaranteed | | | Total | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | $ | 6,053 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,053 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 6,053 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,053 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 6,053 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,053 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | | | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thefollowing table shows life policy reserves by withdrawal characteristics at December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | General
Account | | | | | | | | | Separate
Account -
Guaranteed
and Non
Guaranteed | | | | | | | |
| | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal, surrender values, or policy loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies with cash value | | $ | - | | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 52 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| Universal life | | | 2,523 | | | | 2,523 | | | | 2,575 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Other permanent cash value life insurance | | | - | | | | 12,666 | | | | 13,555 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Variable universal life | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | 488 | | | | 488 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal or no cash values: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies without cash value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,024 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Accidental death benefits | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - active lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - disabled lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 45 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | - | | | | 57 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross reserves before reinsurance | | | 2,523 | | | | 15,706 | | | | 20,804 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ceded reinsurance | | | 2,523 | | | | 15,706 | | | | 20,804 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net reserves | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note9: Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions
TheCompany is subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of policyholders’ surplus and payment of stockholder dividends.Generally, dividends to a parent must be reported to the appropriate state regulatory authority in advance of payment and extraordinarydividends, as defined by statutes, require regulatory approval. The Company cannot pay stockholder dividends in 2023 without regulatoryapproval.
Risk-basedcapital (“RBC”) requirements promulgated by the NAIC and adopted by the Insurance Department require U.S. life insurersto maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determined based on formulas incorporating asset risk, insurance risk, andbusiness risk. The adequacy of the Company’s actual capital is evaluated by a comparison to the RBC results, as determinedby the formula. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s adjusted capital exceeded the RBC minimum requirements, asrequired by the NAIC. The Company could pay $5,205 in stockholder dividends in 2022 without the approval of the Insurance Department.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note10: Commitments and Contingencies
LegalMatters
Variouslegal and regulatory actions, including state market conduct exams and federal tax audits, are currently pending that involvethe Company and specific aspects of its conduct of business. Like other members of the insurance industry, the Company is routinelyinvolved in a number of lawsuits and other types of proceedings, some of which may involve claims for substantial or indeterminateamounts. These actions are based on a variety of issues and involve a range of the Company’s practices. The ultimate outcome ofthese disputes is unpredictable.
Thesematters in some cases raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities,including but not limited to, the underlying facts of each matter; novel legal issues; variations between jurisdictions in whichmatters are being litigated, heard or investigated; differences in applicable laws and judicial interpretations; the length oftime before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement, through litigation or otherwise and, in some cases, the timingof their resolutions relative to other similar matters involving other companies. In connection with regulatory examinations andproceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution and changes in businesspractices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examinationor proceeding. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all such pending actions will notmaterially affect the statutory basis financial statements of the Company.
Note11: Unassigned Surplus
Nonadmittedassets at December 31 reduce unassigned surplus and include the following:
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| Nonadmitted assets: | | | | | | | | |
| Net deferred tax asset | | $ | 4,612 | | | $ | 2,448 | |
| Accounts receivable - nonaffiliated | | | 6,599 | | | | 4,474 | |
| Prepaid expenses | | | 494 | | | | 382 | |
| Interest maintenance reserve | | | 740 | | | | 809 | |
| Debit suspense balances | | | 2,488 | | | | 957 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total nonadmitted assets | | $ | 14,933 | | | $ | 9,070 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note12: Separate Accounts
Separateaccounts represent funds that are invested to support the variable component of the Company’s obligations under the flexiblepremium variable and index-linked deferred annuity contracts.
Informationrelating to the Company’s flexible premium variable separate account business as of December 31 is set forth in the tablesbelow:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reserves with assets held: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| At fair value | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| At amortized cost | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Total | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reserves with assets subject to discretionary withdrawal: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| At fair value | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| With fair value adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Total | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
Thefollowing table shows the premiums and deposits for flexible premium variable contracts recorded in the separate accounts forthe years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-guaranteed premiums, considerations and deposits received for separate account policies | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Detailsof the net transfers to separate accounts for all annuity contracts are shown in the table below for the years ended:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transfers to separate accounts | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,295,577 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,556,187 | |
| Transfers from separate accounts | | | - | | | | (1,291,131 | ) | | | - | | | | (1,527,283 | ) |
| Valuation adjustment | | | - | | | | (8,520 | ) | | | - | | | | 3,534 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net transfers to (from) separate accounts | | $ | - | | | $ | (4,074 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | 32,438 | |
Note13: Subsequent Events
TheCompany evaluated subsequent events through March 15, 2023, the date the statutory basis financial statements were available forissuance. There were no significant subsequent events that require adjustment to or disclosure in the accompanying statutory basisfinancial statements.
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Supplemental Schedules |
| December 31, 2022 |
| |
SupplementalSchedules
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Investment income earned: | | | |
| Government bonds | | $ | 152 | |
| Other bonds (unaffiliated) | | | 912 | |
| Bonds of affiliates | | | - | |
| Preferred stocks (unaffiliated) | | | - | |
| Preferred stocks of affiliates | | | - | |
| Common stocks (unaffiliated) | | | - | |
| Common stocks of affiliates | | | - | |
| Mortgage loans | | | - | |
| Real estate | | | - | |
| Premium notes, contract loans and liens | | | - | |
| Collateral loans | | | - | |
| Cash | | | - | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 693 | |
| Short-term investments | | | - | |
| Other invested assets | | | - | |
| Derivative financial instruments | | | - | |
| Aggregate write-in for investment income | | | - | |
| Gross investment income | | $ | 1,757 | |
| | | | | |
| Real estate owned - book value less encumbrances | | $ | - | |
| | | | | |
| Mortgage loans - book value: | | | | |
| Farm mortgages | | | - | |
| Residential mortgages | | | - | |
| Commercial mortgages | | | - | |
| Total mortgage loans | | $ | - | |
| | | | | |
| Mortgage loans by standing - book value: | | | | |
| Good standing | | | - | |
| Good standing with restructured terms | | | - | |
| Interest overdue more than three months, not in foreclosure | | | - | |
| Foreclosure in process | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Other long-term assets-statement value | | | - | |
| Collateral loans | | | - | |
| Bonds and stocks of parents, subsidiaries and affiliates - book value: | | | | |
| Bonds | | | - | |
| Preferred stocks | | | - | |
| Common stocks | | | - | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data, continued |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Bonds and short-term investments by class and maturity: | | | |
| Bonds by maturity - statement value | | | |
| Due within one year or less | | $ | 2,063 | |
| Over 1 year through 5 years | | | 21,540 | |
| Over 5 years through 10 years | | | 13,344 | |
| Over 10 years through 20 years | | | 8,877 | |
| Over 20 years | | | 31 | |
| Total by maturity | | $ | 45,855 | |
| | | | | |
| Bonds by class - statement value | | | | |
| Class 1 | | $ | 40,121 | |
| Class 2 | | | 5,734 | |
| Class 3 | | | - | |
| Class 4 | | | - | |
| Class 5 | | | - | |
| Class 6 | | | - | |
| Total by class | | $ | 45,855 | |
| | | | | |
| Total bonds publicly traded | | $ | 39,999 | |
| Total bonds privately placed | | | 5,856 | |
| | | | | |
| Preferred stocks - statement value | | | - | |
| Common stocks - market value | | | - | |
| Short-term investments - book value | | | - | |
| Options, caps & floors - statement value | | | - | |
| Options, caps & floors written and in force - statement value | | | - | |
| Collar, swap & forward agreements open - statement value | | | - | |
| Futures contracts open - current value | | | - | |
| Cash | | | 4,857 | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 42,915 | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data, continued |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Life insurance in force: | | | |
| Industrial | | $ | - | |
| Ordinary | | | 671,511 | |
| Credit life | | | - | |
| Group life | | | 10,181 | |
| | | | | |
| Amount of accidental death insurance in force under ordinary policies | | | 1,857 | |
| | | | | |
| Life insurance policies with disability provisions in force: | | | | |
| Industrial | | | - | |
| Ordinary | | | 2,356 | |
| Credit life | | | - | |
| Group life | | | 224 | |
| | | | | |
| Supplementary contracts in force: | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Ordinary - not involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Amount on deposit | | | - | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| Ordinary - involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| Group - not involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Amount of deposit | | | - | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| Group - involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Annuities: | | | | |
| Ordinary | | | | |
| Immediate - amount of income payable | | | - | |
| Deferred - fully paid - account balance | | | - | |
| Deferred - not fully paid - account balance | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Group | | | | |
| Immediate - amount of income payable | | | - | |
| Fully paid account payable | | | - | |
| Not fully paid - account balance | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Accident and health insurance - premium in force: | | | | |
| Ordinary | | | - | |
| Group | | | - | |
| Credit | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Deposit funds and dividends accumulations: | | | | |
| Deposit funds - account balance | | | - | |
| Dividend accumulations - account balance | | | - | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data, continued |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Claim payments 2022: | | | | |
| Group accident and health - year ended December 31 | | | | |
| 2022 | | $ | - | |
| 2021 | | | - | |
| 2020 | | | - | |
| 2019 | | | - | |
| 2018 | | | - | |
| Prior | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Other accident and health | | | | |
| 2022 | | | - | |
| 2021 | | | - | |
| 2020 | | | - | |
| 2019 | | | - | |
| 2018 | | | - | |
| Prior | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Other coverages that use developmental methods to calculate claims reserves | | | | |
| 2022 | | | - | |
| 2021 | | | - | |
| 2020 | | | - | |
| 2019 | | | - | |
| 2018 | | | - | |
| Prior | | | - | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Summary Investment Schedule |
| December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| | | Gross | | | Admitted Invested Assets | |
| | | Investment | | | Reported in the Annual Statement | |
| Investment Categories | | Holdings | | | Amount | | | Percentage | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Long-Term Bonds: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. governments | | $ | 8,830 | | | $ | 8,830 | | | | 9.4 | % |
| All other governments | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| U.S. states, territories and possessions, etc. guaranteed | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| U.S. political subdivisions of states, territories, and possessions, guaranteed | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| U.S. special revenue and special assessment obligations, etc. non-guaranteed | | | 519 | | | | 519 | | | | 0.6 | % |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 36,506 | | | | 36,506 | | | | 39.0 | % |
| Hybrid securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| SVO identified funds | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Unaffiliated Bank loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Total long-term bonds | | | 45,855 | | | | 45,855 | | | | 49.0 | % |
| Preferred Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous (unaffiliated) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Total preferred stocks | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Publicly traded (unaffiliated) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Industrial and miscellaneous Other (unaffiliated) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates Publicly traded | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates Other | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Mutual funds | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Unit investment trusts | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Total common stocks | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Mortgage loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Real estate | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | | | 47,772 | | | | 47,772 | | | | 51.0 | % |
| Contract loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Derivatives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Other invested assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Receivables for securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Securities lending | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total invested assets | | $ | 93,627 | | | $ | 93,627 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Reinsurance Contract Interrogatories |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| |
| 1. | MLIC has applied reinsurance accounting, as described in SSAP No. 61R, to reinsurance contracts entered into, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 1996, which do not include risk-limiting features, as described in SSAP No. 61R. |
| 2. | MLIC has not entered into, renewed or amended reinsurance contracts on or after January 1, 1996, which contain provisions that allow (1) the reporting of losses or settlements with the reinsurer to occur less frequently than quarterly or (2) payments due from the reinsurer to not be made in cash within ninety days of the settlement date unless there is no activity during the period. |
| 3. | MLIC has not entered into, renewed or amended reinsurance contracts on or after January 1, 1996, which contain a payment schedule, accumulating retentions from multiple years or any features inherently designed to delay timing of the reimbursement to the ceding company. |
| 4. | MLIC has not ceded any risk during the period ended December 31, 2022 under any reinsurance contracts entered into, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 1996 accounted for as reinsurance under GAAP and as a deposit under SSAP No. 61R. |
| 5. | MLIC cedes 100% of its annuity business to CMFG Life, which is accounted for as reinsurance ceded under statutory accounting. These contracts are accounted for as investment-type contracts under GAAP; as such, deposits are not reported as revenues for GAAP. Consequently, deposit accounting is used to account for the reinsurance agreement for GAAP. |
SUPPLEMENTALINVESTMENT RISKS INTERROGATORIES
ForThe Year Ended December 31, 2022
(ToBe Filed by April 1)
OfThe MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
ADDRESS(City, State and Zip Code) Madison, WI 53705
NAICGroup Code 0306 NAICCompany Code 86126 FederalEmployer’s Identification Number (FEIN) 39-1236386
TheInvestment Risks Interrogatories are to be filed by April 1. They are also to be included with the Audited Statutory FinancialStatements.
Answerthe following interrogatories by reporting the applicable U.S. dollar amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’stotal admitted assets held in that category of investments.
| 1. | Reporting entity’s total admitted assets, excluding separate account assets. | | $ | 116,738,518 | |
| | | | | | |
| 2. | Ten largest exposures to a single issuer/borrower/investment. | | | | |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | | 3 | | | | 4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage of Total | |
| | | | | Issuer | | Description of Exposure | | | Amount | | | Admitted Assets | |
| | 2.01 | | | Citigroup Commercial Mortgage | | Bond | | | $ | 1,928,806 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | 2.02 | | | Procter & Gamble co. | | Bond | | | | 1,908,261 | | | | 1.6 | % |
| | 2.03 | | | Woodmont Trust | | Bond | | | | 1,897,770 | | | | 1.6 | % |
| | 2.04 | | | Amsr Trust | | Bond | | | | 1,860,164 | | | | 1.6 | % |
| | 2.05 | | | Novartis Capital Corp | | Bond | | | | 1,730,886 | | | | 1.5 | % |
| | 2.06 | | | Toyota Motor Credit Corp | | Bond | | | | 1,003,236 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.07 | | | National Australia Bank ltd. | | Bond | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.08 | | | Mass Mutual Global Funding | | Bond | | | | 999,188 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.09 | | | Blackrock Inc | | Bond | | | | 999,133 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.10 | | | PNC Bank | | Bond | | | | 998,998 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3. | Amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in bonds and preferred stocks by NAIC rating. |
| | | | | Bonds | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.01 | | | NAIC-1 | | | $ | 40,120,749 | | | | 34.4 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.02 | | | NAIC-2 | | | | 5,734,649 | | | | 4.9 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.03 | | | NAIC-3 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.04 | | | NAIC-4 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.05 | | | NAIC-5 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.06 | | | NAIC-6 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Preferred Stocks | | | 3 | | | | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.07 | | | P/RP-1 | | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.08 | | | P/RP-2 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.09 | | | P/RP-3 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.10 | | | P/RP-4 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.11 | | | P/RP-5 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.12 | | | P/RP-6 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 4. | Assetsheld in foreign investments: |
| 4.01 | Are assets held in foreign investments less than 2.5%of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ ] No [ X ] |
| | | |
| | | Ifresponse to 4.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for interrogatories 5-10. |
| | 4.02 | | | Total admitted assets held in foreign investments | | $ | 4,897,675 | | | | 4.2 | % |
| | 4.03 | | | Foreign-currency-denominated investments | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 4.04 | | | Insurance liabilities denominated in that same foreign currency | | | - | | | | - | % |
SUPPLEMENTFOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 5. | Aggregateforeign investment exposure categorized by NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | 5.01 | | | Countries rated NAIC-1 | | $ | 4,897,675 | | | | 4.2 | % |
| | 5.02 | | | Countries rated NAIC-2 | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 5.03 | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 6. | Twolargest foreign investment exposures by country, categorized by the country’s NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-1: | | | | | | | | |
| | 6.01 | | | Country 1: United Kingdom | | $ | 1,961,009 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | 6.02 | | | Country 2: Australia | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-2: | | | | | | | | |
| | 6.03 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 6.04 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below: | | | | | | | | |
| | 6.05 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 6.06 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 7. | Aggregate unhedged foreign currency exposure: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| 8. | Aggregateunhedged foreign currency exposure categorized by NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | 8.01 | | | Countries rated NAIC-1 | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 8.02 | | | Countries rated NAIC-2 | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 8.03 | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 9. | Twolargest unhedged foreign currency exposures by country, categorized by the country’s NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-1: | | | | | | | | |
| | 9.01 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 9.02 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-2: | | | | | | | | |
| | 9.03 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 9.04 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below: | | | | | | | | |
| | 9.05 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 9.06 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 10. | Ten largest non-sovereign (i.e. non-governmental) foreign issues: |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Issuer | | NAIC Rating | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
| | 10.01 | | | National Australia Bank, Ltd. | | 2 | | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 10.02 | | | CFIP CLO Ltd. | | 1 | | | | 998,514 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 10.03 | | | Linde PLC | | 1 | | | | 988,569 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| | 10.04 | | | Barclays PLC | | 2 | | | | 972,440 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| | 10.05 | | | CNH Industrial NV | | 2 | | | | 938,153 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| | 10.06 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.07 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.08 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.09 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.10 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 11. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in Canadian investments and unhedged Canadian currencyexposure: |
| 11.01 | Are assets held in Canadian investments less than 2.5%of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 11.01 is yes, detail is not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 11. |
| | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | |
| | 11.02 | | | Total admitted assets held in Canadian Investments | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 11.03 | | | Canadian currency-denominated investments | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 11.04 | | | Canadian-denominated insurance liabilities | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 11.05 | | | Unhedged Canadian currency exposure | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 12. | Reportaggregate amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in investments with contractual salesrestrictions. |
| 12.01 | Are assets held in investments with contractual salesrestrictions less than 2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 12.01 is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 12. |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 12.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments with contractual sales restrictions | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments with contractual sales restrictions: | | | | | | | | |
| | 12.03 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 12.04 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 12.05 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 13. | Amountsand percentages of admitted assets held in the ten largest equity interests: |
| 13.01 | Are assets held in equity interest less than 2.5% ofthe reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 13.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 13. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Name of Issuer | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 13.02 | | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.03 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.04 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.05 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.06 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.07 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.08 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.09 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.10 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.11 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 14. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities: |
| 14.01 | Are assets held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equitiesless than 2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 14.01 above is yes, responses are not required for 14.02 through 14.05. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
| | 14.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities: | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | 14.03 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 14.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 14.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Ten largest fund managers: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
| | | | | Fund Manager | | Total Invested | | | Diversified | | | Nondiversified | |
| | 14.06 | | | Allspring | | $ | 42,758,432 | | | $ | 42,758,432 | | | $ | - | |
| | 14.07 | | | State Street Global Advisors | | | 106,587 | | | | 106,587 | | | | - | |
| | 14.08 | | | Wells Fargo Funds | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | - | |
| | 14.09 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.10 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.11 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.12 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.13 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.14 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.15 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| 15. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in general partnership interests: |
| 15.01 | Are assets held in general partnership interests lessthan 2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 15.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 15. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
| | 15.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments held in general partnership interests: | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments in general partnership interests: | | | | | | | | | |
| | 15.03 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 15.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 15.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 16. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in mortgage loans: |
| 16.01 | Are mortgage loans reported in Schedule B less than2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | If response to 16.01 above is yes, responses are notprovided for the remainder of Interrogatory 16 and Interrogatory 17. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Type (Residential, Commercial, Agricultural) | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 16.02 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.03 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.06 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.07 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.08 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.09 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.10 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.11 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| Amountand percentage of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in the following categories of mortgage loans: |
| | | | | | Loans | |
| | 16.12 | | | Construction loans | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.13 | | | Mortgage loans over 90 days past due | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.14 | | | Mortgage loans in the process of foreclosure | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.15 | | | Mortgage loans foreclosed | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.16 | | | Restructured mortgage loans | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 17. | Aggregatemortgage loans having the following loan-to-value ratios as determined from the most current appraisal as of the annual statementdate: |
| | | | | | Residential | | | Commercial | | | Agricultural | |
| | Loan-to-Value | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | | | 6 | |
| | 17.01 | | above 95% | | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.02 | | 91% to 95% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.03 | | 81% to 90% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.04 | | 71% to 80% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.05 | | below 70% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 18. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in each of the five largest investments in real estate: |
| 18.01 | Are assets held in real estate reported less than 2.5%of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 18.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 18. |
| Largestfive investments in any one parcel or group of contiguous parcels of real estate. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Description | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 18.02 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.03 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.06 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 19. | Reportaggregate amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in investments held in mezzanine real estateloans. |
| 19.01 | Are assets held in investments held in mezzanine realestate loans less than 2.5% of the reporting entity’s admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 19.01 is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 19. |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 19.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments held in mezzanine real estate loans: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments held in mezzanine real estate loans. | | | | | | | | |
| | 19.03 | | | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 19.04 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 19.05 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 20. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets subject to the following types of agreements: |
| | | | | | At Year-End | | | At End of Each Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | 1st Qtr | | | 2nd Qtr | | | 3rd Qtr | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | |
| | 20.01 | | | Securities lending agreements (do not include assets held as collateral for such transactions) | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | 20.02 | | | Repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 20.03 | | | Reverse repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 20.04 | | | Dollar repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 20.05 | | | Dollar reverse repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| 21. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets for warrants not attached to other financial instruments, options,caps and floors: |
| | | | | | Owned | | | Written | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
| | 21.01 | | | Hedging | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 21.02 | | | Income generation | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 21.03 | | | Other | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 22. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets of potential exposure for collars, swaps, and forwards: |
| | | | | | At Year-End | | | At End of Each Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | 1st Qtr | | | 2nd Qtr | | | 3rd Qtr | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | |
| | 22.01 | | | Hedging | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | 22.02 | | | Income generation | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 22.03 | | | Replications | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 22.04 | | | Other | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 23. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets of potential exposure for futures contracts: |
| | | | | | At Year-End | | | At End of Each Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | 1st Qtr | | | 2nd Qtr | | | 3rd Qtr | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | |
| | 23.01 | | | Hedging | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | 23.02 | | | Income generation | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 23.03 | | | Replications | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 23.04 | | | Other | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
APPENDIXA: EQUITY ADJUSTMENT
The Equity Adjustment for a Risk ControlAccount is equal to:
Crediting Base x(hypothetical option value - amortized option cost – trading costs)
The examples below show how the Equity Adjustmentis calculated and how it may vary based on whether the reference Index has increased or decreased and how much time there is remainingin the Interest Term. The hypothetical option value and trading costs in the examples are expressed as a percentage of the CreditingBase.
| | 1-Year Floor and Cap | 1-Year Buffer and Cap | 6-Year Buffer and Participation Rate |
| Interest Term Start Date | | | |
| Crediting Base | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Index Value | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Number of Days in Interest Term | 365 | 365 | 2,191 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | 1.75% | 1.53% | 10.84% |
| Example A: Negative Index Return with Many Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | | |
| Index Value | 950 | 950 | 950 |
| Index Return | -5% | -5% | -5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 334 | 334 | 2,160 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | -1.26% | -2.07% | 5.08% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75% x (334/365) = 1.60% | 1.53% x (334/365) = 1.40% | 10.84% x (2,160/2,191) = 10.68% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000 x (-1.26% - 1.60% - 0.15%) = -$3,010.36 | $100,000 x (-2.07% - 1.40% - 0.15%) = $3,616.08 | $100,000 x (5.08% - 10.68% - 0.15%) = -$5,753.35 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 - $3,010.36= $96,989.64 | $100,000 - $3,616.08 = $96,383.92 | $100,000 - $5,753.35= $94,246.65 |
| Example B: Negative Index Return with Few Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | | |
| Index Value | 950 | 950 | 950 |
| Index Return | -5% | -5% | -5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | -4.61% | -0.44% | -0.38% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75% x (30/365) = 0.14% | 1.53% x (30/365) = 0.13% | 10.84% x (30/2,191) = 0.15% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000 x (-4.61% - 0.14% - 0.15%) = -$4,908.13 | $100,000 x (-0.44% - 0.13% - 0.15%) = -$715.34 | $100,000 x (-0.38% - 0.15% - 0.15%) = -$675.02 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 - $4,908.13 = $95,091.87 | $100,000 – 715.34 = $99,284.66 | $100,000 - $675.02= $99,324.98 |
| Example C: Positive Index Return with Many Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | | |
| Index Value | 1050 | 1050 | 1050 |
| Index Return | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 334 | 334 | 2,160 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | 3.86% | 5.36% | 16.51% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75% x (334/365) = 1.60% | 1.53% x (334/365) = 1.40% | 10.84% x (2,160/2,191) = 10.68% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000 x (3.86% - 1.60% - 0.15%) = $2,113.29 | $100,000 x (5.36% -1.40% - 0.15%) = $3,807.06 | $100,000 x (16.51% - 10.68% - 0.15%) = $5,676.38 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 + $2,113.29= $102,113.29= | $100,000 + $3,807.06 = $103,807.06 | $100,000 + $5,676.38= $105,676.38 |
| Example D: Positive Index Return with Few Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | | |
| Index Value | 1050 | 1050 | 1050 |
| Index Return | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 30 | 30 | 2,160 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | 5.08% | 5.15% | 7.38% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75% x (30/365) = 0.14% | 1.53% x (30/365) = 0.13% | 10.84% x (30/2,191) = 0.15% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000 x (5.08% - 0.14% - 0.15%) = $4,784.17 | $100,000 x (5.15% - 0.13% - 0.15%) = $4,869.93 | $100,000 x (7.38% - 0.15% - 0.15%) = $7,085.77 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 + $4,784.17= $104,784.17 | $100,000 + $4,869.93 = $104,869.93 | $100,000 + $7,085.77= $107,085.77 |
APPENDIXB: EXAMPLES OF WITHDRAWALS WITH APPLICATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE AND INTEREST ADJUSTMENT
The Surrender Charge is calculated as apercentage of the Contract Value withdrawn or surrendered that exceeds the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount during the first six ContractYears.
The Interest Adjustment is calculated bymultiplying the amount withdrawn by the sum of the Interest Adjustment factor (IAF) minus one (i.e., IAF – 1), where IAFis equal to ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N. The Interest Adjustment does not apply to the Annual Free Withdrawal amount.
The examples below show how the InterestAdjustment is calculated and how it may vary based on how the Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) Rate and the ICE BofA Index havechanged since the start of the 6-year Interest Adjustment period. The examples also show how the surrender charge is calculated.
| Assumptions | | |
| Withdrawal on 2nd Contract Anniversary | | $20,000 |
| Contract Value on 2nd Contract Anniversary | | $110,000 |
| Contract Value after Withdrawal | | $110,000 - $20,000 = $90,000 |
| Annual Free Withdrawal Amount | | $110,000 x 10% = $11,000 |
| Surrender Charge Percentage | | 8% |
| Surrender Charge | | 8% x ($20,000 - $11,000) = $720 |
| 6-year CMT Rate (I) at Start of 6-year Period | | 2.50% |
| ICE BofA Index (K) at Start of 6-year Period | | 1.00% |
| Years Remaining in 6-Year Period (N) | | 6 - 2 = 4 |
| Example A: Withdrawal with a Negative Interest Adjustment |
| CMT Rate for the remaining Index period (J) | | 2.90% |
| ICE BofA Index at time of Withdrawal (L) | | 1.10% |
| IAF = ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N | | ((1 + 2.50% + 1.00%) / (1 + 2.90% + 1.10%))^4 = 0.9809075 |
| Interest Adjustment | | ($20,000 - $11,000) x (0.9809075 - 1) = -$171.83 |
| Net Withdrawal | | $20,000 - $720 +(-$171.83) = $19,108.17 |
| Example B: Withdrawal with a Positive Interest Adjustment |
| CMT for the remaining Index period (J) | | 2.10% |
| ICE BofA Index at time of Withdrawal (L) | | 0.90% |
| IAF = ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N | | ((1 + 2.50% + 1.00%) / (1 + 2.10% + 0.90%))^4 = 1.0195593 |
| Interest Adjustment | | ($20,000 - $11,000) x (1.0195593 - 1) = $176.03 |
| Net Withdrawal | | $20,000 - $720 + $176.03 = $19,456.03 |
APPENDIXC: STATE VARIATIONS OF CERTAIN FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The following information is a summary ofcertain features or benefits of the TruStageTM ZoneChoiceAnnuity Contracts that vary from the features and benefits previously described in this Prospectus as a result of requirementsimposed by states. Please contact your financial professional for more informationabout Contract variations and availability in your state.
States where certain TruStageTMZoneChoice Annuity features or benefits vary:
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Arizona | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If your age as of the Contract Issue Date is at least 65 years old, you must return your Contract within 30 days of receipt. |
| California | See “Owner“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Waiver of Surrender Charges“ under “Access to Your Money” See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option“ | The Owner has the right to assign the
Contract. If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. If your age as of the Contract Issue Date is at least 60 years old, you must return your Contract within 30 days of receipt. “Nursing Home or Hospital” is replaced with “Facility Care, Home Care, or Community-Based Services”. There is no minimum confinement period to utilize this waiver. The Facility Care or Home Care and Terminal Illness waivers apply to full surrenders only, not partial withdrawals. The rate used in section b(2) of the Minimum Interest Rate calculation is 0.25%. |
| Connecticut | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Waiver of Surrender Charges“ under “Access to Your Money” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt, including replacement contracts. There is a one-year wait before the waiver of surrender charge provisions may be exercised. |
| Delaware | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. You must return your Contract within10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Florida | See “Owner“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Income Payout Date“ under “Income Payments – The Payout Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the
Contract. You must return your Contract within 21 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). The requested Income Payout Date must be at least one year after the Contract Issue Date. |
| Georgia | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| Hawaii | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Idaho | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt, including replacement contracts. |
| Illinois | See definition of Terminally Ill and Terminal Illness See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option“ | Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness – A life expectancy of 24 months or less due to any illness or accident. The rate used in section b(2) of the Minimum Interest Rate calculation is 0.25%. |
| Indiana | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| Kansas | See definition of Terminally Ill and Terminal Illness | Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness – A life expectancy of 24 months or less due to any illness or accident. |
| Louisiana | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Maryland | See “Right to Examine“under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| | See “Flex Transfers” | We will notify you in advance of any suspension, limitations, or discontinuance of the Flex Transfer. Any change we make will be on a non-discriminatory basis. |
| Massachusetts | See definition of Terminally Illand Terminal Illness | Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness– A life expectancy of 24 months or less due to any illness or accident. |
| | | |
| | See “Right to Examine“under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds theContract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| | | |
| | | You must return your Contract within10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| | | |
| | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges“ under “Access to Your Money” | There is no Nursing Home or Hospital waiver. The Terminal Illness waiver applies to full surrenders only, not partial withdrawals. |
| | | |
| | See “Terms of Income Payments“ under “Income Payments – The Payout Period” | Income Options are not based on gender. The amount of each payment depends on all the items listed other than gender. |
| | | |
| | See “Misstatement of Age or Gender“ under “Other Information” | Income Options are not based on gender. Only proof of age is required for misstatement; proof of gender is not. |
| Minnesota | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. |
| Mississippi | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Missouri | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option“ | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). The rate used in section b(2) of the Minimum Interest Rate calculation is 0.25%. |
| Montana | See “Terms of Income Payments“under “Income Payments – The Payout Period” | Income Options are not based on gender.The amount of each payment depends on all the items listed other than gender. |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| | See “Misstatement of Age or Gender“ under “Other Information” | Income Options are not based on gender. Only proof of age is required for misstatement; proof of gender is not. |
| Nebraska | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Nevada | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| New Jersey | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges“ under “Access to Your Money” | There is no Terminal Illness waiver. |
| New Hampshire | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| North Carolina | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| North Dakota | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| Oklahoma | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| Rhode Island | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| South Carolina | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Tennessee | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. |
| Texas | See “Owner“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Waiver of Surrender Charges“ under “Access to Your Money” | The Owner has the right to assign the
Contract. You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). “Terminal Illness” is replaced with “Terminal Disability”. |
| Utah | See “Owner“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the
Contract. If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| Vermont | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Virginia | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | “Terminal Illness” is replaced with “Terminal Condition” |
| Washington | See “Right to Examine“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” See “Waiver of Surrender Charges“ under “Access to Your Money” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). The life expectancy to utilize the Terminal Illness waiver is 24 months. |
| Wisconsin | See “Owner“ under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the Contract. |
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
2000Heritage Way
Waverly,IA 50677
1-800-798-5500
Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligations
All dealers that effect transactions inthese securities are required to deliver a Prospectus.
TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity
ForContracts Issued on or before May 25, 2023
Issuedby:
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
2000Heritage Way
Waverly,Iowa 50677
Telephonenumber: 800-798-5500
OfferedThrough: CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
DATEDMAY 15, 2023
ThisProspectus describes the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity (formerly known as CUNA Mutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity), anindividual or joint owned, single premium deferred annuity contract with index-linked interest options issuedby MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. This Prospectus applies only to Contracts issued on or before May 25, 2023.
Youmay purchase the Contract with a single Purchase Payment of at least $5,000. You may not make additional PurchasePayments. TheContract is a complex insurance and investment vehicle. You should speak with a financial professional about theContract’s features, benefits, risks, and fees, and whether it is appropriate for you based upon your financialsituation and objectives.
TheContract offers index-linked Allocation Options (“Risk Control Accounts”) and a guaranteed interest rate AllocationOption (“Declared Rate Account”) for accumulation and long-term investment purposes. The Contract also offers a deathbenefit and standard annuity features, including multiple fixed annuitization options (“Payout Options”).
Wecredit interest daily to the Declared Rate Account based on a fixed annual interest rate that is guaranteed for each one-yearInterest Term. The Declared Interest Rate will never be below the Minimum Interest Rate.
Forthe Risk Control Accounts, we offer one-year Interest Terms and six-year Interest Terms. We credit interest to the RiskControl Accounts based in part on the performance of an external Index by comparing the change in the Index from the firstday of the Interest Term to the last day of the Interest Term (“Index Return”). We currently offer two reference indices:the S&P 500 Price Return Index (“S&P 500”) and the Barclays Risk Balanced Index (“Barclays Risk Balanced”).It is possible that we will credit negative interest to the Risk Control Accounts.
EachRisk Control Account has a Crediting Strategy. Risk Control Accounts with one-year Interest Terms have a Crediting Strategyof a Floor and Cap, and Risk Control Accounts with six-year Interest Terms have a Crediting Strategy of a Buffer and ParticipationRate. These features may provide protection by limiting the amount of negative interest credited to you, but they also may limitthe amount of positive interest credited to you. You may receive only a portion of any positive Index performance.
| ● | The Cap is the maximum amount of positive interest that we will credit you. For example, if the Index Return is 10% and the Cap is 5%, your interest will be limited to 5%. Generally, the Cap varies according to the level of risk you accept in choosing a Floor; the Cap is highest for the -10% Floor (allowing potentially greater increases and decreases) and lowest for the 0% Floor (limiting the amount of potential increases and decreases). We reset the Caps at the start of each Interest Term, but no Cap will be lower than 1.0%. |
| ● | TheParticipation Rate is the percentage of any positive Index Return that we will credit you. A Participation Rate may limitthe amount of interest you receive. For example, if the Index Return is10% and the Participation Rate is 80%, you would be credited 8% (80% of 10%). We reset the Participation Rate at the start ofeach Interest Term, but the Participation Rate will never be lower than 10%. |
| ● | The Floor is the maximum amount of negative interest that we will credit you. Any negative Index Return will reduce your Risk Control Account Value by up to the amount of the Floor you elected. For example, if you elect a Floor of 0%, a negative Index Return will not reduce your Risk Control Account Value. If you elect a Floor of -10% and the Index Return is -15%, we will credit you -10% (decreasing your Risk Control Account value by 10%). We currently offer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection: 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%, -9%, and -10%. An Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. With the Floor, there is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interest of up to 10% (with a Floor of -10%) if there is negative Index performance. |
| ● | The Buffer is the maximum amount of negative interest we will not credit to you, while we will credit you any additional negative interest that exceeds the Buffer. For example, if the Buffer is -10% and the Index Return is -5%, we will credit you 0% (your Risk Control Account value will not increase or decrease). If the Buffer is -10% and the Index Return is -15%, we will credit you -5% (decreasing your Risk Control Account value by 5%).We currently offer one Buffer option, -10%. We may not always offer Allocation Options with Buffers, but if we do, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available (limiting your losses due to negative Index Return to 90%). With the Buffer, there is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interest of up to 90% (if there is a negative Index Return of 100% over the Interest Term). |
ThisContract may not be suitable for investors who plan to take withdrawals or surrender the Contract. The SurrenderCharge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, and proportionate withdrawal calculations could significantlyreduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments. It is possible in extreme circumstances tolose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest due to the following:
| ● | If you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract in the first six years, you may pay a Surrender Charge of up to 9% of the amount withdrawn. Federal income taxes and penalties may also apply. |
| ● | If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary, we will apply an Interest Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the payment amount. A negative Interest Adjustment could significantly decrease the amount you receive from a surrender, partial withdrawal, Death Benefit payment, or income payment. |
| ● | If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk Control Account. A negative Equity Adjustment could significantly decrease the values under your Contract by more than the amount withdrawn, surrendered or paid. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. |
| ● | We calculate withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit value, which may reduce the Death Benefit by substantially more than the amount of the withdrawal. We also use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment to withdrawals, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
ThisContract is a security. It involves investment risk and may lose value. For additional information on risks associated withthe Contract, see the “Risk Factors” section on Page 11 of this Prospectus. The guarantees in this Contractare subject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
TheContract is offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”), which is the principal underwriter. CBSI’sprincipal business address is 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677. CBSI is not required to sell any specific number or dollaramount of Contracts but will use its best efforts to sell the Contracts. There are no arrangements to place funds in an escrow,trust, or similar account. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous.
Aregistration statement relating to this offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).You may request a copy of the Prospectus by writing to our Administrative Office at 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, orby calling 1-800-798-5500. This Prospectus can also be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Pleasekeep this Prospectus for future reference.
Neitherthe SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus istruthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Contracts are not insured by the Federal DepositInsurance Corporation or any other government agency. They are not deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not bankguaranteed. They are subject to investment risks and possible loss of principal and previously credited interest.
Thedate of this Prospectus is May 15, 2023
TABLEOF CONTENTS
TheContract may not be available in all states. ThisProspectus does not constitute an offer to sell any Contract and it is not soliciting an offer to buy any Contract in any statein which the offer or sale is not permitted. We do not authorize anyone to provide any information or representations regardingthe offering described in this Prospectus other than the information and representations contained in this Prospectus.
GLOSSARY
Wehave tried to make this Prospectus as understandable as possible. However, in explaining how the Contract works, we have had touse certain terms that have special meanings. We define these terms below.
AccumulationPeriod. The period of time that begins on the Contract Issue Date stated on the Data Page and ends on the Income Payout Dateor the date this Contract is terminated if earlier.
AdjustedIndex Return. The Index Return for the current Interest Term adjusted for the Crediting Strategy.
AdministrativeOffice. MEMBERS Life Insurance Company, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677. Phone: 1-800-798-5500.
Age.Age as of last birthday.
AllocationOptions. All Risk Control and Declared Rate Account options available under the Contract for allocating your Purchase Paymentand Contract Value. Your selling firm may limit the Allocation Options available to you when your Contract is issued.
AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount.
| ● | For Contracts issued before September 25, 2022: the amount that can be withdrawn without incurring a Surrender Charge each Contract Year. It is equal to 10% of the Contract Value determined at the beginning of the Contract Year. |
| ● | For Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022: the amount that can be withdrawn without incurring a Surrender Charge or Interest Adjustment each Contract Year. It is equal to 10% of the Contract Value determined at the beginning of the Contract Year. |
Annuitant(Joint Annuitant). The person(s) whose life (or lives) determines the income payment amount payable under the Contract. Ifthe Owner is a non-natural person, the Annuitant(s) is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit.
AuthorizedRequest. A request in Good Order and signed and dated by all Owners, including without limitation a request to: transfer value,change a party to the Contract, change the Income Payout Date, or make a partial withdrawal or full surrender of the Contract.An Authorized Request may also include a phone, fax, or electronic request for specific transactions.
Beneficiary.The person(s) or entity named by the Owner to receive proceeds payable upon the death of the first Owner or the first Annuitantif the Owner is a non-natural person.
Buffer.The maximum amount of negative interest assumed by the Company for an Interest Term, and any additional negative interestwill be credited to the Risk Control Account.
BusinessDay. Any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. All requests for transactions that are received at ourAdministrative Office in Good Order on any Business Day prior to market close, generally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, will be processedas of the end of that Business Day.
Cap.The maximum amount of interest the Company will credit to the Risk Control Account for an Interest Term.
Company.MEMBERS Life Insurance Company; also referred to as “we”, “our” and “us”.
Contract.The TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity (formerly known as CUNA Mutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity), an individual or jointowned, single premium deferred annuity contract with index-linked interest options issued by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company.
ContractAnniversary. The same day and month as the Contract Issue Date for each year the Contract remains in force.
ContractIssue Date. The day your Contract is issued. This date will be used to determine Contract Years and Contract Anniversaries.
ContractValue. The total value of your Contract during the Accumulation Period. All values are calculated as of the end of a BusinessDay.
ContractYear. Any twelve-month period beginning on the Contract Issue Date or Contract Anniversary and ending one day before the nextContract Anniversary.
CreditingBase. The amount used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value. It is equal to the amount allocated to a Risk Control Accountat the start of the Interest Term, reduced proportionally for any withdrawals.
CreditingStrategy. The method by which interest is calculated for an Allocation Option during the Interest Term.
DataPage. Pages attached to your Contract that describe certain terms applicable to your specific Contract.
DeathBenefit. The amount the Beneficiary is entitled to upon the death of an Owner who is a natural person or the death of an Annuitantif the Owner is a non-natural person. It is equal to the greater of Contract Value, includingany applicable Equity Adjustment or Interest Adjustment, or the Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals as of the date DeathBenefit proceeds are payable. We do not apply the Surrender Charge in determining the Death Benefit payable.
DeclaredInterest Rate. The effective annual rate of interest credited to the Declared Rate Account. The Declared Interest Rate willnever be lower than the Minimum Interest Rate.
DeclaredRate Account. An Allocation Option to whichwe credit a fixed annual rate of interest referred to as the Declared Interest Rate.
EquityAdjustment. Used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value during the Interest Term. This adjustment (increase or decrease)will be applied to any distribution prior to the end of an Interest Term, including a partial withdrawal, a full surrender ofthe Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option. Reflects the value of derivative instrumentsthat hedge market risks associated with the Risk Control Accounts. The Equity Adjustment is calculated separately for each RiskControl Account at the end of each Business Day except the last day of an Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment varies based onthe Crediting Strategy. The Equity Adjustment does not apply to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
Floor.The maximum amount of negative interest that may be credited to the Risk Control Account for an Interest Term.
GeneralAccount. All of the Company’s assets other than the assets in its separate accounts.
GoodOrder. A request or transaction generally is considered in “Good Order”if we receive it at our Administrative Office within the time limits, if any, prescribed in this Prospectus for a particular transactionor instruction, it includes all information and supporting legal documentation necessary for us to execute the requested instructionor transaction, and is signed by the individual or individuals authorized to provide the instruction or engage in the transaction.A request or transaction may be rejected or delayed if not in Good Order. This information and documentation necessary for a transactionor instruction generally includes, to the extent applicable: the completed application or instruction form; your contract number;the transaction amount (in dollars or percentage terms); the signatures of all 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, includingany consents. With respect to the Purchase Payment, Good Order also generally includes receipt by us of sufficient funds to affectthe purchase. We may, in our sole discretion, determine whether any particular transaction request is in Good Order, and we reservethe right to change or waive any Good Order requirement at any time. If you have any questions, you should contact us or yourfinancial professional before submitting the form or request.
IncomePayout Date. The date the first income payment is paid from the Contract to the Owner.
IncomePayout Option. The choices available under the Contract for payout of your Contract Value.
Index,Indices. The reference index (or indices) we use in determining interest credited to the Risk Control Account Value.
IndexReturn. The percentage change in the referenceIndex from the beginning of the Interest Term to the end of the Interest Term.
IndexValue. The value for the reference Index as of a Business Day.
InterestAdjustment. Adjustment (increase or decrease) that may be applied to any distribution from the Contract prior to the end ofthe six-year rolling period that begins on the Contract Issue Date. Distributions include a partial withdrawal, a full surrenderof the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option. The Interest Adjustment reflectsthe change in the value of the investments that support the guarantees under the Contract. Rates used in determining the InterestAdjustment are reset every sixth Contract Anniversary. The Interest Adjustment will always apply for the six-year rolling periodbeginning on the Contract Issue Date even if the Allocation Options elected have an Interest Term of less than six years. TheInterest Adjustment does not apply to transfers; for Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022, the Interest Adjustmentdoes not apply to the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount.
InterestTerm. The period for which interest is calculated for an Allocation Option. The Interest Term may vary by Allocation Option.Interest Terms will start and end on a Contract Anniversary, unless otherwise specified.
InternalRevenue Code (IRC). The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
MinimumInterest Rate. The minimum effective annualrate of interest we will credit to the Declared Rate Account.
Non-QualifiedContract. An annuity contract that is independent of any formal retirement or pension plan.
Owner(Joint Owner). The person(s) or entity who own(s) the Contract and has (have) all rights under the Contract. Unless ownedby a non-natural person, the Owner is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit. The Owner is also referredto as “you” or “your”.
PayoutPeriod. The period of time that begins on the Income Payout Date and continues until we make the last payment as providedby the Income Payout Option chosen.
ParticipationRate. The percentage multiplied by an Index Return if the Index Return is positive. If the Participation Rate is lower than100%, it will limit the amount of interest credited by the Company to the Risk Control Account.
PurchasePayment. The amount paid to us, by or on behalf of an Owner, that is used to establish the annuity on the Contract Issue Date.We do not allow any additional Purchase Payments under the Contract after the initial Purchase Payment.
QualifiedContract. An annuity that is part of an individual retirement plan, pension plan or employer-sponsored retirement programthat is qualified for special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.
RequiredMinimum Distributions. The required minimum distribution (RMD) defined by section 401(a)(9) of the IRC for the Contract andas determined by us. RMDs only apply to Qualified Contracts.
RiskControl Account. An Allocation Option to which we credit interest based in part on the performance of a reference Index, subjectto the Crediting Strategy.
RiskControl Account Value. The value of the Contract in a Risk Control Account.
SEC.The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Spouse.The person to whom you are legally married. The term Spouse includes the person with whom you have entered into a legally-sanctionedmarriage that grants you the rights, responsibilities, and obligations married couples have in accordance with applicable statelaws. Individuals who do not meet the definition of Spouse may have adverse tax consequences when exercising provisionsunder this contract and any attached endorsements or riders. Additionally, individuals in other arrangements that are not recognizedas marriage under the relevant state law will not be treated as married or as Spouses as defined in this contract for federaltax purposes. Consult with a tax advisor for more information on this subject and before exercising benefits under the contractand any attached endorsements or riders.
SurrenderCharge. The charge associated with surrendering either some or all of the Contract Value.
SurrenderValue. The amount you are entitled to receive if you elect to surrender this Contract during the Accumulation Period.
ValuationPeriod. The period beginning at the close of one Business Day and continuing to the close of the next succeeding BusinessDay.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thefollowing is a summary of the key features of the Contract. This summary does not include all the information you should considerbefore purchasing a Contract. You should carefully read the entire Prospectus, which contains more detailed information concerningthe Contract and the Company before making an investment decision.
HowYour Contract Works
Overview.Your Contract is an individual or joint owned, single premium deferred annuity contract with index-linked interestoptions. There are two periods to your Contract: an Accumulation Period and a Payout Period.Your Contract can help you save for retirement by allowing your Contract Value to earn interest from the Risk Control Accountsand/or Declared Rate Account on a tax-deferred basis and by providing the opportunity for lifetime payments. You generally willnot pay taxes on your earnings (your Contract Value minus the portion of your Purchase Payment not previously withdrawn)until you withdraw them.
Duringthe Accumulation Period of your Contract, you allocate your Contract Value between the Allocation Options. Interestamounts earned in the Risk Control Accounts may be negative, and there is a risk of loss of principal and previously creditedinterest of up to 90% with the Buffer and 10% with the Floor due to negative Index performance. However, if you make withdrawalsor surrender your Contract, the Floor and Buffer do not limit losses from the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment,federal taxes, or the use of proportionate withdrawal calculations, which could significantly reduce the values under the Contractand the amount you receive from any payments. The Payout Period begins when you allocateyour Contract Value to an Income Payout Option.
Pleasecall your financial professional or the Company at 1-800-798-5500 if you have questions about how your Contract works.
PurchasePayment. You may purchase the Contract with a Purchase Payment of at least $5,000.The Company does not allow additional Purchase Payments after the initial Purchase Payment. A Purchase Payment for a Contract,or Purchase Payments for multiple Contracts owned by the same individual, that equals or exceeds $1 million requires our priorapproval, which may be withheld at our sole discretion.
AllocationOptions. There are two types of Allocation Options: a Declared Rate Account andRisk Control Accounts. Each of these options is described below.
DeclaredRate Account. The portion of your Contract Value allocated to the Declared Rate Account is credited interest daily based onthe Declared Interest Rate. The initial Declared Interest Rate is available in advance of the Contract Issue Date and willbe provided by your financial professional or by calling the Company at 1-800-798-5500. The Declared Interest Rate for the initialInterest Term is shown on your Contract Data Page. You will be notified of Declared Interest Rates for any subsequent InterestTerm at least two weeks in advance of the startof the Interest Term. You can also contact your financial professional or the Company at1-800-798-5500 to obtain current rates.
RiskControl Accounts. The portion of your Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account is credited with interest, if any,based in part on the investment performance of an external Index (currently the S&P 500 Index or the Barclays Risk BalancedIndex) over the Interest Term. Detailed information about each Index is provided in the RISK CONTROL ALLOCATION OPTIONS section.An Interest Term can be one year or six years. The Index Return for the reference Index is subject to the Crediting Strategy,which may limit the amount of interest credited due to a Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, and/or Buffer, and is unique to eachRisk Control Account.
| ● | TheFloor and Buffer describe the level of protection provided by the Risk Control Account. Each RiskControl Account will have either a Floor or a Buffer. |
The Floor represents the maximum amount of negative interest that may be credited to the Risk ControlAccount. For example, if the Floor is -10%, you could lose up to $1,000 on a $10,000 investment during the Interest Term (i.e.,-10% x $10,000).
TheBuffer represents the maximum amount of negative interest assumed by the Company, and any additional negative interest will becredited to the Risk Control Account. For example, if the Buffer is -10%, the Company will not credit any interest if the IndexReturn is between 0% and -10% but will credit negative interest in excess of -10%. This means you could lose up to $9,000 on a$10,000 investment during the Interest Term (i.e., -90% x $10,000).
Negativeinvestment performance is limited by the Floor and Buffer during the Interest Term, but you could lose more due to losses in subsequentInterest Terms. If you make withdrawals or surrender or your Contract, the Floor and Buffer do not limit losses from the SurrenderCharge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, or proportionate withdrawal calculations, which could significantlyreduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments.
| ● | The Cap and Participation Rate limit the amount of positive interest credited to the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Account will have either a Cap or a Participation Rate.
The Cap represents the maximum amount of interest that the Company will credit to the Risk Control Account. For example, if the Index Return is 15% and the Cap is 10%, the Company will credit 10%.
The Participation Rate is a percentage multiplied by the Index Return if the Index Return is Positive. If the Participation Rate is lower than 100%, it will limit the amount of interest credited by the Company. For example, if the Index Return is 15% and the Participation Rate is 80%, the Company will credit 12% (i.e., 15% x 80%). If the Index Return is 15% and the Participation Rate is 120%, the Company will credit 18% (i.e., 15% x 120%). |
Thereare currently up to five Allocation Options under the Contract, among which you may allocate your Purchase Payment and ContractValue. Your selling firm may limit the Allocation Options available to you when your Contract is issued.
| | AllocationOption | Interest Term | CreditingStrategy(1) | MinimumGuarantee |
| 1 | S&P500 Index RiskControl Account | 1-Year | Floor and Cap | 1% Cap |
| 2 | S&P500 Index RiskControl Account | 6-Year | Bufferand ParticipationRate | 10% Participation Rate |
| 3 | Barclays Risk Balanced Index RiskControl Account | 1-Year | Floor and Cap | 1% Cap |
| 4 | BarclaysRisk Balanced Index RiskControl Account | 6-Year | Bufferand ParticipationRate | 10% Participation Rate |
| 5 | Declared Rate Account | 1-Year | Declared Interest Rate | Minimum Interest Rate |
| (1) | TheFloor and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued.However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not always make available Allocation Optionswith Buffers, however, if oneis available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In other words, there would be a Buffer option to limit the maximumloss to no more than 90%. |
Youmust specify the percentage of your Purchase Payment to be allocated to each Allocation Option on the Contract Issue Date. Wecurrently offer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection, 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%,-9%, and -10%. If you allocate to an Allocation Option with a Floor Crediting Strategy, you must also specify your Floor by choosingone of the eleven available options.
Generally,the lower the Floor, the higher the Cap. For example, the Cap may be 2% for the 0% Floor, whereas the Cap may be 12% for the -10%Floor. Once elected, the Floor cannot be changed until the end of the Interest Term.
Indeciding between the Floor and Buffer options, you should consider the loss potential for each account. With the Buffer, lossesup to -10% will not be credited, but there is potential to lose substantially more than the Floor if there are large market losses.The Buffer may offer additional gain potential through the Participation Rate in comparison to the Cap, but the gain potentialshould be weighed against the risk of loss.
Additionally,an investor should consider and understand the difference between the 6-year Interest Term and the 1-year Interest Term. For the6-year Interest Term, interest is not calculated or credited until the end of the Interest Term; therefore, the Crediting Strategyfactors (i.e., the Participation Rate and Buffer) only apply at the end of the Interest Term and not on an annual basis. Furthermore,any partial withdrawal, full surrender, Death Benefit payment, or amounts withdrawn to be applied to an Income Payout Option priorto the end of the Interest Term could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any paymentsdue to the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and the use of proportionate withdrawal calculations. Onlythe Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the InterestTerm.
Transfers.An Allocation Option is available on the Contract Issue Date and at the end of each Interest Term. For example, an InterestTerm of one year is available on the Contract Issue Date and every Contract Anniversary thereafter, but an Interest Term of sixyears is available on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary thereafter. This means that the six-year InterestTerm will not be available for you to allocate Contract Value to on every Contract Anniversary. Additionally, the six-year InterestTerm is unavailable if the Income Payout Date is less than six years from the start of the Interest Term.
Atleast two weeks prior to the end of an Interest Term, Owners will be notified of the available Allocation Options to which theymay transfer their maturing Contract Value. The new Allocation Options may have different Interest Terms and Crediting Strategiesthan what was previously available.
Newtransfer instructions by Authorized Request will supersede any prior transfer instructions for a given Allocation Option. Transfersare not permitted during an Interest Term.
Ifwe do not receive transfer instructions by Authorized Request at least one Business Day prior to the end of the current InterestTerm, we will apply the maturing Contract Value to a new Interest Term of the same Allocation Option. Any applicable Floor willalso be applied to the new Interest Term. If the same Allocation Option is not available, we will apply the value to the DeclaredRate Account with a 1-year Interest Term.
Declarationof Rates. The Cap, Participation Rate, and Declared Interest Rate will not change for the duration of the Interest Term. Theinitial Caps, Participation Rates, and Declared Interest Rate are available in advance of the Contract Issue Date and will beprovided by your financial professional or by calling the Company at 1-800-798-5500. The rate is shown on your Contract Data Page.
Wemay declare a new Cap, Participation Rate, or Declared Interest Rate for each subsequent Interest Term and will notify you ofthe new rate two weeks in advance of the start of an Interest Term. The Cap will never be lower than 1%. The Participation Ratewill never be lower than 10%. The Declared Interest Rate will never be lower than the Minimum Interest Rate. The Minimum InterestRate will be determined on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary based on the calendar
quarter in which the Issue Date or ContractAnniversary falls. The Minimum Interest Rate will apply for six years and then will be recalculated for the next six-year period.The Minimum Interest Rate will never be less than the lesser of:
| b) | The interest rate determined as the greater of: |
| 1) | The average of the three applicable monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rates reported by the Federal Reserve rounded to the nearest 0.05%, as described below, minus 1.25%; or |
| 2) | The nonforfeiture interest rate floor required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, 0.15%. |
Changesto an Allocation Option or Index. We may offer additional Allocation Options at our discretion, which includes offering anadditional Index, Crediting Strategy, or Interest Term. We may also discontinue an Allocation Option or Index at our discretioneffective as of the end of an Interest Term.
TheFloors and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued.However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not always make available Allocation Optionswith Buffers; however, if one is available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In other words, there will be an optionfor the maximum loss from the Buffer to be no more than 90%.
Generally,the Index associated with a given Risk Control Account will remain unchanged for theduration of the Interest Term. However, if the publication of an Index is discontinued,or calculation of the Index is materially changed, we may discontinue an Index during an Interest Term and substitute a suitableIndex that will be used for the remainder of the Interest Term. To determine the Index Return, we will add (1) the percentagechange in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailable and (2) thepercentage change for the substitute Index from the date of substitution until the end of the Interest Term.The performance of the new Index may differ from the original Index. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Indexand the date we add a substitute Index, your Risk Control Account Value will be based on the value of the Index on thedate the Index ceased to be available, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
AnAllocation Option may be discontinued before the end of an Interest Term if an Index is discontinued and we do not provide a substituteIndex. In the unlikely event an Allocation Option is discontinued before the end of an Interest Term, we will credit interestfrom the beginning of the Interest Term until the date the Allocation Option is discontinued using the percentage change in theIndex from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailable. The resulting Risk Control AccountValue will be transferred to the Declared Rate Account for the remainder of the Interest Term, where it will earn the DeclaredInterest Rate starting on the date of transfer until the next Contract Anniversary. The amount of interest you earn in the DeclaredRate Account may be less than the amount you would have earned in the Risk Control Account at the end of the Interest Term. Ifthere is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we transfer value to the Declared Rate Account, your Risk ControlAccount Value prior to the transfer will be based on the value of the Index on the date the Index ceased to be available, whichmeans market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
Sucha change will be subject to any required regulatory approval. We will notify you of an Allocation Option or Index change by sendingyou written notice at your last known address.
AnIndex or Allocation Option change may negatively affect interest credited and your resulting Contract Value, as well as how youwant to allocate Contract Value between available Allocation Options.
Contract Value. Your ContractValue on your Contract Issue Date is equal to the Purchase Payment.
On any other day during the AccumulationPeriod, the Contract Value is equal to the sum of the account value in all Allocation Options in which you are invested. TheAccumulation Period begins on the Contract Issue Date and continues until the Income Payout Date. Upon reaching the IncomePayout Date, we will begin income payments unless the Contract is surrendered.
DeclaredRate Account Value. The Declared Rate Account Value on any Business Day is equal to the amount applied to the Declared RateAccount at the start of the current Interest Term, adjusted for any withdrawals (including any Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment),plus the interest earned.
RiskControl Account Value. The Risk Control Account Value is equal to the amount applied to each Risk Control Account at the startof the current Interest Term, adjusted proportionately for any withdrawals (including any Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment,and Interest Adjustment), plus or minus any interest. The amount of interest credited, if any, may be limited by the Cap and ParticipationRate.
IndexReturn and Adjusted Index Return. The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated to determine the interestcredited to a Risk Control Account. The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated separately for each Risk ControlAccount as follows:
| ● | Interest is calculated based on the change in the Index from the first day of the Interest Term to the last day of the Interest Term; |
| ● | The Index Return is adjusted based on the Cap and Floor, the Cap and Buffer, or the Participation Rate and Buffer, as applicable; and |
| ● | This Adjusted Index Return is multiplied by the Risk Control Account Value (without any Equity Adjustment applied) on the last day of the Interest Term (which may have been adjusted for withdrawals, as described below) to determine how much interest is credited, if any. For example, if the Adjusted Index Return is 10% and the Risk Control Account Value without any Equity Adjustment applied is $10,000, the interest credited is $1,000 (i.e., 10% x $10,000). |
Theamount of interest credited may be negative, even with the Floor or Buffer. There is a risk of loss of principal and previouslycredited interest of up to 90% with the Buffer and 10% with the Floor due to negative Index performance.
Impactof Withdrawals. The Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, and proportionate withdrawalcalculations could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments. It is possiblein extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest due to the following:
| ● | Ifyou take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract in the first six Contract Years, you may pay a Surrender Charge of up to 9% ofthe amount withdrawn. Federal income taxes and tax penalties may also apply. |
| ● | The Equity Adjustment applies for the entire Interest Term of each Risk Control Account, up to six years. If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment (which may be positive or negative) to the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk Control Account. A negative Equity Adjustment could significantly decrease the values under your Contract by more than the amount withdrawn, surrendered or paid. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positive or negative,at the end of the Interest Term. |
| ● | TheInterest Adjustment applies for a rolling six-year period beginning on the Contract Issue Date. Rates used in determining theInterest Adjustment are reset every sixth Contract Anniversary. If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or beginIncome Payout Options on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary, we will apply an Interest Adjustment (which maybe positive or negative) to the payment amount. A negative Interest Adjustment could significantly decrease the amount you receivefrom a surrender, partial withdrawal, Death Benefit payment, or income payment. |
| ● | We calculate withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit value, which may reduce the Death Benefit by substantially more than the amount of the withdrawal. We also use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment to withdrawals, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
TheCompany does not apply the Equity Adjustment on the first and last Business Day of an Interest Term and does not apply the InterestAdjustment on every sixth Contract Anniversary (i.e., the last day of the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract IssueDate).
WithdrawalOptions. Amounts withdrawn include partial withdrawals, full surrenders, payment of the Death Benefit, and amounts withdrawnto be applied to an Income Payout Option. Withdrawals, including Annual Free Withdrawal Amounts, could significantlyreduce the Death Benefit and the Contract Value, perhaps by substantially more than the amount withdrawn, as well as the amountof interest credited to an Allocation Option, and could terminate the Contract, as described above. ThisContract may not be suitable for you if you intend to take partial withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and RequiredMinimum Distributions) or surrender the Contract on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary. However,the Contract offers the following liquidity features during the Accumulation Period.
| ● | Annual Free Withdrawal Amount for Contracts issued before September 25, 2022: Each Contract Year, you may withdraw up to 10% of your Contract Value determined as of the beginning of the Contract Year without incurring a Surrender Charge. Although a Surrender Charge will not apply, the Company will calculate the withdrawal on a proportionate basis and apply the Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment. Any unused Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to any subsequent Contract Year. |
| ● | Annual Free Withdrawal Amount for Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022: Each Contract Year, you may withdraw up to 10% of your Contract Value determined as of the beginning of the Contract Year without incurring a Surrender Charge or Interest Adjustment. Although a Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment will not apply, the Company will calculate the withdrawal on a proportionate basis and apply the Equity Adjustment. Any unused Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to any subsequent Contract Year. |
| ● | Partial withdrawal option: You may make partial withdrawals during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. Any applicable Surrender Charge, Interest Adjustment, Equity Adjustment, and the use of proportionate calculations will affect the amount available for a partial withdrawal. A partial withdrawal may reduce your Death Benefit and the Crediting Base by more than the amount of the partial withdrawal. Additionally, only the remaining principal in the Risk Control Account will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. If a partial withdrawal would cause the Surrender Value to be less than $2,000, we will treat your request as a full surrender of the Contract. Before processing the full surrender, we will attempt to contact you or your financial professional to provide the opportunity for you to take a lower amount to maintain a Surrender Value of at least $2,000. If we are unable to contact you within one Business Day after receiving your request, we will process the full surrender. |
| ● | Full surrender option: You may surrender your Contract during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. Upon full surrender, a Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, and Interest Adjustment may apply. |
Withdrawalsand surrenders are subject to income taxes, and if taken before the owner is age 59½, tax penalties may apply. See“Federal Income Tax Matters” on page 47 and “Access to Your Money”on page 37 for more details.
SurrenderCharge. A Surrender Charge may be imposed upon the surrender of the Contract or withdrawal of Contract Value from theContract for a period of six years from the Contract Issue Date. The maximum Surrender Chargeis 9% of the Contract Value withdrawn (See “Fees and Expenses” on page14).
IncomeOptions. You have several income options to choose from during the Payout Period.
DeathBenefit. The Death Benefit during the Accumulation Period is equal to the greaterof Contract Value (including any applicable Equity Adjustment or Interest Adjustment) or the Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawalsas of the date the Death Benefit is payable. Withdrawals could significantly reduce the Death Benefit, perhaps by substantiallymore than the amount of the withdrawal, because of the Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and the Company’s calculationof withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit. We do not apply a Surrender Charge in determiningthe Death Benefit.
Rightto Examine. You may cancel your Contract and receive either your Purchase Payment or yourContract Value depending upon applicable state law (See “Right to Examine” onpage 19).
RiskFactors
YourContract has various risks associated with it. We list these risk factors below, as well as other important information you shouldknow before purchasing a Contract.
IndexReturn Risk. If you are invested in a Risk Control Account and the relevant Indexdeclines, it may or may not reduce your Risk Control Account Value. This depends on the Risk Control Account to which you allocatedyour Contact Value. Nevertheless, you always assume the investment risk that no interest will be credited and therefore the IndexReturn will not increase your Risk Control Account Value. You also bear the risk that sustained declines in the relevant Indexmay cause the Index Return to not increase your Risk Control Account Value for a prolonged period. Additionally, the Company relieson a single point in time to calculate the Index Return. You may experience a negative return even if the Index has experiencedgains through some, or most, of the Interest Term.
Ifyou allocate to a Risk Control Account with a Floor, you assume the risk of a negative Adjusted Index Return up to the amountof the Floor, which means your Risk Control Account Value could decline.
Additionally,if you allocate to a Risk Control Account with a Buffer, you assume the risk of a negative Adjusted Index Return after applicationof the Buffer, which means your Risk Control Account Value could decline significantly. If there is a large decline in the referenceIndex, the risk of loss on the Buffer is significantly higher than the Floor. For example, if the Floor is -10% and the Bufferis -10%, if the Index declines by 30% during the Interest Term, the Adjusted Index Return applied to the Floor account is -10%whereas the Adjusted Index Return applied to the Buffer account is -20% (the excess of the 30% decline over the -10% Buffer).
Inaddition, you assume the risk that the Cap can be reduced to as little as 1.0% and the Participation Rate can be reduced to aslittle as 10%. The Floors and Buffer for an AllocationOption will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued. Youassume the risk that the Allocation Options are discontinued, including the -10% Buffer, and the only option remaining is a Floorof 0%.
Liquidityand Withdrawal Risk. The Contract may not be suitable for investors who plan to take withdrawals (includingsystematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions) or surrender the Contract on any day other than every sixth ContractAnniversary. We designed your Contract to be a long-term investment that you may useto help save for retirement and provide lifetime income. Your Contract is not designed to be a short-term investment. We may deferpayments made under this Contract for up to six months if the insurance regulatory authority of the state in which we issued theContract approves such deferral.
Ifyou make withdrawals or surrender your Contract, the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal incometaxes, and proportionate withdrawal calculations could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receivefrom any payments. It is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previously creditedinterest if you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract.
| ● | Interest Adjustment Risk. If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary, we will apply an Interest Adjustment. Particularly in an increasing interest rate environment, the Interest Adjustment could significantly decrease the amount you receive from a partial withdrawal, surrender, Death Benefit payment, or income payment. |
| ● | Equity Adjustment Risk. The Equity Adjustment used to calculate your Risk Control Account Value during an Interest Term could be significantly lower than the performance of the reference Index during most of the Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment may be negative even when the value of the applicable Index has increased or when the value of the applicable Index has declined less than the Buffer.
If you take a withdrawal, surrender your Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment to the Crediting Base for the applicable Risk Control Account. A negative Equity Adjustment could significantly decrease the values under your Contract by more than the amount withdrawn, surrendered, or paid. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term. |
| ● | Surrender Charge Risk. If you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract during the first six Contract Years, you may pay a Surrender Charge of up to 9% of the amount withdrawn. |
| ● | Proportionate Calculation Risk. We generally calculate withdrawals on a proportionate basis when determining the Death Benefit value, which could reduce the Death Benefit by substantially more than the amount of the withdrawal. We also use proportionate calculations to apply the Equity Adjustment to withdrawals, which may negatively impact the resulting values under your Contract. |
Lossof Principal Risk. You could lose your investment. There is a risk of loss of principal and previously credited interestin the Risk Control Accounts of up to 90% with the Buffer and 10% with the Floor due to negative Index performance. TheFloor and Buffer describe the level of investment loss that can be experienced in one Interest Term, but losses over multipleInterest Terms could result in a loss of previously credited interest and a loss of principal. Moreover, if you takewithdrawals or surrender your Contract for any reason, the Floor and Buffer do not limit losses to the Risk Control Accountsfrom the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, federal income taxes, and proportionate withdrawalcalculations, which could result in a loss of previously credited interest or principal even if performance has beenpositive. Investment in the Declared Rate Account could resultin a loss of principal and previously credited interest due to Surrender Charges and the Interest Adjustment.
MarketRisk. The historical performance of an Index relating to a Risk Control Accountshould not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the Index. The performance of an Index will be influenced bycomplex and interrelated economic, financial, regulatory, geographic, judicial, political, and other factors that can affect thecapital markets generally, and by various circumstances that can influence the performance of securities in a particular marketsegment.
TheRussian/Ukraine conflict and the resulting responses by the United States and other governments could create economic disruptionthat results in increased market volatility and present economic uncertainty. The duration of these events and their futureimpact on the financial markets and global economy, are difficult to determine. Any such impact could adversely affect theperformance of the securities that comprise the reference Indices and may lead to losses on your investment in the AllocationOptions.
ReinvestmentRisk. You assume the risk that if wedo not receive transfer instructions at least one Business Day prior to the end of the current Interest Term, we will apply thematuring Contract Value to a new Interest Term of the same Allocation Option. Any applicable Floor will also be applied to thenew Interest Term. If the same Allocation Option is not available, we will apply the value to the Declared Rate Account with a1-year Interest Term. These default Allocation Options may not align with your desired allocations.
RiskThat We May Eliminate an Allocation Option or Eliminate or Substitute an Index. There is no guarantee that any AllocationOption or Index will be available during the entire time you own your Contract. We may discontinue an Allocation Option or Indexeffective as of the end of an Interest Term, or in the case of certain Index changes, discontinue an Index and substitute a newIndex for an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term. The performance of thenew Index may differ from the original Index. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we add a substituteIndex, your Risk Control Account Value will be based on the value of the Index on the date the Index ceased to be available,which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
AnAllocation Option may also be discontinued before the end of an Interest Term if we do not provide a substitute Index and transferyour Risk Control Account Value to the Declared Rate Account for the remainder of the Interest Term. The amount of interest youearn in the Declared Rate Account may be less than the amount you would have earned in the Risk Control Account at the end ofthe Interest Term. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we transfer value to the Declared RateAccount, your Risk Control Account Value prior to the transfer will be based on the value of the Index on the date the Index ceasedto be available, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the Index Return.
AnIndex or Allocation Option change may negatively affect interest credited and your resulting Contract Value, as well as how youwant to allocate Contract Value between available Allocation Options.
If we eliminate an Allocation Option or eliminate orsubstitute an Index, and you do not wish to allocate your Contract Value to the Risk Control Accounts available under the Contract,you may surrender your Contract, but you may be subject to a Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, and Interest Adjustment, whichmay result in a loss of principal and credited interest. A surrender of the Contract may also be subject to taxes and tax penalties.
ContractIssue Date Risk. The Company only issues the Contract on the 10th and 25th of each month. Therefore,the Purchase Payment may be held in the Company’s General Account for up to fifteen days prior to being invested in theContract and will not earn any interest during that period.
Creditorand Solvency Risk. Our General Account assets support the guaranteesunder the Contract and are subject to the claims of our creditors. As such, the guarantees under the Contract aresubject toour financial strength and claims-paying ability, and therefore, to the risk that we may default on those guarantees. Youneed to consider our financial strength and claims-paying ability in meeting the guarantees under the Contract. You may obtaininformation on our financial condition by reviewing our financial statements included in this Prospectus. Additionally, informationconcerning our business and operations is set forth in the section of this Prospectus entitled “Management’s Discussionand Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Weare exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, epidemics,pandemics, malicious acts, and terrorist acts, which could adversely affect our ability to conduct business. A natural or man-madedisaster or catastrophe, including a pandemic (such as the coronavirus COVID-19), could affect the ability, or willingness, ofour workforce and employees of service providers and third-party administrators to perform their job responsibilities. Even ifour workforce
andemployees of our service providers and third-party administrators were able to work remotely, those remote work arrangements couldresult in our business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances and lead to delays in our issuing Contractsand processing of other Contract-related transactions, including orders from Owners. Catastrophic events may negatively affectthe computer and other systems on which we rely and may interfere with our ability to receive, pickup and process mail, our processingof Contract-related transactions, impact our ability to calculate Contract Value, or have other possible negative impacts. Therecan be no assurance that we or our service providers will avoid losses affecting your Contract due to a natural disaster or catastrophe.
OtherImportant Information You Should Know
NoOwnership Rights – As a Contract Owner, you have no ownership interest or rights in the underlying securitiescomprising the reference Indexes, such as voting rights, dividend payments, or other distributions. Purchasing the Contract isnot equivalent to investing in the underlying securities comprising the Indexes. The S&P 500 Index does not reflect dividendspaid on the securities comprising the Index, and, therefore, the calculation of the performance of the Index under the Contractdoes not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities. The Barclays Risk Balanced Index deducts a feeof 0.5% for the equity exposure, and 0.2% per year for the treasury exposure, and a cost equal to the 1-month US dollar LIBORrate (before April 28, 2022) or SOFR plus 0.1145% (on and after April 28, 2022) for the equity component, which may be increasedor decreased in the aggregate by the volatility control mechanism. These deductions will reduce Index performance, and the Indexwill underperform similar portfolios from which these fees and costs are not deducted.
NoAffiliation with Index or Underlying Securities – We are not affiliated with the sponsors of the Indexes orthe underlying securities comprising the Indexes. Consequently, the Indexes and the issuers of the underlying securities comprisingthe Indexes have no involvement with the Contract.
PossibleTax Law Changes – There always is the possibility that the tax treatment of the Contract could change by legislationor otherwise. We have the right to modify the Contract in response to legislative changes that could diminish the favorable taxtreatment that Owners receive. You should consult a tax adviser with respect to legislative developments and their effect on theContract.
FEESAND EXPENSES
Thefollowing information describes the fees and expenses you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering the Contract.
SurrenderCharge(1) (asa percentage of Contract Value withdrawn)
| | | |
Contract
Year | Surrender Charge
Percentage | |
| 1 | 9% | |
| 2 | 9% | |
| 3 | 8% | |
| 4 | 7% | |
| 5 | 6% | |
| 6 | 5% | |
| 7+ | 0% | |
OtherExpenses
| Premium Tax(2) (as a percentage of the PurchasePayment)................................................................................................ | 3.5% |
EquityAdjustment
Appliesto any distribution prior to the end of an Interest Term (except for value in the Declared Rate Account) and can significantlydecrease the values under your Contract. It is possible to lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interestdue to the Equity Adjustment in extreme circumstances.(3)
InterestAdjustment
Appliesto any distribution prior to the end of the six-year rolling period that begins on the Contract Issue Date and can significantlydecrease the payment amount you receive from a withdrawal or surrender. It is possible to lose up to 100% of your principal andpreviously credited interest due to the Interest Adjustment in extreme circumstances. (4)
(1)We deduct a Surrender Charge from eachwithdrawal and surrender that exceeds the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount during the first six Contract Years. We do not assessa Surrender Charge on certain withdrawals and surrenders described below.
(2)Premium tax is not currently deducted, but we reserve the right to do so in the future. State premium taxes currently rangefrom 0% to 3.5% of the Purchase Payment.
(3)For example, if you surrender your Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account with -10% Buffer, the valueof the reference Index has decreased significantly, and amortized option and trading costs are 10%, you would lose 100% (90% +10%) of the Risk Control Account Value. In the same scenario allocated to a Risk Control Account with a -10% Floor, you wouldlose 20% (10% + 10%).
(4)For example, if Treasury rates increase from less than 10% to 1,000%, and you surrender your Contract, you could lose 100%of your principal and previously credited interest. For Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022, you could lose 90% underthe same scenario, since the Interest Adjustment does not apply to the 10% Annual Free Withdrawal Amount.
SurrenderCharge
Wededuct a Surrender Charge from each withdrawal or surrender that exceeds the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount during the first sixContract Years. The Surrender Charge schedule is expressed as a percentage of the Contract Value withdrawn or surrendered as shownin the Surrender Charge table. The Surrender Charge is assessed before application of the Interest Adjustment.
Forexample, if it is the 3rd Contract Year and the ContractValue as of the second Contract Anniversary is $100,000 and you withdraw $30,000, the AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount is $10,000 (i.e., $100,000 x 10%) and the Surrender Charge is $1,600 (i.e., ($30,000 - $10,000) x 8%).Unless otherwise instructed, the Surrender Charge will be deducted from the amount withdrawn. Therefore, the amount received willbe $28,400 (i.e., $30,000 - $1,600). For more examples of how we calculate the Surrender Charge, see Appendix B to this Prospectus.
Wewill not assess the Surrender Charge on:
| ● | Withdrawals under the Nursing Home or Hospital waiver or Terminal Illness waiver; |
| ● | Refunds under the Right to Examine; |
| ● | Required Minimum Distributions that are withdrawn under the automatic withdrawal program provided by the Company; |
| ● | Your Annual Free Withdrawal Amount; |
| ● | Amounts withdrawn after the first six Contract Years; |
| ● | Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option; and |
SurrenderCharges offset promotion, distribution expenses, and investment risks born by the Company. To the extent Surrender Charges areinsufficient to cover these risks and expenses, the Company will pay for the costs that it incurs from its General Account.
Forinformation on the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount and Surrender Charge waivers, see “Access to Your Money.”
EquityAdjustment
TheEquity Adjustment is used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value during an Interest Term. If you take a withdrawal, surrenderyour Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an InterestTerm, we will apply the Equity Adjustment, which may be positive or negative.
TheEquity Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investments that support theRisk Control Accounts when withdrawals are made during the Interest Term. You bear the risk that the Equity Adjustment may decreaseyour Risk Control Account Value if you withdraw amounts from a Risk Control Account during the Interest Term. The Equity Adjustmentapplies for the entire Interest Term, which could be six years, but does not apply on the first or last day of the Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment may be negative even when the Index Return is positive. This is primarily due to market inputs for volatility,interest rates, and dividends as well as the amortized option cost, and trading costs. A negative Equity Adjustment will reducethe values under the Contract. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest,positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment is calculated separately for each Risk Control Account and varies based on the Crediting Strategy. The EquityAdjustment is calculated as of the end of each day, except the first and last Business Day of an Interest Term. The Equity Adjustmentis not applied to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
InterestAdjustment
Awithdrawal, including a partial withdrawal, a full surrender of the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value appliedto an Income Payout Option, may be adjusted (increased or decreased) for the InterestAdjustment. The Interest Adjustment applies to every Allocation Option, including the Declared Rate Account, and will always applyfor the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date even if the Allocation Options elected have an Interest Termof less than six years. The Interest Adjustment does not apply to transfers or to amounts withdrawn on every sixth Contract Anniversary.For Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022, the Interest Adjustment does not apply to the Annual Free Withdrawal amount.
Therolling six-year Interest Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investmentsthat support the guarantees under the Contract when amounts are withdrawn from an Allocation Option before the end of each six-yearperiod. You bear the risk that the Interest Adjustment may decrease the amount of a withdrawal made during the six-year period.
TheInterest Adjustment reflects the change in value of the investments that support the guarantees under this Contract uponwithdrawal during the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date. Rates used in determining the InterestAdjustment are reset every sixth Contract Anniversary.
IMPORTANT:It is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previously credited interest if you take or withdrawalor surrender your Contract, due to the Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment. You directly bear the investment risk associatedwith an Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment. You should carefully consider your income needs before purchasing the Contract.
Other Information
Weassume investment risks and costs in providing the guarantees under the Contract. These investment risks include the risks weassume in providing the Floors and Buffers for the Risk Control Accounts, the Declared Interest Rate for the Declared Rate Account,the
surrender rights available under the Contract, the Death Benefit, and the income payments. We must provide the rates and benefitsset forth in your Contract regardless of how our General Account investments that support the guarantees we provide perform. Tohelp manage our investment risks, we engage in certain risk management techniques. There are costs associated with those riskmanagement techniques. You do not directly pay the costs associated with our risk management techniques. However, we take thosecosts into account when we set rates and guarantees under your Contract.
GETTINGSTARTED – THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD
TheProspectus describes all material rights, benefits, and obligations under the Contract. All material state variations in the Contractare described in Appendix C to this Prospectus and in your Contract. Please review AppendixC for any variations from standard Contract provisions that may apply to your Contract based on the state in which your Contractwas issued. Your financial professional can provide you with more information about those state variations.
Purchasinga Contract
Weoffer the Contract to individuals, certain retirement plans, and other entities. To purchase a Contract, you and the Annuitantmust be at least Age 21 and no older than Age 85.
Wesell the Contract through financial professionals who are also agents of the Company. To start the purchase process, you mustsubmit an application to your financial professional. The Purchase Payment must either be paid at the Company’s AdministrativeOffice or delivered to your financial professional. Your financial professional will then forward your completed application andPurchase Payment (if applicable) to us. After we receive a completed application, Purchase Payment, and all other informationnecessary to process a purchase order in Good Order, we will begin the process of issuing the Contract on the next Contract IssueDate available. The selling firm’s determinationof whether the Contract is suitable for you may delay our receipt of your application. Anysuch delays will affect when we issue your Contract. If the application for a Contract is properly completed and is accompaniedby all the information necessary to process it, including payment of the Purchase Payment, the Purchase Payment will be allocatedto the Allocation Options you choose on the next available Contract Issue Date.
IMPORTANT:You may use the Contract with certain tax qualified retirement plans (“IRA”). The Contract includes attributes suchas tax deferral on accumulated earnings. Qualified retirement plans provide their own tax deferral benefit; the purchase of thisContract does not provide additional tax deferral benefits beyond those provided in the qualified retirement plan. Accordingly,if you are purchasing this Contract through a qualified retirement plan, you should consider purchasing the Contract for its otherfeatures and other non-tax related benefits. Please consult a tax adviser for information specific to your circumstances to determinewhether the Contract is an appropriate investment for you.
Ifmandated by applicable law, including Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering, we may be requiredto reject your Purchase Payment. We may also be required to provide additional information about you or your Contract to governmentregulators. In addition, we may be required to block an Owner’s Contract and thereby refuse to honor any request for transfers,partial withdrawals, surrender, income payments, and Death Benefit payments, until instructions are received from the appropriategovernment regulator.
Tax-FreeSection 1035 Exchanges
Youcan generally exchange one annuity contract for another in a “tax-free exchange” under Section 1035 of the InternalRevenue Code. Before making an exchange, you should compare both contracts carefully. Remember that if you exchange another contractfor the one described in this Prospectus, you might have to pay a Surrender Charge or negative Interest Adjustment on the existingcontract. If the
exchange does not qualify for Section 1035 tax treatment, you may have to pay federal income tax, including apossible penalty tax, on your old contract. There will be a new Contract Issue Date for the purpose of determining any SurrenderCharges for this Contract and other charges may be higher (or lower) and the benefits may be different. There may be delays inour processing of the exchange. You should not exchange another contract for this one unless you determine, after knowing allthe facts that the exchange is in your best interest. In general, the person selling you this Contract will earn a commissionfrom us.
Owner
TheOwner is the person(s) or entity who own(s) this Contract and has (have) all rights under this Contract. Unless owned by a non-naturalperson, the Owner is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit. Joint Owners are not allowed on Qualified Contractsor contracts owned by a non-natural person. The maximum number of Owners is two. The consent of both Joint Owners is needed tocomplete an Authorized Request. The Owner is also referred to as “you” or “your”. Whilethe Owner is living, the Owner is also the person(s) or entity who receives income payments during the Payout Period while theAnnuitant is also living. If there are multiple Owners, each Owner will have equal ownership of the Contract and all referencesto Owner will mean Joint Owners. Joint Owners are not allowed on qualified contracts or contracts owned by a non-natural person.
TheOwner names the Annuitant or Joint Annuitants. All rights under the Contract may be exercised by the Owner, subject to the rightsof any other Owner. Assignment of the Contract by the Owner is not permitted unlessthe state in which the Contract is issued requires us to provide the Owner the right to assign the Contract, as identified inAppendix C to this Prospectus. In that case, the Owner must provide us with advance Written Notice of the assignment and the assignmentis subject to our approval, unless those requirements are inconsistent with the law of the state in which the Contract is issued.
TheOwner may request to change the Owner at anytime before the Income Payout Date. If an Owner is added or changed, the amount that will be paid upon the death of the new Ownerwill be impacted as described in the “Death Benefit” section in this Prospectus. Any change of Owner must be madeby Authorized Request and is subject to our acceptance. We reserve the right to refuse such change on a non-discriminatory basis.Unless otherwise specified by the Owner, such change, if accepted by us, will take effect as of the date the Authorized Requestwas signed. We are not liable for any payment we make or action we take before we receive the Authorized Request.
Ifan Owner who is a natural person dies during theAccumulation Period, your Beneficiary is entitled to a Death Benefit. If you have a Joint Owner, the Death Benefit will be availablewhen the first Joint Owner dies. If there is a surviving Joint Owner the surviving JointOwner will be treated as the sole primary Beneficiary, and any other designated Beneficiary will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary.
Divorce
Inthe event of divorce, the former Spouse must provide a copy of the divorce decree (or a qualified domestic relations order ifit is a qualified plan) to us. The terms of the decree/order must identify the Contract and specify how the Contract Value shouldbe allocated among the former Spouses.
Annuitant
TheAnnuitant is the natural person(s) whose life (or lives) determines the income payment amount payable under the Contract. If theOwner is a non-natural person, the Annuitant(s) is also the person(s) whose death determines the Death Benefit. If the Owner isa natural person, the Owner may change the Annuitant at any time provided it is at least 30 days before the Income Payout Dateby Authorized Request. Unless otherwise specified by the Owner, such change will take effect as of the date the Authorized Requestwas signed. We are not liable for any payment we make or action we take before we receive the Authorized Request. If you changethe Annuitant, the Income Payout Date will not change. If the Owner is a non-natural person, the Annuitant cannot be changed.The Annuitant does not have any rights under the Contract.
Beneficiary
Theperson(s) or entity named by the Owner to receive proceeds payable upon the death of the first Owner or the first Annuitant ifthe Owner is a non-natural person. Prior to the Income Payout Date, if no Beneficiary survives the Owner, the proceeds will bepaid to the Owner’s estate. If there are Joint Owners and we are unable to determine that one of the Joint Owners predeceasedthe other, it will be assumed that the Joint Owners died simultaneously. In this instance the Death Benefit will be divided equallyamong the Joint Owners’ estates. If there is more than one Beneficiary, each Beneficiary will receive an equal share unlessotherwise specified by the Owner. If Joint Owners have been designated, the surviving Joint Owner will be treated as the soleprimary Beneficiary and any other designated Beneficiary will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary.
Youmay change the Beneficiary by an Authorized Request sent to us, or you may name one or more Beneficiaries. A change of Beneficiarywill take effect on the date the Authorized Request was signed. If there are Joint Owners, each Owner must sign the AuthorizedRequest. In addition, any irrevocable beneficiary or assignee must sign the Authorized Request. Anirrevocable beneficiary is any beneficiary who must consent to being changed or removed. We are not liable for any payment wemake or action we take before we receive the Authorized Request.
Usecare when naming Beneficiaries. If you have any questions concerning the criteria you should use when choosing Beneficiaries,consult your financial professional.
Rightto Examine
Youmay cancel your Contract and return it to your financial professional or to us within a certain number of days after you receivethe Contract and receive a refund of either the Purchase Payment you paid less withdrawals or your Contract Value, depending onthe state in which your Contract was issued. If the Contract Value exceeds your Purchase Payment, you will receive the ContractValue regardless of where the Contract was issued. If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be yourContract Value unless the state in which the Contract was issued requires that the Purchase Payment less withdrawals be returned.If your Contract is an IRA, we will refund thegreater of your Purchase Payment less withdrawals or your Contract Value. The Contract Value includes any applicable Equity Adjustment.Generally, you must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacementcontract), but some states may permit a different period for you to return your Contract. Refunds will not be subject to a SurrenderCharge or Interest Adjustment and will be paid within seven days following the date of cancellation. State variations are describedin Appendix C to this Prospectus. If you cancel your Contract by exercising your Right to Examine and attempt to purchase a substantiallysimilar Contract the Company may refuse to issue the second Contract.
ALLOCATINGYOUR PURCHASE PAYMENT
PurchasePayment
Ifthe application for a Contract is in Good Order, which includes our receipt of the Purchase Payment, we will issue the Contracton the next available Contract Issue Date. Contract Issue Dates offered by the Company arecurrently the 10th and 25th of each month unless those days fall on a non-Business Day. In that case, weissue the Contract on the next Business Day with an effective Contract Issue Date of the 10th or 25th.Please note that during the period between the date your Purchase Payment is delivered to us and the next available Contract IssueDate, we will hold your Purchase Payment in our General Account and not pay interest on it. Thus, during that period, your PurchasePayment will not be allocated to either the Risk Control Accounts or the Declared Rate Account.
Theminimum initial Purchase Payment for a Non-Qualified or Qualified Contract is $5,000. The Company does not allow additional PurchasePayments after the initial Purchase Payment. A Purchase Payment for a Contract, or Purchase Payments for multiple Contracts ownedby the same individual, that equals or exceeds $1 million requires our prior approval, which may be withheld at our sole discretion.
PurchasePayment and Allocation Options
Thereare currently up to five Allocation Options under the Contract, among which you may allocate your Purchase Payment and ContractValue. Your selling firm may limit the Allocation Options available to you when your Contract is issued.
| | Allocation Option | Interest Term | Crediting Strategy(1) | Minimum Guarantee |
| 1 | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 1-Year | Floor and Cap | 1% Cap |
| 2 | S&P 500 Index Risk Control Account | 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | 10% Participation Rate |
| 3 | Barclays Risk Balanced Index Risk Control Account | 1-Year | Floor and Cap | 1% Cap |
| 4 | Barclays Risk Balanced Index Risk Control Account | 6-Year | Buffer and Participation Rate | 10% Participation Rate |
| 5 | Declared Rate Account | 1-Year | Declared Interest Rate | Minimum Interest Rate |
(1)TheFloor and Buffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option is discontinued.See “Addition or Discontinuation of anAllocation Option” below.
Youmust specify the percentage of your Purchase Payment to be allocated to each Allocation Option on the Contract Issue Date. Theamount you direct to an Allocation Option must be in whole percentages from 1% to 100% of the Purchase Payment and your totalallocation must equal 100%. Generally, the lowerthe Floor, the higher the Cap. For example, the Cap may be 2% for the 0% Floor, whereas the Cap may be 12% for the -10% Floor.Once elected, the Floor cannot be changed until the end of the Interest Term.
Indeciding between the Floor and Buffer options, you should consider the loss potential for each account. With the Buffer, lossesup to -10% will not be credited, but there is potential to lose substantially more than the Floor if there are large market losses.The Buffer may offer additional gain potential through the Participation Rate in comparison to the Cap, but the gain potentialshould be weighed against the risk of loss.
Additionally,an investor should consider and understand the difference between the 6-year Interest Term and the 1-year Interest Term. For the6-year Interest Term, interest is not calculated or credited until the end of the Interest Term; therefore, the Crediting Strategyfactors (i.e., the Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, and Buffer) only apply at the end of the Interest Term and not on an annualbasis. Furthermore, any partial withdrawal, full surrender, Death Benefit payment, or amounts withdrawn to be applied to an IncomePayout Option prior to the end of the Interest Term could significantly reduce the values under the Contract, the amount you receivefrom any payments, and the amount of interest credited at the end of the Interest Term due to the Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment,Interest Adjustment, and the use of proportionate withdrawal calculations.
Weoffer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection, 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%, -7%, -8%,-9%, and -10%. If you allocate to an Allocation Option with a Floor Crediting Strategy, you must also specify your Floor bychoosing one of the eleven available options.
ThePurchase Payment will be allocated on the Contract Issue Date to the Allocation Options according to the allocation instructionson file with us.
Transactionsthat are scheduled to occur on a day that the Index Value for a Risk Control Account is not available will be processed on thenext Business Day at the Index Value for that day.
ReallocatingYour Contract Value: Transfers
AnAllocation Option is available on the Contract Issue Date and at the end of the Interest Term. For example, an Interest Term ofone year is available on the Contract Issue Date and every Contract Anniversary thereafter; whereas an Interest Term of six yearsis available on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary. This means that the six-year Interest Term willnot be available for you to allocate Contract Value to on every Contract Anniversary. Additionally, the six-year Interest Termis unavailable if the Income Payout Date is less than six years from the start of the Interest Term.
Atleast two weeks prior to the end of an Interest Term, Owners will be notified of the available Allocation Options to which theymay transfer their maturing Contract Value. The new Allocation Options may have different Interest Terms and Crediting Strategiesthan what was previously available.
Newtransfer instructions by Authorized Request will supersede any prior transfer instructions for a given Allocation Option. Transfersare not permitted during an Interest Term.
Ifwe do not receive transfer instructions by Authorized Request at least one Business Day prior to the end of the current InterestTerm, we will apply the value of the maturing Contract Value to a new Interest Term of the same Allocation Option. Any applicableFloor will also be applied to the new Index Term. If the same Allocation Option is not available, we will apply the value to theDeclared Rate Account with a 1-year Interest Term.
Changesto Crediting Strategy Components. The initial Cap, Participation Rate, and DeclaredInterest Rate are available in advance of the Contract Issue Date and will be provided by your financial professional or bycalling the Company at 1-800-798-5500. The Cap, Participation Rate, and Declared Interest Rate will not change duringthe Interest Term. We may declare a new Cap, Participation Rate and Declared Interest Rate for each subsequent Interest Termand will notify you of the new Cap, Participation Rate and Declared Interest Rate at least two weeks in advance of the startof an Interest Term. The Cap and Participation Rate will never be lower than the minimum rates described in this Prospectus.See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option” for the Minimum Interest Rate and “Risk Control AccountAllocation Options – Setting the Crediting Strategies” for the minimum Cap and Participation Rate. The Floors andBuffer for an Allocation Option will not change during the life of your Contract unless the Allocation Option isdiscontinued. However, an Allocation Option with a Floor of 0% will always be available. We may not always make availableAllocation Options with Buffers, however, if one is available, a Buffer of -10% or more will be available. In other words,there would be a Buffer option to limit the maximum loss to no more than 90%.
Additionor Discontinuation of an Allocation Option or Index. There is no guarantee that any Allocation option or Index will be availableduring the entire time you own your Contract. We may offer additional Allocation Options at our discretion, which includes offeringan additional Index, Crediting Strategy, or Interest Term. We may also discontinue an Allocation Option or Index at our discretioneffective as of the end of an Interest Term. In the case of certain Index changes, we may discontinue an Index and substitutea new Index for an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term. An Allocation Option may be discontinued before the endof an Interest Term if an Index is discontinued and we do not provide a substitute Index. Such a change will be subject to anyrequired regulatory approval. Any change we make will be on a non-discriminatory basis.
See“Risk Control Allocation Options –Allocation Option and Index Changes” below.
DECLAREDRATE ACCOUNT ALLOCATION OPTION
TheDeclared Rate Separate Account is an insulatedseparate account that we established within our General Account and under the laws of Iowa in which we hold reserves for our guaranteesunder the Declared Rate Account. Our other General Account assets are also available to meet those and other guarantees underthe Contract and our other general obligations. The Declared Rate Separate Account is not registered under the Investment CompanyAct of 1940. The assets in the Declared Rate Separate Account are equal to the reservesand other liabilities of the contracts supported by the Declared Rate Separate Account and are not chargeable with liabilitiesarising out of any other business that we conduct. We have the right to transfer to our General Account any assets of the DeclaredRate Separate Account that are in excess of such reserves and other contract liabilities. The guarantees in this Contractare subject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Youmay allocate all or a portion of your Purchase Payment and Contract Value to the Declared Rate Account. Contract Value allocatedto the Declared Rate Account becomes part of the Declared Rate Account Value.
TheCrediting Strategy, which is the method by which interest is calculated, for the Declared Rate Account is the Declared InterestRate. The Declared Rate Account Value is credited with interest at the end of each business day. The applicable interest credited,when compounded, equals the Declared Interest Rate. The Declared Interest Rate will not change for the duration of the 1-YearInterest Term. We may declare a new Declared Interest Rate for each subsequent 1-year Interest Term and will notify you of thenew Declared Interest Rate two weeks in advance of the start of an Interest Term. The Declared Interest Rate will never be lessthan the Declared Rate Account Minimum Interest Rate. The initial Minimum Interest Rate is shown on your Contract Data Page.
TheMinimum Interest Rate will be determined on the Contract Issue Date and every sixth Contract Anniversary based on the calendarquarter in which the Issue Date or Contract Anniversary falls. The Minimum Interest Rate will apply for six years and then willbe recalculated for the next six-year period.
TheMinimum Interest Rate will never be less than the lesser of:
| b) | The interest rate determined as the greater of: |
| 1) | The average of the three applicable monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rates reported by the Federal Reserve rounded to the nearest 0.05%, as described below, minus 1.25%; or |
| 2) | The nonforfeiture interest rate floor required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, 0.15%. |
Thethree monthly five-year Constant Maturity Treasury rates used in the calculation above are as follows:
| ● | The prior September, October, and November monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the first quarter interest rate that is effective each January 1; |
| ● | The prior December, January, and February monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the second quarter interest rate that is effective each April 1; |
| ● | The prior March, April, and May monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the third quarter interest rate that is effective each July 1; and |
| ● | The prior June, July, and August monthly five-year CMT rates will be used to determine the fourth quarter interest rate that is effective each October 1. |
RISKCONTROL ACCOUNT ALLOCATION OPTIONS
TheRisk Control Separate Account is an insulatedseparate account that we established within our General Account and under the laws of Iowa in which we hold reserves for our guaranteesunder the Risk Control Accounts. Our other General Account assets are also available to meet those and other guarantees underthe Contract and our other general obligations. The Risk Control Separate Account is not registered under the Investment CompanyAct of 1940. The assets in the Risk Control Separate Account are equal to the reserves andother liabilities of the contracts supported by the Risk Control Separate Account and are not chargeable with liabilities arisingout of any other business that we conduct. We have the right to transfer to our General Account any assets of the Risk ControlSeparate Account that are in excess of such reserves and other contract liabilities. The guarantees in this Contract aresubject to the Company’s financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Youmay allocate all or a portion of your Purchase Payment and Contract Value to the Risk Control Accounts we make available. Theportion of the Contract Value allocated to a Risk Control Account becomes part of the Risk Control Account Value.
EachRisk Control Account is uniquely structured based on the combination of Crediting Strategy, reference Index, and Interest Term.The Crediting Strategy is the method by which interest is calculated. Currently, the followingCrediting Strategies are available for the Risk Control Accounts:
| ● | Buffer with Participation Rate |
Additionally,we currently offer two reference indices, the S&P 500 Index and the Barclays Risk Balanced Index.
| ● | The S&P 500 Index is a stock market index based on the market capitalizations of 500 leading companies publicly traded in the U.S. stock market, as determined by Standard & Poor’s. The Index can go up or down based on the stock prices of the companies that comprise the Index. The Index does not include dividends paid on the securities comprising the Index and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities. |
| ● | TheBarclays Risk Balanced Index allocatesbetween equities and fixed income using the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory, which seeks to maximize the expected returnbased on a given level of market risk. Equities consist of an equally weighed portfolio of 50 US stocks that have shown low volatilityduring the past year. To ensure sector diversification, there can be no more than 10 securities per sector. Dividends are reinvested.For fixed income, the Index provides exposure to four indices tracking the 2, 5, and 10-year US Treasury futures, equally weighted.Each month, the Index will determine the optimal weights to be allocated between equities and fixed income using Mean VarianceOptimization, an approach in which the risk, expressed as the variance, is compared against the expected return to choose theinvestment portfolio that results in the maximum expected return for a given level of risk. This process selects the combinationthat has the highest estimated return potential with 10% risk, assuming that the risk-adjustedreturns offered by equities and fixed income will be comparable to each other in the near future. In addition to this monthlyprocess, the Index may rebalance daily to adjust for a 10% volatility (risk) target. Should the selected optimal weights exceedthe 10% target, the index will reduce its exposure to equities and fixed income. Conversely, should optimal weights result ina lower volatility than 10%, the index may increase its exposure to equities and fixed income. The Index deducts a fee of 0.5%for the equity exposure, 0.2% per year for the treasury exposure, and a cost equal to the 1-month US dollar LIBOR rate (beforeApril 28, 2022) or SOFR plus 0.1145% (on and after April 28, 2022) for the equity component which may be increased or decreasedin aggregate by the volatility control mechanism. These deductions will reduce Index performance, and the Index will underperformsimilar portfolios from which these fees and costs are not deducted. |
Weoffer two Interest Terms, 1 year or 6 years. Risk Control Account Value is credited withinterest based on the investment performance of external Indices, subject to the applicable Crediting Strategy.
TheFloor and Buffer are used in determining the level of protection provided by the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Accountwill have either a Floor or a Buffer. The Floor represents the maximum amount of negative interest that may be credited to theRisk Control Account. The Buffer represents the maximum amount of negative interest assumed by the Company, and any additionalnegative interest will be credited to the Risk Control Account.
Wecurrently offer eleven Floor options which provide different levels of protection, 0%, -1%, -2%, -3%, -4%, -5%, -6%,-7%, -8%, -9%, and -10%. If a Floor of 0% is elected, negative investment performance of the applicable Index will not reduceyour Risk Control Account Value. If any other Floor is chosen, negative investment performance of the applicable Index willreduce your Risk Control Account Value by up to the amount of the Floor you elected for any Interest Term. Negativeinvestment performance will not reduce your Risk Control Account Value by more than the Floor even if the Index performancefor that Interest Term is lower than the Floor. For example, if the Index performance is -15% and you elected a Floor of-10%, the Company will credit -10% to the Risk Control Account Value.
Wecurrently offer one Buffer option, -10%. If this option is elected, negative investment performance of the applicable Index willnot reduce your Risk Control Account Value if the negative investment performance is between zero and -10% for the Interest Term.If the investment performance is lower than -10% for the Interest Term, your Risk Control Account Value will be reduced by theamount of negative investment performance in excess of -10%. This means your Risk Control Account Value can be reduced by as muchas 90% due to negative investment performance of the applicable Index over the Interest Term.
Negativeinvestment performance is limited by the Floor and Buffer for a given Interest Term, but you could lose more due to losses insubsequent Interest Terms. , If you make withdrawals or surrender your Contract, the Floor and Buffer do not limit losses fromthe Surrender Charge, Interest Adjustment, Equity Adjustment, federal income taxes, or proportionate withdrawal calculations,which could significantly reduce the values under the Contract and the amount you receive from any payments.
TheCap and Participation Rate limit the amount of positive interest credited to the Risk Control Account. Each Risk Control Accountwill have either a Cap or a Participation Rate. The Cap represents the maximum amount of interest that the Company will creditto the Risk Control Account. The Participation Rate is a percentage multiplied by the Index Return if the Index Return is positive.If the Participation Rate is lower than 100%, it will limit the amount of interest credited by the Company.
TheCap and Participation Rate will not change for the duration of the Interest Term. We may declare a new Cap and Participation Ratefor each subsequent Interest Term and will notify you of the new Cap or Participation Rate two weeks in advance of the start ofan Interest Term.
Wehold reserves in the Risk Control Separate Account for amounts allocated to the Risk Control Accounts in support of the guaranteesassociated with the Floor, Buffer, Cap, and Participation Rate. Your Risk Control Account Value reflects, in part, the performanceof the reference Index, subject to the Equity Adjustment and applicable Crediting Strategy. Whenfunds are withdrawn from a Risk Control Account prior to the end of the Interest Term for a surrender, partial withdrawal,annuitization or payment of the Death Benefit, we apply the Equity Adjustment on the dateof withdrawal to determine the Risk Account Control Value as described below.
Theperformance of the S&P 500 Index does not include dividends paid on the securities comprising the Index, and therefore, theperformance of the Index does not reflect the full performance of those underlying securities.
Theperformance of the Barclays Risk Balanced Index reflects dividends reinvested. The Index deducts a fee of 0.5% for the equityexposure, 0.2% per year for the treasury exposure, and a cost equal to the 1-month US dollar LIBOR rate (before April 28, 2022)or
SOFR plus 0.1145% (on and after April28, 2022) for the equity component which may be increased or decreased in aggregate by the volatility control mechanism. Thesedeductions will reduce Index performance, and the Index will underperform similar portfolios from which these fees and costs arenot deducted.
TheIndex Return is the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the end of the Interest Term. Becauseinterest is calculated on a single point in time you may experience negative or flat performance even though the Index experiencedgains through some, or most, of the Interest Term.
Settingthe Crediting Strategies
Weconsider various factors in determining the Crediting Strategies and associated rates, including investment returns, the costsof our risk management techniques, sales commissions, administrative expenses, regulatory and tax requirements, general economictrends, and competitive factors. We determinethe rates for the Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, and Buffer at our sole discretion.
Weset the Cap and Participation Rate at the start of each Interest Term and guarantee them for the duration of the Interest Term.We will forward advance written notice to Owners of any change in the Cap and Participation Rate for the subsequent Interest Termat least two weeks prior to start of the Interest Term. This notice will describe the Owner’s right to transfer ContractValue between available Allocation Options. The Cap will always be positive and will be subject to a guaranteed minimum of 1%.The Participation Rate will always be positive and will be subject to a guaranteed minimum of 10%.
AllocationOption and Index Changes
Atour discretion, we may:
| ● | offer additional Allocation Options, such as an additional Index, Crediting Strategy, or Interest Term; |
| ● | discontinue an Allocation Option or Index effective as of the end of an Interest Term; |
| ● | in the case of an Index change described below, substitute a new Index for an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term; or |
| ● | in the case of an Index change described below, discontinue an Allocation Option before the end of an Interest Term if we do not provide a substitute Index. |
Wereserve the right to add or substitute any Index. Generally, the Index associated with a given Risk Control Account willremain unchanged for the duration of the Interest Term. However, if the publication of an Index is discontinued or thecalculation of that Index is materially changed, we may substitute a suitable Index that will be used for the remainder ofthe Interest Term. Examples of such material changes to the Index include, without limitation: a contractual dispute betweenus and the Index provider, changes that make it impractical or too expensive to purchase derivatives to hedge the Index, orchanges that result in significantly different Index Values or performance. The performance of the new Index may differfrom the original Index, which mayaffect the interest credited to the Risk Control Account and the interest you earn under the Contract.However, a change in the Index will not change the Cap, Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer for your Contract at the time ofthe change.
Ifwe remove an Index, we will attempt to add a suitable alternative index that is substantially similar to the Index being replacedon the same day that we remove the Index. To determine the Index Return, we will add (1) the percentage change in the Index fromthe beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailable and (2) the percentage change forthe substitute Index from the date of substitution until the end of the Interest Term.
Ifwe are unable to substitute a new Index at the same time an Index ceases to be available, there may be a brief interval betweenthe date on which we remove the Index and add a substitute Index. In this situation, your Contract Value will continue to be allocatedto the Risk Control Accounts. However, during the interim period, your Contract Value (including any Equity Adjustment) will bebased on the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which the Index became unavailableunder the Contract, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to determine your Risk Control Account Value.
Inthe unlikely event that an Index is discontinued, we do not provide a substitute Index, and the Allocation Option is discontinuedduring an Interest Term as a result, we will credit interest from the beginning of the Interest Term until the date the AllocationOption is discontinued using the percentage change in the Index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the date on which theIndex became unavailable. The resulting Risk Control Account Value will be transferred to the Declared Rate Account for the remainderof the Interest Term, where it will earn the Declared Interest Rate starting on the date of transfer until the next Contract Anniversary.The amount of interest you earn in the Declared Rate Account may be less than the amount you would have earned in the Risk ControlAccount at the end of the Interest Term. If there is a delay between the date we remove the Index and the date we transfer valueto the Declared Rate Account, your Risk Control Account Value prior to the transfer will be based on the value of the Index onthe date the Index ceased to be available, which means market changes during the delay will not be used to calculate the IndexReturn.
Sucha change will be subject to any required regulatory approval, such as any required approval of the Index by the insurance departmentin your state. We will notify you of an Allocation Option or Index change and its effective date bysending you written notice at your last known address.
AnIndex or Allocation Option Change may negatively affect interest credited and your resulting Contract Value, as well as how youwant to allocate Contract Value between available Allocation Options.
CONTRACTVALUE
Onthe Contract Issue Date, your Contract Value equals the Purchase Payment. After the Contract Issue Date, during the AccumulationPeriod, your Contract Value is equal to the sum of the account value in all Allocation Options, including the Declared Rate AccountValue and the Risk Control Account Value(s). Thecalculation of account value varies by Allocation Option as described below.
DeclaredRate Account Value
TheDeclared Rate Account Value on any Business Day is equal to:
| a.) | The amount applied to the Declared Rate Account at the start of the current Interest Term; less |
| b.) | Anywithdrawals (including any Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment); plus |
TheEquity Adjustment does not apply to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
RiskControl Account Value
YourContract Value allocated to the Risk Control Accounts for any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of your Risk Control AccountValue in each Risk Control Account. The Risk Control Account Value varies based on the Business Day it is calculated:
| ● | On the first Business Day of an Interest Term, the Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base. |
| ● | On the last Business Day of an Interest Term the Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. |
| ● | On every other Business Day, the Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base plus the Equity Adjustment. |
Determiningthe Crediting Base
TheCrediting Base is equal to the amount allocated to a Risk Control Account at the start of the Interest Term, reduced proportionallyfor any withdrawals. Withdrawals include partial withdrawals, a full surrender, Death Benefit payments, or amounts withdrawn tobe applied to an Income Payout Option.
Awithdrawal will proportionally reduce the Crediting Base by the ratio of the withdrawal to the Risk Control Account Value immediatelyprior to the withdrawal. Withdrawals include any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment. A proportional reductionto the Crediting Base could be larger than the amount of the withdrawal.
| ● | If the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal is greater than the Crediting Base, the reduction to the Crediting Base will be less than the amount of the withdrawal. |
| ● | If the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal is less than the Crediting Base, the reduction to the Crediting Base will be greater than the amount of the withdrawal. |
Thefollowing formulas are used for this calculation:
| ● | Withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = withdrawal / (Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to withdrawal), where “withdrawal” includes any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment |
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = (Crediting Base before withdrawal) x (withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value) |
| ● | Crediting Base After Withdrawal = (Crediting Base before withdrawal) – (reduction in Crediting Base) |
TheCrediting Base is not used for the Declared Rate Account.
Examplesof Crediting Base After a Withdrawal
Note,the “withdrawal,” as used in the examples below, includes any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment.The Equity Adjustment is reflected in the Risk Control Account Value.
Example1. Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal is greater than the Crediting Base.
Assumethe following:
| ● | Crediting Base before withdrawal = $100,000 |
| ● | Risk Control Account Value at time of withdrawal = $115,000 |
○ Equity Adjustment = $115,000 - $100,000 (the Crediting Base) = $15,000
Step1: Calculate the withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value
| ● | Withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = withdrawal / (Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to withdrawal) |
| ● | Withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = $20,000 / $115,000 = 0.173913 |
Step2: Calculate the reduction in the Crediting Base
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = (Crediting Base before withdrawal) x (withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value) |
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = $100,000 x 0.173913 = $17,391.30 |
Step3: Calculate the Crediting Base after withdrawal
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal = (Crediting Base before withdrawal) – (reduction in Crediting Base) |
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal = $100,000 - $17,391.30 = $82,608.70 |
Inthis example, because the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal is greater than the Crediting Base, thereduction to the Crediting Base ($17,391.30) is less than the amount of the withdrawal ($20,000).
Example2. Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal is less than the Crediting Base.
Assumethe following:
| ● | Crediting Base before withdrawal = $100,000 |
| ● | Risk Control Account Value at time of withdrawal = $80,000 |
○ Equity Adjustment = $80,000 - $100,000 (the Crediting Base) = -$20,000
Step1: Calculate the withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value
| ● | Withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = withdrawal / (Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to withdrawal) |
| ● | Withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value = $20,000 / $80,000 = 0.25 |
Step2: Calculate the reduction in the Crediting Base
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = (Crediting Base before withdrawal) x (withdrawal as a percentage of Risk Control Account Value) |
| ● | Reduction in Crediting Base = $100,000 x 0.25 = $25,000 |
Step3: Calculate the Crediting Base after withdrawal
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal = (Crediting Base before withdrawal) – (reduction in Crediting Base) |
| ● | Crediting Base after withdrawal = $100,000 - $25,000 = $75,000 |
Inthis example, because the Risk Control Account Value immediately prior to the withdrawal is less than the Crediting Base, thereduction to the Crediting Base ($25,000) is greater than the amount of the withdrawal ($20,000). This illustrates that the CreditingBase calculation may result in a reduction in the Crediting Base that is significantly larger than the withdrawal amount.
IndexReturn and Adjusted Index Return
Onthe last Business Day of an Interest Term the Risk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of oneplus the Adjusted Index Return.
IndexReturn. The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated to determine the interest credited to a Risk Control Account.The Index Return and Adjusted Index Return are calculated separately for each Risk Control Account.
TheIndex Return is the percentage change in the index from the beginning of the Interest Term to the end of the Interest Term. TheIndex Return is calculated using the following formula:
IndexReturn = A / B – 1 where,
A= Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term
B= Index Value on the first day of the Interest Term
Ifthe first or last day of the Interest Term does not fall on a Business Day, the Index Value for the next Business Day will beused.
AdjustedIndex Return. The Adjusted Index Return is the Index Return for the current Interest Term adjusted for the Crediting Strategy.The calculation of the Adjusted Index Return varies based on the Crediting Strategy:
TheAdjusted Index Return for the Floor and Cap Crediting Strategy is calculated as follows:
| ● | If the Index Return is positive or zero, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap. |
| ● | If the Index Return is negative, the Adjusted Index Return equals the greater of the Index Return or the Floor. |
Examples:Assume the Floor is -10.00% and the Cap is 10.00%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 6.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
| ○ | Lesser of 6.00% or 10.00% = 6.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is 16.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
| ○ | Lesser of 16.00% or 10.00% = 10.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is -6.00%, because the Index Return is negative, the Adjusted Index Return is the greater of the Index Return or the Floor: |
| ○ | Greater of -6.00% or -10.00% = -6.00%. |
| ● | If the Index Return is -16.00%, because the Index Return is negative, the Adjusted Index Return is the greater of the Index Return or the Floor: |
| ○ | Greater of -16.00% or -10.00% = -10.00%. |
TheAdjusted Index Return for the Buffer and Participation Rate Crediting Strategy is calculated as follows:
| ● | If the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return multiplied by the Participation Rate. |
| ● | If the Index Return is between zero and the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals zero. |
| ● | If the Index Return is lower than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer. |
Examples:Assume the Buffer is -10.00% and the Participation Rate is 125%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 6.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return multiplied by the Participation Rate: |
| ● | If the Index Return is -6.00%, because the Index Return is negative and between 0.00% and -10.00%, the Adjusted Index Return is zero: |
| ● | If the Index Return is -16.00%. Because the Index Return is negative and less than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer: |
| ○ | -16.00% - (-10.00%) = -6.00%. |
TheAdjusted Index Return for the Buffer and Cap Crediting Strategy is calculated as follows:
| ● | If the Index Return is positive or zero, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap. |
| ● | If the Index Return is between zero and the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals zero. |
| ● | If the Index Return is lower than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer. |
Examples:Assume the Buffer is -10.00% and the Cap is 10%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 6.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
○ Lesser of 6.00% or 10.00% = 6.00%.
| ● | If the Index Return is 16.00%, because the Index Return is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equals the lesser of the Index Return or the Cap: |
○ Lesser of 16.00% or 10.00% = 10.00%.
| ● | If the Index Return is -6.00%, because the Index Return is negative and between 0.00% and -10.00%, the Adjusted Index Return is zero: |
○ 0.00%.
| ● | If the Index Return is -16.00%. Because the Index Return is negative and less than the Buffer, the Adjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer: |
○ -16.00% - (-10.00%) = -6.00%.
Examplesof the Risk Control Account Value Calculation on the Last Business Day of an Interest Term
Thefollowing examples illustrate how investment performance of the reference Index is applied in crediting interest to the Risk ControlAccounts. No withdrawals are assumed to occur under these examples and all values are determined on the last Business Day of anInterest Term. The examples illustrate hypothetical circumstances solely for the purpose of demonstrating Risk Control Accountcalculations and are not intended as estimates of future performance of the Index.
Example1: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Cap and Floor CreditingStrategy. In this example, the Index Return is positive and greater than the Cap.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | RiskControl Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | Crediting Base: $100,000 |
| ● | Closing Index Value: 1300 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 1300 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 1300 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals 30% (1300 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Floor and Cap. Therefore, because the Index Return of 30% is positive, the Adjusted Index Return equalsthe lesser of the Index Return or the Cap. The lesser of the Index Return of 30% and the Cap of 15% is 15%.
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus 15% is $115,000 ($100,000 x (1 + 15%)). The Risk Control Account Value increased by $15,000($115,000 - $100,000).
Example2: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Cap and Floor CreditingStrategy. In this example, the Index Return is negative.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | Crediting Base: $100,000 |
| ● | Closing Index Value: 700 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 700 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 700 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals -30% (700 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Floor and Cap. Therefore, because the Index Return of -30% is negative, the Adjusted Index Return equalsthe greater of the Index Return or the Floor. The greater of the Index Return of -30% and the Floor of -10% is -10%.
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus -10% is $90,000 ($100,000 x (1 + (-10%))). The Risk Control Account Value decreased by $10,000($90,000 - $100,000).
Example3: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Participation Rate andBuffer Crediting Strategy. In this example, the Index Return is positive.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
| ● | Participation Rate: 115.00% |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | Crediting Base: $100,000 |
| ● | Closing Index Value: 1300 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 1300 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 1300 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals 30% (1300 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Buffer and Participation Rate. Therefore, because the Index Return of 30% is positive, the Adjusted IndexReturn equals the Index Return multiplied by the Participation Rate. The Index Return of 30% multiplied by the Participation Rateof 115% equals 34.5% (30% x 115%).
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus 34.5% is $134,500 ($100,000 x (1 + 34.5%)). The Risk Control Account Value increased by $34,500($134,500 - $100,000).
Example4: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Participation Rate andBuffer Crediting Strategy. In this example, the Index Return is between zero and the Buffer.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
| ● | Participation Rate: 115.00% |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | Crediting Base: $100,000 |
| ● | Closing Index Value: 950 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm minus one. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 950 and the Index Value on the first day of the InterestTerm is 1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 950 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals -5% (950 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Buffer and Participation Rate. Therefore, because the Index Return of -5% is between zero and the Buffer,the Adjusted Index Return equals zero (0%).
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus 0% is $100,000 ($100,000 x (1 + 0%)). The Risk Control Account Value did not change ($100,000- $100,000).
Example5: This example illustrates how interest would be credited based on the return of the Index using a Participation Rate andBuffer Crediting Strategy. In this example, the Index Return is lower than the Buffer.
Assumethe following information:
Asof the first day of the Interest Term
| ● | Risk Control Account Value is equal to the Crediting Base on the first Business Day of the Interest Term: $100,000 |
| ● | Participation Rate: 115.00% |
Asof the last day of the Interest Term:
| ● | Closing Index Value: 700 |
Step1: Calculate the Index Return
IndexReturn equals the Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term divided by the Index Value on the first day of the Interest Term minusone. The Index Value on the last day of the Interest Term is 700 and the Index Value on the first day of the Interest Term is1000. Therefore, the Index Return is 700 divided by 1000 minus 1 which equals -30% (700 / 1000 – 1).
Step2: Calculate the Adjusted Index Return
TheCrediting Strategy is a Buffer and Participation Rate. Therefore, because the Index Return of -30% is less than the Buffer, theAdjusted Index Return equals the Index Return minus the Buffer. The Index Return of -30% minus the Buffer of -10% is -20% (-30%- (-10%)).
Step3: Calculate the Risk Control Account Value
TheRisk Control Account Value equals the Crediting Base multiplied by the sum of one plus the Adjusted Index Return. Therefore, $100,000multiplied by the sum of one plus -20% is $80,000 ($100,000 x (1 + (-20%))). The Risk Control Account Value decreased by $20,000($80,000 - $100,000).
EquityAdjustment
Onevery Business Day other than the first or last Business Day of an Interest Term, the Risk Control Account Value equals the CreditingBase plus the Equity Adjustment.
TheEquity Adjustment is used to calculate the Risk Control Account Value during an Interest Term. If you take a withdrawal, surrenderyour Contract, die, or begin Income Payout Options by taking amounts from a Risk Control Account before the expiration of an InterestTerm, we will apply the Equity Adjustment, which may be positive or negative.
TheEquity Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investments that support theRisk Control Accounts when withdrawals are made during the Interest Term. You bear the risk that the Equity Adjustment may decreaseyour Risk Control Account Value if you withdraw amounts from a Risk Control Account during the Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment may be negative even when the Index Return is positive. This is primarily due to market inputs for volatility,interest rates, and dividends as well as the amortized option cost, and trading costs. A negative Equity Adjustment will reducethe values under the Contract, and it is possible in extreme circumstances to lose up to 100% of your principal and previouslycredited interest if you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract. Additionally, only the Crediting Base remaining after awithdrawal will credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of the Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment is calculated separately for each Risk Control Account and varies based on the Crediting Strategy. The EquityAdjustment is calculated as of the end of each day, except the first and last Business Day of an Interest Term.
TheEquity Adjustment reflects the value of hypothetical derivative instruments that hedge market risks associated with the Risk ControlAccounts. The value is represented by the difference between the value of the hypothetical derivative instruments on a given datebefore the end of the Interest Term and the value of the hypothetical derivative instruments at the start of the Interest Term,adjusted for the time elapsed in the Interest Term. The Equity Adjustment calculation uses the Black Scholes or Black’smodel to value the hypothetical derivatives.
Thehypothetical derivatives include calls and puts. The current value of the hypothetical call options reflects the potential forincreases in the reference Index during the Interest Term. The current value of the hypothetical put options reflects the potentialfor decreases in the reference Index during the Interest Term. Specifically,
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Cap, the current value of the hypothetical long call and short call reflects the potential for increases in the reference Index during the Interest Term up to the Cap. |
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Participation Rate, the current value of the hypothetical long call multiplied by the Participation Rate reflects the potential for increases in the reference Index during the Interest Term. |
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Floor, the current value of the hypothetical short put and long put reflects the potential for decrease in the reference Index during the Interest Term up to the Floor. |
| ● | For Risk Control Accounts with a Buffer, the current value of the hypothetical short put reflects the potential for decreases in the reference Index during the Interest Term in excess of the Buffer. |
TheEquity Adjustment for a Risk Control Account is calculated as A x (B - C - D), where:
A= Crediting Base
B= Hypothetical option value
C= Amortized option cost
D= Trading costs
| ● | Hypothetical option value is the hypothetical option value as of the current Business Day. |
| ● | Amortized option cost is the hypothetical option value as of the start of the Interest Term, adjusted for the time elapsed in the Interest Term. To adjust for the time elapsed in the Interest Term, the hypothetical option value as of the start of the Interest Term is multiplied by the number of days remaining in the Interest Term divided by the total number of days in the Interest Term. |
| ● | Trading costs represent the additional cost of selling the hypothetical options. The trading cost may change for new contracts but is currently 0.15% of the Crediting Base. |
Forexamples of how we calculate the Equity Adjustment, see “Appendix A” to this Prospectus.
HypotheticalOption Value
Thehypothetical option value for the Floor and Cap Crediting Strategy is calculated as long call – short call – shortput + long put.
Thehypothetical option value for the Buffer and Participation Rate Crediting Strategy is calculated as (Participation Rate x longcall) – short put.
Thefollowing inputs are used to calculate the hypothetical call and put option values under a Black-Scholes pricing model. The impliedvolatility, divided rate, and risk-free rate are obtained from independent third parties.
StrikePrice of the Option. The strike price varies for each derivative instrument. The strike price for each derivative instrumentis described below.
| o | Index Value as of the start of the Interest Term |
| o | Floor Crediting Strategy: Index Value as of the start of the Interest Term |
| o | Buffer Crediting Strategy: (Index Value at start of the Interest Term) x (1 + Buffer) |
| ● | Long put (Floor Crediting Strategy only): |
| o | (Index Value at start of the Interest Term) x (1 + Floor) |
| ● | Short call (Cap Crediting Strategy only) |
| o | (Index Value as of the start of the Interest Term) x (1 + Cap) |
Thevalue of the call or put option is measured as a percentage of the Crediting Base.
TimeRemaining. Represents the portion of the Interest Term remaining. It is measured as the number of whole and partial yearsremaining in the Interest Term.
StrikeRatio. The Strike Price of the Option divided by the closing value for the associated index as of the current Business Day.
ImpliedVolatility. The implied volatility is approximated using observed option prices. Linear interpolation is used between impliedvolatilities for similar options with the closest available time remaining and Strike Ratio.
DividendRate of the Index for the Remaining Term of the Option. The dividend rate for the time remaining using linearly interpolatedrates or implied from market data.
Risk-FreeInterest Rate for the Remaining Term of the Option. The risk-free rate is a benchmark rate used for the U.S. financial servicesindustry in valuing financial instruments, with a maturity equal to the time remaining in the Interest Term. If there is no correspondinglength, linear interpolation is used using rates with the closest remaining term.
TheEquity Adjustment is not applied to Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account.
InterestAdjustment
Awithdrawal, including a partial withdrawal, a full surrender of the Contract, the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value appliedto an Income Payout Option, may be adjusted (increased or decreased) for the InterestAdjustment. The Interest Adjustment applies to every Allocation Option, including the Declared Rate Account, and will always applyfor the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date even if the Allocation Options elected have an Interest Termof less than six years. The Interest Adjustment does not apply to transfers or to amounts withdrawn on every sixth Contract Anniversary.For Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022, the Interest Adjustment does not apply to the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount.
TheEquity Adjustment protects the Company from market losses relating to changes in the value of the investments that support theRisk Control Accounts when withdrawals are made during the Interest Term. You bear the risk that the Interest Adjustment may decreasethe amount of a withdrawal made during the six-year period.
TheInterest Adjustment reflects the change in value of the investments that support the guarantees under this Contract upon withdrawalduring the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date. Rates used in determining the Interest Adjustment arereset every sixth Contract Anniversary.
Onany given Business Day, the Interest Adjustment is calculated by multiplying the amount withdrawn by the sum of the Interest Adjustmentfactor (IAF) minus one (i.e., IAF – 1), where IAF is equal to the following formula:
IAF= ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N, where
| I = | TheConstant Maturity Treasury rate as of the start of the rolling six-year period beginningon the Contract Issue Date for a maturity of six years. |
| J = | TheConstant Maturity Treasury rate as of the date of withdrawal for a maturity consistentwith the remaining number of years (whole and partial) in the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract Issue Date, resettingevery sixth Contract Anniversary. |
| K = | TheICE BofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index as of the start of the six-year rolling period beginning on the Contract IssueDate, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. |
| L = | TheICE BofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index as of the date of withdrawal. |
| N = | Thenumber of years (whole and partial) from the date of withdrawal until the end of the six-year rolling period beginning on theContract Issue Date, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. |
Wedetermine “I” based on the 6-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate at the start of the six-year rolling period beginningon the Contract Issue Date, resetting every sixth Contract Anniversary. We determine “J” when you take a withdrawal.For example, if you surrender the Contract two years after the start of the six-year rolling period, “J” would correspondto the Constant Maturity Treasury rate consistent with the time remaining in the six-year period of four years (4 = 6 - 2). For“I” and “J” where there is no Constant Maturity Treasury rate declared, we will use linear interpolationof the Constant Maturity Rates Index with maturities closest to “I” and “J” to determine “I”and “J”.
Thevalue of “K” and “L” on any Business Day will be equal to the closing value of the I ICEBofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index on the previous Business Day.
TheInterest Adjustment applies for the entire six years but does not apply on every sixth Contract Anniversary. Additionally, theInterest Adjustment applies during every six-year rolling period, even after the first six Contract Years. This means it appliesfor the initial six-year period beginning on the Contract Issue Date, is zero on the sixth Contract Anniversary, and restartsfor any subsequent six-year rolling period.
Ifthe publication of any component of the Interest Adjustment indices is discontinued or if the calculation of the Interest Adjustmentindices is changed substantially, we may substitute a new index for the discontinued or substantially changed index, subject toapproval by the insurance department in your state. Before we substitute an Interest Adjustment index, we will notify you in writingof the substitution.
Forexamples of how we calculate Interest Adjustments, see “Appendix B” to this Prospectus.
IMPORTANT:The Interest Adjustment will either increase or decrease the amount you receive from a withdrawal, surrender, Death Benefit payment,or income payment. You may lose a significant portion of your principal and previously credited interest due to the Interest Adjustmentregardless of the Allocation Options to which you allocated Contract Value. You directly bear the investment risk associated withan Interest Adjustment. You should carefully consider your income needs before purchasing the Contract.
Purposeof the Interest Adjustment. The Company purchases assets that support the guarantees under this Contract. When a withdrawalis made from the Contract, the Company may liquidate assets to fund the withdrawal. These assets may be sold at a premium or adiscount depending on current market conditions. The Interest Adjustment approximates this change in value of the investments.Therefore, it can be positive if the assets are sold at a premium or negative if the assets are sold at a discount.
TheInterest Adjustment reflects, in part, the difference in yield of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate for a six-year period beginningon the Contract Issue Date or every sixth Contract Anniversary and the yield of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate for a periodstarting on the date of withdrawal to the end of the six-year period. The Constant Maturity Treasury rate is a rate representingthe average yield of various Treasury securities. The calculation also reflects in part the difference between the effective yieldof the ICE BofA 1-10 Year US Corporate Constrained Index, Asset Swap Spread (the “ICE BofA Index”), a rate representativeof investment grade corporate debt credit spreads in the U.S., at the start of the rolling six-year period and the effective yieldof the ICE BofA Index at the time of withdrawal. The greater the difference in those yields, respectively, the greater the effectthe Interest Adjustment will have.
Ifthe combination of the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and ICE BofA Index has increased at the time of withdrawal over theirlevels at the start of the six-year period, the Interest Adjustment will be negative and will decrease the Surrender Value,amount you receive from a partial withdrawal, amount you receive as the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to anIncome Payout Option by the amount of the Interest Adjustment. Similarly, if the combination of the Constant MaturityTreasury rate and ICE BofA Index has decreased at the time of surrender or partial withdrawal over their levels at the startof the six-year period, theInterest Adjustment will be positive and will increase the Surrender Value, amount you receive from a partial withdrawal, amountyou receive as the Death Benefit, or the Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option by the amount of the Interest Adjustment.
TheCompany uses both the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and ICE BofA Index in determining any Interest Adjustment since togetherboth indices represent a broad mix of investments whose values may be affected by changes in market interest rates. The InterestAdjustment helps us offset our costs and risks of owning fixed income investments and other investments we use to back the guaranteesunder your Contract from the start of the six-year period to the time of a surrender, partial withdrawal, Death Benefit, or allocationto an Income Payout Option.
SURRENDERVALUE
Youhave the right to surrender this Contract at any time during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. If you surrender theContract, you will be paid the Surrender Value, as of the Business Day we received your Authorized Request in Good Order. We mayrequire that the Contract be returned to our Administrative Office prior to making payment of the Surrender Value.
TheSurrender Value is equal to:
| a) | Your Contract Value at the end of the Valuation Period in which we receive your Authorized Request, including any applicable Equity Adjustment; minus |
| b) | Any applicable Surrender Charge; adjusted for |
| c) | Any applicable Interest Adjustment. |
Insteadof crediting interest to amounts that are surrendered prior to the end of the Interest Term, we apply an Equity Adjustment, whichmay be positive or negative. The Surrender Value could be significantly lower than your Contract Value due to the Equity Adjustment,Interest Adjustment, and Surrender Charge applied to amounts that are surrendered prior to the end of the Interest Term.
Uponpayment of the Surrender Value, this contract is terminated, and we have no further obligation under this contract. The SurrenderValue will not be less than the amount required by state law in which the contract was delivered. We will pay you the amount yourequest in connection with a full surrender by withdrawing Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account and the Risk Control Accounts.
ACCESSTO YOUR MONEY
PartialWithdrawals
TheContract may not be suitable for investors who plan to take withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals and RequiredMinimum Distributions) or surrender the Contract on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversary. Allwithdrawals, including systematic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions, will proportionally reduce the DeathBenefit and Crediting Base by the ratio of the withdrawal to the Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal. Thismeans the Death Benefit and Crediting Base may decrease by more than the amount of the withdrawal, and that decrease could besignificant. Partial withdrawals could terminate the Contract. Partial Withdrawals could also significantly reduce the valuesunder your Contract due to the Equity Adjustment, Interest Adjustment, and Surrender Charge. Moreover,only the Crediting Base remaining after the withdrawal will be credited interest, positive or negative, at the end of theInterest Term.
Atany time during the Accumulation Period you may make partial withdrawals by Authorized Request in Good Order. The minimum partialwithdrawal amount is $100. Unless you instruct us otherwise, withdrawals will be processed proportionally from the Contract Valuein all Allocation Options. Any applicable Surrender Charge, InterestAdjustment, and Equity Adjustment will affect the amount available for a partial withdrawal. We will pay you the amount you requestin connection with a partial withdrawal by reducing Contract Value in the Declared Rate Account or the appropriate Risk ControlAccounts.
Partialwithdrawals for less than $25,000 are permitted by telephone and in writing. The written consent of all Owners must be obtainedbefore we will process the partial withdrawal. If an Authorized Request in Good Order is received by 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, itwill be processed that day. If an Authorized Request in Good Order is received after 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, it will be processedon the next Business Day. If a partial withdrawal would cause your Surrender Value to be less than $2,000, we will treat yourrequest for partial withdrawal as a request for full surrender of your Contract. Before processing the full surrender, we willattempt to contact you or your financial professional to provide the opportunity for you to take a lower amount to maintain aSurrender Value of at least $2,000. If we are unable to contact you within one Business Day after receiving your request, we willprocess the full surrender.
Partialwithdrawals may be subject to Surrender Charges and an Interest Adjustment and may include an Equity Adjustment. See “Feesand Expenses”, “Equity Adjustment” and “Interest Adjustment.”Partial withdrawals may also be subject to income tax and, if taken before age 59½, an additional 10% federal penalty tax.You should consult your tax adviser before taking a partial withdrawal. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount. For Contracts issued before September 25, 2022, your Annual Free Withdrawal Amount is the amountthat can be withdrawn without incurring a Surrender Charge in a Contract Year. For Contracts issued on or after September 25,2022, your Annual Free Withdrawal Amount is the amount that can be withdrawn without incurring a Surrender Charge or InterestAdjustment in a Contract Year. The Annual Free Withdrawal Amount in the first Contract Year is 10% of the Purchase Payment lessany withdrawal taken in that Contract Year. The Annual Free Withdrawal Amount in subsequent Contract Years is equal to 10% ofthe Contract Value as of the last Contract Anniversary less any withdrawals taken in the current Contract Year. Any unused AnnualFree Withdrawal Amount will not carry over to the next Contract Year. Partial annuitizationwill count toward the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount.
TheAnnual Free Withdrawal Amount is subtracted from surrenders for purposes of calculating the Surrender Charge.
SystematicWithdrawals. Reoccurring withdrawals are referred to as systematic withdrawals. If electedat the time of the application or requested at any other time by Authorized Request in Good Order, you may elect to receive periodicpartial withdrawals under our systematic withdrawal plan. Under the systematic withdrawal plan, we will make partial withdrawals(on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis), as specified by you. Systematic withdrawals must be at least $100 each.Generally, you must be at least age 59½ to participate in the systematic withdrawal plan. Systematic withdrawals may berequested on the following basis:
| ● | Total systematic withdrawals for the calendar year equal to your annual Required Minimum Distribution; or |
| ● | As a specified dollar amount |
NoSurrender Charge will be deducted for Required Minimum Distribution systematic withdrawals. All other systematic withdrawalsin excess of the Annual Free Withdrawal Amount will be subject to Surrender Charge. Systematic withdrawals, including RequiredMinimum Distributions, could significantly reduce the Contract Value due to Surrender Charge, Equity Adjustment, and InterestAdjustment, and the use of proportionate withdrawal calculations. The Contract may not be suitable for investors who plan to takesystematic withdrawals under the Contract.
Unlessyou instruct us otherwise, systematic withdrawals will be taken proportionally from the Contract Value in each Allocation Option.
Participationin the systematic withdrawal plan will terminate on the earliest of the following events:
| ● | The Surrender Value falls below the minimum required value of $2,000; |
| ● | The contract is surrendered; |
| ● | You request by Authorized Request in Good Order that your participation in the plan cease; or |
| ● | The Income Payout Date is reached. |
Likeall withdrawals, systematic withdrawals will reduce the Death Benefit on a proportional basis, perhaps by more than the amountof the withdrawal, as well as the values under the Contract.
Thereare federal income tax consequences to partial withdrawals through the systematic withdrawal plan and you should consult withyour tax adviser before electing to participate in the plan. We may discontinue offering the systematic withdrawal plan at anytime.
Waiverof Surrender Charges. The following amounts may be withdrawn without incurring a SurrenderCharge:
| a) | Withdrawals under the Nursing Home or Hospital or Terminal Illness waiver, as described below; |
| b) | Refunds under the Right to Examine; |
| c) | Required Minimum Distributions that are withdrawn under the systematic withdrawal plan provided by us; |
| d) | The Annual Free Withdrawal Amount; |
| e) | Death Benefit proceeds; |
| f) | Amounts withdrawn after the first six Contract Years; |
| g) | Contract Value applied to an Income Payout Option; and |
NursingHome or Hospital or Terminal Illness Waiver. Wewill waive the Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where the Owner or Annuitant qualifies for theNursing Home or Hospital or Terminal Illness waiver. Before granting the waiver, we may request a second opinion or examinationof the Owner or Annuitant by one of our examiners. We will bear the cost of such second opinion or examination. If there is aconflicting opinion between physicians, the Company’s physician will rule. Each waiver may be exercised only one time.
| ● | Nursing Home or Hospital Waiver. We will not deduct a Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where any Owner or Annuitant is confined to a licensed nursing home or hospital and has been confined to such nursing home or hospital for at least 180 consecutive days after the latter of the Contract Issue Date or the date of change of the Owner or Annuitant. A hospital refers to a facility that is licensed and operated as a hospital according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located. A nursing home refers to a facility that is licensed and operates as a nursing facility according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located. We require verification of confinement to the nursing home or hospital, and such verification must be signed by the administrator of the facility. |
| ● | Terminal Illness Waiver. We will not deduct a Surrender Charge in the case of a partial withdrawal or surrender where any Owner or Annuitant has a life expectancy of 12 months or less due to illness or accident. As proof, we require a determination of the Terminal Illness. Such determination must be signed by the licensed physician making the determination after the latter of Contract Issue Date or the date of change of the Owner or Annuitant. The physician may not be a member of your or the Annuitant’s immediate family. |
AnAuthorized Request is required to exercise this privilege. Proof must be provided at the time of your request for partial withdrawalor full surrender under this privilege. If we deny your claim, the surrender or partial withdrawal proceeds will not be disburseduntil you are notified of the denial and provided with the opportunity to accept or reject the proceeds, which will be reducedby any Surrender Charges.
Thelaws of your state may limit the availability of the Surrender Charge waivers and may also change certain terms and/or benefitsunder the waivers. You should consult Appendix C to this Prospectus for furtherdetails on these variations. Even if you do not pay a Surrender Charge because of the waivers, you still may be required to paytaxes or tax penalties on the amount withdrawn. You should consult a tax adviser to determine the effect of a partial withdrawalon your taxes. Additionally, any applicable Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment will apply to amounts withdrawn under thisWaiver and there may be a proportionate reduction in the Crediting Base and Death Benefit.
Surrenders
Youmay surrender your Contract for the Surrender Value at any time during the Accumulation Period by Authorized Request. If an AuthorizedRequest in Good Order is received before 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time on a Business Day, it will be processed that day. If an AuthorizedRequest in Good Order is received at or after 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time on a Business Day or on a non-Business Day, it will be processedon the next Business Day.
Tosurrender your Contract, you must make an Authorized Request in Good Order to our Administrative Office. The consent of all Ownersmust be obtained before the Contract is surrendered.
SurrenderCharges, an Equity Adjustment and an Interest Adjustment may apply to your Contract surrender. Instead of crediting interest toamounts surrendered prior to the end of the Interest Term, we will apply an Equity Adjustment, which may be positive or negative.A surrender may also be subject to income tax and, if taken before age 59½, an additional 10% federal penalty tax. Youshould consult a tax adviser before requesting a surrender. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
PartialWithdrawal and Surrender Restrictions
Yourright to make partial withdrawals and surrender the Contract is subject to any restrictions imposed by any applicable law or employeebenefit plan.
Rightto Defer Payments
Wereserve the right to postpone payment for up to six months after we receive your Authorized Request in Good Order, subject toobtaining prior written approval by the state insurance commissioner if required by the law of the state in which we issued theContract. In the event we postpone payment, we will pay interest on the proceeds if required by state law, calculated at the effectiveannual rate and for the time period required under state law.
DEATHBENEFIT
Deathof the Owner during the Accumulation Period
Ifthe Owner dies during the Accumulation Period (if there are Joint Owners, after the first Joint Owner dies), a Death Benefit willbecome payable to the Beneficiary. We will pay the Death Benefit after we receive the following at our Administrative Office ina form and manner satisfactory to us:
| ● | Proof of death of the Owner while the Contract is in force (proof of death may consist of a certified copy of the death record, a certified copy of a court decree reciting a finding of death or other similar proof); |
| ● | Our claim form from each Beneficiary, properly completed; and |
| ● | Any other documents we require. |
Ifthere is a surviving Joint Owner the surviving Joint Owner will be treated as the sole primary Beneficiary, and any other designatedBeneficiary will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary.
Thefollowing Death Benefit options are available:
OptionA: If the sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving Spouse of the deceased Owner, the surviving Spouse may elect to continuethe Contract as the new Owner. This benefit may only be exercised one time. An individual who does not meet the definition ofSpouse may not be able to continue the Contract for that person’s lifetime. That individual must receive the proceeds ofthe Contract and any attached endorsements or riders within the time period specified in section 72(s) of the IRC.
OptionB: If the Beneficiary is a natural person, the Death Benefit proceeds will be applied in accordance with section 72(s) ofthe IRC under one of the Income Payout Options. The income payments must be made for the Beneficiary’s life or a periodnot extending beyond the Beneficiary’s life expectancy. Payments must commence within one year of the date of the Owner’sdeath.
OptionC: A Beneficiary may receive the Death Benefit proceeds in a single lump sum at any time within five years of the Owner’sdeath.
Unlessoption A is elected or payments under Option B commence within one year of the date of the Owner’s Death, the entire interestin the Contract will be paid under Option C.
Ifthere are multiple Beneficiaries, each Beneficiary will be able to elect to receive his or her share of the benefits under eitherOption B or Option C. If a Beneficiary does not make such an election, their share of the Death Benefit proceeds will bepaid under Option C. Until payment of the Death Benefit proceeds, the proceeds remain in the Contract. Death Benefit proceedswill be distributed 5 years from the Owner’s death or earlier if requested by the Beneficiary. Interest, if any, willbe paid on the Death Benefit proceeds under Option C as required by applicable state law. Other minimum distribution rules applyto Qualified Contracts.
Deathof the Annuitant during the Accumulation Period
Ifan Annuitant who is not an Owner dies during the Accumulation Period and there is a surviving Owner who is a natural person, thefollowing will occur:
| ● | If there is a surviving Joint Annuitant, the surviving Joint Annuitant will become the Annuitant. |
| ● | If there is no Joint Annuitant, the Owner(s) will become the Annuitant(s). |
Ifan Annuitant dies during the Accumulation Period and the Owner is a non-natural person, the following will occur:
| ● | The death of any Annuitant will be treated as the death of the Owner and Death Proceeds must be distributed in accordance with Death Benefit Options B or C. |
| ● | Unless payments under option B commence within one year of the date of death, the entire interest in the Contract will be paid in accordance with Death Benefit Option C. |
Paymentof Death Benefit Proceeds
TheDeath Benefit proceeds are payable upon our receipt of proof of death of the Owner (or Annuitant’s death if the Owner isa non-natural person), and proof of each Beneficiary’s interest. Proof of death may consist of a certified copy of the deathrecord, a certified copy of a court decree reciting a finding of death or other similar proof. Proof of each Beneficiary’sinterest includes the required documentation and proper instructions from each Beneficiary. Ifwe receive proof of death before 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, we will determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of that day. Ifwe receive proof of death at or after 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, we will determine the amount of the Death Benefit as of the nextBusiness Day. The Death Benefit proceeds will be paid within 7 days after our receipt of proof of death and proof of each Beneficiary’sinterest.
Sofar as permitted by law, the Death Benefit proceeds will not be subject to any claim of the Beneficiary’s creditors.
TheDeath Benefit terminates on the earlier of the termination of the Contract, payment of the Death Benefit proceeds, or when theentire Contract is applied to an Income Payout Option.
DeathBenefit Proceeds Amount
Theamount that will be paid as Death Benefit proceeds during the Accumulation Period is equal to the greater of:
| a) | The current Contract Value on the date Death Benefit proceeds are payable, including any applicable Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment; or |
| b) | The Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals. |
Withdrawalswill proportionally reduce the Purchase Payment by the ratio of the withdrawal to the Contract Value immediately prior to thewithdrawal, which can result in decreasing the Death Benefit by more than the amount of the withdrawal and that decrease can besignificant. Withdrawals can also significantly reduce the Death Benefit because the Company calculates withdrawals on a proportionatebasis when determining values under the Contract that are used to determine the Death Benefit. Withdrawals include deductionsfor any applicable Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment.
Ifan Owner is added or changed, except in the case of spousal continuation, the amount that will be paid upon the death of the newOwner is equal to the Contract Value on the date death benefit proceeds are payable, including any applicable Equity Adjustmentand Interest Adjustment. There is no impact on the Death Benefit if an Owner is removed.
Examplesof Death Benefit after a Withdrawal:
Example1. This example assumes the Contract Value is greater than the Purchase Payment at the time of the withdrawal.
Assumethe following information:
| ● | Purchase Payment = $100,000 |
| ● | Withdrawal (including Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment) = $20,000; no other withdrawals have been taken |
| ● | Contract Value at the time of withdrawal, including Equity Adjustments = $115,000 |
Step1: Calculate the Death Benefit that would be payable immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Payment and Contract Value |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of $100,000 and $115,000 = $115,000 |
Step2: Calculate ratio of the withdrawal tothe Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Ratio = Withdrawal / (Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal) |
| ● | Ratio = $20,000 / $115,000 = 0.173913 |
Step3: Calculate reduction to Purchase Payment:
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = Ratio x (Purchase Payment prior to withdrawal) |
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = 0.173913 x $100,000 = $17,391.30 |
Step4: Calculate Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals:
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = Purchase Payment prior to withdrawal – Reduction to Purchase Payment |
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = $100,000 – $17,391.30 = $82,608.70 |
Step5: Calculate the Contract Value after the withdrawal:
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal – withdrawal |
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = $115,000 – $20,000 = $95,000 |
Step6: Calculate the Death Benefit that would be payable immediately after the withdrawal
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals and Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of $82,608.70 and $95,000 = $95,000 |
| ● | The withdrawal of $20,000 reduced the Death Benefit payable by $20,000 (i.e., $115,000 - $95,000) |
Example2. This example assumes the Contract Value is less than the Purchase Payment at the time of the withdrawal.
Assumethe following information:
| ● | Purchase Payment = $100,000 |
| ● | Withdrawal (including Surrender Charge and Interest Adjustment) = $20,000; no other withdrawals have been taken |
| ● | Contract Value at the time of withdrawal, including Equity Adjustments = $60,000 |
Step1: Calculate the Death Benefit that would be payable immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Payment and Contract Value |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately prior to the withdrawal = The greater of $100,000 and $60,000 = $100,000 |
Step2: Calculate ratio of the withdrawal tothe Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal:
| ● | Ratio = Withdrawal / (Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal) |
| ● | Ratio = $20,000 / $60,000 = 0.3333333 |
Step3: Calculate reduction to Purchase Payment:
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = Ratio x (Purchase Payment prior to withdrawal) |
| ● | Reduction to Purchase Payment = 0.3333333 x $100,000 = $33,333.33 |
Step4: Calculate Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals:
| ● | Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals = Purchase Payment prior to withdrawal – Reduction to Purchase Payment |
| ● | PurchasePayment adjusted for withdrawals = $100,000 – $33,333.33 = $66,666.67 |
Step5: Calculate the Contract Value after the withdrawal:
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = Contract Value at the time of the withdrawal – withdrawal |
| ● | Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal = $60,000 – $20,000 = $40,000 |
Step6: Calculate the Death Benefit that would be payable immediately after the withdrawal
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of the Purchase Payment adjusted for withdrawals and Contract Value immediately after the withdrawal |
| ● | Death Benefit payable immediately after the withdrawal = The greater of $66,666.67 and $40,000 = $66,666.67 |
| ● | The withdrawal of $20,000 reduced the Death Benefit payable by $33,333.33 (i.e., $100,000 - $66,666.67) |
Asillustrated in Example 2, the Death Benefit calculation may result in a reduction in the Death Benefit that is significantly largerthan the withdrawal amount.
TheDeath Benefit amount will not be less than the amount required by state law in which the Contract was delivered. The Death Benefitproceeds include any interest paid on the Death Benefit proceeds as required by state law. Interest, if any, will be calculatedat the rate and for the time period required by state law. A Surrender Charge will not apply to Death Benefit proceeds.
SpousalContinuation
Ifthe sole primary Beneficiary is the surviving Spouse of the deceased Owner, the surviving Spouse may elect to continue the Contractat the current Contract Value. In this event, the surviving Spouse will assume ownership of the Contract. Spousal continuationmay only be exercised one time, and there is no impact on the Death Benefit.
Deathof Owner or Annuitant After the Income Payout Date
Wemust be notified immediately of the death of an Annuitant or Owner. Proof of death will be required upon the death of an Annuitantor Owner. We are not responsible for any misdirected payments that result from the failure to notify us of any such death.
Ifall Annuitants die before all of the guaranteed income payments have been made, remaining guaranteed income payments will be treatedas the Death Benefit and will be distributed in one of the following two ways:
| a) | Income payments will be continued during the remainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Owner; or |
| b) | The present value of the remaining income payments computed at the interest rate used to create the income payout option in effect will be paid to the Owner. |
Ifall Annuitants die and there are no remaining guaranteed income payments, the contract is terminated, and we have no further obligationunder the contract.
Ifan Owner dies during the Payout Period, any remaining income payments will be distributed to the Beneficiary at least as rapidlyas provided by the Income Payout Option in effect.
Intereston Death Benefit Proceeds
Interestwill be paid on lump sum Death Benefit proceeds if required by state law. Interest, if any, will be calculated at the rate andfor the time period required by state law.
AbandonedProperty Requirements
Everystate has unclaimed property laws which generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of threeto five years from the date the Death Benefit is due and payable. 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, or the Beneficiary does not come forward to claimthe Death Benefit in a timely manner, the Death Benefit will be paid to the abandoned property division or unclaimed propertyoffice of the state in which the Beneficiary or you last resided, as shown on our books and records, or to our state of domicile.The “escheatment” is revocable, however, and the state is obligated to pay the Death Benefit (without interest) ifyour Beneficiary steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation. To prevent such escheatment, it is important that youupdate your Beneficiary designations, including addresses, if and as they change. To make such changes, please contact us by writingto us or calling us at our Administrative Office.
INCOMEPAYMENTS – THE PAYOUT PERIOD
IncomePayout Date
Theanticipated Income Payout Date is the first Contract Anniversary after the oldest Annuitant’s 95th birthday.Even if the Annuitant is changed, the Income Payout Date will not change unless you request a different Income Payout Date viaAuthorized Request.
Youmay change the Income Payout Date by sending an Authorized Request in Good Order to our Administrative Office provided: (i) therequest is made while an Owner is living; (ii) the request is received at our Administrative Office at least 30 days before theanticipated Income Payout Date; (iii) the requested Income Payout Date is at least two years after the Contract Issue Date; and(iv) the requested Income Payout Date is no later than the anticipated Income Payout Date as shown on your Contract Data Page.Any such change is subject to any maximum maturity Age restrictions that may be imposedby law.
PayoutPeriod
ThePayout Period is the period of time that begins on the Income Payout Date and continues until we make the last payment as providedby the Income Payout Option chosen. On the first day of the Payout Period, the Contract Value, including any applicableEquity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment, will be applied to the Income Payout Option youselected. See “Income Payout Options” on page 45. A Surrender Chargewill not apply to proceeds applied to an Income Payout Option. You cannot change the Annuitant or Owner on or after the IncomePayout Date for any reason.
Termsof Income Payments
Weuse fixed rates of interest to determine the amount of fixed income payments payable under the Income Payout Options. Fixedincome payments are periodic payments from us to the Owner, the amount of which is fixed and guaranteed by us. The amount of eachpayment depends on the form and duration of the Income Payout Option chosen, the Age of the Annuitant, the gender of the Annuitant(if applicable), the amount applied to purchase the income payments and the applicable income purchase rates in the Contract.The income purchase rates in the Contract are based on a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1%. We may, in our discretion andon a non-discriminatory basis, make income payments in an amount based on a higher interest rate. Onceincome payments begin, you cannot change the terms or method of those payments. We do not apply a Surrender Charge or InterestAdjustment to income payments.
Wewill make the first income payment on the Income Payout Date. We may require proof of age and gender (if the Income Payout Optionrate is based on gender) of the Annuitant/Joint Annuitants before making the first income payment. To receive income payments,the Annuitant/Joint Annuitant must be living on the Income Payout Date and on the date that each subsequent payment is due asrequired by the terms of the Income Payout Option. We may require proof from time to time that this condition has been met.
INCOMEPAYOUT OPTIONS
Theamount applied to an Income Payout Option is equal to the Contract Value, including any applicable Equity Adjustment and InterestAdjustment, immediately prior to the commencement of the Payout Period less the amount of any premium taxes paid. To determinethe Contract Value prior to the end of the Interest Term, we apply an Equity Adjustment to the amounts applied to an Income PayoutOption, which may be positive or negative, instead of crediting interest. The Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment couldsignificantly reduce the amount applied to an Income Payout Option.
Electionof an Income Payout Option
Youand/or the Beneficiary may elect to receive one of the Income Payout Options described under “Options” below. TheIncome Payout Option and distribution, however, must satisfy the applicable distribution requirements of Section 72(s) or 401(a)(9)of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable.
Theelection of an Income Payout Option must be made by Authorized Request. The election is irrevocable after the payments commence.The Owner may not assign or transfer any future payments under any option.
Wewill make income payments monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually for the Installment Option. Life Income and Joint andSurvivor Life Income options allow monthly income payments.
Youmay change your Income Payout Option any time before payments begin on the Income Payout Date.
IncomePayout Options
Weoffer the following Income Payout Options described below. The frequency and duration of income payments will affect the amountyou receive with each payment. In general, ifincome payments are expected to be made over a longer period of time, the amount of each income payment will be less than theamount of each income payment if income payments are expected to be made over a shorter period of time. Similarly, more frequentincome payments will result in the amount of each income payment being lower than if income payments were made less frequentlyfor the same period of time. Additionally, electing an Income Payout Option on any day other than every sixth Contract Anniversarycould significantly reduce the amount applied to the Income Option due to the Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment.
Option1 – Installment Option. We will pay monthly income payments for a chosen number of years, not less than 10, nor morethan 30. If the Annuitant dies before all income payments have been made for the chosen number of years, remaining guaranteedincome payments will be treated as the Death Benefit and will be distributed in one of the following two ways: a.) income paymentswill be continued for the remainder of the period to the Owner; or b.) the present value of the remaining income payments, computedat the interest rate used to create the Option 1 rates, will be paid to the Owner.
Option2 – Life Income Option – Guaranteed Period Certain. We will pay monthly income payments for as long as the Annuitantlives. If the Annuitant dies before all of the income payments have been made for the guaranteed period certain, remaining guaranteedincome payments will be treated as the Death Benefit and will be distributed in one of the following two ways: a.) income paymentswill be continued during the remainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Owner; or b.) the present value of the remainingincome payments, computed at the interest rate used to create the Option 2 rates, will be paid to the Owner. If a Guaranteed Periodof 0 years is selected and the Annuitant dies before the first income payment is made, no income payments will be made and theDeath Benefit described in the “DEATH BENEFIT – Death Benefit Proceeds Amount” on page 42 of this Prospectuswill be paid.
TheGuaranteed Period Certain choices are:
| ● | 0 years (life income only); |
Option3 – Joint and Survivor Life Income Option – 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain. We will pay monthly income paymentsfor as long as either of the Annuitants is living. If at the death of the second surviving Annuitant, income payments have beenmade for less than 10 years, remaining guaranteed income payments will be treated as the Death Benefit and will be distributedin one of the following two ways: a) income payments will be continuedduring the remainder of the guaranteed period certain to the Owner; or b) the present value of the remaining income payments,computed at the interest rate used to create the Option 3 rates, will be paid to the Owner.
Incomepayment(s) will be made to the Beneficiary if there is no surviving Owner. If there is no surviving Owner or Beneficiary, incomepayment(s) will be made to the Owner’s estate.
Ifyou do not select an Income Payout Option, we will make monthly payments on the following basis, (unless the Internal RevenueCode (“IRC”) requires that we pay in some other manner in order for the Contract to qualify as an annuity or to complywith Section 401(a)(9) of the IRC, in which case we will comply with those requirements):
| ● | Income payments will be equal to the Contract Value, including any applicable Equity Adjustment and Interest Adjustment, applied to the Life Income Option with 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain for Contracts with one Annuitant or the Joint and Survivor Life Income Option with 10-Year Guaranteed Period Certain for Contracts with two Annuitants, as described in Income Payout Options 2 and 3 above. |
| ● | Upon the death of all Annuitants, we will pay the Beneficiary as described in Income Payout Options 2 and 3 above. |
Theminimum amount which can be applied under all income payout options is the greater of $2,500 or the amount required to providean initial monthly income payment of $20. We may require due proof of age and gender of any Annuitant on whose life an incomepayout option is based.
Weallow partial annuitization. Partial annuitization will count toward the Annual Free WithdrawalAmount.
TheIncome Payout Options described above may not be offered in all states. Any state variations are described in Appendix C to thisProspectus. Further, we may offer other Income Payout Options. More than one option may be elected. If your Contract is a QualifiedContract, not all options may satisfy required minimum distribution rules. In addition, note that effective for Qualified ContractOwners who die on or after January 1, 2020, subject to certain exceptions, most non-spouse designated beneficiaries must now completedeath benefit distributions within ten years of the Owner’s death in order to satisfy required minimum distribution rules.You should consult a tax advisor before electing an Income Payout Option.
FEDERALINCOME TAX MATTERS
Thefollowing discussion is general in nature and is not intended as tax advice. Each person concerned should consult a competenttax adviser. No attempt is made to consider any applicable state or other income tax laws, any state and local estate or inheritancetax, or other tax consequences of ownership or receipt of distributions under a Contract.
Whenyou invest in an annuity contract, you usually do not pay taxes on your investment gains until you withdraw the money—generallyfor retirement purposes. If you invest in an annuity as part of an individual retirement plan, pension plan or employer-sponsoredretirement program, your contract is called a Qualified Contract. If your annuity is independent of any formal retirement or pensionplan, it is termed a Non-Qualified Contract. The tax rules applicable to Qualified Contracts vary according to the type of retirementplan and the terms and conditions of the plan. See “Non-Natural Person” below for a discussion of Non-Qualified Contractsowned by persons such as corporations and trusts that are not natural persons.
TaxStatus of the Contracts
Taxlaw imposes several requirements that annuities must satisfy in order to receive the tax treatment normally accorded to annuitycontracts.
RequiredDistributions. In order to be treated as an annuity contract for Federal income taxpurposes, Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code requires any Non-Qualified Contract to contain certain provisions specifyinghow your interest in the Contract will be distributed in the event of the death of an Owner of the Contract. Specifically, Section72(s) requires that (i) if any Owner dies on or after the annuity starting date, but prior to the time the entire interest inthe Contract has been distributed, the entire interest in the Contract
will be distributed at least as rapidly as under the methodof distribution being used as of the date of such Owner’s death; and (ii) if any Owner dies prior to the annuity startingdate, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed within five years after the date of such Owner’s death unlessdistributions are made over life or life expectancy, beginning within one year of the death of the Owner. However, if the designatedBeneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased Owner, the Contract may be continued with the surviving spouse as the newOwner.
TheNon-Qualified Contracts contain provisions that are intended to comply with these Internal Revenue Code requirements, althoughno regulations interpreting these requirements have yet been issued. We intend to review such provisions and modify them if necessary,to assure that they comply with the applicable requirements when such requirements are clarified by regulation or otherwise.
Otherrules may apply to Qualified Contracts.
Taxationof Non-Qualified Contracts
Non-NaturalPerson. If a non-natural person (e.g., a corporation or a trust) owns a Non-QualifiedContract, the taxpayer generally must include in income any increase in the excess of the account value over the investment inthe Contract (generally, the Purchase Payment or other consideration paid for the Contract) during the taxable year. There aresome exceptions to this rule and a prospective Owner that is a non-natural person should discuss these with a tax adviser.
The following discussion generally applies to Contracts owned by natural persons.
Withdrawals.When a withdrawal from a Non-Qualified Contract occurs, the amount received willbe treated as ordinary income subject to tax up to an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Contract Value, without adjustmentfor any applicable Surrender Charge, immediately before the distribution over the Owner’s investment in the Contract (generally,the Purchase Payment or other consideration paid for the Contract, reduced by any amount previously distributed from the Contractthat was not subject to tax) at that time. The Contract Value immediately before a withdrawal may have to be increased by anypositive Interest Adjustment that results from a withdrawal. There is, however, no definitive guidance on the proper tax treatmentof Interest Adjustments and you may want to discuss the potential tax consequences of an Interest Adjustment with your tax adviser.In the case of a surrender under a Non-Qualified Contract, the amount received generally will be taxable only to the extent itexceeds the Owner’s investment in the Contract.
Inthe case of a withdrawal under a Qualified Contract, a ratable portion of the amount received is taxable, generally based on theratio of the “investment in the contract” to the individual’s total account balance or accrued benefit underthe retirement plan. The “investment in the contract” generally equals the amount of any non-deductible Purchase Paymentpaid by or on behalf of any individual. In many cases, the “investment in the contract” under a Qualified Contractcan be zero.
AdditionalTax on Certain Withdrawals. In the case of a distribution from a Non-Qualified Contractand Qualified Contract, there may be an imposed federal additional tax equal to ten percent of the amount treated as income. Ingeneral, however, there is no penalty on distributions if they are:
| ● | made on or after the taxpayer reaches age 59½; |
| ● | made on or after the death of an Owner; |
| ● | attributable to the taxpayer’s becoming disabled; or |
| ● | made as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the taxpayer. |
Otherexceptions may be applicable under certain circumstances and special rules may be applicable in connection with the exceptionsenumerated above. Additional exceptions may apply to distributions from a Qualified Contract. You should consult a qualified taxadviser.
IncomePayments. Although tax consequences may vary depending on the payout option electedunder an annuity contract, a portion of each income payment is generally not taxed and the remainder is taxed as ordinary income.The non-taxable portion of an income payment is generally determined in a manner that is designed to allow you to recover yourinvestment in the Contract ratably on a tax-free basis over the expected stream of income payments, as determined when incomepayments start. Once your investment in the Contract has been fully recovered, however, the full amount of each income paymentis subject to tax as ordinary income.
PartialAnnuitization. If part of an annuity contract’s value is appliedto an annuity option that provides payments for one or more lives or for a period of at least ten years, thosepayments may be taxed as annuity payments instead of withdrawals. The payment options under the Contract areintended to qualify for this “partial annuitization” treatment. Please consult a tax advisor ifyou are considering a partial annuitization.
Taxationof Death Benefit Proceeds. Amounts may be distributed from a Contract because ofyour death or the death of the Annuitant. Generally, such amounts are includible in the income of the recipient as follows: (i)if distributed in a lump sum, they are taxed in the same manner as surrender of the Contract, or (ii) if distributed under a payoutoption, they are taxed in the same way as income payments.
Transfers,Assignments or Exchanges of the Contract. A transfer or assignment of ownership of the Contract, the designation of anAnnuitant other than the Owner, the selection of certain maturity dates, or the exchange of the Contract may result in certaintax consequences to you that are not discussed herein. An Owner contemplating any such transfer, assignment or exchange, shouldconsult a tax advisor as to the tax consequences.
Withholding.Annuity distributions are generally subject to withholding for the recipient’sfederal income tax liability. Recipients can generally elect, however, not to have tax withheld from distributions. Certain limitationsmay apply that are not discussed herein. An Owner contemplating an election not to have withholding should consult a tax advisoras to the tax consequences.
MultipleContracts. All Non-Qualified deferred annuity contracts that are issued by us (orour affiliates) to the same Owner during any calendar year are treated as one annuity contract for purposes of determining theamount includible in such Owner’s income when a taxable distribution occurs.
FurtherInformation. We believe that the Contracts will qualify as annuity contracts forfederal income tax purposes and the above discussion is based on that assumption.
Taxationof Qualified Contracts
Thetax rules applicable to Qualified Contracts vary according to the type of retirement plan and the terms and conditions of theplan. Your rights under a Qualified Contract may be subject to the terms of the retirement plan itself, regardless of the termsof the Qualified Contract. Adverse tax consequences may result if you do not ensure that contributions, distributions and othertransactions with respect to the Contract comply with the law. This Contract is available as a Qualified Contract as follows.
IndividualRetirement Annuities (IRAs), as defined in Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code,permit individuals to make annual contributions of up to the lesser of a specified dollar amount for the year or the amount ofcompensation includible in the individual’s gross income for the year. The contributions may be deductible in whole or inpart, depending on the individual’s income. Distributions from certain retirement plans may be “rolled over”into an IRA on a tax-deferred basis without regard to these limits. Amounts in the IRA (other than nondeductible contributions)are taxed when distributed from the IRA. A 10% additional tax generally applies to distributionsmade before age 59½, unless an exception applies. Distributions that are rolled over to an IRA within 60 days are not immediatelytaxable, however only one such rollover is permitted each year. An individual can make only one rollover from an IRA to another(or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs that are owned. The limit will apply by aggregatingall of an individual’s IRAs, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs as well as traditional and Roth IRAs, effectively treating themas one IRA for purposes of the limit. This limit does not apply to direct trustee-to-trustee transfers or conversation to RothIRAs.
RothIRAs, as described in Internal Revenue Code Section 408A, permit certain eligibleindividuals to contribute to make non-deductible contributions to a Roth IRA in cash or as a rollover or transfer from anotherRoth IRA or other IRA. A rollover from or conversion of an IRA to a Roth IRA is generally subject to tax and other special rulesapply. The Owner may wish to consult a tax adviser before combining any converted amounts with any other Roth IRA contributions,including any other conversion amounts from other tax years. Distributions from a Roth IRA generally are not taxed, except that,once aggregate distributions exceed contributions to the Roth IRA, income tax and a 10% additional tax may apply to distributionsmade (i) before age 59½ (subject to certain exceptions), or (ii) during the five taxable years starting with the year inwhich the first contribution is made to any Roth IRA. A 10% additional tax may apply to amounts attributable to a conversion froman IRA if they are distributed during the five taxable years beginning with the year in which the conversion was made. Distributionsthat are rolled over to an IRA within 60 days are not immediately taxable, however only one such rollover is permitted each year.An individual can make only one rollover from an IRA to another (or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the numberof IRAs that are owned. The limit will apply by aggregating all of an individual’s IRAs, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs aswell as traditional and Roth IRAs, effectively treating them as one IRA for purposes of the limit. This limit does not apply todirect trustee-to-trustee transfers or conversions to Roth IRAs.
OtherTax Issues. Qualified Contracts have minimum distribution rules that govern thetiming and amount of distributions. You should refer to your retirement plan, adoption agreement, or consult a tax adviser formore information about these distribution rules. Please note recent important changes to the required minimum distribution rules.Under IRAs and defined contribution retirement plans, most non-spouse beneficiaries will no longer be able to satisfy these rulesby “stretching” payouts over life. Instead, those beneficiaries will have to take their after-death distributionswithin ten years. Certain exceptions apply to “eligible designated beneficiaries” which include disabled and chronicallyill individuals. Individuals who are ten or less years younger than the deceased individual and children who have not reachedthe age of majority. This change applies to distributions to designated beneficiaries of individuals who die on and after January1, 2020. Consult a tax advisor if you are affected by these new rules.
Distributionsfrom Qualified Contracts generally are subject to withholding for the Owner’s federal income tax liability. The withholdingrate varies according to the type of distribution and the Owner’s tax status. The Owner will be provided the opportunityto elect not have tax withheld from distributions. Certain limitations may apply.
FederalEstate Taxes, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes
Whileno attempt is being made to discuss in detail the Federal estate tax implications of the Contract, a purchaser should keep inmind that the value of an annuity contract owned by a decedent and payable to a Beneficiary by virtue of surviving the decedentis included in the decedent’s gross estate. Depending on the terms of the annuity contract, the value of the annuity includedin the gross estate may be the value of the lump sum payment payable to the contingentOwner or the actuarial value of the payments to be received by the Beneficiary. Consultan estate planning adviser for more information.
Undercertain circumstances, the Internal Revenue Code may impose a “generation skipping transfer (“GST”) tax”when all or part of an annuity contract is transferred to, or a Death Benefit is paid to, an individual two or more generationsyounger than the Owner. Regulations issued under the Internal Revenue Code may require us to deduct the tax from your Contract,or from any applicable payment, and pay it directly to the IRS.
Thepotential application of these taxes underscores the importance of seeking guidance from a qualified adviser to help ensure thatyour estate plan adequately addresses your needs and those of your beneficiaries under all possible scenarios.
MedicareTax
Distributionsfrom non-qualified annuity policies will be considered “investment income” for purposes of the Medicare tax on investmentincome. Thus, in certain circumstances, a 3.8% tax may be applied to some or all of the taxable portion of distributions (e.g.,earnings) to individuals whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Please consult a tax advisor for more information.
Same-SexSpouses
TheContract provides that upon your death, a surviving Spouse may have certain continuation rights that he or she may elect to exercisefor the Contract’s Death Benefit and any joint-life coverage under an optional living benefit. All Contract provisions relatingto spousal continuation are available only to a person who meets the definition of “spouse” under federal law. TheU.S. Supreme Court has held that same-sex marriages must be permitted under state law and that marriages recognized under statelaw will be recognized for federal law purposes. Domestic partnerships and civil unions that are not recognized as legal marriagesunder state law, however, will not be treated as marriages under federal law. Consult atax adviser for more information on this subject.
AnnuityPurchases by Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Corporations
Thediscussion 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 withholdingtax on taxable distributions from annuity contracts at a 30% rate unless a lower treaty rate applies. In addition, such purchasersmay be subject to state and/or municipal taxes and taxes that may be imposed by the purchaser’s country of citizenship orresidence. Additional withholding may occur with respect to entity purchasers (including foreign corporations, partnerships andtrusts) that are not U.S. residents. 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.
PossibleTax Law Changes
Althoughthe likelihood of legislative changes is uncertain, there is always the possibility that the tax treatment of the Contract couldchange by legislation or otherwise. Consult a tax adviser with respect to legislative developments and their effect on the Contract.
Wehave the right to modify the Contract in response to legislative changes that could otherwise diminish the favorable tax treatmentthat annuity contract owners currently receive. We make no guarantee regarding the tax status of the Contract and do not intendthe above discussion as tax advice.
OTHERINFORMATION
ImportantInformation about the Indices
S&P500 Index. The Contract is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill companies,Inc. (“S&P”). S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Owners of the Contract orany member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Contract particularly or theability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s only relationship to the Company isthe licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed andcalculated by S&P without regard to the Company or the Contract. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Companyor the Owners of the Contract into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is notresponsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Contract or the timing of the issuanceor sale of the Contract or in determination or calculation of the equation by which the Contract is to be converted into cash.S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Contract.
S&PDOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, AND S&P SHALLHAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTSTO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANYDATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITYOR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITINGANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
TheS&P 500 Index is a stock market index based on the market capitalizations of 500 leading companies publicly traded in theU.S. stock market, as determined by Standard & Poor’s. The S&P 500 Index can go up or down based on the stock pricesof the 500 companies that comprise the Index. The S&P 500 Index does not include dividends paid on the securities comprisingthe Index and therefore does not reflect the full investment performance of the underlying securities.
TheS&P 500 Index is a trademark of Standard & Poor’s or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by the Company.
BarclaysRisk Balanced Index. NeitherBarclays Bank PLC (“BB PLC”) nor any of its affiliates (collectively ‘Barclays’) is the issuer or producerof TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity and Barclays has no responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity. The Barclays Risk Balanced Index (the “Index”), together with any Barclays indices that are componentsof the Index, is a trademark owned by Barclays and, together with any component indices and index data, is licensed for use bythe Company as the issuer or producer of TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity (the “Issuer”).
Barclays’only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Index is the licensing of the Index, which is administered, compiled and publishedby BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the “Index Sponsor”) without regard to the Issuer or the TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity or investors in the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity. Additionally, the Company as issuer or producer TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Index in connection with TruStage™ZoneChoice Annuity. Investors acquire TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity from the Company and investors neither acquire any interestin the Index nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment TruStage™ ZoneChoiceAnnuity. The TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes norepresentation regarding the advisability of the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity or use of the Index or any data included therein.Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, investors or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy ofthe Index or any data included therein.
BarclaysIndex Administration (“BINDA”), a distinct function within BB PLC, is responsible for day-to-day governance of BBPLC’s activities as Index Sponsor.
Toprotect the integrity of Barclays’ indices, BB PLC has in place a control framework designed to identify and remove and/ormitigate (as appropriate) conflicts of interest. Within the control framework, BINDA has the following specific responsibilities:
| ● | oversight of any third party index calculation agent; |
| ● | acting as approvals body for index lifecycle events (index launch, change and retirement); and |
| ● | resolving unforeseen index calculation issues where discretion or interpretation may be required (for example: upon the occurrence of market disruption events). |
Topromote the independence of BINDA, the function is operationally separate from BB PLC’s sales, trading and structuring desks,investment managers, and other business units that have, or may be perceived to have, interests that may conflict with the independenceor integrity of Barclays’ indices.
Notwithstandingthe foregoing, potential conflicts of interest exist as a consequence of BB PLC providing indices alongside its other businesses.Please note the following in relation to Barclays’ indices:
| ● | BB PLC may act in multiple capacities with respect to a particular index including, but not limited to, functioning as index sponsor, index administrator, index owner and licensor. |
| ● | Sales, trading or structuring desks in BB PLC may launch products linked to the performance of an index. These products are typically hedged by BB PLC’s trading desks. In hedging an index, a trading desk may purchase or sell constituents of that index. These purchases or sales may affect the prices of the index constituents which could in turn affect the level of that index. |
| ● | BB PLC may establish investment funds that track an index or otherwise use an index for portfolio or asset allocation decisions. |
TheIndex Sponsor is under no obligation to continue the administration, compilation and publication of the Index or the level ofthe Index. While the Index Sponsor currently employs the methodology ascribed to the Index (and application of such methodologyshall be conclusive and binding), no assurance can be given that market, regulatory, juridical, financial, fiscal or other circumstances(including, but not limited to, any changes to or any suspension or termination of or any other events affecting any constituentwithin the Index) will not arise that would, in the view of the Index Sponsor, necessitate an adjustment, modification or changeof such methodology. In certain circumstances, the Index Sponsor may suspend or terminate the Index. The Index Sponsor has appointeda third-party agent (the “Index Calculation Agent”) to calculate and maintain the Index. While the Index Sponsor isresponsible for the operation of the Index, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the Index Calculation Agent.
Barclays
| 1. | makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Issuer or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in transactions generally or the ability of the Index to track the performance of any market or underlying assets or data; and |
| 2. | has no obligation to take the needs of the Issuer into consideration in administering, compiling or publishing the Index. |
Barclayshas no obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity.
Thelicensing agreement between the Company and BB PLC is solely for the benefit of the Company and Barclays and not for the benefitof the owners of the TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity, investors or other third parties.
BARCLAYSDOES NOT GUARANTEE, AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE PURCHASERS AND TRADERS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF THE TRANSACTION OR TO THIRDPARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERYOF THE INDEX. BARCLAYS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITYOR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDICES, OR ANY DATA INCLUDEDTHEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL BARCLAYS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSTPROFITS, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES SAVE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PROHIBITEDBY LAW.
Noneof the information supplied by Barclays and used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior writtenpermission of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167. Registered office 1 Churchill Place LondonE14 5HP.
Anyreference to ‘Bloomberg Index Services Limited’ (including as abbreviated to ‘Bloomberg’) in their capacityas the index calculation agent must include the following:
BloombergIndex Services Limited is the official index calculation and maintenance agent of the Index, an index owned and administered byBarclays. Bloomberg Index Services Limited does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of the Index calculationsor any data or information relating to the Index. Bloomberg Index Services Limited makes no warranty, express or implied, as tothe Index or any data or values relating thereto or results to be obtained therefrom, and expressly disclaims all warranties ofmerchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect thereto. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Bloomberg IndexServices Limited, its affiliates, and all of their respective partners, employees, subcontractors, agents, suppliers and vendors(collectively, the “protected parties”) shall have no liability or responsibility, contingent or otherwise, for anyinjury or damages, whether caused by the negligence of a protected party or otherwise, arising in connection with the calculationof the Index or any data or values included therein or in connection therewith and shall not be liable for any lost profits, losses,punitive, incidental or consequential damages.
Distributionof the Contract
Weoffer the Contract on a continuous basis. We have entered into a distribution agreement with our affiliate, CBSI, for the distributionof the Contract. MEMBERS Life Insurance Company and CBSI are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation.The principal business address of CBSI is 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677.
Weand CBSI enter into selling agreements with other broker-dealer firms (the “Selling Broker-Dealers”) registered underthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), who are members of the Financial Industry RegulatoryAuthority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Contracts are sold by registered representatives of the Selling Broker-Dealers (the “SellingAgents”). In those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold, the Selling Agents are licensed as insurance agents byapplicable state insurance authorities and appointed as agents of the Company. CBSI also offered securities to customers throughCBSI registered representatives until May 2022. Through an agreement between LPL Financial (“LPL”) and CBSI, the majorityof these former CBSI registered representatives, which primarily include employees of CBSI’s affiliates or the credit unionwhere their FINRA registered branch is located, registered with LPL. LPL is one of the Selling Broker-Dealers. CBSI receives compensationfrom LPL for sales by certain LPL registered representatives pursuant to networking agreements with various credit unions, LPLand CBSI.
Wepay CBSI and/or our affiliates pay the Selling Broker-Dealers compensation for the promotion and sale of the Contract. The SellingAgents who solicit sales of the Contract typically receive a portion of the compensation paid to the Selling Broker-Dealers inthe form of commissions or other compensation, depending on the agreement between the Selling Broker-Dealer and the Selling Agent.The amount and timing of commissions we may pay to Selling Broker-Dealers may vary depending on the selling agreement and theContract sold but is not expected to be more than 7.25% of the Purchase Payment.
Wemay also pay asset-based commission (sometimes called trail commissions) in addition to the Purchase Payment-based commission.We may pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments in the form of cash or other compensation to the extent permittedby FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations.
Wealso pay compensation to wholesaling broker-dealers or other firms or intermediaries, including payments to affiliates of ours,in return for wholesaling services such as providing marketing and sales support, product training and administrative servicesto the Selling Agents of the Selling Broker-Dealers. These allowances may be based on a percentage of the Purchase Payment.
In addition to the compensation describedabove, we may make additional cash payments, in certain circumstances referred to as “override” compensation or reimbursementsto Selling Broker-Dealers in recognition of their marketing and distribution, transaction
processingand/or administrative services support. These payments are not offered to all Selling Broker-Dealers, and the terms of any particularagreement governing the payments may vary among Selling Broker-Dealers depending on, among other things, the level and type ofmarketing and distribution support provided. Marketing and distribution support services may include, among other services, placementof the Company’s products on the Selling Broker-Dealers’ preferred or recommended list, increased access to the SellingBroker-Dealers’ registered representatives for purposes of promoting sales of our products, assistance in training and educationof the Selling Agents, and opportunities for us to participate in sales conferences and educational seminars. The payments orreimbursements may be calculated as a percentage of the particular Selling Broker-Dealer’s actual or expected aggregatesales of our annuity contracts (including the Contract) and/or may be a fixed dollar amount. Broker-dealers receiving these additionalpayments may pass on some or all of the payments to the Selling Agent.
Youshould ask your Selling Agent for further information about what commissions or other compensation he or she, or the Selling Broker-Dealerfor which he or she works, may receive in connection with your purchase of a Contract.
Commissionsand other incentives or payments described above are not charged directly to you. We intend to recover commissions and other compensation,marketing, administrative and other expenses and costs of Contract benefits through the fees and charges imposed under the Contract.
BusinessDisruption and Cyber-Security Risks
Werely heavily on interconnected computer systems and digital data to conduct our index-linked product business activities. Becauseour index-linked product business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of our businesspartners, our business is vulnerable to disruptions from utility outages, and susceptible to operational and information securityrisks resulting from information systems failure (e.g., hardware and software malfunctions), and cyber-attacks. These risks include,among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally, interference with ordenial of service, attacks on websites and other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential Owner information.Such systems failures and cyber-attacks affecting us, CBSI and intermediaries may adversely affect us and your Contract Value.For instance, systems failures and cyber-attacks may interfere with our processing of Contract transactions, including the processingof orders, impact our ability to calculate Contract Value, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential customeror business information, impede order processing, subject us and/or CBSI and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financiallosses and/or cause reputational damage. The risk of cyber-attacks may be higher during periods of geopolitical turmoil (suchas the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the responses by the United States and other governments). There can be no assurance thatwe, CBSI or intermediaries will avoid losses affecting your Contract due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches inthe future.
Authorityto Change
Onlythe President or Secretary of the Company may change or waive any of the terms of your Contract. Any change must be in writingand signed by the President or Secretary of the Company. You will be notified of any such change, as required by law.
Incontestability
Weconsider all statements in your application (in the absence of fraud) to be representations and not warranties. We will not contestyour Contract.
Misstatementof Age or Gender
Ifan Annuitant’s date of birth is misstated, we will adjust the income Payments under the Contract to be equal to the payoutamount the Contract Value would have purchased based on the individuals correct date of birth. If an Annuitant’s genderhas been misstated, and the
life income rate type is based on gender, we will adjust the income payments under the Contract tobe equal to the payout amount the Contract Value would have purchased based on the Annuitant’s correct gender. We will addany underpayments to the next payment. We will subtract any overpayment from future payments. We will not credit or charge anyinterest to any underpayment or overpayment.
Conformitywith Applicable Laws
Theprovisions of the Contract conform to the minimum requirements of the state in which the Contract is delivered (i.e., the “stateof issue”). The laws of the state of issue control any conflicting laws of any other state in which the Owner may live onor after the Contract Issue Date. If any provision of your Contract is determined not to provide the minimum benefits requiredby the state in which the Contract is issued, such provision will be deemed to be amended to conform or comply with such lawsor regulations. Further, the Company will amend the Contract to comply with any changes in law governing the Contract or the taxationof benefits under the Contract.
Reportsto Owners
Atleast annually, we will mail a report to you at your last known address of record, a report that will state the beginning andend dates for the current report period; your Contract Value at the beginning and end of the current report period; the amountsthat have been credited and debited to your Contract Value during the current report period, identified by the type of activitythe amount represents; the Surrender Value at the end of the current report period; and any other information required by anyapplicable law or regulation.
Youalso will receive confirmations of each financial transaction, such as transfers, withdrawals, and surrenders.
Householding
Toreduce service expenses, the Company may send only one copy of certain mailings and reports per household, regardless of the numberof contract owners at the household. However, you may obtain additional copies upon request to the Company. If you have questions,please call us at 1-800-798-5500, Monday through Friday, 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Central Time.
Changeof Address
Youmay change your address by writing to us at our Administrative Office. If you change your address, we will send a confirmationof the address change to both your old and new addresses.
Inquiries
Youmay make inquiries regarding your Contract by writing to us or calling us at our Administrative Office.
CORPORATEHISTORY OF THE COMPANY
Weare a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CMFG Life”) and a direct wholly-owned subsidiaryof CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation (“CMIC”). We were formed by CMFG Life on February 27, 1976, as a stock lifeinsurance company under the laws of the State of Wisconsin for the purpose of writing credit disability insurance. The originalname of the Company was CUDIS Insurance Society, Inc. On August 3, 1989, the Company’s name changed to CUMIS Life Insurance,Inc., and was subsequently changed to its current name on January 1, 1993. League Life Insurance Company (Michigan) merged intothe Company on January 1, 1992 in connection with the concurrent merger of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (Texas) into the Company.We re-domiciled from Wisconsin to Iowa on May 3, 2007. On February 17, 2012, we amended and restated our Articles of Incorporationto change our purpose to be the writing of any and all of the lines of insurance and annuity business authorized by Iowa CodeChapter 508 and any other line of insurance or annuity business authorized by the laws of the State of Iowa. Currently, we haveno employees.
CMFGLife is a stock insurance company organized on May 20, 1935 and domiciled in Iowa. CMFG Life is one of the world’s largestdirect underwriters of credit life and disability insurance and is a major provider of qualified pension products to credit unions.Further, CMFG Life and its affiliated companies currently offer deferred and immediate annuities, individual term and permanentlife insurance, and accident and health insurance. In 2012, CMFG Life was reorganized as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TruStageFinancial Group, Inc. (f/k/a CUNA Mutual Financial Group, Inc.), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Holding Company(“CM Holding”), a mutual holding company organized under the laws of the State of Iowa.
InAugust 2013, the Company began issuing an Index-Linked Annuity Contract under the name “MEMBERS® Zone Annuity”.In July 2016, the Company began issuing a flexible premium variable and index-linked annuity contract under “MEMBERS®Horizon Variable Annuity”. In December 2018, the Company began issuing a flexible premium variable and index-linkedannuity contract under “MEMBERS® Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity”.In August 2019, the Company began issuing a single premium deferred index annuity under the name “CUNA Mutual Group ZoneIncome Annuity.” In July 2021, the Company began issuing a single premium deferred annuity with index-linked interest optionsunder the name “CUNA MutualGroup ZoneChoice™ Annuity”. Effective May 1, 2023, the MEMBERS®Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity, CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income Annuity, and CUNAMutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity were renamed the TruStage™Horizon II FlexiblePremium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity, TruStage™Zone Income Annuity,and TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity,respectively. Theseannuity contracts account for all the new product sales of the Company. The Company also serves previously existing blocks ofindividual and group life policies.
CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations.We have entered into a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement for the administration of ourbusiness pursuant to which CMFG Life performs certain administrative functions related to agent licensing, payment of commissions,actuarial services, annuity policy issuance and service, accounting and financial compliance, market conduct, general and informationalservices and marketing as well as share certain resources and personnel with us; and pursuant to which CMFG Life provides us withcertain procurement, disbursement, billing and collection services.
Youmay write us at 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677-9202, or call us at 1-800-798-5500.
Weshare office space with our indirect parent, CMFG Life. CMFG Life occupies office space in Madison, Wisconsin and Waverly, Iowathat is owned by CMFG Life. Expenses associated with the facilities are allocated to us through the Amended and Restated ExpenseSharing Agreement that we entered into with CMFG Life on January 1, 2015.
FinancialInformation
Ourfinancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insuranceregulatory authorities in the Company’s state of domicile.
Investments
Ourinvestment portfolio consists primarily of fixed income securities.
Reinsurance
Wereinsure our life insurance exposure with an affiliated insurance company under a traditional indemnity reinsurance arrangement.We entered into a Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life in 2012. Under this agreement, weagreed to cede 95% of all insurance in force as of October 31, 2012 to CMFG Life. On September 30, 2015, we amended the CoinsuranceAgreement with CMFG Life and now cede
100% of our insurance policies in force to CMFG Life. In 2013, we entered into a secondagreement to cede 100% of the business related to MEMBERS® Zone Annuity contracts to CMFG Life. On November 1,2015, we entered into a Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of the business related toMEMBERS® Horizon Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity contracts. On October 15, 2018, weamended the Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life to cede 100% of the business related to MEMBERS®Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity contracts. Effective January 1, 2019 an Amended andRestated Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement with CMFG Life ceding 100% of the business relating to the MEMBERS ZoneAnnuity contracts, the MEMBERS Horizon Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity contracts, the MEMBERS HorizonII Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity contracts and the CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income™ AnnuityContracts was put in place. This Amended and Restated Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement replaced all prior reinsuranceagreements relating to the variable and index-linked annuity contracts issued by the Company. These agreements do not relieveus of our obligations to our policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, they do transfer all of the Company’sunderwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for all of its liabilities.
PolicyLiabilities and Accruals
Theapplicable accounting standards and state insurance laws under which we operate require that we record policy liabilities to meetthe future obligations associated with all of our outstanding policies.
POTENTIALRISK FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND OUR FUTURE RESULTS
RisksRelated to Global Capital Markets, Economy, Competition, and Events Outside Our Control
Weare vulnerable to market uncertainty and financial instability. Conditions in the global capital markets and economy could deterioratein the near future and affect our financial position and our level of earnings from our operations.
Marketsin the United States and elsewhere are subject to volatility and disruption. Factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, civilunrest, availability and cost of credit, geopolitical issues and trade disputes have contributed to increased volatility inworldwide capital and equity markets. These global factors also could impact business and consumer confidence and may lead toeconomic uncertainty, stay-at-home orders, and business shutdowns, thereby causing a slowdown in economic activity. Changesin interest rates and credit spreads could result in fluctuations in the income derived from our investments and could causea material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. General economicconditions could also adversely affect the Company by impacting consumer by driving decreased demand for the Company’sproducts. For example, holders of interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products may engage in an elevated level ofdiscretionary withdrawals of contract-holder funds, which would adversely affect our business.
Anyeconomic downturn or market disruption could negatively impact our ability to invest our funds. Specifically:
| ● | ourinvestment portfolio could incur other-than-temporary impairments; |
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| ● | dueto potential downgrades in our investment portfolio, we could be required to raise additional capital to sustain our current businessin force and new sales of our annuity products, which may be difficult in a distressed market. If capital would be available,it may be at terms that are not favorable to us; or |
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| ● | ourliquidity could be negatively affected. The principal sources of our liquidity are monthly settlements under the coinsurance agreementswith CMFG Life, annuity deposits, investment income, proceeds from the sale, maturity and call of investments |
| | and capital contributions from CMFG Life. Without sufficient liquidity to pay our policyholder benefits and operating expenses, we could be forced to further limit our operations, and our business could suffer. |
Eventsoutside of our control may negatively affect our business continuity, results of operations and financial performance.
Theoccurrence of a disaster, such as a natural catastrophe, pandemic, industrial accident, blackout, terrorist attack, war, cyberattack,computer virus, insider threat, unanticipated problems with our disaster recovery processes, a support failure from external providersor other events outside of our control, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct business and on our results ofoperations and financial condition, particularly if those events affects our computer-based data processing transmission, storage,and retrieval systems or destroy data. If a significant number of employees were unavailable in the event of a disaster, our abilityto effectively conduct business could be severely compromised. Our systems are also subject to compromise from internal threats.In addition to disruptions to our operations, period of market volatility may occur in response to pandemics or other events outsideof our control.
Thefailure to understand and respondeffectively to the risks associated with global climate change could adversely affect our achievement of our long-term strategy.
Globalclimate change could pose a systemic risk to the financial system. Global climate change could increase the frequency and severityof weather-related disasters and pandemics. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming could impact globalinvestment asset valuations. There is also a risk that some asset sectors could face significantly higher costs and an adjustmentto asset values leading to an adverse impact on the value and future performance of investment assets as a result of global climatechange and regulatory or other responses, including changing preferences of investment managers and investors and their evaluationof associated risk. Climate change could also impact other counterparties, including reinsurers and derivatives counterparties.A failure to identify and address these global climate issues could cause a material adverse effect on the achievement of ourbusiness objectives.
Theduration of the COVID-19 pandemic, development of variant strains of the virus, and actions taken by governmental authoritiesin response to the continued pandemic may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Wecontinue to closely monitor developments related to COVID-19. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts ourbusiness, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will depend on future developments, which remainuncertain, including the efficacy of vaccines and effective long-term treatments against variant strains of COVID-19. We arealso unable to predict the duration and effectiveness of governmental and regulatory actions taken to contain the variantstrains or the impact of future laws, regulations or restrictions on our business. These potential impacts, while uncertain,could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.
Weoperate in a highly competitive industry, which may impair our ability to attract new customers and impair our ability to retaincustomers, which could impact profitability and financial strength.
Weface competition from companies that are substantially larger and enjoy substantially greater financial resources, claims-payingability and financial strength, broader and more diversified product lines and more widespread distribution relationships. Ourannuity products compete with fixed indexed, traditional fixed rate and variable annuities (and combinations thereof) sold byother insurance companies and also with mutual fund products, traditional bank investments and other investment and retirementfunding alternatives offered by asset managers, banks and broker-dealers. Our annuity products also compete with products of otherinsurance companies, financial intermediaries and other institutions based on a number of factors, including crediting rates,policy terms and conditions, services provided to distribution channels and policyholders, ratings, reputation and distributioncompensation.
Ourability to compete will depend in part on the performance of our products. We will not be able to accumulate and retain assetsunder management for our products if our products underperform the market or the competition, since such underperformance likelywould result in asset withdrawals and reduced sales.
Wecompete for distribution sources for our products. Our distributors will generally be free to sell products from whichever providersthey wish, which makes it important for us to continually offer distributors products and services they find attractive. If ourproducts or services fall short of distributors’ needs, we may not be able to establish and maintain satisfactory relationshipswith distributors of our annuity products. Our ability to compete will also depend in part on our ability to develop innovativenew products and bring them to market more quickly than our competitors. In order for us to compete in the future, we will needto continue to bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion. Otherwise, our revenues and profitability could suffer.
Theloss of key executives could disrupt our operations.
Oursuccess depends in part on the continued service of key executives within our Company and CMFG Life’s ability to attractand retain additional executives and employees. The loss of key executives or CMFG Life’s inability to recruit and retainadditional qualified personnel could cause disruption in our business and prevent us from fully implementing our business strategies,which could materially and adversely affect our business, growth and profitability.
RisksRelated to Regulation
Ourbusiness is heavily regulated, which impacts our profitability and growth.
Ourbusiness is subject to extensive and potentially conflicting state and federal tax, securities, insurance and employeebenefit plan laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws and regulations are complex andsubject to change, which could have an unknown or adverse impact on us. Moreover, these laws and regulations are administeredand enforced by a number of different governmental and self-regulatory authorities, including state insurance regulators,state securities administrators, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial IndustryRegulatory Authority, banking regulators, the U.S. Department of Labor, the United States Department of Justice, the U.S.Internal Revenue Service, and state attorneys general, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive latitude. We are alsosubject to the laws and regulations from state insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners(“NAIC”), who regularly re-examine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and theirproducts. In some cases, these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests of a specificconstituency rather than a range of constituencies. In many respects, these laws and regulations limit our ability to growand improve the profitability of our business.
Governmentalinitiatives intended to improve global and local economies may not be effective and may be accompanied by other initiatives thatcould materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in ways that we cannot predict.
Regulatoryauthorities are or may in the future consider enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future crises or otherwiseassure the stability of institutions under their supervision. These authorities may also seek to exercise their supervisory orenforcement authority in new or more robust ways. All of these possibilities, if they occurred, could affect the way we conductour business and manage our capital, and may require us to satisfy increased capital requirements, any of which in turn couldmaterially affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Theapplication of, or changes in, state and federal regulation and oversight may affect our profitability.
Weare subject to regulation under applicable insurance statutes, including insurance holding company statutes, in the various statesin which we transact business. Insurance regulation is intended to provide safeguards for policyholders rather than to protectshareholders of insurance companies or their holding companies. A failure to meet these requirements could subject us to furtherexamination or corrective action imposed by insurance regulators, including limitations on our ability to write additional business,increased regulatory supervision, or seizure or liquidation.
Regulatorsoversee matters relating to trade practices, policy forms, claims practices, guaranty funds, types and amounts of investments,reserve adequacy, insurer solvency, minimum amounts of capital and surplus, transactions with related parties, changes in controland payment of dividends.
Stateinsurance regulators and the NAIC continually reexamine existing laws and regulations and may impose changes in the future.
Weare subject to the NAIC’s risk-based capital requirements which are intended to be used by insurance regulators as an early warningtool to identify deteriorating or weakly capitalized insurance companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. We alsomay be required, under solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which we do business, to pay assessments up to certain prescribedlimits to fund policyholder losses or liabilities for insolvent insurance companies. A failure to meet these requirements couldsubject us to further examination or corrective action imposed by insurance regulators, including limitations on our ability towrite additional business, increased regulatory supervision, or seizure or liquidation.
Federallegislation and administrative policies in several areas, including pension regulation, anti-discrimination regulation, financialservices regulation, securities regulation and federal taxation, significantly affect the insurance business.
Forexample, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) enacted in July 2010 madesweeping changes to the regulation of financial services entities, products and markets.
Amongother things, Dodd-Frank imposes a comprehensive regulatory regime on the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives marketplaceand grants joint regulatory authority to the SEC and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) over OTCderivatives. As a result, certain of the Company’s derivatives operations are subject to, among other things, recordkeeping,reporting and documentation requirements and clearing requirements for certain swap transactions (currently, certain interestrate swaps and index-based credit default swaps;cleared swaps require the posting of margin to a clearinghouse via a futures commission merchant and, in some case, to the futurescommission merchant as well).
Inaddition, in the latter part of 2015, U.S. federal banking regulators and the CFTC adopted regulations that require swap dealers,security-based swap dealers, major swap participants and major security-based swap participants (“Swap Entities”)to post margin to, and collect margin from, their OTC swap counterparties (the “Margin Rules”). The Margin Rules imposedphased-in requirements for the Company to exchange variation margin and initial margin with its derivatives counterparties thatare Swap Entities.
Dodd-Frankalso established various oversight regimes that impact our business:
| ● | The Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) under the U.S. Treasury Department is authorized to, among other things, (1) monitor all aspects of the insurance industry and of lines of business other than certain health insurance, certain long-term care insurance and crop insurance and (2) recommend changes to the state system of insurance regulation to the U.S. Congress. The FIO was required to issue several reports to Congress on the insurance industry, most notably, (i) a report on “how to modernize and improve the system of insurance regulation in the United States”, and (ii) a report on “the breadth and scope of the global reinsurance market and the critical role such market plays in supporting insurance in the United States.” |
| ● | The Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”) is charged with identifying risks to the financial stability of the U.S. financial markets, promoting market discipline, and responding to emerging threats to the stability of the U.S. financial markets. The FSOC is empowered to make recommendations to primary financial regulatory agencies regarding the application of new or heightened standards and safeguards for financial activities or practices, and certain participation in such activities, that threaten the stability of the U.S. financial markets. In addition, the FSOC is authorized to determine whether an insurance company is a systematically important financial institution (“SIFI”) and to recommend that it should be subject to enhanced prudential standards and to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company’s assets, liabilities and operations do not currently satisfy the financial thresholds that serve as the first step of the three-stage process to designate a non-bank financial company as a SIFI. While it is unlikely that FSOC will be designating additional non-bank financial companies as systematically significant, there can be no assurance of that it will not do so in the future. |
| ● | Title II of Dodd-Frank provides that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), under certain circumstances, may be appointed receiver of a “covered financial company,” which could include an insurance company, for purposes of liquidating such company. This would apply to insurance companies in a limited context, where the relevant state insurance regulator has failed to act within 60 days after a determination has been made to subject the insurance company to the FDIC’s orderly liquidation authority, and resolution by the FDIC would be in accordance with state insurance law. The uncertainty about regulatory requirements could influence the Company’s product line or other business decisions with respect to some product lines. |
| ● | The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) is an independent division of the Department of Treasury with jurisdiction over credit, savings, payment, and other consumer financial products and services, but excluding investment products already regulated by the SEC or the CFTC. The CFPB has supervisory authority over certain non-banks whose activities or products it determines pose risks to consumers. |
Inaddition to promulgating rules that could impose compliance obligations on the Company, the CFPB continues to bring enforcementactions involving a growing number of issues, including actions brought jointly with state Attorneys General, which could directlyor indirectly affect the Company. Additionally, the CFPB is exploring the possibility of helping Americans manage their retirementsavings and is considering the extent of its authority in that area.
Manyof the Dodd-Frank’s requirements could have adverse consequences for the financial services industry, including for theCompany. Dodd-Frank could make it more expensive for the Company to conduct business, require the Company to make changes to itsbusiness model, or satisfy increased capital requirements.
Otherregulatory requirements may indirectly impact us. For example, non-U.S. counterparties of the Company may also be subject to non-U.S.regulation of their derivatives transactions with the Company. In addition, counterparties regulated by the Prudential Regulators(which consist of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC,the Farm Credit Administration, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) are subject to liquidity, leverage and capital requirementsthat impact their derivatives transactions with the Company. Collectively, these new requirements have increased the direct andindirect costs of our derivatives activities and may further increase them in the future.
Changesin state laws and federal laws regarding fiduciary/best interest standards may affect the Company’s operations and profitability.
Thesales of our insurance products could also be adversely affected to the extent that some or all of the firms that distribute ourproducts face heightened regulatory scrutiny, increased regulation and potentially heightened litigation risks that cause themto de-emphasize sales of the types of products issued by us.
TheSEC adopted Regulation Best Interest (“Regulation BI”), which generally went effective on June 30, 2020. Among otherthings, Regulation BI imposes a standard of care on broker-dealers making recommendations to their customers of securities transactions.The changes under Regulation BI could increase our overall compliance costs. In addition, these changes may lead to greater exposureto
legal claims in certain circumstances, including an increased risk of regulatory enforcement actions or potentially privateclaims. It remains unclear whether or to what extent Regulation BI, and the evolving nature of the enforcement and interpretationof the rules by the SEC, could ultimately affect distribution partners’ willingness to recommend our insurance products.
Variousstates are also developing rules raising the standard of care owed by insurance agents to their customers. For example, in February2020, the NAIC adopted a model rule requiring a “best interest” standard of care in connection with sales of annuityproducts. Some state insurance regulators have adopted the NAIC model, or their own regulations that may impose similar obligationsas the NAIC’s model. As a result, as this or similar changes are adopted by our state insurance regulator(s) and made applicableto us or the third-party firms that distribute our products, they could have an adverse impact on our business.
Changesin federal income taxation laws may affect sales of our products and profitability.
Theannuity products that we market generally provide the policyholder with certain federal income tax advantages. For example, federalincome taxation on any increases in non-qualified annuity contract values (i.e., the “inside build-up”) is deferreduntil it is received by the policyholder. With other savings and investments, such as certificates of deposit and taxable bonds,the increase in value is generally taxed each year as it is earned.
Fromtime to time, various tax law changes have been proposed that could have an adverse effect on our business, including the eliminationof all or a portion of the income tax advantages for annuities. If legislation were enacted to eliminate the tax deferral forannuities, such a change may have an adverse effect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities. Non-qualified annuities areannuities that are not sold to a qualified retirement plan.
Distributionsfrom non-qualified annuity policies have been considered “investment income” for purposes of the Medicare tax oninvestment income contained in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. As a result, in certaincircumstances, a 3.8% tax (“Medicare Tax”) may be applied to some or all of the taxable portion of distributionsfrom non-qualified annuities to individuals whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts. This new tax may have an adverseeffect on our ability to sell non-qualified annuities to individuals whose income exceeds these threshold amounts and couldaccelerate withdrawals due to this additional tax. The constitutionality of the Health Care and Education ReconciliationAct of 2010 is currently the subject of multiple litigation actions initiated by various state attorneys general, and the Actis also the subject of several proposals in the U.S. Congress for amendment and/or repeal. The outcome of such litigation andlegislative action as it relates to the 3.8% Medicare Tax is unknown at this time.
RisksRelated to Regulatory Investigations and Litigation
Weface risks relating to legal and regulatory investigations and litigation, which may adversely impact our business.
Wemay become involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff, relating to claims arising out of our operations inthe normal course of business. In addition, state regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments, the SEC, FINRA, theDepartment of Labor, and other regulatory bodies regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations of companiesin the annuity business concerning compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, the Employee RetirementIncome Security Act of 1974, as amended, and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. Companies in the annuity businesshave faced litigation, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper product design, improper sales practices and similarclaims. Litigation and actions, inquiries and investigations by governmental authorities and regulators are inherently unpredictable,and a substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have a material adverse effect on our business,financial condition or results of operations, including requiring significant time and expense. Moreover, even if we ultimatelyprevail in any litigation or any action or investigation by governmental authorities or regulators, we could suffer significantreputational harm.
MANAGEMENT’SDISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’sDiscussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reviews our financial condition at December 31, 2022and December 31, 2021; our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020; and where appropriate,factors that may affect future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our statutory basis financialstatements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The dollar amounts disclosed in this Management’s Discussionand Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are in thousands.
Thefollowing discussion covers the year ended December 31, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2021. Please see the discussion thatfollows for a more detailed analysis of the fluctuations. Our comparative analysis of 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020is included under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”in our Form S-1 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on April 6, 2022.
CautionaryStatement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Allstatements, trend analyses and other information contained in this Prospectus and elsewhere (such as in press releases, presentationsby us, our immediate parent, CMIC, or CUNA Mutual Holding Company (“CM Holding”), our management or oral statements)relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements includingwords such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”,and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these statements may vary fromactual results and the differences between these statements and actual results can be material. Accordingly, the Company cannotassure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factorsthat could contribute to these differences include, among other things:
| | ● | generaleconomic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance whichmay affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associatedtherewith, the fair value of our investments, which could result in other than temporary impairments, and the lapse rate and profitabilityof policies; |
| | ● | customerresponse to new products and marketing initiatives; |
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| | ● | changesin the Federal income tax laws and regulations that may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products; |
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| | ● | increasingcompetition in the sale of annuities; |
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| | ● | regulatorychanges or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) bank and creditunion sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products; and |
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| | ● | therisk factors or uncertainties disclosed in this Prospectus. |
Fora detailed discussion of these and other factors that might affect our performance see the section entitled “Potential RiskFactors That May Affect Our Business and Our Future Results.”
Overview
TheCompany is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of CMIC. The Company’s ultimate parent is CM Holding, a mutual insurance holdingcompany organized under the laws of Iowa. On February 17, 2012, the Company amended and restated the Company’s Articlesof Incorporation to change the Company’s purpose to be the writing of any and all of the lines of insurance and annuitybusiness authorized by Iowa Code Chapter 508 as authorized by the laws of the State of Iowa.
TheCompany is authorized to sell life, health and annuity policies in all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, exceptNew York. All life and health premiums of the Company are generated in the United States with a significant portion in Texas,Michigan, Georgia, California, Florida and Pennsylvania. No other state represents more than 5% of the Company’s premiumsfor any year in the three years ended December 31, 2022. All annuity premium deposits of the Company are received in the UnitedStates with a significant portion in Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin and Michigan. No other staterepresents more than 5% of the Company’s premium deposits for any year in the three years ended December 31, 2022. Premiumsfor life and health products are related to the Company’s legacy products and the whole life product introduced in 2021.Premium deposits on annuities are related to the Company’s annuity contracts including MEMBERS® Zone Annuity,MEMBERS® Horizon Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity, TruStage™ Horizon II Annuity(f/k/a MEMBERS® Horizon II Flexible Premium Deferred Variable and Index Linked Annuity), TruStage™ Zone IncomeAnnuity (f/k/a CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income™ Annuity) and TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity (f/k/a CUNA Mutual Group ZoneChoice™Annuity) (collectively, the “Registered Index Annuities”).
Asof December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had more than $346,000 and $387,000 in assets and more than $681,000 and$376,000 of life insurance in force, respectively.
TheCompany distributes the annuity contracts through multiple face-to-face distribution channels, including:
| | ● | Managed Agents: employees of CMFG Life who sell insurance and investment products to members of credit unions that have contracted with the Company and its affiliates to provide these services. In May 2022, CMFG Life discontinued offering securities to customers through managed agents. The majority of these former managed agents, which primarily include employees of CMFG Life or the credit union where their FINRA registered branch is located, registered with LPL through an agreement with CBSI. LPL is one of the Selling Broker-Dealers.; |
| | ● | Dual Employee Agents: employees of credit unions who sell insurance and investment products to members of credit unions that have contracted with the Company and its affiliates to provide these services. These agents are registered representatives of LPL as described previously; and |
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| | ● | Independent Agents: agents who also represent other insurance companies and, along with or through an unaffiliated broker-dealer, contract with the Company to offer its annuity products that are made available for distribution through this channel. |
TheCompany has entered into reinsurance agreements to cede to CMFG Life 100% of the business related to the Registered Index Annuitiesand all insurance policies in force. These agreements do not relieve the Company of the Company’s obligations to the Company’spolicyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, they do transfer all of the Company’s underwriting profitsand losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnify the Company for all of its liabilities. As a result, the Company believesits profitability from insurance operations going forward will be minimal.
Priorto 2021, the Company only serviced existing closed blocks of individual and group life policies which were 100% ceded to CMFGLife. In 2021, the Company began selling a whole life policy under the name TruStage Advantage Whole Life (“TAWL”).The Company distributes TAWL through unaffiliated broker-dealers which also represent other insurance companies and contractswith the Company to offer its whole life product through the broker-dealer’s distribution channels. In 2021, the Companyentered into a reinsurance agreement to cede 100% of the premium, expenses and benefits of TAWL to CMFG Life.
CMFGLife provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’s operations pursuant to a Cost Sharing, Procurement,Disbursement and Billing and Collection Agreement. CMFG Life allocates expenses to the Company on the basis of estimated timespent by employees of CMFG Life on Company matters and the use of operational resources. Management believes the allocations ofexpenses are reasonable and that the results of the Company’s operations may have materially differed in a negative mannerfrom the results reflected in the accompanying statutory basis financial statements if the Company did not have this relationship.
Summaryof Significant Accounting Policies
Thecomplexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting guidance requires us to closely monitor the Company’saccounting policies. The following summary of the Company’s critical accounting policies is intended to enhance the assessmentof the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates.
Useof Estimates - The preparation of the statutory basis financial statements requiresmanagement to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingentassets and liabilities as of the date of the statutory basis financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expensesduring the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and, in some cases, the difference could be material.Investment valuations, policy reserve valuations, determination of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”), deferredtax asset valuation reserves and reinsurance balances are most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Investments- Investments are valued as prescribed by the National Association of InsuranceCommissioners (“NAIC”).
Bondsand notes: Bonds and notes with an NAIC designation of 1 through 5 are generally stated at amortized cost. Bonds andnotes with an NAIC designation of 6 are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loan-backed securities may becarried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value if they receive an initial rating of 6 under the multiple-designationmethodology. Prepayment assumptions for loan-backed securities are obtained from historical industry prepayment averages,industry survey values or internal estimates to determine the effective yield. Changes in the anticipated prepayments areincorporated when determining statement values. Changes in estimated cash flows from the previous assumptions are accountedfor using the prospective method.
FairValue - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability inan orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Thefair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities intothree broad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in thevaluation technique, as follows:
Level1: Inputs are directly observable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Companyhas the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level2: All significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for theasset or liability. This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted pricesfor identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observablefor the instruments and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlationor other means.
Level3: One or more significant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participantswould use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk.
Forpurposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, observable inputs are those inputs usedby market participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources.In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’s estimates of the assumptionsmarket participants would use in valuing financial assets and liabilities, are developed based on the best information availablein the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In some instances, valuationinputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair valuehierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Thefollowing table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicableto estimate fair value by fair value measurement level at December 31, 2022:
| | | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Financial instruments recorded as assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 42,116 | | | | - | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
Thefollowing table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicableto estimate fair value by fair value measurement level at December 31, 2021:
| | | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Financial instruments recorded as assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 27,450 | | | $ | 28,961 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 27,961 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
Thecarrying amounts for accrued net investment income, and certain receivables and payables approximate fair value due to their short-termnature and have been excluded from the fair value tables above.
Other-Than-TemporaryInvestment Impairments – Investment securities are reviewed for otherthan temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlist of securities primarily basedon the fair value of an investment security relative to its amortized cost. When the fair value drops below the Company’scost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgment on the part of the Companyand depends on several factors, including, but not limited to:
| | ● | Theexistence of any plans to sell the investment security. |
| | | |
| | ● | Theextent to which fair value is less than statement value. |
| | | |
| | ● | Theunderlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.). |
| | | |
| | ● | Thefinancial condition and near term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevantindustry trends and conditions and cash flow analysis. |
| | | |
| | ● | Formortgage-backed and structured securities, the Company’s intent and ability to retain our investment for a period of timesufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. |
| | | |
| | ● | TheCompany’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements. |
| | | |
| | ● | TheCompany’s collateral position in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. |
Abond or note is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis andits value is not expected to recover through the Company’s holding period. When this occurs, the Company records a realizedcapital loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impairedsecurity becomes its new amortized cost. If the bond is a loan-backed or structured security, it is considered to be other-than-temporarilyimpaired when the amortized cost exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and its value is not expectedto recover through the Company’s holding period. The amount of the OTTI recognized in net income as a realized loss equalsthe difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its expected cash flows.
Managementbelieves it has made an appropriate provision for other-than-temporarily impaired securities owned at December 31, 2022 and 2021.Future declines in fair value may result in additional OTTI. Additional OTTI will be recorded as appropriate and as determinedby the Company’s regular monitoring procedures of additional facts. In light of the variables involved, such additionalOTTI could be significant.
Reinsurance- Reinsurance premiums, claims and benefits, commission expensereimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accounted for on a basis consistent with the accounting forthe underlying direct policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums and benefits ceded to other companieshave been reported as reductions of premium income and benefits in the accompanying statutory basis statements of operations.Policy and claim reserves are reported net of unbilled reinsurance recoverables. The Company has evaluated its reinsurance contractsand determined that all significant contracts transfer the underlying economic risk of loss. CMFG Life, which is a related party,is the only reinsurer, and there is no concern of default on reinsurance receivable balances as CMFG Life is highly rated andwell capitalized.
TheCompany entered into coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements with our affiliate, CMFG Life, to cede 100% of our life,accident and health, and annuity business as described previously in the Overview of this Management’s Discussion and Analysisof Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company entered into the agreements for the purpose of limiting our exposureto loss on any one single insured, diversifying our risk and limiting our overall financial exposure to certain products, andto meet our overall financial objectives. The Company retains the risk of loss in the event that CMFG Life is unable to meet theobligations assumed under the reinsurance agreements.
SeparateAccounts - The Company issues Registered Index Annuities, the assetsand liabilities of which are legally segregated and reflected in the accompanying statutory basis statements of admittedassets, liabilitiesand capital and surplus as assets and liabilities of
the separate accounts. All separateaccount assets and liabilities are ceded to CMFG Life except the MEMBERS Life Variable Separate Account which is used to fundthe variable accounts within the flexible premium variable and index linked deferred annuities.
Separateaccount assets for the variable annuity component of the flexible premium variable and index linked deferred annuities are statedat fair value. Separate account liabilities are accounted for in a manner similar to other policy reserves. Separate account premiumdeposits, benefit expenses and contract fee income for investment management and policy administration are reflected by the Companyin the accompanying statutory basis statements of operations.
Thevariable annuity contract holders of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity are able to invest in investmentfunds managed for their benefit. All of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity separate account assetsare invested in unit investment trusts that are registered with the SEC as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
CMFGLife, on behalf of the Company, invests the single premium deferred index annuity, single premium deferred index-linked interestoptions annuity, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity and flexible premium deferred variable premiums forthe benefit of the contract holder. The single premium deferred index, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index and flexiblepremium variable and index linked deferred annuities have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts;the Secure Account has a yearly credited interest rate floor of 0% and the yearly Growth Account floor is -10%. The Secure andGrowth Accounts both have credited interest rate caps that vary with issuance. The single premium deferred index-linked interestoptions annuity has risk control accounts, with either caps and floors or participation rates and buffers applied based on theperformance of an external index. For positive index performance, accounts with caps limit the interest credited to the policyholderat the cap; accounts with participation rates credit the full index performance multiplied by the participation rate to the policyholder.For negative index performance, floors represent the maximum negative interest credited a policyholder can receive, while thebuffer represents the maximum negative index return for an interest term that will not result in negative interest credited tothe contract. Interest is credited at the end of each Contract Year during the selected index term based on the allocation betweenrisk control accounts and the performance of an external index during that Contract Year.
Policyand Contract Claim Reserves - Liabilities established for unpaid benefits for life insurance contracts represent the estimatedamounts required to cover the ultimate cost of settling reported and incurred but unreported losses. These estimates are adjustedin the aggregate for ultimate loss expectations based on historical experience patterns and current economic trends. Any changein the probable ultimate liabilities, which might arise from new information emerging, is reflected in the statutory basis statementsof operations in the period the change is determined to be necessary. Such adjustments could be material.
Thepolicy and contract claim reserves are 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
PolicyReserves - Life Insurance reserves: Traditional life insurance reserves are computed on either the net level reservebasis or the Commissioner’s Reserve Valuation Method basis dependent on product type and issue date using the applicablemortality table.
TheCompany waives deduction of deferred fractional premiums upon death of the insured and returns the portion of the final premiumbeyond the date of death. Surrender values are not promised in excess of legally computed reserves.
Extrapremiums are charged for substandard lives, plus the gross premium for a rated age. Mean reserves are determined by computingthe regular mean reserve for the plan at the rated age and holding, plus one-half of the extra premium charge for the year.
Tabularinterest, tabular less actual reserves released, tabular cost and tabular interest on funds not involving life contingencies haveall been determined by formulas prescribed by the regulator of the Company’s state of domicile (“Insurance Department”).
Individualannuity reserves: Policyholder reserves related to individual annuity contracts are computed using the Commissioner’s AnnuityReserve Valuation Method (“CARVM”), along with Valuation Method (“VM”) 21 for equity indexed annuities,during the contract accumulation period and the present value of future payments for contracts that have annuitized. Policyholderreserves related to single premium deferred index annuity, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity and flexiblepremium variable and index linked deferred annuity contracts are computed using CARVM, along with Actuarial Guideline (AG) 33and 35 and VM 21 for policies greater than ten days after issue; for the first ten days, the reserve is equal to the return ofpremium. A reserve floor for all deferred annuities is set equal to the cash surrender value.
Thepolicy reserves are 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
Liabilityfor Deposit-Type Contracts - The Company recognizes a liability for policyholder deposits that are not subject to policyholdermortality or longevity risk at the stated account value. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit plus accumulatedinterest, less any withdrawals and expense charges. Such deposits primarily represent annuity contracts without life contingencies.
Theliability for deposit-type contracts is 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
IncomeTax - Deferred income taxes are recognized, subject to an admissibility test for deferred tax assets, and represent thefuture tax consequences attributable to differences between the statutory basis financial statement carrying amount of assetsand liabilities and their respective tax bases. Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a statutory valuation allowance if itis more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Recorded deferred tax amountsare adjusted to reflect changes in income tax rates and other tax law provisions as they are enacted. The net change in deferredtaxes is recorded directly to unassigned surplus.
TheCompany is subject to tax-related audits. The Company accounts for any federal and foreign tax contingent liabilities in accordancewith Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles (“SSAP”) No. 5R, Liabilities, Contingencies and Impairments of Assetsas modified by SSAP No. 101, Income Taxes, and any state and other tax contingent liabilities in accordance with SSAP No. 5R.
StatutoryValuation Reserves - The Interest Maintenance Reserve (“IMR”) is maintained for the purpose of stabilizingthe surplus of the Company against gains and losses on sales of investments that are primarily attributable to changing interestrates. The interest rate-related gains and losses are deferred and amortized into income over the remaining lives of the securitiessold. If the IMR is calculated to be a net asset, it is nonadmitted.
TheAsset Valuation Reserve (“AVR”) is a formulaic reserve for fluctuations in the values of invested assets, primarilybonds and notes. Changes in the AVR are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus.
OtherLiabilities - The Company issues the Registered Index Annuities on the 10th and 25th of each month. The Company recognizesa liability on contracts for which it has received cash, but has not issued a contract. Other liabilities primarily consist ofthese pending customer funds, which are released from other liabilities when the policy is issued.
ExecutiveSummary
TheCompany provides life and health insurance throughout the United States servicing its existing blocks of individual and grouplife policies. The Company began marketing and distributing, through a third party, TAWL contracts in 2021 and since has expandedusing other third party distributors. The Company provides the registered index annuitiesthroughout the United States except in New York. The Company began marketing and distributing TruStage™ ZoneChoice Annuity(f/k/a CUNA Mutual Group ZoneChoice™ Annuity) Contract in 2021.
TheCompany cedes 100% of our insurance and annuity policies in force to CMFG Life. This doesnot relieve the Company of our obligations to our policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, the reinsuranceagreements transfer all of the Company’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnifythe Company for all of its liabilities. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Statutory Basis Financial Statements appearing elsewherein this Prospectus for information on the effect of these agreements and information on commissions.
Resultsof Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Totalrevenues, which consisted mainly of investment income, reinsurance commissions and other income were $160,907 and $202,540 forthe years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in total revenues in 2022 as compared to 2021, was primarilydue to a decrease in other income, as described below. Total net investment income was $1,679 and $748 for the years ended December31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents an average yield earned of 1.8% and 1.1% for the same periods, respectively.The increase in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily reflects an increase in the Company’s investments in bonds and notesalong with increased rates on these assets. All premiums are 100% ceded to CMFG Life, resulting in no net premium in 2022 or 2021due to the reinsurance agreements as described in the Executive Summary section. The Company receives a commission equalto 100% of its actual expenses incurred for the Company’s Registered Index Annuities, which was $129,562 and $138,109 forthe years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. All remaining commissions relate to the Company’s life and healthproducts and totaled $33,910 and $30,994, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company also recordsother income related to the modified coinsurance agreement, which represents the aggregate ceding allowance payable by the reinsurerto the Company in relation to its flexible premium deferred variable annuity contracts. The decrease in 2022 as compared to 2021is due to a decrease in annuity sales and increased benefit payments, the two primary components of the ceding allowance.
Totalbenefits and expenses were $159,220 and $201,554 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease inbenefits and expenses in 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the aggregate ceding allowance transferredto the separate account related to the decrease in premium and increase in benefit payments as previously discussed regardingother income. Additionally, the Company had a decrease in commission expense due to a decrease in sales of its registered indexannuities and the TAWL product. This decrease was partially offset by increases in the Company’s general insurance expensesrelated to increased sales and production of the Company’s current annuity products along with the Company’s TAWLproduct, which the Company began selling in 2021. CMFG Life provides significant services required in the conduct of the Company’soperations. Operating expenses incurred by the Company that are specifically identifiable are borne by the Company; other operatingexpenses are allocated from CMFG Life on the basis of estimated time and usage studies. Operating expenses are primarily employeecosts such as wages and benefits, legal and other operating expenses such as rent, insurance and utilities. The increase in theseexpenses in 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily due to increased salaries allocated to the Company and marketing costs relatedto the Company’s existing products and the TAWL product which the Company began selling in 2021.
Federalincome tax expense was $1,142 and $1,668 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents an effectivetax rate of 67.7% and 169.2% for the same periods, respectively. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory income taxrate of 21% primarily due to the following: 1) nondeductible IMR amortization; 2) dividends received deductions and foreign taxcredits related to separate account investments; 3) expenses required to be capitalized and amortized for tax purposes; 4) differencesin timing of certain accrued expenses; and 5) interest on accrued refund claims filed for prior years. The decrease in 2022 ascompared to 2021 was driven mainly by a decrease in tax expense from prior years related to interest on accrued refund claimsin 2021.
Netincome (loss) was $540 and ($703) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in 2022 as comparedto 2021 was primarily due to higher net investment income.
FinancialCondition
TheCompany’s investment strategy is based upon a strategic asset allocation framework that considers the need to manage ourGeneral Account investment portfolio on a risk-adjusted spread basis for the underwriting of contract liabilities and to maximizereturn on retained capital. The Company’s investment in bonds and notes consists of U.S. government and agencies, industrialand miscellaneous, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, and non-mortgage-backed securities.The Company generally holds our bond portfolio to maturity.
Insurancestatutes regulate the type of investments that the Company is permitted to purchase and limit the amount of funds that may beused for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and regulations and our business and investment strategy, theCompany generally seeks to invest in United States government and government-sponsored agency securities and bonds and notes ratedinvestment grade by established nationally recognized rating organizations or in securities of comparable investment quality,if not rated.
TheCompany’s investment portfolio was comprised solely of bonds and notes at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The tablebelow presents the carrying value of our total bonds and notes by type at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
| | | December 31 |
| | | 2022 | | % | | 2021 | | % |
| | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 8,724 | | | | 19.0 | % | | $ | 8,729 | | | | 18.6 | % |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 27,887 | | | | 60.8 | | | | 14,939 | | | | 54.4 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | 1.4 | | | | 1,953 | | | | 7.1 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 830 | | | | 3.0 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | 10.4 | | | | 999 | | | | 3.6 | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 27,450 | | | | 100.0 | % |
Thestatement value and estimated fair value of bonds and notes by contractual maturity are shown below at December 31, 2022. Actualmaturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or withoutcall or prepayment penalties.
| | | Statement Value | | Estimated Fair Value |
| | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 1,998 | | | $ | 1,981 | |
| Due after one year through five years | | | 14,611 | | | | 14,244 | |
| Due after five years through ten years | | | 11,278 | | | | 10,228 | |
| Due after ten years | | | 8,724 | | | | 6,907 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | 569 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | 3,606 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | 4,581 | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | |
AtDecember 31, 2022, the Company owned 37 securities with a fair value of $42,116 in an unrealized loss position. The Company owned7 industrial and miscellaneous securities and one commercial mortgage-backed security of $1,073 and $229, respectively, in unrealizedloss positions greater than twelve months. The aggregate severity of unrealized losses for bonds and notes with a loss periodof 12 months or greater is approximately 15.1% of amortized cost. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31,2022 are rated “investment grade” based on having an NAIC rating of 1 or 2. At December 31, 2021, the Company ownedsix securities with a fair value of $6,658 in an unrealized loss position. The Company owned five industrial and miscellaneoussecurities and one commercial mortgage-backed security with an unrealized loss of $232 and $37, respectively. All the securitieswith unrealized losses as of December 31, 2021 are rated “investment grade” based on having an NAIC rating of 1 or2.
Liquidityand Capital Resources
TheCompany cedes 100% of the Company’s insurance and annuity policies in force to CMFG Life.This does not relieve the Company of our obligations to our policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However,the agreements do transfer all of the Company’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnifythe Company for all of its liabilities.
Asconsideration for the reinsurance provided under these agreements, the Company transfers all of the Company’s revenues toCMFG Life. Specifically, CMFG Life receives 100% of all premiums and other amounts received on account of our existing businessand new business. CMFG Life pays the Company a monthly expense allowance to reimburse the Company for expenses and costs incurredon account of its insurance business.
Whilethe reinsurance transactions have a minimal impact on our capital and surplus, they substantially diminish our net liabilitiesand greatly decrease the amount of capital and liquidity needed within the Company.
Operatingactivities provided (used) $12,641 and $6,842 of net operating cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.The Company’s sources of funds include renewal premiums, sales of annuities and investment income. The Company’s primaryuse of funds includes the payment of benefits and related operating expenses as well as settlements related to the reinsuranceagreements with CMFG Life. The Company issues the Registered Index Annuities contracts on the 10th and 25thof each month. The Company recognizes a liability on contracts for which it has received cash but has not issued a contract. Theincrease in operating cash flow in 2022 as compared to 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the net transfers to the separateaccount, a decrease in operating expenses reimbursed to CMFG Life, both offset by decreases in the ceding of premium and the reinsurancecommission received from CMFG Life.
Investingactivities provided $1,205 and $2,813 of net cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’smain investing activities include purchases and sales and maturity of bonds and notes. The Company had maturities on bonds andnotes, which provided cash of $1,198 and $2,820 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in bond proceeds from maturitiesdrove the net decrease of cash from investing activities in 2022 as compared to 2021.
TheCompany’s financing activities provided (used) ($4,799) and $2,660 of net cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022and 2021, respectively. The Company’s main financing activities include the collection of deposits and payment of withdrawalson deposit contracts. The decrease in financing activities in 2022 was primarily due to an increase in the payment of prepaidcommissions on the Company’s TAWL product. Total cash provided or (used) for financing activities can vary based upon thetiming of deposits received. The Company received $19,680 of securities and related tax benefits as a non-cash capital contributionin 2022 from CMFG Life.
Asof December 31, 2022, the Company’s cash requirements were primarily for the payment of benefits, operating expenses aswell as settlements with CMFG Life for reinsurance agreements. These liquidity requirementsare met primarily through monthly settlements under the coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements with CMFG Life. The Companyanticipates receiving adequate cash flow from these settlements and investment income to meet its obligations. However, a primaryliquidity concern going forward is the risk of an extraordinary level of early policyholder withdrawals. The Company includesprovisions within its policies, such as Surrender Charges, that help limit and discourage early withdrawals.
TheCompany believes that cash flows generated from sources above will be sufficient to satisfy the near term liquidity requirementsof its operations, including reasonable foreseeable contingencies. However, the Company cannot predict future experience regardingbenefits and surrenders since benefit and surrender levels are influenced by such factors as the interest rate environment, theCompany’s claims paying ability and the Company’s financial credit ratings.
Mostannuity deposits the Company will receive going forward are ceded to CMFG Life and will be invested in high quality investments,those identified by CMFG Life as investment grade, to fund future commitments. The Company believes that the settlement it receivesunder the reinsurance agreements with CMFG Life, the diversity of its investment portfolio and a concentration of investmentsin high quality securities should provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Company’s long-term cash requirements. Althoughthere is no present need or intent to dispose of our investments, the Company could readily liquidate portions of our investments,if such a need arose.
StatutoryDividend Restrictions
TheCompany is subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of equity and the payment of dividends. Generally, ordinary dividendsfrom an insurance subsidiary to its parent company must meet notice requirements promulgated by the Insurance Department. Extraordinarydividends, as defined by state statutes, must be approved by the Insurance Department. The Company cannot pay stockholder dividendsin 2023 without regulatory approval.
Risk-basedcapital requirements promulgated by the NAIC require U.S. insurers to maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determinedbased on formulas incorporating credit risk, insurance risk, interest rate risk and general business risk. At December 31, 2022and 2021, the Company’s adjusted capital exceeded the minimum capitalization requirements.
ContractualObligations
OnJanuary 1, 2015, the Company entered into a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement with CMFGLife and certain other affiliated companies whereby CMFG Life has agreed to provide certain of our operational requirements. Additionally,the Company is allocated a certain portion of the total compensation of each of the Company’s executive officers and directors,based on various factors, the primary being the estimated time allocated to providing services to the Company. In exchangefor providing these administrative functions and use of shared resources and personnel, the Company reimburses CMFG Life for thecost of providing such administrative functions, resources and personnel. The Company reimbursed CMFG Life $79,869 and $67,119for these expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Fordetailed discussion of the management services agreement, the investment advisory agreement and the coinsurance agreements, see“Management – Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons.”
Inthe future, the Company may enter into financing transactions, lease agreements, or other commitments in the normal course ofour business.
The Company has the following future minimum estimated claim and benefit payments thatare 100% reinsured as of December 31, 2022.
| | | Estimated Future Claim
and Benefit Payments |
| | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 7,557 | |
| Due after one year through three years | | | 22,349 | |
| Due after three years through five years | | | 15,800 | |
| Due after five years | | | 181,967 | |
| Total estimated payments | | $ | 227,673 | |
Quantitativeand Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk and Cyber Security
TheCompany has exposure to market risk through both our insurance operations and investment activities, although a significant portionof this risk is reinsured by CMFG Life pursuant to the coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements discussed above. In addition,many of the measures described herein to offset these market risks are taken by CMFG Life because it holds all assets relatedto our insurance business as a result of the coinsurance agreements.
Interestrate risk is our primary market risk exposure. Substantial and sustained increases and decreases in market interest rates willaffect the profitability of our annuity products and the fair value of our investments. Most of the interest rate risk is absorbedby CMFG Life under the coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements. The profitability of most of our annuity products willdepend on the spreads between interest yield on investments and rates credited on the annuity products. The Company has the abilityto adjust crediting rates (caps, participation rates or asset fee rates for indexed annuities) on substantially all of our annuityproducts at least annually (subject to minimum guaranteed values). In addition, substantially all of our annuity products havesurrender and withdrawal penalty provisions designed to encourage persistency and to help ensure targeted spreads are earned.However, competitive factors, including the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit our ability to adjustor maintain crediting rates at levels necessary to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions.
Amajor component of our interest rate risk management program is structuring the General Account investment portfolio with cashflow characteristics consistent with the cash flow characteristics of our annuity products. The Company uses computer models tosimulate cash flows expected from our existing business under various interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable us tomeasure the potential gain or loss in fair value of our interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, to evaluate the adequacyof expected cash flows from our assets to meet the expected cash requirements of our annuity products and to determine if it isnecessary to lengthen or shorten the average life and duration of our investment portfolio. The duration of a security is thetime weighted present value of the security’s expected cash flows and is used to measure a security’s sensitivityto changes in interest rates. When the durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to interest rate risk is minimizedbecause a change in value of assets should be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. As of December 31, 2022,the Company’s fixed bonds and notes securities investment portfolio consisted of U.S. government and agencies, industrialand miscellaneous, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other non-mortgage asset-backedsecurities with statement values of $8,724, $27,887, $625, $3,863 and $4,756, respectively, and has an average duration of 9.11years.
TheCompany’s business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of the Company’s businesspartners, so that the Company’s business is potentially susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting froma cyber-attack. These risks include, among other things, the theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained online or digitally,denial of service on websites and other operational disruption and unauthorized release of confidential customer information. Cyber-attacksaffecting the Company may adversely affect the Company and the Company’s contract holders. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere
with the processing of Contracttransactions, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential Owner or business information, impede order processing, subjectthe Company to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. There can be no assurance that we will avoid lossesaffecting the Company’s customer’s Contract due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.
MANAGEMENT
Directorsand Executive Officers
Ourdirectors and executive officers are as follows:
Name | Age | Position |
| | | |
| David L. Sweitzer | 59 | President and Director |
| Paul D. Barbato | 46 | Secretary and Director |
| Brian J. Borakove | 44 | Treasurer |
| Michael F. Anderson | 55 | Director |
| William Karls | 52 | Director |
| Abigail R. Rodriguez | 40 | Director |
Allexecutive officers and directors are elected annually.
DavidL. Sweitzer has served as President and as director of the Company since October 31, 2016. He also serves as Executive VicePresident-Chief Experience Officer for CMFG Life since 2021. He served as the Senior Vice President of Wealth Management for CMFGLife where he lead overall business strategy and product management for CBSI andCMFG Life’s and affiliates family of annuity products. Mr. Sweitzer has held various positions in CMFG Life for 31 years.He brings more than 29 years of progressive experience in sales and marketing, sales operations and sales strategy.
PaulD. Barbato has served as Secretary and as director of the Company since December 28, 2018. As of January 7, 2019, he alsoserves as Vice President, Associate General Counsel for CMFG Life. Mr. Barbato re-joined CMFG Life in May 2017 after spendingtwo years as corporate counsel with Epic Systems Corporation (March 2015-May 2017). He originally joined CMFG Life in January2009 as a Lead Counsel and later held roles as Associate General Counsel and Director of Corporate Governance. Before joiningCMFG Life, Mr. Barbato spent two years at Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP, in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was an AssociateAttorney.
BrianJ. Borakove has served as our Treasurer since November 9, 2012 and Vice President, Corporate Treasurer since November 19,2012 at CMFG Life. He served as Director of Investment Finance from 2007 to 2011 and was promoted to Associate Treasurer in 2011.Prior to joining CMFG Life, he was a Senior Manager, Investment Finance at LibertyMutual Insurance in Boston, Massachusetts from 2005 to 2007. Prior to joining Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mr. Borakove served asa Senior Analyst, Treasury at FM Global in Johnston, Rhode Island from 2003-2005.Mr. Borakove held various positions at State Street Bank in Boston, Massachusetts from 2001-2003.
MichaelF. Anderson has been a director of the Company since December 15, 2015. He also serves as the Senior Vice President, ChiefLegal Officer for CMFG Life where he has been responsible for all legal matters across CMFG Life’s business entities since2011. He served as Managing Associate General Counsel from 2008 to 2009, was promoted to Vice President in 2009 and in 2011 waspromoted to Senior Vice President. Before joining the Company, Mr. Anderson spent 15 years in private practice, most recentlyas a partner in the New York office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.
WilliamKarls has been director of the Company since August 4, 2017 and has served as Controller for CMFG Life since 2012. Prior tojoining CMFG Life in 2004, Mr. Karls was a Senior Manager with Strohm Ballweg, LLP, which provides audit and consulting servicesto insurance companies.
AbigailR. Rodriguez has been a director of the Company since October 1, 2019. She also serves as Senior Vice President of CustomerSuccess within the Customer Experience Unit at CMFG Life. Ms. Rodriguez previously served as Vice President of Consumer Operationsfrom 2013-2019, and Senior Business Continuous Improvement Consultant from 2011-2013. Before joining the Company, Ms. Rodriguezheld several positions at Ace World Wide in Muskego, Wisconsin from 2008-2011. Ms. Rodriguez served as Six Sigma Black Belt atGraphic Packaging International in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 2004-2008. Ms. Rodriguez served as Implementation Specialist at SonooProducts Company in Hartsville, South Carolina in 2004.
Transactionswith Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons
PolicyRegarding Related Person Transactions. It is our policy to enter into or ratify relatedperson transactions only when our Board of Directors determines that the transaction either is in, or is not inconsistent with,our best interests, including but not limited to situations where we may obtain products or services of a nature, quantity orquality, or on other terms, that are not readily available from alternative sources or when we provide products or services torelated persons on an arm’s length basis on terms comparable to those provided to unrelated third parties or on terms comparableto those provided to employees generally.
Therefore,we have adopted the following written procedures for the review, approval or ratification of related person transactions. Forpurposes of the related person transaction policy, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship(or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships) in which (i) we were, are or will be a participant,(ii) the amount of the transaction, arrangement or relationship exceeds $120,000, and (iii) in which a related personhad, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction.
Arelated person means:
| ● | anyperson who is, or at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year was, a member of our Board of Directors or an executiveofficer or a nominee to become a member of our Board of Directors; |
| ● | anyperson who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities; |
| ● | anyimmediate family member of any of the foregoing persons; or |
| ● | anyfirm, corporation, or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or ina similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest. |
Anyproposed transaction with a related person will be consummated or amended only if the following steps are taken:
| ● | Counsel (either inside or outside) will assess whether the proposed transaction is a related person transaction for purposes of this policy. |
| ● | If counsel determines that the proposed transaction is a related person transaction, the proposed transaction will be submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration at the next meeting or, in those instances in which counsel, in consultation with the President or the Treasurer, determines that it is not practicable or desirable for us to wait until the next Board of Directors meeting, to the President of the Company (who has been delegated authority to act between meetings). |
| ● | The Board of Directors shall consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available, including (if applicable) but not limited to: (i) the benefits to the Company; (ii) the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director, or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder, or executive officer; (iii) the availability of other suppliers or customers for comparable products or services; (iv) the terms of the transaction; and (v) the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. |
| ● | The Board of Directors shall approve only those related person transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, as the Board of Directors determines in good faith. The Board of Directors shall convey the decision to counsel, who shall convey the decision to the appropriate persons within the Company. |
Atthe Board of Director’s first meeting of each fiscal year, it shall review any previously approved related person transactionsthat remain ongoing and have a remaining term of more than six months or remaining amounts payable to or receivable from the Companyof more than $120,000. Based on all relevant facts and circumstances, taking into consideration the Company’s contractual obligations,the Board of Directors shall determine if it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to continue, modify,or terminate the related person transaction.
Nomember of the Board of Directors shall participate in any review, consideration, or approval of any related person transactionwith respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person.
CertainRelationships and Related Person Transactions. Except for the agreements noted below,there have been no transactions between the Company and any related person since January 1, 2011, nor are any such relatedperson transactions currently being contemplated for which disclosure would be required.
OnSeptember 30, 2015, the Company amended its coinsurance agreement with CMFG Life and now cedes 100% of its insurance policiesin force to CMFG Life. In 2013, we entered into a second coinsurance agreement to cede 100% of all insurance issued on and afterJanuary 1, 2013 to CMFG Life. On November 1, 2015, we entered into a Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement with CMFGLife to cede 100% of the business related to the Contract, and other investment type contracts similar to the Contract. Theseagreements do not relieve us of our obligations to our policyholders under contracts covered by these agreements. However, theydo transfer nearly all of the Company’s underwriting profits and losses to CMFG Life and require CMFG Life to indemnifythe Company for nearly all of its liabilities. We filed anew Coinsurance Agreement to cede 100% of the business related to CUNA Mutual Group Zone Income Annuity Contracts for approvalwith the State of Iowa in July, 2019.
OnJanuary 1, 2015, the Company entered into a Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement with CMFGLife and certain other affiliated companies and on that same day, January 1, 2015, the Company entered into an Amended and RestatedExpense Sharing Agreement with CMFG Life. See “Contractual Obligations” for more information about each of these agreements.
The Company has hired MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc. (“MCA”) to provide investmentadvisory services with respect to the Company’s General Account assets. MCA, which is 100% owned by CMIC, manages substantiallyall of the Company’s invested assets in accordance with policies, directives and guidelines established by the Company.
Committeesof the Board of Directors
OurBoard of Directors of the Company has not established any committees. The Board of Directors relies upon the committees of theCM Holding to oversee actions over the subsidiary companies. For example, the CM Holding Audit Committee will assistwith oversight of the Company’s external auditors, performance of internal audit functions and legal and regulatory compliancerequirements.
CompensationCommittee Interlocks and Insider Participation
OurBoard of Directors has not established a compensation committee. None of our current executive officers serves on the board ofdirectors or compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity whose executive officersserved on our Board of Directors. Mr. Sweitzer is on the Board of Directors for CBSI whose Board of Directors include Messrs.Anderson, Karls, Copeland and Ms. Rodriguez, the other Directors of the Company.
ExecutiveCompensation. We do not have any employees but rather are provided personnel,including our named executive officers, by our parent company, CMFG Life, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Expense SharingAgreement between CMFG Life and us. As a result, we do not determine or pay any compensation to our named executive officers oradditional personnel provided by CMFG Life for our operations. CMFG Life determines and pays the salaries, bonuses and other wagesearned by our named executive officers and by additional personnel provided to us by CMFG Life. CMFG Life also determines whetherand to what extent our named executive officers and additional personnel from CMFG Life may participate in any employee benefitplans. We do not have employment agreements with our named executive officers and do not provide pension or retirement benefits,perquisites or other personal benefits to our named executive officers. We do not have arrangements to make payments to our namedexecutive officers upon their termination or in the event of a change in control of the Company. See “Contractual Obligations”for more information about the Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement between CMFG Life and us.
DirectorCompensation
Thedirectors of the Company are also officers of CMFG Life. The Company’s directors receive no compensation for their serviceas directors of the Company but are compensated by CMFG Life for their services as officers of CMFG Life. Accordingly, no costswere allocated to the Company for services of following persons in their role as current directors: Michael F. Anderson, WilliamKarls, Paul D. Barbato, David L. Sweitzer and Abigail R. Rodriguez.
LegalProceedings
Likeother insurance companies, we routinely are involved in litigation and other proceedings, including class actions, reinsuranceclaims and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. In recent years, the life insurance and annuityindustry, including us and our affiliated companies, has been subject to an increase in litigation pursued on behalf of both individualand purported classes of insurance and annuity purchasers, questioning the conduct of insurance companies and their agents inthe marketing of their products. In addition, state and federal regulatory bodies, such as state insurance departments and attorneysgeneral, periodically make inquiries and conduct examinations concerning compliance by us and others with applicable insuranceand other laws.
Inconnection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties,restitution and changes in business practices. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance withlaws and regulations and to support financial reporting. These actions are based on a variety of issues and involve a range ofthe Company’s practices. We respond to such inquiries and cooperate with regulatory examinationsin the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all suchpending actions will not materially affect the financial statements of the Company, nor the Company’s ability to meet itsobligations under the Contracts.
** *
Wedo not file reports under the 1934 Act in reliance on Rule 12h-7 under the 1934 Act, which provides an exemption from the reportingrequirements of Sections 13 and 15 of the 1934 Act.
FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
StatutoryBasis Financial Statements
asof December 31, 2022 and 2021
andfor the Three Years in the Period Ended
December31, 2022, Supplemental Schedules
asof and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022
andIndependent Auditor’s Report
INDEPENDENTAUDITOR’S REPORT
AuditCommittee and Stockholder of
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
Waverly,Iowa
Opinions
Wehave audited the statutory basis financial statements of MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), which comprisethe statutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities, and capital and surplus as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, andthe related statutory basis statements of operations, changes in capital and surplus, and cash flows for each of the three yearsin the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes to the statutory basis financial statements (collectively referredto as the “statutory basis financial statements”).
UnmodifiedOpinion on Statutory Basis of Accounting
Inour opinion, the statutory basis financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the admitted assets, liabilities,and capital and surplus of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flowsfor each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permittedby the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division, described in Note 2.
AdverseOpinion on Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America
Inour opinion, because of the significance of the matter described in the Basis for Adverse Opinion on Accounting Principles GenerallyAccepted in the United States of America section of our report, the statutory basis financial statements do not present fairly,in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the financial position of the Companyas of December 31, 2022 and 2021, or the results of its operations or its cash flows for each of the three years in the periodended December 31, 2022.
Basisfor Opinions
Weconducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilitiesunder those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Statutory Basis FinancialStatements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company, and to meet our other ethical responsibilities,in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtainedis sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Basisfor Adverse Opinion on Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America
Asdescribed in Note 2 to the statutory basis financial statements, the statutory basis financial statements are prepared by theCompany using the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division, which isa basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to meet the requirementsof the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division. The effects on the statutory basis financial statements of the variancesbetween the statutory basis of accounting described in Note 2 and accounting principles generally accepted in the United Statesof America, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material and pervasive.
Emphasisof Matter
Asdiscussed in Note 1 to the statutory basis financial statements, the results of the Company may not be indicative of those ofa stand-alone entity, as the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies. Our opinion is not modified withrespect to this matter.
Responsibilitiesof Management for the Statutory Basis Financial Statements
Managementis responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the statutory basis financial statements in accordance with the accountingpractices prescribed or permitted by the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division. Management is also responsible for thedesign, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of statutory basisfinancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Inpreparing the statutory basis financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events,considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern forone year after the date that the statutory basis financial statements are issued.
Auditor’sResponsibilities for the Audit of the Statutory Basis Financial Statements
Ourobjectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statutory basis financial statements as a whole are free frommaterial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonableassurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conductedin accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatementresulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihoodthat, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the statutory basisfinancial statements.
Inperforming an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
| ● | Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
| ● | Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the statutory basis financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the statutory basis financial statements. |
| ● | Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. |
| ● | Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the statutory basis financial statements. |
| ● | Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
Weare required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing ofthe audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control–related matters that we identified during the audit.
Reporton Supplemental Schedules
Our2022 audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the 2022 statutory basis financial statements as a whole. Thesupplemental schedule of selected financial data, summary investment schedule, reinsurance contract interrogatories, and supplementalinvestment risks interrogatories as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, are presented for purposes of additional analysisand are not a required part of the 2022 statutory basis financial statements. These schedules are the responsibility of the Company’smanagement and were derived from and relate directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the statutorybasis financial statements. Such schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the 2022 statutorybasis financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such schedules directly to theunderlying accounting and other records used to prepare the statutory basis financial statements or to the statutory basis financialstatements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the UnitedStates of America. In our opinion, such schedules are fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the 2022 statutorybasis financial statements as a whole.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
March15, 2023
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Admitted Assets, Liabilities and Capital and Surplus |
| December 31, 2022 and 2021 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| Admitted Assets | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and invested assets | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 27,450 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | 47,772 | | | | 38,725 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash and invested assets | | | 93,627 | | | | 66,175 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued investment income | | | 539 | | | | 216 | |
| Federal income taxes recoverable from affiliate | | | 16 | | | | 43 | |
| Net deferred tax asset | | | 505 | | | | 563 | |
| Amounts due from reinsurers | | | 21,993 | | | | 25,030 | |
| Receivables from affiliates | | | 45 | | | | 308 | |
| Other assets | | | 14 | | | | 10 | |
| Separate account assets | | | 229,659 | | | | 294,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total admitted assets | | $ | 346,398 | | | $ | 386,650 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities and Capital and Surplus | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance payable | | $ | 18,442 | | | $ | 21,558 | |
| Payable to affiliates | | | 25,569 | | | | 21,606 | |
| Commissions, expenses, taxes, licenses, and fees accrued | | | 2,757 | | | | 2,379 | |
| Asset valuation reserve | | | 68 | | | | 18 | |
| Other liabilities | | | 22,548 | | | | 23,360 | |
| Transfers to (from) separate accounts | | | (4,695 | ) | | | (12,213 | ) |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 229,659 | | | | 294,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liabilities | | | 294,348 | | | | 351,013 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Capital and surplus | | | | | | | | |
| Capital | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock, $5 par value, 1,000 shares | | | | | | | | |
| issued and outstanding | | | 5,000 | | | | 5,000 | |
| Paid-in capital | | | 51,170 | | | | 31,153 | |
| Unassigned surplus (deficit) | | | (4,120 | ) | | | (516 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total capital and surplus | | | 52,050 | | | | 35,637 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total liabilities and capital and surplus | | $ | 346,398 | | | $ | 386,650 | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 4 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Operations |
| Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reinsurance commissions | | $ | 163,472 | | | $ | 169,103 | | | $ | 103,297 | |
| Net investment income | | | 1,679 | | | | 748 | | | | 1,017 | |
| Other income (loss) | | | (4,244 | ) | | | 32,689 | | | | 31,596 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total income | | | 160,907 | | | | 202,540 | | | | 135,910 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits and expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| General insurance expenses | | | 75,646 | | | | 62,147 | | | | 45,029 | |
| Insurance taxes, licenses, fees, and commissions | | | 87,648 | | | | 107,116 | | | | 58,279 | |
| Net transfers to (from) separate accounts | | | (4,074 | ) | | | 32,291 | | | | 31,908 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total benefits and expenses | | | 159,220 | | | | 201,554 | | | | 135,216 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income before federal income tax expense and net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 1,687 | | | | 986 | | | | 694 | |
| Federal income tax expense | | | 1,142 | | | | 1,668 | | | | 256 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income (loss) before net realized capital gains (losses) | | | 545 | | | | (682 | ) | | | 438 | |
| Net realized capital gains (losses), excluding gains transferred to IMR, net of tax expense (2022 - $5; 2021 - $21; 2020 - $100) excluding taxes transferred to IMR (2022 - $0; 2021 - $0; 2020- $0) | | | (5 | ) | | | (21 | ) | | | (241 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 540 | | | $ | (703 | ) | | $ | 197 | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 5 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Changes in Capital and Surplus |
| Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital and surplus at beginning of year | | $ | 35,637 | | | $ | 40,700 | | | $ | 39,989 | |
| Additions (deductions) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | | 540 | | | | (703 | ) | | | 197 | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | 1,769 | | | | 2,100 | | | | 241 | |
| Change in nonadmitted assets | | | (5,863 | ) | | | (6,442 | ) | | | 233 | |
| Change in asset valuation reserve | | | (50 | ) | | | (18 | ) | | | 40 | |
| Capital contribution from parent, net of tax | | | 20,017 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net additions (deductions) | | | 16,413 | | | | (5,063 | ) | | | 711 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital and surplus at end of year | | $ | 52,050 | | | $ | 35,637 | | | $ | 40,700 | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 6 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Statutory Basis Statements of Cash Flows |
| Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Premiums and other considerations | | $ | (3,115 | ) | | $ | 14,161 | | | $ | (7,537 | ) |
| Net investment income received | | | 1,461 | | | | 802 | | | | 1,191 | |
| Reinsurance commissions | | | 163,472 | | | | 169,103 | | | | 103,297 | |
| Other income | | | 2,855 | | | | 20,389 | | | | 25,668 | |
| Policy and contract benefits and dividends paid | | | (3,866 | ) | | | 151 | | | | 187 | |
| Operating expenses paid | | | (158,638 | ) | | | (164,222 | ) | | | (94,087 | ) |
| Federal income taxes received (paid) | | | (1,120 | ) | | | 1,546 | | | | (141 | ) |
| Net transfers from (to) separate accounts | | | 11,592 | | | | (35,088 | ) | | | (34,175 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 12,641 | | | | 6,842 | | | | (5,597 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash from investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | | 1,198 | | | | 2,820 | | | | 11,864 | |
| Miscellaneous proceeds | | | 7 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total investment proceeds | | | 1,205 | | | | 2,820 | | | | 11,864 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cost of investments acquired | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,951 | |
| Miscellaneous applications | | | - | | | | 7 | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total investments acquired | | | - | | | | 7 | | | | 7,951 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by investing activities | | | 1,205 | | | | 2,813 | | | | 3,913 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash from financing and miscellaneous activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net deposits (withdrawals) on deposit-type contracts | | | (126 | ) | | | (65 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
| Other cash provided (used) | | | (4,673 | ) | | | 2,725 | | | | (917 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| and miscellaneous activities | | | (4,799 | ) | | | 2,660 | | | | (943 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | | | 9,047 | | | | 12,315 | | | | (2,627 | ) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | | | 38,725 | | | | 26,410 | | | | 29,037 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | | $ | 47,772 | | | $ | 38,725 | | | $ | 26,410 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net cash paid (received) to (from) affiliate for income taxes | | $ | 1,120 | | | $ | (1,546 | ) | | $ | 141 | |
| Capital contribution of securities from parent | | | 19,680 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| See accompanying notes to statutory basis financial statements | 7 |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note1: Nature of Business
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company (“MEMBERS Life” or the “Company” or “MLIC”) is a stock life and healthinsurance company organized under the laws of Iowa and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Investment Corporation (“CMIC”).CMIC is organized under the laws of Wisconsin and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMFG Life Insurance Company (“CMFG Life”),an Iowa life insurance company. CMFG Life and its affiliated companies primarily sell insurance and other products to credit unionsand consumers. The Company’s ultimate parent is CUNA Mutual Holding Company (“CMHC”), a mutual insurance holdingcompany organized under the laws of Iowa.
TheCompany began selling a single premium deferred index annuity contract in 2013, a flexible premium deferred variable and index-linkedannuity contract in 2016, a single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity contract in 2019, and a single premium deferredindex-linked interest options annuity contract (collectively the “registered index annuities”) and whole life insurancepolicies in 2021. Products are sold to consumers, including credit union members, through face-to-face and call center distributionchannels. The Company has reinsurance agreements under which it cedes 100% of its business to CMFG Life. See Note 7, Reinsurance,for information on the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
TheCompany is authorized to sell life, health and annuity policies in all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, exceptNew York. All premiums of the Company are generated in the United States with a significant portion in Texas, Michigan, Georgia,California, Florida and Pennsylvania. All annuity deposits of the Company are received in the United States with a significantportion in Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Theaccompanying statutory basis financial statements reflect various transactions and balances with the Company’s affiliates.See Note 6, Related Party Transactions, for a description of the significant transactions. While the Company believes that thesetransactions were at reasonable terms, the results of operations of the Company may have materially differed had these transactionsbeen consummated with unrelated parties.
Note2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basisof Presentation
Theaccompanying statutory basis financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permittedby the Iowa Department of Commerce, Insurance Division (“Insurance Department”), which differ in some respects fromaccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Prescribedstatutory accounting practices are practices incorporated directly or by reference in state laws, regulations and general administrativerules and are applicable to all insurance enterprises domiciled in a particular state. The Insurance Department has identifiedthe Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (“APPM”), as promulgated by the Insurance Department, as a source ofprescribed statutory accounting practices for insurers domiciled in Iowa. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass allaccounting practices not prescribed by the NAIC and are approved by the insurance department of the insurer’s state of domicile.The Company does not utilize any permitted practices.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
GAAP/StatutoryAccounting Differences
Thefollowing summary identifies the significant differences between the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the InsuranceDepartment and GAAP:
“Nonadmittedassets” (principally a portion of deferred taxes, certain non-affiliated accounts receivable and commission receivable accounts,the interest maintenance reserve and debit suspense balances) are excluded from the statutory basis statements of admitted assets,liabilities and capital and surplus through a direct charge to unassigned surplus. Under GAAP, nonadmitted assets are presentedin the balance sheet, net of any valuation allowance.
Investmentsin bonds and notes are generally carried at amortized cost, while under GAAP, they are carried at either amortized cost or fairvalue based on their classification according to the Company’s ability and intent to hold or trade the securities.
Forstatutory accounting, after an other-than-temporary impairment of bonds, other than loan-backed securities, is recorded, the fairvalue of the other-than-temporarily impaired bond, other than loan-backed securities, becomes its new cost basis. If the bondis a loan-backed or structured security, it is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the amortized cost exceedsthe present value of cash flows expected to be collected and its value is not expected to recover through the Company’sholding period. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in net income as a realized loss equals the differencebetween the investment’s amortized cost basis and its expected cash flows. For GAAP, an impairment is based on the net presentvalue of expected cash flows if the Company intends to hold the security until it has recovered, and an impairment is recordedas a valuation allowance.
Policyreserves, which are 100% ceded to CMFG Life, are established based on mortality and interest assumptions prescribed by state statutes,without consideration for withdrawals, which may differ from reserves established for GAAP using assumptions with respect to mortality,interest, expense, and withdrawals that are based on company experience and expectations.
TheCompany cedes 100% of its annuity business to its parent, CMFG Life, which is accounted for as reinsurance ceded under statutoryaccounting. These contracts are accounted for as investment-type contracts under GAAP; as such, deposits are not reported as revenuesfor GAAP. Consequently, deposit accounting is used to account for the reinsurance agreement for GAAP.
Underboth GAAP and statutory accounting, deferred federal income taxes are provided for unrealized capital gains or losses on investmentsand the temporary differences between the reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities; however, there are limits as to theamount of deferred tax assets that may be reported as admitted assets under statutory accounting. Further, the change in deferredtaxes is recognized as an adjustment to unassigned surplus under statutory accounting. For GAAP, changes in deferred taxes relatedto revenue and expense items are recorded in the statements of operations and comprehensive income. A federal income tax provisionis required on a current basis only for the statutory basis statements of operations.
Theasset valuation reserve (“AVR”), a statutory only reserve established by formula for the purpose of stabilizingthe surplus of the Company against fluctuations in the fair value of certain invested assets, is recorded as a liability by adirect charge to unassigned surplus for statutory accounting. Such a reserve is not recorded under GAAP.
Forstatutory reporting, the interest maintenance reserve (“IMR”) defers recognition of interest rate-related gains andlosses resulting from the disposal of investment securities and amortizes them into income over the remaining contractual maturitiesof those securities; under GAAP, such gains and losses are recognized in income immediately.
Amountsdue from reinsurers for their share of ceded reserves are netted against the reserves rather than shown as assets as under GAAP.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Deposits,surrenders, and benefits on certain annuities, including those recorded in the separate accounts, are recorded in the statutorybasis statements of operations, while such deposits and benefits are credited or charged directly to the policyholder accountbalances under GAAP. As a result, under GAAP, revenues on these types of contracts are composed of contract charges and fees,which are recognized when assessed against the account balance. Under GAAP, amounts collected are credited directly to policyholderaccount balances, and the benefits and claims on these contracts that are charged to expense only include benefits incurred inthe period in excess of related policyholder account balances.
Theregistered index annuities are reported as separate account products for statutory reporting. For GAAP, only the variable annuitycomponent of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity is reported as a separate account product, with theother related assets and liabilities reported in the general account because criteria for separate account reporting are not met.The criteria are that funds must be invested at the direction of the contract holder and investment results must be passed throughto the contract holder.
Comprehensiveincome and its components are not presented in the statutory basis financial statements, whereas under GAAP, comprehensive incomeis presented and changes in comprehensive income are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholder’sequity.
Thestatutory basis statements of cash flows are presented in the required statutory format. Under GAAP, the indirect method for thestatements of cash flows requires a reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities.
Useof Estimates
Thepreparation of the statutory basis financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thereported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the statutorybasis financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results coulddiffer from those estimates and, in some cases, the difference could be material. Investment valuations, policy reserve valuations,determination of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”), deferred tax asset valuation reserves and reinsurancebalances are most affected by the use of estimates and assumptions.
Investments
Investmentsare valued as prescribed by the NAIC.
Bondsand notes: Bonds and notes with an NAIC designation of 1 through 5 are generally stated at amortized cost. Bonds and noteswith an NAIC designation of 6 are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loan-backed securities may be carried atthe lower of amortized cost or fair value if they receive an initial rating of 6 under the multiple-designation methodology. Prepaymentassumptions for loan-backed securities are obtained from historical industry prepayment averages, industry survey values or internalestimates to determine the effective yield. Changes in the anticipated prepayments are incorporated when determining statementvalues. Changes in estimated cash flows from the previous assumptions are accounted for using the prospective method.
Netinvestment income: Investment income is recognized on an accrual basis. Investment income reflects amortization of premiumsand accretion of discounts on an effective-yield basis using expected cash flows.
Netrealized capital gains (losses): Realized capital gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined based upon thespecific identification method and are recorded on the trade date.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Cashand Cash Equivalents
Cashincludes unrestricted deposits in financial institutions. Cash equivalents include money market mutual funds and investments withmaturities at the date of purchase of 90 days or less and are reported at carrying value, which approximates amortized cost. Moneymarket mutual funds are valued based on the closing price as of December 31.
IncomeTax
Deferredincome taxes are recognized, subject to an admissibility test for deferred tax assets, and represent the future tax consequencesattributable to differences between the statutory basis financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and theirrespective tax bases. Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a statutory valuation allowance if it is more likely than not thatsome portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 5, Income Tax, for the components of the admissibilitytest used to calculate the admitted deferred tax assets. Recorded deferred tax amounts are adjusted to reflect changes in incometax rates and other tax law provisions as they are enacted. The net change in deferred taxes is recorded directly to unassignedsurplus.
TheCompany is subject to tax-related audits. The Company accounts for any federal and foreign tax contingent liabilities in accordancewith Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles (“SSAP”) No. 5R, Liabilities, Contingencies and Impairments of Assetsas modified by SSAP No. 101, Income Taxes, and any state and other tax contingent liabilities in accordance with SSAP No. 5R.
Reinsurance
Reinsurancepremiums, claims and benefits, commission expense reimbursements, and reserves related to reinsured business ceded are accountedfor on a basis consistent with the accounting for the underlying direct policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.Premiums and benefits ceded to other companies have been reported as reductions of premium income and benefits in the accompanyingstatutory basis statements of operations. Policy and claim reserves are reported net of unbilled reinsurance recoverables. TheCompany has evaluated its reinsurance contracts and determined that all significant contracts transfer the underlying economicrisk of loss. CMFG Life, which is a related party, is the only reinsurer and there is no concern of default on reinsurance receivablebalances as CMFG Life is highly rated and well capitalized.
SeparateAccounts
TheCompany issues registered index annuities, the assets and liabilities of which are legally segregated and reflected in the accompanyingstatutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities and capital and surplus as assets and liabilities of the separate accounts.All separate account assets and liabilities are ceded to CMFG Life on a coinsurance basis except the variable annuity of the flexiblepremium variable and index-linked deferred annuities that are ceded on a modified coinsurance basis and the related assets andliabilities are retained in the Company’s separate account.
Separateaccount assets for the variable annuity component of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity are statedat fair value. Separate account liabilities are accounted for in a manner similar to other policy reserves. Separate account premiumdeposits, benefit expenses and contract fee income for investment management and policy administration are reflected by the Companyin the accompanying statutory basis statements of operations.
Thevariable annuity contract holders of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity are able to invest in investmentfunds managed for their benefit. All of the flexible premium variable and index-linked deferred annuity separate account assetsare invested in unit investment trusts that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of December 31, 2022and 2021.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
CMFGLife, on behalf of MEMBERS Life, invests the single premium deferred index annuity, single premium deferred index-linked interestoptions annuity, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index annuity and flexible premium deferred variable premiums forthe benefit of the contract holder. The single premium deferred index, single premium deferred modified guaranteed index and flexiblepremium variable and index-linked deferred annuities have two risk control accounts, referred to as the Secure and Growth Accounts;the Secure Account has a yearly credited interest rate floor of 0% and the yearly Growth Account floor is -10%. The Secure andGrowth Accounts both have credited interest rate caps that vary with issuance. The single premium deferred index-linked interestoptions annuity has risk control accounts, with either caps and floors or participation rates and buffers applied based on theperformance of an external index. For positive index performance, accounts with caps limit the interest credited to the policyholderat the cap; accounts with participation rates credit the full index performance multiplied by the participation rate to the policyholder.For negative index performance, floors represent the maximum negative interest credited a policyholder can receive, while thebuffer represents the maximum negative index return for an interest term that will not result in negative interest credited tothe contract. Interest is credited at the end of each contract year during the selected index term based on the allocation betweenrisk control accounts and the performance of an external index during that contract year. At the end of the initial index term,only the Secure Account will be available as an option to the policyholder.
Policyand Contract Claim Reserves
Liabilitiesestablished for unpaid benefits for life insurance contracts represent the estimated amounts required to cover the ultimate costof settling reported and incurred but unreported losses. These estimates are adjusted in the aggregate for ultimate loss expectationsbased on historical experience patterns and current economic trends. Any change in the probable ultimate liabilities, which mightarise from new information emerging, is reflected in the statutory basis statements of operations in the period the change isdetermined to be necessary. Such adjustments could be material.
Thepolicy and contract claim reserves are 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
PolicyReserves
Lifeinsurance reserves: Traditional life insurance reserves are computed on either the net level reserve basis or the Commissioner’sReserve Valuation Method (“CRVM”) basis dependent on product type and issue date using the applicable mortality table.
TheCompany waives deduction of deferred fractional premiums upon death of the insured and returns the portion of the final premiumbeyond the date of death. Surrender values are not promised in excess of legally computed reserves.
Extrapremiums are charged for substandard lives, plus the gross premium for a rated age. Mean reserves are determined by computingthe regular mean reserve for the plan at the rated age and holding, plus one-half of the extra premium charge for the year.
Tabularinterest, tabular less actual reserves released, tabular cost and tabular interest on funds not involving life contingencies haveall been determined by formulas prescribed by the Insurance Department.
Individualannuity reserves: Policyholder reserves related to individual annuity contracts are computed using the Commissioner’s AnnuityReserve Valuation Method (“CARVM”), along with Valuation Manual (“VM”) 21, for equity indexed annuitiesand variable annuities, during the contract accumulation period and the present value of future payments for contracts that haveannuitized. Policy reserves related to the registered index annuities contracts are computed using CARVM, along with ActuarialGuideline (“AG”) 33 and 35 and VM 21 for policies greater than ten days after issue; for the first ten days, the reserveis equal to the return of premium. A reserve floor for all deferred annuities is set equal to the cash surrender value. The policyreserves are 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Liabilityfor Deposit-Type Contracts
TheCompany recognizes a liability for policyholder deposits that are not subject to policyholder mortality or longevity risk at thestated account value. The account value equals the sum of the original deposit plus accumulated interest, less any withdrawalsand expense charges. Such deposits primarily represent annuity contracts without life contingencies.
Theliability for deposit-type contracts is 100% ceded to CMFG Life.
StatutoryValuation Reserves
TheIMR is maintained for the purpose of stabilizing the surplus of the Company against gains and losses on sales of investments thatare primarily attributable to changing interest rates. The interest rate-related gains and losses are deferred and amortized intoincome over the remaining lives of the securities sold. If the IMR is calculated to be a net asset, it is nonadmitted.
TheAVR is a formulaic reserve for fluctuations in the values of invested assets, primarily bonds and notes, mortgage loans, commonstocks and limited partnerships. Changes in the AVR are charged or credited directly to unassigned surplus.
OtherLiabilities
TheCompany issues the registered index annuities on the 10th and 25th of each month. The Company recognizes a liability on contractsfor which it has received cash, but has not issued a contract. Other liabilities primarily consist of these customer fundspending completion of the policy issuance process. The customer funds are released from other liabilities when the policy applicationis completed.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note3: Investments
Bondsand Notes
Thestatement value, which generally represents amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investments inbonds and notes at December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Gross | | | Gross | | | | |
| | | Statement | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | | |
| | | Value | | | Gains | | | Losses | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 8,724 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (1,817 | ) | | $ | 6,907 | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 27,887 | | | | - | | | | (1,434 | ) | | | 26,453 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | - | | | | (56 | ) | | | 569 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | - | | | | (257 | ) | | | 3,606 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | - | | | | (175 | ) | | | 4,581 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (3,739 | ) | | $ | 42,116 | |
Thestatement value, which generally represents amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of investments inbonds and notes at December 31, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Gross | | | Gross | | | | |
| | | Statement | | | Unrealized | | | Unrealized | | | | |
| | | Value | | | Gains | | | Losses | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 8,729 | | | $ | 1,090 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 9,819 | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 14,939 | | | | 654 | | | | (232 | ) | | | 15,361 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 830 | | | | 34 | | | | - | | | | 864 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 1,953 | | | | - | | | | (37 | ) | | | 1,916 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 999 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | 1,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 27,450 | | | $ | 1,780 | | | $ | (269 | ) | | $ | 28,961 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Thestatement value and fair value of bonds and notes at December 31, 2022, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturitiesmay differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or withoutcall or prepayment penalties. Because of the potential for prepayment on residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backedand non-mortgage asset-backed securities, such securities have not been classified by expected maturity in the table below bycontractual maturity.
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | Statement | | | | |
| | | Value | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | |
| Due in one year or less | | $ | 1,998 | | | $ | 1,981 | |
| Due after one year through five years | | | 14,611 | | | | 14,244 | |
| Due after five years through ten years | | | 11,278 | | | | 10,228 | |
| Due after ten years | | | 8,724 | | | | 6,907 | |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 625 | | | | 569 | |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 3,863 | | | | 3,606 | |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,756 | | | | 4,581 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | |
Cashand Cash Equivalents
Thedetails of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Cash equivalents | | $ | 42,915 | | | $ | 37,939 | |
| Cash | | | 4,857 | | | | 786 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 47,772 | | | $ | 38,725 | |
NetInvestment Income
Sourcesof net investment income for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 1,064 | | | $ | 792 | | | $ | 954 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | 693 | | | | 12 | | | | 116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross investment income | | | 1,757 | | | | 804 | | | | 1,070 | |
| Less investment expenses | | | 78 | | | | 56 | | | | 53 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 1,679 | | | $ | 748 | | | $ | 1,017 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Investmentexpenses are charged by a related party for investment management fees and include interest, salaries, brokerage fees and securities’custodial fees.
Dueand accrued investment income over 90 days past due is excluded from the statutory basis statements of admitted assets, liabilities,and capital and surplus as a nonadmitted asset. There was no accrued investment income excluded at December 31, 2022 or 2021 onthis basis.
NetRealized Capital Gains (Losses)
Netrealized capital gains (losses) for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross gains from sales of bonds and notes | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1 | |
| Other | | | - | | | | - | | | | (142 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Realized capital gains (losses) before taxes and transfer to IMR | | | - | | | | - | | | | (141 | ) |
| Tax on realized capital gains (losses) | | | (5 | ) | | | (21 | ) | | | (100 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net realized capital gains (losses) | | $ | (5 | ) | | $ | (21 | ) | | $ | (241 | ) |
Therewere no sales of bonds and notes in 2022 or 2021. Proceeds from the sale of bonds and notes were $2,002 in 2020.
Other-Than-TemporaryInvestment Impairments
Investmentsecurities are reviewed for OTTI on an ongoing basis. The Company creates a watchlist of securities based primarily on the fairvalue of an investment security relative to its amortized cost. When the fair value drops below the Company’s amortizedcost, the Company monitors the security for OTTI. The determination of OTTI requires significant judgment on the part of the Companyand depends on several factors, including, but not limited to:
| ● | The existence of any plans to sell the investment security. |
| ● | The extent to which fair value is less than statement value. |
| ● | The underlying reason for the decline in fair value (credit concerns, interest rates, etc.). |
| ● | The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer/borrower, including the ability to meet contractual obligations, relevant industry trends and conditions and cash flow analysis. |
| ● | For mortgage-backed and structured securities, the Company’s intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. |
| ● | The Company’s ability to recover all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the agreements. |
| ● | The Company’s collateral position, in the case of bankruptcy or restructuring. |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Abond or note is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis andits value is not expected to recover through the Company’s holding period. When this occurs, the Company records a realizedcapital loss equal to the difference between the amortized cost and fair value. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impairedsecurity becomes its new amortized cost. If the bond is a loan-backed or structured security, it is considered to be other-than-temporarilyimpaired when the amortized cost exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and its value is not expectedto recover through the Company’s holding period. The amount of the OTTI recognized in the Statutory Basis Statement of Operationsas a realized loss equals the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its expected cash flows.
Managementbelieves it has made an appropriate provision for other-than-temporarily impaired securities owned at December 31, 2022 and 2021.Future declines in fair value may result in additional OTTI. Additional OTTI will be recorded as appropriate and as determinedby the Company’s regular monitoring procedures of additional facts. In light of the variables involved, such additionalOTTI could be significant.
TheCompany did not recognize any OTTI on mortgage-backed and structured securities during 2022, 2021 and 2020 caused by an intentto sell or lack of intent and ability to hold until recovery of the amortized cost basis.
NetUnrealized Capital Gains (Losses)
Informationregarding the Company’s bonds and notes with unrealized losses at December 31, 2022 is presented below, segregated betweenthose that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and those that have been in a continuousunrealized loss position for twelve or more months.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Months in Unrealized Loss Position | | | | | | | |
| | | Less Than | | | Twelve | | | Total | |
| | | Twelve Months | | | Months or Greater | | | December 31, 2022 | |
| | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. government and agencies | | $ | 6,907 | | | $ | (1,817 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,907 | | | $ | (1,817 | ) |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 20,846 | | | | (361 | ) | | | 5,607 | | | | (1,073 | ) | | | 26,453 | | | | (1,434 | ) |
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | | | 569 | | | | (56 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 569 | | | | (56 | ) |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 1,906 | | | | (28 | ) | | | 1,700 | | | | (229 | ) | | | 3,606 | | | | (257 | ) |
| Non-mortgage asset-backed securities | | | 4,581 | | | | (175 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 4,581 | | | | (175 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 34,809 | | | $ | (2,437 | ) | | $ | 7,307 | | | $ | (1,302 | ) | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | (3,739 | ) |
AtDecember 31, 2022, the Company owned 37 securities with a fair value of $42,116 in an unrealized loss position. The Company owned7 industrial and miscellaneous securities and one commercial mortgage-backed security of $1,073 and $229, respectively, in unrealizedloss positions greater than twelve months. The aggregate severity of unrealized losses for bonds and notes with a loss periodof 12 months or greater is approximately 15.1% of amortized cost. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31,2022 are rated “investment grade” based on having an NAIC rating of 1 or 2.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Informationregarding the Company’s bonds and notes with unrealized losses at December 31, 2021 is presented below, segregated betweenthose that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and those that have been in a continuousunrealized loss position for twelve or more months.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Months in Unrealized Loss Position | | | | | | | |
| | | Less Than | | | Twelve | | | Total | |
| | | Twelve Months | | | Months or Greater | | | December 31 | |
| | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | | | Fair Value | | | Unrealized
Loss | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 4,742 | | | $ | (232 | ) | | $ | 4,742 | | | $ | (232 | ) |
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | | | 1,916 | | | | (37 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,916 | | | | (37 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total bonds and notes | | $ | 1,916 | | | $ | (37 | ) | | $ | 4,742 | | | $ | (232 | ) | | $ | 6,658 | | | $ | (269 | ) |
AtDecember 31, 2021, the Company owned six securities with a fair value of $6,658 in an unrealized loss position. The Company ownedfive industrial and miscellaneous securities and one commercial mortgage-backed security with an unrealized loss of $232 and $37,respectively. All the securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2021 are rated “investment grade” based onhaving an NAIC rating of 1 or 2.
RestrictedAssets
Iowalaw requires that assets equal to a life insurer’s legal reserve must be designated for the Insurance Department for theprotection of all policyholders. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, securities with admitted asset values of $45,905 and $27,500,respectively, were on deposit with government authorities as required by law to satisfy regulatory requirements. These holdingsas a percentage of total assets and total admitted assets were 13% and 13%, respectively, as of December 31, 2022 and 7% and 7%,respectively, as of December 31, 2021.
InvestmentCredit Risk
TheCompany maintains a diversified investment portfolio including issuer, sector and geographic stratification, where applicable,and has established certain exposure limits, diversification standards, and review procedures to mitigate credit risk.
Note4: Fair Value
TheCompany uses fair value measurements to record fair value of certain assets and liabilities and to estimate fair value of financialinstruments not recorded at fair value but required to be disclosed at fair value. Certain financial instruments, such as insurancepolicy liabilities other than deposit-type contracts, are excluded from the fair value disclosure requirements. The Company usesfair value measurements obtained using observable inputs or internally determined estimates to estimate fair value.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
ValuationHierarchy
Fairvalue is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transactionbetween market participants at the measurement date.
Thefair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets and liabilities intothree broad levels. The Company has categorized its financial instruments, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in thevaluation technique, as follows:
| ● | Level 1: Inputs are directly observable and represent quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. |
| ● | Level 2: All significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for the asset or liability. This includes: (i) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the instruments and (iv) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. |
| ● | Level 3: One or more significant inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. |
Forpurposes of determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, observable inputs are those inputsused by market participants in valuing financial instruments, which are developed based on market data obtained fromindependent sources. In the absence of sufficient observable inputs, unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’sestimates of the assumptions market participants would use in valuing financial assets and liabilities, are developed basedon the best information available in the circumstances. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of themeasurement date. In some instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair valuehierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significantto the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Thehierarchy requires the use of market observable information when available for measuring fair value. The availability of observableinputs varies by investment. In situations where the fair value is based on inputs that are unobservable in the market or on inputsfrom inactive markets, the determination of fair value requires more judgment and is subject to the risk of variability. The degreeof judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for investments categorized in Level 3. Transfersin and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the end of the quarter in which the transfer occurred.Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized gains and losses and all changes in unrealized gains and losses in thefourth quarter are not reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table.
ValuationProcess
TheCompany is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company usesa consistent application of valuation methodologies and inputs and compliance with accounting standards through the executionof various processes and controls designed to provide assurance that assets and liabilities are appropriately valued.
TheCompany has policies and guidelines that require the establishment of valuation methodologies and consistent application of suchmethodologies. These policies and guidelines govern the use of inputs and price source hierarchies and provide controls aroundthe valuation processes. These controls include appropriate review and analysis of prices against market activity or indicatorsof reasonableness, approval of price source changes, price overrides, methodology changes and classification of fair value hierarchylevels. The valuation policies and guidelines are reviewed and updated as appropriate.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Forfair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes are designed to provide assurancethat the valuation methodologies and inputs are appropriate and consistently applied, the assumptions are reasonable and consistentwith the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are appropriately recorded. The Company performs proceduresto understand and assess the methodologies, processes, and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company mayvalidate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to otherthird-party valuation sources for selected securities. When using internal valuation models, these models are developed by theCompany’s investment group using established methodologies. The models, including key assumptions, are reviewed with variousinvestment sector professionals, accounting, operations, compliance, and risk management professionals. In addition, when fairvalue estimates involve a high degree of subjectivity, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management whohave relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
TransfersBetween Levels
Therewere no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Determinationof Fair Values
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31,2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets, at Fair Value | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash equivalents | | $ | 42,915 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 42,915 | |
| Separate account assets | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets at fair value | | $ | 42,915 | | | $ | 229,659 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 272,574 | |
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31,2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets, at Fair Value | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash equivalents | | $ | 37,939 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 37,939 | |
| Separate account assets | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total assets at fair value | | $ | 37,939 | | | $ | 294,305 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 332,244 | |
Therewere no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
FairValue Measurement of Financial Instruments
Accountingstandards require disclosure of fair value information about certain on and off-balance sheet financial instruments for whichit is practicable to estimate that value.
Thefollowing table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicableto estimate fair value by fair value measurement level at December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Carrying | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Amount | | | Fair Value | | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial instruments recorded as assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 45,855 | | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 42,116 | | | $ | - | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | 42,915 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 229,659 | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | | | | 229,659 | | | | - | |
Thefollowing table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicableto estimate fair value by fair value measurement level at December 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Carrying | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Amount | | | Fair Value | | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial instruments recorded as assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bonds and notes | | $ | 27,450 | | | $ | 28,961 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 27,961 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | 37,939 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Separate account assets | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
| Financial instruments recorded as liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Separate account liabilities | | | 294,305 | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | | | | 294,305 | | | | - | |
Thecarrying amounts for accrued net investment income and certain receivables and payables approximate fair value due to their short-termnature and have been excluded from the fair value tables above.
Thefollowing methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instrumentsby fair value hierarchy level:
Level1 Measurements
Cashequivalents: Consists of money market mutual funds reported as cash equivalents. Valuation for money market mutual funds isbased on the closing price as of the balance sheet date.
Level2 Measurements
Bondsand notes: Valuation is principally based on observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets in markets thatare active and observable market data.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Separateaccount assets and liabilities: Separate account assets are investments in mutual funds and unit investment trusts in whichthe contract holders could redeem their investment at net asset value per share at the measurement date with the investee; andmutual funds where valuation is principally based on observable inputs including quoted prices for similar assets in markets thatare active and observable market data. Separate account liabilities represent the account value owed to the customer; the fairvalue is determined by reference to the fair value of the related separate account assets.
Level3 Measurements
Bondsand notes: Valuation is principally based on unobservable inputs that are significant including estimated prices for assetsin markets that may not be active. When available, market indices and observable inputs, along with analytical modeling are used.
Note5: Income Tax
TheCompany is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of CMHC along with the following affiliates, which are alsosubsidiaries of CMHC: CMFG Life, CUMIS Mortgage Reinsurance Company, CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc., CUMIS Specialty InsuranceCompany, Inc., CUMIS Vermont, Inc., CMIC, CUNA Mutual Insurance Agency, Inc., CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”),International Commons, Inc., MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc., CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc., TruStage Financial Group, Inc.,CUNA Mutual Global Holdings, Inc., CuneXus Solutions, Inc. and Family Considerations, Inc.
TheCompany has entered into a tax sharing agreement with CMHC and certain of its subsidiaries. The agreement provides for the allocationof tax expense based on each subsidiary’s contribution to the consolidated federal income tax liability. Pursuant to theagreement, subsidiaries that have incurred losses are reimbursed regardless of the utilization of the loss in the current year.
Currentincome tax expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Federal income tax expense on operations | | $ | 1,142 | | | $ | 1,668 | | | $ | 256 | |
| Federal income tax expense on realized capital gains (losses) | | | 5 | | | | 21 | | | | 100 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Federal income tax expense | | $ | 1,147 | | | $ | 1,689 | | | $ | 356 | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
The2022 change in net deferred income tax is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 5,117 | | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | 1,926 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| Net deferred tax asset (excluding nonadmitted) | | $ | 5,117 | | | $ | 3,011 | | | | 2,106 | |
| Tax effect of unrealized capital gains and losses, unrealized foreign exchange capital gains and losses, and changes as a result of other surplus adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | (337 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,769 | |
The2021 change in net deferred income tax is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | 1,108 | | | $ | 2,083 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (180 | ) | | | (197 | ) | | | 17 | |
| Net deferred tax asset (excluding nonadmitted) | | $ | 3,011 | | | $ | 911 | | | | 2,100 | |
| Tax effect of unrealized capital gains and losses, unrealized foreign exchange capital gains and losses, and changes as a result of other surplus adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,100 | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
The2020 change in net deferred income tax is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | | |
| | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 1,108 | | | $ | 1,010 | | | $ | 98 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (197 | ) | | | (340 | ) | | | 143 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net deferred tax asset (excluding nonadmitted) | | $ | 911 | | | $ | 670 | | | | 241 | |
| Tax effect of unrealized capital gains and losses, unrealized foreign exchange capital gains and losses, and changes as a result of other surplus adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | | | | | | | | $ | 241 | |
Reconciliationto U.S. Tax Rate
Thetotal statutory provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 21% to income before federal income taxes plus gross realized capital gains (losses) dueto the items listed in the following reconciliation:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Tax expense computed at federal corporate rate | | $ | 354 | | | $ | 207 | | | $ | 116 | |
| Foreign tax credit | | | (79 | ) | | | (42 | ) | | | (32 | ) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) related to prior years | | | (19 | ) | | | 508 | | | | (82 | ) |
| Nonadmitted assets | | | (791 | ) | | | (997 | ) | | | 161 | |
| Interest maintenance reserve amortization | | | 15 | | | | 21 | | | | 26 | |
| Dividends received deductions | | | (106 | ) | | | (108 | ) | | | (76 | ) |
| Other | | | 4 | | | | - | | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total statutory income taxes | | $ | (622 | ) | | $ | (411 | ) | | $ | 116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Federal income tax expense | | $ | 1,147 | | | $ | 1,689 | | | $ | 356 | |
| Change in net deferred income tax | | | (1,769 | ) | | | (2,100 | ) | | | (240 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total statutory income taxes | | $ | (622 | ) | | $ | (411 | ) | | $ | 116 | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
DeferredIncome Taxes
Thecomponents of the net deferred tax asset at December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross deferred tax assets | | $ | 4,976 | | | $ | 141 | | | $ | 5,117 | | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 3,191 | | | $ | 1,785 | | | $ | 141 | | | $ | 1,926 | |
| Statutory valuation allowance adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Adjusted gross deferred tax assets | | | 4,976 | | | | 141 | | | | 5,117 | | | | 3,191 | | | | - | | | | 3,191 | | | | 1,785 | | | | 141 | | | | 1,926 | |
| Deferred tax assets nonadmitted | | | (4,471 | ) | | | (141 | ) | | | (4,612 | ) | | | (2,448 | ) | | | - | | | | (2,448 | ) | | | (2,023 | ) | | | (141 | ) | | | (2,164 | ) |
| Admitted deferred tax assets | | | 505 | | | | - | | | | 505 | | | | 743 | | | | - | | | | 743 | | | | (238 | ) | | | - | | | | (238 | ) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | (180 | ) | | | - | | | | 180 | | | | 180 | |
| Net admitted deferred tax assets | | $ | 505 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | (180 | ) | | $ | 563 | | | $ | (238 | ) | | $ | 180 | | | $ | (58 | ) |
Thenonadmitted deferred tax asset increased $2,164 in 2022 and $1,792 in 2021. There are no known deferred tax liabilities not recognized.Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a statutory valuation allowance adjustment if it is more likely than not that some portionor all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Based on the Company’s assessment, no valuation allowance was requiredas of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thetax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities atDecember 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred acquisition costs | | $ | 2,871 | | | $ | 1,904 | | | $ | 967 | |
| Miscellaneous nonadmitted assets | | | 2,012 | | | | 1,221 | | | | 791 | |
| Other - accrued general expense | | | 93 | | | | 66 | | | | 27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal ordinary deferred tax assets | | | 4,976 | | | | 3,191 | | | | 1,785 | |
| Nonadmitted ordinary deferred tax assets | | | (4,471 | ) | | | (2,448 | ) | | | (2,023 | ) |
| Admitted ordinary deferred tax assets | | | 505 | | | | 743 | | | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | 141 | | | | - | | | | 141 | |
| Subtotal capital deferred tax assets | | | 141 | | | | - | | | | 141 | |
| Nonadmitted capital deferred tax assets | | | (141 | ) | | | - | | | | (141 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Admitted capital deferred tax asset | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Admitted deferred tax assets | | | 505 | | | | 743 | | | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| Subtotal capital deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | | - | | | | (180 | ) | | | 180 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net admitted deferred tax asset | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 563 | | | $ | (58 | ) |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
DeferredTax Asset Admission Calculation
Thecomponents of the deferred tax asset admission calculation at December 31 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | | | Ordinary | | | Capital | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (a) Federal income taxes paid in prior years recoverable through loss carrybacks | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| (b) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized after application of the threshold limitation; the lesser of (i) or (ii): | | | 505 | | | | - | | | | 505 | | | | 563 | | | | - | | | | 563 | | | | (58 | ) | | | - | | | | (58 | ) |
| (i) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized following the balance sheet date | | | 505 | | | | - | | | | 505 | | | | 563 | | | | - | | | | 563 | | | | (58 | ) | | | - | | | | (58 | ) |
| (ii) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets allowed per limitation threshold | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,732 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,261 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,471 | |
| (c) Adjusted gross deferred tax assets offset by gross deferred tax liabilities | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 180 | | | | - | | | | 180 | | | | (180 | ) | | | - | | | | (180 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Admitted deferred tax assets | | $ | 505 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 505 | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 743 | | | $ | (238 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (238 | ) |
Theamounts calculated in (b)(i) and (b)(ii) in the table above are based on the following information:
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Ratio percentage used to determine recovery period and threshold limitation amount (RBC reporting entity) | | | 5775 | % | | | 6909 | % |
| Recovery period used in (b)(i) | | | 3 years | | | | 3 years | |
| Percentage of adjusted capital and surplus used in (b)(ii) | | | 15 | % | | | 15 | % |
| Amount of adjusted capital and surplus used in (b)(ii) | | $ | 51,544 | | | $ | 35,074 | |
Notax planning strategies were used in the calculation of adjusted gross deferred tax assets or net admitted adjusted gross deferredtax assets during 2022 and 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
OtherTax Items
Asof December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any federal capital loss, operating loss, or credit carryforwards.
TheCompany has no taxes incurred in 2022, 2021, and 2020 that are available for recoupment in the event of future capital losses.
TheCompany did not have any protective tax deposits under Section 6603 of the Internal Revenue Code.
TheCompany did not have any tax contingencies as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and has no tax loss contingencies for which it isreasonably possible that the total liability will significantly increase within twelve months of the reporting date.
TheCompany recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to tax contingencies, if any, in income tax expense in the statutorybasis statements of operations.
TheCompany is included in a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return filed by CMHC. The Company also files income tax returnsin various states. The Company is subject to tax audits. These audits may result in additional tax liabilities. For the majorjurisdictions where it operates, the Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examination by tax authorities for theyears ended before 2019.
InAugust 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Act”) was passed by the US Congress and signed into law. TheAct includes a new Federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”), effective in 2023, that is based on the adjusted financialstatement income (“AFSI”) set forth on the applicable financial statement (“AFS”) of an applicable corporation.A corporation is an applicable corporation if its rolling average pre-tax AFSI over three prior years (starting with 2020-2022)is greater than $1,000,000. For a group of related entities, the $1,000,000 threshold is determined on a group basis, and thegroup’s AFS is generally treated as the AFS for all separate taxpayers in the group. Except under limited circumstances,once a corporation is an applicable corporation, it is an applicable corporation in all future years.
Anapplicable corporation is not automatically subject to an AMT liability. The corporation’s tentative AMT liability is equalto 15% of its adjusted AFSI, and AMT is payable to the extent the tentative AMT liability exceeds regular corporate income tax.However, any AMT paid would be indefinitely available as a credit carryover that could reduce future regular tax in excess ofAMT.
Thecontrolled group of corporations of which the Company is a member has determined that it likely will not be an applicable corporationin 2023. In making such determination, the group has made certain interpretations of, and assumptions regarding, the AMT provisionsof the Act. The US Treasury Department is expected to issue guidance throughout 2023 that may differ from the group’s interpretationsand assumptions and that could alter the group’s determination. No provision for the AMT has been made in the Company’scurrent or deferred tax accounts as of December 31, 2022.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note6: Related Party Transactions
Inthe normal course of business, the Company has various transactions with related entities, primarily CMFG Life, such as informationtechnology support, benefit plan administration and costs associated with accounting, actuarial, tax, investment and administrativeservices. In certain circumstances, expenses are shared between the companies. Expenses incurred that are specifically identifiablewith a particular company are borne by that company; other expenses are allocated among the companies on the basis of time andusage studies. Amounts due from related party activity are generally settled monthly. The Company reimbursed CMFG Life $79,869,$67,119 and $47,364 for allocated expenses in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Asof December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, $24,611 and $17,091 was due to CMFG Life for such expense sharing transactions andrelated party borrowing transactions, as described above.
TheCompany utilizes CBSI, which is 100% owned by CMIC, to distribute its annuity products. Beginning in May 2022, CBSI advisors arelicensed with LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”), an unaffiliated third party, such that starting in June 2022, commissionsare paid to LPL prior to being collected by CBSI. The Company recorded a commission expense for this service of $32,497 in 2022,$49,484 in 2021 and $36,884 for 2020, which is included in insurance taxes, licenses, fees and commissions.
TheCompany received a non-cash capital contribution from its parent, CMIC, of $20,017 during the year ended December 31, 2022. Suchamount included $19,680 of bonds and $337 of a related deferred tax asset. The Company did not receive a capital contributionin 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note7: Reinsurance
TheCompany entered into coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreements with its affiliate, CMFG Life, to cede 100% of its life,accident and health, and annuity business. The Company entered into the agreements for the purpose of limiting its exposure toloss on any one single insured, diversifying its risk and limiting its overall financial exposure to certain products, and tomeet its overall financial objectives. The Company retains the risk of loss in the event that CMFG Life is unable to meet theobligations assumed under the reinsurance agreements.
Thefollowing table shows the effect of reinsurance on premiums, contract charges, benefits and surrenders, and increase in policyreserves for 2022, 2021, and 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Premiums earned: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 1,324,876 | | | $ | 1,580,410 | | | $ | 1,170,733 | |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (1,324,876 | ) | | | (1,580,410 | ) | | | (1,170,733 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Premiums earned, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contract charges | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 5,744 | | | $ | (1,598 | ) | | $ | (836 | ) |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (5,744 | ) | | | 1,598 | | | | 836 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contract charges, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits and surrender expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 538,661 | | | $ | 491,970 | | | $ | 348,428 | |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (538,661 | ) | | | (491,970 | ) | | | (348,428 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits and surrender expenses, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in policy reserves: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Direct | | $ | 109,870 | | | $ | 8,624 | | | $ | (2,136 | ) |
| Ceded to affiliates | | | (109,870 | ) | | | (8,624 | ) | | | 2,136 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in policy reserves, net of reinsurance | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Policyreserves and claim liabilities are stated net of reinsurance balances ceded of $167,272 and $52,607 in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
TheCompany receives a reinsurance ceding commission equal to 100% of its actual expenses for life insurance and annuities ceded toCMFG Life, which was $163,472, $169,103 and $103,297 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note8: Annuity Reserves and Deposit-Type Liabilities
Thefollowing tables show an analysis of annuity actuarial reserves and deposit type contract liabilities by withdrawal characteristicsat December 31, 2022:
IndividualAnnuities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Separate | | | Separate | | | | | | | |
| | | General | | | Account with | | | Account | | | | | | % of | |
| | | Account | | | Guarantees | | | Nonguaranteed | | | Total | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal - lump sum: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| With market value adjustment | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,457,388 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,457,388 | | | | 91.8 | % |
| At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more | | | 402 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 402 | | | | 0.0 | % |
| At fair value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 225,401 | | | | 225,401 | | | | 3.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total with adjustment or at fair value | | | 402 | | | | 6,457,388 | | | | 225,401 | | | | 6,683,191 | | | | 95.0 | % |
| At book value with minimal or no charge adjustment | | | - | | | | 229,185 | | | | - | | | | 229,185 | | | | 3.3 | % |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | | 122,176 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 122,176 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 122,578 | | | | 6,686,573 | | | | 225,401 | | | | 7,034,552 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 122,578 | | | | 6,686,573 | | | | - | | | | 6,809,151 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | 225,401 | | | | | |
TheCompany had policy liabilities associated with its separate accounts of $225,401 as of December 31, 2022.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Deposit-TypeContracts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Separate | | | | Separate | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | General | | | | Account with | | | | Account | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | Account | | | | Guarantees | | | | Nonguaranteed | | | | Total | | | | Total | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | $ | 8,041 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 8,041 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 8,041 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,041 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 8,041 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,041 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | | | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thefollowing table shows life policy reserves by withdrawal characteristics at December 31, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | General Account | | | Separate Account -
Guaranteed and Non Guaranteed | |
| | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal, surrender values, or policy loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies with cash value | | $ | - | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 38 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| Universal life | | | 2,232 | | | | 2,232 | | | | 2,278 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Other permanent cash value life insurance | | | - | | | | 15,385 | | | | 19,884 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | 59 | | | | 59 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal or no cash values: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies without cash value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,503 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Accidental death benefits | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - active lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - disabled lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 38 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | - | | | | 49 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross reserves before reinsurance | | | 2,232 | | | | 17,698 | | | | 25,857 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ceded reinsurance | | | 2,232 | | | | 17,698 | | | | 25,857 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net reserves | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thefollowing tables show an analysis of annuity actuarial reserves and deposit type contract liabilities by withdrawal characteristicsat 2021:
IndividualAnnuities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Separate | | | | Separate | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | General | | | | Account with | | | | Account | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | Account | | | | Guarantees | | | | Nonguaranteed | | | | Total | | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal - lump sum: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| With market value adjustment | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,370,222 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,370,222 | | | | 94.2 | % |
| At book value less surrender charge of 5% or more | | | 3,783 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,783 | | | | 0.1 | % |
| At fair value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 285,266 | | | | 285,266 | | | | 4.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total with adjustment or at fair value | | | 3,783 | | | | 6,370,222 | | | | 285,266 | | | | 6,659,271 | | | | 98.4 | % |
| At book value with minimal or no charge adjustment | | | 403 | | | | 95,657 | | | | - | | | | 96,060 | | | | 1.4 | % |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | | 8,838 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,838 | | | | 0.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 13,024 | | | | 6,465,879 | | | | 285,266 | | | | 6,764,169 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 13,024 | | | | 6,465,879 | | | | - | | | | 6,478,903 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | | | $ | 285,266 | | | | | |
TheCompany had policy liabilities associated with its separate accounts of $285,266 as of December 31, 2021.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Deposit-TypeContracts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Separate | | | Separate | | | | | | | |
| | | General | | | Account with | | | Account | | | | | | % of | |
| | | Account | | | Guarantees | | | Nonguaranteed | | | Total | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | $ | 6,053 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 6,053 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | | 6,053 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,053 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| Reinsurance ceded | | | 6,053 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,053 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | | | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Thefollowing table shows life policy reserves by withdrawal characteristics at December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | General
Account | | | | | | | | | Separate
Account -
Guaranteed
and Non
Guaranteed | | | | | | | |
| | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | | | Account
Value | | | Cash
Value | | | Reserve | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subject to discretionary withdrawal, surrender values, or policy loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies with cash value | | $ | - | | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 52 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| Universal life | | | 2,523 | | | | 2,523 | | | | 2,575 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Other permanent cash value life insurance | | | - | | | | 12,666 | | | | 13,555 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Variable universal life | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | 488 | | | | 488 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal or no cash values: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term policies without cash value | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,024 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Accidental death benefits | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - active lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Disability - disabled lives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 45 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Miscellaneous reserves | | | - | | | | - | | | | 57 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross reserves before reinsurance | | | 2,523 | | | | 15,706 | | | | 20,804 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ceded reinsurance | | | 2,523 | | | | 15,706 | | | | 20,804 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net reserves | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements ($ in 000s) |
Note9: Statutory Financial Data and Dividend Restrictions
TheCompany is subject to statutory regulations as to maintenance of policyholders’ surplus and payment of stockholder dividends.Generally, dividends to a parent must be reported to the appropriate state regulatory authority in advance of payment and extraordinarydividends, as defined by statutes, require regulatory approval. The Company cannot pay stockholder dividends in 2023 without regulatoryapproval.
Risk-basedcapital (“RBC”) requirements promulgated by the NAIC and adopted by the Insurance Department require U.S. life insurersto maintain minimum capitalization levels that are determined based on formulas incorporating asset risk, insurance risk, andbusiness risk. The adequacy of the Company’s actual capital is evaluated by a comparison to the RBC results, as determinedby the formula. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s adjusted capital exceeded the RBC minimum requirements, asrequired by the NAIC. The Company could pay $5,205 in stockholder dividends in 2022 without the approval of the Insurance Department.
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note10: Commitments and Contingencies
LegalMatters
Variouslegal and regulatory actions, including state market conduct exams and federal tax audits, are currently pending that involvethe Company and specific aspects of its conduct of business. Like other members of the insurance industry, the Company is routinelyinvolved in a number of lawsuits and other types of proceedings, some of which may involve claims for substantial or indeterminateamounts. These actions are based on a variety of issues and involve a range of the Company’s practices. The ultimate outcome ofthese disputes is unpredictable.
Thesematters in some cases raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities,including but not limited to, the underlying facts of each matter; novel legal issues; variations between jurisdictions in whichmatters are being litigated, heard or investigated; differences in applicable laws and judicial interpretations; the length oftime before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement, through litigation or otherwise and, in some cases, the timingof their resolutions relative to other similar matters involving other companies. In connection with regulatory examinations andproceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution and changes in businesspractices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examinationor proceeding. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all such pending actions will notmaterially affect the statutory basis financial statements of the Company.
Note11: Unassigned Surplus
Nonadmittedassets at December 31 reduce unassigned surplus and include the following:
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| Nonadmitted assets: | | | | | | | | |
| Net deferred tax asset | | $ | 4,612 | | | $ | 2,448 | |
| Accounts receivable - nonaffiliated | | | 6,599 | | | | 4,474 | |
| Prepaid expenses | | | 494 | | | | 382 | |
| Interest maintenance reserve | | | 740 | | | | 809 | |
| Debit suspense balances | | | 2,488 | | | | 957 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total nonadmitted assets | | $ | 14,933 | | | $ | 9,070 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Note12: Separate Accounts
Separateaccounts represent funds that are invested to support the variable component of the Company’s obligations under the flexiblepremium variable and index-linked deferred annuity contracts.
Informationrelating to the Company’s flexible premium variable separate account business as of December 31 is set forth in the tablesbelow:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reserves with assets held: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| At fair value | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| At amortized cost | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Total | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reserves with assets subject to discretionary withdrawal: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| At fair value | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| With fair value adjustment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Not subject to discretionary withdrawal | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Total | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
Thefollowing table shows the premiums and deposits for flexible premium variable contracts recorded in the separate accounts forthe years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-guaranteed premiums, considerations and deposits received for separate account policies | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | - | | | $ | 225,401 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 285,266 | |
| |
| MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| Notes to Statutory Basis Financial Statements |
| ($ in 000s) |
| |
Detailsof the net transfers to separate accounts for all annuity contracts are shown in the table below for the years ended:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | | | Indexed with
Guarantees | | | Non-
Guaranteed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transfers to separate accounts | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,295,577 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,556,187 | |
| Transfers from separate accounts | | | - | | | | (1,291,131 | ) | | | - | | | | (1,527,283 | ) |
| Valuation adjustment | | | - | | | | (8,520 | ) | | | - | | | | 3,534 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net transfers to (from) separate accounts | | $ | - | | | $ | (4,074 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | 32,438 | |
Note13: Subsequent Events
TheCompany evaluated subsequent events through March 15, 2023, the date the statutory basis financial statements were available forissuance. There were no significant subsequent events that require adjustment to or disclosure in the accompanying statutory basisfinancial statements.
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Supplemental Schedules |
| December 31, 2022 |
| |
SupplementalSchedules
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Investment income earned: | | | |
| Government bonds | | $ | 152 | |
| Other bonds (unaffiliated) | | | 912 | |
| Bonds of affiliates | | | - | |
| Preferred stocks (unaffiliated) | | | - | |
| Preferred stocks of affiliates | | | - | |
| Common stocks (unaffiliated) | | | - | |
| Common stocks of affiliates | | | - | |
| Mortgage loans | | | - | |
| Real estate | | | - | |
| Premium notes, contract loans and liens | | | - | |
| Collateral loans | | | - | |
| Cash | | | - | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 693 | |
| Short-term investments | | | - | |
| Other invested assets | | | - | |
| Derivative financial instruments | | | - | |
| Aggregate write-in for investment income | | | - | |
| Gross investment income | | $ | 1,757 | |
| | | | | |
| Real estate owned - book value less encumbrances | | $ | - | |
| | | | | |
| Mortgage loans - book value: | | | | |
| Farm mortgages | | | - | |
| Residential mortgages | | | - | |
| Commercial mortgages | | | - | |
| Total mortgage loans | | $ | - | |
| | | | | |
| Mortgage loans by standing - book value: | | | | |
| Good standing | | | - | |
| Good standing with restructured terms | | | - | |
| Interest overdue more than three months, not in foreclosure | | | - | |
| Foreclosure in process | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Other long-term assets-statement value | | | - | |
| Collateral loans | | | - | |
| Bonds and stocks of parents, subsidiaries and affiliates - book value: | | | | |
| Bonds | | | - | |
| Preferred stocks | | | - | |
| Common stocks | | | - | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data, continued |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Bonds and short-term investments by class and maturity: | | | |
| Bonds by maturity - statement value | | | |
| Due within one year or less | | $ | 2,063 | |
| Over 1 year through 5 years | | | 21,540 | |
| Over 5 years through 10 years | | | 13,344 | |
| Over 10 years through 20 years | | | 8,877 | |
| Over 20 years | | | 31 | |
| Total by maturity | | $ | 45,855 | |
| | | | | |
| Bonds by class - statement value | | | | |
| Class 1 | | $ | 40,121 | |
| Class 2 | | | 5,734 | |
| Class 3 | | | - | |
| Class 4 | | | - | |
| Class 5 | | | - | |
| Class 6 | | | - | |
| Total by class | | $ | 45,855 | |
| | | | | |
| Total bonds publicly traded | | $ | 39,999 | |
| Total bonds privately placed | | | 5,856 | |
| | | | | |
| Preferred stocks - statement value | | | - | |
| Common stocks - market value | | | - | |
| Short-term investments - book value | | | - | |
| Options, caps & floors - statement value | | | - | |
| Options, caps & floors written and in force - statement value | | | - | |
| Collar, swap & forward agreements open - statement value | | | - | |
| Futures contracts open - current value | | | - | |
| Cash | | | 4,857 | |
| Cash equivalents | | | 42,915 | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data, continued |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Life insurance in force: | | | |
| Industrial | | $ | - | |
| Ordinary | | | 671,511 | |
| Credit life | | | - | |
| Group life | | | 10,181 | |
| | | | | |
| Amount of accidental death insurance in force under ordinary policies | | | 1,857 | |
| | | | | |
| Life insurance policies with disability provisions in force: | | | | |
| Industrial | | | - | |
| Ordinary | | | 2,356 | |
| Credit life | | | - | |
| Group life | | | 224 | |
| | | | | |
| Supplementary contracts in force: | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Ordinary - not involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Amount on deposit | | | - | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| Ordinary - involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| Group - not involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Amount of deposit | | | - | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| Group - involving life contingencies | | | | |
| Income payable | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Annuities: | | | | |
| Ordinary | | | | |
| Immediate - amount of income payable | | | - | |
| Deferred - fully paid - account balance | | | - | |
| Deferred - not fully paid - account balance | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Group | | | | |
| Immediate - amount of income payable | | | - | |
| Fully paid account payable | | | - | |
| Not fully paid - account balance | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Accident and health insurance - premium in force: | | | | |
| Ordinary | | | - | |
| Group | | | - | |
| Credit | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Deposit funds and dividends accumulations: | | | | |
| Deposit funds - account balance | | | - | |
| Dividend accumulations - account balance | | | - | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Schedule of Selected Financial Data, continued |
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| Claim payments 2022: | | | | |
| Group accident and health - year ended December 31 | | | | |
| 2022 | | $ | - | |
| 2021 | | | - | |
| 2020 | | | - | |
| 2019 | | | - | |
| 2018 | | | - | |
| Prior | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Other accident and health | | | | |
| 2022 | | | - | |
| 2021 | | | - | |
| 2020 | | | - | |
| 2019 | | | - | |
| 2018 | | | - | |
| Prior | | | - | |
| | | | | |
| Other coverages that use developmental methods to calculate claims reserves | | | | |
| 2022 | | | - | |
| 2021 | | | - | |
| 2020 | | | - | |
| 2019 | | | - | |
| 2018 | | | - | |
| Prior | | | - | |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Summary Investment Schedule |
| December 31, 2022 |
| (000s omitted) |
| |
| | | Gross | | | Admitted Invested Assets | |
| | | Investment | | | Reported in the Annual Statement | |
| Investment Categories | | Holdings | | | Amount | | | Percentage | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Long-Term Bonds: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. governments | | $ | 8,830 | | | $ | 8,830 | | | | 9.4 | % |
| All other governments | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| U.S. states, territories and possessions, etc. guaranteed | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| U.S. political subdivisions of states, territories, and possessions, guaranteed | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| U.S. special revenue and special assessment obligations, etc. non-guaranteed | | | 519 | | | | 519 | | | | 0.6 | % |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | 36,506 | | | | 36,506 | | | | 39.0 | % |
| Hybrid securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| SVO identified funds | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Unaffiliated Bank loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Total long-term bonds | | | 45,855 | | | | 45,855 | | | | 49.0 | % |
| Preferred Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous (unaffiliated) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Total preferred stocks | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial and miscellaneous | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Publicly traded (unaffiliated) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Industrial and miscellaneous Other (unaffiliated) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates Publicly traded | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates Other | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Mutual funds | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Unit investment trusts | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Total common stocks | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Mortgage loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Real estate | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | | | 47,772 | | | | 47,772 | | | | 51.0 | % |
| Contract loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Derivatives | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Other invested assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Receivables for securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| Securities lending | | | - | | | | - | | | | 0.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total invested assets | | $ | 93,627 | | | $ | 93,627 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| |
| MEMBERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| Reinsurance Contract Interrogatories |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| |
| 1. | MLIC has applied reinsurance accounting, as described in SSAP No. 61R, to reinsurance contracts entered into, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 1996, which do not include risk-limiting features, as described in SSAP No. 61R. |
| 2. | MLIC has not entered into, renewed or amended reinsurance contracts on or after January 1, 1996, which contain provisions that allow (1) the reporting of losses or settlements with the reinsurer to occur less frequently than quarterly or (2) payments due from the reinsurer to not be made in cash within ninety days of the settlement date unless there is no activity during the period. |
| 3. | MLIC has not entered into, renewed or amended reinsurance contracts on or after January 1, 1996, which contain a payment schedule, accumulating retentions from multiple years or any features inherently designed to delay timing of the reimbursement to the ceding company. |
| 4. | MLIC has not ceded any risk during the period ended December 31, 2022 under any reinsurance contracts entered into, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 1996 accounted for as reinsurance under GAAP and as a deposit under SSAP No. 61R. |
| 5. | MLIC cedes 100% of its annuity business to CMFG Life, which is accounted for as reinsurance ceded under statutory accounting. These contracts are accounted for as investment-type contracts under GAAP; as such, deposits are not reported as revenues for GAAP. Consequently, deposit accounting is used to account for the reinsurance agreement for GAAP. |
SUPPLEMENTALINVESTMENT RISKS INTERROGATORIES
ForThe Year Ended December 31, 2022
(ToBe Filed by April 1)
OfThe MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
ADDRESS(City, State and Zip Code) Madison, WI 53705
NAICGroup Code 0306 NAICCompany Code 86126 FederalEmployer’s Identification Number (FEIN) 39-1236386
TheInvestment Risks Interrogatories are to be filed by April 1. They are also to be included with the Audited Statutory FinancialStatements.
Answerthe following interrogatories by reporting the applicable U.S. dollar amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’stotal admitted assets held in that category of investments.
| 1. | Reporting entity’s total admitted assets, excluding separate account assets. | | $ | 116,738,518 | |
| | | | | | |
| 2. | Ten largest exposures to a single issuer/borrower/investment. | | | | |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | | 3 | | | | 4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage of Total | |
| | | | | Issuer | | Description of Exposure | | | Amount | | | Admitted Assets | |
| | 2.01 | | | Citigroup Commercial Mortgage | | Bond | | | $ | 1,928,806 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | 2.02 | | | Procter & Gamble co. | | Bond | | | | 1,908,261 | | | | 1.6 | % |
| | 2.03 | | | Woodmont Trust | | Bond | | | | 1,897,770 | | | | 1.6 | % |
| | 2.04 | | | Amsr Trust | | Bond | | | | 1,860,164 | | | | 1.6 | % |
| | 2.05 | | | Novartis Capital Corp | | Bond | | | | 1,730,886 | | | | 1.5 | % |
| | 2.06 | | | Toyota Motor Credit Corp | | Bond | | | | 1,003,236 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.07 | | | National Australia Bank ltd. | | Bond | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.08 | | | Mass Mutual Global Funding | | Bond | | | | 999,188 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.09 | | | Blackrock Inc | | Bond | | | | 999,133 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 2.10 | | | PNC Bank | | Bond | | | | 998,998 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3. | Amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in bonds and preferred stocks by NAIC rating. |
| | | | | Bonds | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.01 | | | NAIC-1 | | | $ | 40,120,749 | | | | 34.4 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.02 | | | NAIC-2 | | | | 5,734,649 | | | | 4.9 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.03 | | | NAIC-3 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.04 | | | NAIC-4 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.05 | | | NAIC-5 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.06 | | | NAIC-6 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Preferred Stocks | | | 3 | | | | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.07 | | | P/RP-1 | | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.08 | | | P/RP-2 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.09 | | | P/RP-3 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.10 | | | P/RP-4 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.11 | | | P/RP-5 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.12 | | | P/RP-6 | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 4. | Assetsheld in foreign investments: |
| 4.01 | Are assets held in foreign investments less than 2.5%of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ ] No [ X ] |
| | | |
| | | Ifresponse to 4.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for interrogatories 5-10. |
| | 4.02 | | | Total admitted assets held in foreign investments | | $ | 4,897,675 | | | | 4.2 | % |
| | 4.03 | | | Foreign-currency-denominated investments | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 4.04 | | | Insurance liabilities denominated in that same foreign currency | | | - | | | | - | % |
SUPPLEMENTFOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 5. | Aggregateforeign investment exposure categorized by NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | 5.01 | | | Countries rated NAIC-1 | | $ | 4,897,675 | | | | 4.2 | % |
| | 5.02 | | | Countries rated NAIC-2 | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 5.03 | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 6. | Twolargest foreign investment exposures by country, categorized by the country’s NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-1: | | | | | | | | |
| | 6.01 | | | Country 1: United Kingdom | | $ | 1,961,009 | | | | 1.7 | % |
| | 6.02 | | | Country 2: Australia | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-2: | | | | | | | | |
| | 6.03 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 6.04 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below: | | | | | | | | |
| | 6.05 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 6.06 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 7. | Aggregate unhedged foreign currency exposure: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| 8. | Aggregateunhedged foreign currency exposure categorized by NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | 8.01 | | | Countries rated NAIC-1 | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 8.02 | | | Countries rated NAIC-2 | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 8.03 | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 9. | Twolargest unhedged foreign currency exposures by country, categorized by the country’s NAIC sovereign rating: |
| | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-1: | | | | | | | | |
| | 9.01 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 9.02 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-2: | | | | | | | | |
| | 9.03 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 9.04 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Countries rated NAIC-3 or below: | | | | | | | | |
| | 9.05 | | | Country 1: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 9.06 | | | Country 2: | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 10. | Ten largest non-sovereign (i.e. non-governmental) foreign issues: |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Issuer | | NAIC Rating | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
| | 10.01 | | | National Australia Bank, Ltd. | | 2 | | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 10.02 | | | CFIP CLO Ltd. | | 1 | | | | 998,514 | | | | 0.9 | % |
| | 10.03 | | | Linde PLC | | 1 | | | | 988,569 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| | 10.04 | | | Barclays PLC | | 2 | | | | 972,440 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| | 10.05 | | | CNH Industrial NV | | 2 | | | | 938,153 | | | | 0.8 | % |
| | 10.06 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.07 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.08 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.09 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 10.10 | | | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 11. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in Canadian investments and unhedged Canadian currencyexposure: |
| 11.01 | Are assets held in Canadian investments less than 2.5%of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 11.01 is yes, detail is not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 11. |
| | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | |
| | 11.02 | | | Total admitted assets held in Canadian Investments | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 11.03 | | | Canadian currency-denominated investments | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 11.04 | | | Canadian-denominated insurance liabilities | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 11.05 | | | Unhedged Canadian currency exposure | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 12. | Reportaggregate amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in investments with contractual salesrestrictions. |
| 12.01 | Are assets held in investments with contractual salesrestrictions less than 2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 12.01 is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 12. |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 12.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments with contractual sales restrictions | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments with contractual sales restrictions: | | | | | | | | |
| | 12.03 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 12.04 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 12.05 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 13. | Amountsand percentages of admitted assets held in the ten largest equity interests: |
| 13.01 | Are assets held in equity interest less than 2.5% ofthe reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 13.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 13. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Name of Issuer | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 13.02 | | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.03 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.04 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.05 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.06 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.07 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.08 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.09 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.10 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 13.11 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 14. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities: |
| 14.01 | Are assets held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equitiesless than 2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 14.01 above is yes, responses are not required for 14.02 through 14.05. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
| | 14.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities: | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | 14.03 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 14.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 14.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Ten largest fund managers: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
| | | | | Fund Manager | | Total Invested | | | Diversified | | | Nondiversified | |
| | 14.06 | | | Allspring | | $ | 42,758,432 | | | $ | 42,758,432 | | | $ | - | |
| | 14.07 | | | State Street Global Advisors | | | 106,587 | | | | 106,587 | | | | - | |
| | 14.08 | | | Wells Fargo Funds | | | 50,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | - | |
| | 14.09 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.10 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.11 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.12 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.13 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.14 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 14.15 | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| 15. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in general partnership interests: |
| 15.01 | Are assets held in general partnership interests lessthan 2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 15.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 15. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
| | 15.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments held in general partnership interests: | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments in general partnership interests: | | | | | | | | | |
| | 15.03 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 15.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 15.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 16. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in mortgage loans: |
| 16.01 | Are mortgage loans reported in Schedule B less than2.5% of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | If response to 16.01 above is yes, responses are notprovided for the remainder of Interrogatory 16 and Interrogatory 17. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Type (Residential, Commercial, Agricultural) | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 16.02 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.03 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.06 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.07 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.08 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.09 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.10 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.11 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| Amountand percentage of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in the following categories of mortgage loans: |
| | | | | | Loans | |
| | 16.12 | | | Construction loans | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.13 | | | Mortgage loans over 90 days past due | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.14 | | | Mortgage loans in the process of foreclosure | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.15 | | | Mortgage loans foreclosed | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 16.16 | | | Restructured mortgage loans | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 17. | Aggregatemortgage loans having the following loan-to-value ratios as determined from the most current appraisal as of the annual statementdate: |
| | | | | | Residential | | | Commercial | | | Agricultural | |
| | Loan-to-Value | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | | | 6 | |
| | 17.01 | | above 95% | | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.02 | | 91% to 95% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.03 | | 81% to 90% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.04 | | 71% to 80% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 17.05 | | below 70% | | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 18. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in each of the five largest investments in real estate: |
| 18.01 | Are assets held in real estate reported less than 2.5%of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 18.01 above is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 18. |
| Largestfive investments in any one parcel or group of contiguous parcels of real estate. |
| | | | | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Description | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 18.02 | | | - | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.03 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.04 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.05 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 18.06 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| 19. | Reportaggregate amounts and percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets held in investments held in mezzanine real estateloans. |
| 19.01 | Are assets held in investments held in mezzanine realestate loans less than 2.5% of the reporting entity’s admitted assets? | Yes [ X ] No [ ] |
| | Ifresponse to 19.01 is yes, responses are not provided for the remainder of Interrogatory 19. |
| | | | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3 | |
| | 19.02 | | | Aggregate statement value of investments held in mezzanine real estate loans: | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | Largest three investments held in mezzanine real estate loans. | | | | | | | | |
| | 19.03 | | | | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 19.04 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 19.05 | | | | | | - | | | | - | % |
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF THE MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
| 20. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets subject to the following types of agreements: |
| | | | | | At Year-End | | | At End of Each Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | 1st Qtr | | | 2nd Qtr | | | 3rd Qtr | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | |
| | 20.01 | | | Securities lending agreements (do not include assets held as collateral for such transactions) | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | 20.02 | | | Repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 20.03 | | | Reverse repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 20.04 | | | Dollar repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 20.05 | | | Dollar reverse repurchase agreements | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| 21. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets for warrants not attached to other financial instruments, options,caps and floors: |
| | | | | | Owned | | | Written | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
| | 21.01 | | | Hedging | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | | - | % |
| | 21.02 | | | Income generation | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | 21.03 | | | Other | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 22. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets of potential exposure for collars, swaps, and forwards: |
| | | | | | At Year-End | | | At End of Each Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | 1st Qtr | | | 2nd Qtr | | | 3rd Qtr | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | |
| | 22.01 | | | Hedging | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | 22.02 | | | Income generation | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 22.03 | | | Replications | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 22.04 | | | Other | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 23. | Amountsand percentages of the reporting entity’s total admitted assets of potential exposure for futures contracts: |
| | | | | | At Year-End | | | At End of Each Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | 1st Qtr | | | 2nd Qtr | | | 3rd Qtr | |
| | | | | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 5 | |
| | 23.01 | | | Hedging | | $ | - | | | | - | % | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | 23.02 | | | Income generation | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 23.03 | | | Replications | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | 23.04 | | | Other | | | - | | | | - | % | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
APPENDIXA: EQUITY ADJUSTMENT
TheEquity Adjustment for a Risk Control Account is equal to:
CreditingBase x (hypothetical option value - amortized option cost – trading costs)
Theexamples below show how the Equity Adjustment is calculated and how it may vary based on whether the reference Index has increasedor decreased and how much time there is remaining in the Interest Term. The hypothetical option value and trading costs in theexamples are expressed as a percentage of the Crediting Base.
| | 1-Year Floor and Cap | 6-Year Buffer and Participation Rate |
| Interest Term Start Date | | |
| Crediting Base | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Index Value | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Number of Days in Interest Term | 365 | 2,191 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | 1.75% | 10.84% |
Example A: Negative Index Return with Many Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | |
| Index Value | 950 | 950 |
| Index Return | -5% | -5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 334 | 2,160 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | -1.26% | 5.08% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75% x (334/365) = 1.60% | 10.84%x (2,160/2,191) = 10.68% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000x (-1.26% - 1.60% - 0.15%) = -$3,010.36 | $100,000x (5.08% - 10.68% - 0.15%) = -$5,753.35 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 - $3,010.36= $96,989.64 | $100,000 - $5,753.35= $94,246.65 |
Example B: Negative Index Return with Few Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | |
| Index Value | 950 | 950 |
| Index Return | -5% | -5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 30 | 30 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | -4.61% | -0.38% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75%x (30/365) = 0.14% | 10.84%x (30/2,191) = 0.15% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000x (-4.61% - 0.14% - 0.15%) = -$4,908.13 | $100,000x (-0.38% - 0.15% - 0.15%) = -$675.02 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 - $4,908.13 = $95,091.87 | $100,000 - $675.02= $99,324.98 |
Example C: Positive Index Return with Many Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | |
| Index Value | 1050 | 1050 |
| Index Return | 5% | 5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 334 | 2,160 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | 3.86% | 16.51% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75%x (334/365) = 1.60% | 10.84%x (2,160/2,191) = 10.68% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000x (3.86% - 1.60% - 0.15%) = $2,113.29 | $100,000x (16.51% - 10.68% - 0.15%) = $5,676.38 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 + $2,113.29= $102,113.29= | $100,000 + $5,676.38= $105,676.38 |
Example D: Positive Index Return with Few Days Remaining in the Interest Term |
| Interest Term Valuation Date | | |
| Index Value | 1050 | 1050 |
| Index Return | 5% | 5% |
| Days Remaining in Interest Term | 30 | 2,160 |
| Hypothetical Option Value | 5.08% | 7.38% |
| Amortized Option Value | 1.75%x (30/365) = 0.14% | 10.84%x (30/2,191) = 0.15% |
| Trading Costs | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Equity Adjustment | $100,000x (5.08% - 0.14% - 0.15%) = $4,784.17 | $100,000x (7.38% - 0.15% - 0.15%) = $7,085.77 |
| Risk Control Account Value | $100,000 + $4,784.17= $104,784.17 | $100,000 + $7,085.77= $107,085.77 |
APPENDIXB: EXAMPLES OF WITHDRAWALS WITH APPLICATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE AND INTEREST ADJUSTMENT
TheSurrender Charge is calculated as a percentage of the Contract Value withdrawn or surrendered that exceeds the Annual Free WithdrawalAmount during the first six Contract Years.
TheInterest Adjustment is calculated by multiplying the amount withdrawn by the sum of the Interest Adjustment factor (IAF) minusone (i.e., IAF – 1), where IAF is equal to ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N. For Contracts issued on or after September 25, 2022,the Interest Adjustment does not apply to the Annual Free Withdrawal amount.
Theexamples below show how the Interest Adjustment is calculated and how it may vary based on how the Constant Maturity Treasury(CMT) Rate and the ICE BofA Index have changed since the start of the 6-year Interest Adjustment period. The examples also showhow the surrender charge is calculated.
| Assumptions | Contracts Issued Prior to September 25, 2022 | Contracts Issued On or After September 25, 2022 |
| Withdrawal on 2nd Contract Anniversary | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Contract Value on 2nd Contract Anniversary | $110,000 | $110,000 |
| Contract Value after Withdrawal | $110,000 - $20,000 = $90,000 | $110,000 - $20,000 = $90,000 |
| Annual Free Withdrawal Amount | $110,000 x 10% = $11,000 | $110,000 x 10% = $11,000 |
| Surrender Charge Percentage | 8% | 8% |
| Surrender Charge | 8% x ($20,000 - $11,000) = $720 | 8% x ($20,000 - $11,000) = $720 |
| 6-year CMT Rate (I) at Start of 6-year Period | 2.50% | 2.50% |
| ICE BofA Index (K) at Start of 6-year Period | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Years Remaining in 6-Year Period (N) | 6 - 2 = 4 | 6 - 2 = 4 |
| Example A: Withdrawal with a Negative Interest Adjustment |
| CMT Rate for the remaining Index period (J) | 2.90% | 2.90% |
| ICE BofA Index at time of Withdrawal (L) | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| IAF = ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N | ((1 + 2.50% + 1.00%) / (1 + 2.90% + 1.10%))^4 = 0.9809075 | ((1 + 2.50% + 1.00%) / (1 + 2.90% + 1.10%))^4 = 0.9809075 |
| Interest Adjustment | $20,000 x (0.9809075 - 1) = -$381.85 | ($20,000 - $11,000) x (0.9809075 - 1) = -$171.83 |
| Net Withdrawal | $20,000 - $720 +(-$381.85) = $18,898.15 | $20,000 - $720 +(-$171.83) = $19,108.17 |
| Example B: Withdrawal with a Positive Interest Adjustment |
| CMT for the remaining Index period (J) | 2.10% | 2.10% |
| ICE BofA Index at time of Withdrawal (L) | 0.90% | 0.90% |
| IAF = ((1 + I + K)/(1 + J + L))^N | ((1 + 2.50% + 1.00%) / (1 + 2.10% + 0.90%))^4 = 1.0195593 | ((1 + 2.50% + 1.00%) / (1 + 2.10% + 0.90%))^4 = 1.0195593 |
| Interest Adjustment | $20,000 x (1.0195593 - 1) = $391.19 | ($20,000 - $11,000) x (1.0195593 - 1) = $176.03 |
| Net Withdrawal | $20,000 - $720 + $391.19 = $19,671.19 | $20,000 - $720 + $176.03 = $19,456.03 |
APPENDIXC: STATE VARIATIONS OF CERTAIN FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Thefollowing information is a summary of certain features or benefits of the TruStageTM ZoneChoice Annuity Contractsthat vary from the features and benefits previously described in this Prospectus as a result of requirements imposed by states.Please contact your financial professional for more information about Contract variationsand availability in your state.
Stateswhere certain TruStageTM ZoneChoice Annuity features or benefits vary:
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Arizona | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If your age as of the Contract Issue Date is at least 65 years old, you must return your Contract within 30 days of receipt. |
| California | See“Owner” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | TheOwner has the right to assign the Contract. |
| | | |
| | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. If your age as of the Contract Issue Date is at least 60 years old, you must return your Contract within 30 days of receipt. |
| | | |
| | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | “Nursing Home or Hospital” is replaced with “Facility Care, Home Care, or Community-Based Services”.There is no minimum confinement period to utilize this waiver. The Facility Care or Home Care and Terminal Illness waiversapply to full surrenders only, not partial withdrawals. |
| | | |
| | See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option” | The rate used in section b(2) of the Minimum Interest Rate calculation is 0.25%. |
| Connecticut | See“Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. Youmust return your Contract within 10 days of receipt, including replacement contracts. |
| | | |
| | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | There is a one-year wait before the waiver of surrender charge provisions may be exercised. |
| Delaware | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Florida | See “Owner” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the Contract. |
| | | |
| | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | You must return your Contract within 21 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| | | |
| | See “Income Payout Date” under “Income Payments – The Payout Period” | The requested Income Payout Date must be at least one year after the Contract Issue Date. |
| Georgia | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| Hawaii | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Idaho | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt, including replacement contracts. |
| Illinois | See definition of Terminally Ill and Terminal Illness | Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness – A life expectancy of 24 months or less due to any illness or accident. |
| | | |
| | See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option” | The rate used in section b(2) of the Minimum Interest Rate calculation is 0.25%. |
| Indiana | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| Kansas | See definition of Terminally Ill and Terminal Illness | Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness – A life expectancy of 24 months or less due to any illness or accident. |
| Louisiana | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Maryland | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Massachusetts | See definition of Terminally Ill and Terminal Illness | Terminally Ill, Terminal Illness – A life expectancy of 24 months or less due to any illness or accident. |
| | | |
| | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| | | |
| | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | There is no Nursing Home or Hospital waiver. The Terminal Illness waiver applies to full surrenders only, not partial withdrawals. |
| | | |
| | See “Terms of Income Payments” under “Income Payments – The Payout Period” | Income Options are not based on gender. The amount of each payment depends on all the items listed other than gender. |
| | | |
| | See “Misstatement of Age or Gender” under “Other Information” | Income Options are not based on gender. Only proof of age is required for misstatement; proof of gender is not. |
| Minnesota | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. |
| Mississippi | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Missouri | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| | | |
| | See “Declared Rate Account Allocation Option” | The rate used in section b(2) of the Minimum Interest Rate calculation is 0.25%. |
| Montana | See “Terms of Income Payments” under “Income Payments – The Payout Period” | Income Options are not based on gender. The amount of each payment depends on all the items listed other than gender. |
| | | |
| | See “Misstatement of Age or Gender” under “Other Information” | Income Options are not based on gender. Only proof of age is required for misstatement; proof of gender is not. |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Nebraska | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Nevada | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| New Jersey | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | There is no Terminal Illness waiver. |
| New Hampshire | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| North Carolina | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| North Dakota | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| Oklahoma | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. Youmust return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| Rhode Island | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| South Carolina | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| State | Feature or Benefit | Variation |
| Tennessee | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was a replacement, not new money. |
| Texas | See “Owner” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the Contract. |
| | | |
| | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | You must return your Contract within 20 days of receipt (30 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| | | |
| | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | “Terminal Illness” is replaced with “Terminal Disability”. |
| Utah | See “Owner” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the Contract. |
| | | |
| | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. |
| Vermont | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals if the source of your initial Purchase Payment was new money, not a replacement. |
| Virginia | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | “Terminal Illness” is replaced with “Terminal Condition” |
| Washington | See “Right to Examine” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | If the Purchase Payment exceeds the Contract Value, the refund will be your Purchase Payment less withdrawals. You must return your Contract within 10 days of receipt (20 days if it is a replacement contract). |
| | | |
| | See “Waiver of Surrender Charges” under “Access to Your Money” | The life expectancy to utilize the Terminal Illness waiver is 24 months. |
| Wisconsin | See “Owner” under “Getting Started – The Accumulation Period” | The Owner has the right to assign the Contract. |
MEMBERSLife Insurance Company
2000Heritage Way
Waverly,IA 50677
1-800-798-5500
DealerProspectus Delivery Obligations
Alldealers that effect transactions in these securities are required to deliver a Prospectus.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expensesof Issuance and Distribution.*
The expenses for theissuance and distribution of the securities offered by this Registration Statement, other than any underwriting discounts andcommissions, are as follows: (to be updated by amendment filing)
| Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fees | | $ | 110 | |
| Printing and engraving | | $ | 75,000 | |
| Accounting fees and expenses | | $ | 62,104 | |
| Legal fees and expenses | | $ | 25,000 | |
| Miscellaneous | | $ | 5,000 | |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | | $ | 167,214 | |
* Estimated.
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 490.202 of the Iowa Business CorporationAct (the “IBCA”), provides that a corporation’s articles of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limitingthe personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for any action taken, or failureto take action, as a director, except liability for (1) the amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which thedirector is not entitled, (2) an intentional infliction of harm on the MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (the “Registrant”,“we”, “our”, or “us”) or the shareholders, (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCAor (4) an intentional violation of criminal law.
Further, Section 490.851 of the IBCA providesthat a corporation may indemnify its directors who may be party to a proceeding against liability incurred in the proceeding byreason of such person serving in the capacity of director, if such person has acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believedby the individual to be in the best interests of the corporation, if the director was acting in an official capacity, and in allother cases that the individual’s conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and in any criminalproceeding if such person had no reasonable cause to believe the individual’s conduct was unlawful or the director engaged inconduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the articles of incorporation.The indemnity provisions under Section 490.851 do not apply (i) in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporationexcept for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevantstandard of conduct set forth above or (ii) in connection with any proceedings with respect to conduct for which the directorwas adjudged liable on the basis that the director received a financial benefit to which the director was not entitled, whetheror not involving action in the director’s official capacity.
In addition, Section 490.852 of the IBCAprovides mandatory indemnification of reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is wholly successful in defending any actionin which the director was a party because the director is or was a director of the corporation. A director who is a party to aproceeding because the person is a director may also apply for court-ordered indemnification and advance of expenses under Section490.854 of the IBCA.
Section 490.853 of the IBCA provides thata corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding, advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurredby a director who is a party to a proceeding because such person is a director if the director delivers the following to the corporation:(1) a written affirmation that the director has met the standard of conduct described above or that the proceeding involved conductfor which liability has been eliminated under the corporation’s articles of incorporation and (2) the director’s written undertakingto repay any funds advanced if the director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under Section 490.852 of the IBCA andit is ultimately determined that the director has not met the standard of conduct described above.
Under Section 490.856 of the IBCA, a corporationmay indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because such person is an officer,to the same extent as a director. In addition, if the person is an officer but not a director, further indemnification may beprovided by the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, a resolution of the board of directors or by contract, exceptliability for (1) a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation other than for reasonable expenses incurred in connectionwith the proceeding and (2) conduct that constitutes receipt by the officer of a financial benefit to which the officer is notentitled, an intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or the shareholders or an intentional violation of criminal law.Such indemnification is also available to an officer who is also a director if the basis on which the officer is made a partyto a proceeding is an act taken or a failure to take action solely as an officer.
OurAmended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that our directors will not be liable to us or our shareholders for moneydamages for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for (1) the amount of a financialbenefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled, (2) an intentional infliction of harm on the Registrantor the shareholders, (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA or (4) an intentional violation of criminal law.
OurAmended and Restated Articles of Incorporation also provide that we indemnify each of our directors or officers for any actiontaken, or any failure to take any action, as a director or officer except liability for (1) the amount of a financial benefitreceived by a director to which the director is not entitled, (2) an intentional infliction of harm on the Registrant or the shareholders,(3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA or (4) an intentional violation of criminal law. Additionally, the Registrant isrequired to exercise all of its permissive powers as often as necessary to indemnify and advance expenses to its directors andofficers to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Our Bylaws also provide indemnificationto our directors on the same terms as the indemnification provided in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. OurBylaws also provide for advances of expenses to our directors and officers. The indemnification provisions of our Bylaws are notexclusive of any other right which any person seeking indemnification may have or acquire under any statute, our Amended and Restatedof Incorporation or any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Section 490.857 of the IBCA provides thata corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a person who is a director or officer of a corporation, or who,while a director or officer of a corporation, serves at the corporation’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employeeor agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity,against liability asserted against or incurred by that person in that capacity or arising from that person’s status as a directoror officer, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify or advance expenses to that person against the sameliability under the IBCA. As permitted by and in accordance with Section 490.857 of the IBCA, we maintain insurance coverage forour officers and directors as well as insurance coverage to reimburse us for potential costs for indemnification of directorsand officers.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Item 16. Exhibits.
Exhibit Item
Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed
Herewith |
| 1(i) | Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated as of January 7, 2016 between MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) and CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 1(ii)(a) | Form of Selling and Services Agreement | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 1(ii)(b) | Addendum to Selling and Service Agreement for Electronic Signature Agreement dated August 27, 2020 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 1(iii) | Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated Exhibit A dated September 2018 between MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) and CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (“CBSI”) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 3(i) | Articles of Incorporation of MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 3(ii) | Bylaws of MLIC | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 4(i) | Form of Contact. (Form No. 2020-VAIL) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 4(ii)(a) | Form of Application. (Form No. 2020-VAILAPP) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 4(ii)(b) | Form of Application (effective May, 2023). (Form No. 2020-VAILAPP) | | X |
| 4(iii) | Form of Application-Amendment. (Form No. 2020-VAILAPPAMEND) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 4(iv)(a) | Form of Data Page. (Form No. 2020-VAILDP) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 4(iv)(b) | Form of Data Page (effective May, 2023). (Form No. 2020-VAILDP) | | X |
| 4(v) | Form of Nursing Home or Hospital/ Terminal Illness Withdrawal Privilege Endorsement (Form No. 2020-WVRSCEND) | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 4(vi) | Interest Adjustment Waiver Endorsement. (Form No. 2022-IAWEND) | | X |
Exhibit Item
Number | Description | Incorporated by Reference to | Filed
Herewith |
| 4(vii) | Risk Control Account Transfer Endorsement. (Form 2022-RCATEND) | | X |
| 5 | Legal Opinion | | X |
| 10(i)(a) | Amended and Restated Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement between MLIC and CMFG Life Insurance Company (CMFG Life) dated January 1, 2019 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(i)(b) | Coinsurance Agreement dated August 19, 2019 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(i)(c) | Amended and Restated Coinsurance Agreement between MLIC and CMFG Life dated February 4, 2021 | Incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment 1 filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed April 6, 2022 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(i)(d) | Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement dated November 23, 2021 | Incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment 1 filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed April 6, 2022 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(i)(e) | Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Coinsurance and Modified Coinsurance Agreement dated October 10, 2022 | Incorporated herein by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment 1 filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed April 14, 2023 (File No. 333-268806) | |
| 10(ii)(a) | Cost Sharing Agreement dated as of January 1, 2008 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(ii)(b) | Expense Sharing Agreement dated as of December 31, 2013 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(ii)(c) | Amended and Restated Expense Sharing Agreement dated as of January 1, 2015 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(ii)(d) | Amendment to Cost Sharing Agreement dated February 1, 2012 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(iii)(a) | Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of January 31, 2012 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(iii)(b) | Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement dated January 15, 2014 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(iii)(c) | Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement dated January 1, 2015 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
| 10(iv)(a) | CUNA Mutual Group Cost Sharing, Procurement, Disbursement, Billing and Collection Agreement dated as of January 1, 2015 | Incorporated herein by reference to the initial filing of the Registrant on Form S-1, filed January 21, 2021 (File No. 333-252290) | |
Item 17. Undertakings.
(A) The undersigned Registranthereby undertakes:
(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
| (i) | To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| (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 represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; |
| (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. |
(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shallbe deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities atthat time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsoldat 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 pursuantto Rule 424(b) as part of a Registration Statement relating to an offering, other than Registration Statements relyingon Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included inthe Registration Statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in aRegistration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporatedby reference into the Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement will, as to a purchaserwith a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the Registration Statementor prospectus that was part of the Registration Statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of firstuse.
(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initialdistribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersignedRegistrant 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 Registrantwill be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
| (i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
| (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; |
| (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 |
| (iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
(B)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers andcontrolling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised thatin the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in that Actand is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the paymentby the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successfuldefense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with thesecurities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controllingprecedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policyas expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to therequirements of the Securities Act of 1933, MEMBERS Life Insurance Company has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signedon its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Madison, and State of Wisconsin as of this 9 day of May, 2023.
| | | |
| | MEMBERS Life Insurance Company |
| | | |
| | By: | /s/David L. Sweitzer |
| | | David L. Sweitzer, President |
*Pursuant to the requirements of the SecuritiesAct of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and as of the datesindicated.
| Name | | Title | | Date |
| | | | | |
| * | | President and Director | | May 9, 2023 |
| David L. Sweitzer | | (Principal Executive Officer) | | |
| | | | | |
| * | | Treasurer (Principal | | May 9, 2023 |
| Brian J. Borakove | | Financial & Accounting Officer) | | |
| | | | | |
| * | | Director | | May 9, 2023 |
| Michael F. Anderson | | | | |
| | | | | |
| * | | Director | | May 9, 2023 |
| Abigail R. Rodriguez | | | | |
| | | | | |
| * | | Director | | May 9, 2023 |
| William A. Karls | | | | |
| | | | | |
| * | | Director | | May 9, 2023 |
| Paul D. Barbato | | | | |
| *By: | /s/Britney Schnathorst | |
| | Britney Schnathorst | |
* Pursuant to Power of Attorney, herewith Powersof Attorney are filed as exhibits to this initial filing.
