As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2020

Registration No. [333-xxxxxx]

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-1

Registration Statement Under The Securities Act Of 1933

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Colorado	6311	84-0467907
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

(8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 (800) 537-2033

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

Edmund F. Murphy III President and Chief Executive Officer Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company 8515 East Orchard Road Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (800) 537-2033	Copy to: Stephen E. Roth, Esq Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP 700 Sixth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001-3980
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: Continuously on and after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.         x        

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

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

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

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

Large Accelerated Filer	Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated Filer   x	Smaller Reporting Company
	Emerging growth company

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

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered	Amount to be Registered	Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit1	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price	Amount of Registration Fee2
Certificates issued pursuant to Guaranteed Income Annuity Contracts	0	N/A	$0	0

(1)

As discussed below, pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act, this Registration Statement carries over $49,641,554.01 of securities that were previously registered, with respect to which the registrant paid filing fees of $3,565.00. The filing fee previously paid with respect to the securities being carried forward to the Registration Statement reduces the amount of fees currently due to $0.

       Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act, the securities registered by this Registration Statement include unsold securities previously registered for sale pursuant to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-217293), initially filed by the registrant on April 13, 2017 (the “Prior Registration Statement”). The Prior Registration Statement registered securities with a maximum aggregate offering price of $49,910,506.00. Approximately $49,641,554.01 of such securities registered on the Prior Registration Statement remain unsold. The unsold securities (and associated filing fees paid) are being carried forward to this Registration Statement. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6), the offering of unsold securities under the Prior Registration Statement will be deemed terminated as of the date of effectiveness of this Registration Statement..

(2)	Previously paid.

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

Great-West SecureFoundation^®

Group Fixed Deferred Annuity Contract

Issued by:

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

May 1, 2020

This prospectus describes the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Group Fixed Deferred Annuity Contract (the “Contract”) issued by Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company. The Contract will be offered to sponsors (“Plan Sponsor”) of retirement plans established under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Retirement Plan”). The Contract describes the Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (“GLWB”). A certificate (“Certificate”) will be issued to participants in each Retirement Plan who purchase shares of one of the Great-West SecureFoundation^® mutual funds offered by Great-West Funds, Inc., which currently consist of the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2020 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2025 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2030 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2035 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2040 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2045 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2050 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2055 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2060 Fund (the “Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds”), and the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Balanced Fund (each, a “Covered Fund” and together, the “Covered Funds”). A Retirement Plan participant who elects the GLWB is referred to as a “GLWB Participant.” The Contract provides for guaranteed income for the life of a designated person based on the GLWB Participant’s investment in one or more of the Covered Funds, provided all conditions specified in the Contract are met, regardless of how long the designated person lives or the actual performance or value of the Covered Funds. The Contract and the Certificate have no cash value and no surrender value. The interests of the Retirement Plan and the GLWB Participant in the Contract and the Certificate, as applicable, may not be transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, charged, encumbered, or alienated in any way, however, if the Retirement Plan is consolidated or merged with another plan or if the assets and liabilities of the Retirement Plan are transferred to another plan, the Contract may be assigned to the new Plan Sponsor and/or trustee.

Plan Sponsors may apply to purchase a Contract through GWFS Equities, Inc. (“GWFS Equities”), the principal underwriter for the Contract or other broker-dealers that have entered into a selling agreement with GWFS Equities. GWFS Equities will use its best efforts to sell the Contracts, but is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Contracts.

This prospectus provides important information that a prospective purchaser of a Contract or a GLWB Participant should know before investing. Please retain this prospectus for future reference.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

The Contract/ the Certificate:

•	Is NOT a bank deposit
•	Is NOT FDIC insured
•	Is NOT insured or endorsed by a bank or any government agency
•	Is NOT available in every state

The purchase of the Contract is subject to certain risks. See “Risk Factors,” below. The Contract is novel and innovative. While we understand that the Internal Revenue Service may be considering tax issues associated with products similar to the Contract, to date the tax consequences of the Contract have not been addressed in published legal authorities. Under the circumstances, the Plan Sponsor

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and prospective GLWB Participants should therefore consult a tax advisor before purchasing a Contract or a GLWB.

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Table of Contents

SUMMARY	1
Preliminary Note Regarding Terms Used in This Prospectus	1
What is the GLWB?	1
How much will the GLWB cost?	1
Can the GLWB Participant cancel the GLWB?	2
What happens if the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor eliminates a Covered Fund from my Plan?	2
Can the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor cancel the Contract?	2
What protection does the GLWB provide?	2
How does the GLWB work?	3
How does the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor apply for the Contract?	3
How does a Retirement Plan participant elect the GLWB?	3
What are the Designated Investment Options?	4
Is the GLWB right for Retirement Plan participants?	4
RISK FACTORS REGARDING THE CONTRACT	5
The GLWB Participant’s receipt of payments from us is subject to our claims paying ability.	6
THE CONTRACT	7
INVESTMENT OPTIONS—THE COVERED FUNDS	7
GREAT-WEST SECUREFOUNDATION BALANCED FUND	8
GREAT-WEST SECUREFOUNDATION LIFETIME FUNDS	8
ADDING AND REMOVING COVERED FUNDS	9
IRA ROLLOVERS	9
THE ACCUMULATION PHASE	10
Covered Fund Value	10
Benefit Base	10
Subsequent Contract Contributions to Your Account	11
Ratchet Date Adjustments to the Benefit Base	11
Excess Withdrawals During the Accumulation Phase	11
Types of Excess Withdrawals	12
Treatment of a Distribution During the Accumulation Phase	12
Loans	12
Death During the Accumulation Phase	13
THE GAW PHASE	13
Installments	13
Calculation of Installment Amount	14
Installment Frequency Options	15
Vesting	15
Lump Sum Distribution Option	16
Suspending and Re-Commencing Installments After a Lump Sum Distribution	16
Optional Resets of the GAW During the GAW Phase	17
Effect of Excess Withdrawals During the GAW Phase	17

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Death During the GAW Phase	18
THE SETTLEMENT PHASE	19
EXAMPLES OF HOW THE GLWB WORKS	19
GUARANTEE BENEFIT FEE	22
DIVORCE PROVISIONS UNDER THE CONTRACT	23
During the Accumulation Phase	23
During the GAW Phase	24
During the Settlement Phase	24
EFFECT OF ANNUITIZATION	24
Election of Annuity Options	25
TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT	25
If the Plan Sponsor Terminates the Contract	25
If Great-West Terminates the Contract	26
Other Termination	26
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS	26
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE COMPANY	26
TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT AND GLWB	27
SALES OF THE CONTRACTS	30
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONTRACT	31
State Regulation	31
Evidence of Death, Age, Gender, or Survival	31
LEGAL MATTERS REGARDING THE CONTRACT	31
Cyber Security Risks	32
Abandoned Property Requirements	32
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY	32
Corporate Organization and Overview	32
Business of the Company	33
Company Properties	37
Legal Proceedings Involving the Company	38
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company	38
Executive Officer Compensation	45
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management	55
Risks Associated with the Company and the Financial Services Industry	57
EXPERTS	62
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	62
DEFINITIONS	64
APPENDIX A– COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION	A-1

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SUMMARY

Preliminary Note Regarding Terms Used in This Prospectus

Certain terms used in this prospectus have specific and important meanings. Some important terms are explained below, and in most cases the meaning of other important terms is explained the first time they are used in the prospectus. You will also find in the back of this prospectus a listing of all of the terms, with the meaning of each term explained.

•	The “Contract” is the Great-West SecureFoundation Group Fixed Deferred Contract issued by Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company.
•	“We,” “us,” “our,” “Great-West,” or the “Company” means Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company.
•	“Covered Person” or “Covered Persons” means the person or persons, respectively, named in the Contract whose age is used for certain important purposes under the Contract, including determining the amount of the guaranteed income that may be provided by the Contract. The GLWB Participant must be a Covered Person.
•	“Covered Fund” or “Covered Funds” refer to the Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2020 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2025 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2030 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2035 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2040 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2045 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2050 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2055 Fund, Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2060 Fund and the Great-West SecureFoundation® Balanced Fund. The Covered Funds are not issued by Great-West. Great-West Funds, Inc. is the issuer of the Covered Funds and is an affiliate of Great-West.

We believe that in most cases the GLWB Participant will be the only Covered Person. Therefore, for ease of reference, most of the discussion in this prospectus assumes that the GLWB Participant is the only Covered Person. In some places in the prospectus, however, we explain how certain features of the GLWB differ if there are joint Covered Persons.

The following is a summary of the GLWB. You should read the entire prospectus in addition to this summary.

What is the GLWB?

The GLWB is the payment of guaranteed minimum lifetime income that the GLWB Participant will receive, regardless of how long the Covered Person lives or how the Covered Fund performs. The GLWB does not have a cash value. Provided all conditions of the Contract are met, if the value of the shares in the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund (“Covered Fund Value”) equals zero as a result of Covered Fund performance, the Guarantee Benefit Fee, certain other fees that are not directly associated with the Contract (e.g., custodian fees or advisory fees), and/or Guaranteed Annual Withdrawal(s) (“GAW”), we will make annual payments to the GLWB Participant for the rest of his life.

The amount of the GAW that you may take may increase from time to time based on the Covered Fund Value. It may also decrease if the GLWB Participant takes Excess Withdrawals (discussed below).

The guaranteed income that may be provided by the GLWB is based on the age and life of the Covered Person (or if there are joint Covered Persons, on the age of the younger joint Covered Person and the lives of both Covered Persons) as of the date we calculate the first Installment. A joint Covered Person must be the spouse of the GLWB Participant and the spouse must be the GLWB Participant’s sole beneficiary under the Retirement Plan.

How much will the GLWB cost?

While the Contract is in force, a Guarantee Benefit Fee will be calculated and deducted from the Covered Fund Value on a monthly basis. It will be paid by redeeming the number of fund shares of the Covered Fund equal to the Guarantee Benefit Fee. The Guarantee Benefit Fee is calculated as a specified percentage of the Covered Fund Value at the time the Guarantee Benefit Fee is calculated. If we do not receive the Guarantee Benefit Fee (except during the Settlement Phase), including as a result of the failure of the Retirement Plan’s custodian to submit it to us, the GLWB will terminate as of the date that the fee is due. We will not provide notice prior to termination of the Contract or GLWB and we will not refund the Guarantee Benefit Fee paid upon termination of the Contract or GLWB.

The Guarantee Benefit Fee pays for the insurance protections provided by the Contract.

The guaranteed maximum or minimum Guarantee Benefit Fee we can ever charge is shown below. The amount we currently charge is also shown below.

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•	The maximum Guarantee Benefit Fee, as a percentage of a GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value, on an annual basis, is 1.5%.
•	The minimum Guarantee Benefit Fee, as a percentage of a GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value, on an annual basis, is 0.70%.
•	The current Guarantee Benefit Fee, as a percentage of a GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value, on an annual basis, is 0.90%.

We may change the current Guarantee Benefit Fee at any time within the minimum and maximum range described above upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the GLWB Participant and the Plan Sponsor. We determine the Guarantee Benefit Fee based on observations of a number of experience factors, including, but not limited to, interest rates, volatility, investment returns, expenses, mortality, and lapse rates. As an example, if mortality experience improves faster than we have anticipated, and the population in general is expected to live longer than initially projected, we might increase the Guarantee Benefit Fee to reflect our increased probability of paying longevity benefits. However, improvements in mortality experience is provided as an example only, we reserve the right to change the Guarantee Benefit Fee at our discretion and for any reason, whether or not these experience factors change (although we will never increase the fee above the maximum or decrease the fee below the minimum). We do not need any particular event to occur before we may change the Guarantee Benefit Fee. Because the Covered Funds are offered by an affiliated company, we may benefit indirectly from the charges imposed by the Covered Funds.

The Guarantee Benefit Fee is in addition to any charges that are imposed in connection with advisory, custodial and other services, and charges imposed by the Covered Funds.

Premium taxes may be applicable in certain states. Premium tax applicability and rates vary by state and may change. We reserve the right to deduct any such tax from premium when received.

Can the GLWB Participant cancel the GLWB?

The GLWB Participant may cancel the GLWB by causing the Covered Fund Value or the Benefit Base of each Covered Fund to be reduced to zero prior to the Settlement Phase due to one or more Excess Withdrawals or by failing to pay the Guarantee Benefit Fee. If the GLWB Participant cancels the GLWB, then the GLWB Participant will be prohibited from making any Transfer into the same Covered Fund for at least ninety (90) calendar days.

What happens if the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor eliminates a Covered Fund from my Plan?

If your Plan Sponsors eliminates a Covered Fund from your Plan and transfers all Covered Fund assets to another Covered Fund offered in the Plan, Great-West will restore your GLWB Benefit Base and GAW, if applicable, to the same amounts as held by you prior to the transfer of the Covered Fund assets.

Can the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor cancel the Contract?

As Contract Owner, the Plan Sponsor has the right to cancel the Contract upon 75 days written notice to us without additional charges. If the Plan Sponsor cancels the Contract, then the GLWB Participants in the Retirement Plan will lose their GLWB and all associated benefits. We will not return any portion of the Guarantee Benefit Fee that has been collected. However, for GLWB Participants that have reached the Settlement Phase on or before the date that the Plan Sponsor cancels the Contract, Installments will continue for as long as the GLWB Participant shall live.

What protection does the GLWB provide?

The GLWB provides two basic protections to GLWB Participants who purchase the GLWB as a source or potential source of lifetime retirement income or other long-term purposes. Provided that certain conditions are met, the GLWB protects the GLWB Participant from:

•	longevity risk, which is the risk that a GLWB Participant will outlive the assets invested in the Covered Fund; and
•	income volatility risk, which is the risk of downward fluctuations in a GLWB Participant’s retirement income due to changes in market performance.

Both of these risks increase as a result of poor market performance early in retirement. Point-in-time risk (which is the risk of retiring on the eve of a down market) significantly contributes to both longevity and income volatility risk.

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The GLWB does not provide a guarantee that the Covered Fund or the GLWB Participant’s Account will retain a certain value or that the value of the Covered Fund or the GLWB Participant’s Account will remain steady or grow over time. Instead, it provides for a guarantee, under certain specified conditions, that regardless of the performance of the Covered Funds in the Account and regardless of how long the GLWB Participant lives, the GLWB Participant will be able to receive a guaranteed level of annual income for life. Therefore, it is important to understand that while the preservation of capital may be one of the GLWB Participant’s goals, the achievement of that goal is not guaranteed by the GLWB.

How does the GLWB work?

The GLWB has three phases: an “Accumulation Phase,” a “GAW Phase,” and a “Settlement Phase.”

•	The Accumulation Phase: During the Accumulation Phase, the GLWB Participant may make additional Contract Contributions to the Covered Fund, which establishes the Benefit Base (this is the sum of all Contract Contributions minus any withdrawals and any adjustments made on the “Ratchet Date” as described later in this prospectus), and take Distributions from the Account just as the GLWB Participant otherwise would be permitted to (although Excess Withdrawals will reduce the amount of the Benefit Base under the Contract). The GLWB Participant is responsible for managing withdrawals during the Accumulation Phase.
•	The GAW Phase: After the GLWB Participant (or if there are joint Covered Persons, the younger joint Covered Person) has turned age 55, then the GLWB Participant can enter the GAW Phase and begin to take GAWs (which are annual withdrawals that do not exceed a specified amount) without reducing the Benefit Base. GAWs before age 59 1⁄2 may result in certain tax penalties, and may not be permissible in certain circumstances.
•	Settlement Phase: If the Covered Fund Value falls to zero as a result of Covered Fund performance, the Guarantee Benefit Fee, certain other fees that are not directly associated with the GLWB or Contract (e.g., custodian fees or advisory fees), and/or GAWs, the Settlement Phase will begin. During the Settlement Phase, we make Installments to the GLWB Participant for life. However, the Settlement Phase may never occur, depending on how long the GLWB Participant lives and how well the Covered Fund performs.

The Installments that a GLWB Participant may receive when in the GAW Phase or Settlement Phase are determined by multiplying the vested Benefit Base by the GAW Percentage (GAW%), which is determined by the age of the Covered Person(s) as of the date we calculate the first Installment. As described in more detail below, the amount of the Installments may increase on an annual basis during the GAW Phase due to positive Covered Fund performance, and will decrease as a result of any Excess Withdrawals.

If the GLWB Participant withdraws any of his Covered Fund Value during the Accumulation Phase to satisfy any contribution limitation imposed under federal law, we will consider that to be an Excess Withdrawal. Any withdrawals to satisfy a GLWB Participant’s required distribution obligations under the Code will be considered an Excess Withdrawal if taken during the Accumulation Phase. As a result, those who will be subject to required minimum distributions should consider the appropriateness of this product. Each GLWB Participant should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding contribution limits and other tax implications. We will deem withdrawals taken during the GAW Phase to meet required minimum distribution requirements, in the proportion of the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value to his overall Account balance (and not taking into account any other retirement balances of the GLWB Participant), to be within the contract limits for the Contract and will not treat such withdrawals as Excess Withdrawals.

How does the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor apply for the Contract?

The Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor may apply for the Contract by completing an application or other form authorized by us and executing the Contract. The Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor is also required to add one or more Covered Funds to the eligible investment options for the Retirement Plan. If the application or form is accepted by us at our Administrative Office, we will issue a Contract to the Contract Owner/Plan Sponsor describing the rights and obligations under the Contract.

How does a Retirement Plan participant elect the GLWB?

A Retirement Plan participant must elect the GLWB in connection with his purchase of shares of a Covered Fund in his Account under the Retirement Plan. However, the actual date of election of the GLWB will depend on which Covered Fund shares are purchased. For the SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds, a GLWB Participant will not be deemed to have actually elected the GLWB until the first business day of the year that is ten years prior to the date in the name of the fund. There is no minimum initial investment. Subject to federal tax law and Retirement Plan limitations on Section 403(b) contributions, a GLWB Participant may invest any amount in any Covered Fund. However, the Benefit Base is limited to $5,000,000. Any amount over $5,000,000 will not increase the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base.

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The GLWB may only be elected by participants in Retirement Plans that offer the Covered Funds.

What are the Designated Investment Options?

The following is a list of the currently available Covered Funds

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2020 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2025 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2030 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2035 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2040 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2045 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2050 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2055 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2060 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Balanced Fund

In general, if the GLWB Participant purchases shares of one of the Covered Funds, the GLWB Participant is required to purchase the GLWB. However, the actual date of purchase will depend on which Covered Fund shares are purchased. For the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds, the GLWB Participant will not be deemed to have purchased the GLWB until the first business day of the year that is ten years prior to the date in the name of the fund. Thus, it is possible to redeem the shares of a Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Fund prior to the date in which the GLWB Participant would have been deemed to have purchased the GLWB. For example, if a GLWB Participant purchases shares of the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2055 Fund today, he will not purchase the GLWB until January 3, 2045, will not have any rights or benefits under the GLWB until January 3, 2045, and will not be charged the Guarantee Benefit Fee until the end of January 2045 and, if the GLWB Participant chooses to redeem all of his shares prior to January 3, 2045, the GLWB Participant will not be charged the Guarantee Benefit Fee.

A GLWB Participant may also later decide not to maintain the GLWB. If so, the GLWB Participant will need to redeem all shares in the Covered Fund in order to cancel the GLWB. A GLWB Participant cannot remain invested in a Covered Fund without owning the GLWB.

Is the GLWB right for Retirement Plan participants?

The GLWB may be right for a Retirement Plan participant if he believes that he may outlive his retirement investments or is concerned about market risk. If a Retirement Plan participant believes that his retirement investments will be sufficient to provide for retirement expenses regardless of market performance or lifespan, then the GLWB may not be right for the Retirement Plan participant.

The GLWB does not protect the actual value of a Retirement Plan participant’s investments in the Account or guarantee the Covered Fund Value. For example, if a Retirement Plan participant invests $500,000 in a Covered Fund, and the Covered Fund Value has dropped to $400,000 on the Initial Installment Date, we are not required to add $100,000 to the Covered Fund Value. Instead, the GLWB guarantees that when a GLWB Participant reaches the Initial Installment Date, he may begin GAWs based upon a Benefit Base of $500,000, rather than $400,000 (so long as specified conditions are met).

The GAWs are made from the GLWB Participant’s own investment. We start using our money to make Installments to a GLWB Participant only if the Covered Fund Value is reduced to zero due to Covered Fund performance, the Guarantee Benefit Fee, certain other fees that are not directly associated with the GLWB (e.g., custodian fees or advisory fees), and/or GAWs. We limit our risk under the GLWB in this regard by limiting the amount a GLWB Participant may withdraw each year to GAWs. If a GLWB Participant needs to take Excess Withdrawals, the GLWB Participant may not receive the full benefit of the GLWB. For further information, see “The Accumulation Phase– Excess Withdrawal During the Accumulation Phase” and “The GAW Phase– Excess Withdrawals During the Accumulation Phase,” below.

If the return on the Covered Fund Value over time is sufficient to generate gains that can sustain constant GAWs, then the GLWB would not have provided any financial gain. Conversely, if the return on the Covered Fund Value over time is not sufficient to generate gains that can sustain constant GAWs, then the GLWB would be beneficial.

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Each Retirement Plan participant should discuss his investment strategy and risk tolerance with his financial advisor before electing to invest in Covered Funds and the GLWB. You should consider the payment of the Guarantee Benefit Fee (which is in addition to any fee paid for the Covered Fund) relative to the benefits and features of the GLWB, your risk tolerance, and proximity to retirement.

RISK FACTORS REGARDING THE CONTRACT

There are a number of risks associated with the Contract and GLWB as described below.

The guarantee that may be provided is contingent on several conditions being met. In certain circumstances a GLWB Participant may not realize a benefit from the GLWB.

•	If the Plan Sponsor selects a new record keeper, the GLWB Participant may lose the entire benefit. Currently, the Contracts are only offered to Plan Sponsors of Retirement Plans that select Great-West as their record keeper. If the Plan Sponsor elects a new record keeper, it is likely that this will result in the termination of the Contract and the GLWB Participant will lose the entire benefit unless the GLWB Participant has already reached Settlement Phase. The Guarantee Benefit Fee will not be refunded.
•	The Plan Sponsor may cancel the Contract or remove the Covered Funds. The GLWB is an investment option offered by the Retirement Plan and is contingent on the Retirement Plan offering one or more of the Covered Funds. The Plan Sponsor may elect to cancel the Contract at any time or remove the Covered Funds from the Retirement Plan’s investment options. If the Plan Sponsor takes either of these actions, the GLWB Participant will lose the entire benefit unless the GLWB Participant has already reached Settlement Phase. The Guarantee Benefit Fee will not be refunded.
•	The GLWB Participant may die before receiving payments from us or may not live long enough to receive enough income to exceed the amount of the Guarantee Benefit Fees paid. If the GLWB Participant (assuming he is the sole Covered Person) dies before the Covered Fund Value is reduced to zero, the GLWB Participant will never receive any payments under the Contract. Neither the Contract nor the GLWB has any cash value or provides a death benefit. Furthermore, even if the GLWB Participant begins to receive Installments in the Settlement Phase, the GLWB Participant may die before receiving an amount equal to or greater than the amount paid in Guarantee Benefit Fees.
•	The Covered Funds may perform well enough so that the GLWB Participant may not need the guarantee that may otherwise be provided by the Contract. The Covered Funds are managed by a registered investment adviser, Great-West Capital Management, LLC (“GWCM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Great-West. GWCM manages the Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime Funds to become more conservative as time goes on, which may minimize the likelihood that the GLWB Participant will experience a significant loss of capital at an advanced age. GWCM also has the flexibility to manage the Great-West SecureFoundation® Balanced Fund conservatively. Therefore, there is a good chance that the Covered Funds will perform well enough that GAWs will not reduce Covered Fund Value to zero. As a result, the likelihood that we will make payments to the GLWB Participant is minimal. In this case, the GLWB Participant will have paid us the Guarantee Benefit Fee for the life of the GLWB and received no payments in the Settlement Phase in return.
•	The GLWB Participant may need to make Excess Withdrawals, which have the potential to substantially reduce or even terminate the benefits available under the Contract. Because personal financial needs can arise unpredictably (e.g., unexpected medical bills), the GLWB Participant may need to make a withdrawal from a Covered Fund before the start of the GAW Phase or following the start of the GAW Phase in an amount larger than the GAW. These types of withdrawals are Excess Withdrawals that will reduce or eliminate the guarantee that may otherwise be provided by the Contract. There is no provision under the Contract to cure any decrease in the benefits due to Excess Withdrawals. To avoid making Excess Withdrawals, the GLWB Participant will need to carefully manage any withdrawals. The Contract does not require us to warn the GLWB Participant of Excess Withdrawals or other actions with adverse consequences.
•	The GLWB Participant may choose to cancel the GLWB prior to a severe market downturn. The GLWB is designed to protect the GLWB Participant from outliving the assets in the Covered Fund. If the GLWB Participant terminates the GLWB before reaching the GAW Phase or Settlement Phase, we will not make payments to the GLWB Participant, even if subsequent Covered Fund performance reduces the Covered Fund Value to zero.
•	The GLWB Participant might not begin making GAWs at the most financially beneficial time. Because of decreasing life expectancy as one ages, in certain circumstances, the longer the GLWB Participant waits to start taking GAWs, the less likely it is that the GLWB Participant will benefit from the GLWB. On the other hand, the earlier the GLWB Participant begins taking GAWs, the lower the GAW Percentage the GLWB Participant will receive and therefore the lower the GAWs (if any) will be. Because of the uncertainty of how long the GLWB Participant will live and how the GLWB Participant’s investments will perform over time, it will be difficult to determine the most financially beneficial time to begin making GAWs.

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•	If the GLWB Participant moves his assets out of the Retirement Plan, the GLWB Participant may never receive a benefit from the GLWB. The GLWB is currently available to participants in certain Section 403(b) Plans. The Contract is entered into by the Plan Sponsor. If the GLWB Participant moves his assets out of the Retirement Plan, such as by a full distribution of all of the assets in the Plan, or moves to an IRA provider that does not offer the GLWB, the GLWB Participant will cause the GLWB to terminate. In that case, the GLWB Participant may never receive a benefit from the GLWB, and the Guarantee Benefit Fee will not be refunded. See “IRA Rollovers,” below for further information on how to maintain the Benefit Base after an IRA rollover.
•	We reserve the right to increase the Guarantee Benefit Fee at any time. If we increase the Guarantee Benefit Fee, then depending upon how long the GLWB Participant lives, the GLWB Participant may not receive enough income to exceed the amount of total fees paid.
•	The deduction of the Guarantee Benefit Fee each month will negatively affect the growth of the Covered Fund Value. The growth of the Plan account value is likely important to the GLWB Participant because the GLWB Participant may never receive Installments during Settlement Phase. Therefore, depending on how long the GLWB Participant lives and how other investment options available to the GLWB Participant under the Retirement Plan perform, the GLWB Participant may be financially better off without electing the Covered Funds and GLWB.
•	The Contract limits the GLWB Participant’s investment choices. Only certain funds are available under the Contract. These Covered Funds may be managed in a more conservative fashion than other mutual funds available to the GLWB Participant. If the GLWB Participant does not elect the GLWB, it is possible that the GLWB Participant may invest under the Retirement Plan in other mutual funds (or other types of investments) that experience higher growth or lower losses, depending on the market, than the Covered Funds experience. It is impossible to know how various investments will fare on a comparative basis.
•	Covered Funds may become ineligible. If the Covered Fund that the GLWB Participant invests in becomes ineligible for the Contract, the GLWB Participant must Transfer the Covered Fund Value to another Covered Fund in order to keep the Contract in force. We reserve the right to designate Covered Funds that were previously eligible for use with the Contract as ineligible for use with the Contract, for any reason including due to changes to their investment objectives. In the event that all Covered Funds become ineligible or are liquidated, we will designate a new fund as a Covered Fund. The new Covered Fund may have higher fees and charges and different investment objectives/strategies than the ineligible Covered Fund. In addition, designating a new fund as a Covered Fund may result in an increase in the current Guarantee Benefit Fee, which will not exceed the maximum Guarantee Benefit Fee of 1.5%. The Guarantee Benefit Fee will not be refunded if the Covered Funds become ineligible or are liquidated.
•	We may terminate the Contract upon 75 days written notice to the Contract Owner. If we terminate the Contract, such termination will not adversely affect the GLWB Participant’s rights under the Contract, except that we will not permit additional Contributions to the Covered Fund. However, we will accept reinvested dividends and capital gains. The GLWB Participant will still be obligated to pay the Guarantee Benefit Fee.
•	The Contract will terminate if the Guaranteed Benefit Fee is not paid. If we do not receive the Guarantee Benefit Fee (except during the Settlement Phase), including as a result of the failure of the Retirement Plan custodian to submit it to us, the Contract will terminate as of the date that the fee is due.

The GLWB Participant’s receipt of payments from us is subject to our claims paying ability.

Any payments we are required to make to the GLWB Participant under the Contract will depend on our long-term ability to make such payments.

We will make all payments under the Contract in the Settlement Phase from our general account, which is not insulated from the claims of our third party creditors. Therefore, the GLWB Participant’s receipt of payments from us is subject to our claims paying ability. The Covered Funds do not make payments under the GLWB.

COVID-19 and the resulting impacts on economic conditions and the financial markets may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial condition. The extent to which the Company’s business may be impacted depends on future developments, which cannot be predicted at this time.

Currently, our financial strength is rated by three nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSRO”), ranging from superior to excellent to very strong. Our ratings reflect the NRSROs’ opinions that we have a superior, excellent, or a very strong ability to meet our ongoing obligations. An excellent and very strong rating means that we may have somewhat larger long-term risks than higher rated companies that may impair our ability to pay benefits payable on outstanding insurance policies on time. The financial strength ratings are the NRSROs’ current opinions of our financial strength with respect to our ability to pay under

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our outstanding insurance policies according to their terms and the timeliness of payments. The NRSRO ratings are not specific to the Contract or Certificate.

Additional information regarding our Company and its financial condition may be found in this prospectus under “Financial Information of the Company” as well as Appendix A.

There may be tax consequences associated with the Contract:

•

The Contract is novel and innovative and, to date, the tax consequences of the GLWB have not been addressed in published legal authorities. A prospective GLWB Participant should consult a tax advisor before electing the Covered Funds and GLWB. See “Taxation of the Contract and GLWB,” below for further discussion of tax issues relating to the GLWB.

Other Information

•	You should be aware of various regulatory protections that do and do not apply to the Contract. The Contract is registered in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933. The issuance and sale of the Contract must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.
•	We have elected to rely on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”) from the requirements to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act. In reliance on that exemption, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company will not file the periodic reports that would otherwise be required under the 1934 Act. Annual Audited Financial Statements and other information regarding the Company required by the Securities Act of 1933 will be provided annually in this prospectus.
•	We are neither an investment company nor an investment adviser and do not provide investment advice in connection with the Contract. Therefore, we are not governed by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) or the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). Accordingly, the protections provided by the Advisers Act and the 1940 Act are not applicable with respect to our sale of the Contract.

THE CONTRACT

The Contract is a group fixed deferred annuity contract. The GLWB is offered only to Retirement Plan participants whose assets are invested in one or more Covered Funds. The Contract is designed for Retirement Plan participants who intend to use the investments in the Covered Fund in their Account as the basis for periodic withdrawals (such as systematic withdrawal programs involving regular annual withdrawals of a certain percentage of the Covered Fund Value) to provide income payments for retirement or for other purposes. For more information about the Covered Funds, each Retirement Plan participant should talk to his advisor and review the accompanying prospectuses for the Covered Funds.

Provided that specified conditions are met, the Contract provides for a guaranteed income over the remaining life of the GLWB Participant (or, if these are joint Covered Persons, the remaining lives of both joint Covered Persons), should the Covered Fund Value equal zero as a result of GAWs, the Guarantee Benefit Fee, certain other fees that are not directly associated with the Certificate or Contract (e.g., custodian fees or advisory fees), and/or Covered Fund performance.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS—THE COVERED FUNDS

The Contract provides protection relating to Covered Funds by ensuring that, regardless of how the Covered Fund(s) actually performs or the actual Covered Fund Value when the GLWB Participant begins GAWs for retirement or other purposes, the GLWB Participant will receive predictable income payments for as long as the GLWB Participant lives so long as specified conditions are met.

In general, if the GLWB Participant purchases shares of one of the Covered Funds in his Account, the GLWB Participant is required to purchase the GLWB. The actual date of purchase of the GLWB will depend on which Covered Fund shares are purchased. For the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds, the GLWB is not actually purchased until the first Business Day of the year that is ten years prior to the date in the name of the fund, which is known as the “Guarantee Trigger Date.” (The Guarantee Trigger Date is also your Election Date.) Thus, it is possible to redeem the shares of a SecureFoundation Lifetime Fund prior to the Guarantee Trigger Date. For example, if the GLWB Participant purchases shares of the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime 2055 Fund, the GLWB will not be purchased until January 3, 2045, the GLWB Participant will not have any rights or benefits under the GLWB until January 3, 2045, and the GLWB Participant will not be charged the Guarantee Benefit Fee until the end of January 2045, and if the GLWB Participant chooses to redeem all of the shares prior to January 3,

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2045, he will not be charged the Guarantee Benefit Fee. The Election Date for the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Balanced Fund is date that the GWLB Participant purchases shares.

If the GLWB Participant later decides that he does not want to maintain the GLWB, he will need to redeem all of his shares in the Covered Fund in order to cancel the GLWB. The GLWB Participant cannot remain invested in a Covered Fund without owning the GLWB.

The Covered Funds will be held in an Account maintained pursuant to the Retirement Plan. The Company issues the Contracts, but the Company is not the GLWB Participant’s investment adviser and does not provide investment advice to the GLWB Participant in connection with the GLWB.

As described in more detail in the Covered Fund prospectuses, in addition to the Guarantee Benefit Fee, there are certain fees and charges associated with the Covered Funds, which may reduce the Covered Fund Value. These fees may include management fees, distribution fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, redemption fees, exchange fees, advisory fees, and/or administrative fees.

The following information about the Covered Funds is only a summary of important information that the GLWB Participant should know. More detailed information about the Covered Funds' investment strategies and risks are included in each Covered Fund’s prospectus. Please read that separate prospectus carefully before investing in a Covered Fund.

The Covered Funds are managed by an investment adviser affiliated with us, which may have an incentive to manage the funds in a way to reduce volatility of the funds' returns in order to lower the amounts that we have to pay under the Contract. Offering the Contract in connection with your investment in the Covered Funds, therefore, may subject us to a potential conflict of interest. Reducing volatility may have the effect of lowering the returns of the Covered Funds relative to other funds. This may suppress the value of the benefits provided by the Contract because your Benefit Base will reset only when your Covered Fund Value is higher than your Benefit Base. We took into account the Covered Funds' use of strategies to lower volatility when we selected them for use with this Contract. In addition, each of the Covered Funds is a fund of funds, for which you will pay fees at both fund levels, which will reduce your investment return.

GREAT-WEST SECUREFOUNDATION^® BALANCED FUND

The fund is designed for investors seeking a professionally designed asset allocation program to simplify the accumulation of assets prior to retirement together with the potential benefit of the guarantee that may be provided by the Contract. The fund strives to provide shareholders with a high level of diversification primarily through both a professionally designed asset allocation model and professionally selected investments in underlying portfolios (the “Underlying Portfolios”). The intended benefit of asset allocation is diversification, which is expected to reduce volatility over the long-term.

The fund is a “fund of funds” that pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds, including Underlying Portfolios that may or may not be affiliated with the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Balanced Fund, cash and cash equivalents.

The fund has two classes of shares, Investor Class and Service Class shares. Each class is identical except that Service Class shares have a distribution or “Rule 12b-1” plan. The distribution plan provides for a distribution fee. Because the distribution fee is paid out of Service Class assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of the investment and may cost more than paying other types of sales charges.

Investment Objective

The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and income.

GREAT-WEST SECUREFOUNDATION^® LIFETIME FUNDS

There are nine separate Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds. These are the:

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2020 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2025 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2030 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2035 Fund

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Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2040 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2045 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2050 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2055 Fund

Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime 2060 Fund

Each Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Fund provides an asset allocation strategy and is designed to meet certain investment goals based on an investor’s investment horizon (such as projected retirement date) and personal objectives.

Each Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Fund is a “fund of funds” that pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds, including mutual funds that may or may not be affiliated with the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds (collectively, “Underlying Portfolios”), a fixed interest contract issued and guaranteed by GWL&A (the “GWL&A Contract”), cash, and cash equivalents. The Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds use asset allocation strategies to allocate assets among the Underlying Portfolios.

The Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds have two classes of shares, Investor Class and Service Class shares. Each class is identical except that Service Class shares have a distribution or “Rule 12b-1” plan. The distribution plan provides for a distribution fee. Because the distribution fee is paid out of Service Class assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of the investment and may cost more than paying other types of sales charges.

Investment Objective

Each Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and income consistent with its current asset allocation.

ADDING AND REMOVING COVERED FUNDS

We may, without the consent of the GLWB Participant or the Contract Owner, offer new Covered Fund(s) or cease offering Covered Fund(s). We will notify the Contract Owner whenever the Covered Fund(s) are changed. If we cease offering a Covered Fund in which the GLWB Participant is invested, then the GLWB Participant must Transfer the Covered Fund Value to another Covered Fund in order to keep the Contract in force. In the event that we cease offering all of the Covered Funds, we will designate a new fund as a Covered Fund. The new Covered Fund may have higher fees and charges and different investment objectives/strategies than the ineligible Covered Fund. In addition, designating a new fund as a Covered Fund, may result in an increase in the current Guarantee Benefit Fee, which will not exceed the maximum Guarantee Benefit Fee of 1.5%. If the Plan Sponsor removes a Covered Fund, we are not obligated to designate a new Covered Fund.

IRA ROLLOVERS

If the SecureFoundation^® Group Fixed Deferred Annuity Certificate (or individual contract in certain states) that we issue in connection with IRAs (the “IRA Certificate”) has been approved in the GLWB Participant’s state of residence and he or she is eligible and permitted by the terms of his or her Retirement Plan documents, the GLWB Participant may rollover the proceeds of his or her tax deferred Retirement Plan, including the GLWB, to his or her IRA. To preserve the GLWB in the rollover, the IRA provider must offer one or more of the Covered Funds and the IRA Certificate. If the rollover is from a tax-deferred Retirement Plan and the GLWB Participant has previously elected the GLWB as part of his or her investments in the tax-deferred Retirement Plan, the new Benefit Base may be equal to the Benefit Base as it existed under the GLWB Participant’s prior tax-deferred Retirement Plan immediately prior to the rollover. The new Benefit Base after the IRA rollover will only equal the Benefit Base the GLWB Participant had under the tax-deferred Retirement Plan, if the GLWB Participant: (a) invests the rollover or transfer proceeds covered by the Contract immediately prior to distribution from the tax-deferred Retirement Plan in the Covered Fund(s); (b) invest in a corresponding Covered Fund approved by Great-West, as described in the prospectus for the IRA Certificate, except if the GLWB Participant is in the Settlement Phase; and (c) the GLWB Participant Requests the restoration of the Benefit Base as it existed under the Retirement Plan. To maintain the same Benefit Base, the GLWB Participant must be in the same Phase that the GLWB Participant was in at the time of the rollover or transfer after the rollover or transfer is complete. If the GLWB Participant does not meet these requirements, a new benefit base will be established that is equal to the Covered Fund Value as of the date of the rollover and the Guarantee Benefit Fee will be calculated as a percentage of the Covered Fund Value.

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The GLWB Participant’s new Covered Fund Value after the IRA rollover will initially equal the Covered Fund Value as of the date of the rollover. We will calculate the GLWB Participant’s Guarantee Benefit Fee as a specified percentage of the Covered Fund Value.

THE ACCUMULATION PHASE

As stated previously in this prospectus, the Contract has three phases: an “Accumulation Phase,” “GAW Phase,” and “Settlement Phase.” The Accumulation Phase is described in the following section of this prospectus.

The Accumulation Phase is the period of time between the Election Date, which is the date the GLWB Participant purchases the GLWB, and the first day of the GAW Phase. During this Phase, the GLWB Participant will establish the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base which will be used later to determine the amount of GAWs.

Covered Fund Value

The GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is the aggregate value of the shares in each Covered Fund held in the GLWB Participant’s Account. If the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is reduced to zero as a result of Covered Fund performance, the Guarantee Benefit Fee, certain other fees that are not directly associated with the Contract ( e.g., custodian fees or advisory fees), and/or GAWs, we will make annual payments to the GLWB Participant for the rest of his life. See “The Settlement Phase,” below. The GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value also determines the amount of the Guarantee Benefit Fee we deduct. See “Guarantee Benefit Fee,” below.

The GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is an actual cash value separate from the Benefit Base (which is only used to calculate Installment Payments during the GAW Phase and the Settlement Phase). The GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value and Benefit Base may not be equal to one another.

We do not increase or decrease the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value. Rather, the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is increased or decreased in the same manner that all mutual fund values increase or decrease. For example, reinvested dividends, settlements, and positive Covered Fund performance (including capital gains) will increase the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value, and fees and expenses associated with the Covered Funds and negative Covered Fund performance (including capital losses) will decrease the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value.

The GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value will also increase each time the GLWB Participant purchases additional fund shares, such as by making a Contract Contribution, and will decrease each time the GLWB Participant redeems shares, such as through payment of the Guarantee Benefit Fee or as a result of Distributions, Excess Withdrawals, Installments, and Transfers from a Covered Fund to another investment option offered under the Retirement Plan (other than another Covered Fund). The GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is not affected by any Ratchet or Reset of the Benefit Base (described below).

Benefit Base

The GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base is separate from the Covered Fund Value. It is not a cash value. Rather, the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base is used to calculate Installment Payments during the GAW Phase and the Settlement Phase. The GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base and Covered Fund Value may not be equal to one another.

On the GLWB Participant’s Election Date, the initial Benefit Base is equal to the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value on that date. Each Covered Fund will have its own Benefit Base. A Covered Fund Benefit Base cannot be transferred to another Covered Fund unless the Covered Fund in which you are invested is eliminated or liquidated by us.

•	We increase the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base on a dollar-for-dollar basis each time the GLWB Participant makes a Contribution.
•	We decrease the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base on a proportionate basis each time the GLWB Participant makes an Excess Withdrawal.
•	On each Ratchet Date (described below), we will increase the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base to equal the GLWB Participant’s current Covered Fund Value if the GLWB Participant ‘s Covered Fund Value is greater than the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base. (If so, the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base will then reflect positive Covered Fund performance.)

A few things to keep in mind regarding the Benefit Base:

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•	The Benefit Base is used only for purposes of calculating the GLWB Participant’s Installment Payments during the GAW Phase and the Settlement Phase. It has no other purpose. The Benefit Base does not provide and is not available as a cash value or settlement value.
•	It is important that the GLWB Participant does not confuse the Benefit Base with the Covered Fund Value.
•	During the Accumulation Phase and the GAW Phase, the Benefit Base will be re-calculated each time the GLWB Participant makes a Contract Contribution or Excess Withdrawal, as well as on an annual basis as described below, which is known as the Ratchet Date.
•	The maximum Benefit Base is $5,000,000.

Subsequent Contract Contributions to Your Account

During the Accumulation Phase, the GLWB Participant may make additional Contract Contributions to the Covered Funds in addition to the initial Contract Contribution. Subject to the requirements of federal tax law and the terms of the Retirement Plan, subsequent Contract Contributions can be made by cash deposit, Transfers, or rollovers from certain other retirement accounts. Additional Contract Contributions may not be made after the Accumulation Phase ends.

All additional Contract Contributions made after the Election Date will increase the Benefit Base dollar-for-dollar on the date the Contract Contribution is made. We will not consider the additional purchase of shares of a Covered Fund through reinvested dividends, capital gains, and/or settlements to be a Contract Contribution. However, they will increase the Covered Fund Value.

Great-West reserves the right to refuse additional Contract Contributions at any time and for any reason. Exercising this right may limit your ability to increase your Benefit Base by making additional Contract Contributions. If Great-West refuses additional Contract Contributions, the GLWB Participant will retain all other rights under the GLWB.

Ratchet Date Adjustments to the Benefit Base

During the Accumulation Phase, the Benefit Base will be evaluated and, if necessary, adjusted on an annual basis. This is known as the Ratchet Date and it occurs on the anniversary of the Election Date. It is important to be aware that even though the GLWB Participant's Covered Fund Value may increase throughout the year due to dividends, capital gains, or settlements from the underlying Covered Fund, the Benefit Base will not similarly increase until the next Ratchet Date. Unlike Covered Fund Value, the GLWB Participant's Benefit Base will never decrease solely due to negative Covered Fund performance.

On each Ratchet Date during the Accumulation Phase, the Benefit Base is automatically adjusted (“ratcheted”) to the greater of:

(a)	the current Benefit Base; or
(b)	the current Covered Fund Value.

Example of Ratchet Date Adjustments during the Accumulation Period

Assume the following:

Benefit Base on Election Date (of January 2) = $100,000

Covered Fund Value on Election Date = $100,000

Increase in Covered Fund Value due to Dividends and Capital Gains paid July 1 = $5,000

Covered Fund Value on July 1 = $105,000

Benefit Base on July 1 = $100,000

No other Contract Contributions, Dividends, or Capital Gains are paid for the rest of the year.

Covered Fund Value on January 2 of the following year = $105,000

So, because the Covered Fund Value is greater than the Benefit Base on the Ratchet Date (January 2 of the following year), the Benefit Base is adjusted to $105,000 effective January 2.

Excess Withdrawals During the Accumulation Phase

Because the GLWB is held in the Account, the GLWB Participant may make withdrawals or change the GLWB Participant’s Account investments at any time and in any amount that the GLWB Participant wishes, subject to any federal tax limitations or Retirement Plan limitations. During the Accumulation Phase, however, any withdrawals or Transfers from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value will be categorized as Excess Withdrawals. Any withdrawals to satisfy the GLWB Participant’s required distribution obligations under the Code will be considered an Excess Withdrawal if taken during the Accumulation Phase.

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The GLWB Participant should carefully consider the effect of an Excess Withdrawal on both the Benefit Base and the Covered Fund Value during the Accumulation Phase, as this may affect the GLWB Participant’s future benefits under the Contract. In the event the GLWB Participant decides to take an Excess Withdrawal, as discussed below, the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value will be reduced dollar-for-dollar in the amount of the Excess Withdrawal. The Benefit Base will be reduced at the time the Excess Withdrawal is made by the ratio of the Covered Fund Value after the Excess Withdrawal reduction is applied.

Accordingly, the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base will be reduced by more than the amount of the withdrawal when the Benefit Base is greater than the Covered Fund Value, which is likely to occur after periods of negative market performance.

Example of Effects of an Excess Withdrawal taken during the Accumulation Period

Assume the following:

Covered Fund Value before the Excess Withdrawal adjustment = $50,000

Benefit Base = $100,000

Excess Withdrawal amount: $10,000

So,

Covered Fund Value after adjustment = $50,000 - $10,000 = $40,000

Covered Fund Value adjustment = $40,000/$50,000 = 0.80

Adjusted Benefit Base = $100,000 x 0.80 = $80,000

Types of Excess Withdrawals

All Distributions and Transfers during the Accumulation Phase, including Transfers from one Covered Fund to another, are treated as Excess Withdrawals. An Excess Withdrawal will reduce the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base and Covered Fund Value. A Distribution occurs when money is paid to the GLWB Participant from the Covered Fund Value. A Transfer occurs when the GLWB Participant transfers money from a Covered Fund to another investment. A Transfer will occur even if you transfer money from one Covered Fund to a different Covered Fund in the Retirement Plan. If the GLWB Participant Transfers any amount out of out of the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Balanced Fund or the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds after the Guarantee Trigger Date, then the GLWB Participant will be prohibited from making any Transfers into the same Covered Fund for at least ninety (90) calendar days.

Note: The Contract does not require us to warn the GLWB Participant or provide the GLWB Participant with notice regarding potentially adverse consequences that may be associated with any withdrawals or other types of transactions involving the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund. The GLWB Participant should carefully monitor his Covered Fund, any withdrawals from his Covered Fund, and any changes to the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base. The GLWB Participant may contact us at (866) 317-6586 for information about the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base.

Treatment of a Distribution During the Accumulation Phase

At the time of any partial or periodic Distribution, if the Covered Person is 55 years of age or older, the GLWB Participant may elect to begin the GAW Phase (as described below) and begin receiving GAWs at that time. If the GLWB Participant chooses not to begin the GAW Phase, the Distribution will be treated as an Excess Withdrawal and will reduce the GLWB Participant's Covered Fund Value and your Benefit Base (as described above).

If the Covered Person is not yet 55 years old, then any partial or periodic Distribution will be treated as an Excess Withdrawal as described above.

Any Distribution made during the Accumulation Phase to satisfy any contribution limitation imposed under federal law will be considered an Excess Withdrawal at all times. The GLWB Participant should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding contribution limits and other tax implications.

Loans

During the Accumulation Phase, the GLWB Participant may take a loan on his or her Account, if allowed by the Retirement Plan and the Code.

Any amount withdrawn from the Covered Fund Value to fund the loan will be treated as an Excess Withdrawal. Loan repayments to the Covered Fund will increase the Benefit Base dollar-for-dollar and are invested in the Covered Fund dollar-for-dollar. If the loan reduces the Covered Fund Value to zero, Transfer(s) will not be permitted into the same Covered Fund for at least ninety

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(90) calendar days after the loan, but the GLWB Participant may continue to direct other Contract Contributions into the Covered Fund and establish a new Election Date.

If a Retirement Plan loan is outstanding that affects the Covered Fund Value, the GLWB Participant must repay the Plan loan before the GAW Phase can begin and Installments are paid. Retirement Plan loans cannot be made from Covered Fund Value during GAW Phase or Settlement Phase.

Death During the Accumulation Phase

If a GLWB Participant dies during the Accumulation Phase, then the GLWB will terminate and the Covered Fund Value will be paid to the Beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the Retirement Plan and the Code (unless an election is permitted and made by a Beneficiary that is the spouse of the GLWB Participant). A Beneficiary that is the spouse of the GLWB Participant may choose either to:

•	become a new GLWB Participant and maintain the deceased GLWB Participant’s current Benefit Base (or proportionate share if multiple Beneficiaries) as of the date of death; or
•	establish a new Account with a new Benefit Base based on the current Covered Fund Value on the date of the deceased GLWB Participant’s death.

In either situation, the spouse Beneficiary shall become a GLWB Participant and the Ratchet Date will be the date when his or her Account is established.

If permitted by the Retirement Plan and the Code, a Beneficiary who is not the spouse of the GLWB Participant cannot elect to maintain the current Benefit Base, but may elect to establish a new GLWB. The Benefit Base and Election Date will be based on the current Covered Fund Value on the date his or her Account is established.

To the extent to that the Beneficiary becomes a GLWB Participant, he or she will be subject to all terms and conditions of the Contract, the Retirement Plan, and the Code. Any election made by Beneficiary pursuant to this section is irrevocable.

THE GAW PHASE

The GAW Phase begins when the GLWB Participant elects to receive GAWs under the Contract. The GAW Phase continues until the Covered Fund Value reaches zero and the Settlement Phase begins.

The GAW Phase cannot begin until all Covered Persons attain age 55 and are eligible to begin distributions under the Retirement Plan and the Code. If the GLWB Participant is still in the employment of the Plan Sponsor, the Code generally does not permit distributions to commence prior to age 59 ¹⁄2. The Retirement Plan and the Code may impose other limitations on distributions. Distributions prior to age 59 ¹⁄2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Installments will not begin until Great-West receives appropriate and satisfactory information about the age of the Covered Person(s) in good order and in manner reasonably satisfactory to Great-West.

In order to initiate the GAW Phase, the GLWB Participant must submit a written Request to Great-West. At that time, the GLWB Participant must provide sufficient documentation for Great-West to determine the age of each Covered Person.

Because the GAW Phase cannot begin until all Covered Persons under the GLWB attain age 55, any Distributions taken before then will be considered Excess Withdrawals and will be deducted from the Covered Fund Value and Benefit Base. See “Accumulation Phase,” below for more information. No Contract Contributions may be made to the Covered Fund(s) on and after the Initial Installment Date, which is the date that GAWs begin.

Because of decreasing life expectancy as the GLWB Participant ages, in certain circumstances, the longer the GLWB Participant waits to start taking GAWs, the less likely it is that the GLWB Participant will benefit from the GLWB. On the other hand, the earlier the GLWB Participant begins taking GAWs, the lower the GAW Percentage the GLWB Participant will receive and therefore the lower the GLWB Participant’s GAWs (if any) will be. The GLWB Participant should talk to his advisor before initiating the GAW Phase to determine the most financially beneficial time for the GLWB Participant to begin taking GAWs.

Installments

It is important that you understand how the GAW is calculated because it will affect the benefits the GLWB Participant receives under the Contract. Once the GAW Phase has been initiated and the age of the Covered Person(s) is verified, we will determine the amount of the GAW.

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To determine the amount of the GAW, we will compare the vested portion of the current Benefit Base to the current Covered Fund Value on the Initial Installment Date. To determine the vested portion of (“Vested %”) of the Benefit Base, the vested portion of each Covered Fund is divided by the total Covered Fund Value. If the GLWB Participant is less than fully vested, the GAW will be based upon the Vested % of the Covered Fund Value and Benefit Base. If the vested Covered Fund Value is greater than the Vested % of the Benefit Base, we will increase the Benefit Base to equal the vested Covered Fund Value, and the GAW will be based on the increased Benefit Base amount. See “The GAW Phase– Vesting,” below.

During the GAW Phase, the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base will receive an annual adjustment or “ratchet” just as it did during the Accumulation Phase. The GLWB Participant’s Ratchet Date will become the anniversary of Initial Installment Date and will no longer be the anniversary of the Election Date.

Just like the Accumulation Phase, the Benefit Base will be automatically adjusted on an annual basis, on the Ratchet Date, to the greater of:

(a)	the current Benefit Base; or
(b)	the current Covered Fund Value.

The GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base is used to calculate the GAW he receives. However, even though the Benefit Base is adjusted annually, the GAW% will not change unless the GLWB Participant requests a Reset of the GAW%. See “The GAW Phase—Optional Resets of the GAW% During the GAW Phase,” below.

It is important to note that Installments during the GAW Phase will reduce the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value on a dollar-for-dollar basis, but they will not reduce the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base.

Calculation of Installment Amount

The GAW% is based on the age of the Covered Person(s) as of the date we calculate the first Installment. If there are two Covered Persons the percentage is based on the age of the younger Covered Person.

The GAW is based on a percentage of the Benefit Base pursuant to the following schedule:

Sole Covered Person		Joint Covered Person
4.0% for life at ages 55-64		3.5% for youngest joint life at ages 55-64
5.0% for life at ages 65-69		4.5% for youngest joint life at ages 65-69
6.0% for life at ages 70-79		5.5% for youngest joint life at ages 70-79
7.0% for life at ages 80+		6.5% for youngest joint life at ages 80+

The GAW will then be calculated by multiplying the Benefit Base by the GAW%. The amount of the Installment equals the GAW divided by the number of payments per year under the elected Installment Frequency Option, as described below.

Numerical Example of GAW Calculation

Assume the following:
  

Sole Covered Person - 100% Vested

Age of Covered Person at Initial Installment Date: 60

Covered Fund Value = $120,000

Current Benefit Base = $115,000

Adjusted Benefit Base at Initial Installment Date = $120,000*

GAW% based on Age = 4.0%
  

GAW% x Vested % x = 4.0% x $120,000 = $4,800

Installment Frequency = Monthly (12 payments per year)
  

So GAW/Installment Frequency = $4,800/12 = $400

The monthly Installment will be $400

Numerical Example of GAW Calculation, Joint Covered Persons

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Assume the following:
  

Joint Covered Persons - 100% Vested

Age of primary Covered Person at Initial Installment Date: 65

Age of joint Covered Person at Initial Installment Date: 58

Youngest Age for Determination of GAW: 58

Covered Fund Value = $120,000

Current Benefit Base = $115,000

Adjusted Benefit Base at Initial Installment Date = $120,000*

GAW% based on Age = 3.5%
  

GAW% x Vested % x (Adjusted Benefit Base) = 3.5% x $120,000 = $4,200

Installment Frequency = Monthly (12 payments per year)

So GAW/Installment Frequency = $4,200/12 = $350

The monthly Installment will be $350

*  On the Initial Installment Date, we compare the current Benefit Base to the current Covered Fund Value. If the Covered Fund Value is greater than the Benefit Base, we will increase the Benefit Base to equal the Covered Fund Value, and the GAW will be based on the increased Benefit Base amount. See “Installments,” above.

Any election which affects the calculation of the GAW is irrevocable. Please consider all relevant factors when making an election to begin the GAW Phase. For example, an election to begin receiving Installments based on a sole Covered Person cannot subsequently be changed to joint Covered Persons once the GAW Phase has begun. Similarly, an election to receive Installments based on joint Covered Persons cannot subsequently be changed to a sole Covered Person, nor may the beneficiary designation of a joint election be changed.

Installment Frequency Options

The GLWB Participant's Installment Frequency Options are as follows:

(a)	Annual– the GAW will be paid on the Initial Installment Date and each anniversary annually, or next business day, thereafter.
(b)	Semi-Annual– half of the GAW will be paid on the Initial Installment Date and in Installments every 6 month anniversary, or next business day, thereafter.
(c)	Quarterly– one quarter of the GAW will be paid on the Initial Installment Date and in Installments every 3 month anniversary, or next business day, thereafter.
(d)	Monthly– one-twelfth of the GAW will be paid on the Initial Installment Date and in Installments every monthly anniversary, or next business day, thereafter.

The GLWB Participant may Request to change the Installment Frequency Option starting on each Ratchet Date during the GAW Phase.

Vesting

The GAW for a GLWB Participant who is employed, but not fully vested under the Retirement Plan, is based on the GLWB Participant’s Vested % of the Benefit Base, as determined by dividing the vested portion of each Covered Fund by the total Covered Fund Value. As the GLWB Participant continues to vest, the GAW is proportionately adjusted to reflect additional vested amounts of Covered Fund Value on each Ratchet Date.

Should the GLWB Participant who has elected to begin the GAW Phase not become fully vested because of severance from service or any other reason, any unvested Covered Fund Value shall be returned to the Plan’s forfeiture account and the Benefit Base will adjust proportionately.

Numerical Example of Calculation of GAW where GLWB Participant is not fully vested:

•	GLWB Participant information:

•	$100,000 Benefit Base
•	GAWs start at age 62: GAW% at 5%

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•	Vested % at age 62: 50%
•	Vested % at age 63: 60%
•	Vested % at age 64: 70%

•	Guaranteed Annual Withdrawal = Benefit Base x Vested % x GAW %

•	Age 62 (when GAWs start): $100,000 x 50% x 5% = $2,500
•	Age 63 (on next Ratchet Date): $100,000 x 60% x 5% = $3,000
•	Age 64 (on next Ratchet Date): $100,000 x 70% x 5% = $3,500

A GLWB Participant who has severed service, but is not fully vested in the Plan may elect GAWs, if eligible pursuant to the terms of the Contract and the Plan. The Benefit Base shall be reduced proportionately based on the vested Covered Fund Value with unvested Covered Fund Value returned to the Plan’s forfeiture account.

Numerical Example of Calculation of GAW where non-fully vested GLWB Participant is not eligible for adjustment:

•	GLWB Participant information:

•	$100,000 Benefit Base
•	$60,000 Covered Fund Value
•	GAWs start at age 62: 5%
•	Vested % at age 62: 50%

•	When GAWs start:

•	Unvested Covered Fund Value is returned to Plan’s forfeiture account

•	Unvested Covered Fund Value: 0.50% x $60,000 = $30,000
•	Note: Covered Fund Value is reduced by 50%

•	Benefit Base is adjusted proportionately to Covered Fund Value reduction:

•	Benefit Base Adjustment: 0.50% x $100,000 = $50,000
•	Note: New Benefit Base is $50,000

•	GAWs start based on new Benefit Base:

•	GAW = 5% x $50,000 = $2,500

Lump Sum Distribution Option

At any time during the GAW Phase, if the GLWB Participant is receiving Installments more frequently than annually, the GLWB Participant may elect to take a lump sum Distribution up to the remaining scheduled amount of the GAW for that year.

Numerical Example of Lump Sum Distribution

Assume the following:

GAW = $4,800 with a monthly distribution of $400

Three monthly Installments have been made (3 x $400 = $1,200)

Remaining GAW = GAW– paid Installments to date = $4,800 - $1,200 = $3,600

So, a Lump Sum Distribution of $3,600 may be taken.

Suspending and Re-Commencing Installments After a Lump Sum Distribution

It is the GLWB Participant's responsibility to Request the suspension of the remaining Installments that are scheduled to be paid during the year until the next Ratchet Date and to re-establish Installments upon the next Ratchet Date, if applicable. If the GLWB Participant chooses not to suspend the remaining Installments for the year, an Excess Withdrawal may occur. See “Effect of Excess Withdrawals During the GAW Phase,” described below.

After receiving a Lump Sum Distribution and suspending Installments, the GLWB Participant must notify Great-West that the GLWB Participant wishes to recommence Installment payments for the next year. Great-West must receive notice 30 calendar days before the next Ratchet Date that the GLWB Participant wishes to recommence payments; otherwise, Great-West will not make any Installments. The Ratchet Date will not change if Installments are suspended.

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Optional Resets of the GAW% During the GAW Phase

The GLWB Participant may Request, on an annual basis, a Reset of the GAW% during the GAW Phase at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Ratchet Date.

If requested, Great-West will multiply the Covered Fund Value as of the Ratchet Date by the GAW% (based on the GLWB Participant's, or the younger joint Covered Person’s, Attained Age on the Ratchet Date) and determine if it is higher than the current Benefit Base multiplied by the current applicable GAW%. If so, the current GAW% will change to the Attained Age GAW% and the Benefit Base will change to the current Covered Fund Value as of the Ratchet Date. If it does not, the Reset shall be void but a Ratchet may still occur. If the Reset takes effect, it will be effective on the Ratchet Date as the Ratchet Date does not change due to Reset.

If	(Attained Age GAW%) x (Covered Fund Value as of Ratchet Date) is greater than (Current GAW%) x (Current Benefit Base)
Then	(Attained Age GAW%) x (Covered Fund Value as of Ratchet Date) becomes new GAW and (Covered Fund Value) = (New Benefit Base)

Numerical Example When Reset is Beneficial

Assume the following:
  

Age at Initial Installment Date: 60

Attained Age: 70

Covered Fund Value = $120,000

Current Benefit Base = $125,000

Current GAW% before Ratchet Date: 4%

Attained Age GAW% after Ratchet Date: 6%
  

(Current GAW%) x (Current Benefit Base) = 4% x $125,000 = $5,000

(Attained Age GAW%) x (Covered Fund Value) = 6% x $120,000 = $7,200
  

So, New GAW Amount is $7,200

New Benefit Base is $120,000

New GAW% is 6%

Numerical Example When Reset is NOT Beneficial

Assume the following:
  

Age at Initial Installment Date: 60

Attained Age: 70

Covered Fund Value = $75,000

Current Benefit Base = $125,000

Current GAW% before Ratchet: 4%

Attained Age GAW% after Ratchet Date: 6%
  

(Current GAW %) x (Current Benefit Base) = 4% x $125,000 = $5,000

(Attained age withdrawal %) x (Covered Fund Value) = 6% x $75,000 = $4,500
  

So, because $4,500 is less than current GAW of $5,000, no Reset occurs.

Effect of Excess Withdrawals During the GAW Phase

After the Initial Installment Date, a Distribution or Transfer, including a Transfer from one Covered Fund to another, that is greater than the GAW will be considered an Excess Withdrawal. The Benefit Base will be adjusted by the ratio of the new Covered Fund Value (after the Excess Withdrawal) to the previous Covered Fund Value (after the GAW).

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If an Excess Withdrawal occurs, the GAW and current Benefit Base will be adjusted on the next Ratchet Date. When the Benefit Base is greater than the Covered Fund Value, an Excess Withdrawal may reduce your future benefits by more than the dollar amount of the Excess Withdrawal.

Numerical Example Effect of Excess Withdrawals During the GAW Phase

Assume the following:
  

Covered Fund Value before GAW = $55,000
Benefit Base = $100,000
GAW%: 5%
GAW Amount = $100,000 x 5% = $5,000
  
Total annual withdrawal: $10,000
  
So,
  
Excess Withdrawal = $10,000– $5,000 = $5,000
Covered Fund Value after GAW = $55,000– $5,000 = $50,000
Covered Fund Value after Excess Withdrawal = $50,000– $5,000 = $45,000
Covered Fund Value Adjustment due to Excess Withdrawal = $45,000/$50,000 = 0.90
Adjusted Benefit Base = $100,000 x 0.90 = $90,000
Adjusted GAW Amount (assuming no Benefit Base increase on succeeding Ratchet Date) = $90,000 x 5% = $4,500

Withdrawals taken during the GAW Phase to meet required minimum distribution requirements, in the proportion of the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value to the GLWB Participant’s overall Account balance (and not taking into account any other retirement balances of the GLWB Participant), will be deemed to be within the contract limits for the GLWB Participant and will not be treated as Excess Withdrawals. The required minimum distribution shall not exceed the required minimum distribution amount calculated under the Code and regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the Election Date. In the event of a dispute about the required minimum distribution amount, our determination will govern.

Note: The Contract does not require us to warn the GLWB Participant or provide the GLWB Participant with notice regarding potentially adverse consequences that may be associated with any withdrawals or other types of transactions involving the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund. The GLWB Participant should carefully monitor the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund, any withdrawals from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund, and any changes to the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base. The GLWB Participant’s may contact us at 1-866-317-6586 for information about the GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base.

Death During the GAW Phase

If the GLWB Participant Dies After the Initial Installment Date as a Sole Covered Person.

If the GLWB Participant dies after the Initial Installment date without a joint Covered Person, the GLWB will terminate and no further Installments will be paid. The remaining Covered Fund Value shall be distributed in accordance with the Code and the terms of the Retirement Plan and the Account in which the Covered Funds are held. If permitted by the Retirement Plan and the Code, the GLWB Participant’s Beneficiary may elect to become the GLWB Participant in which event an initial Benefit Base shall be established and he or she will be subject to all terms and conditions of the Contract and the Code. This will be a new Election Date. Any election made by the Beneficiary is irrevocable.

If the GLWB Participant Dies After the Initial Installment Date while Joint Covered Person is Living.

Upon the GLWB Participant’s death after the Initial Installment Date, and while the joint Covered Person is still living, the joint Covered Person/Beneficiary will continue to receive GAW Installments based on the GLWB Participant’s original election until his or her death, if permitted by the Retirement Plan and the Code. Installments may continue to be paid to the surviving Covered Person based on the GAW% for joint Covered Persons as described above.

After the joint Covered Person’s death, the GLWB will terminate, no further Installments will be paid, and any remaining Covered Fund Value will be distributed in accordance with the Code and the terms of the Retirement Plan and the Contract. Alternatively, he or she may elect to receive his or her portion of the Covered Fund Value on the date of death as a lump sum Distribution or can separately elect to become an Owner and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the Certificate, the Contract, the

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Retirement Plan, and the Code. If the surviving Covered Person elects to separately become an Owner, the date of the election will be the new Ratchet Date.

Any election made by the Beneficiary is irrevocable.

THE SETTLEMENT PHASE

The Settlement Phase begins when the Covered Fund Value has reduced to zero as a result of negative Covered Fund performance, the Guarantee Benefit Fee, certain other fees that are not directly associated with the Contract (e.g., custodian fees or advisory fees), and/or GAWs, but the Benefit Base is still positive. It is also important to understand that the Settlement Phase is the first time that we use our own money to make Installments to the GLWB Participant. During the GAW Phase, the GAWs are made first from the GLWB Participant’s own investment.

Installments continue for the GLWB Participant’s life under the terms of the Contract, but all other rights and benefits under the Contract will terminate. Installments will continue in the same frequency as previously elected, and cannot be changed during the Settlement Phase. Distributions and Transfers are not permitted during the Settlement Phase.

During the Settlement Phase, the Guarantee Benefit Fee will not be deducted from the Installments.

When the last Covered Person dies during the Settlement Phase, the GLWB will terminate and no Installments will be paid to the Beneficiary.

EXAMPLES OF HOW THE GLWB WORKS

A note about the examples:

•	All Contract Contributions are assumed to be at the end of the year and occur immediately before the next Ratchet Date.
•	All withdrawals are assumed to be at the beginning of the year and occur on the Ratchet Date.
•	All GLWB Participants are assumed to be fully vested.
•	All positive investment performance of the Covered Fund is assumed to be net of investment management fees.
•	In all of the examples, the GLWB Participant has access to his Covered Fund Value until it is depleted:
•	If the GLWB Participant dies before the Covered Fund Value is depleted, the remaining Covered Fund Value would be available to beneficiaries.
•	If the GLWB Participant needs to take a withdrawal in excess of the GLWB Participant’s GAW, the GLWB Participant may take up to the Covered Fund Value, which will be considered an Excess Withdrawal.

Example 1– Basic: Assume the GLWB Participant buys the GLWB at age 65 and starts taking GAWs in annual Installments immediately. Also, assume that the Covered Fund Value (net of investment management fees) decreases by 10% in the first two years and increases by 5% every year thereafter.

Details:

•	Sole Covered Person
•	Initial Covered Fund Value: $500,000
•	GAW Percent: 5%
•	GAW Amount: $500,000 x 5% = $25,000
•	Guarantee Benefit Fee: 0.90%
•	Changes in Covered Fund Value (net of investment management fees):
•	Year 1: -10%, Year 2: -10%, Years 3+: 5%

Result:

•	The GLWB Participant annually withdraws $25,000 from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund until about age 87 when the Covered Fund is depleted:
•	At age 87 the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is $9,474.

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•	The GLWB Participant withdraws the $9,474 which depletes the Covered Fund and the GLWB Participant is now in Settlement Phase.
•	We provide the remaining $15,526 necessary to make the Installment of $25,000.
•	We continue to pay Installments of $25,000 each year for the GLWB Participant’s life.

Illustration:

Example 2– Ratchet: Assume the GLWB Participant buys the GLWB at age 55 and starts taking GAWs in annual Installments at age 65. Also, assume that the Covered Fund Value (net of investment management fees) increases by 5% in years 1 through 7, decreases by 10% in years 8 through 11, and increases by 5% thereafter.

Details:

•	Sole Covered Person
•	Initial Covered Fund Value: $500,000
•	GAW Percent: 5%
•	Guarantee Benefit Fee: 0.90%
•	Changes in Covered Fund Value (net of investment management fees):
•	Years 1 through 7: 5%, Years 8 through 11: -10%, Years 12+: 5%

Result:

•	Positive Covered Fund performance through year 7 results in a Covered Fund Value of $662,407 on the Ratchet Date.
•	The GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base Ratchets to $662,407.
•	Covered Fund Value at the beginning of year 10 is $468,552, but GAWs are based on the Benefit Base, which is $662,407.
•	GAWs are $662,407 x 5% = $33,120.
•	The GLWB Participant annually withdraws $33,120 from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund until about age 81 when the Covered Fund is depleted:
•	At age 81, the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is $13,326.
•	The GLWB Participant withdraws the $13,326 which depletes the Covered Fund and the GLWB Participant is now in Settlement Phase. We provide the remaining $19,794 necessary to make the Installment $33,120.
•	We continue to pay Installments of $33,120 each year for the GLWB Participant’s life.

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Illustration:

Example 3– Additional Contract Contributions: Assume the GLWB Participant buys the GLWB at age 55 and the GLWB Participant makes annual Contributions of $2,500 until the GLWB Participant starts taking GAWs in annual Installments at age 65. Also, assume that the Covered Fund Value (net of investment management fees) decreases by 5% in years 1 through 10 and increases by 5% thereafter.

Details :

•	Sole Covered Person
•	Initial Covered Fund Value: $500,000
•	Additional Annual Contract Contributions until GAWs Begin: $2,500
•	GAW Percent: 5%
•	Guarantee Benefit Fee: 0.90%
•	Changes in Covered Fund Value (net of investment management fees):
•	Years 1 through 10: -5%, Years 11+: 5%

Result:

•	Poor Covered Fund performance in years 1 through 10 results in a Covered Fund Value of $291,493 at the end of year 10.
•	The GLWB Participant’s Benefit Base at the end of year 10 is $525,000 as a result of the additional Contract Contributions in years 1 through 10.
•	GAWs are $525,000 x 5% = $26,250.
•	The GLWB Participant annually withdraws $26,250 from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund until about age 79 when the Covered Fund is depleted:
•	At age 79, the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value is $8,316.
•	The GLWB Participant withdraws the $8,316 which depletes the Covered Fund and the GLWB Participant is now in Settlement Phase. We provide the remaining $17,934 necessary to make the Installment $26,250.
•	We continue to pay Installments of $26,250 each year for the GLWB Participant’s life.

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Illustration:

GUARANTEE BENEFIT FEE

After the GLWB Participant purchases the GLWB, the GLWB Participant is required to pay the Guarantee Benefit Fee. The Guarantee Benefit Fee is set forth in the Contract, and is based on the dollar amount of the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value (which may be the same as, higher than, or lower than, the Benefit Base due to factors that affect the Covered Fund Value between Ratchet Dates, such as Covered Fund performance). The Guarantee Benefit Fee will be deducted monthly as a separate charge from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund and will be paid by redeeming the number of fund shares of the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund(s) equal to the Guarantee Benefit Fee.

Pursuant to the terms of the GLWB, we will collect the fee from the custodian on a monthly basis in arrears. We reserve the right to change the frequency of the deduction, but will notify the Plan Sponsor and the GLWB Participant in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the change. Because the Benefit Base may not exceed $5,000,000, we will not charge the Guarantee Benefit Fee on an amount of the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value that exceeds $5,000,000.

Currently the Guarantee Benefit Fee is 0.90% and is subject to a minimum of 0.70% and a maximum of 1.50%. This is the guaranteed maximum or minimum Guarantee Benefit Fee we can ever charge for the GLWB. We may change the current fee within this minimum and maximum range at any time upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Plan Sponsor and the GLWB Participant. We determine the Guarantee Benefit Fee based on observations of a number of experience factors, including, but not limited to, interest rates, volatility, investment returns, expenses, mortality, and lapse rates. We reserve the right to change the Guarantee Benefit Fee at our discretion and for any reason, whether or not these experience factors change (although we will never increase the fee above the maximum or decrease the fee below the minimum). We do not need any particular event to occur before we may change the Guarantee Benefit Fee.

The Guarantee Benefit Fee is in addition to any charges that are imposed in connection with advisory, custodial, and other services, and charges imposed by the mutual funds in which the GLWB Participant invests.

At the time we calculate the Guarantee Benefit Fee, the Covered Fund Value may be less than the Benefit Base:

Example of how the Guarantee Benefit Fee is Computed (Covered Fund Value is Less Than Benefit Base)

Date: 1/31

Covered Fund Value = $100,000

Benefit Base = $125,000

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x Covered Fund Value / 12

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x $100,000 / 12 = $75.00

At the time we calculate the Guarantee Benefit Fee, the Covered Fund Value may be greater than the Benefit Base:

Example of how the Guarantee Benefit Fee is Computed (Covered Fund Value is Greater Than Benefit Base)

Date: 1/31

Covered Fund Value = $130,000

Benefit Base = $125,000

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x Covered Fund Value / 12

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Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x $130,000 / 12 = $97.50

The Guarantee Benefit Fee compensates us for the costs and risks we assume for providing the GLWB (including marketing, administration, and profit).

If we do not receive the Guarantee Benefit Fee (except during Settlement Phase), including as a result of the failure of the Retirement Plan custodian to submit it to us, the Contract will terminate as of the date that the fee is due.

Will a GLWB Participant pay the same amount (in dollars) for the Withdrawal Guarantee every month?

Example 1: Declining Covered Fund Value results in declining Guarantee Benefit Fee

Date: 1/31

Covered Fund Value = $100,000

Benefit Base = $125,000

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x Covered Fund Value / 12

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x $100,000 / 12 = $75.00

Date: 2/28

Covered Fund Value = $90,000

Benefit Base = $125,000

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x Covered Fund Value / 12

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x $90,000 / 12 = $67.50

Note: in this example, the Guarantee Benefit Fee declined because the Covered Fund Value declined. This could be the result of negative Covered Fund performance.

Example 2: Increasing Covered Fund Value results in increasing Guarantee Benefit Fee

Date: 1/31

Covered Fund Value = $100,000

Benefit Base = $125,000

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x Covered Fund Value / 12

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x $100,000 / 12 = $75.00

Date: 2/28

Covered Fund Value = $120,000

Benefit Base = $125,000

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x Covered Fund Value / 12

Guarantee Benefit Fee = 0.90% x $120,000 / 12 = $90.00

Note: in this example, the Guarantee Benefit Fee increased because the Covered Fund Value increased. This could be the result of several factors including positive Covered Fund performance, Transfers, or Contract Contributions.

DIVORCE PROVISIONS UNDER THE CONTRACT

In the event of a divorce whose decree affects the GLWB, we will require written notice of the divorce in a manner acceptable to us and a copy of the applicable Qualified Domestic Relations Order (“QDRO”). A QDRO is a domestic relations order that creates or recognizes the existence of an Alternate Payee’s right to receive all or a portion of the benefits payable with respect to a GLWB Participant. A QDRO may also assign an Alternate Payee the right to receive these benefits.

Depending on which phase the GLWB is in when we receive the QDRO, the benefits of the GLWB will be altered to comply with the QDRO. The Alternate Payee under the QDRO may make certain elections during the Accumulation or GAW Phases. Any elections made by the Alternate Payee are irrevocable to the extent that an Alternate Payee becomes a GLWB Participant, he or she will be subject to all terms and conditions of the Certificate, the Contract, the Retirement Plan and the Code.

During the Accumulation Phase

Great-West will make payments to the Alternate Payee and/or establish an Account on behalf of the Alternate Payee named in a QDRO approved during the Accumulation Phase. The Alternate Payee is responsible for submitting a Request to begin Distributions in accordance with the Code.

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If the Alternate Payee is the GLWB Participant’s spouse during the Accumulation Phase, he or she may elect to become a GLWB Participant, either by:

(i)	maintaining the current proportionate Benefit Base of the previous GLWB Participant; or
(ii)	establishing a new Benefit Base based on the current Covered Fund Value on the date his or her Account is established and he or she will continue as a GLWB Participant.

If the Alternate Payee elects to maintain the current Benefit Base, the Benefit Base and the Covered Fund Value will be divided between the GLWB Participant and the Alternate Payee. The Covered Fund Value will be divided pursuant to the terms of the QDRO. The Benefit Base will be divided in the same proportion as the Covered Fund Value.

In either situation, the Alternate Payee’s Election Date shall be the date the Account is established.

A non-spouse Alternate Payee cannot elect to maintain the current Benefit Base, or proportionate share, but may elect to establish a new GLWB. The Benefit Base and Election Date will be based on the current Covered Fund Value on the date his or her Account is established. Any election made by an Alternate Payee described in this section is irrevocable.

During the GAW Phase

Great-West will make payment to the Alternate Payee and/or establish an Account on behalf of the Alternate Payee named in a QDRO approved during the GAW Phase. The Alternate Payee is responsible for submitting a Request to begin Distributions in accordance with the Code.

If there is a Sole Covered Person

Pursuant to the instructions in the QDRO, the Benefit Base and GAW will be divided in the same proportion as their respective Covered Fund Values as of the effective date of the QDRO. The GLWB Participant may continue to receive the proportional GAWs after the accounts are split. If the Alternate Payee is the GLWB Participant’s spouse, he or she may elect to receive his or her portion of the Covered Fund Value as a lump sum Distribution or can separately elect to become a GLWB Participant.

If there are two Covered Persons

Pursuant to the instructions in the QDRO, the Benefit Base and GAW will be divided in the same proportion as their respective Covered Fund Values as of the effective date of the QDRO. The GLWB Participant may continue to receive the proportional GAWs after the accounts are split, based on the amounts calculated pursuant to the joint Covered Person GAW%.

If the Alternate Payee is the GLWB Participant’s spouse, he or she may elect to receive his or her portion of the Covered Fund Value as a lump sum Distribution or can separately elect to continue proportionate GAWs in the GAW Phase based on the amounts calculated pursuant to the joint Covered Persons GAW%, described in the “GAW Phase – Calculation of Installment,” after the accounts are split. A new Ratchet Date will be established for the Alternate Payee on the date the Accounts are split. Within thirty (30) days of each person’s Ratchet Date, the GLWB Participant and Alternate Payee can each elect a Reset based on the person’s own Attained Age GAW% for joint Covered Persons.

In the alternative, the Alternate Payee may establish a new GLWB in the Accumulation Phase with the Benefit Base based on the current Covered Fund Value on the date his or her Account is established.

During the Settlement Phase

If a Request in connection with a QDRO is approved during the Settlement Phase, Great-West will divide the Installment pursuant to the terms of the QDRO. Installments will continue pursuant to the lives of each payee.

EFFECT OF ANNUITIZATION

If the Code and the Retirement Plan permit and the GLWB Participant elects to annuitize, prior to the Initial Installment Date, the GLWB will terminate for those Covered Fund assets and the Guarantee Benefit Fee will not be refunded. If, based upon information provided by the Contract Owner, the GLWB Participant is entitled to a Distribution under the applicable terms and provisions of the Retirement Plan and the Code, all or a portion of the Account may be applied to an annuity payment option selected by the GLWB Participant, so long as the requirements of the Code and the Retirement Plan are met. Thereafter, the GLWB shall no longer be applicable with respect to amounts in the annuity payment option.

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The amount to be applied to an annuity payment option is: (i) the portion of the vested Account value elected by GLWB Participant, less (ii) Applicable Tax, if any, less (iii) any fees and charges described in the Contract. The minimum amount that may be applied under the elected annuity option is $5,000. If any payments to be made under the elected annuity payment option will be less than $50, Great-West may make the payments in the most frequent interval that produces a payment of at least $50.

Great-West will issue a certificate or other statement setting forth in substance the benefits, rights, and privileges to which such person is entitled under the Contract, to each Annuitant describing the benefits payable under the elected annuity payment option.

Election of Annuity Options

An Annuitant is required to elect an annuity payment option. The Annuitant must Request an annuity payment option or change an annuity payment option no later than 30 days prior to the Annuity Commencement Date elected by the GLWB Participant.

To the extent available under the Code and the Retirement Plan, the annuity payment options are:

•	Income for Single Life Only
•	Income for Single Life with Guaranteed Period
•	Income for Joint Life Only
•	Income for Joint Life with Guaranteed Period
•	Income for a Specific Period
•	Any other form of annuity payment permitted under the Retirement Plan, if acceptable to Great-West.

The annuity option that will always be available is the Income for Single Life Only Annuity. If this annuity option is elected, Great-West will make payments to the Annuitant at a frequency specified in the annuity certificate or other statement for the duration of the Annuitant’s lifetime. Payments will cease pursuant to the terms of the certificate or other statement.

Annuity purchase rates will be the same rates that are available for a Single Premium Immediate Annuity currently offered by Great-West at the time of annuitization.

TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT

Either Great-West or the Plan Sponsor may terminate the Contract with advance written notice to the other party. The Contract termination date shall be the seventy-fifth (75^th) or next Business Day after the date written notice is received in the Administrative Offices in good order. Prior to the Contract termination date, Great-West and the Plan Sponsor may agree to an alternate Contract termination date.

If the Plan Sponsor Terminates the Contract

Under the terms of the Contract, the Plan Sponsor may terminate the Contract. In this event, all benefits, rights, and privileges provided by the Contract shall terminate. We will not refund the Guarantee Benefit Fee upon termination of the Contract. If the Plan Sponsor terminates the Contract, the Plan Sponsor may not apply for a new contract until ninety (90) calendar days after the date of the most recent Contract termination. In the event of termination, the GLWB Participant may choose to utilize the Covered Fund Value in the following ways:

If the GLWB Participant is eligible to receive Distributions under the Retirement Plan:

(a)

the GLWB Participant may elect a direct rollover of the Covered Fund Value to an IRA that offers a Great-West approved GLWB feature, if available. In this situation, the Benefit Base and GAW, if applicable, will be retained as of the date of Distribution from the Covered Fund(s) and will apply to the new GLWB feature.

(b)

the GLWB Participant may choose to transfer the Covered Fund Value to any investment vehicle that does not offer a GLWB feature or to an investment vehicle that offers a GLWB feature, but does not permit the GLWB Participant to apply the Benefit Base and GAW to such feature. In this situation, the Benefit Base and GAW, if applicable, will be reduced to zero as of the date of the Distribution from the Covered Fund(s).

If the GLWB Participant does not elect or is not eligible to receive a Distribution:

The Covered Fund Value will be liquidated and invested pursuant to the terms of the Retirement Plan. This liquidation will cause the Benefit Base and the Covered Fund Value to be reduced to zero and any and all other benefits provided under the Contract and GLWB shall terminate on the Contract termination date.

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Generally, effective January 1, 2020, if the Plan Sponsor eliminates a lifetime income investment from the Retirement Plan, GLWB Participants may be eligible to receive a Distribution 90 days prior to the date such lifetime income investment is no longer available. Please consult with your Plan Sponsor and/or qualified tax advisor.

For GLWB Participants that have reached the Settlement Phase on or before the date of the termination of the Contract, Installments will continue for as long as the GLWB Participant shall live.

If Great-West Terminates the Contract

If Great-West terminates the Contract, such termination will not adversely affect the GLWB Participant’s rights under the Contract, except that additional Contributions may not be invested in the Covered Fund(s) other than reinvested dividends and capital gains. The GLWB Participant will still be obligated to pay the Guarantee Benefit Fee.

Other Termination

In addition, if the Plan Sponsor terminates the Retirement Plan or moves the Retirement Plan to a provider that does not offer the Contract, the Contract will terminate. We will not refund the Guarantee Benefit Fee upon termination of the Contract.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Periodic Communications to GLWB Participants

Account statements will be provided to GLWB Participants periodically by the Plan Sponsor, or its designated third party.

Amendments to the Contract

The Contract and Certificate may be amended to conform to changes in applicable law or interpretations of applicable law, or to accommodate design changes. Amendments (if any) to accommodate design changes will be applicable only with respect to purchasers of new Contracts, unless the Company reasonably determines the change would be favorable for all existing Contract Owners. Changes in the Contract may need to be approved by the state insurance departments. The consent of the Contract Owner to an amendment will be obtained to the extent required by law.

Assignment

The interests of the Plan Sponsor in the Contract may not be transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, charged, encumbered, or, in any way, alienated. The interests of the GLWB Participant in the GLWB may not be transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, charged, encumbered, or, in any way, alienated.

Cancellation

The GLWB Participant can cancel GLWB by causing the Covered Fund Value or the Benefit Base to be reduced to zero prior to the Settlement Phase due to one or more Excess Withdrawals or by failing to pay the Guarantee Benefit Fee.

Misstatements

We may require adequate proof of the age and death of the Annuitant, GLWB Participant or Covered Person(s) before processing a Request for GAWs and annuity payments. If the age of the Annuitant, GLWB Participant or Covered Person(s) has been misstated, the Installment or annuity payment established for him or her will be made on the basis or his or her correct age.

Any correction required due to misstatements may be corrected by Great-West, including increasing or decreasing future payments, in accordance with applicable law.

FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE COMPANY

Like many businesses, insurance companies are facing challenges due to COVID-19. We know it is important for you to understand how these or similar events may affect our ability to meet guarantees that may be provided under the Contract. The Contract is not a separate account product, which means that no assets are set aside in a segregated or “separate” account to satisfy all obligations under the Contracts. Installments during Settlement Phase (if any) will be paid from our general account and, therefore, are subject to our claims paying ability. We issue other types of insurance policies and financial products as well, such as group variable annuities offered through retirement plans, term and universal life insurance, funding agreements, funding

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agreements backing notes and guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”), and we also pay our obligations under these products from our assets in the general account. In the event of an insolvency or receivership, payments we make from our general account to satisfy claims under the Contract would generally receive the same priority as our other policyholder obligations.

As an insurance company, we are required by state insurance regulation to hold a specified amount of reserves in order to meet all the contractual obligations of our general account to our contract owners. In order to meet our claims-paying obligations, we regularly monitor our reserves to ensure we hold sufficient amounts to cover actual or expected contract and claims payments. In addition, we actively hedge our investments in our general account. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that we will always be able to meet our claims paying obligations, and that there are risks to purchasing any insurance product.

State insurance regulators also require insurance companies to maintain a minimum amount of capital, which acts as a cushion in the event that the insurer suffers a financial impairment, based on the inherent risks in the insurer’s operations. These risks include those associated with losses that we may incur as the result of defaults on the payment of interest or principal on our general account assets, which include bonds, mortgages, general real estate investments, and stocks, as well as the loss in value of these investments resulting from a loss in their market value.

Additional information regarding the Company, its business, senior management, and financial condition, is presented below in “Additional Information Regarding the Company.” We encourage both existing and prospective Contract Owners and GLWB Participants to read and understand our audited financial statements, which are included in this prospectus in “Appendix A – Company Financial Statements and Other Financial Information.” We prepare our audited financial statements on a statutory basis pursuant to laws and regulations promulgated by the Colorado Division of Insurance (this method of accounting is referred to herein as “Statutory” accounting). You may obtain a free copy of our financial statements for the most recent fiscal year by calling (800) 537-2033 or writing to the Administrative Office. In addition, our financial statements filed with this prospectus are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.govand on our website at www.greatwest.com.

There is also information available on our website on ratings assigned to us by one or more independent rating organizations. These ratings are opinions of an operating insurance company’s financial capacity to meet the obligations of its insurance and annuity contracts based on its financial strength and/or claims-paying ability.

TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT AND GLWB

The following is a general discussion based on our interpretation of current United States federal income tax laws. This discussion does not address all possible circumstances that may be relevant to the tax treatment of a particular GLWB Participant. In general, this discussion does not address the tax treatment of transactions involving investment assets held in your Account except insofar as they may be affected by the holding of a GLWB. Further, it does not address the consequences, if any, of holding a GLWB under applicable federal estate tax laws or state and local income and inheritance tax laws. You should also be aware that the tax laws may change, possibly with retroactive effect. Prospective Contract Owners and GLWB Participants should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential tax implications of purchasing a Contract or GLWB in light of their particular circumstances.

In General

The Contract is a novel and innovative instrument and, to date, its proper characterization and consequences for federal income tax purposes have not been directly addressed in any cases, administrative rulings or other published authorities. We can give no assurances that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will agree with our interpretations regarding the proper tax treatment of a Contract or GLWB or the effect (if any) of the purchase of a Contract or GLWB on the tax treatment of any transactions in your Account, or that a court will agree with our interpretations if the IRS challenges them. You should consult a tax advisor before purchasing a Contract or GLWB.

The following discussion generally applies to Contracts and GLWBs treated as annuity contracts maintained as part of a plan qualified under Section 403(b) of the Code.

Section 403(b) Contracts

Section 403(b) of the Code allow employees of certain Section 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools to exclude from their gross income the premium payments made, within certain limits, on a contract that will provide an annuity for the employee’s retirement. These premium payments may be subject to FICA (social security) tax. Distributions of (1) salary reduction contributions made in years beginning after December 31, 1988; (2) earnings on those contributions; and (3) earnings on

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amounts held as of the last year beginning before January 1, 1989, are not allowed prior to age 59 ¹⁄2, severance from employment, death or disability. Salary reduction contributions may also be distributed upon hardship, but would generally be subject to penalties.

A GLWB is available only with respect to the Account for which the Contract and Certificate are purchased.

•	A GLWB is intended for purchase only by an employee participating in a Section 403(b) Retirement Plan.
•	We are not responsible for determining whether a GLWB complies with the terms and conditions of, or applicable law governing, the Retirement Plan. You are responsible for making that determination. Similarly, unless otherwise agreed, we are not responsible for administering any applicable tax or other legal requirements applicable to the Retirement Plan. The Plan Sponsor, the GLWB Participant or a service provider for the Retirement Plan is responsible for determining that distributions, beneficiary designations, investment restrictions, charges and other transactions under a GLWB are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Retirement Plan and applicable law.
•	Among other things, if the Retirement Plan is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), you should consider how the GLWB will be treated under the ERISA qualified joint and survivor annuity and qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity rules and, if applicable, make provision for complying with those rules in the governing documents and procedures of the Retirement Plan. Guidance published by the Internal Revenue Service on February 21, 2012, may suggest that the GLWB will be treated as an annuity for purposes of those rules.
•	If the GLWB Participant’s spouse is a joint Covered Person, that spouse must be the GLWB Participant’s sole beneficiary under the Retirement Plan.
•	The GLWB Participant’s Account is subject to required minimum distribution rules. Withdrawals during the GAW Phase from the Covered Fund Value taken to meet required minimum distribution requirements, in the proportion of the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value to the overall Account balance (and not taking into account any other retirement balances of the GLWB Participant), will be deemed to be within the contract limits for the GLWB and will not be treated as Excess Withdrawals. The required minimum distribution shall not exceed the required minimum distribution amount calculated under the Code and regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the Election Date. In the event of a dispute about the required minimum distribution amount, our determination will govern. In some circumstances, compliance with the minimum distribution rules may affect the amount and timing of Installments pursuant to the GLWB.
•	We generally are required to confirm, with the Plan Sponsor or otherwise, that surrenders or transfers requested by GLWB Participants comply with applicable tax requirements and to decline requests that are not in compliance. We will defer such payments requested by GLWB Participants until all information required under the tax law has been received. By requesting a surrender or transfer, a GLWB Participant consents to the sharing of confidential information about the GLWB Participant, the Contract and Certificate, and transactions under the Contract, the GLWB and any other 403(b) contracts or accounts the GLWB Participant has under the Retirement Plan among us, the employer or Plan Sponsor, any Plan administrator or recordkeeper, and other product providers.
•	The Retirement Plan can be terminated, or the availability of the GLWB under the Retirement Plan otherwise discontinued by persons other than the GLWB Participant.

Numerous changes have been made to the income tax rules governing Section 403(b) contracts as a result of legislation enacted during the past several years, including rules with respect to: maximum contributions, required distributions, penalty taxes on early or insufficient distributions, and income tax withholding on distributions.

In the case of distributions from a Section 403(b) contract, including payments to a GLWB Participant from a GLWB, a ratable portion of the amount received is taxable, generally based on the ratio of the GLWB Participant’s cost basis (if any) to the GLWB Participant’s total accrued benefit under the Retirement Plan. Section 72(t) of the Code imposes a 10% penalty tax on the taxable portion of any distribution from Section 403(b) contract. To the extent amounts are not includable in gross income because they have been properly rolled over to an IRA or to another eligible qualified plan, no tax penalty will be imposed. The tax penalty also will not apply to: (a) distributions made on or after the date on which the GLWB Participant reaches age 59 ¹⁄2; (b) distributions following the GLWB Participant’s death or disability (for this purpose disability is as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (c) distributions that are part of substantially equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually for the GLWB Participant’s life (or life expectancy) or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the GLWB Participant and an eligible designated beneficiary; and (d) certain other distributions specified in the Code.

CARES Act. On March 27, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). Among other provision, the CARES Act includes temporary relief from certain tax rules applicable to qualified contracts.

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Required Minimum Distributions. The CARES Act allows participants and beneficiaries in certain qualified plans and IRAs to suspend taking required minimum distributions in 2020, including any initial required minimum distributions for 2019 that would have been due by April 1, 2020. Additionally, the year 2020 will not be counted in measuring the five year post-death distribution period requirement. Any distributions made in 2020 that, but for the CARES Act, would have been a required minimum distribution will instead be eligible for rollover and will not be subject to the 20% mandatory withholding.

Retirement Plan Distribution Relief. Under the CARES Act, an “eligible participant” can withdraw up to a total of $100,000 from IRAs and certain qualified plans without being subject to the 10% additional tax on early distributions. The Federal income tax on these distributions can be spread ratably over three years and the distributions may be re-contributed during the three-year period following the distribution. For these purposes, eligible participants are participants who:

•	have been diagnosed with COVID-19,
•	have spouses or dependents diagnosed with COVID-19, or
•	have experienced adverse financial consequences stemming from COVID-19 as a result of

•	being quarantined, furloughed or laid off,
•	having reduced work hours,
•	being unable to work due to lack of child care,
•	the closing or reduction of hours of a business owned or operated by the participant, or
•	other factors determined by the Treasury Department.

Eligible participants can take these distributions from 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans even if they would otherwise be subject to in-service withdrawal restrictions (e.g., distributions before age 59-1/2) and the 20% withholding that would otherwise apply to these distributions does not apply.

Plan Loan Relief. The loan relief under the CARES Act includes an increased loan limit and the ability to delay loan repayments. Eligible participants (as defined above) have an increased plan loan limit of $100,000 or 100% of their vested account balance, rather than the standard $50,000 or 50% of the vested account balance. This relief only applies to loans taken in the 180 days following the date of enactment. The CARES Act also allows eligible participants to defer repayment of outstanding 0plan loans for one year.

Generally, distributions from a Section 403(b) contract must commence no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which the individual attains age 72 (if the individual was born on or after July 1, 1949) or 70 ¹⁄2 (if the individual was born before July 1, 1949) or, if later, retires from employment with the Section 403(b) plan sponsor. Required distributions must be over a period not exceeding the life expectancy of the individual or the joint lives or life expectancies of the individual and his or her designated beneficiary. Distribution requirements also apply to Section 403(b) contracts upon the death of the individual. If the required minimum distributions are not made, a 50% penalty tax is imposed as to the amount not distributed.

SECURE Act. On December 20, 2019, the President signed into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the “SECURE Act”). The SECURE Act makes significant changes to laws governing individual retirement accounts and individual retirement annuities and defined contribution retirement plans, such as 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans. The effective date for many of the provisions of the new law is January 1, 2020.

Increase in RMD Age. For plan participants who attain age 70 ¹⁄2 after 2019 (i.e., were born on or after July 1, 1949), the age at which you must begin taking Required Minimum Distributions has increased to 72. This change does not apply to individuals who attained age 70 ¹⁄2 before January 1, 2020 (i.e., were born on or before June 30, 1949).

Changes to Timing of Death Benefit Distributions. Prior to the SECURE Act, beneficiaries of an annuity that was part of a defined contribution plan could elect to have the annuity’s death benefit distributed over the beneficiary’s life expectancy. Under the new rule, except for eligible designated beneficiaries (“EDBs”), the beneficiary must receive the entire death benefit within 10 years of the annuity owner’s death. EDBs may still elect to take distributions over their life expectancy or over a period not extending beyond their life expectancy, but the 10-year requirement applies when they die. EDBs include: (1) the owner‘s surviving spouse, (2) the owner’s minor child (until they reach the age of majority), (3) a disabled person, (4) a chronically ill person, or (5) an individual who is not more than 10 years younger than the owner. A beneficiary’s status as an EDB is determined on the date of the owner’s death.

New Distributable Event. Prior to the SECURE Act, if a plan sponsor eliminated a lifetime income investment from the retirement plan, participants could potentially lose their lifetime income benefits because a participant may not have been eligible

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to take a distribution from their retirement plan and rollover their assets to an IRA with a Great-West approved guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. Under the new rule, generally, if the plan sponsor eliminates a lifetime income investment from the retirement plan, participants may be eligible to receive a distribution 90 days prior to the date such lifetime income investment option is no longer available.

Distributions from Section 403(b) contracts generally are subject to withholding for the individual’s federal income tax liability, subject to the individual’s election not to have tax withheld. The withholding rate varies according to the type of distribution and the individual’s tax status.

“Eligible rollover distributions” from Section 403(b) contracts and certain other retirement plans are subject to a mandatory federal income tax withholding of 20%. An eligible rollover distribution is any distribution to an employee (or employee’ spouse or former spouse as beneficiary or alternate payee) from such a plan, except certain distributions such as distributions required by the Code, distributions in a specified annuity form, or hardship distributions. The 20% withholding does not apply, however, to nontaxable distributions or if (i) the employee (or employee’s spouse or former spouse as beneficiary or alternate payee) chooses a “direct rollover” from the plan to a tax qualified plan, IRA, Roth IRA or Section 403(b) contract or to a governmental 457 plan that agrees to separately account for rollover contributions; or (ii) non-spouse beneficiary chooses a “direct rollover” from the plan to an IRA established by the direct rollover.

The Certificate provides that upon your death, a surviving spouse may have certain continuation rights that he or she may elect to exercise for the Certificate’s death benefit and any joint-life coverage under the GLWB. All Certificate provisions relating to spousal continuation are available only to a person recognized as a spouse under federal law. The term, Spouse, does not include a party to a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or similar formal relationship recognized under state law that is not denominated a marriage under that state's law. Consult a tax adviser for more information on this subject.

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

Seek Tax Advice. The above description of federal income tax consequences of the Section 403(b) contracts is only a brief summary meant to alert you to the issues and is not intended as tax advice. Anything less than full compliance with the applicable rules, all of which are subject to change, may have adverse tax consequences. Any person considering the purchase of a GLWB should first consult a qualified tax advisor.

SALES OF THE CONTRACTS

We have entered into an underwriting agreement with GWFS Equities for the distribution and sale of the Contracts. Pursuant to this agreement, GWFS Equities serves as principal underwriter for the Contracts, offering them on a continuous basis.

GWFS Equities is located at 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. GWFS Equities will use its best efforts to sell the Contracts, but is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Contracts.

GWFS Equities was organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1984 and is an affiliate of ours. GWFS Equities is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as with the securities administrators in the states in which it operates, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

GWFS Equities offers the Contracts through its registered representatives who are registered with FINRA and with the states in which they do business. More information about GWFS Equities and its registered representatives is available at www.finra.org or by calling 800-289-9999. You can also obtain an investor brochure from FINRA describing its Public Disclosure Program. Registered representatives with GWFS Equities are also licensed as insurance agents in the states in which they do business and are appointed with us.

GWFS Equities may also enter into selling agreements with unaffiliated broker-dealers to sell the Contracts. The registered representatives of these selling firms are registered with FINRA and with the states in which they do business, are licensed as insurance agents in the states in which they do business, and are appointed with us.

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We do not pay commissions to GWFS Equities or to the unaffiliated broker-dealers in connection with the sale or solicitation of the Contracts. However, we may provide non-cash compensation in the form of training and education programs to registered representatives of GWFS Equities who sell the Contracts as well as registered representatives of unaffiliated broker-dealers. Registered representatives of GWFS Equities also sell other insurance products that we offer and may receive certain non-cash items, such as conferences, trips, prizes and awards under non-cash incentive compensation programs pertaining to those products. None of the items are directly attributable to the sale or solicitation of the Contracts. Such compensation will not be conditioned upon achievement of a sales target. Finally, we and GWFS Equities may provide small gifts and occasional entertainment to registered representatives with GWFS Equities or other selling firms in circumstances in which such items are not preconditioned on achievement of sales targets.

At times, GWFS Equities may make other cash and non-cash payments to selling firms for expenses relating to the recruitment and training of personnel, periodic sales meetings, the production of promotional sales literature and similar expenses. These expenses may also relate to the synchronization of technology between the Company, GWFS Equities, and the selling firm in order to coordinate data for the sale and maintenance of the Contracts. The amount of other cash and non-cash compensation paid by GWFS Equities or its affiliated companies ranges significantly among the selling firms. GWFS Equities and its affiliates may receive payments from affiliates of the selling firms that are unrelated to the sale of the Contracts. Any amounts paid by GWFS Equities to a selling firm or by Great-West to a selling firm are derived from the general account assets of Great-West and are not deducted from the Guarantee Benefit Fee. The Guarantee Benefit Fee does not vary because of such payments to such selling firms.

Although the Company and GWFS Equities do not anticipate discontinuing offering the Contracts, we do reserve the right to discontinue offering the Contracts at any time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONTRACT

Owner Questions

The obligations to Contract Owners and Covered Persons under the Contracts are ours. Please direct your questions and concerns to us at our Administrative Office.

Return Privilege

Within the free-look period, if applicable, (up to 30 days under applicable state law) after receiving the Contract, the Contract Owner may cancel it for any reason by delivering or mailing it postage prepaid to:

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
Annuity Administration

8515 East Orchard Road

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

If the Contract Owner cancels the Contract, the Contract will be void.

State Regulation

As a life insurance company organized and operated under the laws of the State of Colorado, we are subject to provisions governing life insurers and to regulation by the Colorado Commissioner of Insurance. Our books and accounts are subject to review and examination by the Colorado Division of Insurance.

Evidence of Death, Age, Gender, or Survival

We may require proof of the age, gender, death, or survival of any person or persons before acting on any applicable Contract provision.

LEGAL MATTERS REGARDING THE CONTRACT

Certain matters regarding the offering of the securities herein have been passed upon by the Chief Compliance Officer, internal counsel for the Company. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP has provided advice on certain matters relating to the application of federal securities laws to the Certificates.

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Cyber Security Risks

Our variable annuity contract business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems and those of our business partners, so that our business 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 on our website and other operational disruption, and unauthorized release of confidential owner information. Cyber-attacks affecting us, the Portfolios, intermediaries and other affiliated or third-party service providers may adversely affect us and your Annuity Account Value. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with our processing of Contract transactions, including the processing of Transfer Requests from our website or with the Portfolios, impact our ability to calculate accumulation unit values, cause the release and possible destruction of confidential owner or business information, impede order processing, subject us and/or our service providers and intermediaries to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. Cyber security risks may also impact the issuers of securities in which the Portfolios invest, which may cause the Portfolios underlying your Contract to lose value. There can be no assurance that we or the Portfolios or our service providers will avoid losses affecting your Contract due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.

We are also exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as storms, fires, earthquakes, epidemics and terrorist acts, which could adversely affect our ability to administer the Contracts. Natural and man-made disasters, such as the recent spread of COVID-19, may require a significant contingent of our employees to work from remote locations. During these periods, we could experience decreased productivity, and a significant number of our workforce or certain key personnel may be unable to fulfill their duties. In addition, system outages could impair our ability to operate effectively by preventing the workforce from working remotely and impair our ability to process Contract-related transactions or to to calculate Contract values.

The Company outsources certain critical business functions to third parties and, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, relies upon the successful implementation and execution of the business continuity planning of such entities. While the Company closely monitors the business continuity activities of these third parties, successful implementation and execution of their business continuity strategies are largely beyond the Company’s control. If one or more of the third parties to whom the Company outsources such critical business functions experience operational failures, the Company’s ability to administer the Contract could be impaired.

Abandoned Property Requirements

Every state has unclaimed property laws that generally provide for escheatment to the state of unclaimed property (including proceeds of annuity contracts) under various circumstances. This “escheatment” is revocable, however, and the state is obligated to pay the applicable proceeds if the property owner steps forward to claim it with the proper documentation. To help prevent such escheatment, it is important that you keep your contact and other information on file with us up to date, including the names, contact information, and identifying information for owners, annuitants, beneficiaries, and other payees.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY

Corporate Organization and Overview

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company that was originally organized under the laws of the State of Kansas as the National Interment Association. Our name was changed to Ranger National Life Insurance Company in 1963 and to Insuramerica Corporation prior to changing to our current name in 1982. In September of 1990, we re-domesticated under the laws of the State of Colorado. Our executive office is located at 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

The Company is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GWL&A Financial Inc. (“GWL&A Financial”), a Delaware holding company. GWL&A Financial is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco U.S. LLC. (“Lifeco U.S.”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“Lifeco”), a Canadian holding company.  Lifeco operates in the United States primarily through the Company and through Putnam Investments, LLC (“Putnam”), and in Canada and Europe through The Great-West Life Assurance Company (“Great-West Life”) and its subsidiaries, London Life Insurance Company (“London Life”), The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”), and Irish Life Group Limited.  Lifeco is a subsidiary of Power Financial Corporation (“Power Financial”), a Canadian holding company with substantial interests in the financial services industry.  Power Corporation of Canada (“Power Corporation”), a Canadian holding and management company, has voting control of Power Financial. The Desmarais Family Residuary Trust, through a group of private holding companies that it controls, has voting control of Power Corporation.

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The shares of Lifeco and Power Corporation are traded publicly in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Business of the Company

The Company offers retirement plans and services, investment products, and annuities to individuals, businesses, and other private and public organizations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands. The Company is authorized to engage in the sale of life insurance, accident and health insurance and annuities. It is qualified to do business in all states in the United States, except New York, and in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company is also a licensed reinsurer in New York.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) of the Company is also the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company. The CODM reviews the financial information for the purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources based upon the results of Lifeco U.S. and other U.S. affiliates prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. The CODM, in his capacity as CEO of the Company, reviews the Company’s financial information only in connection with the periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Consequently, the Company does not provide its discrete financial information to the CODM to be regularly reviewed to make decisions about resources to be allocated or to assess performance. For purposes of SEC reporting requirements under a statutory basis of accounting, the Company has chosen to present its financial information in three segments, notwithstanding the above. The three segments are: Empower Retirement, Individual Markets and Other.

Through its Empower Retirement segment, the Company provides various retirement plan products and investment options as well as comprehensive administrative and recordkeeping services for financial institutions and employers which include educational, advisory, enrollment, and communication services for employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and associated defined benefit plans. Effective January 1, 2015, the retirement services businesses of the Company, the acquired J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (“RPS”) and Putnam merged under the Empower Retirement brand, creating the second largest recordkeeping provider in the U.S.

Through its Individual Markets segment, the Company previously offered various forms of individual life insurance and annuity products. Effective June 1, 2019, the Company completed the sale, via indemnity reinsurance (the “Transaction”), of substantially all of the Individual Markets segment to Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”), which has now assumed the economics and risks associated with the reinsured business. The business transferred included bank-owned and corporate-owned life insurance, single premium life insurance, individual annuities as well as closed block life insurance and annuities. The Company retained a block of life insurance, predominantly participating policies which are now administered by Protective, as well as a closed acquired reinsurance block. Post-transaction, the Company will focus on the Empower Retirement segment through its defined contribution retirement and asset management businesses.

No customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues during the years 2019, 2018, or 2017. In addition, no segment of the Company’s business is dependent upon a single customer or a few customers, the loss of which would have a significant effect on it or its business segments’ operations. The loss of business from any one, or a few, independent brokers or agents would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business segments.

Empower Retirement Segment Principal Products

Through its Empower Retirement segment, the Company provides various retirement plan products and investment options, as well as comprehensive administrative and recordkeeping services for financial institutions and employers, which include educational, advisory, enrollment, and communication services for employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and associated defined benefit plans under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), 408, and 457. Defined contribution plans provide for benefits based upon the value of contributions to, and investment returns on, an individual’s account. This has been a rapidly growing portion of the retirement marketplace in recent years.

The retirement plan products and investment options offered by the Company include mutual funds and collective trusts, guaranteed interest rate investment products, and variable annuity products designed to meet the specific needs of the customer. In addition, the Company offers both customized annuity and non-annuity products.

IRAs—The Company offers an individual retirement account (“IRA”) product to the public and as a distribution option for employees terminated from employer-sponsored defined contribution plans. The Company earns asset-based fees and per account fees for providing administrative and recordkeeping services for IRA accounts. For those IRAs invested in mutual funds, the Company can be reimbursed by the mutual funds for marketing, sales, and service costs under various revenue sharing agreements.

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Mutual funds and collective trusts - The Company earns administration fees under various revenue sharing agreements from mutual funds and collective trusts for marketing, sales, and service costs incurred while providing services to individuals and institutional clients on behalf of the funds. On proprietary collective trusts, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Great-West Trust Company, LLC (“Great-West Trust Company”), earns an asset-based management fee.

Guaranteed interest rate investment products - On its guaranteed interest rate investment products, the Company earns investment margins on the difference between the income earned on investments in its general account and the interest credited to the participant’s account balance. The Company’s general account assets support the guaranteed investment products. The Company also manages fixed interest rate products known as stable value funds that may be structured as separate accounts, pooled collective trusts, and custom collective trusts for which it is paid a management fee that is earned by the Company either directly or through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Great-West Capital Management, LLC (“Great-West Capital Management”) or Great-West Trust Company.

Variable annuity products - The Company’s variable annuity products provide the opportunity for clients to invest on a tax deferred basis with the ability to annuitize assets. Variable annuities can be made available with GLWB which guarantees that the client is able to take contractually specified withdrawals from their assets that will continue for life regardless of market performance or longevity. The Company earns fees from the separate account for mortality and expense risks pertaining to the variable annuity contract and/or for providing administrative services. For variable annuity assets invested in mutual funds, the Company is reimbursed by the mutual funds for marketing, sales, and service costs under various revenue sharing agreements. There are additional fees charged for election of guaranteed minimum benefits. The GLWB products may be available in variable annuity products or as a stand-alone contract.

Administrative and recordkeeping services - The Company receives asset-based and/or participant-based fees for providing third-party administrative and recordkeeping services to financial institutions and employer-sponsored retirement plans. The number of Empower Retirement participant accounts has grown to 9.4 million at December 31, 2019, from over 8.8 million at December 31, 2018.

The Company’s marketing focus is directed toward providing investment management, advisory services, and recordkeeping services under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), 408, and 457 to private corporations, state and local governments, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and public school districts. Through the Company’s wholly-owned, registered subsidiaries, Great-West Capital Management, and Advised Assets Group, LLC (“Advised Assets Group”), the Company provides investment management and advisory services. Through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary FASCore, LLC, the Company targets and partners with other large financial institutions to provide third-party recordkeeping and administration services.

Certain revenues and expenses generated from the above products from the Empower Segment are represented in changes in value of investment in subsidiaries, as discussed further in the statutory financial statements attached.

Individual Markets Segment

Prior to completion of the Transaction, the Company’s Individual Markets segment distributes life insurance, annuity, and retirement products to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels. Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life, and variable universal life. Following the close of the Transaction, the Company wound down the Individual Markets segment and ceased distributing individual life insurance and annuity products. The Company retains a block of in-force life insurance and annuities, predominantly participating policies which are now administered by Protective, as well as a closed reinsurance acquired block. In addition, the Company continues to produce and sell group annuities and insurance products that are distributed through the Empower Retirement segment.

Future Policy Benefit Liabilities and Life Insurance In-Force

The amount of fixed annuity products in-force is measured by future policy benefits. The following table shows group and individual annuity policy benefits supported by the Company’s general account net of ceded reinsurance, as well as the annuity balances in Empower Retirement and Individual Markets separate accounts for the years indicated:

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	(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,	General Account Annuity Benefits Liabilities	Empower Retirement Annuity Separate Accounts	Individual Markets Annuity Separate Accounts
2019	$12,790	$14,204	$3,683
2018	$12,948	$14,763	$3,009
2017	$12,556	$18,729	$2,577
2016	$12,279	$19,157	$1,957
2015	$11,309	$19,340	$1,660

For Variable Annuities, the future policy benefit liabilities are computed on the basis of prescribed Statutory valuation interest rates and other assumptions as required by Statutory Valuation Law. For all other annuities policy benefit liabilities are established at the contract holder’s account value, which is equal to cumulative deposits and credited interest, less withdrawals, mortality and certain other charges.

The general account also has immediate annuities. The policy benefit liabilities for the immediate annuities are computed on the basis of prescribed Statutory valuation interest rates and mortality (where payouts are contingent on survivorship). These assumptions generally vary by plan, year of issue, and policy duration. Policy benefit liabilities for immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are computed on the basis prescribed Statutory valuation interest rates.

The following table summarizes Individual Markets life insurance future policy benefits liabilities net of ceded reinsurance, Individual Markets life insurance separate account balances, and Individual Markets life insurance in-force net of ceded reinsurance for the years indicated:

	(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,	Individual Markets Life Insurance Future Policy Benefits Liabilities	Individual Markets Life Insurance Separate Accounts	Individual Markets Life Insurance In-force
2019	$6,848	$7,037	$3,805
2018	$14,554	$6,304	$78,046
2017	$14,031	$6,215	$70,040
2016	$13,397	$5,771	$69,418
2015	$13,245	$5,479	$78,760

For both the Individual Markets life insurance future policy benefits liabilities and life insurance separate accounts, the future policy benefits are computed on the basis of prescribed Statutory valuation interest rates and mortality. These future policy benefits liabilities are calculated as the present value of future benefits (including dividends) less the present value of future net premiums, subject to a cash surrender value floor. The assumptions used in calculating the future policy benefits liabilities generally vary by plan, year of issue, and policy duration.

Additionally, for both the Individual Markets life insurance future policy benefits liabilities and life insurance separate accounts, policy and contract claim liabilities are established for claims that have been incurred but not reported based on factors derived from past experience.

The aforementioned policy benefit liabilities are computed amounts that, with additions from premiums and deposits to be received and with interest on such liabilities, are expected to be sufficient to meet the Company’s policy obligations (such as paying expected death or retirement benefits or surrender requests) and to generate profits.

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Method of Distribution of Products Within the Empower Retirement and Individual Markets Segments

The Empower Retirement segment distributes products to plan sponsors through a subsidiary, GWFS Equities, Inc. (“GWFS Equities”), as well as through brokers, consultants, advisors, third-party administrators, and banks. It markets IRAs as a distribution option for employees terminated from employer-sponsored defined contribution plans through its Retirement Solutions Group, which includes a retail sales force. Recordkeeping and administrative services are distributed through institutional clients.

The Individual Markets segment distributed individual life insurance through wholesale and retail sales force, banks, broker-dealers, and investment advisors. Executive benefits products were distributed through wholesalers and specialized consultants.

Competition Within the Empower Retirement and Individual Markets Segments

The retirement plan services, life insurance, and investment marketplaces are highly competitive. The Company’s competitors include insurance companies, banks, investment advisors, mutual fund companies, and certain service and professional organizations. No individual competitor or small group of competitors is dominant. Competition focuses on name recognition, service, technology, cost, variety of investment options, investment performance, product features, and price, in addition to financial strength as indicated by ratings issued by nationally recognized agencies.

Empower Retirement Outlook

As the second largest recordkeeping provider in the U.S., Empower Retirement is positioned for significant growth opportunities with expertise and diversification across all plan types, company sizes and market segments. The Company continually examines opportunities to structure products and develop strategies to stimulate growth in assets under management.

In 2020, Empower Retirement’s strategies to drive sales growth will continue to include active marketing of the brand, investing in product differentiation and offering a best-in-class service model. In 2019, the Company continued its program of service and quality enhancements, including improving client-facing tools and electronic document utilization and optimizing advisor relationship management and client alignment. The Company also made a significant investment in the Empower Retirement brand development through the purchase of the naming rights to Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. In 2020, investments will continue to be made to improve the customer web experiences, including adding innovative capabilities and ease of service products. These efforts are expected to increase customer retention and ultimately increase participant retirement savings. In 2020, the Company will continue to pursue operational efficiencies, including further investment in technology. Empower Retirement will continue to focus on its unique, interactive web-based experience that helps participants understand their retirement income needs.

Great West Global Business Services India Private Limited (“Great West Global”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S. in India, which launched in 2015 and has over 1,200 professionals based in India, will continue to expand with a focus on driving lower unit costs.

Individual Markets Outlook

Effective June 1, 2019, the Company completed the sale, via indemnity reinsurance (the “Transaction”), of substantially all of the Individual Markets segment to Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”), which has now assumed the economics and risks associated with the reinsured business. The business transferred included bank-owned and corporate-owned life insurance, single premium life insurance, individual annuities as well as closed block life insurance and annuities. The Company retained a block of life insurance, predominantly participating policies which are now administered by Protective, as well as a closed acquired reinsurance block.

Post-transaction, the Company will focus on the Empower Retirement segment through its defined contribution retirement and asset management businesses.

Other Segment

The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt.

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Reinsurance

The Company enters into reinsurance transactions as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products. Reinsurance transactions are assumed from and ceded to affiliated entities and third parties. When purchasing reinsurance, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage, quota share, yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance contracts. Under the terms of these contracts, the reinsurer agrees to reimburse the Company for the ceded amount in the event a claim is paid. However, the Company remains liable to its policyholders with respect to the ceded insurance if a reinsurer fails to meet the obligations it assumed. Accordingly, the Company strives to cede risks to highly rated, well-capitalized companies. The Company assumes risk from approximately 40 insurers and reinsurers by participating in yearly renewable term and coinsurance pool agreements. When assuming risk, the Company seeks to generate revenue while maintaining reciprocal working relationships with these partners as they also seek to limit their exposure to loss on any single life. Maximum capacity to be accepted or retained by the Company is dictated at the treaty level and is monitored annually to ensure the total risk acquired or retained on any one life is limited to a maximum retention of $4.5 million. Effective June 1, 2019, all risks on non-participating policies issued by the Company below the retention limit of inforce reinsurance were ceded to Protective in the Transaction.

Investment Operations

The Company’s investment division manages and administers the investments of its general and separate accounts in support of the cash and liquidity requirements of its insurance and investment products.

The Company’s principal general account investments are in bonds and mortgage loans, all of which are exposed to three primary sources of investment risk: credit, interest rate, and market valuation. Total investments at December 31, 2019, of $48 billion were comprised of general account investment assets of $22 billion and separate account assets of $26 billion. Total investments at December 31, 2018, of $55 billion were comprised of general account investment assets of $30 billion and separate account assets of $25 billion.

The Company’s general account investments are in a broad range of asset classes, but consist primarily of domestic bonds. Bonds include public and privately placed corporate bonds, government bonds, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The Company’s mortgage loans are comprised primarily of domestic commercial collateralized loans diversified with regard to geographical markets and commercial mortgage property types.

The Company manages the characteristics of its investment assets, such as liquidity, currency, yield, and duration, to reflect the underlying characteristics of related insurance and policyholder liabilities that vary among its principal product lines. The Company observes strict asset and liability matching guidelines designed to ensure that the investment portfolio will appropriately meet the cash flow requirements of its liabilities. The Company uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes associated with certain invested assets and policy liabilities, not for speculative purposes.

The Company routinely monitors and evaluates the status of its investments in light of current economic conditions, trends in capital markets, and other factors. These other factors include investment size, quality, concentration by issuer and industry, and other diversification considerations relevant to the Company’s bonds.

The Company reduces credit risk for the portfolio as a whole by investing primarily in investment grade bonds. At December 31, 2019, and 2018, 99% of the Company’s bond portfolio were designated as investment grade.

Employees

The Company had approximately 6,370 and 6,200 employees at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Company Properties

The Company’s corporate office facility is comprised of an 886,000 square foot complex located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The Company owns its corporate office facilities which are occupied by all of the Company’s segments. The Company also leases approximately 432,000 square feet of sales and administrative offices throughout the United States. Management believes that the Company’s properties are suitable and adequate for its current and anticipated business operations.

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Legal Proceedings Involving the Company

From time to time, the Company may be threatened with, or named as a defendant in, lawsuits, arbitrations, and administrative claims. Any such claims that are decided against the Company could harm the Company’s business. The Company is also subject to periodic regulatory audits and inspections which could result in fines or other disciplinary actions. Unfavorable outcomes in such matters may result in a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company is defending lawsuits relating to the costs and features of certain retirement or fund products. Management believes the claims are without merit and will defend these actions. Based on the information known, these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

The Company is involved in other various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the likelihood of loss from the resolution of these proceedings is remote and/or the estimated loss is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations, or cash flows.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Company

Identification of Directors

Director		Age		From		Principal Occupation(s) for Last Five Years
John L. Bernbach(5)(6)		76		2006		CEO of The Bernbach Group since July 2015; previously Vice Chairman, Engine
Robin Bienfait(1)(2)(3)(7)		60		2018		CEO of Emnovate since 2016; previously Executive Vice President and Chief Enterprise Innovation Officer of Samsung Electronics
Marcel Coutu(1)(2)(4)(6)(7)		66		2014		Corporate Director
André Desmarais(1)(2)(4)(6)(7)(8)		63		1997		Deputy Chairman, Power Corporation; Executive Co-Chairman, Power Financial Corporation
Paul Desmarais, Jr.(1)(2)(4)(6)(7)(8)		65		1991		Chairman, Power Corporation; Executive Co-Chairman, Power Financial Corporation
Gary A. Doer(1)(2)(7)		71		2016		Senior Business Advisor, Dentons Canada LLP since August 2016; previously Canada’s Ambassador to the United States
Gregory J. Fleming(1)(2)(7)		57		2016		Chief Executive Officer, Rockefeller Capital Management since October 2017; previously Corporate Director since October 2015; previously President of Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Claude Généreux(1)(2)(4)(7)		57		2015		Executive Vice President, Power Corporation and Power Financial Corporation
Alain Louvel(3)(5)		74		2006		Corporate Director
Paula B. Madoff(1)(2)(3)(7)		52		2018		Advisory Director, Goldman Sachs since August 2017; previously Partner and Head of Sales and Distribution for Interest Rate Products and Mortgage, Goldman Sachs
Paul A. Mahon(1)(2)(4)		56		2013		President and Chief Executive Officer, Lifeco and CLAC
Edmund F. Murphy III(1)(2)		58		2019		President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
R. Jeffrey Orr(1)(2)(4)(6)(7)		61		2005		Chairman of the Board of the Company; Chairman of the Board of Lifeco and CLAC President and Chief Executive Officer, Power Financial Corporation
Robert L. Reynolds(1)		68		2014		President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam Investments, LLC; previously President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
T. Timothy Ryan, Jr.(1)(2)(4)(6)(7)		74		2009		Corporate Director
Jerome J. Selitto(1)(2)(7)		78		2012		President, Avex Funding Corporation since April 2015; previously Chief Executive Officer of PHH Corporation
Gregory D. Tretiak(1)(2)(3)(7)		64		2012		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Power Corporation
Brian E. Walsh(1)(2)(4)(6)(7)		66		1995		Partner and Chief Strategist, Titan Advisors, LLC since July 2015; previously Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Saguenay Strathmore Capital, LLC

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(1)	Member of the Executive Committee.
(2)	Member of the Investment and Credit Committee.
(3)	Member of the Audit Committee.
(4)	Member of the Human Resources Committee.
(5)	Member of the Conduct Review Committee.
(6)	Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee.
(7)	Member of the Risk Committee.
(8)	Mr. André Desmarais and Mr. Paul Desmarais, Jr. are brothers.

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the directors have been engaged for not less than five years in their present principal occupations or in another executive capacity with the companies or firms identified.

The appointments of directors are confirmed annually.

The following is a list of directorships currently held or formerly held within the five previous years by the directors of the Company, on companies whose securities are traded publicly in the United States or that are investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Director	Current Directorships	Former Directorships and Dates
John L. Bernbach		Omnicare, Inc. March 2013– August 2015
Robin Bienfait	Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Marcel Coutu	Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Enbridge Inc.
Paul Desmarais, Jr.		Total S.A. May 2002- May 2017 Lafarge S.A. January 2008– July 2015
Gary Doer	Barrick Gold
Alain Louvel		Worldpoint Terminals, LP May 2008– September 2017
Paula Madoff	KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Tradeweb Markets
R. Jeffrey Orr	PanAgora Asset Management, Inc.
Jerome Selitto	Better Mortgage
T. Timothy Ryan, Jr.	Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
Gregory D. Tretiak	PanAgora Asset Management, Inc.

The Company’s Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) is charged with recommending to the Board of Directors the qualifications for Directors, including among other things, the competencies, skills, experience and level of commitment required to fulfill Board responsibilities and the personal qualities that should be sought in candidates for Board membership. The Nominating Committee’s duties include identifying and recommending Director candidates to the Board based on a consideration of the competencies and skills that the Board considers appropriate for the Board as a whole to possess, the competencies and skills that the Board considers each existing Director to possess and that each new nominee will bring to the Board, and the appropriate level of representation on the Board by Directors who are independent of management and who are neither officers nor employees of any of the Company’s affiliates.

The Board of Directors has reviewed the qualifications and backgrounds of the members of the Audit Committee and determined that, although no one member of the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the Rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the combined qualifications and experience of the members of the Audit Committee give the Committee collectively the financial expertise necessary to discharge its responsibilities.

The Company’s Directors are elected on an annual basis by the Company’s sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial.

The Company’s Directors are identified below along with an indication of their experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, which leads the Company to believe that they are qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.

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John L. Bernbach

Mr. Bernbach is CEO of The Bernbach Group, a business consulting firm. In 2017 Mr. Bernbach was part of a team of diverse corporate executives who founded Distillier LLC and developed and introduced Grand Brulot, the esteemed VSOP Cognac and coffee alcoholic beverage, in the United States and Europe. Prior to July 2015, Mr. Bernbach served as Vice Chairman of Engine, one of the largest privately-owned independent marketing services companies, which he joined in January 2010. He was also a co-founder of NTM (Not Traditional Media) Inc., a marketing and media advisory firm created in 2003 to work with clients and media companies to develop strategies integrating nontraditional marketing solutions and new media models. Prior to that, Mr. Bernbach, as CEO of The Bernbach Group, LLC, led this executive management consulting business concentrating on corporate and communications strategies. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Bernbach served as Director and then CEO and Chairman of North American Television, which produced and distributed news and entertainment programming. In 1994, Mr. Bernbach launched the publication of luxury goods magazines in China, Japan, France and Spain. Prior to 1994, Mr. Bernbach spent 22 years at the advertising firm Doyle Dane Bernbach, the last eight as President/COO of DDB Needham Worldwide. In 1986, he was one of five founders of Omnicon, which at that time was the largest marketing services and communications groups in the world. Mr. Bernbach currently serves on the Boards of Putnam, Power Pacific Corporation Limited, Casita Maria, Ai Media Group LLC, Distillier LLC and as an advisor to Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman & CEO of The Blackstone Group.

Robin Bienfait

Ms. Bienfait is Chief Executive Officer of Emnovate, an executive advisory firm delivering enterprise-class services to emerging businesses, a position she has held since 2017, and is the founder of Atlanta Tech Park, a global technology accelerator. She previously served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Enterprise Innovation Officer at Samsung Electronics from 2014 to 2017 and, prior to that, she was Chief Information Officer at BlackBerry from 2007 to 2014. Ms. Bienfait is a director of Lifeco and Putnam. She is also a director and Chair of the board of Global Aviation and a director of the Georgia Institute of Technology Industry Board, the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. She previously served as a member of the Cisco Strategic Advisory Board and the Hewlett-Packard Advisory Board. Ms. Bienfait holds a Masters in Technology Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Central Missouri State University.

Marcel Coutu

Mr. Coutu, Corporate Director, is the former Chairman of Syncrude Canada Ltd., a Canadian oil sands project and is past President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Oil Sands Limited, an oil and gas company. He was previously Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Gulf Canada Resources Limited, and prior to that held various positions in the areas of corporate finance, investment banking, and mining and oil and gas exploration and development. Mr. Coutu is a director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. He is also a director of Power Corporation, IGM Financial Inc. (“IGM”), IG Wealth Management, Mackenzie Inc. (“Mackenzie”), Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Enbridge Inc. and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede board. He has also held board positions with Gulf Indonesia Resources Limited, TransCanada Power Limited Partnership and the board of governors of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Mr. Coutu is a former member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta.

André Desmarais

Mr. Desmarais is Deputy Chairman of Power Corporation and Executive Co-Chairman of Power Financial. He previously served as President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation from 1996 until his retirement in February 2020. Prior to joining Power Corporation in 1983, he was Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice of Canada and an institutional investment counselor at Richardson Greenshields Securities Ltd. He has held a number of senior positions with Power group companies and is a director of many Power group companies in North America, including Power Corporation, Power Financial, Lifeco, CLAC, Putnam, IGM, IG Wealth Management and Mackenzie. He is also a director and Vice-Chairman of Pargesa Holding SA in Europe. Mr. Desmarais is Honorary Chairman of the Canada China Business Council and is a member of several China-based organizations. Mr. Desmarais is active in cultural, health and other not-for-profit organizations. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and an Officer of the National Order of Québec. He has received Doctorates Honoris Causa from Concordia University, Université de Montréal and McGill University. Mr. Desmarais is a trustee of the Desmarais Family Residuary Trust.

Paul Desmarais, Jr.

Mr. Desmarais is Chairman of Power Corporation and Executive Co-Chairman of Power Financial. He previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation from 1996 until his retirement in February 2020. He joined Power Corporation in 1981 and assumed the position of Vice-President the following year. He served as Vice-President of Power Financial from 1984 to

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1986, as President and Chief Operating Officer from 1986 to 1989, as Executive Vice-Chairman from 1989 to 1990, as Executive Chairman of the board from 1990 to 2005, as Chairman of the Executive Committee from 2006 to 2008 and as Executive Co-Chairman since 2008. He also served as Vice-Chairman of Power Corporation from 1991 to 1996. He was named Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation in 1996. From 1982 to 1990, he was a member of the Management Committee of Pargesa Holding SA; in 1991, he became Executive Vice-Chairman and then Executive Chairman of the Committee; from 2003 to 2019, he was the Co-Chief Executive Officer and he was named Chairman of the board in 2013. He has been a director of Pargesa Holding SA since 1992. He is a director of many Power group companies in North America, including Power Corporation, Power Financial, Lifeco, CLAC, Putnam, IGM, IG Wealth Management and Mackenzie. In Europe, he is Chairman of the board of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert and a director of LafargeHolcim Ltd. and SGS SA. He was Vice-Chairman of the board and a director of Imerys until 2008 and a director of GDF Suez until 2014 and Total SA until 2017. Mr. Desmarais is a member of The Business Council of Canada. He is also active on a number of philanthropic advisory councils. In 2005, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, in 2009, an Officer of the National Order of Québec and, in 2012, Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in France. He has received a number of honorary doctorates. Mr. Desmarais is a trustee of the Desmarais Family Residuary Trust.

Gary A. Doer

Mr. Doer has served as a Senior Business Advisor at Dentons Canada LLP, a global law firm, since August, 2016. He previously served as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States from October, 2009 to January, 2016. He was the Premier of Manitoba from 1999 to 2009, and served in a number of positions as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1986 to 2009. In 2005, as Premier, he was named by Business Week magazine as one of the top 20 international leaders on climate change. Mr. Doer is a director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. He is also a director of Power Corporation, Power Financial, IGM, IG Wealth Management, Mackenzie. and Air Canada. He previously served as a director of Barrick Gold Corporation. In 2017, Mr. Doer joined the Trilateral Commission as a member of the North American Group. He is a volunteer Co-Chair of the Wilson Centre’s Canada Institute, a non-partisan public policy forum focused on Canada-U.S. relations. Mr. Doer received a distinguished diplomatic service award from the World Affairs Council in 2011 and was inducted into the Order of Manitoba in 2010.

Gregory J. Fleming

Gregory J. Fleming is the founding Chief Executive Officer of Rockefeller Capital Management. He has spent more than 30 years in the financial services industry and has developed a track record of transforming businesses, engendering trust among institutional and individual clients and creating value for colleagues and shareholders. In March 2018, Mr. Fleming became the CEO of Rockefeller Capital Management, a firm that combines wealth management, family office, asset management and strategic advisory. The firm arose from the March 2018 acquisition of the former Rockefeller & Co. Mr. Fleming is a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors of Rockefeller Capital Management. Prior to leading Rockefeller Capital Management, Mr. Fleming was the President of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2010 and served in these roles for 6 years. During that time, he oversaw the transformation of both businesses. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Fleming served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Merrill Lynch and before that ran Merrill Lynch’s Global Investment Banking business. Before joining Merrill Lynch as an investment banker in 1992, Mr. Fleming was a principal at Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. Fleming is a former director of Colgate University; a member of the Board of Advisors for the Yale Law School Center for the Study of Corporate Law, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Club of New York; a trustee at Deerfield Academy; a member of the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors; an Advisory Director on the board of the Florida Marlins; a member of the Turn2 Resource Council; and a member of the Advisory Board of COVR, an innovative financial services startup. He frequently serves as a Visiting Lecturer in Law and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Center for the Study of Corporate Law at Yale Law School. He is a Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate in economics from Colgate University and received his J.D. from Yale Law School. Mr. Fleming is also a director of Putnam.

Claude Généreux

Mr. Généreux is Executive Vice-President of Power Corporation and Power Financial, positions he has held since March, 2015. He is Senior Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company (“McKinsey”), a global management consulting firm. During his 28 years at McKinsey, Mr. Généreux focused on serving leading global companies in financial services, resources and energy. He held various leadership positions including Global Sector Leadership in energy, Office Leadership in Montreal, Global Personal Committees for partner election and evaluation, and Global Recruiting for Advanced University Degrees candidates. He has been posted in Montreal, Paris, Toronto and Stockholm. Mr. Généreux is a director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. He is also a director of IGM, IG Wealth Management, Mackenzie and Group Bruxelles Lambert. Mr. Généreux is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors at McGill University and serves on the boards of the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation, the Loran Scholars Foundation, Michaëlle Jean Foundation and the Rhodes Scholarships in Canada. He graduated from McGill University and Oxford University where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.

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Alain Louvel

After receiving an MBA from Columbia University, and a masters in Economics and Political Sciences from the Paris University, Mr. Louvel began his professional career in 1970 as an advisor to the Department of Industry and Trade of the Quebec Government. In 1972, he joined Bank Paribas (“Paribas”) and for the next 33 years held various executive positions with Paribas in France, Canada and the United States. He completed his banking career as the Head of Risk Management for the Americas of BNP Paribas, with overall responsibilities over credit, market, counterparty and operational risk. Mr. Louvel serves as a Director of Putnam and Mountain Asset Management. He is also an Honorary Trustee of the French Institute Alliance Francaise and a French Foreign Trade Counselor. Mr. Louvel is a permanent resident of the United States with dual French and Canadian citizenship.

Paula B. Madoff

Ms. Madoff, Corporate Director, has served as an Advisory Director at Goldman Sachs, a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm, since August, 2017. She spent 24 years at Goldman Sachs where she most recently was a Partner and Head of Sales and Distribution for Interest Rate Products and Mortgages from 2006 until her retirement in 2017. Ms. Madoff also held several additional leadership positions at Goldman Sachs including Co-Chair of the Retirement Committee overseeing 401k and pension plan assets, Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs Mitsui Marine Derivatives Products, L.P., and was a member of its Securities Division Operating Committee and Firmwide New Activity Committee. She has 30 years of experience in investing, risk management and capital markets activities. Ms. Madoff is a director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. She also serves as a director of Tradeweb Markets Inc., KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and ICE Benchmark Administration, where she is also Chair of the ICE LIBOR Oversight Committee. Ms. Madoff is a 2018 David Rockefeller Fellow, a member of the Harvard Business School Alumni Board and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women and Public Policy Leadership Board, a director of Hudson River Park Friends and an advisory board member of the NYU Hospital Child Study Center. She received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Lafayette College.

Paul A. Mahon

Mr. Mahon is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeco and CLAC, a position he has held since May, 2013. Prior to that he was President and Chief Operating Officer, Canada of Lifeco and CLAC. Mr. Mahon has been with CLAC since 1986, and is a director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. He is also a director and past Chair of the board of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association and a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, Business Council of Canada, Misericordia Health Centre Corporation and United Way Resource Development Committee. Mr. Mahon previously served as a director of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

Edmund F. Murphy III

Mr. Murphy is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Murphy provides leadership and strategic direction for the Company’s operating units: Empower Retirement and Great-West Investments. Mr. Murphy brings 30 years of broad industry experience to his role. He was appointed the inaugural President of Empower Retirement upon its creation in 2014 and has led the organization through a period of strong and sustained growth, positioning Empower Retirement as the go-to provider of retirement services for millions of Americans saving for retirement through workplace plans. A much sought-after thought leader as an advocate for the defined contribution systems, Mr. Murphy is regarded as a driving force for industry innovation and public policy reform. Mr. Murphy meets regularly with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and has testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, the Department of Labor, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service. He speaks and writes on topics ranging from retirement issues and public policy to investment advice and lifetime income strategies. Before his appointment as President of Empower Retirement, Mr. Murphy had served as Managing Director of the Defined Contribution and Investment Only business at Putnam since 2009. He joined the firm’s operating committee in 2011. Prior to Putnam, Mr. Murphy held executive leadership roles for 17 years at Fidelity Investments in its institutional, private equity and retail businesses. He also served as President and CEO of Veritude, LLC and as a board member of BostonCoach, Advisor Technology Services, Seaport Hotel, World Trade center and several other Fidelity-owned businesses. He spent the early portion of his career at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Murphy is a board member of the Employee Benefit Research Institute, Cristo Rey School, Boston College Wall Street Council, Jobs for the Future and the New England Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and is a graduate of the General Manager Program at Harvard Business School.

R. Jeffrey Orr

Mr. Orr has been Chair of the Boards of Lifeco and CLAC since May, 2013, of the Company since July, 2013, and of Putnam since June, 2008. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Power Corporation and Power Financial, positions he has held since February, 2020 and May, 2005 respectively. From May, 2001 until May, 2005, Mr. Orr was President and Chief Executive

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Officer of IGM. Prior to joining IGM, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Vice-Chairman, Investment Banking Group, Bank of Montreal. He had been with BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and predecessor companies since 1981. Mr. Orr is a director of CLAC, Putnam and PanAgora Asset Management, Inc. He is also a director and Chair of IGM, IG Wealth Management and Mackenzie, and a director of Power Corporation and Power Financial. Mr. Orr is active in a number of community and business organizations.

Robert L. Reynolds

Mr. Reynolds served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from May 2014 through January 2019. In addition, Mr. Reynolds is a director and the Chair of Great-West Lifeco U.S. LLC. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam since 2008 and is a director of Putnam. Mr. Reynolds has more than 30 years of financial services and investments experience. Before joining Putnam, he spent 24 years at Fidelity Investments, serving as vice chairman and chief operating officer from 2000 to 2007. Among many awards and recognitions, Reynolds received a Lifetime Achievement Award from PLANSPONSOR magazine in 2005 for his contributions to the retirement services industry and was awarded a President's Medal of Excellence from Boston College. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration/finance from West Virginia University, from which he also received an honorary doctorate in business administration and a Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Reynolds serves on the executive committee of the Massachusetts High Technology Council board. Mr. Reynolds serves on the boards of several nonprofits, including those of the Concord Museum, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Foundation. He is chairman of the Boston Advisory Board of the American Ireland Fund, Chairman of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and National Council Co-Chairman of the American Enterprise Institute. Mr. Reynolds also is an Executive Committee Member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness; the President’s Council, Massachusetts General Hospital; Executive Committee, Massachusetts High Technology Council; and the Chief Executives Club of Boston. He previously served as Chairman of West Virginia University Foundation.

T. Timothy Ryan, Jr.

Mr. Ryan, Corporate Director, served as Vice-Chairman of Regulatory Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, a global financial services firm, from 2013 to 2014. Prior to joining JPMorgan, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) from 2008 to 2013. He is a director of Lifeco, CLAC, Putnam, Power Corporation and Power Financial. Mr. Ryan is also non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Santander Bank, N.A. and Banco Santander International. He previously served as a Director of Markit Ltd. and Lloyds Banking Group plc. He was a private sector member of the Global Markets Advisory Committee for the National Intelligence Council from 2007 to 2011. Mr. Ryan is a graduate of Villanova University and the American University Law School.

Jerome J. Selitto

Mr. Selitto is the President of Better Mortgage Corporation (previously Avex Funding Corporation), a technology focused mortgage lender, a position he has held since April, 2015. Mr. Selitto served as a director and as President and Chief Executive Officer of PHH Corporation (“PHH”), a provider of mortgage lending and servicing solutions, from October, 2009 to January, 2012. Prior to joining PHH, Mr. Selitto worked at Ellie Mae, Inc. (“Ellie Mae”), a provider of enterprise solutions for the residential mortgage industry. While at Ellie Mae, Mr. Selitto initially served as a senior consultant beginning in 2007 and, later in 2007 through 2009, as Executive Vice-President, Lender Division. He has over 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry and in capital markets. Mr. Selitto is a director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Marketing from the University of South Florida.

Gregory D. Tretiak

Mr. Tretiak is Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Power Corporation and Power Financial, positions he has held since May, 2012. From 1988 to May, 2012, he held various positions with IGM and IG Wealth Management, most recently the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IGM from April, 1999 to May, 2012. Mr. Tretiak is a director of Lifeco, CLAC, Putnam and PanAgora Asset Management, Inc. He also serves as a director of IGM, IG Wealth Management and Mackenzie. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Winnipeg and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants and has been a Certified Financial Planner. Throughout his career, Mr. Tretiak has been active in professional industry groups and associations including the Chartered Professional Accountants, Financial Executives International, the Certified Financial Planners, the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Investment Funds Institute of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Economic and Taxation Committee.

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Brian E. Walsh

Mr. Walsh is Principal and Chief Strategist of Titan Advisors LLC, an asset management firm, a position he has held since July, 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Walsh was Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Saguenay Strathmore Capital, LLC, a money management and investment advisory company, a position that he held from September, 2011 to June, 2015. He was previously Managing Partner of Saguenay Capital, LLC from January, 2001 to September, 2011. Mr. Walsh has over 30 years of investment banking, international capital markets and investment management experience. He had a long career at Bankers Trust culminating in his appointment as Co-head of Global Investment Banking and as a member of the Management Committee. Mr. Walsh is a Director of Lifeco, CLAC and Putnam. He also serves on the International Advisory Board of École des Hautes Études Commerciales of Montréal. Mr. Walsh holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University.

Compensation of Company Directors for 2019

1. Table

The Company compensates Directors who are not also Directors of Lifeco or Great-West Life (“Company Directors”). The following sets out compensation earned in 2019 by the Company Directors.

Name		Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(2)		Stock Awards ($)(3)		All Other Compensation ($)(4)		Total ($)
J.L. Bernbach		110,000		87,500		32		197,532
R. Bienfait		138,389		87,500		32		225,921
G.J. Fleming		120,000		87,500		32		207,532
A. Louvel		137,500		87,500		32		225,032
E.F. Murphy III(1)		55,000		43,750		15		98,765
R.L. Reynolds		95,000		87,500		32		182,532

(1)	Mr. Murphy was elected to the Board of Directors effective July 25, 2019.

(2)	Ms. Bienfait and Messrs. Bernbach, Fleming, Louvel, Murphy and Reynolds elected to receive this portion of their compensation for serving as directors in cash. Amounts payable to Company Directors are paid in the currency of the country of residence. Amounts earned in Canadian dollars have been translated to U.S. dollars at the Conversion Rate.
(3)	For Ms. Bienfait and Messrs. Bernbach, Fleming, Louvel, Murphy and Reynolds, these amounts represent the value of Deferred Share Units granted under the mandatory component of the DSUP. See the Narrative Description of Company Director Compensation below for additional information regarding the DSUP. The value of these Deferred Share Units is the aggregate grant date fair value.

As of December 31, 2019, Ms. Bienfait held 5,832 Deferred Share Units, Mr. Bernbach held 37,550 Deferred Share Units, Mr. Fleming held 9,884 Deferred Share Units, Mr. Louvel held 37,304 Deferred Share Units, Mr. Murphy held 1,791 Deferred Share Units and Mr. Reynolds held 14,854 Deferred Share Units.

(4)	These amounts are life insurance premiums paid under the Great-West Life Director’s Group Life Insurance Plan. Payments are made in Canadian dollars and have been translated to U.S. dollars at the Conversion Rate.

2. Narrative Description of Company Director Compensation

The Company pays Company Directors who are not also directors of Great-West Lifeco Inc. an annual retainer fee of $175,000. In addition, Company Directors receive annual retainer fees for serving as a member or the chairperson of certain committees of the Board. The following tables show the additional annual retainer fees paid for service on committees:

The following sums are paid per annum to the Chairperson of each of the following Company committees:

Audit	$20,000
Executive	$25,000
Human Resources	$20,000
Investment	$20,000
Risk	$20,000

The following sums are paid per annum to members of each of the following Company committees:

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Audit	$20,000
Conduct Review	$ 7,500
Executive	$ 7,500
Governance & Nominating	$ 7,500
Human Resources	$10,000
Investment	$15,000
Risk	$10,000
Equity Investment Sub	$ 7,500

In order to promote greater alignment of interests between the Company Directors and shareholders, the Company has implemented a Director Deferred Share Unit Plan, or DSUP, pursuant to which Company Directors are required to receive $87,500 of their annual retainer fee in Deferred Share Units. Under the voluntary portion of the DSUP, each Company Director may elect to receive the balance of his or her annual retainer, as well as committee retainer fees, entirely in form the of Deferred Share Units, entirely in cash, or equally in cash and Deferred Share Units.

Under both the mandatory and voluntary components of the DSUP, the number of Deferred Share Units granted is determined by dividing the amount of remuneration payable to the Company Director by the weighted average Canadian dollar trading price per Lifeco common share on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the last five trading days of the preceding fiscal quarter (such weighted average trading price being the “value of a Deferred Share Unit”) prior to the award grant date. Directors receive additional Deferred Share Units in respect of dividends payable on the Lifeco common shares based on the value of a Deferred Share Unit at that time. Deferred Share Units are redeemable at the time that an individual ceases to be a Director by a lump sum cash payment, based on the value of the Deferred Share Units on the date of redemption.

Identification of Executive Officers

Executive		Age		Officer from		Principal Occupation(s) for Last Five Years
Edmund F. Murphy III President and Chief Executive Officer		58		2014		President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
Andra S. Bolotin Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		57		2015		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 2016; previously Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 2015; previously Head of Corporate Finance and Controller, Putnam Investments, LLC
Richard H. Linton Jr. Executive Vice President, Group Distribution & Operations		52		2016		Executive Vice President, Group Distribution & Operations of the Company; previously Executive Vice President, Empower Operations since May 2016; previously President, Retail Wealth, Voya Financial

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the executive officers have been engaged for not less than five years in their present principal occupations or in another executive capacity with the companies or firms identified.

The appointments of executive officers are confirmed annually.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct (the “Code”) that is applicable to its senior financial officers, as well as to other officers and employees. All of the items identified as elements of a “code of ethics” as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission regulations adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are substantively covered by the Code. A copy of the Code is available without charge upon written request to Kenneth I. Schindler, Chief Compliance Officer, 8525 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

Executive Officer Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

1. Compensation of Mr. Reynolds as President and Chief Executive Officer

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Robert L. Reynolds was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company for the initial portion of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. Mr. Reynolds was also President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam Investments, LLC (“Putnam”), an affiliate of the Company, during that time.

Mr. Reynolds’ compensation is paid by Putnam under Putnam’s compensation program. A portion of Mr. Reynolds’ base salary and annual bonus is allocated to, and reimbursed by, the Company for services provided to the Company. The allocation is determined by the Company’s Human Resources Committee and Putnam’s Human Resources Committee. The portion of Mr. Reynolds’ base salary and annual bonus allocated to the Company is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table (see below).

The information in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis relates to the executive compensation program of the Company applicable to the other named executive officers of the Company and does not apply to Mr. Reynolds.

2. Overview and Objectives of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program

This section provides an overview and describes the objectives of the Company’s compensation program for executives, including the Chief Executive Officer (with the exception of Mr. Reynolds), the Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company during 2019, as well as two additional executive officers who would have been among the three most highly compensated executive officers had they been with the Company as of 12/31/2019 (the “Named Executive Officers”).

•	The executive compensation program adopted by the Company and applied to the Named Executive Officers (with the exception of Mr. Reynolds) has been designed to:

•	support the Company’s objective of generating value for shareholders and policyholders over the long term;
•	attract, retain and reward qualified and experienced executives who will contribute to the success of the Company;
•	motivate executive officers to meet annual corporate, divisional, and individual performance goals;
•	promote the achievement of goals in a manner consistent with the Company’s Code of Conduct; and
•	align with regulatory requirements.

More specifically, the executive compensation program rewards:

•	excellence in developing and executing strategies that will produce significant value for shareholders and policyholders over the long term;
•	management vision and an entrepreneurial approach;
•	quality of decision-making;
•	strength of leadership;
•	record of performance over the long term; and
•	initiating and implementing transactions and activities that create shareholder and policyholder value.

The Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company operates under a charter and is responsible for overseeing the executive compensation program. The Board and the Human Resources Committee recognize the importance of executive compensation decisions and remain committed to awarding compensation that reflects leadership’s ability to deliver on the Company’s strategic goals and to drive strong performance and sustainable value for shareholders and policyholders.

In designing and administering the individual elements of the executive compensation program, the Human Resources Committee strives to balance short-term and long-term incentive objectives and to apply prudent judgment in establishing performance criteria, evaluating performance, and determining actual incentive awards. Total compensation of each Named Executive Officer is reviewed by the Human Resources Committee from time to time for market competitiveness, and reflects each Named Executive Officer’s job responsibilities, experience and proven performance.

The executive compensation programs consist of five primary components:

•	base salary;
•	annual incentive bonus;
•	share units;
•	options for Lifeco common shares; and
•	retirement benefits.

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The primary role of each of these components is presented in the table below:

Base Salary	Reflect skills, competencies, experience and performance of the Named Executive Officers
Annual Incentive Bonus	Reflect performance for the year
Share Units	More closely align the medium term interests of the Named Executive Officers with the interests of the shareholders
Stock Options	More closely align the long term interests of the Named Executive Officers with the interests of the shareholders
Retirement Benefits	Provide for appropriate replacement income upon retirement based on years of service with the Company

Base salary, annual incentive bonus, share units and retirement benefits are determined by the Human Resources Committee for the Named Executive Officers. The long-term compensation component in the form of options for Lifeco common shares is determined and administered by Lifeco’s Human Resources Committee.

The President and Chief Executive Officer participates in the compensation setting process for the other Named Executive Officers by evaluating individual performance, establishing individual performance targets and objectives and recommending salary levels.

3. Base Salary

Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers are set annually, taking into account the individual’s job responsibilities, experience and proven performance, as well as market conditions. The Company gathers market data in relation to the insurance and financial services industries and also considers surveys prepared by external professional compensation consultants with regard to peer groups in these industries. However, the Human Resources Committee does not routinely “benchmark” or review the Company’s salary levels against a consistent group of its peers and does not have any formal policy of matching its salaries to those of certain competitors.

4. Bonuses

(a) Annual Incentive Bonus Plan

To relate the compensation of the Named Executive Officers to the performance of the Company, an annual incentive bonus plan (the “Annual Incentive Bonus Plan”) is provided. Target objectives are set annually and may include earnings, expense or sales targets of the Company and/or a business unit of the Company or specific individual objectives related to strategic initiatives.

See the tables presented below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan and a further description of the terms of the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.

(b) Special Bonuses

From time to time, special bonuses may be provided related to significant projects such as acquisitions or dispositions or for sign-on or retention purposes.

5. Share Units

To provide a medium term component to the executive compensation program, the Named Executive Officers participate in the Company’s Share Unit Plan for Senior Executives (the “Executive Share Unit Plan”).

The Company’s Human Resources Committee is responsible for the granting of share units to participants under the Executive Share Unit Plan. Share Units are not granted based on the timing of the disclosure of non-public material information with respect to Lifeco or the Company.

The granting of share units is considered annually by the Human Resources Committee. Officer levels are taken into account when new share unit grants are considered. The granting of share units is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Executive Share Unit Plan and any additional terms and conditions fixed by the Human Resources Committee at the time of the grant.

See the tables presented below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Executive Share Unit Plan and a further description of the terms of the Executive Share Unit Plan.

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6. Stock Options

To provide a long-term component to the executive compensation program, the Named Executive Officers participate in Lifeco’s Stock Option Plan (the “Lifeco Option Plan”).

While the Company’s Human Resources Committee makes recommendations with respect to the granting of Lifeco options, Lifeco’s Human Resources Committee is responsible for the granting of options to participants under the Lifeco Option Plan. Options are not granted based on the timing of the disclosure of non-public material information with respect to Lifeco or the Company.

The granting of Lifeco options is considered annually by the Lifeco Human Resources Committee. Officer levels are taken into account when new option grants are considered. The granting of options is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Lifeco Stock Option Plan and any additional terms and conditions fixed by the Lifeco Human Resources Committee at the time of the grant.

See the tables presented below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Lifeco Option Plan and a further description of the terms of the Lifeco Option Plan.

7. Retirement Benefits

(a) Defined Benefit Plan

GWL&A Financial has a qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Defined Benefit Plan”) which is available to all employees of the Company hired before January 1, 1999. See the tables presented below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Defined Benefit Plan and a description of the terms of the Defined Benefit Plan.

(b) SERP

To provide a competitive retirement benefit to certain key executives, the Company also has a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”), which provides benefits above the compensation limits applicable to the Defined Benefit Plan. See the tables presented below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the SERP and a description of the terms of the SERP.

(c) 401(k) Plan

All employees, including the Named Executive Officers, may participate in the Company’s qualified defined contribution 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). In 2019, employees who participate in the 401(k) Plan may make contributions of between 1% and 90% of base salary and annual bonus (collectively “Salary”), subject to applicable Internal Revenue Service limits. All new employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) Plan at a 4% contribution rate unless the employee elects out or elects a different contribution rate. The Company matches 100% of the first 5% of Salary contributed as pre-tax and/or Roth contributions for all employees.

The 401(k) Plan offers a variety of investment options, including variable funds, collective funds, a stable value fund, Lifeco common shares (company matching contributions only) and a self-directed investment option.

8. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

To provide market competitive compensation to certain key executives, the Company also has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (“NQDCP”) and a nonqualified executive deferred compensation plan (“EDCP”). See the tables presented below for information on the participation of the Named Executive Officers in these plans and a description of the terms of the plans.

Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None.

Compensation Policies and Risk Management

The Company has evaluated its compensation policies and practices applicable to all employees and believes that they do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets out the portion of Robert L. Reynolds’ base salary and annual bonus allocated to the Company for the portion of 2019 that Mr. Reynolds served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above for further information on this allocation). The table also sets out compensation earned in 2019 by the other Named Executive Officers.

Name and Principal Position		Year		Salary ($)		Bonus ($)(6)		Stock Awards ($)(7)		Option Awards ($)(8)		Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(9)		Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(10)		All Other Compensation ($)(11)		Total ($)
Robert L. Reynolds(1) President and Chief Executive Officer		2019		25,000		—		—		—		200,500		—		182,532		408,032
		2018		300,000		—		—		—		3,000,000		—		147,287		3,447,287
		2017		300,000		—		—		—		3,000,000		—		116,039		3,416,039
Edmund F. Murphy III(2) President and Chief Executive Officer		2019		969,231		—		1,399,993		403,448		2,326,154		—		215,361		5,314,187
		2018		800,000		—		689,999		79,705		1,840,000		—		13,750		3,423,454
		2017		800,000		1,177,333		599,993		148,538		1,840,000		—		10,800		4,576,664
Andra S. Bolotin(3) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		2019		600,000		2,000,000		1,700,001		201,608		1,380,000		—		21,135		5,902,744
		2018		511,538		—		360,006		41,610		1,176,538		—		14,393		2,104,085
		2017		476,923		—		269,999		66,783		1,144,615		—		11,443		1,969,763
Scott C. Sipple(4)President, Great-West Investments		2019		625,000		—		595,000		171,448		1,312,500		—		21,135		2,725,083
Richard H. Linton Jr. Executive Vice President, Empower Distribution and Operations		2019		584,615		—		385,007		110,896		1,052,308		—		21,135		2,153,962
		2018		500,000		300,000		329,993		38,095		880,000		—		15,856		2,063,945
		2017		500,000		450,000		300,014		74,269		950,000		—		263,158		2,537,441
William D. McDermott Senior Vice President, Large/Mega/Not-For-Profit Market		2019		475,000		—		259,992		43,616		742,188		—		21,635		1,542,432
Robert K. Shaw(5) President, Individual Markets		2019		250,615		7,000,000		284,887		82,128		—		1,357,518		21,115		8,996,263
		2018		543,000		—		256,557		29,640		936,675		—		14,393		1,780,265
		2017		543,000		588,667		218,983		54,175		855,225		1,820,465		7,393		4,087,908
Ron J. Laeyendecker(5) Senior Vice President, Executive Benefits Market		2019		176,605		1,500,000		182,131		30,624		—		215,934		21,115		2,126,409

(1)	Mr. Reynolds resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 30, 2019.
(2)	Mr. Murphy was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 30, 2019.
(3)	For Ms. Bolotin, the Summary Compensation Table sets forth all compensation paid to Ms. Bolotin by the Company for her service as the Chief Financial Officer of both the Company and Putnam, a portion of which is reimbursed to the Company by Putnam.
(4)	Mr. Sipple joined the Company in late 2018 as the President, Great-West Investments.
(5)	Mr. Shaw and Mr. Laeyendecker each resigned from the Company effective June 1, 2019 in connection with the sale of the Company’s Individual Markets business unit.
(6)	This column sets forth special bonuses (a) paid in 2019 to Ms. Bolotin, Mr. Shaw and Mr. Laeyendecker in relation to the successful disposition of the Company’s Individual Markets business unit; (b) paid in 2017 and 2018 to Mr. Linton in connection with his joining the Company; and (c) paid in 2017 to Mr. Shaw and Mr. Murphy in relation to the integration of certain large case defined contribution business acquired from J.P. Morgan.
(7)	This column sets forth the value of share units granted to each Named Executive Officer under the Executive Share Unit Plan. The amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards.
(8)	This column sets forth the value of Lifeco options granted to each Named Executive Officer under the Lifeco Option Plan. The amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards. For further information, see Note 17 to the Company’s December 31, 2019 Financial Statements include in Appendix A to this prospectus.

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(9)	For Ms. Bolotin and Messrs. Murphy, Sipple, Linton, and McDermott these amounts represent cash bonuses earned under the Company’s Annual Incentive Bonus Plan and paid in February of 2020.
(10)	For 2019:

(a)

Mr. Shaw had an increase in actuarial present value of his Defined Benefit Plan of $320,741, an increase in actuarial present value of his SERP of $1,028,710, and above market earnings under the EDCP of $8,067. Above market earnings under the EDCP equaled the difference between the actual interest earned in 2019 and the amount of interest that would have been earned at a rate of 2.51% (2.51% being 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate at December 31, 2019).

(b)

Mr. Layendecker had an increase in the actuarial present value of his Defined Benefit Plan of $215,934.

(11)	The components of 2019 other compensation reported for each of the Named Executive Officers are as follows:

(a)	Mr. Reynolds received $182,532 in respect of directors’ fees.
(b)	Mr. Murphy received (i) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) $194,486 in respect of directors’ fees.
(c)	Ms. Bolotin received (i) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) a cell phone stipend of $260.
(d)	Mr. Sipple received (i) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) a cell phone stipend of $260.
(e)	Mr. Linton received (i) a 401(k) plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) a cell phone stipend of $260.
(f)	Mr. McDermott received (i) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) a cell phone stipend of $760.
(g)	Mr. Shaw received (i) a 401(k) Plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) a broadband and cell phone stipend of $240.
(h)	Mr. Laeyendecker received (i) a 401(k) plan employer contribution of $20,875; and (ii) a cell phone stipend of $240.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2019

1. Table

The following table sets out information with respect to grants to the Named Executive Officers under the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, Executive Share Unit Plan and Lifeco Option Plan.

Name		Thresholds ($)		Target ($)		Maximum ($)		All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(1)		All Other Option Awards; Securities Underlying Options (#)(2)		Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Share)(3)		Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option awards ($)
E.F. Murphy		—		1,938,462		—		46,228		173,900		22.81		1,803,441
A.S. Bolotin		—		1,200,000		—		54,941		86,900		22.81		1,901,609
S.C. Sipple		—		1,250,000		—		19,647		73,900		22.81		766,448
R.H. Linton		—		876,923		—		12,713		47,800		22.81		495,903
W.D. McDermott		—		593,750		—		8,585		18,800		22.81		303,609
R.K. Shaw		—		—		—		9,407		35,400		22.81		367,015
R.J. Laeyendecker		—		—		—		6,014		13,200		22.81		212,755

(1)	These are Executive Share Units granted under the Executive Share Unit Plan. The grant date was March 1, 2019 for all awards except for a portion of Ms. Bolotin’s award, for which the grant date was June 1, 2019. The Company’s Human Resources Committee approved the grants on February 5, 2019.
(2)	These are Lifeco options granted under the Lifeco Option Plan. The grant date was March 1, 2019. The Lifeco Human Resources Committee approved the grants on February 5, 2019.
(3)	Lifeco options are issued with an exercise price in Canadian dollars, which have been translated to U.S. dollars at 1.00/1.3275 which was Lifeco’s average rate for 2019 (the “Conversion Rate”).

2. Narrative Description of the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan

Under the Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, a bonus pool is established if the Company meets certain earnings targets. The target bonus opportunity for individuals varies by office and is expressed as a percentage of base salary or as a flat amount. Bonus amounts are determined based on each Named Executive Officer’s performance against established objectives. Bonus amounts of greater or lesser than the established target may be awarded. For the Named Executive Officers, there is no minimum or maximum bonus amount. Annual Incentive Bonuses are paid only to Named Executive Officers who are employed with the Company at the end of the year being reported and, as a result, Mr. Shaw and Mr. Laeyendecker did not receive Annual Incentive Bonus Plan payments in 2019.

For 2019:

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(i)	Mr. Murphy had an opportunity to earn up to 200% of base salary earned in 2019 based on the Company’s financial performance and individual objectives, and an additional amount on a discretionary basis based on individual performance;
(ii)	Ms. Bolotin had an opportunity to earn up to 200% of base salary earned in 2019 based on the Company’s financial performance and individual objectives, and an additional amount on a discretionary basis based on individual performance;
(iii)	Mr. Sipple had an opportunity to earn up to 200% of base salary earned in 2019 based on the Company’s financial performance and individual objectives, and an additional amount on a discretionary basis based on individual performance;
(iv)	Mr. Linton had an opportunity to earn up to 150% of base salary earned in 2019 based on the Company’s financial performance and individual objectives, and an additional amount on a discretionary basis based on individual performance; and
(v)	Mr. McDermott had an opportunity to earn up to 125% of base salary earned in 2019 based on the Company’s financial performance and individual objectives, and an additional amount on a discretionary basis based on individual performance.

3. Narrative Description of the Executive Share Unit Plan

Under the Executive Share Unit Plan, notional share units (“Executive Share Units”) may be granted to the Named Executive Officers by the Company’s Human Resources Committee. The value of an Executive Share Unit on a grant date is based on the volume-weighted average closing price of Lifeco common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the preceding 5 trading days (the “Market Value”).

The number of Executive Share Units granted is generally related to the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers. Each grant of Executive Share Units has a three year vesting period during which certain conditions (including continued employment) must be satisfied.

The number of Executive Share Units granted is increased during the three year vesting period based on dividends declared on Lifeco common shares, and may be increased or decreased based on Company performance.

Subject to satisfaction of the vesting conditions, the Executive Share Units become payable in cash during the fourth year following the date of the award, at the Market Value as of the vesting date. Named Executive Officers may elect to defer the payment of all or a portion of Executive Share Units granted in 2019 or later years if certain requirements are met. In the event of such an election, the Executive Share Units will be paid within 90 days after the later of (i) the end of the 3-year vesting period or (ii) the Named Executive Officer’s termination of employment.

4. Narrative Description of the Lifeco Option Plan

Under the Lifeco Option Plan, the Lifeco Human Resources Committee sets the exercise price of the options but under no circumstances can it be less than the weighted average trading price per Lifeco common share on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five trading days preceding the date of the grant.

Options are either regular options or contingent options. Regular options are generally granted in multi-year allotments. Regular options granted prior to 2019 become exercisable at the rate of twenty percent (20%) per year commencing one year after the date of the grant. For options granted in 2019 and thereafter, fifty percent (50%) of the regular options become exercisable 3 years from the date of grant, and the remaining fifty percent (50%) become exercisable 4 years from the date of grant. Contingent options do not become exercisable unless and until conditions prescribed by the Lifeco Human Resources Committee have been satisfied.

Options generally expire ten years after the date of the grant, except that if options would otherwise expire during a blackout period or within ten business days of the end of a blackout period, the expiry date for the options is extended to the tenth business day after the expiry date of the blackout period.

In the event of the death of a participant or the termination of a participant’s employment, then the period within which the options may be exercised is generally reduced depending on the circumstances surrounding the death or termination of employment. Options are not assignable by participants otherwise than by will or pursuant to the laws of succession. Lifeco does not provide any financial assistance to participants to facilitate the purchase of common shares under the Lifeco Option Plan. Subject to any regulatory or shareholder approval required by law, the Lifeco Board of Directors may amend the Lifeco Option Plan or the terms of a grant.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2019 Fiscal Year End

The following table sets out Lifeco options held by the Named Executive Officers under the Lifeco Option Plan, and Executive Share Units held by the Named Executive Officers under the Executive Share Unit Plan, as of December 31, 2019.

Name		Option Awards								Stock awards
		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable		Option Exercise Price ($)(7)		Option Expiration Date		Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)		Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(10)
E.F. Murphy		69,920		17,480 (1)		26.83		February 28, 2025		21,807 (8)		703,496
		59,040		39,360 (2)		26.12		February 28, 2026		48,679 (9)		1,570,387
		30,160		45,240 (3)		27.77		February 28, 2027
		16,780		67,120 (4)		25.77		February 28, 2028
		—		173,900 (5)		22.81		February 28, 2029
A.S. Bolotin		29,520		19,680 (2)		26.12		February 28, 2026		11,377 (8)		367,047
		13,560		20,340 (3)		27.77		February 28, 2027		56,982 (9)		1,838,245
		8,760		35,040 (4)		25.77		February 28, 2028
		—		86,900 (5)		22.81		February 28, 2029
S.C. Sipple		13,020		52,080 (4)		25.77		February 28, 2028		16,924 (8)		545,966
		—		73,900 (5)		22.81		February 28, 2029		20,689 (9)		667,418
R.H. Linton		15,080		22,620 (3)		27.77		February 28, 2027		10,429 (8)		336,448
		8,020		32,080 (4)		25.77		February 28, 2028		13,387 (9)		431,867
		—		47,800 (5)		22.81		February 28, 2029
W.D. McDermott		12,320		3,080 (1)		26.83		February 28, 2025		6,637 (8)		214,123
		10,680		7,120 (2)		26.12		February 28, 2026		9,040 (9)		291,636
		4,480		6,702 (3)		27.77		February 28, 2027
		2,560		10,240 (4)		25.77		February 28, 2028
		—		18,800 (5)		22.81		February 28, 2029
R.K. Shaw		26,600		—		20.46		February 28, 2021		8,108 (8)		261,575
		37,600		—		17.45		February 28, 2022		9,906 (9)		319,560
		31,500		—		20.44		February 28, 2023
		25,200		—		23.45		February 29, 2024
		27,700 (6)		—		26.83		February 28, 2025
		32,100 (6)		—		26.12		February 28, 2026
		27,500 (6)		—		27.77		February 28, 2027
		31,200 (6)		—		25.77		February 28, 2028
		35,400 (6)		—		22.81		February 28, 2029
R.J. Laeyendecker		26,200		—		20.44		February 28, 2020		5,381 (8)		173,598
		13,400		—		20.46		February 28, 2021		6,333 (9)		204,298
		18,800		—		17.45		February 28, 2022
		15,700		—		20.44		February 28, 2023
		12,900		—		23.45		February 29, 2024
		14,300 (6)		—		26.83		February 28, 2025
		16,600 (6)		—		26.12		February 28, 2026
		9,700 (6)		—		27.77		February 28, 2027
		10,400 (6)		—		25.77		February 28, 2028
		13,200 (6)		—		22.81		February 28, 2029

(1)	These options vest 20% of the total grant on March 1, 2020.
(2)	These options vest 20% of the total grant on each of March 1, 2020 and 2021.
(3)	These options vest 20% of the total grant on each of March 1, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
(4)	These options vest 20% of the total grant on each of March 1, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
(5)	These options vest 50% of the total grant on each of March 1, 2023 and 2024.
(6)	These options fully vested upon Mr. Shaw’s and Mr. Laeyendecker’s resignation from the Company effective June 1, 2019.

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(7)	Lifeco options are issued with an exercise price in Canadian dollars, which have been translated to U.S. dollars at the Conversion Rate.
(8)	These Executive Share Unit grants vest on December 31, 2020.
(9)	These Executive Share Unit grants vest on December 31, 2021.
(10)	The market value of Executive Share Units held as of December 31, 2019 is based on the year-end closing price of Lifeco common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2019

The following table sets out Lifeco options exercised by, and Executive Share Units vested for, the Named Executive Officers in 2019.

	Option Awards		Stock Awards
	Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)	Value Realized on Exercise ($)	Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)	Value Realized on Vesting ($)
E.F. Murphy	—	—	19,886	660,485
A.S. Bolotin	—	—	8,949	297,220
S. Sipple	—	—	—	—
R.H. Linton	—	—	9,943	330,262
W.D. McDermott	—	—	5,892	195,681
R.K. Shaw	—	—	7,158	237,738
R. Laeyendecker	—	—	5,026	166,923

Pension Benefits for 2019

1. Table

The following table sets out information with respect to the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the Defined Benefit Plan and the SERP.

Name		Plan Name		Number of Years of Credited Service		Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($)(1)		Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($)
R.K. Shaw		Defined Benefit Plan		35		2,381,835		2,421
		SERP		30		9,199,873		—
R.J. Laeyendecker		Defined Benefit Plan		33		1,678,309		—

(1)

The amounts shown in the table are calculated according to the terms of the plans as of December 31, 2019. Benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan were frozen as of December 31, 2017, and no additional benefits will accrue under that plan after that date. The Present Value of Accumulated Benefit under the Defined Benefit Plan equals the annuity earned as of December 31, 2017, payable at age 65 in the normal form of benefit. The Present Value of Accumulated Benefit under the SERP equals the termination benefit earned as of December 31, 2019, payable at age 62 in the normal form of benefit. Benefit amounts under each plan have been discounted to December 31, 2019 at the applicable discount rate for December 31, 2019. The amount payable to Mr. Shaw under the SERP is determined under the normal retirement benefit pay-out formula.

2. Narrative Description of the Defined Pension Plan

The Defined Benefit Plan is designed to provide regular income at retirement to eligible employees. In general, an eligible employee is any employee hired prior to January 1, 1999. Participants in the Defined Benefit Plan are entitled to benefits at age 65 if they have 5 or more years of service.

The benefit formula for participants hired before January 1, 1992 is 1.5% for each of the first 30 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each of the next 5 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each year of service to retirement up to a maximum of 35 years multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation minus the covered compensation amount (as determined by the IRS). If a participant made required

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or voluntary contributions to the Defined Benefit Plan prior to July 1, 1979, the participant’s benefit is increased to reflect these contributions and interest accrued thereon, so long as the employee contributions plus interest have not been withdrawn in a lump sum.

The benefit formula for participants hired on and after January 1, 1992 is 1.0% for each of the first 30 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each of the next 5 years of service multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation, plus 0.5% for each year of service to retirement up to a maximum of 35 years multiplied by the participant’s average annual compensation minus the covered compensation amount (as determined by the IRS).

Average annual compensation is the highest average of compensation paid during 5 consecutive years of service out of the last 7 years of service.

Participants who have terminated service prior to age 65 and who have at least 5 years of service may begin receiving benefits as early as age 55. Benefits that begin prior to age 65 are reduced by approximately 5% for each year prior to age 65.

The normal form of benefit for a married participant is a joint and 50% survivor annuity. The normal form of benefit for an unmarried participant is a life only annuity. Other optional forms of pension payment are available on an actuarially equivalent basis.

Effective December 31, 2017, the Company amended the Defined Benefit Plan to freeze future benefit accruals. Final benefits are calculated as of December 31, 2017 and will not increase as a result of future service or compensation with the Company. Participants retain all benefits accrued through December 31, 2017. Participants received a full year of service for their anniversary year that began in 2017 regardless of whether they had completed the requisite 1,000 hours of service.

3. Narrative Description of the SERP

The SERP is designed to provide retirement benefits to certain key executive officers who are subject to qualified plan compensation limits. At the Company’s discretion, executive officers may be designated to participate in the SERP. Participants in the SERP are generally entitled to benefits if they have 15 or more years of service.

The following describes the retirement benefit amount under the SERP based on age at the time of separation of service.

1.	For participants who separate from service at or after age 62, the normal retirement benefit is equal to 60% of final average compensation if the participant has 30 years of service. The benefit is prorated for less than 30 years of service. Final average compensation is the average of the highest 60 consecutive months of compensation during the last 84 months of employment. Compensation includes salary, bonuses and commissions prior to any deferrals to other benefit plans. Benefits are offset by benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan and 50% of estimated social security benefits as of retirement.
2.	For participants who separate from service between ages 57 and 62, the early retirement benefit is calculated by reducing the bonus used in determining final average compensation by 5/6% for each month prior to age 62 and by further reducing the early retirement benefit by 5/12% for each month prior to age 62. Benefits are offset by benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan and 50% of estimated social security benefits as of age 62.
3.	For participants who separate from service prior to age 57, the termination benefit is equal to 60% of final average salary if the participant has 30 years of service. The benefit is prorated for less than 30 years of service. If the participant has less than 35 years of service, the termination benefit is also reduced by 5% for each of the first three years of service below 35. Final average salary is the average of the highest 60 consecutive months of salary during the last 84 months of employment. Salary includes deferrals of any salary to other benefit plans. Benefits are offset by benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan and 50% of estimated social security benefits payable as of age 62.

Payments under the normal retirement benefit and the early retirement benefit commence upon retirement. Payments under the termination benefit commence at age 62.

The normal form of benefit under the SERP is a life only annuity. Other optional forms of payment are available on an actuarially equivalent basis.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2019

1. Table

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The following table sets out information with respect to the participation of the Named Executive Officers in the NQDCP and/or EDCP.

Name		Plan Name		Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($)(1)		Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year ($)		Aggregate Withdrawals or Distributions ($)		Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year End ($)
R.K. Shaw		NQDCP		—		123,482		93,038		501,376
		EDCP		140,501		34,421		—		651,248
R.J. Laeyendecker		NQDCP		291,841		420,158		779,141		2,100,971

(1)	Amounts contributed are included in the Salary column of the Summary Compensation Table.

2. Narrative Description of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

All officers and certain senior employees of the Company, and others at the discretion of the Company, are eligible to participate in the NQDCP. At the Company’s discretion, executive officers may be designated to participate in the EDCP.

A participant in the NQDCP may defer between 1% and 90% of their base salary (including sales related compensation) and bonus. A participant in the EDCP may defer (i) a minimum of the greater of $2,500 or 5% of base salary (including sales related compensation) and a maximum of 90% of base salary; and (ii) a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 90% of bonus.

Under the NQDCP, participants specify one or more investment preferences in which deferrals are deemed to be invested. Participant accounts are adjusted for interest, earnings or losses equal to the actual results of the deemed investment(s). Under the EDCP, participant deferrals earn an interest rate equal to the Moody’s Average Annual Corporate Bond Index rate plus .45% for active participants and fixed rates ranging from 6.37% to 7.91% for participants receiving benefits.

Amounts deferred under both plans and the earnings from the plans are distributed to a participant upon termination of employment, if not distributed earlier. Amounts distributed under the plans are generally paid in either a lump sum or installments over 3, 5, 10 or 15 years at the election of the participant.

Following a change in control of the Company, the Board of Directors may terminate one or both plans in its discretion and pay all amounts due under a terminated plan to participants. Certain payments following termination of employment or after a change in control may be delayed to comply with requirements under the Internal Revenue Code.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Set forth below is certain information, as of January 1, 2020, concerning beneficial ownership of the voting securities of the Company by entities and persons who beneficially own more than 5% of the voting securities of the Company. The determinations of “beneficial ownership” of voting securities are based upon Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This rule provides that securities will be deemed to be “beneficially owned” where a person has, either solely or in conjunction with others, (1) the power to vote or to direct the voting of securities and/or the power to dispose or to direct the disposition of the securities or (2) the right to acquire any such power within 60 days after the date such “beneficial ownership” is determined.

1.	100% of the Company’s 7,320,176 outstanding common shares are owned by GWL&A Financial Inc., 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.
2.	100% of the outstanding common shares of GWL&A Financial Inc. are owned by Great-West Lifeco U.S. LLC, 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.
3.	100% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Lifeco U.S. LLC are owned by Great-West Financial (Nova Scotia) Co., Suite 800, 1959 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2X2.
4.	100% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Financial (Nova Scotia) Co. are owned by Great-West Financial (Canada) Inc., 100 Osborne Street North, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3A5.
5.	100% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Financial (Canada) Inc. are owned by Great-West Lifeco Inc., 100 Osborne Street North, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3A5.

6.

70.92% of the outstanding common shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc. are controlled, directly or indirectly, by Power Financial Corporation, 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3, representing approximately 65% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc.

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7.	64.05% of the outstanding common shares of Power Financial Corporation are owned by 171263 Canada Inc., 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3.

8.	100% of the outstanding common shares of 171263 Canada Inc. are owned by Power Corporation of Canada, 751 Victoria Square, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J3.
9.	The Desmarais Family Residuary Trust, c/o San Palo Investments Corporation, 759 Victoria Square, Suite 520, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Y 2J7, directly and through a group of private holding companies which it controls, has voting control of Power Corporation of Canada.

As a result of the chain of ownership described in paragraphs (1) through (9) above, each of the entities and persons listed in paragraphs (1) through (9) would be considered under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act to be a “beneficial owner” of 100% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company.

Security Ownership of Management

The following tables set out the number of equity securities and exercisable options for equity securities of the Company or any of its parents or subsidiaries, beneficially owned, as of January 1, 2020, by (i) the directors of the Company (ii) the Named Executive Officers and (iii) the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.

Directors	Great-West Lifeco Inc.(1)	Power Financial Corporation(2)	Power Corporation of Canada(3)
J.L. Bernbach	-	-	-
R. Bienfait	-	-	-
M.R. Coutu	10,000	-	-
A. Desmarais	350,000	43,200 892,251 options	15,490,526 3,864.743 options
P. Desmarais, Jr.	100,000	19,308	15,102,289 3,864.743 options
G.A. Doer	-	-	-
G.J. Fleming	-	-	-
C. Généreux	-	- 300,997 options	6,752 47,516 options
A. Louvel	-	-	-
P.B. Madoff	-	-	-
P.A. Mahon	156,852	-	-
E.F. Murphy III	106,880 options	-	-
R.J. Orr	20,000	400,200 3,915,501 options	20,000
R.L. Reynolds	-	-	-
T. Timothy Ryan, Jr.	-	17,165	19,308
J.J. Selitto	-	-	-
G.D. Tretiak	-	- 185,466 options	15,728 194,157 options
B.E. Walsh	-	-	-

    

Named Executive Officers	Great-West Lifeco Inc.(1)	Power Financial Corporation(2)	Power Corporation of Canada(3)
E.F. Murphy III	106,880 options	-	-
R.L. Reynolds	-	-	-
A.S. Bolotin	26,460 options	-	-
R.H. Linton	7,540 options	-	-
W.J. McDermott	18,600 options		-
S.C. Sipple	-	-	-
R.K. Shaw	51,400 177,140 options	-	-

    

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Directors and Executive Officers as a Group	Great-West Lifeco Inc.(1)	Power Financial Corporation(2)	Power Corporation of Canada(3)
	688,252 336,620 options	460,565 5,294,215 options	30,654,603 7,971,159 options

(1)	All holdings are common shares, or where indicated, exercisable options for common shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc.
(2)	All holdings are common shares, or where indicated, exercisable options for common shares of Power Financial Corporation.
(3)	All holdings are subordinate voting shares, or where indicated, exercisable options for subordinate voting shares of Power Corporation of Canada.

The subordinate voting shares and exercisable options for subordinate voting shares of Power Corporation of Canada held by the directors and executive officers as a group represent 8.8% of the total number of subordinate voting shares and exercisable options for subordinate voting shares of Power Corporation of Canada outstanding.

None of the remaining holdings set out above exceeds 1% of the total number of shares and exercisable options for shares of the class outstanding.

Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

(a)	There are no transactions to report.
(b)	The Company’s Board of Directors has a Conduct Review Committee which acts pursuant to a written Charter and procedures (together, the “procedures”). Messrs. Bernbach and Louvel serve on the Conduct Review Committee.

The Conduct Review Committee, in accordance with the procedures, considers and approves transactions between the Company or its subsidiaries and (i) the directors and senior officers of the Company or its affiliates, including their spouses and minor children; (ii) its affiliates; and (iii) companies controlled by a director or senior officer of the Company or its affiliates, or their spouses or minor children. Control and affiliation is defined as a 10% voting interest or 25% ownership interest, but does not include subsidiaries of the Company.

Among other criteria, the Conduct Review Committee considers whether such transactions were on market terms and conditions, including interest rates and fees, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties. Such review also considers the Company’s established conflict of interest guidelines with respect to the transaction, as set forth in the Company’s Code.

There were no reportable related party transactions during the Registrant’s most recently completed fiscal year where the aforementioned procedures did not require review, approval or ratification or where the procedures were not followed.

Risks Associated with the Company and the Financial Services Industry

In the normal course of its business, the Company is exposed to certain operational, regulatory, and financial risks and uncertainties. The most significant risks include the following:

Competition could negatively affect the ability of the Company to maintain or increase market share or profitability.

The industry in which the Company operates is highly competitive. The Company’s competitors include insurance companies, mutual fund companies, banks, investment advisors, and certain service and professional organizations. Although there has been consolidation in some sectors, no one competitor is dominant. Customer retention is a key factor for continued profitability. Management cannot be certain that the Company will be able to maintain its current competitive position in the markets in which it operates, or that it will be able to expand its operations into new markets. If the Company fails to do so, its business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

The insurance and financial services industries are heavily regulated and changes in regulation may reduce profitability.

Federal and state regulatory reform that increases the compliance requirements imposed on the Company or that changes the way that the Company is able to do business may significantly harm its business or adversely impact the results of operations in the future. It is not possible to predict whether future legislation or regulation adversely affecting the Company’s business will be enacted and, if enacted, the extent to which such legislation will have an effect on the Company or its competitors. Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to which of the Company’s specific products would be impacted by any such legislative or regulatory reform.

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The Company’s operations and accounts are subject to examination by the Colorado Department of Insurance and other regulators at specified intervals. The NAIC has also prescribed RBC rules and other financial ratios for life insurance companies. The calculations set forth in these rules are used by regulators to assess the sufficiency of an insurer’s capital and measure the risk characteristics of an insurer’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items. RBC is calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium, face amount, and liability items. Although the Company has RBC levels well in excess of those required by its regulators, there can be no assurances made that it will continue to maintain these levels.

A downgrade or potential downgrade in the Company’s financial strength or claims paying ratings could result in a loss of business and negatively affect results of operations and financial condition.

The Company is rated by a number of nationally recognized rating agencies. The ratings represent the opinion of the rating agencies regarding the Company’s financial strength and its ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. Claims paying ability and financial strength ratings are factors in establishing the competitive position of insurers. A rating downgrade, or the potential for such a downgrade, of the Company or any of its rated insurance subsidiaries could, among other things, materially increase the number of policy surrenders and withdrawals by policyholders of cash values from their policies, adversely affecting relationships with broker-dealers, banks, agents, wholesalers, and other distributors of its products and services. This may result in cash payments requiring the Company to sell invested assets, including illiquid assets such as privately placed bonds and mortgage loans, at a price that may result in realized investment losses. These cash payments to policyholders result in a decrease in total invested assets and a decrease in net income. In addition, a significant downgrade may negatively impact new sales and adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete and thereby have a material effect on its business, results of operations, and financial condition. Negative changes in credit ratings may also increase the Company’s cost of funding.

Deviations from assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality, and interest rates used in calculating liabilities for future policyholder benefits and claims could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company establishes and carries, as a liability, reserves based on estimates of how much it will need to pay for future benefits and claims. Future policy benefits do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, future policy benefits represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and administration of benefits will cost. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based upon management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in persistency (how long a contract stays with the Company), mortality, judicial theories of liability, interest rates, and other factors. These variables are affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in market and interest rate conditions, catastrophic events, inflation, judicial trends, and legislative changes. Many of these items are not directly quantifiable in advance. The Company’s life insurance products are exposed to the risk of catastrophic events, such as a pandemic, terrorism, or other such events that cause a large number of deaths. Additionally, there may be a significant reporting delay between the occurrence of an insured event and the date it is reported to the Company.

The inherent uncertainties of estimating policy and contract claim liabilities are greater for certain types of liabilities, particularly those in which the various considerations affecting the type of claim are subject to change and in which long periods of time may elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Liability estimates including estimated premiums the Company will receive over the assumed life of the policy are continually refined in a regular and ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to policy benefit liabilities are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of income in the period in which adjustments are determined. Because setting policy benefit liabilities is inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that current liabilities will prove to be adequate in light of subsequent events.

If the companies that provide reinsurance default or fail to perform or the Company is unable to obtain adequate reinsurance for some of the risks underwritten, the Company could incur significant losses adversely affecting results of operations and financial condition.

The Company purchases reinsurance by transferring, or ceding, part of the risk it assumes to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium it receives in connection with the risk. The part of the risk the Company retains for its own account is known as the retention. The Company retains an initial maximum of $3.5 million of coverage per individual life. This initial retention limit of $3.5 million may increase due to automatic policy increases in coverage at a maximum rate of $175 thousand per annum, with an overall maximum increase in coverage of $1 million. Through reinsurance, the Company has the contractual right to collect the amount above its retention from its reinsurers. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to the Company to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve it of its liability to its policyholders. Accordingly, the Company bears credit risk with respect to its reinsurers. Management cannot make assurances that the Company’s reinsurers will pay all of their reinsurance claims, or that they will pay claims on a timely basis. If the Company’s reinsurers cease to meet their obligations, whether because they are in a weakened position as a result of incurred losses or otherwise, the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

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As related to the Company’s reinsurance facilities, there are no assurances that the Company can maintain its current reinsurance facilities or that it can obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. If the Company is unable to obtain new reinsurance facilities, either its net exposures would increase or, if it is unwilling to bear an increase in net exposures, it would have to reduce the level of its underwriting commitments. Either of these potential developments could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial position.

Interest rate fluctuations could have a negative impact on results of operations and financial condition.

In periods of rapidly increasing interest rates, policy surrenders and withdrawals may increase and premiums in flexible premium policies may decrease as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns. This activity may result in the Company’s making cash payments, requiring that it sell invested assets at a time when the prices of those assets are adversely affected by the increase in market interest rates. During periods of sustained low interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be affected by increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features and a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in-force from year to year on products with minimum guarantees. During such a period, investment earnings may be lower because the interest earnings on new fixed income investments will likely have declined with the market interest rates. Also there may be increased early repayment on investments held such as mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and callable bonds. Although the Company invests in a broad range of asset classes, it is primarily invested in domestic fixed income securities. Accordingly, during periods of sustained low interest rates, an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition may result from a decrease in the spread between the earned rate on the Company’s assets and either the interest rates credited to policyholders or the rates assumed in reserve calculations. Several products have current credited interest rates that are at or approaching their minimum guaranteed credited rate, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition due to spread compression.

The Company has hedging and other risk mitigating strategies to reduce the risk of a volatile interest rate environment. However, there can be no assurance that it would be fully insulated from realizing any losses on sales of securities. In addition, regardless of whether the Company realized an investment loss, potential withdrawals would produce a decrease in invested assets, with a corresponding adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition.

Market fluctuations and general economic conditions may adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.

The risk of fluctuations in market value of all of the separate account assets, proprietary mutual funds, proprietary collective trusts, and external mutual funds is borne by the policyholders. The Company’s fee income for administering and/or managing these assets, however, is generally set as a percentage of those assets. Accordingly, fluctuations in the market value of these assets may result in fluctuations in revenue. On certain products, the Company offers guarantees to policyholders to protect them against the risk of adverse market performance, including guaranteed minimum death benefits and guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. When equity markets decline, the Company is at a greater risk of having to pay guaranteed benefits that exceed available policyholder account balances, and will therefore have to increase its reserves for these benefits, resulting in a financial loss. While the Company does have hedging programs in place to reduce the market risk associated with these guarantees, no assurance can be provided that these programs will generate the returns that will be needed to meet policyholder obligations relating to these guarantees.

The Company manages or administers its general and separate accounts in support of cash and liquidity requirements of its insurance and investment products. The Company’s general account investment portfolio is diversified over a broad range of asset classes but consists primarily of domestic fixed income investments. The fair value of these and other general account invested assets fluctuates depending upon, among other factors, general economic and market conditions. In general, the market value of the Company’s general account fixed maturity securities portfolio increases or decreases in inverse relationship with fluctuations in interest rates.

The occurrence of a major economic downturn, acts of corporate malfeasance, or other events that adversely affect the issuers of the Company’s investment securities could cause the value of these securities and net income to decline and the default rate of the fixed maturity securities to increase. A ratings downgrade affecting particular issuers or securities could have a similar effect. Any event reducing the value of these securities other than on a temporary basis could have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition. Ratings downgrades on general account assets may also result in a higher capital charge under RBC, resulting in lower RBC ratio.

Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, for business, regulatory, or other reasons, elect or be required to sell certain of its general account invested assets at a time when their fair values are less than their original cost, resulting in realized capital losses, which would have an adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition.

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Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could make some of the Company’s products less attractive to consumers and increase its tax costs.

•	Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could make some of the Company’s products less attractive to consumers. For example, the following events could adversely affect the Company’s business:

•	Changes in tax laws that would reduce or eliminate tax-deferred accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by the holders of annuities products;

•

Reductions in the federal income tax that investors are required to pay on long-term capital gains and on some dividends paid on stock that may provide an incentive for some of the Company’s customers and potential customers to shift assets into mutual funds and away from products, including life insurance and annuities, designed to defer taxes payable on investment returns;

•	Changes in the availability of, or rules concerning the establishment, operation, and taxation of, Section 401, 403(b), 408, and 457 plans; and
•	Repeal of the federal estate tax or changes in the tax treatment of life insurance death benefits.

The Company cannot predict whether any other legislation will be enacted, what the specific terms of any such legislation will be, or how, if at all, this legislation or any other legislation could have an adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

Congress, as well as state and local governments, also considers from time to time legislation that could change the Company’s tax costs and increase or decrease its ability to use existing tax credits. If such legislation is adopted, the results of operations could be impacted. Changes to the Company’s tax costs would include changes to tax rates, which could affect the consolidated financial statements in several ways. For example, a decrease in the federal income tax rate could affect the consolidated financial statements as follows:

•	A lower effective tax rate, which would have a favorable impact on net income over the period that the lower rate remains in effect.
•	A reduction in certain deferred tax liabilities, which would have an immediate favorable impact on net income in the period during which the lower rate came into effect.
•	A reduction in certain deferred tax assets, which would have an immediate unfavorable impact on net income in the period during which the lower tax rate came into effect.
•	A reduction in tax rates could affect the timing of recognizing tax benefits.

The Company may be subject to litigation resulting in substantial awards or settlements and this may adversely affect its reputation and results of operations.

In recent years, life and accident insurance and financial service companies have been named as defendants in lawsuits, including class actions. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial awards and settlements. There can be no assurance that any future litigation relating to matters such as the provision of insurance coverage or pricing and sales practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

The Company’s risk management policies and procedures may leave it exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Management of operational, legal, regulatory, and financial risks requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events. Management has devoted significant resources to develop the Company’s risk management and disaster recovery policies and procedures. However, policies and procedures may not be fully effective and may leave the Company exposed to unidentified and unanticipated risks. The Company may be subject to disruptions of its operating systems or its ability to conduct business from events that are wholly or partially beyond its control such as a natural catastrophe, act of terrorism, pandemic, or electrical/telecommunications outage.

The Company may experience difficulty in marketing and distributing products through its current and future distribution channels.

The Company distributes its retirement plan products and services through a variety of distribution channels, advisors and consultants, retail financial institutions, and its own internal sales force. In some areas the Company generates a significant portion of its business through third-party arrangements. Management periodically negotiates provisions and renewals of these relationships and there can be no assurance that such terms will remain acceptable to either party. An interruption in the continuing relationship with a significant number of these third parties could materially affect the Company’s ability to market its products.

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The Company must attract and retain productive internal sales representatives to sell its products. If the Company is unsuccessful in attracting and retaining sales representatives with demonstrated abilities, its results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

A failure in cyber or information security systems could result in a loss or disclosure of confidential information, damage the Company’s reputation, and could impair its ability to conduct business effectively.

The Company depends heavily upon computer systems to provide reliable service, as a significant portion of the Company’s operations relies on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential or proprietary information and complex transactions. Despite the implementation of a variety of security measures, the Company’s computer systems could be subject to physical and electronic break-ins, cyber attacks, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering, including threats that may come from external factors, such as governments, organized crime, hackers and other third parties, or may originate internally from within the Company.

If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential or proprietary information, including personally identifiable non-public information, processed and stored in, and transmitted through, the computer systems and networks. It could also potentially cause interruptions or malfunctions in the operations of the Company, its customers, or other third parties. This could result in damage to the Company’s reputation, financial losses, litigation, increased costs, regulatory penalties, and/or customer dissatisfaction or loss. Although steps have been taken to prevent and detect such attacks, it is possible that the Company may not become aware of a cyber incident for some time after it occurs, which could increase its exposure to these consequences.

The Company could face difficulties, unforeseen liabilities, or asset impairments arising from business acquisitions or integrations and managing growth of such businesses.

The Company has engaged in acquisitions of businesses in the past and may continue to do so in the future. Such activity exposes the Company to a number of risks. For example, there could be unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments, including goodwill impairments that arise in connection with the businesses that will be acquired in the future.

The Company’s ability to achieve certain benefits which are anticipated from acquisitions of businesses will depend in large part upon the Company’s ability to successfully integrate such businesses in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Company may not be able to integrate such businesses smoothly or successfully, and the process may take longer than expected. The integration of operations and differences in operational culture may require the dedication of significant management resources, which may result in greater expenditures than expected to integrate the acquired businesses. If the Company is unable to successfully integrate the operations of such acquired businesses, it may be unable to realize the benefits it expects to achieve as a result of such acquisitions.

The success with which the Company is able to integrate acquired operations will depend on its ability to manage a variety of issues, including the following:

•

Loss of key personnel or higher than expected employee attrition rates could adversely affect the performance of the acquired business and the Company’s ability to successfully integrate it.

•

Integrating acquired operations with existing operations may require the Company to coordinate geographically separated organizations, address possible differences in culture and management philosophies, merge financial processes and risk and compliance procedures, combine separate information technology platforms, and integrate organizations that were previously closely tied to the former parent of the acquired business or other service provider.

Counterparties with whom the Company transfers risk may be unable or unwilling to do business with the Company.

The Company mitigates market risks through the use of derivative transactions with approved counterparties. Should some or all of these counterparties be unwilling or unable to continue to offer derivatives to the Company, the cost of purchasing these financial instruments may increase and/or the Company may not be able to continue to transfer certain risks, thereby increasing its exposure to a financial loss.

The Company may not be able to secure financing to meet the liquidity or capital needs of the Company.

While the Company monitors its liquidity and capital on a regular basis, it may need to seek external financing if available internal levels of liquidity or capital are insufficient. Liquidity demands include but are not limited to the payment of policyholder benefits, collateral posting as required under our agreements with counterparties, the payment of operating expenses, and the servicing of debt. Capital demands could result from the growth of new business, a change in investment strategy, an investment in systems or

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other infrastructure, or a deterioration of the Company’s capital arising from financial losses. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit in financial markets, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, the volume of trading activities in financial markets, the Company’s credit ratings and credit capacity, and the perception of customers or lenders of the Company’s long or short term financial strength. If the Company is unable to secure external financing to meet a liquidity or capital shortfall it may be required to curtail its operations, sell assets or reinsure liabilities, make changes to the investment strategy, or discontinue the use of certain derivatives, which could have a detrimental impact on the financial strength of the Company.

Acquisitions, dispositions and business reorganizations, including our completed transaction with Protective Life Corporation, may not produce anticipated benefits and could result in operating difficulties, unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments or rating agency actions, which may adversely affect the Company’s operating results and financial condition.

Acquisitions, dispositions and other business reorganizations, such as the completed disposition of substantially all of the Individual Markets segment to Protective Life Corporation effective as of June 1, 2019, could expose the Company to a number of risks. Once completed, acquisitions and dispositions may not perform as projected, expense synergies and savings may not materialize as expected and costs associated with the transaction or related transition services may be greater than anticipated. The Company’s financial results could be adversely affected by:

•	potential difficulties achieving projected financial results, including the costs and benefits of integration or deconsolidation, due to macroeconomic, business, demographic, actuarial, regulatory, or political factors;
•	negative reactions to a transaction by policyholders and contract-holders, distributors, suppliers, plan sponsors and advisors and other clients and potential customers;
•	ratings agency warnings or downgrades;
•	unanticipated performance issues;
•	unforeseen liabilities;
•	transaction-related charges;
•	diversion of management time and resources to disposition challenges;
•	loss of key employees or customers, amortization of expenses related to intangibles;
•	inefficiencies as we integrate operations and address differences in cultural, management, information, compliance and financial systems and procedures; and
•	charges for impairment of long-term assets or goodwill and indemnifications.

In addition, factors such as receiving the required governmental or regulatory approvals to close the transaction, delays in implementation or completion of transition activities or a disruption to the Company’s ongoing business could negatively impact results.

Reorganizing or consolidating the legal entities through which the Company conducts its business may raise similar risks. The success with which the Company realizes benefits from legal entity reorganizations will also depend on its ability to manage a variety of issues, including regulatory approvals, modification of operations and changes to investment portfolios.

Any of these risks, if realized, could prevent the Company from achieving the benefits it expects or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

EXPERTS

The statutory-basis financial statements included in this Prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement.

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The registration statement, including exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us. The complete registration statement and our other filings are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and over the internet at www.sec.gov. (This uniform resource locator (URL) is an inactive textual reference only and is not intended to incorporate the SEC web site into this prospectus.)

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DEFINITIONS

The following is a listing of defined terms:

Account – A separate record maintained by the Plan Sponsor or its designee in the name of each Retirement Plan participant which reflects his or her interests in the assets in both Covered Fund(s) and other investment options in the Retirement Plan.

Accumulation Phase – The period of time between the Election Date and the Initial Installment Date.

Administrative Offices – 8515 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Alternate Payee – Any spouse, former spouse, child or other dependent of a Retirement Plan participant, or other person allowed by law, who is recognized by a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as having a right to receive all or a portion of the benefit payable under a Retirement Plan with respect to such Retirement Plan participant.

Annuitant – The person upon whose life the payment of an annuity is based.

Annuity Commencement Date – The date that annuity payments begin to an Annuitant.

Attained Age – The GLWB Participant’s age on the Ratchet Date.

Beneficiary – A person or entity named by the Retirement Plan participant or the terms of the Retirement Plan to receive all or a portion of the Account upon the death of the Retirement Plan participant.

Benefit Base – The amount that is multiplied by the GAW Percentage to calculate the GAW. The Benefit Base increases dollar-for-dollar upon any Contract Contribution and is reduced proportionately for an Excess Withdrawal. The Benefit Base can also increase with positive Covered Fund performance on the Ratchet Date. Each Covered Fund will have its own Benefit Base. A Covered Fund Benefit Base cannot be transferred to another Covered Fund unless we require a Transfer as a result of a Covered Fund being eliminated or liquidated.

Business Day – Any day, and during the hours, on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. Except as otherwise provided, in the event that a date falls on a non-Business Day, the date of the following Business Day will be used.

Contract Contributions – GLWB Participant directed amounts received and allocated to the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund(s) including rollovers as defined under Section 402 of the Code and Transfers. Reinvested dividends, capital gains, and settlements arising from the Covered Fund(s) will not be considered Contract Contributions for the purpose of calculating the Benefit Base but will affect the Covered Fund Value.

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

Company – Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, the issuer of the Contract (also referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” or Great-West).

Contract Owner – The owner of the Contract that is identified on the Contract Data Page, which generally is the Plan Sponsor.

Covered Fund – Interests in the investment options held in the Account designed for the GLWB, as follows:
  

•	Great-West SecureFoundation® Balanced Fund
•	Great-West SecureFoundation® Lifetime Funds
•	Any other fund as approved by Great-West for the Contract and Certificate.

Covered Fund Value – The aggregate value of each Covered Fund held in the Account.

Covered Person(s) – For purposes of this Contract, the person(s) whose age determines the GAW Percentage and on whose life the GAW Amount will be based. If there are two Covered Persons, the GAW Percentage will be based on the age of the younger life and the Installments can continue until the death of the second life. A joint Covered Person must be the GLWB Participant’s spouse and the 100% primary beneficiary under the Retirement Plan.

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Distributions – Amounts paid to a GLWB Participant from a Covered Fund pursuant to the terms of the Retirement Plan and the Code.

Election Date – The date on which the Retirement Plan participant, Alternate Payee or Beneficiary elects the GLWB option in the Contract and pursuant to the terms of the Covered Fund(s) prospectus or disclosure document. The Election Date shall be the date upon which the initial Benefit Base is calculated. For the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds, the Election Date is also the Guarantee Trigger Date.

Excess Withdrawal – An amount either distributed or transferred from the Covered Fund(s) during the Accumulation Phase or any amount combined with all other amounts that exceeds the annual GAW during the Withdrawal Phase. The Excess Withdrawal reduces the Benefit Base, as described in the “Accumulation Phase” section. Neither the Guarantee Benefit Fee nor any other fees or charges assessed to the Covered Fund Value as directed by the Plan Sponsor and as agreed to by Great-West shall be treated as a Distribution or Excess Withdrawal for this purpose.

GLWB – A guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit.

GLWB Participant – A Retirement Plan participant, Alternate Payee or Beneficiary who is: (i) eligible to elect the GLWB; (ii) invested in a Covered Fund(s); and (iii) a Covered Person.

Guaranteed Annual Withdrawal (GAW) – The annualized withdrawal amount that is guaranteed for the lifetime of the Covered Person(s), subject to the terms of this Contract.

Guaranteed Annual Withdrawal Phase (GAW Phase) – The period of time between the Initial Installment Date and the first day of the Settlement Phase.

Guaranteed Annual Withdrawal Percentage (GAW%) – The percentage of the Benefit Base that determines the amount of the GAW. This percentage is based on the age of the Covered Person(s) as of the date we calculate the first Installment. If there are two Covered Persons the percentage is based on the age of the younger Covered Person, pursuant to Section 5.01.

Guarantee Benefit Fee – The asset charge periodically calculated and deducted from the GLWB Participant’s Covered Fund Value or assessed through another means of payment pursuant to the terms of the Contract and while the Contract is in force.

Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) – A payment option offered by the Retirement Plan that pays Installments during the life of the Covered Person(s). The Covered Person(s) will receive periodic payments in either monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual Installments that in total over a twelve month period equal the GAW.

Guarantee Trigger Date – For the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Balanced Fund, it is the date that the Covered Fund is purchased. For the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds, the GLWB Participant does not purchase the GLWB until the first Business Day of the year that is ten years prior to the date in the name of the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Fund. The Guarantee Trigger Date is also the Election Date for the Great-West SecureFoundation^® Lifetime Funds.

Initial Installment Date – The date of the first Installment under the GLWB, which must be a Business Day.

Installments – Periodic payments of the GAW during the GAW Phase and Settlement Phase. If the Covered Fund Value is less than the amount of the final Installment in the GAW Phase, Great-West will pay the Installment within 7 days from the Installment Date.

Installment Frequency Options – The options listed in the GAW section.

Plan Sponsor – An entity maintaining the Retirement Plan on behalf of Retirement Plan participants, Alternate Payees and Beneficiaries.

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) – A domestic relations order that creates or recognizes the existence of an Alternate Payee’s right to, or assigns to an Alternate Payee the right to receive all or a portion of the benefits payable with respect to a GLWB Participant and that complies with the requirements of the Code, if applicable, that and is accepted and approved by the Contract Owner for the Retirement Plan, except as otherwise agreed.

Ratchet – An increase in the Benefit Base if the Covered Fund Value exceeds the current Benefit Base on the Ratchet Date.

Ratchet Date – During the Accumulation Phase, the Ratchet Date is the anniversary of the GLWB Participant’s Election Date and each anniversary thereafter. During the Withdrawal Phase, the Ratchet Date is the Initial Installment Date and each anniversary

65

thereafter. If any anniversary in the Accumulation and Withdrawal Phase is a non-Business Day, the Ratchet Date shall be the preceding Business Day for that year.

Request – An inquiry or instruction in a form satisfactory to Great-West. A valid Request must be: (i) received by Great-West at the Administrative Office in good order; and (ii) submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Contract, or as required by Great-West. The Request is subject to any action taken by Great-West before the Request was processed.

Reset – An optional GLWB Participant election during the Withdrawal Phase in which the current GAW Percentage and Benefit Base may be changed to the GLWB Participant’s Attained Age GAW Percentage and Covered Fund Value on the Ratchet Date.

Retirement Plan – The name of the plan as noted on the first page of the Contract.

Settlement Phase – The period when the Covered Fund Value has reduced to zero, but the Benefit Base is still positive. Installments continue under the terms of the Contract.

Spouse – A person recognized as a spouse under federal law. The term does not include a party to a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or similar formal relationship recognized under state law that is not denominated a marriage under that state’s law.

Transfer – The reinvestment or exchange of all or a portion of the Covered Fund Value to or from a Covered Fund to: (i) another Covered Fund; or (ii) another investment option offered under the Retirement Plan.

Vested % – The vested portion of each Covered Fund divided by the total Covered Fund Value.

66

APPENDIX A– COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (FOR THE 12 MONTH PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019)

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes to those statements included in this Appendix. The discussion and analysis in this Appendix includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, as described in “Risk Factors Regarding the Company” and elsewhere in this prospectus, that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, performance, financial position and business prospects and opportunities in 2019 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, those forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Selected Financial Data

The following is a summary of selected statutory financial information for the Company. The information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by the information contained in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the statutory financial statements and notes thereto appearing in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The selected statutory financial information for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and at December 31, 2019 and 2018, has been derived in part from the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in Item 8. The selected Statement of Operations data for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the selected Statutory Statement of Admitted Assets, Liabilities, Capital and Surplus data at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 have been derived in part from the Company’s statutory financial statements not included elsewhere herein.

	As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)	2019		2018		2017		2016		2015
Total income	$ (4,217)		$ 7,365		$ 6,481		$ 6,801		$ 7,065
Total benefits and expenses	(4,533)		7,047		6,222		6,692		6,821
Income from continuing operations	316		318		259		109		244
Dividends to policyholders	23		31		39		46		55
Federal income tax (benefit) expense	(98)		(18)		51		(39)		(6)
Net gain from operations before net realized capital (losses) gains	391		305		169		102		195
Net realized capital gains (losses) less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	(8)		10		1		(1)		(8)
Net income	$ 383		$ 315		$ 170		$ 101		$ 187
Dividends declared	$ 640		$ 152		$ 145		$ 126		$ 140
Invested assets	$22,206		$30,035		$28,849		$27,871		$26,399
Separate account assets	25,634		24,655		28,197		27,495		27,048
Total assets	48,781		55,786		58,010		56,436		54,461
Total aggregate reserves	19,638		27,778		26,860		25,945		24,805
Separate account liabilities	25,634		24,655		28,197		27,495		27,048
Total liabilities	47,340		54,459		56,881		55,383		53,346
Total capital and surplus	1,442		1,327		1,130		1,053		1,115

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, are as follows. This management discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial data contained in this Appendix in “Selected Financial Data,” and in “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

A-1

Forward Looking Statements

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other portions of this prospectus contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements not based on historical information and that relate to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “expected,” “anticipate,” “believe,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements include statements that represent the Company’s beliefs concerning future or projected levels of sales of its products, investment spreads or yields, or the earnings or profitability of the Company’s activities.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and many of which, with respect to future business decisions, are subject to change. Some of these risks are described in “Risk Factors” in this Prospectus of this report. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Whether or not actual results differ materially from forward-looking statements may depend on numerous foreseeable and unforeseeable events or developments, some of which may be global or national in scope, such as general economic conditions and interest rates, some of which may be related to the insurance industry generally, such as pricing competition, regulatory developments and industry consolidation, and others of which may relate to the Company specifically, such as credit, volatility, and other risks associated with its investment portfolio and other factors.

Executive Summary

The Company and its subsidiaries are providers of insurance and other financial service products to individual, corporate, institutional, and government customers. Management considers the ability to continue to expand its presence in the United States defined contribution and institutional insurance markets to be its primary points of focus. The life insurance, savings, and investments marketplace is highly competitive. Competitors include insurance companies, banks, investment advisors, mutual fund companies, and certain service and professional organizations.

The Individual Markets segment distributes life insurance, annuity, and retirement products to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels. Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life, and variable universal life. The Empower Retirement segment provides various retirement plan products (including IRAs) and investment options, as well as comprehensive administrative and recordkeeping services for financial institutions and employers, which include educational, advisory, enrollment, and communication services to employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and associated defined benefit plans. Defined contribution plans provide for benefits based upon the value of contributions to, and investment returns on, an individual’s account. The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt.

Recent Events

Beginning in January 2020, global financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience significant volatility resulting from the spread of a virus known as COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in travel and border restrictions, quarantines, supply chain disruptions, lower consumer demand and general market uncertainty. The effects of COVID-19 have and may continue to adversely affect the global economy, the economies of certain nations and individual issuers, all of which may negatively impact the Company’s performance. The operational risk due to current market fluctuations is being kept under review and monitored by management.

On December 10, 2019, the Company redeemed all $195 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.675% surplus note due November 14, 2034.

On June 5, 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted and released Regulation Best Interest (“The Rule”). The Rule establishes a new standard of conduct requiring broker-dealers to satisfy a higher standard of care and disclosure when recommending securities and investment strategies, including rollovers and account recommendations, to retail clients and retirement plan participants. The Rule does not apply to discussions with plan sponsors. The Rule is effective June 30, 2020 and the Company intends to fully comply with the Rule by that date. Management does not expect that the Rule will prevent the Company from executing on its overall business strategy and growth objectives.

A-2

Effective June 1, 2019, the Company completed the sale, via indemnity reinsurance (the “ Protective transaction”), of substantially all of its individual life insurance and annuity business to Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”) who now assumes the economics and risks associated with the reinsured business. Per the transaction agreement, the Company transferred Statutory assets equal to liabilities. The business transferred included bank-owned and corporate-owned life insurance, single premium life insurance, individual annuities as well as closed block life insurance and annuities. The Company will retain a block of life insurance, predominantly participating policies which are now administered by Protective, as well as a closed reinsurance acquired block. Post-transaction, the Company will focus on the defined contribution retirement and asset management markets.

The Company entered into a coinsurance with funds withheld / modified coinsurance agreement with London Life International Reinsurance Corporation (“LLIRC”), an affiliate, to cede portions of its group annuity, whole life, and universal life policies effective December 31, 2016. On January 1, 2018, the Company terminated this 2016 agreement. On December 31, 2018, the Company entered into a modified coinsurance agreement with LLIRC pursuant to which it ceded portions of its group annuity policies. These transactions had large impacts to financial statement lines, but no material impact to statutory net income.

The Tax Reconciliation Act, which was signed in December 2017, among other changes, lowered the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective on January 1, 2018. As a result, net earnings in 2018 reflect net income, tax effected at the lower 21% rate. Other provisions of the tax bill did not have a material effect on year-to-date taxable income in 2018.

During the second quarter of 2018, the Company issued a surplus note totaling $346 million and redeemed a surplus note totaling $333 million. The Company also recognized an increase in the capital and surplus account of $39 million after-tax on an interest rate swap that was hedging the surplus note that was redeemed.

Market Conditions

The S&P 500 index ended 2019 up by 29% as compared to 2018, and 2018 was down by 6% when compared to 2017. The average of the S&P 500 index during the year ended December 31, 2019, was up by 6% when compared to the average for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the average was up by 12% for the year ended December 31, 2018, when compared to the average for the year ended December 31, 2017.

	Year Ended December 31,
S&P 500 Index	2019		2018		2017		2016		2015
Index Close	3,231		2,507		2,674		2,239		2,044
Index Average	2,914		2,744		2,448		2,094		2,061

Variable asset-based fees earned by the Company fluctuate with changes in participant account balances. Participant account balances change due to cash flow and market gains and losses, which are primarily associated with changes in the United States equities market. Fee income decreased by $42 million, or 10%, to $369 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, when compared to 2018. The decrease was primarily related to the timing of the Protective transaction. Empower fee income increased by $6 million, or 2%, to $278 million, which was primarily related to asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels driven by sales and higher average equity market levels.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury rate ended 2019 down by 77 basis points as compared to 2018, while 2018 was up by 29 basis points when compared to 2017. The average of the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate during the year ended December 31, 2019 ended down by 77 basis points when compared to the average for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the average was up by 58 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2018, when compared to the average for the year ended December 31, 2017.

	Year Ended December 31,
10-Year Treasury Rate	2019		2018		2017		2016		2015
Close	1.92%		2.69%		2.40%		2.45%		2.27%
Average	2.14%		2.91%		2.33%		1.83%		2.14%

Summary of Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates

The Company prepares its statutory financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Division. The Division requires that insurance companies domiciled in the State of Colorado prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (“NAIC SAP”), subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the State of Colorado Insurance Commissioner.

A-3

The only prescribed deviation that impacts the Company allows the Company to account for certain separate account products at book value instead of fair value. The Division has not permitted the Company to adopt any other accounting practices that have an impact on the Company’s statutory financial statements as compared to NAIC SAP or the Division’s prescribed accounting practices. There is no impact to either capital and surplus or net income as a result of the prescribed accounting practice.

The Company has identified the following accounting policies, judgments, and estimates as critical in that they involve a higher degree of judgment and are subject to a significant degree of variability:

•	Valuation of investments;
•	Impairment of investments;
•	Valuation of derivatives and related hedge accounting;
•	Valuation of policy benefits and;
•	Valuation of deferred taxes;

Valuation of investments

The Company’s investments are in bonds, mortgage loans, real estate, contract loans, and other investments. The Company’s investments are exposed to three primary sources of risk: credit, interest rate, and market valuation. The financial statement risks, stemming from such investment risks, are those associated with the determination of fair values.

The fair values for bonds are generally based upon evaluated prices from independent pricing services. In cases where these prices are not readily available, fair values are estimated by the Company. To determine estimated fair value for these instruments, the Company generally utilizes discounted cash flow models with market observable pricing inputs such as spreads, average life, and credit quality. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts of the Company’s financial instruments.

Impairment of investments

The Company evaluates its general account investments on a quarterly basis to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Assumptions and estimates about the issuer’s operations and ability to generate future cash flows are inherent in management’s evaluation of investments for other- than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”). The assessment of whether an OTTI has occurred is based upon management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value of each individual security. An OTTI is recorded (a) if it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms in effect at the date of acquisition, (b) if the Company has the intent to sell the investment or (c) for non-interest related declines in value and where the Company does not have the intent and ability at the reporting date, to hold the bond until its recovery. Management considers a wide range of factors regarding the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in its estimated fair value and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. While all available information is taken into account, it is difficult to predict the ultimate recoverable amount from a distressed or impaired security. The evaluation of impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads, and the recovery period.

If an OTTI has occurred on loan-backed and structured securities, the impairment amount is bifurcated into two components: the amount related to the non-interest loss and the amount attributed to other factors. The calculation of expected cash flows utilized during the impairment evaluation and bifurcation process is determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company including default rates, credit ratings, collateral characteristics, and current levels of subordination.

The determination of the calculation and the adequacy of the mortgage allowance for credit loss and mortgage impairments (when management deems it probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement) involve judgments that incorporate qualitative and quantitative Company and industry mortgage performance data. Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and the need for mortgage impairments is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the fair value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience, and other relevant factors.

A-4

Valuation of derivatives and related hedge accounting

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are valued using the valuation method (either amortized cost or fair value) consistent with the underlying hedged asset or liability. Derivatives where hedge accounting is either not elected or that are not eligible for hedge accounting are stated at fair value; changes in fair values are recognized in unassigned surplus in the period of change.

The fair value of derivatives is determined by quoted market prices or through the use of pricing models. The determination of fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on valuation methodologies and assumptions deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Values can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, market volatility, and liquidity. Judgment is applied in determining the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment under accounting guidance. If it were determined that hedge accounting designations were not appropriately applied, reported capital and surplus could be materially affected. Differences in judgment as to the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment may result in a differing impact on the financial statements of the Company from that previously reported. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness of hedging relationships are also subject to interpretations and estimations and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in capital and surplus.

Policy reserves

Life insurance and annuity policy reserves with life contingencies are computed on the basis of statutory mortality and interest requirements and without consideration for withdrawals. Annuity contract reserves without life contingencies are computed on the basis of statutory interest requirements

Policy reserves for life insurance are valued in accordance with the provision of applicable statutory regulations. Life insurance reserves are determined principally using the Commissioner’s Reserve Valuation Method, using the statutory mortality and interest requirements, without consideration for withdrawals. Some policies contain a surrender value in excess of the reserve as legally computed. This excess is calculated and recorded on a policy-by-policy basis.

Premium stabilization reserves are calculated for certain policies to reflect the Company’s estimate of experience refunds and interest accumulations on these policies. The reserves are invested by the Company. The income earned on these investments is accumulated in this reserve and is used to mitigate future premium rate increases for such policies.

Policy reserves ceded to other insurance companies are recorded as a reduction of the reserve liabilities. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies.

Policy and contract claims include provisions for reported life and health claims in process of settlement, valued in accordance with the terms of the related policies and contracts, as well as provisions for claims incurred but not reported based primarily on prior experience of the Company. As such, amounts are estimates, and the ultimate liability may differ from the amount recorded. Any changes in estimates will be reflected in the results of operations when additional information becomes known.

The liabilities for health claim reserves are determined using historical run-out rates, expected loss ratios and statistical analysis. The Company provides for significant claim volatility in areas where experience has fluctuated. The liabilities represent estimates of the ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported claims which are unpaid at year-end. Those estimates are subject to considerable variability in claim severity and frequency. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known; such adjustments are included in current operations.

Valuation of deferred taxes

A net deferred tax asset is included in the Statutory Statements of Admitted Assets, Liabilities, Capital and Surplus which is recorded using the asset and liability method in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in either the Company’s statutory financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets are subject to admissibility limitations prescribed by statutory accounting principles which include estimates of future tax events. The change in deferred income taxes is treated as a component of the change in unassigned funds.

Company Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the year ended December 31, 2018

A-5

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2019		2018
Premium income and annuity consideration	$(5,366)		$ 7,593		$(12,959)		(171)%
Net investment income	1,099		1,307		(208)		(16)%
Fee and miscellaneous income	369		411		(42)		(10)%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded	(593)		(1,976)		1,383		70%
Other	274		30		244		813%
Total income	(4,217)		7,365		(11,582)		(157)%
Policyholder benefits	4,810		6,587		(1,777)		(27)%
(Decrease) increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts	(8,139)		918		(9,057)		(987)%
Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions	147		686		(539)		(79)%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,328)		(1,112)		(216)		(19)%
Total benefits and expenses	(4,510)		7,079		(11,589)		(164)%
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital (losses) gains	293		286		7		2%
Federal income tax benefit	(98)		(18)		(80)		(444)%
Net gain from operations before net realized capital (losses) gains	391		304		87		29%
Net realized capital (losses) gains less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	(8)		11		(19)		(173)%
Net income	$ 383		$ 315		$ 68		22%

The Company’s net income increased by $68 million, or 22%, to $383 million. The increase was primarily due to higher federal income tax benefits.

Premium income and annuity consideration decreased by $12,959 million, or 171%, to ($5,366) million primarily due to the initial reinsurance premium related to the Protective transaction and the non-recurrence of the initial reinsurance premium with LLIRC previously mentioned.

Net investment income decreased by $208 million, or 16%, to $1,099 million primarily due to lower average invested assets due to the transfer of invested assets to Protective.

Fee income decreased by $42 million, or 10%, to $369 million primarily due to the timing of the Protective transaction, which was partially offset by increases in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels, which were driven higher average equity market levels.

The reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded changed by $1,383 million, or 70%, to ($593) million primarily due to the non-recurrence of the LLIRC reinsurance transaction.

Policyholder benefits decreased by $1,777 million, or 27%, to $4,810 million primarily due to decreases in general account and separate account surrender benefits and the timing of the Protective transaction.

Decrease in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts changed by $9,057 million, or 987%, to ($8,139) million primarily due to the cession of reserves related to the Protective transaction.

Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions decreased by $539 million, or 79%, to $147 million primarily related to the favorable release of Interest Maintenance Reserve related to the Protective transaction.

Net transfers from separate accounts changed by $216 million, or 19%, to $1,328 million primarily due to lower separate account surrenders and the timing of the Protective transaction.

Federal tax benefit increased by $80 million to $98 million in 2019 primarily due to the acceleration of tax benefits related to the Protective transaction.

A-6

Year ended December 31, 2018, compared with the year ended December 31, 2017

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Company:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2018		2017
Premium income and annuity consideration	$ 7,593		$5,271		$ 2,322		44%
Net investment income	1,307		1,267		40		3%
Fee and miscellaneous income	411		380		31		8%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded	(1,976)		(490)		(1,486)		(303)%
Other	30		53		(23)		(43)%
Total income	7,365		6,481		884		14%
Policyholder benefits	6,587		5,566		1,021		18%
Increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts	918		916		2		--
Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions	686		724		(38)		(5)%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,112)		(945)		(167)		(18)%
Total benefits and expenses	7,079		6,261		818		13%
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains	286		220		66		30%
Federal income tax (benefit) expense	(18)		51		(69)		(135)%
Net gain from operations before net realized capital gains	304		169		135		80%
Net realized capital gains less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	11		1		10		1,000%
Net income	$ 315		$ 170		$ 145		85%

The Company’s net income increased by $145 million, or 85%, to $315 million. The increase was primarily due to higher net investment income, higher fee income, lower operating expenses and lower income taxes.

Premium income and annuity consideration increased by $2,322 million, or 44%, to $7,593 million primarily due to the LLIRC reinsurance transactions previously discussed. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, premiums increased $217 million, or 4%, due to increased sales.

Net investment income increased by $40 million, or 3%, to $1,307 million primarily as a result of higher dividends received from subsidiaries and higher average invested assets.

Fee income increased by $31 million, or 8%, to $411 million primarily related to an increase in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels, which were driven by sales and higher average equity market levels.

The reserve adjustment against income on reinsurance ceded increased by $1,486 million, or 303%, to $(1,976) million primarily due to the LLIRC reinsurance transactions.

Policyholder benefits increased by $1,021 million, or 18%, to $6,587 million. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, policyholder benefits increased $785 million, or 14%, primarily due to an increase in general account and separate account surrenders.

Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions decreased by $38 million, or 5%, to $686 million. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions decreased by $20 million, or 3%, primarily due to expense management and the completion of integration activities in 2017.

Net transfers from separate accounts changed by $167 million, or 18%, to $1,112 million due to higher separate account surrenders in 2018.

Federal tax expense changed to a benefit of $18 million in 2018 compared to an expense of $51 million in 2017 primarily due to the utilization of tax credits and a lower tax rate.

A-7

Individual Markets Segment Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the year ended December 31, 2018

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Individual Markets segment:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2019		2018
Premium income and annuity consideration	$(8,615)		$ 5,662		$(14,277)		(252)%
Net investment income	507		754		(247)		(33)%
Fee and miscellaneous income	80		128		(48)		(38)%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded	(417)		(3,987)		3,570		90%
Other	240		32		208		650%
Total income	(8,205)		2,589		(10,794)		(417)%
Policyholder benefits	537		941		(404)		(43)%
(Decrease) increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts	(8,650)		484		(9,134)		(1,887)%
Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions	(369)		191		(560)		(293)%
Net transfers from separate accounts	125		819		(694)		(85)%
Total benefits and expenses	(8,357)		2,435		(10,792)		(443)%
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital (losses) gains	152		154		(2)		(1)%
Federal income tax benefit	(78)		—		(78)		100%
Net gain from operations before net realized capital (losses) gains	230		154		76		49%
Net realized capital (losses) gains less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	(5)		6		(11)		(183)%
Net income	225		$ 160		$ 65		41%

Net income for the Individual Markets segment increased by $65 million, or 41%, to $225 million. The increase was primarily due to higher federal income tax benefits.

Premium income and annuity consideration decreased by $14,277 million, or 252%, to ($8,615) million primarily due to the initial reinsurance premium related to the Protective transaction and the non-recurrence of the LLIRC transaction. Excluding these items, premium income and annuity consideration decreased due to lower sales. Premium income and annuity consideration on the retained business was comparable to the prior year.

Net investment income decreased by $247 million, or 33%, to $507 million primarily due to lower average invested assets due to the transfer of invested assets to Protective.

Fee income decreased by $48 million, or 38%, to $80 million primarily related to the timing of the Protective transaction, which was partially offset by increases in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels, which were driven by higher average equity market levels.

The reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded changed by $3,570 million, or 90%, to ($417) million primarily due to the non-recurrence of the LLIRC reinsurance transaction.

Policyholder benefits decreased by $404 million, or 43%, to $537 million primarily relating to the timing of the Protective transaction. Policyholder benefits on the retained business increased primarily due to higher death benefits in the participating line of business, partially offset by lower death benefits in reinsurance acquired.

Decrease in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts changed by $9,134 million, or 1,887%, to ($8,650) million primarily due to the cession of reserves related to the Protective transaction.

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Other insurance benefits, expenses, and commission decreased by $560 million, or 293%, to ($369) million primarily related to the favorable release of Interest Maintenance Reserve related to the Protective transaction.

Net transfers from separate accounts decreased by $694 million, or 85%, to $125 million primarily relating to the timing of the Protective transaction.

Federal tax benefit increased by $78 million, or 100%, to $78 million primarily due to the acceleration of tax benefits related to the Protective transaction.

Year ended December 31, 2018, compared with the year ended December 31, 2017

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Individual Markets segment:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2018		2017
Premium income and annuity consideration	$ 5,662		$1,610		4,052		252%
Net investment income	754		749		5		1%
Fee and miscellaneous income	128		112		16		14%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded	(3,987)		(340)		(3,647)		(1,073) %
Other	32		34		(2)		(6)%
Total income	2,589		2,165		424		20%
Policyholder benefits	941		781		160		20%
Increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts	484		582		(98)		(17) %
Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions	191		207		(16)		(8) %
Net transfers from separate accounts	819		449		370		82%
Total benefits and expenses	2,435		2,019		416		21%
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains	154		146		8		5%
Federal income tax expense	—		49		(49)		(100) %
Net gain from operations before net realized capital gains	154		97		57		59%
Net realized capital gains less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	6		1		5		500%
Net income	$ 160		$ 98		$ 62		63%

Net income for the Individual Markets segment increased by $62 million, or 63%, to $160 million. The increase was primarily due to higher net investment income, higher fee income, lower operating expenses and lower income tax expenses, partially offset by higher policyholder benefits.

Premium income and annuity consideration increased by $4,052 million, or 252%, to $5,662 million primarily due to the LLIRC reinsurance transactions previously discussed. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, premiums increased by $7 million.

Net investment income increased by $5 million, or 1%, to $754 million primarily as a result of higher average invested assets.

Fee income increased by $16 million, or 14%, to $128 million primarily related to an increase in asset-based variable fee income resulting from increased average asset levels, which were driven by sales and higher average equity market levels.

The reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded increased by $3,647 million, or 1,073%, to $3,987 million primarily due to the LLIRC reinsurance transactions.

Policyholder benefits increased by $160 million, or 20%, to $941 million. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, policyholder benefits increased by $48 million, or 6% due to unfavorable mortality experience.

Net transfers from separate accounts increased by $370 million, or 82%, to $819 million primarily due to lower separate account surrenders in 2018.

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Federal tax expense decreased by $49 million, or 100%, to $0 primarily due to the utilization of tax credits and a lower tax rate.

Empower Retirement Segment Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the year ended December 31, 2018

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Empower Retirement segment:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2019		2018
Premium income and annuity consideration	$ 3,249		$ 1,931		$ 1,318		68%
Net investment income	582		537		45		8%
Fee and miscellaneous income	278		272		6		2%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded	(176)		2,011		(2,187)		(109) %
Other	34		(2)		36		1,800%
Total income	3,967		4,749		(782)		(16) %
Policyholder benefits	4,273		5,646		(1,373)		(24) %
Increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts	511		434		77		18%
Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions	509		475		34		7%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,453)		(1,931)		478		25%
Total benefits and expenses	3,840		4,624		(784)		(17) %
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital (losses) gains	127		125		2		2%
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	(20)		(23)		3		13%
Net gain from operations before net realized capital (losses) gains	147		148		(1)		(1) %
Net realized capital (losses) gains less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	(3)		5		(8)		(160) %
Net income	$ 144		$ 153		$ (9)		(6) %

Net income for the Empower Retirement segment decreased by $9 million, or 6%, to $144 million. The decrease was primarily due to increased realized capital losses.

Premium income and annuity consideration increased by $1,318 million, or 68% to $3,249 million primarily due to the non-recurrence of the initial reinsurance premium with LLIRC previously mentioned. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, premium income increased due to general account sales.

Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded changed by $2,187 million, or 109%, to ($176) million primarily due to the non-recurrence of the LLIRC reinsurance transactions.

Policyholder benefits decreased by $1,373 million, or 24%, to $4,273 million primarily due to decreases in general account and separate account surrender benefits.

Net transfers from separate accounts changed by $478 million, or 25% to ($1,453) million primarily due to lower separate account surrenders.

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Year ended December 31, 2018, compared with the year ended December 31, 2017

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Empower Retirement segment:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2018		2017
Premium income and annuity consideration	$ 1,931		$ 3,661		(1,730)		(47)%
Net investment income	537		513		24		5%
Fee and miscellaneous income	272		257		15		6%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded	2,011		(150)		2,161		1,441%
Other	(2)		19		(21)		(111) %
Total income	4,749		4,300		449		10%
Policyholder benefits	5,646		4,785		861		18%
Increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident health policies and contracts	434		334		100		30%
Other insurance benefits, expenses and commissions	475		477		(2)		—
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,931)		(1,393)		(538)		(39) %
Total benefits and expenses	4,624		4,203		421		10%
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains	125		97		28		29%
Federal income tax (benefit) expense	(23)		14		(37)		(264) %
Net gain from operations before net realized capital gains	148		83		65		78%
Net realized capital gains less capital gains tax and transfers to interest maintenance reserve	5		—		5		100%
Net income	$ 153		$ 83		$ 70		84%

Net income for the Empower Retirement segment increased by $70 million, or 84%, to $153 million. The increase was primarily due to higher fee income and lower income taxes.

Premium income and annuity consideration decreased by $1,730 million, or 47%, to $1,931 million primarily due to the reinsurance with LLIRC previously mentioned. Excluding LLIRC reinsurance transactions, premium income increased $219 million, or 6%, due to increased general account sales.

Reserve adjustment on reinsurance ceded increased by $2,161 million, or 1,441%, to $2,011 million primarily due to the LLIRC reinsurance transactions.

Policyholder benefits increased by $861 million, or 18%, to $5,646 million. Excluding the LLIRC reinsurance transactions, policyholder benefits increased $737 million, or 15%, primarily due to an increase in general account and separate account surrenders.

Net transfers from separate accounts changed by $538 million, or 39%, to $1,931 million due to higher separate account surrenders.

Federal tax expense changed to a benefit of $23 million in 2018 compared to an expense of $14 million in 2017 primarily due to the utilization of tax credits and a lower tax rate.

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Other Segment Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the year ended December 31, 2018

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Other segment:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2019		2018
Net investment income	$10		$16		(6)		(38)%
Fee and miscellaneous income	11		11		—		—
Total income	21		27		(6)		(22) %
Other expenses and commissions	7		20		(13)		(65) %
Total benefits and expenses	7		20		(13)		(65) %
Net gain from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains	14		7		7		100%
Federal income tax expense	—		5		(5)		(100) %
Net income	$14		$ 2		$ 12		600%

Net income of $14 million for the Other segment increased by $12 million, from $2 million. The increase was primarily due to lower operating expenses and federal income tax expense, partially offset by the non-recurrence of net investment income related to a one-time interest rate swap gain in the prior period.

Year ended December 31, 2018, compared with the year ended December 31, 2017

The following is a summary of certain financial data of the Other segment:

	Year Ended December 31,				Increase (decrease)		Percentage change
Statement of Operations data (In millions)	2018		2017
Net investment income	$16		$ 5		11		220%
Fee and miscellaneous income	11		11		—		—
Total income	27		16		11		69%
Other expenses and commissions	20		39		(19)		(49) %
Total benefits and expenses	20		39		(19)		(49) %
Net gain (loss) from operations after dividends to policyholders and before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains	7		(23)		30		130%
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	5		(12)		17		142%
Net income (loss)	$ 2		$(11)		$ 13		118%

Net income for the Other segment increased by $13 million from a loss of $11 million to a gain of $2 million in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net investment income related to a one-time interest rate swap gain and a decrease in operating expense with the completion of integration activities in 2017. This was partially offset by an increase in federal income tax expenses primarily due to taxes on the one-time interest rate swap gain.

Investment Operations

The Company’s primary investment objective is to acquire assets with duration and cash flow characteristics reflective of its liabilities, while meeting industry, size, issuer and geographic diversification standards. Formal liquidity and credit quality parameters have also been established.

The Company follows rigorous procedures to control interest rate risk and observes strict asset and liability matching guidelines. These guidelines ensure that even under changing market conditions, the Company’s assets should meet the cash flow and income requirements of its liabilities. Using dynamic modeling to analyze the effects of a range of possible market changes upon

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investments and policyholder benefits, the Company works to ensure that its investment portfolio is appropriately structured to fulfill financial obligations to its policyholders.

The following table presents the percentage distribution of the carrying values of the Company’s general account investment portfolio.

	December 31,
(In millions)	2019				2018
Bonds	$13,804		62.2%		$20,654		68.7%
Common stock	145		0.7%		132		0.5%
Mortgage loans	2,693		12.1%		4,207		14.0%
Real estate	45		0.1%		38		0.1%
Contract loans	3,995		18.0%		4,123		13.7%
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	818		3.7%		229		0.8%
Securities lending collateral assets	303		1.4%		45		0.2%
Other invested assets	403		1.8%		607		2.0%
Total cash and invested assets	$22,206		100.0%		$30,035		100.0%

Bonds

Bonds include public and privately placed corporate bonds, government bonds, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Included in bonds are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity. The Company’s strategy related to mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is to focus on those investments with low prepayment risk and minimal credit risk.

Private placement investments are generally less marketable than publicly traded assets, yet they typically offer enhanced covenant protection that allows the Company, if necessary, to take appropriate action to protect its investment. The Company believes that the cost of the additional monitoring and analysis required by private placement investments is more than offset by their enhanced yield.

One of the Company’s primary objectives is to ensure that its bond portfolio is maintained at a high average credit quality to limit credit risk. All securities are internally rated by the Company on a basis intended to be similar to that of independent external rating agencies.

The percentage distribution of the book adjusted carrying value of the Company’s short-term and long-term bond portfolios by NAIC designation is summarized as follows:

	December 31,
NAIC Designations	2019		2018
NAIC 1	70.1%		65.4%
NAIC 2	28.7%		33.4%
NAIC 3 through 6	1.2%		1.2%
Total	100.0%		100.0%

The percentage distribution of the book adjusted carrying value of the industrial and miscellaneous category of short-term and long-term bond portfolios, calculated as a percentage of total bonds, is summarized as follows:

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	December 31,
Sector	2019		2018
Finance	20.1%		18.5%
Utility	11.3%		15.1%
Consumer	10.6%		9.5%
Natural resources	5.0%		5.9%
Transportation	2.6%		3.0%
Other	8.5%		10.3%

Mortgage Loans

The Company’s mortgage loans are comprised primarily of domestic commercial collateralized loans. The mortgage loan portfolio is diversified with regard to geographical markets and commercial mortgage property types. The Company originates, directly or through correspondents, mortgages with the intent to hold to maturity. The Company’s portfolio includes loans which are fully amortizing, amortizing with a balloon balance at maturity, interest only to maturity, and interest only for a number of years followed by an amortizing period.

Derivatives

The Company uses certain derivatives, such as futures, swaps, forwards, and interest rate swaptions, for purposes of managing the interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, and equity market risks impacting the Company’s business. These derivatives, when taken alone, may subject the Company to varying degrees of market and credit risk; however, since used for hedging purposes, these instruments are intended to reduce risk. Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are valued using the valuation method (either amortized cost or fair value) consistent with the underlying hedged asset or liability. At inception of a derivative transaction, the hedge relationship and risk management objective is documented and the designation of the derivative is determined based on specific criteria of the transaction. Derivatives where hedge accounting is either not elected or that are not eligible for hedge accounting are stated at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in unassigned surplus in the period of change. Investment gains and losses generally result from the termination of derivative contracts prior to expiration and are generally recognized in net income and may be subject to IMR. For derivative instruments where hedge accounting is either not elected or the transactions are not eligible for hedge accounting, changes in interest rates, foreign currencies, or equity markets may generate derivative gains or losses which may cause the Company to experience volatility in capital and surplus. The Company controls the credit risk of its over-the-counter derivative contracts through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures, and in most cases, requiring collateral. Risk of loss is generally limited to the portion of the fair value of derivative instruments that exceeds the value of the collateral held and not to the notional or contractual amounts of the derivatives.

Investment Yield

Net investment income includes interest income, dividends, the amortization of premiums, discounts and origination fees.

To analyze investment performance, the Company excludes net investment income related to derivative instruments in order to assess underlying profitability and results from ongoing operations. Net investment income performance is summarized as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)	2019		2018		2017
Net investment income	1,099		$ 1,307		$ 1,267
Less:
Net investment income from derivative instruments	17		16		16
Net investment income excluding derivative investments	$ 1,082		$ 1,291		$ 1,251
Average invested assets, at amortized cost	25,002		29,252		28,433
Yield on average invested assets	4.34%		4.41%		4.40%

The yield on average invested assets decreased in 2019 when compared to 2018. The yield on average invested assets increased in 2018 when compared to 2017.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources