S-1/A

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

April 25, 2023

/s/ Brian P. Sponaugle

Brian P. Sponaugle

Senior Vice President and Treasurer

S-1/A 1 d431483ds1a.htm S-1/A S-1/A

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2023

Registration No. 333-269395

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2

LOGO

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio

6311

13-1935920

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 361-9000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

John P. Gruber

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(513) 361-9000

(Name and Address of Agent of Service)

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

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. ☑

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

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

If this Form is a 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, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.


Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐

Non-accelerated filer	☑	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. ☐

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 Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Administrative Office: P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423

Street Address: 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

Policy Administration: 1-800-789-6771

INDEX FRONTIER 5 PLUS ANNUITY

With Return of Premium Guarantee

PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 2023

The Index Frontier 5 Plus^SM annuity is an Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity contract issued by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. It provides that we will pay the Annuity Payout Benefit to you in exchange for your Purchase Payments. It also provides a Death Benefit that will never be less than the return of premium guarantee.

The Contract is a modified single premium deferred annuity. This means we will accept Purchase Payments only during the purchase payment period, which ends two months after the Contract Effective Date.

A glossary of defined terms used herein can be found in the Special Terms section starting on page 4 of this prospectus.

The Contract offers you the opportunity to allocate funds to Crediting Strategies for one-year Terms. The Crediting Strategies include Indexed Strategies and a Declared Rate Strategy.

Indexed Strategies. Indexed Strategies provide returns based, in part, on the rise or fall of an Index, which may be a market index, such as the S&P 500 Index, or the share price of an exchange-traded fund, such as an iShares ETF, for a defined time period (Term).

For this Contract, we currently offer four Floor Strategies and two Buffer Strategies, which are detailed in the table on page 7. All currently offered Indexed Strategies have one-year Terms. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of five Indexes: S&P 500^® Index, iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF, SPDR^® Gold Shares ETF, iShares^® U.S. Real Estate ETF, and First Trust Barclays Edge Index. The returns of each Index, except the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends. Each Indexed Strategy has a Cap, which is the maximum positive net Index change for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. The Cap for a Term will never be lower than 1%. Each Floor Strategy has a -10% Floor, which limits the loss from any net negative Index change for the Term to -10% at the end of the Term. Each Buffer Strategy has a 10% Buffer, which causes the first ten percentage points of any net negative Index change for the Term to be disregarded in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term.

Every Indexed Strategy includes a risk of potential loss, which may include both your original principal and prior earnings. At the end of a Term for a Buffer Strategy, you could lose up to 90% of your original principal and prior earnings. At the end of a Term for a Floor Strategy you could lose up to 10% of your original principal and prior earnings. If you take a withdrawal or Surrender the Contract before the end of a Term, your losses for a Floor Strategy may exceed the -10% Floor and your losses for a Buffer Strategy may not receive the benefit of the 10% Buffer. In extreme circumstances, an Indexed Strategy could have no value before the end of a Term, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings if you were to take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy listed in this prospectus may not be available after the end of the initial Term. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances. Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies listed in this prospectus. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Contract value. If you choose to Surrender the Contract because of changes in the number and/or type of available Indexed Strategies, your Surrender may be subject to withdrawal charges, Daily Value Percentage adjustments, taxes, and tax penalties. If you purchase another retirement contract, it may have different features, fees, and risks than this Contract.

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is the amount applied to an Indexed Strategy at the beginning of a Term, adjusted proportionally for any withdrawals taken during the Term and any related Early Withdrawal Charge. During the Term, the Investment Base remains unchanged except for any proportional adjustments for withdrawals. A withdrawal reduces the Investment Base by the amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value on account of the withdrawal and any related Early Withdrawal Charge. This means the dollar amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base may be more than the dollar amount of the withdrawal and the Early Withdrawal Charge. At the end of the Term, the Cap and Floor (for a Floor Strategy) or Cap and Buffer (for a Buffer Strategy) are applied to the remaining Investment Base to determine the Strategy value for the Term.

Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage is based on hypothetical options that represent the projected change in the Index over the full Term, and is equal to the Net Option Price, reduced by the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost. The Daily Value Percentage is applied to determine Strategy values when you withdraw funds allocated to an Indexed Strategy or Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term. The Daily Value Percentage is also applied if the Death Benefit or Annuity Payout value are determined before the end of a Term.

Declared Rate Strategy. The Declared Rate Strategy earns interest during a Term at a fixed rate we set before that Term begins. The fixed interest rate varies from Term to Term, but will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one-year long. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri.

Early Withdrawal Charge. An early withdrawal charge may apply if you take a withdrawal (including automatic withdrawals and Required Minimum Distributions) or Surrender the Contract during the first five contract years. That charge will reduce strategy values and may result in a loss that exceeds the Floor or reduces the Buffer. The early withdrawal charge is 8% for withdrawals and Surrenders of the Contract in the first contract year, and falls each contract year during the five-year period. Withdrawals and Surrenders may also be subject to income tax, and withdrawals and Surrenders before age 59¹⁄₂ may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

The Contract is intended for long-term investment purposes and the Contract and its Indexed Strategies may not be appropriate for investors who plan to take withdrawals (including automated withdrawals and required minimum distributions) during the first five Contract Years or who plan to take withdrawals during Indexed Strategy Terms.

Risk Factors for this Contract appear on pages 12-19 and pages A6-A10. Indexed annuity contracts are complex insurance and investment vehicles. You should speak with a financial advisor about the Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity and its features, benefits, risks, and charges, and whether the Contract is appropriate for you based upon your financial situation and objectives.

Please read this prospectus before investing and keep it for future reference. It contains important information about your Contract and MassMutual Ascend Life that you ought to know before investing. It describes all material rights and obligations under the Contract. The provisions of the Contract may vary from state to state. All material state variations are identified in the State Variations section of this prospectus.

All guarantees under the Contract are the obligations of MassMutual Ascend Life and are subject to the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life.

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NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

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The principal underwriter of the Contract is MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous. The underwriter will use its best efforts to sell the Contract.

This prospectus is not an offering in any state, country, or jurisdiction in which we are not authorized to sell the Contract.

Table of Contents


SECTION I Index Frontier 5 Plus ANNUITY INFORMATION			5
Special Terms			5
Special Terms Related to Daily Value Percentage			8
Summary			9
Risk Factors			14
Indexed Strategies			22
Indexes			27
Caps, Floors, and Buffers			34
Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term			35
Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term			36
Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election			38
Declared Rate Strategy			40
Purchase			41
Initial Strategy Selections			42
Strategy Selections at Term End			43
Cash Benefit			44
Fees and Charges			46
Early Withdrawal Charge			46
Annuity Payout Benefit			48
Death Benefit			49
Payout Options			51
Processing Purchase Payments and Requests			54
Right to Cancel (Free Look)			56
Annual Statement and Confirmations			56
Electronic Delivery			57
Abandoned Property Requirements			57
Owner			57
Annuitant			58
Beneficiary			59
Other Contract Provisions			59
Federal Tax Considerations			60
Premium and Other Taxes			64
Distribution of the Contracts			64
MassMutual Ascend Life’s General Account			65
Legal Matters			66
Experts			66
The Registration Statement			66
Option Prices			67
Examples: Impact of Withdrawals on Contract Values and Amounts Realized			68
State Variations			75

SECTION II MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INFORMATION			A-1

SECTION I

INDEX FRONTIER 5 PLUS ANNUITY INFORMATION

SPECIAL TERMS

In this prospectus, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set out below.

ACCOUNT VALUE. For each day, the Account Value is the sum of the current values of each Crediting Strategy, plus the current value of the Purchase Payment Account, if any.

ANNUITANT. The natural person or persons on whose life the Annuity Payout Benefit is based.

ANNUITY PAYOUT BENEFIT. A series of periodic payments made under a Payout Option. The terms and conditions are described in the Annuity Payout Benefit section of this prospectus.

ANNUITY PAYOUT INITIATION DATE. The first day of the first payment interval for which payment of an Annuity Payout Benefit is to be made. This is the date we apply your Account Value to the Annuity Payout Benefit and calculate the payment amount.

BENEFICIARY. A person entitled to receive all or part of a Death Benefit that is to be paid under the Contract on account of a death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

BUFFER. For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer (a “Buffer Strategy”), the Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the loss for the Term. The Buffer is also used to determine the strike price of the out-of-the-money put option that is part of the Daily Value Percentage calculation before the end of the Term. For each Term of a Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. In the future, we may offer a new Buffer Strategy that offers more or less protection against loss than a 10% Buffer, but we will not offer a new Buffer Strategy that offers less protection against loss than a 5% Buffer.

CAP. For all Indexed Strategies, the Cap is the maximum positive net Index change for the Term measured at the start and end of the Term) that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. The Cap is also used to determine the strike price of the out-of-the-money call option that is part of the Daily Value Percentage calculation for that Strategy before the end of the Term. We post on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) the Cap for each Term of an Indexed Strategy at least 10 days before the next Term starts. The Cap for a Term will never be less than 1%.

CONTRACT. The annuity contract that is a legally binding agreement between you and MassMutual Ascend Life, including applicable endorsements and riders.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY. The date in each year that is the annual anniversary of the Contract Effective Date. That date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

CONTRACT EFFECTIVE DATE. The date as of which the initial Purchase Payment is applied to the Contract. That date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS PAGE. The page in your Contract that contains details unique to your Contract.

CONTRACT YEAR. A 12-month period that starts on the Contract Effective Date or on a Contract Anniversary.

CREDITING STRATEGY (STRATEGY). A specified method by which declared interest is set or values are calculated. The Crediting Strategies that are currently available are set out in the “Indexed Strategies” and “Declared Rate Strategy” sections below.

DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE. The Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term. For each day of a Term of an Indexed Strategy before the final Market Day of the Term, the Daily Value Percentage is equal to: (1) the Net Option Price for that day; minus (2) the Amortized Option Cost for that day; and minus (3) the Trading Cost for that day.

See the next section (Special Terms Related to Daily Value Percentage) for the definitions of Amortized Option Cost, Net Option Price, and Trading Cost.

DEATH BENEFIT. An amount that becomes payable if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the date that the Contract is Surrendered. The terms and conditions are described in the Death Benefit section of this prospectus.

DECLARED RATE. A fixed interest rate set by us for a Term of the Declared Rate Strategy.

DECLARED RATE STRATEGY. A Crediting Strategy that credits interest at a Declared Rate. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri.

EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGE. A charge deducted from the Account Value of your Contract if, during the first five Contract Years, you Surrender your Contract or you take a withdrawal in excess of the Free Withdrawal Allowance (including systematic withdrawals and required minimum distributions). The Early Withdrawal Charge does not apply to a withdrawal that qualifies for the Free Withdrawal Allowance or the amount, if any, that qualifies for another waiver. The Early Withdrawal Charge does not apply to an Annuity Payout Benefit or Death Benefit.

FLOOR. The most negative Index Change for a Term that is taken into account to determine a loss for a given Floor Strategy. The Floor is also used to determine the strike price of the out-of-the-money put option that is part of the Daily Value Percentage calculation before the end of the Term. The Floor is a loss of 10% and will apply to all Terms of that Floor Strategy. In the future, we may offer a new Floor Strategy that offers more or less protection against loss than a -10% Floor, but we will not offer a new Floor Strategy that offers less protection against loss than a -20% Floor.

FREE WITHDRAWAL ALLOWANCE. The total amount that may be taken as a withdrawal or Surrendered during a Contract Year without an Early Withdrawal Charge that might otherwise apply. This amount is described in the Free Withdrawal Allowance section of this prospectus.

INDEX. A stock market index or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) used to calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy. The Index at the start of a Term is its level or price at the Market Close on the first day of that Term. If the first day of that Term is not a Market Day, then the Index at the start of a Term is its level or price at the last Market Close before the first day of the Term. The Index at the end of a Term is its level or price at the final Market Close of that Term.

INDEXED STRATEGY. A Crediting Strategy that provides a return based, in part, on the net change in the level or price of an Index for a Term.

INVESTMENT BASE. The base amount used to calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy. The Investment Base is the amount applied to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a current Term, adjusted proportionally for any withdrawal during the Term and any related Early Withdrawal Charge. An Investment Base is not used to calculate the value of a Declared Rate Strategy.

MARKET CLOSE. The close of the regular or core trading session on the market used to measure a given Index.

MARKET DAY. Each day that all markets that are used to measure the available Indexes are open for regular trading.

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE (“WE,” “US,” “OUR,” “MMALIC”). MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company.

OWNER (“YOU,” “YOURS”). The person(s) who possesses the ownership rights under the Contract. If there is more than one Owner, each Owner will be a joint owner of the Contract and each reference to Owner means joint owners.

PAYOUT OPTION. The form in which an Annuity Payout Benefit or a Death Benefit may be paid. Standard options are described in the Payout Options section of this prospectus.

PERFORMANCE LOCK. An election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term of an Indexed Strategy. A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Indexed Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Indexed Strategy value at the end of the Term is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the locked Daily Value Percentage. The locked Daily Value Percentage is the Daily Value Percentage determined for that second Market Close. The Indexed Strategy value will still change if there is a change in the Investment Base.

PURCHASE PAYMENT. An amount received by us for the Contract. This amount is determined after deducting any taxes withheld from the payment and after deducting any fee charged by the person remitting payment.

PURCHASE PAYMENT ACCOUNT. An account where a Purchase Payment is held until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy on a Strategy Application Date.

REQUEST IN GOOD ORDER. An election or a request that is:

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complete and satisfactory to us;

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sent to us on our form or in a manner satisfactory to us, which may, at our discretion, be by telephone or electronic means; and

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received at our administrative office.

An election or a request is complete and satisfactory when we have received: (1) all the information and legal documentation that we require to process the election or the request; and (2) instructions that are sufficiently clear that we do not need to exercise any discretion to process the election or the request. If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before submitting your election or your request.

STRATEGY APPLICATION DATE. The 6th and 20th days of each month.

SURRENDER. The termination of your Contract in exchange for its Surrender Value.

SURRENDER VALUE. For each day, the Surrender Value is the Account Value on that day minus the Early Withdrawal Charge that would apply on a Surrender of the Contract. The Account Value will reflect the applicable Strategy values as calculated on that day, which will reflect the Daily Value Percentage whenever Surrender Value is measured before the end of a Term.

TAX-QUALIFIED CONTRACT. An annuity contract that is intended to qualify for special tax treatment for retirement savings. If your Contract is a Tax-Qualified Contract, the cover page of your Contract includes information about its tax qualification. If your Contract is not a Tax-Qualified Contract, the cover page of your Contract will identify it as a “Nonqualified Annuity.”

TERM. The period for which Contract values are allocated to a given Crediting Strategy, and over which interest or values are calculated. Each Term is one year long. Each Term will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start on the date that the preceding Term ends.

SPECIAL TERMS RELATED TO DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE

AMORTIZED OPTION COST. The Amortized Option Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Amortized Cost for a day is calculated as of the last Market Close on or before that day. If the calculation day is not a Market Day, the Amortized Cost for that day is calculated as of the last Market Close before that day. The Amortized Option Cost is a percentage equal to: (1) the initial Net Option Price for an Indexed Strategy for the Term; multiplied by (2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of that Term divided by 365 days. The initial Net Option Price is the Net Option Price calculated as of the start of the Term.

NET OPTION PRICE. The Net Option Price is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy on each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Net Option Price for a day is calculated as of the last Market Close on or before that day. If the calculation day is not a Market Day, the Net Option Price for that day is calculated as of the last Market Close before that day.

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For Floor Strategies, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at that Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at that Market Close; minus (3) the ATM Put Option Price at that Market Close; and plus the OTM Put Option Price at that Market Close.

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For Buffer Strategies, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at that Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at that Market Close; and minus (3) the OTM Put Option Price at that Market Close.

The option prices in these formulas reflect the possible future change in the Index over the remainder of the Term. The formulas take into account the Cap for the Term and the Floor or Buffer.

Each option price is stated as a percentage of the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term. The option price is an average of the bid-ask prices for the hypothetical option.

ATM CALL OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical at-the-money call option. The hypothetical at-the-money call option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term.

ATM PUT OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical at-the-money put option. The hypothetical at-the-money put option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term.

OTM CALL OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical out-of-the-money call option. The hypothetical out-of-the-money call option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term, but only if and to the extent that rise exceeds the Cap for that Term.

OTM PUT OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical out-of-the-money put option. The hypothetical out-of-the-money put option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage decrease, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent the percentage decrease exceeds the Buffer or Floor for the Term.

TRADING COST. The Trading Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical options before the end of a Term. The Trading Cost for a day is a percentage set by us at the last Market Close on or before that day. The Trading Cost reflects the average market difference between option bid-ask average prices and option bid prices.

SUMMARY

The MassMutual Ascend Life Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity is a modified single premium deferred indexed annuity contract that may help you accumulate retirement savings. The Contract is intended for long-term investment purposes. The Contract is a legal agreement between you as the Owner and MassMutual Ascend Life as the issuing insurance company. In the Contract, we agree to pay the Annuity Payout Benefit to you in exchange for one or more Purchase Payments. If you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, we also agree to provide a Death Benefit that will never be less than the return of premium guarantee.

Like all deferred annuities, the Contract has two periods. During the period prior to the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, your Contract may accumulate earnings on a tax-deferred basis. During the period that begins on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, we will make payments under the selected Payout Option.

The key features of the Contract are described in this Summary. Read this entire prospectus for more detailed information about the Contract.

Benefits (See “Cash Benefit”, “Annuity Payout Benefit”, and “Death Benefit” sections on pages 39, 42, and 43 for more details)

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The Annuity Payout Benefit is a series of periodic payments made under a Payout Option. This benefit can provide you with income for a fixed period of time or for life. It is based on the Account Value on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. The earliest Annuity Payout Initiation Date you may select is the first Contract Anniversary. Unless we agree to a later date, the latest Annuity Payout Initiation Date you may select is the Contract Anniversary following your 95th birthday or the 95th birthday of a joint owner, if earlier. If the Owner is not a human being, such as a trust or a corporation, then the Annuity Payout Initiation Date may not be later than the Contract Anniversary following the 95th birthday of the eldest Annuitant, unless we agree to a later date. The latest permitted date may change if an Owner changes.

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The Cash Benefit lets you take out all of your Account Value (Surrender) or take out part of it (withdrawal). An Early Withdrawal Charge generally applies if you take money out during the first five Contract Years. You can Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

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The Death Benefit is payable if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. This benefit is paid to your beneficiaries. It is based on the Death Benefit value. It will never be less than the Return of Premium Guarantee, which will be equal to your Purchase Payments, reduced proportionally for withdrawals, but not including amounts deducted for Early Withdrawal Charges.

Purchase Payments and Issue Age (See “Purchase” section on page 36 for more details)

The Contract is a modified single premium annuity. This means we will accept Purchase Payments only during the purchase payment period, which ends two months after the Contract Effective Date.

The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $25,000. Each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $10,000. You will need our prior approval if you want to make a Purchase Payment(s) of more than $1,000,000.

Each Owner must be age 80 or younger on the Contract Effective Date.

Indexed Strategies (See “Indexed Strategies” section on page 19 for more details)

For this Contract, we currently offer six Indexed Strategies. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of five Indexes: S&P 500^® Index, SPDR^® Gold Shares ETF, iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares^® U.S. Real Estate ETF, and First Trust Barclays Edge Index. All of these Indexed Strategies have one-year Terms. The returns of each Index, except the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends.


-10% Floor Strategies	Index	Term	Negative Return Factor	Positive Return Factor
S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap*	S&P 500^®	1-year	-10% Floor	Cap
SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap	SPDR Gold Shares ETF	1-year	-10% Floor	Cap
iShares U.S. Real Estate 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap	iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF	1-year	-10% Floor	Cap
iShares MSCI EAFE1-Year -10% Floor with Cap	iShares MSCI EAFE ETF	1-year	-10% Floor	Cap

10% Buffer Strategies	Index	Term	Negative Return Factor	Positive Return Factor
First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap*	First Trust Barclays Edge	1-year	10% Buffer	Cap
S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap*	S&P 500	1-year	10% Buffer	Cap

A Performance Lock election may be made for any Term or Terms of the S&P 500 Indexed Strategies and the First Trust Barclays Edge Indexed Strategy on or after May 7, 2023, or any later date that state approval is received. If you make a Performance Lock election for a given Term of an eligible Strategy, you may not change or revoke that election or make a second election for that same Term of that same Strategy.

For each Indexed Strategy, the Cap will never be lower than 1%.

The Contract doesn’t invest in any equity, debt, or other investments. If you buy this Contract, you aren’t investing directly in an Index, in the stocks included in S&P 500 Index, in the stocks and bonds of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, in the securities or other assets held by an iShares ETF or SPDR ETF, in any underlying index tracked by an iShares ETF or SPDR ETF, or in the securities or other assets held by any such underlying index. All benefits and guarantees under the Contract are the obligations of MassMutual Ascend Life and are subject to the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life.

Indexed Strategy Value (See “Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term” and “Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term” sections below for more details)

The value of an Indexed Strategy is determined each day throughout a Term. The method used to calculate the Strategy value depends on whether the value is being calculated at the end of a Term or during a Term, and whether a Performance Lock election has been made.

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Once the last Market Day of the Term has been reached, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index over that Term or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index over that Term. Any increase for the Term is limited by the Cap for the Term. Any decrease for the Term is limited by the Floor or Buffer.

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On each day before the last Market Day of the Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage as of the most recent Market Close.

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If a Performance Lock election has been made, then starting with the second Market Close following receipt of the election and continuing through the end of the Term, the value of the Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage locked as of that second Market Close.

A withdrawal reduces the Strategy value by the amount of the withdrawal and any related Early Withdrawal Charge.

Investment Base (See “Indexed Strategies” section on page 19 for more details)

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is not your Strategy value, Account Value, Surrender Value, Annuity Payout value, or Death Benefit value, but it is used to calculate those values.

At the start of a Term, the Investment Base of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the amount applied to that Strategy for that Term. The Investment Base will not change during a Term unless there is a withdrawal. For example, if $60,000 is applied to a given Indexed Strategy at the beginning of a Term, and there are no withdrawals, then the Investment Base throughout that Term will be $60,000.

In addition, a withdrawal reduces the Investment Base by the amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value on account of the withdrawal and any related Early Withdrawal Charge. For example, if a withdrawal and the related Early Withdrawal Charge are equal to 35% of the Strategy value, then the Investment Base for that Strategy will be reduced by 35%.

This means the dollar amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will not be the same as the dollar amount of the withdrawal and the Early Withdrawal Charge.

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If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is greater than the Investment Base, then the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the withdrawal and the related Early Withdrawal Charge.

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If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is less than the Investment Base, then the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be greater than the withdrawal and the related Early Withdrawal Charge.

Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term (See “Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term” section on page 30 for more details)

At the end of a Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased for any net rise in the Index or decreased for any net fall in the Index for the Term. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out here do not apply, and the value at the end of a Term is determined as described under Performance Lock below.

Any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is based on the value of the underlying Index on the final Market Day of the Term. This means that you may experience negative or flat performance for the Term even though the underlying Index rose throughout some or most of the Term.

Any increase for the Term is potentially limited by a Cap. The Cap for a Term is the maximum positive net Index change for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For example, if the Cap is 10% and the Index increases for the Term by 16%, the Cap limits the increase in Strategy value for the Term to 10%.

Any decrease for a Term is limited by a Floor or a Buffer.

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For a Floor Strategy, the Floor is the portion of any net fall in the Index for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value for a Strategy at the end of the Term. For example, if the Floor is -10% and the Index decreases for the Term by 20%, the Floor limits the decrease in Strategy value for the Term to -10%.

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For a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any net fall in the Index for the Term to determine the Strategy value for a Strategy at the end of the Term. For example, if the Buffer is 10% and the Index decreases for the Term by 15%, the Buffer limits the decrease in Strategy value for the Term to -5%.

We set the Caps for each Indexed Strategy prior to the start of each Term. This means Caps may change for each Term. A Cap will never be lower than 1%. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Caps that will apply to the Indexed Strategies for that next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

For each Term of each Floor Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Floor is -10%. The Floor for these Indexed Strategies will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Floor is -10%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 10%.

In the future, we may offer a new Floor Strategy that offers more or less protection against loss than a -10% Floor, but we will not offer a new Floor Strategy that offers less protection against loss than a -20% Floor.

For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer for these Indexed Strategies will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Buffer is 10%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 90%.

In the future, we may offer a new Buffer Strategy that offers more or less protection against loss than a 10% Buffer, but we will not offer a new Buffer Strategy that offers less protection against loss than a 5% Buffer.

Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term (See “Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term” section on page 31 for more details)

Before the end of a Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out here do not apply, and the value before the end of a Term is determined as described under Performance Lock below.

If you take a withdrawal or Surrender the Contract before the end of a Term, your losses may exceed the -10% Floor and you may not receive the benefit of the 10% Buffer. In extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings if you were to take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

The Daily Value Percentage is intended to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy prior to the end of a Term using option values related to the positive and negative return factors of the Indexed Strategy. The Daily Value Percentage is equal to the Net Option Price, reduced by the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost.

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The Net Option Price is the calculated price of hypothetical options that represent the projected change in the applicable Index over the full Term. The calculated price takes into account the applicable Cap and the Floor or Buffer.

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The Amortized Option Cost is the calculated price of those options at the start of the Term amortized over the Term.

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The Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling those options. It is a percentage set by us at the last Market Close on or before that day.

For example, if the Investment Base for a Strategy is $100,000 and the Daily Value Percentage is 8%, then the value of your Strategy on that day is equal to $108,000 ($100,000 Investment Base, increased by $100,000 x 8%). If the Investment Base for a Strategy is $100,000 and the Daily Value Percentage is -4%, then the value of your Strategy on that day is equal to $96,000 ($100,000 Investment Base, decreased by $100,000 x -4%).

Each part of the Daily Value Percentage is described in greater detail on pages 31 to 33.

Performance Lock (See “Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election” section on page 34 for more details)

A Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term. A Performance Lock election may be made for any Term or Terms of the S&P 500 Indexed Strategies and the First Trust Barclays Edge Indexed Strategy on or after May 7, 2023, or any later date that state approval is received.

You may make a Performance Lock election for a Term of an eligible Strategy by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, you may not change or revoke your Performance Lock election for the given Term of the eligible Strategy or make a second election for that same Term of that same Strategy.

A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Indexed Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Indexed Strategy value at the end of the Term is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the locked Daily Value Percentage. The locked Daily Value Percentage is the Daily Value Percentage as determined for that second Market Close. The Indexed Strategy value will still change if there is a change in the Investment Base when you take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

Because a Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order, you will not be able to determine in advance the locked Daily Value Percentage that will be applicable to the Indexed Strategy at the time you make a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted the request.

Your Request in Good Order for a Performance Lock election must be received by the third-to-last Market Close of the Term.

You are responsible for deciding whether to elect a Performance Lock and we are not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of your decision whether or not to elect a Performance Lock.

Declared Rate Strategy (See “Declared Rate Strategy” section on page 35 for more details)

Amounts held under the Declared Rate Strategy are credited with interest daily throughout a Term at a rate we set before that Term begins. This means the interest rate for the Declared Rate Strategy may change for each Term. Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one year long. A Declared Rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that next Term on our website. A Declared Rate Strategy will always be available except for Contracts issued in Missouri. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri.

Strategy Renewals and Reallocations (See “Strategy Selections at Term End” section on page 37 for more details)

At the end of each Term, you may reallocate the ending values of the Crediting Strategies for that Term among the Strategies.

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If you reallocate, then we will apply the ending values of the Crediting Strategies to a new Term of the Crediting Strategies that you select.

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If you do not reallocate, then we will apply the ending value of each Crediting Strategy to a new Term of that same Strategy, as long as the same Strategy is available for a new Term.

If funds are allocated to an Indexed Strategy that will not be available for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the ending value of that Indexed Strategy as follows:

to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has protection against loss that is equal to or greater than that offered by the prior Indexed Strategy, and has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy; or

to the Declared Rate Strategy having the shortest Term.

You cannot reallocate your value among Crediting Strategies during a Term. If you elect a Performance Lock, you will not be able to reallocate the locked value until the end of a Term. We will send you written notice at least 30 days before the end of a Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. However, you will not know the Cap applicable to a new Term until 10 days before the end of the current Term. You should consider this information before finalizing your renewal or reallocation decision. Your reallocation election must be received by the last Market Close of a Term.

Access to Your Money through Withdrawals (See “Cash Benefit” section on page 39 for more details)

You may take a withdrawal from your Contract at any time prior to the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. During the first five Contract Years, an Early Withdrawal Charge will apply unless (a) your withdrawal qualifies for the Free Withdrawal Allowance or (b) the withdrawal qualifies for a waiver (as explained in the “Early Withdrawal Charge—Early Withdrawal Charge Waiver” section). A withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy will reduce the Account Value by the amount of the withdrawal, including any tax withholding and any applicable Early Withdrawal Charge. A withdrawal during a Term will reduce the Investment Base, which is used to calculate subsequent Strategy values for that Term, by an amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Indexed Strategy value due to the withdrawal.

You may designate the Crediting Strategy or Strategies from which a withdrawal will be taken by a Request in Good Order prior to the date of the withdrawal. If you do not make a designation, we will take the withdrawal from the Crediting Strategies in the following order:

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first from the Purchase Payment Account;

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then from the Declared Rate Strategy; and

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then proportionally from Indexed Strategies.

A withdrawal will reduce the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. In addition, a withdrawal will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death Benefit.

Early Withdrawal Charge (See “Early Withdrawal Charge” section on page 40 for more details)

An Early Withdrawal Charge applies during the first five Contract Years if you Surrender your Contract or withdraw an amount in excess of the Free Withdrawal Allowance. The charge is equal to the amount subject to the charge multiplied by the applicable rate set out below.


Contract Year	1			2			3			4			5			6+
Early Withdrawal Charge Rate		8	%		7	%		6	%		5	%		4	%		0	%

If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is the amount you withdraw plus any amount needed to pay the Early Withdrawal Charge. If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is your Account Value.

When you request a withdrawal, you can instruct us to reduce the amount we pay you by the amount of the Early Withdrawal Charge. If you instead instruct us to pay you the specific withdrawal amount, we will reduce your Account Value by both the requested specific withdrawal amount, as well as the amount of the Early Withdrawal Charge. In this case, since you opted not to pay the Early Withdrawal Charge out of your withdrawal proceeds, we treat the Early Withdrawal Charge as an additional requested withdrawal. We will apply the Early Withdrawal Charge to both the specified withdrawal amount, as well as any amounts we withdraw to cover your Early Withdrawal Charges. The Early Withdrawal Charge does not apply to a withdrawal that qualifies for the Free Withdrawal Allowance or the amount, if any, that qualifies for another waiver.

For example, if after using your Free Withdrawal Allowance you request that an additional $10,000 be withdrawn from your Account Value when an 8% Early Withdrawal Charge was in effect, a $800 Early Withdrawal Charge would apply (8% of $10,000 withdrawn). You would receive $9,200 ($10,000 - $800), minus any income tax withholding.

Similarly, if you instead request that you receive a net amount of $10,000 from your Account Value in the same circumstances, we will treat the Early Withdrawal Charge amount as an additional requested withdrawal subject to an Early Withdrawal Charge. This means that we will “gross up” your requested withdrawal to cover applicable Early Withdrawal Charges (and any income tax withholding). If we assume that no income tax withholding applies, the withdrawal would be grossed up to $10,870, calculated by dividing the net amount requested by 1 minus the Early Withdrawal Charge rate ($10,000 / (1 – 0.08)). The Early Withdrawal Charge would be $870 (8% of the $10,870 withdrawal), and you would receive $10,000 ($10,870 - $870).

Early Withdrawal Charges will reduce Indexed Strategy values and may result in losses that exceed the Floor or reduce the Buffer.

Free Withdrawal Allowance (See “Early Withdrawal Charge” section on page 40 for more details)

The Early Withdrawal Charge does not apply to the Free Withdrawal Allowance.

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For the first Contract Year, the Free Withdrawal Allowance is an amount equal to 10% of the total Purchase Payments received by us.

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For each subsequent Contract Year, the Free Withdrawal Allowance is equal to 10% of the Account Value as of the most recent Contract Anniversary.

Payout Options (See “Payout Options” section on page 45 for more details)

Like all annuity contracts, the Contract offers a range of Payout Options, which provide payments for your lifetime or for a fixed period. After payments begin, you cannot change the Payout Option or any fixed period you selected. The standard Payout Options are listed below.

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Fixed Period Payout

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Life Payout

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Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period

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Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout

Death Benefit (See “Death Benefit” section on page 43 for more details)

A Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. If the Owner is a non-natural person, such as a trust or a corporation, then a Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if an Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

The Death Benefit value is the greater of: (1) the Account Value as of the applicable date; or (2) the Return of Premium Guarantee, which will be equal to your Purchase Payment(s) reduced proportionally for all withdrawals, but not including amounts deducted to pay Early Withdrawal Charges.

Tax Deferral (See “Federal Tax Considerations” section on page 52 for more details)

The Contract is generally tax deferred, which means that you are not taxed on the earnings in your Contract until the money is paid to you. If a non-tax-qualified Contract is owned by a non-natural owner, such as a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, it is subject to special rules and generally will not qualify for tax deferral. These special rules may also apply to a non-tax-qualified Contract owned by certain irrevocable trusts that have charitable or other non-natural beneficiaries.

An IRA or tax-qualified retirement plan also provides tax deferral. Buying the Contract within a tax-qualified retirement plan does not give you any extra tax benefits. There should be reasons other than tax deferral for buying the Contract as an IRA or under a tax-qualified retirement plan.

Right to Cancel (See “Right to Cancel (Free Look)” section on page 49 for more details)

If you purchase a Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase a Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or insurance policy, you have 30 days to cancel the Contract. The right to cancel period may be longer in some states. If you cancel your Contract, you will receive a refund. The amount of the refund will depend on where you live. In some states, the refund amount is equal to the Purchase Payments. In that case, no adjustment will be made for the Daily Value Percentage and no Early Withdrawal Charges will apply to the amount refunded. In other states, the refund amount is equal to the Account Value on the day that we receive a cancellation request. In this case, you would bear the risk of changes in Indexed Strategy values before cancellation because an adjustment will be made for the Daily Value Percentage, but no Early Withdrawal Charges will apply to the amount refunded. Unless required by state law, we do not refund any Early Withdrawal Charges assessed during the free look period that relate to a withdrawal taken before you cancel the Contract. See the Right to Cancel (Free Look) section for more information about your cancellation rights and the State Variations section of this prospectus for more information about state variations that apply to cancellation rights.

There may be tax consequences if you cancel the Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

RISK FACTORS

The Contract involves certain risks that you should understand before purchasing it. You should carefully consider your income needs and risk tolerance to determine whether the Contract or a particular Indexed Strategy is appropriate for you. The level of risk you bear and your potential investment performance will differ depending on the Crediting Strategies you choose.

Loss of Principal Related to Indexed Strategies

There is a significant risk of loss of principal and prior earnings due to the fall of an Index if you allocate your Purchase Payment(s) to a Floor Strategy or a Buffer Strategy. Such a loss may be substantial. This risk exists because, at the end of that Term, you can lose up to 10% of the money allocated to a Floor Strategy, or 90% of the money allocated to a Buffer Strategy. This risk of loss at the end of a Term does not exist if you allocate your Purchase Payment(s) to the Declared Rate Strategy. If you allocate money to one or more Indexed Strategies over multiple Terms, you may lose money each Term, which may result in a cumulative loss of your Purchase Payment(s) that is greater than 90% for a Buffer Strategy or greater than 10% for a Floor Strategy. In extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings if you were to take a withdrawal or Surrender the Contract.

In addition, before the end of a Term, the value of a Strategy may be even less than 90% for money allocated to a Floor Strategy, or even less than 10% for money allocated to a Buffer Strategy, because of the adjustment for the Daily Value Percentage.

In the future, we may offer new Indexed Strategies. Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies that are currently available. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value. If you choose to Surrender the Contract because of changes in the number and/or type of available Indexed Strategies, your Surrender may be subject to withdrawal charges, Daily Value Percentage adjustments, taxes, and tax penalties. If you purchase another retirement contract, it may have different features, fees, and risks than this Contract.

Loss of Principal Related to Early Withdrawal Charge

There is also a risk of loss of principal and prior earnings if you take a withdrawal from your Contract or Surrender it during the first five Contract Years and an Early Withdrawal Charge applies. This risk exists for each Strategy, including the Declared Rate Strategy. An Early Withdrawal Charge will reduce the value of the Strategy. This reduction may exceed any prior earnings.

Long-Term Nature of Contract

The Contract is a deferred annuity, which means the Annuity Payout Benefit will begin on a future date. We designed the Contract to be a long-term investment that you can use to help build a retirement nest egg and provide income for retirement. The limitations, adjustments and charges included in the Contract reflect its long-term nature.

Limits on Strategy Value at End of Term

Any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is based on the value of the underlying Index at the final Market Close of the Term. If the Index rises for the Term and a Cap applies, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term can never be more than the Investment Base increased by the Cap for that Term even if the Index has risen by more than the Cap. Due to these limitations, in many cases the return on money allocated to an Indexed Strategy with a Cap will not fully reflect the corresponding rise in the Index for the Term.

Index Changes Over the Course of Term

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, we measure the Index change by comparing the Index value on the first day of the Term to the Index value on the last day of the Term. This means that if the Index value is lower on the last day of the Term, you may experience negative or flat performance even if the Index rose through some, or most, of the Term.

The Contract offers you the opportunity to allocate funds to Indexed Strategies for one year Terms.

Limits on Strategy Value before End of Term

Before the end of a Term, we calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy using a Daily Value Percentage that is not tied directly to the underlying Index. The Daily Value Percentage includes the prices of hypothetical options. Such option prices will vary from day to day. You will bear the risk that the Daily Value Percentage may decrease the Strategy value before the end of a Term. In extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings if you were to take a withdrawal or Surrender the Contract.

The Daily Value Percentage includes deductions for the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost, which means that any Strategy value before the end of a Term will almost always be less than the value suggested by the rise or fall of the Index. Because the Amortized Option Cost is a decreasing value, its negative impact on Strategy values will be more pronounced at the start of a Term than at the end of that Term. In addition, even if the Index rises, the Strategy value may be less than the Investment Base due to these deductions.

Strategy values are used to calculate the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. Accordingly, the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost will have a negative effect on such benefits taken before the end of a Term.

For more information on how we determine the prices of hypothetical options, see the Option Prices section of this Prospectus.

Limits on Reallocations

You cannot reallocate money among the Crediting Strategies prior to the end of a Term. If you want to take money out of a Crediting Strategy during a Term, you must take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

Effect of Surrenders

If you Surrender your Contract at any time during the first five Contract Years and an Early Withdrawal Charge applies, the amount payable will reflect a deduction for the charge. If you Surrender your Contract at the end of a Term, the amount payable will reflect any rise or fall of the applicable Indexes for the Term, applicable Caps, Floors and Buffers and any Early Withdrawal Charge. If you Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term, the amount payable will reflect the applicable Daily Value Percentage and any Early Withdrawal Charge.

Effect of All Withdrawals

If you take a withdrawal at any time, we will reduce your Account Value by an amount equal to your withdrawal. If you take a withdrawal during the first five Contract Years and an Early Withdrawal Charge applies, we will also reduce your Account Value by the amount of the charge. A reduction in the Account Value will reduce the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. In addition, a withdrawal will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death Benefit, and this proportional reduction could be larger than the dollar amount of the withdrawal.

Each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy, including withdrawals available under the Free Withdrawal Allowance, withdrawals that qualify for a waiver of the Early Withdrawal Charge, withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal program and withdrawals to satisfy a required distribution, will reduce the Strategy value. If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in Strategy value is determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal, or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. The reduction in Strategy value may be higher or lower than the reduction in the Investment Base. Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the reduction in Strategy value at the time of the withdrawal may be higher or lower than the resulting reduction in the end-of-Term value. The Investment Base used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of that Term will also be reduced. The reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal and any related Early Withdrawal Charge is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value. A reduction in the Investment Base will limit the effect of any rise or fall in the Index for the remainder of the Term.

All or some portion of a withdrawal may be subject to federal and state income taxes and, if taken before age 59¹⁄₂, may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. For a further discussion of the tax treatment of withdrawals and Surrenders, please see the Federal tax Considerations section on page 52.

Early Withdrawal Charges will reduce Indexed Strategy values and may result in losses that exceed the Floor or reduce the Buffer.

Timing and Effect of Withdrawals Before End of Term

You should take into consideration the dates on which the Term(s) of your Indexed Strategies end relative to the timing of a withdrawal.

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If you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, we will immediately reduce the Investment Base for that Indexed Strategy.

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The reduction will be proportional to the reduction in the Account Value, which means that the proportional reduction in the Investment Base could be larger than the dollar amount of the withdrawal.

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Reductions to the Investment Base will have a negative effect on any increases in the Indexed Strategy value for the remainder of that Term, but will reduce any decreases in the Indexed Strategy value for the remainder of that Term.

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Once the Investment Base for an Indexed Strategy is reduced due to a withdrawal before the end of a Term, it will not increase at any time during the remainder of that Term.

Each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, including withdrawals available under the Free Withdrawal Allowance, withdrawals that qualify for a waiver of the Early Withdrawal Charge, withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal program and withdrawals to satisfy a required distribution, will proportionally reduce the Investment Base.

No Ability to Determine Contract Values in Advance

We will process any withdrawal request at the first Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base due to the withdrawal.

A Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the locked Daily Value Percentage that will be applicable to the Indexed Strategy at the time you make a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted your Request in Good Order.

Likewise, you will not be able to determine in advance the amount payable upon Surrender, to be applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit or payable as the Death Benefit.

Changes in Caps and Trading Cost

We set a Cap for each new Term of an Indexed Strategy. The Cap for a new Term of an Indexed Strategy may be lower than its Cap for the current Term. A Cap may be as low as 1%. You risk the possibility that the Cap for a new Term may be lower than you would find acceptable.

We may change the Trading Cost at any time due to changes in option prices. You bear the risk of any negative effect on the Daily Value Percentage and Indexed Strategy values of an increase in the Trading Cost.

Changes in Declared Rates

We set a Declared Rate for each new one-year Term of the Declared Rate Strategy. The Declared Rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. You risk the possibility that the Declared Rate for a new Term may be lower than you would find acceptable.

Unavailable Indexed Strategies

At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any Indexed Strategy other than the S&P 500 1-year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy you selected may not be available after the end of a Term. In such an event, the Company will amend the prospectus. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about the Indexed Strategies that will be available for the next Term.

to the Declared Rate Strategy having the shortest Term.

We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Indexed Strategy. This means that an Indexed Strategy you selected may not be available after the end of a Term because the amount to be applied to that Strategy is less than the minimum we set for the new Term. Likewise, the amount to be applied to an Indexed Strategy may be limited by the maximum we set for the new Term. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about any maximum or minimum that will apply for the next Term. If funds cannot be applied to a Strategy due to the minimum or maximum we set for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the funds to the Declared Rate Strategy.

In these cases, the funds that we allocate to the Declared Rate Strategy may earn a return that is lower than the return those funds would have earned if they had been applied to the Indexed Strategy you selected.

If you choose to Surrender your Contract because a certain Indexed Strategy is no longer available, you may be subject to an Early Withdrawal Charge. There may be tax consequences if you Surrender your Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

Replacement of an Index

We have the right to replace an Index if: it is discontinued, we are no longer able to use it, its calculation changes substantially, we determine that hedging instruments are difficult to acquire, or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. If we replace an Index, notice will be provided to contract owners and the Company will amend the prospectus. If we replace an Index during a Term, we will calculate any rise or fall in the Index using the old Index up until the replacement date. After the replacement date, we will calculate any rise or fall in the Index using the new Index but with a modified start of Term value for the new Index. The modified start of Term value for the new Index will reflect the rise or fall in the Index for the old Index from the start of the Term to the replacement date. The performance of the new Index may not be as good as the performance of the old Index. As a result, funds allocated to an Indexed Strategy may earn a return that is lower than the return they would have earned or experience losses greater than the losses they would have experienced if there had been no replacement.

Involuntary Termination of Contract

If your Account Value on any anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date is below the minimum value of $5,000 for any reason, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary. If your Contract has Terms that end on the same date because you made only one Purchase Payment, any involuntary termination will occur on that date. If your Contract has Terms that end on different dates because you made more than one Purchase Payment, any involuntary termination will occur on one of those dates, which will be the end of one Term but not the end of the other Terms. In this case, the Surrender Value payable upon termination of your Contract will reflect the Daily Value Percentages used to calculate the values of Indexed Strategies with Terms that are not ending on the termination date.

No Direct Investment in S&P 500 Index

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the S&P 500 Index, you will not be investing in that Index, or in any stock included in that Index. The S&P 500 Index is calculated without taking into account dividends paid on stocks that make up the S&P 500 Index. In addition, because the performance of an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy is linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index and not the performance of the stocks included in the Index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in such stocks. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in a fund that tracks the S&P 500 Index.

No Direct Investment in SPDR Gold Shares ETF. When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, you will not be investing in that exchange-traded fund or in gold. In addition, because the performance of the SPDR Gold Shares ETF is linked to the performance of the share price of the ETF, which is determined by trading on the exchange, and not the performance of its investment portfolio, its underlying index or the components of that index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the securities or other assets held by the fund or a direct investment in the components of the fund’s underlying index. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the fund.

No Direct Investment in an iShares ETF

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, you will not be investing in that exchange-traded fund, the securities or other assets held by the fund, in any underlying index tracked by the fund, or in the securities or other assets held by such underlying index. In addition, because the performance of an iShares ETF is linked to the performance of the share price of the ETF, which is determined by trading on the exchange, and not the performance of its investment portfolio, its underlying index or the components of that index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the securities or other assets held by the fund or a direct investment in the components of the fund’s underlying index. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the fund.

No Direct Investment in First Trust Barclays Edge Index

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, you will not be investing in that Index, or in any stock or bonds included in that Index. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is calculated assuming that dividends paid on stocks that make up the First Trust Barclays Edge Index are reinvested. In addition, because the performance of the First Trust Barclays Edge Indexed Strategy is linked to the performance of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index and not the performance of the stocks and bonds included in the Index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in such stocks and bonds. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in a fund that tracks the First Trust Barclays Edge Index.

Divergence of Performance

The performance of an Indexed Strategy will diverge from the performance of the underlying Index because changes in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term are subject to Caps and the Floor or Buffer, and because changes in the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term are based on the Daily Value Percentage.

Market Risk Related to Indexes

Money allocated to an Indexed Strategy that uses the S&P 500 Index or the First Trust Barclays Edge Index is subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying securities that comprise the S&P 500 Index and the First Trust Barclays Edge Index may decline over a Term. Likewise, money allocated to an Indexed Strategy that uses the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, or the SPDR Gold Shares ETF is subject to the risk that the fund’s share price may decline over a Term. The level of the S&P 500 Index and the First Trust Barclays Edge Index and the share prices of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF may be volatile. Any such market loss in an amount limited by the Floor or Buffer will be reflected in the Indexed Strategy value. For example, for a Floor Strategy with a floor of -10%, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced at the end of the Term by the fall in the Index, not to exceed -10%. For a 10% Buffer Strategy, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced by any amount by which the fall in the Index at the end of the Term exceeds the 10% Buffer. For each type of Indexed Strategy, this risk applies even if you do not take a withdrawal before the end of a Term.

Geopolitical conflicts could also create economic disruption, including increased market volatility, and presents economic uncertainty. The full impact and duration of these events are difficult to determine. Any such impact could adversely affect the performance of the securities that comprise the Indexes and may lead to losses on your investment in the Indexed Strategies.

The historical performance of an Index does not guarantee future results.

S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500^® Index is designed to reflect the large-cap sector of the U.S. equity market and, due to its composition, it also represents the U.S. equity market in general. Any positive change in the S&P 500 Index over a Term will be lower than the total return on an investment in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index because such total return will reflect dividend payments on those stocks and the S&P 500 Index will not reflect those dividend payments. More information about the S&P 500 Index is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus.

The S&P 500 Index is subject to multiple principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-capitalization companies. The S&P 500 Index tracks a subset of the U.S. stock market, which could cause the S&P 500 Index to perform differently from the overall stock market. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. In addition, the S&P 500 Index may, at times, become focused in stocks of a particular market sector, which would subject the S&P 500 Index to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of that sector.

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF. The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada (MSCI EAFE Index). This underlying index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. It may include large- or mid-capitalization companies. The share price of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is tied to the performance of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equites, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The share price may not replicate the performance of the fund, its underlying index, or the components of that index. More information about the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus. To learn more about the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, visit iShares.com and search ticker symbol EFA.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization foreign companies. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. Generally, the securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies are also more likely to fail than larger companies. Securities issued by non-U.S. companies are subject to the risks related to investments in foreign markets (e.g., increased price volatility; changing currency exchange rates; and greater political, regulatory and economic uncertainty). Because the fund is an ETF, it is also exposed to the risks associated with the operation of any ETF. The value of its shares, which are valued based on their trading prices in the secondary market, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may trade at premiums or discounts to the fund’s net asset value.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund’s prospectus, including the following risks: asset class risk, authorized participant concentration risk, concentration risk, currency risk, cyber security risk, equity securities risk, financials sector risk, geographic risk, index-related risk, issuer risk, large-capitalization companies risk, management risk, market risk, market trading risk, mid-capitalization companies risk, national closed market trading risk, non-U.S. securities risk, operational risk, passive investment risk, reliance on trading partners risk, risk of investing in developed countries, risk of investing in Japan, securities lending risk, structural risk, tracking error risk and valuation risk.

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF. The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the real estate sector (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index). This underlying index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. A significant portion of the underlying index is represented by real estate investment trusts (REITs), but the components are likely to change over time. The share price of the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is tied to the performance of the real estate sector. The share price may not replicate the performance of the fund, its underlying index, or the components of that index. More information about the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus. To learn more about the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, visit iShares.com and search ticker symbol IYR.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-, mid- and small-capitalization U.S. companies in the real estate sector. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. Generally, the securities of smaller companies (including mid- and small-capitalization companies) may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. Smaller companies are also more likely to fail than larger companies. Companies that invest in real estate are highly sensitive to the risks of owning real estate, to general and local economic conditions and developments in the real estate market, and to changes in interest rates. Many companies that invest in real estate utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk, and could potentially magnify the fund’s losses. Because the fund is an ETF, it is also exposed to the risks associated with the operation of any ETF. The value of its shares, which are valued based on their trading prices in the secondary market, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may trade at premiums or discounts to the fund’s net asset value.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund’s prospectus, including the following risks: asset class risk, authorized participant concentration risk, concentration risk, cyber security risk, dividend risk, equity securities risk, index-related risk, issuer risk, large-capitalization companies risk, management risk, market risk, market trading risk, mid-capitalization companies risk, operational risk, passive investment risk, real estate investment risk, risk of investing in the United States, securities lending risk and tracking error risk.

SPDR Gold Shares ETF. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF represents units of beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the SPDR Gold Trust, an exchange traded fund that holds gold bullion. The investment objective of the trust is for the shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust’s expenses. The shares are designed to mirror as closely as possible the price of gold, and the value of the shares relates directly to the value of the gold held by the trust, less its liabilities. The price of gold has fluctuated widely over the past several years and the shares have experienced significant price fluctuations. The value of the gold held by the trust is determined using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM. The Gold Shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol GLD. For more information, visit www.spdrgoldshares.com.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks related to the price of gold. The price of gold has fluctuated widely over the past several years and the shares have experienced significant price fluctuations. Several factors may affect the price of gold, including:

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Global gold supply and demand, which is influenced by such factors as gold’s uses in jewelry, technology and industrial applications, purchases made by investors in the form of bars, coins and other gold products, forward selling by gold producers, purchases made by gold producers to unwind gold hedge positions, central bank purchases and sales, and production and cost levels in major gold producing countries such as China, the United States and Australia;

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Global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations, especially those unexpected in nature;

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Investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation;

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Currency exchange rates;

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Interest rates;

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Investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds; and

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Other economic variables such as income growth, economic output, and monetary policies.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund’s prospectus, including the following risks: price risk, passive investment risk, trading market risk, risk of loss, damage, theft, or restriction on access, and risks related to the fund’s ETF structure.

First Trust Barclays Edge Index. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is designed to combine capital strength and value equity investment methodologies with a mix of US Treasury futures indexes for the potential to provide stable returns over time. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index consists of an equity component that combines stocks from the Capital Strength Index and the Value Line^® Dividend Index. The Capital Strength Index starts with the largest 500 companies in the NASDAQ US benchmark index and then reduces the selection universe by screening for companies that meet minimum criteria including cash and/or short-term investments on their balance sheets, low debt-to-market cap ratios and attractive return-on-equity. It then selects the top 50 names from this smaller universe based on low historical volatility. The Value Line Dividend Index starts with the universe of stocks published in its The Value Line Investment Survey publication and then selects those with a Value Line^® Safety Rank of 1 or 2, with attractive dividends and market cap of one billion dollars or above. It then equally weights all stocks that meet those conditions (generally, around 160-200 stocks). The First Trust Barclays Edge Index then combines the stocks represented in The Capital Strength Index and the Value Line Dividend Index with an equal-weight assigned to each underlying index and rebalanced back to equal-weight on a monthly basis. Furthermore, since the index is on an excess return basis (i.e., it returns the index performance in excess of risk free rates), the risk free return is deducted from the equity underliers. The risk free rate used in this calculation is the U.S. Fed Funds Rate published by the Federal Reserve of New York (ticker: FEDL01) for each day divided by 360 as outlined in the Index Rulebook. No such adjustment is needed to the US Treasury futures indexes as these securities returns are naturally on an excess return basis.

The Index uses an optimizer to evaluate its exposure to stocks and US Treasury futures indexes on a daily basis to target a 7% volatility level. This volatility control mechanism aims to target or limit the volatility of the index return over time by adjusting the exposure of the index constituents through a rules-based process called mean-variance optimization. The optimizer defines risk using both shorter and longer term measures of historical realized volatility. It then seeks to determine the allocations between the equity and US Treasury futures index that produce the highest expected return for the target volatility level, subject to constraints. Depending on the constraints of the optimizer at the time, the Index may or may not allocate to the US Treasury futures indexes. When the volatility measures are low, the index can have exposure greater than 100%. However, the optimizer is constrained such that the exposure can never be greater than 225%. Likewise, when volatility is high, the index exposure can be less than 100%. In addition, the First Trust Barclays Edge Index generally rebalances based on end-of-day values in the event there is a deviation in the index component weights of 10% or more, on an absolute basis, from the previous index rebalance value.

The performance of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index reflects the deduction of operating costs and rebalancing costs from the valuation of the underlying indexes. These costs, deducted as an annualized percentage on a daily basis, are fixed for the underlying indexes. The operating costs for the First Trust Barclays Edge Index range from 0.20% to 0.60%, and the rebalancing costs for the First Trust Barclays Edge Index range from 0.02% to 0.03%. The operating costs represent an estimate of the costs that would be incurred to buy and sell the index components. The rebalancing costs represent an estimate of the costs that would be incurred each time the Index rebalances due to changes in weightings of the Index components. The deduction of these costs occurs at the First Trust Barclays Edge Index level (i.e., the return on the First Trust Barclays Edge Index is reduced based on the applicable operating and rebalancing costs).

The principal risks of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index include:

DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by a portfolio may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

EQUITY SECURITIES RISK. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

INFLATION RISK. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of a portfolio’s assets and distributions may decline.

INTEREST RATE RISK. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in an underlying portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. A portfolio may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Higher market interest rates may reduce returns for the First Trust Barclays Edge Index. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security’s expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security’s yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

MARKET RISK. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the market and investment portfolios. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, had negative impacts, and in many cases severe impacts, on markets worldwide. While the development of vaccines has slowed the spread of the virus and allowed for the resumption of reasonably normal business activity in the United States, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures in an attempt to slow the spread. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets.

REIT RISK. REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. Increases in interest rates typically lower the present value of a REIT’s future earnings stream, and may make financing property purchases and improvements more costly. Because the market price of REIT stocks may change based upon investors’ collective perceptions of future earnings, the value of a portfolio that holds REITs will generally decline when investors anticipate or experience rising interest rates.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK. U.S. government securities are subject to interest rate risk but generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities. As a result, the yields available from U.S. government securities are generally lower than the yields available from other debt securities. U.S. government securities are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and the payment of principal when held to maturity. While securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal government agencies (such as Ginnie Mae) are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, securities issued by government sponsored entities (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are solely the obligation of the issuer and generally do not carry any guarantee from the U.S. government.

VOLATILITY CONTROL RISK. Volatility is a measure of the extent of variation in the returns of an asset over a period of time. The Index may reduce its exposure to one or more markets during periods of volatility in order to mitigate volatility in the value of the Index. During times when the Index reduces its market exposure in response to volatility, the Index will not fully participate in the growth in that market. Reducing market exposure during periods of volatility may mitigate the impact of short-term, significant market fluctuations in the Index’s return, but may also cause the Index to not fully participate in recoveries in those markets. There is no guarantee that any volatility control methodology will be successful.

Performance Lock Risk

If you make a Performance Lock election, you will no longer participate in the positive or negative performance of the Index over the remainder of the Term. This means the value of the Indexed Strategy cannot increase for the remainder of the Term, even if the Index rises over the remainder of the Term.

If you make a Performance Lock election, the Daily Value Percentage will be locked for the balance of the Term. This means that you will experience flat performance through the balance of the Term even if the Net Option Value increases, you will not benefit from the continued decline in the Daily Value Percentage, and your ending Strategy value will not be based on the ending Index value on the last day of the Term.

A Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the gain or loss applicable to the Indexed Strategy when electing a Performance Lock. The gain or loss may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted your Request in Good Order.

Market Risk Related to Option Prices

Before the end of a Term, money allocated to an Indexed Strategy is subject to the risk that changes in the related option prices may have a negative effect on the value of the Indexed Strategy. This risk applies only if you take a withdrawal or surrender your Contract before the end of a Term.

Regulatory Risk

MassMutual Ascend Life is not an investment company. Neither MassMutual Ascend Life nor the separate account that we established in connection with the Contracts is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The protections provided to investors by that Act are not applicable to the Contract.

Reliance on Our Claims-Paying Ability

No company other than MassMutual Ascend Life has any legal responsibility to pay amounts owed under the Contract. You should look to the financial strength of MassMutual Ascend Life for its claims-paying ability.

Our general account assets fund the guarantees provided in the Contracts. The assets are subject to our general business operation liabilities and claims of our creditors and may lose value. We established a non-unitized separate account for the purpose of supporting our obligation to adjust the Indexed Strategy values based on the Daily Value Percentage or rise or fall of the Index. The assets in the non-unitized separate account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct but may lose value. The non-unitized separate account differs from the unitized separate accounts that support our variable annuity contracts. As a result, unlike the owner of a traditional variable annuity who has a beneficial interest in, and participates in the performance of, the assets of the related unitized separate account, you do not have any interest in or claim on the assets in the non-unitized separate account and you will not participate in any way in the performance of assets held in that account.

Various factors, such as those listed below, could materially affect our business, financial condition, cash flows or future results and, in turn, our financial strength and claims-paying ability. A more complete discussion of these factors appears on pages A6-A10.

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Financial losses including those resulting from the following events:

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Adverse developments in financial markets and deterioration in global economic conditions

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Unfavorable interest rate environments

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Losses on our investment portfolio

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Loss of market share due to intense competition

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Ineffectiveness of risk management policies

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Changes in applicable law and regulations

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Inability to obtain or collect on reinsurance

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A downgrade or potential downgrade in our financial strength ratings

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Variations from actual experience and management’s estimates and assumptions that could result in inadequate reserves

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Significant variations in the amount of capital we must hold to meet statutory capital requirements

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Legal actions and regulatory proceedings

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Difficulties with technology or data security

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Failure to protect confidentiality of customer information

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Failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems

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Occurrence of catastrophic events, public health crises (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic), terrorism or military actions

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts financial markets, the global economy, and our financial strength and claims-paying ability will depend on future developments that cannot be predicted with certainty. We continue to be subject to significant state solvency regulations that require us to reserve amounts to pay our contractual guarantees. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Risks Primarily Related to MMALIC’s Financial Strength and Claims-Paying Ability,” and “Financial Statements”, and “Regulation” for additional financial information about the company and the state solvency regulations to which we are subject.

INDEXED STRATEGIES

The Indexed Strategies provide returns that are based, in part, upon changes in an Index. The Indexed Strategies do not earn interest at a fixed rate. Unlike a traditional variable annuity, the values of the Indexed Strategies are not based on the investment performance of underlying portfolios.

Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is determined based on the rise in the applicable Index since the start of that Term and the Cap for that Term. At the end of a Term, any decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is determined based on the fall in the applicable Index since the start of that Term and the Floor or Buffer.

Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term is based on the calculated price of hypothetical options related to the possible future change in the applicable Index over the Term, the initial cost of those options, and the trading cost related to those options. The calculated price of those options takes into account the Cap for the Term and the Floor or the Buffer.

If you have made a Performance Lock election, then beginning at the second Market Close following receipt of your election and continuing through the end of the Term, any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is locked in based on the Daily Value Percentage, which is the calculated price of hypothetical options related to the possible future change in the applicable Index over the Term, the initial cost of those options, and the trading cost related to those options, all as determined at that second Market Close.

Each Indexed Strategy has a Cap for each Term. We will set a new Cap for each Indexed Strategy prior to the start of each Term.

Each Floor Strategy has a Floor for each Term. The Floor for each Term is -10%. The Floor for a Floor Strategy will not change from Term to Term.

Each Buffer Strategy has a Buffer for each Term. The Buffer at the end of each Term is 10%. The Buffer for a 10% Buffer Strategy will not change from Term to Term.

This means that each Term it is possible for you to lose a portion of the money you allocated to a Floor Strategy or Buffer Strategy at the end of a Term or if you take a withdrawal before the end of a Term. In extreme circumstances, it is possible for you to lose all of the money you allocated to any Indexed Strategy if you Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term.

Available Indexed Strategies

S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap

SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap

First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

Possible Changes in Indexed Strategies

In the future, we may offer new Indexed Strategies. Any new Buffer Strategy will offer protection against loss at least equal to a 5% Buffer. Any new Floor Strategy will offer protection against loss at least equal to a -20% Floor.

Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies that are currently available. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

Considerations in Choosing an Indexed Strategy

When choosing among Indexed Strategies, you should consider the characteristics and risk profiles of the Indexes, which are discussed in the Indexes section of this prospectus. In addition, you cannot reallocate funds among Strategies before the end of a Term, and the only way to exit a Strategy before the end of a Term is to take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

When choosing among Indexed Strategies that use the same Index, you should also consider how the Caps may affect the potential return. An Indexed Strategy provides you with the opportunity to participate fully in any rise in the Index up to the Cap, but you will not participate in any rise in the Index in excess of the Cap.

When choosing among Indexed Strategies that use the same Index, you should also consider how the Buffers and Floors may affect your potential risk of loss.

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A Buffer Strategy protects you against losses up to the Buffer amount, but you are subject to any loss in excess of the Buffer.

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A Floor Strategy limits your loss to the Floor amount, and you will be protected against any loss beyond the Floor.

Term

Each Term of an Indexed Strategy is one year long and will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start at the end of the preceding Term.

If you make only one Purchase Payment or you make all of your Purchase Payments before the initial Strategy Application Date, then each Term of each Indexed Strategy will end on the same date in any given year. If you make a Purchase Payment after the initial Strategy Application Date, then your Purchase Payments will be applied to the Indexed Strategies on different Strategy Application Dates. In this case, an Indexed Strategy may have Terms that end on different dates in any given year.

Examples. These examples show how a Contract with multiple Purchase Payments may have Terms that end on different dates.

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You make your initial Purchase Payment on March 10 and another Purchase Payment on March 17. You allocate both payments to the same Indexed Strategy and both payments are applied on March 20. Each Term of that Indexed Strategy will start and end on March 20.

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You make your initial Purchase Payment on May 2 and another Purchase Payment on June 14. You allocate both payments to the same Indexed Strategy. Your initial Purchase Payment is applied on May 6 and the other Purchase Payment is applied on June 20. That Indexed Strategy will have Terms that start and end on May 6 and other Terms that start and end on June 20.

Investment Base

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is not your Account Value, Surrender Value, Annuity Payout value, or Death Benefit value, but it is used to calculate those values.

The Investment Base is the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of the current Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and related Early Withdrawal Charge during the current Term.

A withdrawal and the Related Early Withdrawal Charge reduce the Investment Base by an amount that is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal and the charge.

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If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is greater than the Investment Base, then the reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the withdrawal and the related Early Withdrawal Charge.

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If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is less than the Investment Base, then the reduction in the Investment Base will be more than the withdrawal and the related Early Withdrawal Charge.

Here are the formulas that we use to calculate a reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal.

Withdrawal as a percentage of Strategy value = withdrawal and related charge / Strategy value before withdrawal

Reduction in Investment Base = Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as a percentage of Strategy value

Investment Base after withdrawal = Investment Base before withdrawal – reduction in Investment Base

Indexed Strategy Value

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

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the Investment Base at the end of the Term; plus

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any net increase for a rise in the Index for the Term (measured at the start and end of the Term); or minus

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any net decrease for a fall in the Index for the Term (measured at the start and end of the Term).

In this formula, the Investment Base at the end of the Term is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of that Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and related Early Withdrawal Charge that you took during that Term. After we calculate the Investment Base at the end of the Term, we calculate any increase for a rise in the Index over that Term or any decrease for a fall in the Index over that Term. Any increase for the Term is subject to the Cap for that Term. Any decrease for the Term is subject to a Floor or Buffer.

Examples. At the end of a Term, the Investment Base in an Index Strategy is $5,000. You take a $1,000 withdrawal and no Early Withdrawal Charge applies to the withdrawal.

Assume that the Index had increased by 15% at the end of the Term, and a Cap of 10% was in place:


	At Final Market Close of Term
Rise in Index		+15	%
Increase as a Percentage		+10% (10% Cap)
Dollar Amount of Increase		+$500 ($5,000 x 10	%)
Strategy value before Withdrawal		$5,500 ($5,000 + $500	)
Withdrawal Amount		$1,000
Strategy Value at Term End		$4,500 ($5,500 - $1,000	)

If in this example an Early Withdrawal Charge of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000, your withdrawal amount would have been $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)), resulting in a Strategy value at Term End of $4,447 ($5,500 - $1,053).

Assume that the Index had decreased by 15% at the end of the Term, and either a Buffer of 10% or a 10% Floor was in place:


	At Final Market Close of Term
	10% Buffer			-10% Floor
Fall in Index		-15	%		-15	%
Decrease as a Percentage		-5% (15% fall minus 10% Buffer	)		-10% (-10% Floor)
Dollar Amount of Decrease		-$250 ($5,000 x -5	%)		-$500 ($5,000 x -10	%)
Strategy value before Withdrawal		$4,750 ($5,000 - $250	)		$4,500 ($5,000 - $500	)
Withdrawal Amount		$1,000			$1,000
Strategy Value at Term End		$3,750 ($4,750 - $1,000	)		$3,500 ($4,500 - $1,000	)

On each day before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

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the Investment Base on that day; plus

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any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage; or minus

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any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage.

In this formula, the Investment Base on each day before the end of the Term is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of that Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and related Early Withdrawal Charge that you took on or before that day. After we calculate the Investment Base on that day, we calculate any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage or any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage.

A withdrawal and the related Early Withdrawal Charge reduce the value of an Indexed Strategy by an amount equal to the withdrawal and the charge.

Examples. You allocate $5,000 to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a Term. This means the Investment Base at the start of the Term is $5,000. You take a $1,000 withdrawal and no Early Withdrawal Charge applies to the withdrawal.

Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is 5% on the withdrawal date.

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The increase for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

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The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

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The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $4,250 ($5,250 - $1,000).

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The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 19.05% ($1,000 / $5,250).

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The reduction in the Investment Base is $952 ($5,000 x 19.05%).

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The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $4,048 ($5,000 - $952).

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Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the Investment Base is only $952, which is less than the $1000 withdrawal.

If in this example an Early Withdrawal Charge of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000:

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The increase for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

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The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

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The total amount withdrawn is $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)).

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The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $4,197 ($5,250 - $1,053).

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The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 20.05% ($1,053 / $5,250).

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The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,003 ($5,000 x 20.05%).

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The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,997 ($5,000 - $1,003).

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Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the Investment Base was $1,003, which is less than the $1,053 withdrawal.

Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is -10% on the withdrawal date.

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The reduction for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $500 ($5,000 x -10%).

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The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $4,500 ($5,000 - $500).

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The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $3,500 ($4,500 - $1,000).

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The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 22.22% ($1,000 / $4,500).

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The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,111 ($5,000 x 22.22%).

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The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,889 ($5,000 - $1,111).

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Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was less than the Investment Base, the reduction in the Investment Base was $1,111, which is greater than the $1,000 withdrawal.

If in this example an Early Withdrawal Charge of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000:

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The reduction for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $500 ($5,000 x 10%).

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The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $4,500 ($5,000 - $500).

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The total amount withdrawn is $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)).

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The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $3,447 ($4,500 - $1,053).

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The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 23.39% ($1,053 / $4,500).

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The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,170 ($5,000 x 23.39%).

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The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,830 ($5,000 - $1,170).

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Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was less than the Investment Base, the reduction in the Investment Base was $1,170, which is greater than the $1,053 withdrawal.

Performance Lock

Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term of an Indexed Strategy. You can make a Performance Lock election once per Term for each S&P 500 Strategy and for each First Trust Barclays Edge Strategy.

You may make a Performance Lock election by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked. You may access Daily Value Percentage information for the Indexed Strategies as of the previous day’s Market Close by calling 1-800-789-6771 or by accessing your account online at www.massmutualascend.com.

A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage as locked at that second Market Close. This means that the Daily Value Percentage as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

Beginning on that second Market Close and continuing through the end of the Term, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

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the Investment Base on that day; plus

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any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage, as locked on that second Market Close; or minus

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any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage, as locked on that second Market Close.

After a Performance Lock election is effective, except for withdrawals, the value of a locked Strategy will not change until the start of the next Term.

Examples. You allocate $5,000 to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a Term. This means the Investment Base at the start of the Term is $5,000. You make a Performance Lock election, and on the second Market Close following receipt of that election the Daily Value Percentage is 5%.

Assume that you take no withdrawals.

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The increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

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On the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

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The Strategy value on each following day of the Term remains $5,250 because the Daily Value Percentage is locked. No further changes in the Daily Value Percentage are taken into account.

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The ending Strategy value is $5,250. The normal calculation based on the percentage change in the Index over the 1-year Term does not apply.

Assume you take a $1,000 withdrawal after the Performance Lock election is effective, and no Early Withdrawal Charge applies to the withdrawal:

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The increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

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On the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

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Until the withdrawal, the Strategy value on each following day of the Term remains $5,250 because the Daily Value Percentage is locked. No further changes in the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, or trading cost are taken into account.

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Immediately, after the $1,000 withdrawal, the Strategy value is $4,250 ($5,250 - $1,000).

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The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 19.05% ($1,000 / $5,250)

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The proportionate reduction in the Investment Base is $952 ($5,000 x 19.05%).

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The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $4,048 ($5,000 - $952).

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Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the Investment Base was $952, which is less than the $1,000 withdrawal.

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After the withdrawal, on each following day for the Term, the increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $202 ($4,048 x 5%).

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After the withdrawal, on each day of the Term, the Strategy value is $4,250 ($4,048 + $202). The Strategy value is the Investment Base after the withdrawal ($4,048) plus the increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage ($202).

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The ending Strategy value is $4,250. The normal calculation based on the percentage change in the Index over the 1-year Term does not apply.

INDEXES

The returns of each Index, except the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends.

S&P 500 Index

The S&P 500^® Index is designed to reflect the large-cap sector of the U.S. equity market and, due to its composition, it also represents the U.S. equity market in general. It includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization. The S&P 500 Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies in this index. Consequently, any positive change in the Index over the Term will be lower than the total return on a direct investment in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index.

The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”), and has been licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend Life. Standard & Poor’s^®, S&P^®, S&P 500^®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx^®, iTraxx^® and CDX^® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones^® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). MassMutual Ascend Life products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruption of the S&P 500 Index.

For more information, visit www.US.SPIndices.com.

SPDR Gold Shares ETF

The SPDR Gold Shares represent units of beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the SPDR Gold Trust, an exchange traded fund that holds gold bullion. The investment objective of the trust is for the shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust’s expenses. The shares are designed to mirror as closely as possible the price of gold, and the value of the shares relates directly to the value of the gold held by the trust, less its liabilities. The value of the gold held by the trust is determined using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM.

The Gold Shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol GLD. For more information, visit www.spdrgoldshares.com.

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada (MSCI EAFE Index). This underlying index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The components of the underlying index, and the degree to which these components represent certain industries and/or countries, are likely to change over time. The fund’s adviser uses an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The fund’s performance will be reduced by its expenses and fees.

The fund’s shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol EFA.

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. iShares^®, BLACKROCK^®, and the corresponding logos are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates (“BlackRock”), and these trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. MassMutual Ascend Life annuity products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlackRock, and purchasers of an annuity from MassMutual Ascend Life do not acquire any interest in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF nor enter into any relationship of any kind with BlackRock. BlackRock makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any MassMutual Ascend Life annuity product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing an annuity, nor does it have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions or use of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or any data related thereto.

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the real estate sector (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index). This underlying index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. A significant portion of the underlying index is represented by real estate investment trusts (REITs), but the components are likely to change over time. The fund’s adviser uses an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The fund’s performance will be reduced by its expenses and fees.

The fund’s shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol IYR.

The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. iShares^®, BLACKROCK^®, and the corresponding logos are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates (“BlackRock”), and these trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. MassMutual Ascend Life annuity products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlackRock, and purchasers of an annuity from MassMutual Ascend Life do not acquire any interest in the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF nor enter into any relationship of any kind with BlackRock. BlackRock makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any MassMutual Ascend Life annuity product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing an annuity, nor does it have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions or use of the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF or any data related thereto.

First Trust Barclays Edge Index

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is designed to combine capital strength and value equity investment methodologies with a mix of US Treasury futures indexes for the potential to provide stable returns over time.

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index consists of an equity component that combines stocks from the Capital Strength Index and the Value Line^® Dividend Index. The Capital Strength Index starts with the largest 500 companies in the NASDAQ US benchmark index and then reduces the selection universe by screening for companies that meet minimum criteria including cash and/or short-term investments on their balance sheets, low debt-to-market cap ratios and attractive return-on-equity. It then selects the top 50 names from this smaller universe based on low historical volatility. The Value Line Dividend Index starts with the universe of stocks published in its The Value Line Investment Survey publication and then selects those with a Value Line^® Safety Rank of 1 or 2, with attractive dividends and market cap of one billion dollars or above. It then equally weights all stocks that meet those conditions (generally, around 160-200 stocks). The First Trust Barclays Edge Index then combines the stocks represented in The Capital Strength Index and the Value Line Dividend Index with an equal-weight assigned to each underlying index and rebalanced back to equal-weight on a monthly basis. Furthermore, since the index is on an excess return basis (i.e., it returns the index performance in excess of risk free rates), the risk free return is deducted from the equity underliers. The risk free rate used in this calculation is the U.S. Fed Funds Rate published by the Federal Reserve of New York (ticker: FEDL01) for each day divided by 360 as outlined in the Index Rulebook. No such adjustment is needed to the US Treasury futures indexes as these securities returns are naturally on an excess return basis.

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is a custom index created for use in annuities issued by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. The Index sponsor and the Company have an exclusive agreement in place for this purpose but the Index sponsor could license the First Trust Barclays Edge Index for additional use at some point in the future once the exclusive time period is complete. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index has no performance history prior to April 14, 2023.

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index (“FTIS Index”) is a product of FT Indexing Solutions LLC (“FTIS”) and is administered and calculated by Bloomberg Index Services Limited and its affiliates (collectively, “BISL”). FIRST TRUST® is a trademark of First Trust Portfolios L.P. (collectively, with FTIS and their respective affiliates, “First Trust”). The foregoing index and trademark have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Barclays, Bloomberg, and MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual Ascend”) in connection with the FTIS Index and MassMutual Ascend’s products.

The Capital Strength Index (“Nasdaq Index”) is a product of Nasdaq, Inc. (collectively, with its affiliates, “Nasdaq”). NASDAQ®. CAPTIAL STRENGTH INDEX^TM, NQCAPST^TM, and NQCAPSTT^TM are trademarks of Nasdaq. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and MassMutual Ascend’s products.

The Value Line Dividend Index (“Value Line Index”) is a product of Value Line, Inc. (“Value Line”). VALUE LINE® and VALUE LINE DIVIDEND INDEX^TM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Value Line. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and MassMutual Ascend’s products. The FTIS Index is not sponsored, endorsed, recommended, sold or promoted by Value Line and Value Line makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the FTIS Index.

BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. Bloomberg Finance L.P., BISL and their affiliates (“Bloomberg”) are not affiliated with First Trust or Barclays. Bloomberg’s relationship to First Trust and Barclays is only (1) in the licensing of the FIRST TRUST®, BARCLAYS®, and FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE INDEX^TM trademarks and (2) to act as the administrator and calculation agent of the FTIS Index, which is the property of FTIS.

MassMutual Ascend’s products are not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold, recommended, or promoted by First Trust, Bloomberg, Nasdaq, Value Line, or their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Companies”). The Companies have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to MassMutual Ascend’s products. The Companies make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any product based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index, or to any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index particularly, or the ability of the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index to track general stock market performance. The Companies’ only relationship to MassMutual Ascend is in the licensing of the certain trademarks, trade names, and service marks and the use of the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Indices, and Value Line Indices, which are determined, composed and calculated without regard to MassMutual Ascend or MassMutual Ascend’s products. The Companies have no obligation to take the needs of MassMutual Ascend, or the owners of MassMutual Ascend’s products, or the sponsors or owners of products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index into consideration when determining, composing, or calculating the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Index, and Value Line Index. The Companies are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination or calculation of MassMutual Ascend’s products. There are no assurances from the Companies that products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indices, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. The Companies have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of MassMutual Ascend’s products. The Companies are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or financial instrument within an index is not a recommendation by the Companies to buy, sell, or hold such security or financial instrument, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

THE COMPANIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF MASSMUTUAL ASCEND’S PRODUCTS, FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDICES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. THE COMPANIES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS IN MASSMUTUAL ASCEND’S PRODUCTS, FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDICES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY MASSMUTUAL ASCEND OWNERS OF MASSMUTUAL ASCEND’S PRODUCTS OR OF PRODUCTS BASED ON THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDICES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDICES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO MASSMUTUAL ASCEND’S PRODUCTS, FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDICES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANIES BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, WHETHER ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE. EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN MASSMUTUAL ASCEND AND THE COMPANIES.

Neither Barclays Bank PLC (“BB PLC”) nor any of its affiliates (collectively ‘Barclays’) is the issuer or producer of MassMutual Ascend’s products and Barclays has no responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in MassMutual Ascend’s products. The Barclays US 2Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 5Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 10Y Treasury Futures Index, and Barclays Switch USD Signal Index (collectively, the “Indices”), together with any Barclays indices that are components of the Indices, are trademarks owned by Barclays and, together with any component indices and index data, are licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend as the issuer or producer of MassMutual Ascend’s products (the ‘Issuer’).

Barclays’ only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Indices is the licensing of the Indices, which are administered, compiled and published by BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the ‘Index Sponsor’) without regard to the Issuer or MassMutual Ascend’s products or investors in MassMutual Ascend’s products. Additionally, MassMutual Ascend as issuer or producer of MassMutual Ascend’s products may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Indices in connection with MassMutual Ascend’s products. Investors acquire MassMutual Ascend’s products from MassMutual Ascend and investors neither acquire any interest in the Indices nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment in MassMutual Ascend’s products. MassMutual Ascend’s products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes no representation regarding the advisability of MassMutual Ascend’s products or use of the Indices or any data included therein. Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, investors or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy of the Indices or any data included therein.

Barclays Index Administration (“BINDA”), a distinct function within BB PLC, is responsible for day-to-day governance of BB PLC’s activities as Index Sponsor.

To protect the integrity of Barclays’ indices, BB PLC has in place a control framework designed to identify and remove and/or mitigate (as appropriate) conflicts of interest. Within the control framework, BINDA has the following specific responsibilities:

•

oversight of any third party index calculation agent;

•

acting as approvals body for index lifecycle events (index launch, change and retirement); and

•

resolving unforeseen index calculation issues where discretion or interpretation may be required (for example: upon the occurrence of market disruption events).

To promote the independence of BINDA, the function is operationally separate from BB PLC’s sales, trading and structuring desks, investment managers, and other business units that have, or may be perceived to have, interests that may conflict with the independence or integrity of Barclays’ indices.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential conflicts of interest exist as a consequence of BB PLC providing indices alongside its other businesses. Please note the following in relation to Barclays’ indices.

•

BB PLC may act in multiple capacities with respect to a particular index including, but not limited to, functioning as index sponsor, index administrator, index owner and licensor.

•

Sales, trading or structuring desks in BB PLC may launch products linked to the performance of an index. These products are typically hedged by BB PLC’s trading desks. In hedging an index, a trading desk may purchase or sell constituents of that index. These purchases or sales may affect the prices of the index constituents which could in turn affect the level of that index.

•

BB PLC may establish investment funds that track an index or otherwise use an index for portfolio or asset allocation decisions.

The Index Sponsor is under no obligation to continue the administration, compilation and publication of the Indices of the level of the Indices. While the Index Sponsor currently employs the methodology ascribed to the Indices (and application of such methodology shall be conclusive and binding), no assurance can be given that market, regulatory, juridical, financial, fiscal or other circumstances (including, but not limited to, any changes to or any suspension or termination of or any other events affecting any constituent within the Index) will not arise that would, in the view of the Index Sponsor, necessitate an adjustment, modification or change of such methodology. In certain circumstances, the Index Sponsor may suspend or terminate the Indices. The Index Sponsor has appointed a third-party agent (the ‘Index Calculation Agent’) to calculate and maintain the Indices. While the Index Sponsor is responsible for the operation of the Indices, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the Index Calculation Agent.

Barclays

makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Issuer or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in transactions generally or the ability of the Indices to track the performance of any market or underlying assets or data; and

has no obligation to take the needs of the Issuer into consideration in administering, compiling or publishing the Indices.

Barclays has no obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of MassMutual Ascend’s products.

The licensing agreement between FTIS and BB PLC is solely for the benefit of FTIS and Barclays and not for the benefit of the owners of MassMutual Ascend’s products, investors or other third parties.

BARCLAYS DOES NOT GUARANTEE, AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE PURCHASERS AND TRADERS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF THE TRANSACTION OR TO THIRD PARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE INDICES. BARCLAYS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDICES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL BARCLAYS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOST PROFITS, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES SAVE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.

None of the information supplied by Barclays and used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167. Registered office 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP.

Index Values

For Indexed Strategies that use the S&P 500 Index or the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, the Index is the level of the S&P 500 Index or the First Trust Barclays Edge Index at the applicable Market Close. For Indexed Strategies that use the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, the Index is the applicable exchange-traded fund’s share price on the NYSE Arca at the applicable Market Close.

We will use consistent sources to obtain the values of an Index. We currently obtain the values for the S&P 500 Index and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF from S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, the values for the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF from BlackRock, Inc., and the value for the First Trust Barclays Edge Index from Bloomberg Index Services Limited. If those sources are no longer available, we will select an alternative published source(s) to obtain such values.

Index Replacement

We may replace an Index if: it is discontinued, we are no longer able to use it, its calculation changes substantially, we determine that hedging instruments are difficult to acquire, or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

We would attempt to choose a replacement Index that is similar to the old Index. To determine if a new Index is similar, we will consider factors such as asset class, index composition, strategy or methodology inherent to the index and index liquidity.

If we replace an Index during a Term, we will calculate the rise and fall in the Index using the old Index up until the replacement date. After the replacement date, we will calculate the rise and fall in the Index using the new Index, but with a modified start of Term value for the new Index. The modified start of Term value for the new index will reflect the rise or fall in the Index for the old Index from the start of the Term to the replacement date.

If we replace an Index, the Caps for the Term and the Floor or Buffer will not change.

Example. These examples are intended to show how we would calculate the Strategy value on any day during a Term if we have replaced an Index during the Term. The examples assume: (1) you allocate $50,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a cap of 8%; and (2) the replacement is made on day 90 of the Term, and (3) no Performance Lock election has been made. To simplify the examples, we assume that you take no withdrawals during the Term.

Example 1. This example illustrates a situation where the old Index has risen at the time of its replacement.


Change in Index on Replacement Date for Old Index
Old Index at Term start	1000
Old Index on replacement date	1050
Change in old Index on replacement date	(1050 - 1000) / 1000 = 5.00	%

The 5% rise in the old Index on the replacement date is then used to calculate the modified start of Term value for the new Index.


Modified Start of Term Value for New Index
Change in old Index on replacement date	5.00	%
New Index on replacement date	1785
Modified start of Term value for new Index	1785 / (100% + 5.00%) = 1700

The modified start of Term value for the new Index is then used to calculate the Indexed Strategy value on any date after the replacement date, including the value at the Term end.


Indexed Strategy Value at Term End
Investment Base at Term start	$	50,000
Modified start of Term value for new Index		1700
Value of new Index at Term end		1853
Change in new Index		(1853 - 1700) / 1700) = 9.00	%
Cap		8.00	%
Change in new Index limited by Cap		8.00	%
Change as a percentage		8.00% x 100% = 8.00	%
Dollar amount of change	$	50,000 x 8.00% = $4,000
Strategy value at Term end	$	50,000 + $4,000 = $54,000

Example 2. This example illustrates a situation where the old Index has fallen at the time of its replacement.


Change in Index on Replacement Date for Old Index
Old Index at Term start	1000
Old Index on replacement date	950
Change in old Index on replacement date	(950 - 1000) / 1000 = -5.00	%

The 5% fall in the old Index on the replacement date is then used to calculate the modified start of Term value for the new Index.


Modified Start of Term Value for New Index
Change in old Index on replacement date	-5.00	%
New Index on replacement date	1786
Modified start of Term value for new Index	1786 / (100% - 5.00%) = 1880

The modified start of Term value for the new Index is then used to calculate the Indexed Strategy value on any date after the replacement date, including the value at the Term end.


Indexed Strategy Value at Term End
Investment Base at Term start	$	50,000
Modified start of Term value for new Index		1880
Value of new Index at Term end		1598
Change in new Index		(1598 - 1800) / 1700) = -15.00	%
Floor		-10	%

Change in new Index limited by Floor		-10.00	%
Change as a percentage		-10.00% x 100% = -10.00	%
Dollar amount of change	$	50,000 x -10.00% = -$5,000
Strategy value at Term end	$	50,000 - $5,000 = $45,000

CAPS, FLOORS, AND BUFFERS

We set limits for the increase and reduction in the value of an Indexed Strategy for a Term. We limit increases with a Cap. We limit reductions with a Floor or a Buffer. For information about the current Caps offered for new Contracts, please contact your registered representative or refer to our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

Caps. The Cap for an Indexed Strategy is the largest rise in the Index maximum positive net Index change for a Term measured at the start and end of the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Cap is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

•

The Cap will vary among Indexed Strategies.

•

The Cap for a given Indexed Strategy will vary from Term to Term.

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We guarantee that the Cap for a Term of an Indexed Strategy will never be less than 1%.

•

For each Term, your return on an Indexed Strategy with a Cap may be less than any rise in the Index over that Term.

•

For each Term, your return on an Indexed Strategy with a Cap may be less than the Cap for that Term.

We set Caps based on the length of the Term, the cost of hedging, interest rates, and other market factors. On a non-discriminatory basis, we may also take into account the amount of the Purchase Payments received for a Contract. The Caps for Contracts with larger Purchase Payments may be higher than the Caps for Contracts with smaller Purchase Payments. You may obtain information regarding these Caps by calling 1-800-789-6771 or on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

Caps for Initial Terms. Each Purchase Payment is applied to an initial Term of a Strategy on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the date that the payment is received. The Caps for each Strategy Application Date may vary. The Caps for the first Strategy Application Date will be available on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) on the date you signed the application (as long as we receive the application for the Contract within eight days after the date you sign it) and before the date of any Purchase Payment to which the Caps will apply. If we receive the application for the Contract within eight days after the date you sign it, we will guarantee the Caps in effect on the date you signed the application for three Strategy Application Dates from the date of the application.

If we receive the signed application within eight days after the date you sign it, then for any Indexed Strategy:

•

For an initial Term starting on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the application date, the Cap will be the Cap in effect on the date you signed the application.

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For an initial Term starting on one of the next two Strategy Application Dates, the Cap will be the higher of the Cap in effect on the date you signed the application or the Cap otherwise in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

•

For any initial Term starting on a later Strategy Application Date, the Cap will be the Cap in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

If we receive the signed application more than eight days after the date you sign it, then the guarantee does not apply and the Cap for each Initial Term will be the Cap in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

Example: You sign an application for a Contract on May 1 and allocate all of your Purchase Payments to the S&P 500 10% Buffer Strategy. On the date of the application, the Cap for the first Strategy Application Date (May 6) is 8%. We receive the application and the first Purchase Payment from you on May 8 and the second Purchase Payment from you on May 23. The Cap for the second Strategy Application Date is 10% (May 20) and the Cap for the third Strategy Application Date is 7% (June 6).

In this case, the initial 1-year Term for the first Purchase Payment would begin on May 20 and would have an 10% Cap (the higher of the May 6 rate or the May 20 rate). The initial 1-year Term for the second Purchase Payment would begin on June 6 and would have an 8% Cap (the higher of the May 6 rate or the June 6 rate).

If we had not received your signed application until May 10 (more than eight days after the date you signed the application), then you would not qualify for the rate guarantee, and the initial 1-year Term for the first Purchase Payment received on May 8 would have an 10% Cap (the May 20 rate effective for Purchase Payments received between May 7 and May 20), and the initial 1-year Term for the second Purchase Payment received on May 23 would have a 7% Cap (the June 6 rate effective for Purchase Payments received between May 21 and June 6).

Caps for Subsequent Terms. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about the Indexed Strategies that will be available for the next Term, and will indicate the date by which the Caps will be posted on our website. The Caps for the next Term will be available on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) at least 10 days before the start of the Term. You should consider this information before finalizing your renewal or reallocation decision.

Floor. The Floor for an Indexed Strategy is the portion of any net fall in the Index for the Term (measured at the start and end of the Term) that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of that Term. For each Term of each Floor Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Floor is -10%. Before the end of a Term, the -10% Floor is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

The Floor for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Floor Strategy that offers more protection against loss than a -10% Floor, but we will not offer a new Floor Strategy that offers less protection against loss than a -20% Floor.

Buffer. The Buffer for an Indexed Strategy is the portion of any net fall in the Index for the Term (measured at the start and end of the Term) that is disregarded when determining the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Buffer is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Buffer Strategy that offers more protection against loss than a 10% Buffer, but we will not offer a new Buffer Strategy that offers less protection against loss than a 5% Buffer.

INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE AT END OF TERM

On or after the final Market Day of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased for any net rise in the applicable Index or decreased for any net fall in the applicable Index over that Term. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out in this section do not apply, and the value at the end of a Term is determined as described under Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election section on page 34.

Any increase or decrease is based on the rise or fall in the applicable Index since the start of that Term. This rise or fall is expressed as a percentage of the Index at the start of the Term. It is measured from the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of that Term to the Index at the final Market Close of the Term.

Example. The Index was 1000 at the last Market Close on or before for first day of a Term.

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If the Index at the final Market Close of the Term is 1065, then the Index has risen by 6.5% ((1065 - 1000) / 1000).

•

If the Index at the final Market Close of the Term is 925, then the Index has fallen by 7.5% ((925 - 1000) / 1000).

Floor Strategy (Strategy with Cap and Floor)

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of an Indexed Strategy with a Floor.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any net rise in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Cap

Decrease percentage = any net fall in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Floor

Example 1. At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a 14% Cap and a -10% Floor. You do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.


	At Final Market Close of Term	At Final Market Close of Term
Rise or fall in Index	+16%	–16%
Increase or decrease percentage	+14% (16% > 14% Cap)	–10% (-16% < -10%)
Dollar amount of increase or decrease	+14,000 ($100,000 x 14%)	–10,000 ($100,000 x –10%)
Strategy value at end of Term	$114,000 ($100,000 + $14,000)	$90,000 ($100, 000 - $10,000)

Buffer Strategy (Strategy with Cap and Buffer)

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer and a Cap.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any net rise in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Cap

Decrease percentage for the Buffer Strategy = any net fall in the Index for the Term to the extent that it is greater than the Buffer

Example. At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a 13% Cap and a 10% Buffer. You do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means that your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.


	At Final Market Close of Term	At Final Market Close of Term
Rise or fall in Index	+16%	–16%
Increase or decrease percentage	+13% (16% > 13% Cap)	–6% (-16% - -10%)
Dollar amount of increase or decrease	+13,000 ($100,000 x 13%)	–6,000 ($100,000 x –6%)
Strategy value at end of Term	$113,000 ($100,000 + $13,000)	$94,000 ($100,000 - $6,000)

INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE BEFORE END OF TERM

Before the final Market Day of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out in this section do not apply, and the value after the effective date of the Performance Lock election through the end of the Term is determined as described under Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election section below.

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value before the end of a Term.

Strategy value before end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage

Daily Value Percentage = Net Option Price – Amortized Option Cost – Trading Cost

Net Option Price

The Net Option Price is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Net Option Price is based on the calculated prices of hypothetical options that represent the projected changes in the Index over the full Term. The mathematical model we use to price those options is described in the Option Prices section of this prospectus.

Net Option Price for a Floor Strategy (Strategy with Cap and a -10% Floor)

For an Indexed Strategy with a Cap and a -10% Floor, four option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

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ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index

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OTM Call Option Price, which is subtracted in order to limit any rise in the Index by the Cap

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ATM Put Option Price, which is subtracted to represent the possible fall in the Index; and

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OTM Put Option Price, which is added to limit any fall in the Index to the Floor.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at the Market Close; (3) minus the ATM Put Option Price at the Market Close; and (4) plus the OTM Put Option Price at the Market Close.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the amount by which the ATM Put Option Price exceeds the OTM Put Option Price, and the ATM Put Option Price always exceeds the OTM Put Option Price because the ATM Put Option Price represents the constant present potential for a fall in the Index before the end of the Term, while the OTM Put Option Price represents the lesser/included potential for a change in the Index of more than the -10% Floor.

Net Option Price for a Buffer Strategy (Strategy with Cap and Buffer)

For an Indexed Strategy with a Cap and a Buffer, three option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

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ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index

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OTM Call Option Price, which is subtracted in order to limit any rise in the Index by the Cap

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OTM Put Option Price, which represents the possible fall in the Index and is limited by the Buffer in order to reflect your share in any such fall.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at the Market Close; and (3) minus the OTM Put Option Price at the Market Close.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the OTM Put Option Price, and the OTM Put Option Price is always above zero due to the constant present potential for a fall in the Index before the end of the Term.

Amortized Option Cost

The Amortized Option Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Amortized Option Cost starts with the Net Option Price at the beginning of a Term, which is calculated using the formulas set out above. That Net Option Price is then multiplied by the time remaining in the Term as a percentage of the length of the Term.

The Amortized Option Cost as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the Net Option Price for the Strategy at the beginning of the Term; multiplied by (2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of the Term divided by 365.

Trading Cost

The Trading Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Trading Cost as of a Market Close is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical options before the end of a Term. It is a percentage that reflects the average market difference between option average bid-ask prices and option bid prices.

Daily Value Percentage Examples

Examples. Here are examples that show how the Daily Value Percentage formula works for Strategies that have a -10% Floor and a 10% Buffer.

Assumptions


Option Price Assumptions	Price at Start of Term (as a Percentage of Index at Start of Term)			Price at Current Market Close (as a Percentage of Index at Start of Term)
ATM Call Option Price		6.00	%		7.47	%
OTM Call Option Price		1.15	%		1.81	%
ATM Put Option Price		5.40	%		3.36	%
OTM Put Option Price		4.50	%		2.80	%


Strategy Assumptions
Investment Base for each Strategy	$	100,000
Cap for one-year Term		11	%
Floor Strategy: Floor		-10	%
Buffer Strategy: Buffer		10	%
Days remaining to last Market Day of one-year Term		275
No Performance Lock election is made
Trading Cost Assumption		0.15	%

Example 1: Floor Strategy (Strategy with Cap and -10% Floor)


Current ATM Call Option Price – Current OTM Call Option Price		5.66	%	(7.47% – 1.81%)
Current ATM Put Option Price – Current OTM Put Option Price		– 0.56	%	(3.36% – 2.80%)
*Net Option Price*		= 5.10	%
Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price		4.85	%	(6.00% – 1.15%)
Initial ATM Put Option Price – Initial OTM Put Option Price		– 0.90	%	(5.40% – 4.50%)
Net Option Cost		= 3.95	%
Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term		x 75.34	%	(275 / 365)
*Amortized Option Cost*		= 2.98	%
Net Option Price		5.10	%
Amortized Option Cost		2.98	%
Assumed Trading Cost		– 0.15	%
*Daily Value Percentage*		= 1.97	%
Dollar amount of increase	$	1,970		($100,000 x 1.970%)
Value of Floor Strategy	$	101,970		($100,000 + $1,970)

Example 2: Buffer Strategy (Strategy with Cap and 10% Buffer)


Current ATM Call Option Price – Current OTM Call Option Price		5.66	%	(7.47%-1.81%	)
Current OTM Put Option Price		–2.80	%
*Net Option Price*		= 2.86	%
Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price		4.85	%	(6.00%-1.15%	)
Initial OTM Put Option Price		– 4.50	%
Net Option Cost		= 0.35	%
Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term		x 75.34	%	(275 / 365	)
*Amortized Option Cost*		0.26	%
Net Option Price		2.86	%
Amortized Option Cost		–0.26	%
Assumed Trading Cost		– 0.15	%
*Daily Value Percentage*		= 2.45	%

Dollar amount of increase	$	2,450		($100,000 x 2.45%	)
Value of Buffer Strategy	$	102,450		($100,000 + $2,450	)

Maximum Loss Before the End of a Term

If you Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal before the end of a Term, there is no set maximum loss because the Indexed Strategy value is determined using the Daily Value Percentage. The loss on a Floor Strategy may exceed the Floor and a Buffer Strategy may not receive the benefit of the 10% Buffer, because the use of the Daily Value Percentage means that the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are subtracted from the Strategy value. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are determined each time the Daily Value Percentage is calculated. As a result, in extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings.

INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE AFTER PERFORMANCE LOCK ELECTION

For an S&P 500 Strategy or a First Trust Barclays Edge Strategy, you may make a Performance Lock election, If you do so, then the normal rules described in the Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term section and the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section do not apply. Instead, beginning on the second Market Close following the receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Daily Value Percentage used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of the Term is locked in.

Your Request in Good Order for a Performance Lock election must be received by the third-to-last Market Close of the Term.

If you make a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value through the end of the Term.

Strategy value before or at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x locked Daily Value Percentage

Locked Daily Value Percentage = Net Option Price – Amortized Option Cost – Trading Cost, all as determined at the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election

Performance Lock Examples

Examples. Here are examples that show how the Performance Lock election works for S&P 500 or First Trust Barclays Edge Strategies.

Assumptions


Option Price Assumptions	Price at Start of Term (as a Percentage of Index at Start of Term)			Price on Lock Effective Date (as a Percentage of Index at Start of Term)
ATM Call Option Price		6.00	%		7.47	%
OTM Call Option Price		1.15	%		1.81	%
ATM Put Option Price		5.40	%		3.36	%
OTM Put Option Price		4.50	%		2.80	%


Strategy Assumptions
Investment Base for each Strategy	$	100,000
Cap for one-year Term		11	%
Floor Strategy: Floor		-10	%
Buffer Strategy: Buffer		10	%
Days remaining to last Market Day of one-year Term on Lock Effective Date		275
Trading Cost Assumption		0.15	%

Example 1: Floor Strategy (Strategy with Cap and -10% Floor)


Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price – OTM Call Option Price		5.66	%		(7.47% – 1.81%)
Lock effective date ATM Put Option Price - ATM Put Option Price		– 0.56	%		(3.36% – 2.80%)
*Net Option Price on Lock effective date*		= 5.10	%
Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price		4.85	%		(6.00% – 1.15%)
Initial ATM Put Option Price – Initial OTM Put Option Price		– 0.90	%		(5.40% – 4.50%)
Net Option Cost		= 3.95	%
Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term		x 75.34	%		(275 / 365)
*Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*		= 2.98	%
Net Option Price		5.10	%
Amortized Option Cost		– 2.98	%
Assumed Trading Cost		– 0.15	%
*Locked Daily Value Percentage*		= 1.97	%
Dollar amount of increase	$	1,970		($	100,000 x 1.970%)
Value of Floor Strategy	$	101,970		($	100,000 + $1,970)

Example 2: Buffer Strategy (Strategy with Cap and 10% Buffer)


Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price – OTM Call Option Price		5.66	%		(7.47%-1.81%	)
Lock effective date OTM Put Option Price		–2.80	%
*Net Option Price on Lock effective date*		= 2.86	%
Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price		4.85	%		(6.00%-1.15%	)
Initial OTM Put Option Price		– 4.50	%
Net Option Cost		= 0.35	%
Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term		x 75.34	%		(275 / 365	)
*Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*		0.26	%
Net Option Price		2.86	%
Amortized Option Cost		–0.26	%
Assumed Trading Cost		– 0.15	%
*Locked Daily Value Percentage*		= 2.45	%

Dollar amount of increase	$	2,450		($	100,000 x 2.45%	)
Value of Buffer Strategy	$	102,450		($	100,000 + $2,450	)

DECLARED RATE STRATEGY

The Declared Rate Strategy earns interest at a fixed rate with annual compounding. Interest will be credited daily to amounts held under the Declared Rate Strategy. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri.

Declared Rates

We will set the Declared Rate for a Term before that Term starts. It will be guaranteed for the entire Term.

At least 10 days before the initial Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

If you are not satisfied with the Declared Rate offered for your initial Term, you may rescind your Contract by returning it and giving written notice of your decision to rescind. You will have 20 days in which to rescind your Contract. The rescission period will end at midnight of the 20th day after the date you receive your Contract. The amount to be refunded upon rescission depends on the state where your Contract was issued. Please refer to the “Right to Cancel (Free Look)” section on page 49.

At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

We may set a different Declared Rate for each subsequent Term. For a Term, different rates may apply with respect to amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates.

In any event, the Declared Rate for a Term will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued.

Term

Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one year long and will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start at the end of the preceding Term.

If you make only one Purchase Payment or you make all of your Purchase Payments before the initial Strategy Application Date, then each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy will end on the same date in any given year. If you make a Purchase Payment after the initial Strategy Application Date, then your Purchase Payments will be applied to the Crediting Strategies on different Strategy Application Dates. In this case, the Declared Rate Strategy will have Terms that end on different dates in any given year.

Declared Rate Strategy Value

The value of the Declared Rate Strategy is equal to:

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the amounts applied to the Strategy at the start of the current Term; minus

•

each withdrawal and related Early Withdrawal Charge taken from the Strategy during the current Term; plus

•

interest that we have credited on the balances in the Strategy for the current Term.

The rise or fall of an Index does not affect the value of the Declared Rate Strategy. A withdrawal from the Declared Rate Strategy and the related Early Withdrawal Charge reduce the Declared Rate Strategy value by an amount equal to the withdrawal and the charge.

PURCHASE

You may purchase a Contract only through a registered representative of a broker-dealer that has a selling agreement with our affiliated underwriter, MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC.

Any Owner or Annuitant must be age 80 or younger on the Contract Effective Date. To determine eligibility, we will use the person’s age on his/her last birthday. We may make exceptions with respect to the maximum issue age in our discretion.

The Contract is not available in all states. To find out if it is available in the state where you live, ask your registered representative. The Contract may not be available for purchase during certain periods. There are a number of reasons why the Contract periodically may not be available, including that we want to limit the volume of sales of the Contract. You may wish to speak to your registered representative about how this may affect your purchase. For example, in order to purchase the Contract, you may be required to submit your application prior to a specific date. In that case, if there is a delay because your application is incomplete or otherwise not in good order, you might not be able to purchase the Contract. Your broker-dealer may impose conditions on the purchase of the Contract, such as a lower maximum issue age, than we or other selling firms impose. We reserve the right to reject any application in our discretion. We also reserve the right to discontinue the sale of the Contracts at any time.

Purchase Payments

The Contract is a modified single premium annuity contract. This means you may make one or more Purchase Payments during the purchase payment period. The purchase payment period begins on the Contract Effective Date. It will end two months after the Contract Effective Date.

We must receive your initial Purchase Payment on or before the Contract Effective Date. We must receive each additional Purchase Payment on or before the last day of the purchase payment period. We will not accept any Purchase Payment that we receive after the date that the Contract is cancelled or Surrendered or after a death for which a Death Benefit is payable.

We reserve the right to refuse a Purchase Payment made in the form of a personal check in excess of $100,000. We may accept a Purchase Payment over $100,000 made in other forms, such as EFT/wire transfers, or certified checks or other checks written by financial institutions. We will not accept a Purchase Payment(s) made with cash, money orders, or traveler’s checks.

Exchanges, Transfers, or Rollovers

If you own an annuity or tax-qualified account, you may be able to exchange it for an Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity, directly transfer it to an Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity, or roll it over to an Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity without paying taxes. Before you do, compare the benefits, features, and costs of each annuity or account. You may pay an early withdrawal charge under the old annuity or account. You may pay an early withdrawal charge if you later take withdrawals from your Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity. Please note that some financial professionals may have a financial incentive to offer this Contract in place of the one the investor already owns. Ask your registered representative whether an exchange, transfer, or rollover would be advantageous, based on the features, benefits, and charges of the Index Frontier 5 Plus annuity.

If you purchase your Contract with an exchange, transfer, or rollover, a delay in processing the exchange, transfer, or rollover may delay the issuance of your new Contract or prevent the application of additional Purchase Payments to your new Contract.

You should only exchange your existing contract for this Contract if you determine after comparing the features, fees, and risks of both contracts that it is preferable for you to purchase this Contract rather than continuing to own your existing contract.

Application of Purchase Payments

Each Purchase Payment will be held in the Purchase Payment Account until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy on a Strategy Application Date. On each Strategy Application Date, we will apply the then current balance of the Purchase Payment Account to the Crediting Strategies you selected.

We will credit interest daily on amounts held in the Purchase Payment Account at the annual effective rate set out in your Contract. This rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued.

In certain states, we are required to give back your Purchase Payment(s) if you decide to cancel your Contract during the free look period. If we are required by law to refund your Purchase Payment(s), we reserve the right to hold your Purchase Payment(s) in the Purchase Payment Account until the first Strategy Application Date on or after the end of the free look period. If we do so and you cancel your Contract before that Strategy Application Date, we will refund your Purchase Payment(s) but you will forfeit any interest credited to the Purchase Payment Account or other increase in the Account Value.

Purchase Payment Account Value

On any day, the value of the Purchase Payment Account is equal to:

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Purchase Payments received by us plus interest earned daily; minus

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the premium tax or other tax that may apply to the Purchase Payments; and minus

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each withdrawal and related Early Withdrawal Charge taken from the Purchase Payment Account since the last Strategy Application Date.

Unforeseen Processing Delays

We are exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as (but not limited to) storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, public health crises, malicious acts, and terrorist acts, any of which could adversely affect our ability to conduct business. A natural or man-made disaster or catastrophe, including a pandemic (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), could affect the ability or willingness of our employees or the employees of our service providers to perform their job responsibilities. Catastrophic events may negatively affect the computer and other systems on which we rely, impact our ability to calculate values under your Contract, or have other possible negative impacts. There can be no assurance that our service providers will be able to successfully avoid negative impacts associated with natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes.

A processing delay will not affect the effective date as of which we process transactions, including orders from contract owners, the date that a Term begins or ends, or the values used to process the transaction.

INITIAL STRATEGY SELECTIONS

You make your initial selection of Crediting Strategies in your purchase application. Your initial selection is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

Your initial selection will also apply to each subsequent Purchase Payment. If you wish to change your selection for a specific Purchase Payment, we must receive a Request in Good Order that identifies the Crediting Strategies you are selecting for that Purchase Payment before the Strategy Application Date that applies to that Purchase Payment.

When you select a Crediting Strategy, you must also indicate the percentage of the Purchase Payment that you wish to allocate to that Crediting Strategy. All allocations must be in whole percentages that total 100%. We reserve the right to round amounts up or down to make whole percentages, and to reduce or increase amounts proportionally in order to total 100%.

Currently there are no limitations on the amounts that may be applied to a Crediting Strategy.

We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for any future Term in our discretion. We will notify you of any such minimum or maximum. The Company will not establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages for the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy in the future. Selling Broker-Dealers may separately establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that they will allow to be allocated to a given Crediting Strategy for the initial Terms, and they may chose not to discuss or offer certain strategies for the initial Terms. We may limit the availability of a Strategy for a Term that would extend beyond the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. All Strategies may not be available in all states.

STRATEGY SELECTIONS AT TERM END

At the end of a Term, you may choose to reallocate your money among the Indexed Strategies or you may choose to take no action. If you do not send us a reallocation request, your current allocations will automatically continue in the new Term as long as the same Index Strategies are available.

Reallocations

At the end of a Term, you may reallocate the ending values of the Crediting Strategies for that Term among the available Strategies. You can only reallocate amounts from one Crediting Strategy to another at the end of the Term for which such amount is being held. You cannot make a reallocation at any other time.

We will send you written notice at least 30 days before the end of a Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. We must receive your Request in Good Order for a reallocation on or before the last day of the Term. For example, if the end of a Term falls on a weekend, we must receive your request on the last Market Day before that weekend.

Continuing Allocations

You do not need to take any action if you want to continue your current allocations and all of your strategies are available for the next Term. If you do not send us a reallocation request, then we will automatically apply the ending value of each Indexed Strategy to a new Term of that same Strategy.

Unavailable Strategies

A Crediting Strategy may be unavailable for the next Term because we are no longer offering that Strategy or we have set a minimum or maximum for that Strategy. The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy.

When an Indexed Strategy is unavailable for the next Term, you may choose to reallocate the funds held in that Strategy.

If funds are allocated to a Crediting Strategy that will not be available for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the ending value of that Crediting Strategy as follows:

to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Crediting Strategy, has protection against loss that is equal to or greater than that offered by the prior Crediting Strategy, and has a Term that is no longer than the prior Crediting Strategy; or

to the Declared Rate Strategy having the shortest Term.

Surrender or Withdrawal at Term End

At the end of a Term, you may choose to Surrender your Contract or to take a withdrawal from your Contract. You may do so for any reason, including dissatisfaction with the available Crediting Strategies. An Early Withdrawal Charge may apply on Surrender or to a withdrawal that exceeds the Free Withdrawal Allowance. In addition, there may be tax consequences if you Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

Contract values calculated at the end of a Term will reflect the applicable Strategy values and any Early Withdrawal Charge that applies upon Surrender or to your withdrawal. The value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of the Term will not reflect any Daily Value Percentage because it is calculated based on the rise or fall of the applicable Index for the Term.

Limitations

Reallocations must be in whole percentages that total 100%. We reserve the right to round amounts up or down to make whole percentages, and to reduce or increase amounts proportionally in order to total 100%.

Any reallocation or continuing allocation will be subject to Strategy availability, minimums and maximums. Currently, we have no limitations on the amounts that may be applied to any single Crediting Strategy. We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for any future Term in our discretion. We will notify you of any such minimum or maximum. Selling Broker-Dealers may separately establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that they will allow to be allocated to a given Crediting Strategy.

The new Term of each Strategy is subject to the Declared Rate or Cap in effect for that Strategy for that new Term. For example, the Cap for an Indexed Strategy for a new Term may be different than the Cap for that Indexed Strategy for the Term that is ending. The Floor or Buffer will not change from Term to Term.

Availability of Strategies

We will send you a written notice at least 30 days before the end of each Term with information about the Strategies that will be available for the next Term. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate and Caps that will apply for the next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

The S&P 500 1-year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy and a Declared Rate Strategy will always be available. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Declared Rate Strategy or any other particular Indexed Strategy. At the end of a Term, we can add or stop offering any other Crediting Strategy at our discretion. We reserve the right to limit the availability of a Strategy for a Term that would extend beyond the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. All Crediting Strategies may not be available in all states.

If we intend to add or stop offering a Crediting Strategy at the end of a Term, we will send you a notification at least 30 days before the end of the Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. If funds are held in a Crediting Strategy that will no longer be available after the end of a Term, the funds will remain in that Strategy until the end of that Term.

Default Strategy

At the end of a Term, to the extent any amount cannot be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for the next Term because that Strategy is no longer available or the amount is under the minimum or over the maximum for that Strategy for the new Term, unless you send us a request to reallocate that amount we will apply the amount as follows:

to the Declared Rate Strategy having the shortest Term.

For example, if you allocate only to a SPDR Gold Shares -10% Floor 1-Year Term with Cap and that Strategy is no longer available and you do not send us a request to reallocate, then we will apply the amount allocated to that Strategy to another SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Strategy with a Floor no lower than -10% for the next Term. If no such SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Strategy exists, we will apply the amount allocated to that Strategy to the Declared Rate Strategy.

If the amount to be applied exceeds the maximum, then only the excess amount will be applied to the Declared Rate Strategy. For example, if the maximum amount for a Crediting Strategy is $50,000 and the amount to be applied is $54,000, then we will apply the excess $4,000 to the Declared Rate Strategy for the next Term unless you send us a request to reallocate that $4,000.

We must receive your Request in Good Order for a reallocation on or before the last day of the Term. For example, if the end of a Term falls on a weekend, we must receive your request on the last Market Day before that weekend.

Note: For Contracts issued in Missouri where the Declared Rate Strategy is not available, the default strategy will be the S&P 500 1-year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy.

CASH BENEFIT

Surrender

You may Surrender your Contract at any time before the earlier of: (1) the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; or (2) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable. The right to Surrender may be restricted if your Contract is purchased under an employer plan subject to IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity plans), or IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans).

A Surrender must be made by a Request in Good Order. The amount paid upon Surrender is the Surrender Value. If you Surrender your Contract, the Contract terminates.

Withdrawals

You may take a withdrawal from your Contract at any time before the earliest of: (1) the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; (2) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable; or (3) the date that this Contract is Surrendered. The right to withdraw may be restricted if your Contract is purchased under an employer plan subject to IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity plans), or IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans).

A withdrawal must be made by a Request in Good Order. The amount of any withdrawal must be at least $500. If the withdrawal would reduce the Account Value to less than the minimum value of $5,000, we will treat the withdrawal request as a request to withdraw the maximum amount that may be taken without reducing your Account Value to less than $5,000.

We will withdraw funds from your Account Value as of the date on which we receive your Request in Good Order or any later specified effective date. You may designate the Crediting Strategy or Strategies from which a withdrawal will be taken by a Request in Good Order prior to the date of the withdrawal. If you do not make a designation, we will take the withdrawal from the Crediting Strategies in the following order:

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first from the Purchase Payment Account;

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then from the Declared Rate Strategy; and

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then proportionally from Indexed Strategies.

Effect of Withdrawals

A withdrawal reduces the Account Value, which in turn reduces the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit.

If an Early Withdrawal Charge applies to your withdrawal, your Account Value will be reduced by the amount you receive plus the amount needed to pay the Early Withdrawal Charge. A withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy other than at the end of a Term also reduces the Investment Base used to calculate the Strategy value later in the Term. The reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal and any related Early Withdrawal Charge is proportional to the reduction in the strategy value.

Automatic Withdrawals

You may elect to automatically withdraw money from your Contract under any automatic withdrawal program that we offer. Your Account Value must be at least $10,000 in order to make an automatic withdrawal election. The minimum amount of each automatic withdrawal payment is $100. Automatic withdrawals will be taken from the Purchase Payment Account and Crediting Strategies of your Contract in the same order as any other withdrawal.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the automatic withdrawal program, you may begin or discontinue automatic withdrawals at any time. You must give us at least 30 days’ notice to change any automatic withdrawal instructions that are currently in place. Any request to begin, discontinue or change automatic withdrawals must be a Request in Good Order. We reserve the right to discontinue offering automatic withdrawals at any time.

Currently, we do not charge a fee to participate in an automatic withdrawal program. However, we reserve the right to impose an annual fee in such amount as we may then determine to be reasonable for participation in the automatic withdrawal program. If imposed, the fee will not exceed $30 annually.

Before electing an automatic withdrawal, you should consult with a financial advisor.

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Automatic withdrawals are similar to starting Annuity Payout Benefit payments, but will result in different taxation of payments and potentially a different amount of total payments over the life of your Contract.

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Automatic withdrawals during a Term of an Indexed Strategy will reduce the Investment Base, which will reduce any subsequent increase in the Strategy value due to a positive Daily Value Percentage during that Term or a rise in the applicable Index at the end of that Term. Such reductions could be significant.

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Automatic withdrawals will reduce the amount available under the Free Withdrawal Allowance described below.

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Unless a waiver applies, an Early Withdrawal Charge may apply to an automatic withdrawal during the Early Withdrawal Charge period.

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If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the value of an Indexed Strategy on an automated withdrawal date will reflect the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

Exchanges, Transfers, and Rollovers

An amount paid on a withdrawal or Surrender may be paid to or for another annuity or tax-qualified account in a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to the extent allowed by federal tax law.

FEES AND CHARGES

AMORTIZED OPTION COST AND TRADING COST USED TO CALCULATE DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE

The Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, and a locked Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy for the balance of a Term if you have made a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage is calculated by subtracting the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are charges for unwinding the investment before the end of a Term. These charges reduce the Indexed Strategy value. When the Contract is Surrendered or a withdrawal is taken before the end of a Term, or when you make a Performance Lock election, the reduction in Indexed Strategy value due to the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost may cause a loss to exceed the -10% Floor and may eliminate the benefit of the 10% Buffer. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are determined each time the Daily Value Percentage is calculated or when a Performance Lock election is made. As a result, in extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings. For more information on the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost, please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section beginning on page 31.

EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGE

We impose an Early Withdrawal Charge to reimburse us for contract sales expenses, including commissions and other distribution, promotion, and acquisition expenses, and to allow us to invest assets for a longer duration, which supports higher declared interest rates and Caps.

The Early Withdrawal Charge applies if, during the first five Contract Years, you take a withdrawal from your Contract or Surrender it. After that, the Early Withdrawal Charge does not apply.

During the first five Contract Years, the Early Withdrawal Charge applies to each withdrawal, including withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal program and withdrawals taken to satisfy a required distribution. The Early Withdrawal Charge does not apply to Death Benefit payments or Annuity Payout Benefit payments.

An Early Withdrawal Charge reduces your Account Value.

The Early Withdrawal Charge is equal to the amount that is subject to the charge multiplied by the Early Withdrawal Charge rate.

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If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is the amount you withdraw, which includes any amount needed to pay the Early Withdrawal Charge. This means that at your direction either we will subtract the Early Withdrawal Charge from amount paid to you or we will increase the amount withdrawn as needed to cover the charge.

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If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is your Account Value.

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The amount subject to the charge will not include the Free Withdrawal Allowance or the amount, if any, that qualifies for a waiver as described below.

The Early Withdrawal Charge rate depends on how long you own your Contract. The rate schedule is set out below.


Contract Year	1			2			3			4			5			6+
Early Withdrawal Charge Rate		8	%		7	%		6	%		5	%		4	%		0	%

Example for Surrender. You Surrender your Contract in Contract Year 5 when your Account Value is $100,000. You have already used your Free Withdrawal Allowance for the year and no other exception applies. We take an Early Withdrawal Charge of $4,000 ($100,000 x 4%) and you receive $96,000.

Example for Withdrawal. You request a withdrawal of $12,000 from your Contract in Contract Year 5 and instruct us to pay you the entire $12,000. You have already used your Free Withdrawal Allowance for the year and no other exception applies. We use the following formula to calculate the Early Withdrawal Charge.

(Requested withdrawal x EWC rate) / (1.00 - EWC rate) = Early Withdrawal Charge

($12,000 x 4%) / (1.00 - 0.04) = $480 / 0.96 = $500

We take the Early Withdrawal Charge of $500, you receive $12,000, and your Account Value is reduced by $12,500.

Note. If the amount subject to the Early Withdrawal Charge included only the amount you withdrew, the charge would have been $480. Because the amount subject to the Early Withdrawal charge also included the amount needed to pay the charge, the actual charge is $500.

Free Withdrawal Allowance

The Free Withdrawal Allowance lets you withdraw some money from your Contract without the imposition of the Early Withdrawal Charge. For the first Contract Year, the Free Withdrawal Allowance is an amount equal to 10% of the total Purchase Payments received by us. For each subsequent Contract Year, the Free Withdrawal Allowance is equal to 10% of the Account Value as of the most recent Contract Anniversary. The Free Withdrawal Allowance is non-cumulative and you may not carry over any unused portion to other Contract Years.

For qualified annuities, the Free Withdrawal Allowance will be large enough to cover your required minimum distribution to age 93. However, if you have used your Free Withdrawal Allowance to facilitate a transfer or rollover, then an Early Withdrawal Charge may apply to a required minimum distribution.

Example. Your Account Value as of the end of Contract Year 3 is $200,000. Your Free Withdrawal Allowance for Contract Year 4 is $20,000 (10% of $200,000). If you take a withdrawal of $50,000 at the beginning of Contract Year 4, the Early Withdrawal Charge will not apply to the first $20,000 of the withdrawal, but will apply to the remaining $30,000 plus the amount needed to pay the Early Withdrawal Charge. If you take another withdrawal later in Contract Year 4, the Early Withdrawal Charge applies to the entire withdrawal plus the amount needed to pay the Early Withdrawal Charge.

If you Surrender your Contract during the first five Contract Years, the amount subject to the Early Withdrawal Charge upon Surrender will not include the current or any prior Free Withdrawal Allowance.

Early Withdrawal Charge Waivers

Extended Care Waiver. (Rider form R1462316NW-Waiver of Early Withdrawal Charges for Extended Care Rider). We will waive the Early Withdrawal Charge that would otherwise apply if you make a Request in Good Order and:

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your Contract is modified by the Extended Care Waiver Rider;

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you are confined in a long-term care facility or hospital and the confinement is prescribed by a physician and is medically necessary;

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the first day of the confinement is at least one year after the Contract Effective Date; and

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the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

You must provide us with satisfactory proof that you meet these conditions before the date of the withdrawal or Surrender. There is no charge for this rider, but it may not be available in all states. (See the State Variations section on page 66 for information about availability in your state.) You do not need to take any action to add this waiver rider. Before you request a waiver, carefully review the rider to ensure that you understand how it works.

Terminal Illness Waiver. (Rider form R1462416NW-Waiver of Early Withdrawal Charges Upon Terminal Illness Rider). We will waive the Early Withdrawal Charge that would otherwise apply if you make a Request in Good Order and:

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your Contract is modified by the Waiver of Early Withdrawal Charges upon Terminal Illness Rider;

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you are diagnosed with a terminal illness by a physician and, as a result of the terminal illness, you have a life expectancy of less than 12 months from the date of diagnosis; and

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the diagnosis is rendered by a physician more than one year after the Contract Effective Date.

Automatic Withdrawal Program Charges

State Limitations. In some states, our ability to waive fees or charges may be limited by applicable laws, regulations or administrative positions.

ANNUITY PAYOUT BENEFIT

Under the Contract you may receive regular Annuity Payout Benefit payments for the duration of the period that you select. Once Annuity Payout Benefit payments start, you can no longer Surrender the Contract or take a withdrawal, no Death Benefit will be payable under your Contract, your Beneficiary designations will no longer apply, and the Crediting Strategies will no longer be available. The amount payable after death, if any, is governed by the Payout Option you select.

The Annuity Payout Benefit is payable if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date is reached before the earlier of: (1) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable; or (2) the date that this Contract is Surrendered.

Annuity Payout Initiation Date

The Annuity Payout Initiation Date is the first day of the first payment interval for which payment of the Annuity Payout Benefit is to be made. Annuity Payout Benefit payments are made at the end of each payment interval. This means that for annual payments, the first payment will be made one year after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

You may select the Annuity Payout Initiation Date by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request before the last Market Close on or before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date you selected and at least 30 days before the first Annuity Payout Benefit payment is to be made.

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The earliest Annuity Payout Initiation you may select is the first Contract Anniversary.

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Unless we agree to a later date, the latest Annuity Payout Initiation Date you may select is the Contract Anniversary following your 95th birthday or the 95th birthday, of a joint owner, if earlier. If the Owner is not a human being such as a trust or a corporation, then the Annuity Payout Initiation Date may not be later than the Contract Anniversary following the 95th birthday of the eldest Annuitant, unless we agree to a later date.

The earliest permitted date and the latest permitted date for the Annuity Payout Initiation Date are set out on your Contract Specifications Page. The latest permitted date may change if an Owner changes.

If you do not select an Annuity Payout Initiation Date by the latest permitted date, we may select it for you. We will notify you in writing at least 45 days before the date we select. We will give you an opportunity to select an earlier date.

Annuity Payout Amount

The amount of each payment under the Annuity Payout Benefit is determined on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date based on the Annuity Payout value on that date, the Payout Option that applies, and the payment interval.

The Annuity Payout value is the amount that can be applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit is equal to: (1) the Account Value on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; minus (2) premium tax or other taxes not previously deducted. If the Annuity Payout value is determined on a date other than the end of the Term, the Annuity Payout value will be based on the Daily Value Percentage or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. Please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section on page 31 or the Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election on page 34 for more information.

Form of Annuity Payout Benefit

You may elect to have the Annuity Payout Benefit paid in any form of Payout Option that is available under your Contract. The available Payout Options are described in the Payout Options section on page 45. You may elect a Payout Option by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request before the last Market Close on or before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and at least 30 days before the first Annuity Payout Benefit payment is to be made.

If we have selected the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and you have not elected a Payout Option, the Annuity Payout Benefit is paid in the form of annual payments as a Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period. That fixed period will be 10 years or, if fewer, the maximum number of whole years permitted by any tax qualification endorsement.

Payee for Annuity Payout Benefit

Payment of the Annuity Payout Benefit generally is made to the surviving Owner(s) as the payee(s). In place of that, the surviving Owner(s) may elect for payment to be made as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover, or for payment to be made to the Annuitant. That election must be made by a Request in Good Order that we receive at least 30 days before the payment date.

Payments that become due after the death of the payee are made to:

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the surviving Owner(s); or if none

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then to the surviving contingent payee(s) designated by the surviving Owner(s); or if none;

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the estate of the last payee who received payments.

The portion of any Annuity Payout Benefit remaining after the death of an Owner or Annuitant must be paid at least as rapidly as payments were being made at the time of such death.

You may designate a contingent payee by a Request in Good Order. If you designate your spouse as a contingent payee and your marriage ends before your death, then we will treat your former spouse as having predeceased you except in the following situations: (1) if a court order provides that the former spouse’s rights as a contingent payee are to continue; or (2) if the former spouse remains or becomes an Owner.

DEATH BENEFIT

A Death Benefit is payable under your Contract if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the Contract is Surrendered. If your spouse becomes a successor owner of the Contract, no Death Benefit will be payable on account of your death.

When the Owner is a non-natural person, a Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the Contract is Surrendered. For this purpose, a non-natural person is a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity.

Only one Death Benefit will be paid under the Contract. If a Death Benefit becomes payable, it will be in place of all other benefits under the Contract, and all other rights under this Contract will terminate except for rights related to the Death Benefit.

Death Benefit Payout Date

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If the Death Benefit is to be paid as a lump sum, then it will be paid as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of death and a Request in Good Order for a lump sum payment.

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If the Death Benefit is to be paid under a Payout Option, then we will apply the Death Benefit value to a Payout Option as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of death and a Request in Good Order. That application date will be the first day of the first payment interval for which a payment is to be made. Death Benefit payments under a Payout Option are made at the end of each payment interval. This means that, for annual payments, the first payment will be made one year after that application date.

Death Benefit Amount

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If the Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum, then it is equal to the Death Benefit value, increased by any additional post- death interest as required by law.

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If the Death Benefit will be paid as a series of periodic payments under a Payout Option, then the amount of each payment under the Death Benefit is determined on the date that the Death Benefit value is applied to the Payout Option. The amount or each payment will be based on the Death Benefit value (increased by any additional post-death interest as required by law to the date it is applied to the Payout Option), the Payout Option that applies, and the payment interval.

Death Benefit Value

The Death Benefit value is the greater of:

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the Account Value determined as of the date that the Death Benefit value is determined; or

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the Return of Premium Guarantee.

In either case, the Death Benefit value is reduced by premium tax or other taxes not previously deducted.

The Account Value will reflect the applicable Strategy values as calculated on the date the Death Benefit is determined. If the Death Benefit value is determined on a date other than the end of the Term, the Death Benefit value will be based on the Daily Value Percentage, or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. Please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section on page 31 or the Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election on page 34 for more information.

Return of Premium Guarantee

The Return of Premium Guarantee is equal to your Purchase Payments (the “Purchase Payment base”), reduced proportionally for all withdrawals, but not including amounts applied to pay Early Withdrawal Charges.

The reduction in your Purchase Payment base for withdrawals will be in the same proportion that your Account Value was reduced on the date of the withdrawal. A proportional reduction in your Purchase Payment base could be larger than the dollar amount of your withdrawal.

Example. Here is an example of how we calculate a proportional reduction of your Purchase Payment base. In this example, we assume you take an $8,000 withdrawal and the Purchase Payment base is larger than the Account Value at the time of the withdrawal. To simplify the example, we also assume no Early Withdrawal Charge, no premium tax is deducted, and no additional post-death interest is added.


	Before Withdrawal		After Withdrawal		Explanation
Account Value	$	100,000	$	92,000	Your withdrawal reduces your Account Value by $8,000 (which is an 8% reduction in your Account Value). $8,000 / $100,000 = 8%
Purchase Payment base for Death Benefit	$	120,000	$	110,400	After the withdrawal, the Purchase Payment base for the Death Benefit is also reduced by 8% or $9,600. $120,000 x 8% = $9,600

Determination Date

The date that the Death Benefit value is determined is the date that we have received both proof of death and Requests in Good Order with instructions as to the form of Death Benefit from all Beneficiaries. Until then, the Contract values remain in the Crediting Strategies will renew into new Terms of the same Strategies if the end of a Term is reached, and the Indexed Strategy values may fluctuate. This risk is borne by the Beneficiaries.

Proof of Death. Before making payment of a Death Benefit, or any other payment or transfer of ownership rights that depends on the death of a specified person, we will require proof of death. We may delay making any payment until it is received. For this purpose, proof of death is:

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a certified copy of a death certificate showing the cause and manner of death;

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a certified copy of a decree that is made by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of death; or

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other proof that is satisfactory to us.

Form of Death Benefit

You may elect to have the Death Benefit paid in one lump sum or in any form of Payout Option that is available under your Contract. The available Payout Options are described in the Payout Options section below. There is no additional charge associated with this election. Any election is subject to the Death Benefit Distribution Rules described below.

If you do not elect a different Payout Option, the Death Benefit is paid in the form of annual payments for a fixed period of two years.

You may make an election by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request on or before the date of death for which a Death Benefit is payable. If you do not make such an election, the Beneficiary may make that election after the date of death. The Beneficiary’s election must be made by a Request in Good Order that is received by us no later than the date that the Death Benefit value is applied to a Payout Option and at least 30 days before the date of the first payment to be made.

Additional Rules for Payout Options. A Payout Option that is contingent on life is based on the life of the Beneficiary or, in some cases, the life of a person to whom the Beneficiary is obligated. We will pay the Death Benefit as a lump sum rather than as payments under a Payout Option if: (1) the Death Benefit is less than $2,000; or (2) as of the date that the Death Benefit value is to be applied to a Payout Option, the Death Benefit Distribution Rules do not allow a two-year payout.

Payee of Death Benefit Payments

Death Benefit payments generally are made to the Beneficiary as the payee.

In place of that, the Beneficiary may elect to have payments made:

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as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to or for an annuity or tax-qualified account as permitted by federal tax law; or

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in cases where the Beneficiary is an estate, trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity, to a person to whom the Beneficiary is obligated to make corresponding payments.

Payments that become due after the death of the Beneficiary are made to:

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the contingent payee designated as part of a Death Benefit Payout Option elected by you; or if none

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then to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary; or if none

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the estate of the last payee who received payments.

Such payments are subject to the Death Benefit Distribution Rules described below.

You may designate a contingent payee by a Request in Good Order. A Beneficiary may make or change a payee or contingent payee, except a Beneficiary may not change a designation made as part of a Payout Option election made by you for the Death Benefit. If the Beneficiary designates his or her spouse as a contingent payee and their marriage ends before the Beneficiary’s death, then we will treat the former spouse as having predeceased the Beneficiary except to the extent a court order provides that the former spouse’s rights as a contingent payee are to continue.

Death Benefit Distribution Rules

The Death Benefit Distribution Rules are summarized below.

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For a Tax Qualified Contract. The Death Benefit must be paid in accordance with the tax qualification endorsement.

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For a Nonqualified Contract. The Death Benefit must be paid either: (1) in full within five years of the date of death; or (2) over the life of the Beneficiary or over a period certain not exceeding the Beneficiary’s life expectancy, with payments at least annually, and with the first payment made within one year of the date of death.

PAYOUT OPTIONS

The standard Payout Options are described below. The standard Payout Options will always be available, subject to tax law limitations. We will make payments in any other form of Payout Option requested by you that is acceptable to us at the time of any election. More than one Payout Option may be elected if the requirements for each Payout Option elected are satisfied. All elected Payout Options must comply with pertinent laws and regulations.

Payments under each standard Payout Option are made at the end of a payment interval. For example, if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date is October 31, 2028 and you select annual payments, then the first payment will be paid as of October 31, 2029.

Fixed Period Payout

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For the Annuity Payout Benefit

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for the fixed period of time that you select. For a nonqualified contract, fixed periods shorter than 10 years are not available. For a tax-qualified contract, the only fixed period available is 10 years.

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If the payee dies before the end of the fixed period, then we will make periodic payments to the surviving owner(s), or if none, then to the surviving contingent payee(s), or if none, then to the estate of the last payee who received payments.

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In all cases, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period.

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For the Death Benefit

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for the fixed period of time that you or the Beneficiary selects. The fixed period cannot exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary. For a tax-qualified contract, the fixed period also cannot exceed 10 years.

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If the Beneficiary dies before the end of the fixed period, then we will make periodic payments to the contingent payee designated as part of any Death Benefit Payout Option that you have elected. If no such contingent payee is surviving, then such payments will be made to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary. If there is no contingent payee surviving, then such payments will be made to the estate of the last payee who received payments.

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In all cases, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period.

Life Payout

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For the Annuity Payout Benefit

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the Annuitant lives. Payments will stop on the death of the Annuitant. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Annuitant dies, payments will stop.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date but before the first payment, a Life Payout will not provide any benefit at all. In that case, we will reverse the Annuity Benefit Payout election and treat the Contract as if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date had not yet been reached.

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If the Owner is living, this treatment will generally allow the Owner to choose between continuing the Contract as a deferred annuity or electing a new Annuity Payout Initiation Date and another Payout Option.

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If the Annuitant’s death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date would give rise to a Death Benefit, then the Death Benefit will be available.

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For the Death Benefit

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives. Payments will stop on the death of the Beneficiary. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Beneficiary dies, payments will stop. For a tax-qualified contract, a Life Payout is not available to all Beneficiaries.

If the Beneficiary dies after the Death Benefit is applied to the Payout Option but before the first payment, a Life Payout will not provide any benefit at all. In that case, we will reverse the Payout Option election and allow the Beneficiary’s estate to choose a new Payout Option or to take the Death Benefit as a lump sum.

Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period

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For the Annuity Payout Benefit

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the Annuitant lives. For a tax-qualified contract, fixed periods longer than 10 years are not available.

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If the Annuitant dies after the end of the fixed period you selected, then payments will stop on the death of the Annuitant.

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If the Annuitant dies before the end of the fixed period you selected, then we will make periodic payments to the surviving owner(s), or if none, then to the surviving contingent payee(s), or if none, then to the estate of the last payee who received payments. In this case, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period you selected.

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For the Death Benefit

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives. The fixed period cannot exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary. For a tax-qualified contract, a Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period is not available to all Beneficiaries, and the fixed period also cannot exceed 10 years.

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If the Beneficiary dies after the end of the fixed period selected, then payments will stop on the death of the Beneficiary.

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If the Beneficiary dies before the end of the fixed period you or the Beneficiary selected, then we will make periodic payments to the contingent payee designated as part of any Death Benefit Payout Option that you have elected. If no such contingent payee is surviving, then such payments will be made to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary. If there is no contingent payee surviving, then such payments will be made to the estate of the last payee who received payments. In this case, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period you or the Beneficiary selected.

Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout

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For the Annuity Payout Benefit

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the primary Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the primary Annuitant lives.

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If the primary Annuitant dies and the secondary Annuitant does not survive the primary Annuitant, then payments will stop on the death of the primary Annuitant. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the primary Annuitant dies, payments will stop unless the secondary Annuitant survives.

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If the primary Annuitant dies and the secondary Annuitant is surviving, then we will make one-half of the periodic payment to you, or the secondary Annuitant, if you direct, for the rest of the secondary Annuitant’s life. In this case, payments will stop on the death of the secondary Annuitant.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date but before the first payment, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout will never provide the full payment amount. In that case, if the secondary Annuitant agrees, we will reverse the Annuity Benefit Payout election and treat the Contract as if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date had not been reached.

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If the Annuitant’s death before the Annuity Benefit Payout Initiation Date would give rise to a Death Benefit, then the Death Benefit will be available.

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For the Death Benefit

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives.

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If the Beneficiary dies and the contingent payee does not survive the Beneficiary, then payments will stop on the death of the Beneficiary. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Beneficiary dies, payments will stop unless the contingent payee survives.

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If the Beneficiary dies and the contingent payee designated as part of the Death Benefit Payout Option election is surviving, then we will make one-half of the periodic payment to the contingent payee for the rest of the contingent payee’s life. In this case, payments will stop on the death of the contingent payee.

If the Beneficiary dies after the Death Benefit is applied to the Payout Option but before the first payment, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout will never provide the full payment amount. In that case, if the contingent payee agrees, we will reverse the Payout Option election and allow the Beneficiary’s estate to choose a new Payout Option or to take the Death Benefit as a lump sum.

For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout is only available in certain cases where the Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the owner.

Payments under a Payout Option

Payments under a Payout Option are calculated and paid as fixed dollar payments. The stream of payments is an obligation of the general account of MassMutual Ascend Life. Fixed dollar payments will remain level for the duration of the payment period. Once payments begin under a Payout Option, the Payout Option may not be changed. Once the Contract value is applied to a Payout Option, the periodic payments cannot be accelerated or converted into a lump sum payment unless we agree.

We will use the 2012 Individual Annuity Reserving Table with projection scale G2 for blended lives (60% female/40% male) with interest at 1% per year, compounded annually, to compute all guaranteed Payout Option factors, values, and benefits under the Contract. For purposes of calculating payments based on the age of a person, we will use his or her age as of his or her last birthday.

Considerations in Selecting a Payout Option

Payments under a Payout Option are affected by various factors, including the length of the payment period, the life expectancy of the person on whose life payments are based, and the frequency of the payment interval (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually).

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Generally, the longer the period over which payments are made or the more frequently the payments are made, the lower the amount of each payment because more payments will be made.

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For Life Payout Options, the longer the life expectancy of the Annuitant or Beneficiary, the lower the amount of each payment because more payments are expected to be paid.

Non-Human Payees under a Payout Option

Except as stated below, the primary payee under a Payout Option must be a human being. All payments during his or her life must be made by check payable to the primary payee or by electronic transfer to a bank account owned by the primary payee.

Exceptions. Below are some exceptions to the general rule that the primary payee must be a human being. We may make other exceptions in our discretion.

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A nonhuman that is the Owner of the Contract may be the primary payee. For example, if the Owner is a trust, that trust may be the primary payee.

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Payments may be made payable to another insurance company or financial institution as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to or for another annuity or tax-qualified account as allowed by federal tax law.

PROCESSING PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND REQUESTS

Processing Purchase Payments

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If we receive a Purchase Payment on a Market Day before the Market Close, we will apply it to your Contract on that Market Day.

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If we receive a Purchase Payment on a Market Day after the Market Close or on a day that is not a Market Day, then we will apply it to your Contract on the next Market Day.

An amount applied to a Contract will be held in the Purchase Payment Account until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy or Strategies on a Strategy Application Date pursuant to your instructions. We cannot apply an amount held in the Purchase Payment Account to a Crediting Strategy or Strategies if we do not have complete instructions from you.

If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before sending a Purchase Payment.

Processing Requests

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Requests may be made by mail at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423.

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Requests by fax may be made at 800-807-9777.

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Requests for reallocations among Crediting Strategies may be made by telephone at 1-800-789-6771 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday. We may also permit reallocation requests to be made at our website (www.massmutualascend.com). Some selling firms may restrict the ability of their registered representatives to convey reallocation requests by telephone or Internet on your behalf.

To obtain one of our forms (for example, a Strategy Selection form or a Withdrawal Request form) or to obtain more information about how to make a request, call us at 1-800-789-6771 or send us a fax at 800-807-9777. You can also request forms or information by mail at MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423. You may also obtain forms on our website, (www.massmutualascend.com).

We cannot process a request unless it is a Request in Good Order. A request may be rejected or delayed if it is not a Request in Good Order.

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If we receive a Request in Good Order on a Market Day before the Market Close, we will process it using values determined at the Market Close on that Market Day.

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If we receive a Request in Good Order after the Market Close or on a day that is not a Market Day, then we will treat that request as received at the start of the next Market Day.

If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before submitting the request.

Exception. If a withdrawal under an automatic withdrawal program is scheduled for a date that is not a Market Day, then we will process the withdrawal on the scheduled date using values at the most recent Market Close. For example, if the automatic withdrawal is scheduled for a date that falls on Sunday and there was a Market Close at 4:00 PM on the previous Friday, then we will process the withdrawal on Sunday using values determined at 4:00 PM on that Friday.

Market Days and Market Close

A Market Day is each day that all markets that are used to measure available Indexed Strategies are open for regular trading.

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Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and any other day that the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE Arca are closed are not Market Days.

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The NYSE and the NYSE Arca observe the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

A Market Close is the close of the regular or core trading session on the market used to measure a given Indexed Strategy.

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Regular trading hours on the NYSE and core trading sessions on the NYSE Arca usually end at 4:00 PM Eastern Time

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Trading hours on the NYSE and core trading sessions on the NYSE Arca end at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on the day before the Fourth of July and the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Regular trading or a core trading session may end at a different time on a Market Day under certain circumstances when and as permitted under applicable rules. Such circumstances generally cannot be predicted in advance.

Specific information about NYSE and NYSE Arca holidays and trading hours in any given calendar year is available at https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars.

Receipt of Purchase Payments, Applications and Requests

For purposes of processing, we deem Purchase Payments and applications, Requests in Good Order and other instructions (paperwork) mailed to our post office box as received by us at our administrative office when the Purchase Payment or the paperwork reaches the applicable processing department located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati OH 45202.

Risks and Limitations Related to Requests by Telephone or Internet

We will use reasonable procedures such as requiring certain identifying information, tape recording the telephone instructions, and providing written confirmation of the transaction, in order to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone, fax, Internet or other means are genuine. Any telephone, fax or Internet instructions reasonably believed by us to be genuine will be your responsibility, including losses arising from any errors in the communication of instructions. As a result of this policy, you will bear the risk of loss. We are not responsible for the validity of any request or action.

Telephone and computer systems may not always be available. Any telephone or computer system, whether it is yours, your service provider’s, your agent’s, or ours, can experience outages or slowdowns for a variety of reasons. These outages or slowdowns may delay or prevent our processing of your request. Although we have taken precautions to help our systems handle heavy use, we cannot promise complete reliability under all circumstances. If you experience technical difficulties or problems, you should consider making your request by mail.

Suspension of Payments or Transfers

We may be required to suspend or delay payments, withdrawals and reallocations when we cannot obtain an Index value because:

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the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings);

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trading on the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca is restricted; or

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an emergency exists such that it is not reasonably practicable to determine fairly the value of the Index.

In this case, we will make payments and process withdrawals and reallocations as soon as practicable after we are able to obtain the Index value.

We may suspend or delay payments, withdrawals and reallocations when we are permitted to do so under a regulatory order. In this case, we will make payments and process withdrawals and reallocations when the order is no longer in effect.

Restrictions on Financial Transactions

Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering might, in certain circumstances, require us to block an Owner’s ability to make certain transactions. This means that we may be required to refuse to accept any request for withdrawals, Surrenders, Annuity Payout Benefit payments or Death Benefit payments, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We may also be required to provide additional information about you and your Contract to government regulators.

RIGHT TO CANCEL (FREE LOOK)

If you change your mind about owning the Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase this Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or life insurance policy, you have 30 days after you receive it. This is known as a “free look.” The right to cancel period may be longer in some states.

To cancel your Contract, you must submit your request to cancel to the producer who sold it or send it to us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423. If sent to us by mail, it is effective on the date postmarked with proper address and postage paid. Your request to cancel must be in writing and signed by you.

If you cancel your Contract, you will receive a refund. The amount of the refund will depend on where you live. When you cancel the Contract within this free look period, we will not assess an Early Withdrawal Charge.

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If you live in a state where we are required to refund your Purchase Payment(s), you will receive a refund equal to your Purchase Payment(s), but you will forfeit any interest credited to the Purchase Payment Account or other increase in the Account Value. We reserve the right to hold your Purchase Payment(s) in the Purchase Payment Account until the first Strategy Application Date on or after the end of the free look period.

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If you live in a state where we are required to refund the Account Value of your Contract, you will receive the Account Value on the day that we receive your cancellation Request in Good Order. If the Account Value includes the value of an Indexed Strategy, that Strategy value will reflect the applicable Daily Value Percentage. The amount you receive may be more or less than your Purchase Payment(s) depending upon any interest earned by your Contract and the value of your Indexed Strategies. This means that you bear the risk of any decline in the Account Value of your Contract before we receive your cancellation request.

No Early Withdrawal Charges will apply to the amount refunded. Unless required by state law, we do not refund any Early Withdrawal Charges assessed during the free look period that relate to a withdrawal taken before you cancel the Contract.

The State Variations section of this prospectus contains a summary of the state law provisions related to the free look period and the required refund amount.

There may be tax consequences if you cancel the Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

ANNUAL STATEMENT AND CONFIRMATIONS

At least once each calendar year, we will send you a statement that will show: (1) your Account Value; (2) all transactions regarding your Contract during the year; and (3) any interest credited to your Contract and/or any other changes in Strategy value credited to your Contract.

We will also send you written confirmations of Purchase Payments, Crediting Strategy allocations and renewals, withdrawals, and other financial transactions under your Contract. Statements and confirmations will be sent to your last known address on our records.

You should promptly report any inaccuracy or discrepancy in a statement or confirmation. To report an inaccuracy or discrepancy, contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, or call us at 1-800-789-6771. To protect your rights, you should consider reconfirming any oral communications by sending a written statement to P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY

You may elect to receive electronic delivery of the Contract prospectus and other Contract related documents. Contact us at our website at www.massmutualascend.com for more information and to enroll.

ABANDONED PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

Every state has unclaimed property laws. These laws generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from: (1) the latest permitted Annuity Payout Initiation Date; or (2) the date of death for which a Death Benefit is due and payable. For example, if the payment of a death benefit has been triggered, but the beneficiary does not come forward to claim the death benefit in a timely manner, the unclaimed property laws will apply.

If a Death Benefit, Annuity Payout Benefit payments or other contract proceeds are unclaimed, we will pay them to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the applicable state. (Escheatment is the formal, legal name for this process.) For example, on an unclaimed Death Benefit, depending on the circumstances, the proceeds are paid: (1) to the state where the beneficiary last resided, as shown on our books and records; (2) to the state where the contract owner last resided, as shown on our books and records; or (3) to Ohio, which is our state of domicile. The state will hold the proceeds without interest until a valid claim is made by the person entitled to the proceeds.

To prevent escheatment of the Death Benefit, Annuity Payout Benefit payments, or other proceeds from your Contract, it is important:

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to update your contact information, such as your address, phone number, and email address, if and as it changes; and

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to update your Beneficiary and other designations, including complete names, complete addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers, if and as they change.

Please contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, or call us at 1-800-789-6771, to make such updates.

State unclaimed property laws do not apply to annuity contracts that are held under an employer retirement plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

OWNER

The Owner on the Contract Effective Date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page. The Owner possesses all of the ownership rights under a Contract, such as making allocations among the Crediting Strategies, electing a Payout Option, and designating a Beneficiary.

If an Owner is a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity, then the age of the eldest Annuitant is treated as the age of the Owner for all purposes of this Contract.

Joint Owners

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For a Nonqualified Contract. Two persons may jointly own the Contract. In this case, the term “Owner” includes the joint Owner and you must exercise all rights of ownership by joint action.

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For a Tax Qualified Contract. No joint owner is permitted.

Change of Owner

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For a Nonqualified Contract. You may change the Owner only with our written consent. A change of Owner cancels all prior Beneficiary designations. It does not cancel a designation of an Annuitant or a Payout Option election.

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For a Tax Qualified Contract. You cannot change the Owner except to the limited extent permitted by the tax qualification endorsement.

A change of Owner must be made by a Request in Good Order. A change of Owner may have adverse tax consequences.

Assignment

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For a Nonqualified Contract. You may pledge, charge, encumber or assign you interest in this Contract only with our written consent. If we grant our consent, you may assign all or any part of your rights under this Contract except your rights to designate or change a Beneficiary or an Annuitant, to change Owners, or to elect a Payout Option.

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For a Tax Qualified Contract. You cannot pledge, charge, encumber or in any way assign your interest in this Contract except to the limited extent permitted by the tax qualification endorsement.

An assignment must be requested by a Request in Good Order. We are not responsible for the validity of any assignment. An assignment may have adverse tax consequences.

If we have consented to an assignment, the rights of a person holding the assignment, including the right to any payment under this Contract, come before the rights of an Owner, Annuitant, Beneficiary, or other payee. An assignment may be ended only by the person holding it or as provided by law.

Successor Owner

Your spouse becomes the successor owner of the Contract and succeeds to all rights of ownership if all of the following requirements are met:

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a Death Benefit is payable on account of your death;

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the sole Beneficiary under the Contract is your spouse;

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your spouse makes that election by a Request in Good Order before the Death Benefit Payment Date; and

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you were not a successor owner of the Contract.

A successor owner election cancels all prior Beneficiary designations. It does not cancel a designation of an Annuitant or a Payout Option election.

In some states, state law extends this successor owner right to a civil union partner or other person who is not your spouse as defined by federal tax law. In that case, distributions after your death must be made as required by the Death Benefit Distributions Rules described in the Death Benefit section on page 43.

Community Property

If you live in a community property state and have a spouse at any time while you own this Contract, the laws of that state may vary your ownership rights.

ANNUITANT

The Annuitant is the natural person on whose life Annuity Payout Benefit payments are based. The Annuitant on the Contract Effective Date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

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For a Nonqualified Contract. The Annuitant cannot be changed at any time that the Contract is owned by a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity. Otherwise, you may change a designation of Annuitant at any time before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

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For a Tax Qualified Contract. The Annuitant must be the natural person covered under the retirement arrangement for whose benefit the Contract is held.

A change of Annuitant must be made by a Request in Good Order. A change of Annuitant does not cancel a designation of a Beneficiary or a Payout Option election.

If an Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and no Death Benefit is payable, then in the absence of a new designation, the Annuitant will be:

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the surviving joint Annuitant(s); or if none

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the Owner(s).

BENEFICIARY

A Beneficiary is a person entitled to receive all or part of a Death Benefit that is to be paid under this Contract on account of a death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

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If a Death Benefit becomes payable on account of your death or the death of a joint Owner, then the surviving Owner is the Beneficiary no matter what other designation you may have made.

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In all other cases, you may designate a person or person who will be the Beneficiaries as provided in the Designation of Beneficiary provision of the Contract.

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If no designated Beneficiary is surviving, then the Beneficiary is your estate.

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If the sole Beneficiary under the Contract is your spouse or a revocable trust or custodial account created by your spouse and all other requirements for successor ownership are met, then your spouse may become the successor owner of the Contract in lieu of receiving the Death Benefit.

A designation of Beneficiary must be made by a Request in Good Order. We must receive the request on or before the date of death for which a Death Benefit is payable.

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You may designate two or more persons jointly as the Beneficiaries. Unless you state otherwise, joint Beneficiaries that are surviving are entitled to equal shares.

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You may designate one or more persons as contingent Beneficiary. Unless you state otherwise, a contingent Beneficiary is entitled to a benefit only if there is no primary Beneficiary who that is surviving.

Survivorship Required

In order to be entitled to receive a Death Benefit, a Beneficiary must survive for at least 30 days after the death for which the Death Benefit is payable.

If you designate your spouse as a Beneficiary and your marriage ends before your death, we will treat your former spouse as having predeceased you unless:

•

a court order provides that the former spouse’s rights as a beneficiary are to continue; or

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the former spouse remains or becomes an Owner.

OTHER CONTRACT PROVISIONS

Amendment of the Contract

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

Misstatement

We may require proof of the age of the Annuitant, Owner and/or the Beneficiary before making any payments under the Contract that are measured by such person’s life. If the age of the measuring life has been misstated, the amount payable will be the amount that would have been provided at the correct age. If payments based on the correct age would have been higher, we will pay the underpaid amount with interest. If payments would be lower, we may deduct the overpaid amount, with interest, from succeeding payments.

Involuntary Termination

If the Account Value on any anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date is less than the minimum required value of $5,000 due to poor market performance or withdrawals from the Contract, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary.

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If you make only one Purchase Payment, each Term will end on an anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date. In this case, any involuntary termination will occur on a date that is the end of a Term.

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If you make multiple Purchase Payments, Terms may end on different dates. In this case, any involuntary termination will occur on a date that is the end of a Term, but it will occur before the end of other Terms. In this case, the Surrender Value payable upon termination of your Contract will reflect the Daily Value Percentages used to calculate the value of Indexed Strategies with Terms that are not ending on the termination date.

The examples below show the relationship between the date of an involuntary termination and the end of a Term.

Example A. You make one Purchase Payment that is applied to the Crediting Strategies on June 20, 2023. Terms will start and end on June 20 and the anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date will be June 20. If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on June 20, 2026, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary date.

Example B. You make two Purchase Payments. One Purchase Payment is applied to the Crediting Strategies on May 6, 2023 and the other Purchase Payment is applied to the Crediting Strategies on June 20, 2023. Terms will start and end on May 6 and on June 20. The anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date will be May 6.

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If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on June 20, 2026, we may not terminate your Contract because June 20 is not an anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date.

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If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on May 6, 2027, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary date even though the other Term will not end until June 20, 2027.

If we terminate your Contract, we will pay you the Surrender Value determined as of the date that we terminate your Contract. The Surrender Value will reflect the applicable Indexed Strategy values as calculated on the day that we terminate your Contract.

Loans

Loans are not available under the Contract.

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

This section provides a general description of federal income tax considerations relating to the Contracts. The purchase, holding and transfer of a Contract may have federal estate and gift tax consequences in addition to income tax consequences. Estate and gift taxation is not discussed in this prospectus. State taxation will vary, depending on the state in which you reside, and is not discussed in this prospectus.

The tax information provided in this prospectus is not intended or written to be used as legal or tax advice. It is written solely to provide general information related to the sale and holding of the Contracts. You should seek advice on legal or tax questions based on your particular circumstances from an attorney or tax advisor.

Tax Deferral on Annuities

Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 72 governs taxation of annuities in general. The income earned on a Contract is generally not included in income until it is withdrawn from the Contract. In other words, a Contract is a tax-deferred investment. Tax deferral is not available for a Contract when an Owner is not a natural person unless the Contract is part of a tax-qualified retirement plan or the Owner is a mere agent for a natural person. For a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, this rule means that the employer as Owner of the Contract will generally be taxed currently on any increase in the Surrender Value, although the plan itself may provide a tax deferral to the participating employee.

Under certain circumstances, based on a rule known as the “Investor Control Doctrine,” the IRS has stated that the holder of an annuity contract could be treated as the owner (for tax purposes) of the assets of a separate account that supports the annuity contract. If you were treated as the owner of an interest in the separate account, then you would be taxed on the income, gain, and loss arising out of your interest in the separate account. Although the IRS has not provided definitive guidance on the application of this rule to indexed annuity contracts, we do not believe that this rule applies to the Contract because you have no specific, fractional, or unitized interest in the separate account assets, we are not obligated to invest the separate account in any particular assets, the investment return and market value of the separate account assets is not allocated in an identical manner to any Contract, the Contract values are determined based on gains and losses regardless of the performance of the separate account assets, and the derivatives that we may hold in the separate account are not publicly traded.

Tax-Qualified Retirement Plans

Annuities may also qualify for tax-deferred treatment, or serve as a funding vehicle, under tax-qualified retirement plans that are governed by other IRC provisions. These provisions include IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuities), IRC Sections 408 and 408A (individual retirement annuities), and IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans). Tax-deferral is generally also available under these tax-qualified retirement plans through the use of a trust or custodial account without the use of an annuity.

The tax law rules governing tax-qualified retirement plans and the treatment of amounts held and distributed under such plans are complex. If the Contract is to be used in connection with a tax-qualified retirement plan, including an individual retirement annuity (“IRA”) under a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan, you should seek competent legal and tax advice regarding the suitability of the Contract for your particular situation.

Contributions to a tax-qualified Contract are typically made with pre-tax dollars, while contributions to other Contracts are typically made from after-tax dollars, though there are exceptions in either case. Tax-qualified Contracts may also be subject to restrictions on withdrawals that do not apply to other Contracts. These restrictions may be imposed to meet the requirements of the IRC or of an employer plan.

Following is a brief description of the types of tax-qualified retirement plans for which the Contracts are available.

Individual Retirement Annuities. IRC Sections 219 and 408 permit certain individuals or their employers to contribute to an individual retirement arrangement known as an “Individual Retirement Annuity” or “IRA”. Under applicable limitations, an individual may claim a tax deduction for certain contributions to an IRA. Contributions made to an IRA for an employee under a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) established by an employer are not includable in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the IRA. Distributions from an IRA are taxable to the extent that they represent contributions for which a tax deduction was claimed, contributions made under a SEP plan or SIMPLE, or income earned within the IRA.

Roth IRAs. IRC Section 408A permits certain individuals to contribute to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible. Tax-free distributions of contributions may be made at any time. Distributions of earnings are tax-free following the five-year period beginning with the first year for which a Roth IRA contribution was made if the Owner has attained age 59 1/2, become disabled, or died, or for qualified first-time homebuyer expenses.

Tax-Sheltered Annuities. IRC Section 403(b) of permits public schools and charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) to establish “tax-sheltered annuity” or “TSA” plans for their employees. TSA contributions and Contract earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the TSA. Amounts attributable to contributions made under a salary reduction agreement cannot be distributed until the employee attains age 59 1/2, severs employment, becomes disabled, incurs a hardship, is eligible for a qualified reservist distribution, or dies. The IRC and the plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

Pension, Profit-Sharing, and 401(k) Plans. IRC Section 401 permits employers to establish various types of retirement plans for employees, and permits self-employed individuals to establish such plans for themselves and their employees. These plans may use annuity contracts to fund plan benefits. Generally, contributions are deductible to the employer in the year made, and contributions and earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the plan. The IRC and the plan may impose restrictions on distributions. Purchasers of a Contract for use with such plans should seek competent advice regarding the suitability of the Contract under the particular plan.

Governmental Eligible Deferred Compensation Plans. State and local government employers may purchase annuity contracts to fund eligible deferred compensation plans for their employees, as described in IRC Section 457(b). Contributions and earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until the employee receives distributions from the plan. Amounts cannot be distributed until the employee attains age 70 1/2, severs employment, becomes disabled, incurs an unforeseeable emergency, or dies. The plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

Roth TSAs, Roth 401(k)s, and Roth 457(b)s. IRC Section 402A permits TSA plans, 401(k) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans to allow participating employees to designate some part or all of their future elective contributions as Roth contributions. Roth contributions to a TSA plan, 401(k) plan, or governmental 457(b) plan are included in the employee’s taxable income as earned. Amounts attributable to Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) contributions must be held in a separate account from amounts attributable to traditional pre-tax TSA, 401(k), or 457(b) contributions. Distributions from a Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) account are considered to come proportionally from contributions and earnings. Distributions attributable to Roth account contributions are tax-free. Distributions attributable to Roth account earnings are tax-free following the five-year period beginning with the first year for which Roth contributions are made to the plan if the employee has attained age 59 1/2, become disabled, or died. A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) account is subject to the same distribution restrictions that apply to amounts attributable to traditional pre-tax TSA, 401(k), or 457(b) contributions made under a salary reduction agreement. The plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

Employers may invest in annuity contracts in connection with unfunded deferred compensation plans for their employees. Such plans may include eligible deferred compensation plans of non-governmental tax-exempt employers, as described in IRC Section 457(b); deferred compensation plans of both governmental and nongovernmental tax-exempt employers that are taxed under IRC Section 457(f) and subject to Section 409A; and nonqualified deferred compensation plans of for-profit employers subject to Section 409A. In most cases, these plans are designed so that amounts credited under the plan will not be includable in the employees’ gross income until paid under the plan. In these situations, the annuity contracts are not plan assets and are subject to the claims of the employer’s general creditors. Whether or not made from the Contract, plan benefit payments are subject to restrictions imposed by the IRC and the plan.

Summary of Income Tax Rules

The following chart summarizes the basic income tax rules governing tax-qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and other non-tax-qualified Contracts.


	Tax-Qualified Contracts and Plans	Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans	Other Non-Tax-Qualified Contracts

Plan Types	• IRC §408 (IRA, SEP, SIMPLE IRA) • IRC §408A (Roth IRA) • IRC §403(b) (Tax-Sheltered Annuity) • IRC §401 (Pension, Profit– Sharing, 401(k)) • Governmental IRC §457(b) • IRC §402A (Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b))	• IRC §409A • Nongovernmental IRC §457(b) • IRC §457(f)	• IRC §72 only

Who May Purchase a Contract	Eligible employee, employer, or employer plan.	Employer on behalf of eligible employee. Employer generally loses tax-deferred status of Contract itself.	Anyone. Non-natural person will generally lose tax-deferred status.

Contribution Limits	Contributions are limited by IRC and/or plan requirements.		None.

Distribution Restrictions	Distributions from Contract and/or plan may be restricted to meet IRC and/or plan requirements.		None.

Taxation of Withdrawals, Surrenders, and Lump Sum Death Benefit	Generally, 100% of distributions must be included in taxable income. However, the portion that represents an after-tax investment is not taxable. Distributions from Roth IRA are deemed to come first from after- tax contributions. Distributions from other plans are generally deemed to come from income and after-tax investment (if any) on a pro-rata basis. Distributions from §408A Roth IRA or §402A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. For tax purposes, all IRAs and SEP IRAs of an owner are treated as a single IRA, and all Roth IRAs of an owner are treated as a single Roth IRA.		Generally, distributions must be included in taxable income until all accumulated earnings are paid out. Thereafter, distributions are tax-free return of the original investment. However, distributions are tax-free until any investment made before August 14, 1982 is returned. For tax purposes, all non-tax-qualified annuity contracts issued to the same owner by the same insurer in the same calendar year are treated as one contract.


	Tax-Qualified Contracts and Plans	Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans	Other Non-Tax-Qualified Contracts

Taxation of Payout Option Payments (Annuity Benefit or Death Benefit)	A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met.

Possible Penalty Taxes for Distributions Before Age 59 1/2	Taxable portion of payments made before age 59 1/2 may be subject to 10% penalty tax (or 25% for a SIMPLE IRA during the first two years of participation). Penalty taxes do not apply to payments after the participant’s death, or to §457 plans. Other exceptions may apply.	None.	Taxable portion of payments made before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. Penalty taxes do not apply to payments after the Owner’s death. Other exceptions may apply.

Assignment/ Transfer of Contract	Assignment and transfer of Ownership generally not permitted.		Generally, deferred earnings taxable to transferor upon transfer or assignment. Gift tax consequences are not discussed herein.

Federal Income Tax Withholding	Eligible rollover distributions from §401, §403(b), and governmental §457(b) plans are subject to 20% mandatory withholding on taxable portion unless direct rollover. For other payments, Payee may generally elect to have taxes withheld or not.	Generally subject to wage withholding.	Generally, Payee may elect to have taxes withheld or not.

Rollovers, Transfers, and Exchanges

Amounts from a tax-qualified Contract may be rolled over, transferred, or exchanged into another tax-qualified account or retirement plan as permitted by the IRC and plan(s). Amounts may be rolled over, transferred, or exchanged into a tax-qualified Contract from another tax-qualified account or retirement plan as permitted by the IRC and plan(s). In most cases, such a rollover, transfer, or exchange is not taxable, unless the rollover of pre-tax amounts is made into a Roth IRA, a Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b). Rollovers, transfers, and exchanges are not subject to normal contribution limits. The IRC or plan may require that rollovers be held in a separate Contract from other plan funds.

Amounts from a non-tax-qualified Contract may be transferred to another non-tax-qualified annuity or to a qualified long-term care policy as a tax-free exchange as permitted by the IRC Section 1035. Amounts from another non-tax-qualified annuity or from a life insurance or endowment policy may be transferred to a Contract as a tax-free exchange under IRC Section 1035.

Required Distributions

The Contracts are subject to the required distribution rules of federal tax law. These rules vary based on the tax qualification of the Contract or the plan under which it is issued.

For a tax-qualified Contract other than a Roth IRA, required minimum distributions must generally begin by April 1 following the year the participant attains age 73 (age 72 if born after June 30, 1949, but before January 1, 1951, or age 70 1/2 if born before July 1, 1949). However, for a 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan, a 401 Pension, Profit-Sharing, or 401(k) Plan, or a 457(b) Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan, a participant who is not a 5% owner of the employer may delay required minimum distributions until April 1 following the year in which the participant retires from that employer. The required minimum distributions during life are calculated based on standard life expectancy tables adopted under federal tax law.

For a Roth IRA or for a Contract that is not tax-qualified, there are no required distributions during life.

A tax-qualified Contract must make required distributions after death. The required distributions vary depending on the type of beneficiary and whether minimum distributions were required during the life of the decedent. Some beneficiaries may take payments over life or life expectancy, and others must receive all benefits within five or ten years after death, and some must take payments over life or life expectancy with a final payment within ten years after the decedent’s death. A non-tax-qualified Contract that has begun making payments under a payout option during the Owner’s life must make any remaining payments at least as rapidly after death. If payments from a non-tax-qualified Contract have not begun, then the death benefit must be paid out in full within five years after death, or must be paid out in substantially equal payments beginning within one year of death over a period not exceeding the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary.

For a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or a Contract that is not tax-qualified, a beneficiary who is a surviving spouse may elect out of these requirements, and apply the required distribution rules as if the Contract were his or her own. For this purpose, federal tax law recognizes as married any two people whose marriage is valid in the state in which it was celebrated. A civil union or domestic partnership is not considered a marriage.

PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES

We reserve the right to deduct from the Purchase Payment or Account Value any taxes relating to the Contract paid by us to any government entity (including, but not limited to, premium taxes, additional taxes, and maintenance taxes on insurers, Federal, state and local withholding of income, estate, inheritance, or other taxes required by law from annuity purchase payments, and any new or increased taxes on insurers or annuity purchase payments that may be enacted into law).

Currently some state governments impose premium taxes, additional taxes, and maintenance taxes on insurers based on annuity purchase payments received or applied to an annuity payout benefit. These taxes currently range from zero to 3.5% depending upon the jurisdiction and the tax qualification of the Contract. A federal premium tax has been proposed but not enacted. We may deduct any such premium or other taxes from the Purchase Payments or the Account Value at the time that the tax is imposed. We may also deduct any such tax not previously deducted from the Annuity Payout value or Death Benefit value.

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

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS

MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC (“MMALIS”) is the principal underwriter and distributor of the securities offered through this prospectus. MMALIC and MMALIS are affiliated because MMALIS is a subsidiary of MMALIC. MMALIS also acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of the variable annuity contracts that are issued by one of our subsidiaries.

MMALIS’s principal executive offices are located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. MMALIS is registered as a broker- dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the securities regulators in the states in which it operates and registration is required. MMALIS is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

Contracts are sold by licensed insurance agents (the “Selling Agents”) in those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold. Such Selling Agents will be appointed agents of MMALIC and will be registered representatives of broker-dealer firms (the “Selling Broker-Dealers”) that have entered into selling agreements with us and MMALIS. Selling Broker-Dealers will be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will be members of FINRA.

FINRA provides background information about broker-dealers and their registered representatives through FINRA BrokerCheck. You may contact the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline at 1-800-289-9999, or log on to www.finra.org to learn more about MMALIS, your Selling Agent, and his or her Selling Broker Dealer.

MMALIS receives no compensation for acting as underwriter of the Contracts; however, MMALIC pays for some of MMALIS’s operating and other expenses, including overhead and legal and accounting fees. MMALIC may reimburse MMALIS for certain sales expenses, such as marketing materials and advertising expenses, and other expenses of distributing the Contracts.

MMALIC or MMALIS pay the Selling Broker-Dealers compensation for the promotion and sale of the Contract. The Selling Agents who solicit sales of the Contract typically receive a portion of the compensation paid to the Selling Broker-Dealers in the form of commissions or other compensation, depending on the agreement between the Selling Broker-Dealer and the Selling Agent.

The amount and timing of commissions paid to Selling Broker-Dealers may vary depending on the selling agreement but it will not be more than 9.2% of each Purchase Payment. In most cases, such amounts paid to a Selling Broker-Dealer will be divided between the Selling Agent and the Selling Broker-Dealer. Some Selling Broker-Dealers may elect to receive a lower commission when a Purchase Payment is made, along with annual trail commissions up to 1.5% of Account Value for so long as a contract remains in effect or as agreed in the selling agreement. MMALIC may pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments in the form of cash or other compensation to the extent permitted by FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations.

MMALIC also may pay compensation to wholesaling broker-dealers or other firms or intermediaries in return for wholesaling services such as providing marketing and sales support, product training, and administrative services to the Selling Agents of the Selling Broker-Dealers. These allowances may be based on a percentage of a Purchase Payment.

In addition to the compensation described above, MMALIC may make additional cash payments, in certain circumstances referred to as “override” compensations, or reimbursements to Selling Broker-Dealers in recognition of their marketing and distribution, transaction processing and/or administrative services support. These payments are not offered to all Selling Broker-Dealers, and the terms of any particular agreement governing the payments may vary among Selling Broker-Dealers depending on, among other things, the level and type of marketing and distribution support provided. Marketing and distribution support services may include, among other services, placement of MMALIC’s products on the Selling Broker-Dealers’ preferred or recommended list, increased access to the Selling Broker-Dealers’ registered representatives for purposes of promoting sales of MMALIC products, assistance in training and education of the Selling Agents, and opportunities for MMALIC and MMALIS to participate in sales conferences and educational seminars. The payments or reimbursements may be calculated as a percentage of the particular Selling Broker-Dealer’s actual or expected aggregate sales of our indexed annuity contracts (including the Contract) and/or may be a fixed dollar amount. Broker-dealers receiving these additional payments may pass on some or all of the payments to the Selling Agents.

You should ask your Selling Agent for further information about the commissions or other compensation that he or she, or the Selling Broker-Dealer for which he or she works, may receive in connection with your purchase of a Contract.

There is no front-end sales load deducted from the Purchase Payment(s) to pay sales commissions. Commissions and other incentives or payments described above are not charged directly to you. We intend to recoup at least a portion of the sales commissions and other sales expenses through fees and charges deducted under the Contract.

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE’S GENERAL ACCOUNT

Our general account (the “General Account”) holds all our assets other than assets in our insulated separate accounts. We own our General Account assets, and, subject to applicable law, have sole investment discretion over them. The assets are subject to our general business operation liabilities and claims of our creditors and may lose value. Our General Account assets fund the guarantees provided in the Contracts.

We must invest our assets according to applicable state laws regarding the nature, quality and diversification of investments that may be made by life insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in Federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks, real estate mortgages, real estate and certain other investments.

We place a majority of the Purchase Payments made under the Contract in our General Account where we primarily invest the assets in a variety of fixed income securities.

We place a portion of the Purchase Payments made under the Contract in a non-unitized separate account (the “Separate Account”) that is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We established and maintain the Separate Account pursuant to the laws of our domiciliary state for the purpose of supporting our obligation to adjust the Indexed Strategy values based on the Daily Value Percentage or rise or fall of the Index. The assets of the Separate Account are held in our name on behalf of the Separate Account and legally belong to us. The assets in the Separate Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct. We may invest these assets in hedging instruments, including derivative contracts as well as other assets permitted under state law. To support our obligations to adjust the Indexed Strategy values, we may move money between the Separate Account and our General Account. We are not obligated to invest the assets of the Separate Account according to any particular plan except as we may be required to by state insurance laws. Regardless of your Strategy allocations, we do not intend to invest the assets of the Separate Account in the iShares MSCI EAFE exchange traded fund, iShares U.S. Real Estate exchange traded fund, or SPDR Gold exchange traded fund. We may or may not hold the hypothetical options described in this prospectus in the Separate Account.

Contract owners do not have any interest in or claim on the assets in the Separate Account nor do Contract owners participate in any way in the performance of assets held in the Separate Account.

LEGAL MATTERS

Reliance on Rule 12h-7

MassMutual Ascend Life relies on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of the 1934 Act from the requirement to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act.

Legal Proceedings

MassMutual Ascend Life and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation from time to time, generally arising in the ordinary course of business. This litigation may include, but is not limited to, general commercial disputes, lawsuits brought by contract owners and policyholders, employment matters, reinsurance collection matters and actions challenging certain business practices of insurance subsidiaries. Also, from time to time, state and federal regulators or other officials conduct formal and informal examinations or undertake other actions dealing with various aspects of the financial services and insurance industries. It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of any pending legal proceeding or regulatory action. However, MassMutual Ascend Life does not believe any such action or proceeding will have a material adverse effect upon its ability to meet its obligations under the Contracts.

Legal Opinion on Contracts

Legal matters in connection with federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contracts described in this prospectus and the organization of MassMutual Ascend Life, its authority to issue such Contracts under Ohio law, and the validity of the forms of the Contracts under Ohio law have been passed on by John P. Gruber, General Counsel of MassMutual Ascend Life.

Securities and Exchange Commission Position on Indemnification

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling MassMutual Ascend Life pursuant to its articles of incorporation or its code of regulations or pursuant to any insurance coverage or otherwise, MassMutual Ascend Life has been informed that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable.

EXPERTS

The statutory financial statements and financial statement schedules of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (formerly Great American Life Insurance Company) at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2022, have been included herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The KPMG LLP report dated April 19, 2023 of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the KPMG LLP audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

The KPMG LLP report dated April 19, 2023 of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company includes an emphasis of matter paragraph that states that MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company elected to apply a prescribed practice promulgated under Ohio Administrative Code Section 3901-1-67 (“OAC 3901-1-67”) to its derivative instruments hedging indexed products and indexed annuity reserve liabilities. The opinion was not modified with respect to this matter.

The statutory-basis financial statements of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (formerly known as Great American Life Insurance Company) as of December 31, 2020 and for the year then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, 221 East 4th Street, Suite 2900, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, independent auditors, as set forth in their report included thereon. These statutory-basis financial statements are included in this registration statement in reliance on the report of Ernst & Young LLP given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The Ernst & Young LLP report dated May 14, 2021 of Great American Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the Ernst & Young LLP audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

We filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the Contracts offered by this prospectus. This prospectus was filed as a part of the Registration Statement, but it does not constitute the complete Registration Statement. The Registration Statement contains further information relating to the Company and the Contracts. The Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto may be inspected and copied at the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., and may also be accessed at www.sec.gov. The Securities and Exchange Commission file number for the Contract is 333-269395.

Statements in this prospectus discussing the content of the Contracts and other legal instruments are summaries. The actual documents are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. For a complete statement of the terms of the Contracts or any other legal document, refer to the appropriate exhibit to the Registration Statement.

OPTION PRICES

In order to calculate the Daily Value Percentage of an Indexed Strategy, we determine the prices of the hypothetical options using a valuation model. The price of each option is stated as a percentage of the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term.

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ATM Call Option Price (at-the-money call option)

The ATM Call Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

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ATM Put Option Price (at-the-money put option)

The ATM Put Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

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OTM Call Option Price (out-of-the-money call option)

The OTM Call Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent it exceeds the Cap for the Term.

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OTM Put Option Price (out-of-the-money put option)

The OTM Put Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent it exceeds the Buffer or Floor for the Term.

Valuation Model

We use a mathematical model to calculate the price of the hypothetical options in our formulas because direct prices of comparable options are generally not available. Options in the marketplace do not directly align with (1) the time remaining in a Term and (2) the strike prices for any of the hypothetical options used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage.

Valuation models are widely used for option pricing and the model we use is based on standard methods for valuing derivatives. The methodology used to value these options is determined solely by us and the results of our valuation model may vary, higher or lower, from other estimated valuations or the actual selling price of identical derivatives. Any variance between our valuations and other estimated or actual prices may be different from Indexed Strategy to Indexed Strategy and may also change from day to day. Our valuation model calculates the theoretical price of options using the following inputs: Index levels or prices, expected dividend yield, option strike prices, expected interest rates, time, and implied volatility of option prices. Below is a brief explanation of those model inputs, which we receive from third party vendors.

•

Index Levels or Prices

The initial Index level or price for a Term is the Index provided to us for the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term. The current Index level or price is the Index provided to us for the most recent Market Close. We rely on third parties, such as Index providers and financial reporting vendors, to provide us with the current Index level or price for the most recent Market Close.

•

Dividend Yield (Div)

Dividend Yield is the dividend yield to the end of the Term as of a calculation date where the dividend yield is (1) interpolated from yields or (2) implied from market data as reported by Bloomberg or another market source.

For the S&P 500 Index, the dividend yield will reduce the Index level and the applicable call option prices.

•

Strike Price (K)

Strike Price is a value that varies for each type of option.

ATM call option strike price = Index at the start of the Term

ATM put option strike price = Index at the start of the Term

OTM call option strike price = Index at the start of the Term multiplied by (1 + Cap) [For example, if the Cap is 8%, the OTM call option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1 + .08, or 1.08].

OTM put option strike price = Index at the start of the Term multiplied by (1 - Buffer) for a Buffer Strategy or (1 – Floor) for a Floor Strategy. [For example, for a 10% Buffer Strategy, the OTM put option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1- .10, or .90; for a -10% Floor Strategy, the OTM put option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1 + -.10, or 0.90]

•

Interest Rate (Rate)

Interest Rate is a rate based on key derivative interest rates obtained from information provided by Bloomberg or another market source. These interest rates are obtained for maturities adjacent to the actual time remaining in the Term on the calculation date. We use interpolation to derive the rate used as our input for the model.

•

Time (T)

Time is the portion of the Term that remains as measured by the following formula.

Time = number of calendar days from calculation date to end of Term / number of calendar days in Term

•

Implied Volatility (Vol)

Volatility is the implied volatility of option prices. It is approximated daily using observed option prices as reported by Bloomberg or another market source. For each hypothetical option included in the calculation, we approximate the volatility of option prices by interpolating between (1) implied volatilities for similar options with the closest available time remaining and (2) strike prices.

Implied volatility varies with (1) how much time remains until the end of a Term, which is determined by using an expiration date for the designated option that corresponds to that time remaining and (2) the relationship between the strike price of that option and the value of the Index at the time of the calculation. This relationship is referred to as the “moneyness” of the option described above, and is calculated as the ratio of current price to strike price.

Direct market data for these inputs is generally not available because options on an Index that actually trade in the market have (1) specific maturity dates that are unlikely to precisely match the end date of a Term and (2) moneyness values that are unlikely to precisely match the moneyness of the designated option that we use in our calculations. Accordingly, we interpolate between the implied volatility quotes that are based on the actual maturities and moneyness values.

EXAMPLES: IMPACT OF WITHDRAWALS ON CONTRACT VALUES AND AMOUNTS REALIZED

These examples are intended to show you how a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of the Term affects the Indexed Strategy values and amounts realized at the end of the Term.

Example A: Withdrawal When Index Rising Steadily

This example assumes:

•

you allocate $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy and $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Strategy;

•

the Cap for the initial Term of the Buffer Strategy is 18% and the Cap for the initial term of the Floor Strategy is 21.5%;

•

the S&P 500 is 1000 on the Term start date;

•

you request a $10,000 withdrawal on Day 146 when the Daily Value Percentage is 4.05% for the Buffer Strategy and 3.43% for the Floor Strategy;

•

you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

•

the withdrawal is covered by the Free Withdrawal Allowance and therefore no Early Withdrawal Charges apply (If Early Withdrawal Charges did apply, the amounts realized at the end of the Term would be reduced by both the withdrawal and the amount of the Early Withdrawal Charge);

•

the S&P 500 is 1130 on the Term end date; and

•

you have not made a Performance Lock election.

Please note that even with a rising Index, the Daily Value Percentage may be negative or lower than the Index rise because the Net Option Price is not equal to the current Index price, and because the Daily Value Percentage calculation subtracts the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price.


Impact of $10,000 Withdrawal from each Strategy on Day 146 of Term	Buffer Strategy			Floor Strategy
Investment Base at Term Start	$	50,000		$	50,000
Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date		4.05	%		3.43	%
Dollar Amount of Increase on Withdrawal Date	$	50,000 x .0405 = $2,025		$	50,000 x .0343 = $1,715
Strategy Value before Withdrawal	$	50,000 + $2,025 = $52,025		$	50,000 + $1,715 = $51,715
Amount Withdrawn*	$	5,015		$	4,985
Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value	$	5,015 / $52,025 = 9.64	%	$	4,985/ $51,715 = 9.64	%
Proportional Reduction in Investment Base	$	50,000 x .0964 = $4,820		$	50,000 x .0964 = $4,820
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	50,000 - $4,820 = $45,180		$	50,000 - $4,820 = $45,180
Value at End of Term
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	45,180		$	45,180
Index at Term Start		1000			1000
Index at Term End		1130			1130
Rise in Index		13	%		13	%
Cap		18	%		21.5	%
Increase as a Percentage		13	%		13	%
Dollar Amount of Increase	$	45,180 x .13 = $5,873		$	45,180 x .13 = $5,873
Strategy Value at Term End	$	45,180 + $5,873 = $51,054		$	45,180 + $5,873 = $51,054

Note: The withdrawal is taken proportionally from each Indexed Strategy, based on the ratio of that Strategy’s value to the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal. In this example, the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal was $103,470 ($52,025 + $51,715). The Buffer Strategy value was 50.15% of that total value ($52,025 / $103,740= 50.15%), so 50.15% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($5,015) was taken from it. The Floor Strategy value was 49.85% of that total value ($51,715 / $103,740= 49.85%), so 49.85% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($4,985) was taken from it.

In this example, you invested $50,000 in the Buffer Strategy and $50,000 in the Floor Strategy and at the end of the Term you realized $112,107 ($10,000 withdrawal plus the Strategy values of $51,054 and $51,054 at the end of the Term). Had no withdrawal occurred, your Strategy values at the end of the Term would have totaled $113,000 ($50,000 plus 13% increase for each Strategy.)

This hypothetical combined Strategy values of $113,000 exceeds the amount realized of $112,107 because the portion of the Investment Base withdrawn from each Strategy did not earn the increases (13%) they would have earned if they had been left in their respective Strategies for the entire Term.

In this example, the Buffer Strategy and the Floor Strategy performed equally because for both Strategies, the rise in the Index was less than the Cap.

Example B: Withdrawal When Index Falling Steadily

This example assumes:

•

you allocate $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy and $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Strategy;

•

the S&P 500 is 1000 on the Term start date;

•

you request a $10,000 withdrawal on Day 146 when the Daily Value Percentage is -4.96% for the Buffer Strategy and -5.92% for the Floor Strategy;

•

you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

•

the S&P 500 is 750 on the Term end date; and

•

you have not made a Performance Lock election.

Please note that the Daily Value Percentage may be more negative than the fall in the Index because the Net Option Price is not equal to the current Index price, and because the Daily Value Percentage calculation subtracts the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price.


Impact of $10,000 Withdrawal from Each Strategy on Day 146 of Term	Buffer Strategy			Floor Strategy
Investment Base at Term Start	$	50,000		$	50,000
Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date		-4.96	%		-5.92	%
Dollar Amount of Decrease on Withdrawal Date	$	50,000 x -.0496 = -$2,480		$	50,000 x -.0592 = $-2,960
Strategy Value before Withdrawal	$	50,000 - $2,480 = $47,520		$	50,000 - $2,960 = $47,040
Amount Withdrawn*	$	5,025		$	4,975
Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value	$	5,025 / $ 47,520 = 10.58	%	$	4,975 / $47,040 = 10.58	%
Proportional Reduction in Investment Base	$	50,000 x .1058 = $5,288		$	50,000 x .1058 = $5,288
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	50,000 - $5,288 = $44,712		$	50,000 - $5,288 = $44,712
Value at End of Term
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	44,712		$	44,712
Index at Term Start		1000			1000
Index at Term End		750			750
Fall in Index		-25	%		-25	%
Buffer		10	%		n/a
Floor		n/a			-10	%
Decrease as a Percentage		25% - (- 10%) = -15	%		Max (-25%, -10%) = -10	%
Dollar Amount of Decrease	$	44,712 x .15 = $6,707		$	44,712 x .10 = $4,471
Strategy Value at Term End	$	44,712 - $6,707 = $38,005		$	44,712 - $4,471 = $40,241

Note: The withdrawal is taken proportionally from each Indexed Strategy, based on the ratio of that Strategy’s value to the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal. In this example, the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal was $94,560 ($47,520 + $47,040). The Buffer Strategy value was 50.25% of that total value ($47,520 / $94,560 = 50.25%), so 50.25% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($5,025) was taken from it. The Floor Strategy value was 49.75% of that total value ($47,040 / $94,560 = 49.75%), so 49.75% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($4,975) was taken from it.

In this example, you invested $50,000 in the Buffer Strategy and $50,000 in the Floor Strategy and at the end of the Term you realized $88,246 ($10,000 withdrawal plus the Strategy values of $38,005 and $40,241 at the end of the Term). Had no withdrawal occurred, your Strategy values at the end of the Term would have totaled $87,500 ($50,000 minus 15% decrease for the Buffer Strategy and $50,000 minus 10% decrease for the Floor Strategy).

The amount realized of $88,246 exceeds this hypothetical combined Strategy value of $87,500 because the portion of the Investment Base withdrawn from the Buffer and Floor Strategies were not subject to the 10%-15% decrease they would have suffered if they had been left in their respective Strategies for the entire Term.

The Strategy value at Term end is highest for the Floor Strategy ($40,241) and lowest for the Buffer Strategy ($38,005). Though the proportionality rules relating to withdrawals keep each Strategy’s Investment Base equal to the others after the withdrawals, the different decreases that result from the 25% drop in the Index value (-10% for the Floor Strategy and -15% for the Buffer Strategy) lead to different Strategy values at Term end.

Example C: Withdrawal When Index Rises

This example assumes:

•

you allocate your entire $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 10% Buffer 1-Year Term with Cap Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1900;

•

the Contract Effective Date and the Term start date are both April 6, 2023;

•

an Early Withdrawal Charge of 8% applies in the initial Term;

•

the Cap for the initial Term of that Strategy is 12%;

•

you request a $10,000 withdrawal on August 1, 2023 when the Daily Value Percentage is 1%;

•

you instruct us to pay the entire $10,000 to you, which results in an additional withdrawal for the Early Withdrawal Charge;

•

you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

•

the S&P 500 is 2033 on the Term end date of April 6, 2024; and

•

you have not made a Performance Lock election.


Term Start Date	April 6, 2023
Strategy Value	$	50,000		See Footnote 1 below.
Investment Base	$	50,000		See Footnote 1 below.
Cap for Term		12	%	See Footnote 2 below.
Index		1900

Withdrawal Date	August 1, 2023
Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date		1	%
Dollar Amount of Increase on Withdrawal Date	$	500		See Footnote 3 below.
Strategy Value before Withdrawal	$	50,500		See Footnote 4 below.
Amount of Withdrawal Requested	$	10,000
Free Withdrawal Allowance	$	5,000		See Footnote 5 below.
Early Withdrawal Charge	$	435		See Footnote 6 below.
Total Amount Withdrawn	$	10,435		See Footnote 7 below.
Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value		20.66	%	See Footnote 8 below.
Proportional Reduction in Investment Base	$	10,330		See Footnote 8 below.
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	39,670		See Footnote 9 below.
Strategy Value after Withdrawal	$	40,065		See Footnote 10 below.

Term End Date	April 6, 20234
Index		2033
Rise in Index		7	%	See Footnote 11 below.
Increase as a Percentage		7	%	See Footnote 12 below.
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	39,670		See Footnote 9 below.
Dollar Amount of Increase	$	2,777		See Footnote 12 below.
Strategy Value at Term End	$	42,447		See Footnote 13 below.

Footnote 1. On the Term start date, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

Footnote 2. The Cap is the maximum positive net Index change for the Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of a Term. In this example, the Cap is 12%, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 12%.

Footnote 3. When the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value before the end of the Term.


Formula		Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase
Calculation		$50,000 x 1% = $500

Footnote 4. In this example, the Daily Value Percentage is positive on the withdrawal date and you have not taken any withdrawals before that date. This means the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is the Investment Base plus the increase for the Daily Value Percentage on that date.


Formula		Investment Base + dollar amount of increase = Strategy value
Calculation		$50,000 + $500 = $50,500

Footnote 5. The Free Withdrawal Allowance (FWA) for the first Contract Year is 10% of the Purchase Payment. The FWA for each subsequent Contract Year is 10% of the Account Value as of the most recent Contract Anniversary.


Formula		Purchase Payment x 10% = FWA for first Contract Year
Calculation		$50,000 x 10% = $5,000

Footnote 6. The Early Withdrawal Charge that would apply to your withdrawal is equal to the amount subject to the charge multiplied by the Early Withdrawal Charge rate (EWC rate). The amount subject to the charge includes the charge itself. The amount subject to the charge does not include the FWA. The EWC rate depends on the Contract Year. In this example, the withdrawal occurs in the first Contract Year, when the EWC rate is 8%. The Early Withdrawal Charge rate declines after each of the first five Contract Years. There is no Early Withdrawal Charge after Contract Year 5.


Formula		[(Requested withdrawal - FWA) x EWC rate] / (1.00 - EWC rate) = Early Withdrawal Charge
Calculation		[($10,000 - $5,000) x 8%] / (1.00 - 0.08) = $5,000 x 8% / 0.92 = $400 / 0.92 = $435

Footnote 7. When you request a withdrawal, you can instruct us to pay you the amount you requested. If an Early Withdrawal Charge applies in that situation, we also withdraw an amount equal to the charge. This means that the total amount withdrawn from your Contract is equal to the amount you requested plus the applicable Early Withdrawal Charge.


Formula		Requested withdrawal + Early Withdrawal Charge = total amount withdrawn
Calculation		$10,000 + $435 = $10,435

Footnote 8. When you take a withdrawal, the deduction from the Investment Base taken is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal. If the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is higher than the Investment Base, the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the total amount withdrawn.


Formula		Total amount withdrawn / Strategy value before withdrawal = withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value
Calculation		$10,435 / $50,500 = 20.66%
Formula		Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value = proportional reduction in Investment Base
Calculation		$50,000 x 20.66% = $10,330

Footnote 9. On the withdrawal date after the withdrawal, the Investment Base is equal to the Investment Base before the withdrawal minus the proportional reduction in the Investment Base for the withdrawal.


Formula		Investment Base before withdrawal - proportional reduction in Investment Base for withdrawal = Investment Base after withdrawal
Calculation		$50,000 - $10,330 = $39,670

Footnote 10. On the withdrawal date, the Strategy value after the withdrawal is equal to Strategy value before the withdrawal minus the total amount withdrawn.


Formula		Strategy value before withdrawal - total amount withdrawn = Strategy value after withdrawal
Calculation		$50,500 - $10,435 = $40,065

Footnote 11. The rise in the Index on the Term end date is equal to the percentage change in the Index measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.


Formula		(Index on Term end date - Index on Term start date) / Index on Term start date = rise in Index
Calculation		(2033 - 1900) / 1900 = 7%

Footnote 12. When the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for a Strategy with a Cap.


Formula		If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index
Calculation		7% rise in Index < 12% cap, so increase percentage = 7%
Formula		Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index
Calculation		$39,668 x 7% = $2,777

Footnote 13. In this example, there has been a rise in the Index for the Term and you have taken a $10,000 withdrawal during the Term. This means the Strategy value at the end of the Term is the Investment Base on the Term end date plus the increase for the rise in the Index for the Term.


Formula		Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date
Calculation		$39,670 + $2,777 = $42,447

Example D: Withdrawal When Index Falls

This example assumes:

•

you allocate your entire $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1900;

•

the Contract Effective Date and the Term Start Date are both April 6, 2023;

•

an Early Withdrawal Charge of 8% applies in the initial Term;

•

you request a $10,000 withdrawal on August 1, 2023 when the Daily Value Percentage is -6%;

•

you instruct us to pay the entire $10,000 to you, which results in an additional withdrawal for the Early Withdrawal Charge;

•

you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

•

the S&P 500 is 1672 on the Term end date of April 6, 2024; and

•

you have not made a Performance Lock election.


Term Start Date	April 6, 2023
Strategy Value	$	50,000		See Footnote 1 below.
Investment Base	$	50,000		See Footnote 1 below.
Buffer		10	%	See Footnote 2 below.
Index		1900

Withdrawal Date	August 1, 2023
Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date		-6	%
Dollar Amount of Decrease on Withdrawal Date	-$	3,000		See Footnote 3 below.
Strategy Value before Withdrawal	$	47,000		See Footnote 4 below.
Amount of Withdrawal Requested	$	10,000
Free Withdrawal Allowance	$	5,000		See Footnote 5 below.
Early Withdrawal Charge	$	435		See Footnote 6 below.
Total Amount Withdrawn	$	10,435		See Footnote 7 below.
Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value		22.2	%	See Footnote 8 below.
Proportional Reduction in Investment Base	$	11,101		See Footnote 8 below.
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	38,899		See Footnote 9 below.
Strategy Value after Withdrawal	$	36,565		See Footnote 10 below.

Term End Date	April 6, 2024
Index		1672
Fall in Index		-12	%	See Footnote 11 below.
Decrease as a Percentage		-2	%	See Footnote 12 below.
Investment Base after Withdrawal	$	38,899		See Footnote 9 below.
Dollar Amount of Decrease	-$	778		See Footnote 12 below.
Strategy Value at Term End	$	38,121		See Footnote 13 below.

Footnote 2. The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the loss for the Term. For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer will not change from Term to Term.

Footnote 3. When the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value before the end of the Term.


Formula		Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of decrease
Calculation		$50,000 x -6% = -$3,000

Footnote 4. In this example, the Daily Value Percentage is negative on the withdrawal date and you have not taken any withdrawals before that date. This means the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is the Investment Base, minus the decrease for the Daily Value Percentage on that date.


Formula		Investment Base – dollar amount of decrease = Strategy value
Calculation		$50,000 - $3,000 = $47,000


Formula		Purchase Payment x 10% = FWA for first Contract Year
Calculation		$50,000 x 10% = $5,000


Formula		[(Requested withdrawal - FWA) x EWC rate] / (1.00 - EWC rate) = Early Withdrawal Charge
Calculation		[($10,000 - $5,000) x 8%] / (1.00 - 0.08) = $5,000 x 8% / 0.92 = $400 / 0.92 = $435


Formula		Requested withdrawal + Early Withdrawal Charge = total amount withdrawn
Calculation		$10,000 + $435 = $10,435

Footnote 8. When you take a withdrawal, the deduction from the Investment Base taken is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal. If the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is less than the Investment Base, the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be more than the total amount withdrawn.


Formula		total amount withdrawn / Strategy value before withdrawal = withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value
Calculation		$10,435 / $47,000 = 22.2%


Formula		Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value = proportional reduction in Investment Base
Calculation		$50,000 x 22.2% = $11,101

Footnote 9. On the withdrawal date, the Investment Based after the withdrawal is equal to the Investment Base before the withdrawal minus the proportional reduction in the Investment Base for the withdrawal.


Formula		Investment Base before withdrawal - proportional reduction in Investment Base for withdrawal = Investment Base after withdrawal
Calculation		$50,000 - $11,101 = $38,899

Footnote 10. On the withdrawal date, the Strategy value after the withdrawal is equal to the Strategy value before the withdrawal minus the total amount withdrawn.


Formula		Strategy value before withdrawal - total amount withdrawn = Strategy value after withdrawal
Calculation		$47,000 - $10,435 = $36,565

Footnote 11. The fall in the Index on the Term end date is equal to the percentage change in the Index measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.


Formula		(Index on Term end date - Index on Term start date) / Index on Term start date
Calculation		(1672 - 1900) / 1900 = -12%

Footnote 12. When the Index has fallen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease.


Formula		If the Index falls more than -10%, Fall in Index - Buffer = decrease as a percentage based on fall in Index
Calculation		-12% -(- 10%) = -2%


Formula		Investment Base x decrease percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index
Calculation		$38,899 x -2% = -$778

Footnote 13. In this example, there has been a fall in the Index for the Term and you have taken a $10,000 withdrawal during the Term. This means the Strategy value at the end of the Term is the Investment Base on the Term end date minus the decrease for the fall in the Index for the Term.


Formula		Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index = Strategy value on Term end date
Calculation		$38,899 - $778 = $38,121

STATE VARIATIONS

This prospectus describes the material features of the Contract. Contracts issued in your state may provide different features and benefits from, and impose different costs than, those described in this prospectus because of state law variations. However, please note that the maximum charge is set forth in this prospectus. If you would like to review a copy of the Contract and any endorsements, contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, visit our website at www.massmutualascend.com or call us at 1-800-789-6771.

The following information is a summary of material state variations as of the date of this prospectus.

General

For Contracts Issued in Illinois

References to “spouse” have been changed to “spouse or civil union partner.”

For Contracts Issued in New Jersey

References to “spouse” have been changed to “spouse or civil union partner.”

Extended Care Waiver Rider

For Contracts Issued in California

The Waiver of Early Withdrawal Charges for Facility Care or Home Care or Community-Based Services Rider (CA Rider) provides a waiver under an expanded set of circumstances. The waiver will apply if, at the time of the withdrawal or Surrender, or within the immediately preceding 90 days, the following conditions are met: (1) the insured is confined in a facility or is receiving, as prescribed by a physician, registered nurse or licensed social worker, home care or community-based services; (2) the insured’s confinement in a facility, the insured’s receipt of home care or community-based services, or any combination thereof has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days; and (3) the first day of such 90-day period was at least one year after the contract effective date. Facility includes a skilled nursing facility, a convalescent nursing home, or an extended care facility or a residential care facility or a residential care facility for the elderly. Home care or community-based services includes home health care, adult day care, personal care, homemaker services, hospice services and respite care as defined in the rider. Additional conforming changes have been made including revised and new definitions, and inclusion of a description of circumstances under which the waiver does not apply. The termination provision has been modified to reflect that the rider will not terminate if you transfer or assign an interest in the contract to a person or entity other than the insured.

For Contracts Issued in Connecticut

The conditions under which the waiver applies have been modified. The waiver will apply if at the time of a withdrawal or Surrender or within the immediately preceding 90 days all of the following conditions are met: (1) an insured is confined in a long-term care facility or hospital; and (2) the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

For Contracts Issued in Kansas

The conditions under which the waiver applies have been modified. The first day of confinement must be at least 90 days after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

For Contracts Issued in Massachusetts

This waiver rider is not available in Massachusetts.

For Contracts Issued in Missouri

This waiver rider is not available in Missouri.

For Contracts Issued in Montana

The definition of medically necessary has been modified and refers to the Insured’s physician.

For Contracts Issued in Nebraska

The definition of skilled nursing facility has been modified by adding a licensed practical nurse to the list of persons who may provide nursing services or supervise the provision of nursing services.

For Contracts Issued in New Hampshire

The definition of skilled nursing facility has been modified by changing the phrase “licensed and operated as a skilled nursing facility” to “operated as a skilled nursing facility.”

For Contracts Issued in Pennsylvania

The conditions under which the waiver is available have been modified. The waiver will apply if at the time of a withdrawal or Surrender or within the immediately preceding 90 days all of the following conditions are met: (1) an insured is confined in one or more long-term care facilities, hospital, or a combination of such; (2) the confinement is prescribed by a physician and is medically necessary; (3) the first day of the confinement is at least one year after the contract effective date; and (4) the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days, or has continued for a total of at least 90 days if each successive confinement occurs within six months of the previous confinement and is for the same related medical cause.

The definition of long-term care facility has been modified. The following facilities have been deleted from the list of facilities excluded from that definition: a facility that primarily treats drug addicts and a facility that is a home for the mentally ill. An exclusion provision has been added to clarify that the waiver will not apply if the insured is confined in a long-term care facility or hospital for the treatment of certain types of drug addiction or mental illnesses.

The definition of hospital has been modified by changing the phrase “it maintains, or has access to, medical, diagnostic, and major surgical facilities” to “it maintains, or has access to, medical and diagnostic facilities.”

For Contracts Issued in Vermont

The definition of long-term care facility has been modified. The following facilities have been deleted from the list of excluded facilities: a facility that primarily treats drug addicts, a facility that primarily treats alcoholics, and a facility that is a home for the mentally ill. In addition, the definition of physician has been modified by changing the phrase “a person who is licensed in the United States as a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy and who is practicing within the scope of his or her license” to “a person who is licensed in the United States who is providing medical care and treatment when such services are provided within the scope of his or her license and provided pursuant to applicable law.”

For Contracts Issued in Washington

The waiver is based on confinement to an extended care facility or hospital rather than a long-term care facility or hospital. Definitions are modified to reflect the new terminology, references to “skilled nursing facility” are changed to “nursing facility” and the related definition is modified. In the definition of nursing facility and hospital, a licensed practical nurse is added to the list of persons who may provide nursing services or supervise the provision of nursing services.

Terminal Illness Waiver Rider

For Contracts Issued in Illinois

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months.

For Contracts Issued in Kansas

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months. The diagnosis must be rendered 90 days after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

For Contracts Issued in New Jersey

The requirement related to the timing of the diagnosis does not apply. But the waiver will not be available until at least one year after the contract effective date.

For Contracts Issued in Massachusetts

This waiver rider is not available in Massachusetts.

For Contracts Issued in Pennsylvania

The diagnosis must be rendered after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date. But the waiver will not be available until at least one year after the contract effective date. In addition, the waiver is based on a terminal condition as defined in the rider, rather than a terminal illness.

For Contracts Issued in Texas

The diagnosis must be rendered on or after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

For Contracts Issued in Washington

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months.

Form of Annuity Payout Benefit

For Contracts Issued in Texas:

Payments under a Payout Option are subject to a $50 minimum.

Right to Cancel (Free Look)

State law governs the length of the free look period and the amount of the refund that you will receive. The period and amount may differ if you are replacing a life insurance policy or annuity contract. The table below summarizes the state law provisions.


For Contracts Issued in:	Free Look Period	Refund	Replacement Free Look Period	Replacement Refund
Alabama	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Alaska	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Arizona	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Arkansas	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value
California	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges Note: If owner is age 60 or older, refund amount is Purchase Payments.	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges Note: If owner is age 60 or older, refund amount is Purchase Payments.
Colorado	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Connecticut	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Delaware	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Purchase Payments
District of Columbia	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value
Florida	21 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Georgia	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Purchase Payments
Hawaii	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Idaho	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Purchase Payments
Illinois	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Indiana	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Purchase Payments
Iowa	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Kansas	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Kentucky	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Louisiana	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Maine	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Maryland	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Massachusetts	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Purchase Payments
Michigan	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Minnesota	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Purchase Payments
Mississippi	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Missouri	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Purchase Payments
Montana	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Nebraska	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Nevada	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Purchase Payments
New Hampshire	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
New Jersey	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
New Mexico	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
North Carolina	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
North Dakota	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Ohio	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Oklahoma	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Purchase Payments
Oregon	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Pennsylvania	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value
Rhode Island	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
South Carolina	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
South Dakota	20 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Tennessee	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Purchase Payments
Texas	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Utah	20 days	Purchase Payments	30 days	Purchase Payments
Vermont	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Virginia	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Washington	20 days	Greater of: (1) Purchase Payments or (2) Account Value minus taxes	30 days	Purchase Payments
West Virginia	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Wisconsin	30 days	Account Value	30 days	Account Value + Fees/Charges
Wyoming	20 days	Account Value	30 days	Greater of: (1) Purchase Payments or (2) Account Value + Fees/Charges

Assignment

For Contracts Issued in Ohio:

Subject to the tax qualifications endorsement, if any, you may assign your rights to designate or change a Beneficiary or an Annuitant, to change Owners, or to elect a Payout Option if you make a specific Request in Good Order.

Amendment of the Contract

For Contracts Issued in Florida:

You have the right to reject an endorsement that changes the provisions of this Contract to obtain or retain the intended tax treatment under federal tax law, or to take into account other pertinent laws and governmental regulations and rulings. We will not be responsible for the tax or other consequences of your rejection.

For Contracts Issued in Texas:

Involuntary Termination

For Contracts Issued in Texas:

Our right to terminate this Contract is not tied to the minimum required value. We have the right to terminate this Contract if the Account Value would provide a benefit of less than $20 each month at age 70 under a life payout with payments for at least a fixed period of 10 years.

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Our form number for the Contract is P1850822NW. Our form numbers for the Crediting Strategy endorsements to the Contract are E1850022NW, E1850522NW, E1850622NW, E1850722NW, E1849122NW, E1849922NW, and E1825318NW. The form numbers may vary by state. The Securities and Exchange Commission file number for the Contract is 333-269395.

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The Contract is not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or the NCUSIF (National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund).

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Although the Contract may be sold through relationships with banks or other financial institutions, the Contract is not a deposit or obligation of, or guaranteed by, such institutions or any federal regulatory agency.

The Contract doesn’t invest in any equity, debt, or other investments.

Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligations. All dealers that effect transactions in these securities are required to deliver a prospectus.

SECTION II

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INFORMATION

Overview

MassMutual Ascend Life is a stock insurance company incorporated in 1961. We are domiciled in the state of Ohio and have been continuously engaged in the insurance business since that time. We are licensed to conduct life insurance business in all states of the United States except New York, as well as the District of Columbia. Our principal executive offices are located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), a mutual life insurance company. MassMutual and its domestic life insurance subsidiaries provide individual and group life insurance, disability insurance, individual and group annuities and guaranteed interest contracts to individual and institutional customers in all 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Below is a chart that shows the relationships among MassMutual, MassMutual Ascend Life, and other MassMutual subsidiaries that are mentioned in this Section II of this prospectus. Each subsidiary in the chart is wholly-owned by its immediate parent.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”)

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Glidepath Holdings Inc. (“Glidepath”) is a subsidiary of MassMutual. It is a financial services holding company.

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MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (“MMALIC”) is a subsidiary of Glidepath. It is the issuer of the annuities that are the subject of this Registration Statement and other annuity products.

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MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC (“MMALIS”) is a subsidiary of MMALIC. It is the principal underwriter and distributor of the annuities that are the subject of this Registration Statement.

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MM Asset Management Holding LLC is a subsidiary of MassMutual. It is a financial services holding company.

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Barings LLC (“Barings”) is a subsidiary of MM Asset Management Holding LLC. It provides investment services for MassMutual and certain of its affiliated companies, including MMALIC.

Prior to October 3, 2022, MMALIC’s name was Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”) and MMALIS’ name was Great American Advisors, LLC (“GAA”). On May 28, 2021, American Financial Group, Inc. sold its annuity business consisting of GALIC and its two insurance subsidiaries, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company, as well as a broker-dealer affiliate, GAA, and insurance distributor, AAG Insurance Agency, Inc. to MassMutual.

No company other than MMALIC has any legal responsibility to pay amounts owed under the Contract. You should look to the financial strength of MMALIC for its claims-paying ability.

Directors and Executive Officers of MassMutual Ascend Life

Below is a list of the names and ages of the individuals who will serve as directors and executive officers of MMALIC, and a description of the business experience of each of the respective individuals.


Name	Year of Birth		Position(s) with MassMutual Ascend Life	Served in Position(s) Since
Dominic L. Blue		1976	Director	May 2021
Donna Carrelli		1974	Head of Insurance Operations	February 2022
Susan M. Cicco		1971	Director	May 2021
Geoffrey J. Craddock		1959	Director	May 2021
Roger W. Crandall		1964	Director, Chairman of the Board	May 2021
Michael R. Fanning		1963	Director, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer	May 2021
John P. Gruber		1962	Senior Vice President, Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel	November 2005

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Name	Year of Birth		Position(s) with MassMutual Ascend Life	Served in Position(s) Since
Paul A. LaPiana		1969	Director	May 2021
Sears Merritt		1981	Director	May 2022
Mark F. Muething		1959	Director	October 1993
			President	April 2018
Michael J. O’Connor		1969	Director	May 2021
Eric W. Partlan		1973	Director, Chief Investment Officer	May 2021
Brian P. Sponaugle		1969	Senior Vice President and Treasurer	May 2022
Arthur W. Wallace		1974	Director	May 2021
Elizabeth A. Ward		1964	Director	May 2021

Dominic L. Blue

Mr. Blue has served as the Head of MassMutual Strategic Distributors since October 2020. Mr. Blue has served in various positions with MassMutual since August 2011.

Donna Carrelli

Ms. Carrelli has served as MMALIC’s Head of Insurance Operations since February 2022. Ms. Carrelli has served in various positions with the Company since March 1998.

Susan M. Cicco

Ms. Cicco has served as the Head of Human Resources & Employee Experience since January 2017 and also has served since July 2020 as the Chief of Staff to the CEO. Ms. Cicco has served in various positions with MassMutual since 1993.

Geoffrey J. Craddock

Mr. Craddock has served as the Chief Risk Officer of MassMutual since October 2017. Previously, Mr. Craddock served as the leader of risk management and asset allocation at MassMutual’s former subsidiary, OppenheimerFunds, Inc., from 2008 through September 2017.

Roger W. Crandall

Mr. Crandall has served as Chairman of the Board of MMALIC since May 28, 2021. Mr. Crandall has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MassMutual since December 2010. Mr. Crandall has served in various positions with MassMutual since 1988.

Michael R. Fanning

Mr. Fanning has served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of MMALIC since May 28, 2021. Mr. Fanning has served as Head of MassMutual U.S. (formerly USIG) since January 2009. He is responsible for MassMutual’s insurance products and services. Mr. Fanning joined MassMutual in November 2006 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer of USIG.

John P. Gruber

Mr. Gruber has served as MMALIC’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since November 2005. He also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of MMALIC. Mr. Gruber has served in various positions with the Company since July 1993.

Paul A. LaPiana

Mr. LaPiana has served as Head of MMUS Product since February of 2019. Mr. LaPiana joined MassMutual in July of 2016 and served as the Head of Field Management until he assumed his current role.

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Sears Merritt

Mr. Merritt has served as the Head of Enterprise Technology & Experience since May 2022. Mr. Merritt has served in various positions with MassMutual since 2014.

Mark F. Muething

Mr. Muething has served as President of MMALIC since April 2018. Mr. Muething served in various positions with MMALIC since October 1993.

Michael J. O’Connor

Mr. O’Connor has served as the General Counsel of MassMutual since February 2017. Mr. O’Connor has served in various positions with MassMutual since he joined the company in 2005, including as the Chief of Staff to the CEO.

Eric W. Partlan

Mr. Partlan has served as MMALIC’s Chief Investment Officer since May 28, 2021. Mr. Partlan has served as the Head of Portfolio Management at MassMutual since January 2013. He joined MassMutual in January of 2010 as the Head of Investment Risk and served in that office until he assumed his current role.

Brian P. Sponaugle

Mr. Sponaugle has served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of MMALIC since June 2022.

Arthur W. Wallace

Mr. Wallace has served as MassMutual’s Chief Actuary since he joined MassMutual in October of 2019. Previously, Mr. Wallace was Chief Actuary at Prudential Financial from November 2014 until joining MassMutual.

Elizabeth A. Ward

Ms. Ward has served as the Chief Financial Officer of MassMutual since June 2016. Ms. Ward has served in various positions since joining MassMutual in 2007, including as Chief Actuary and as Chief Enterprise Risk Officer.

Executive Compensation

MMALIC does not have any employees. Its parent, Glidepath, provides personnel to MMALIC pursuant to a Services Agreement between MMALIC and Glidepath.

As a result, MMALIC does not determine or pay any compensation to its executive officers or additional personnel provided by Glidepath. Glidepath determines and pays salaries, bonuses and other compensation to its executive officers and additional personnel provided by Glidepath commensurate with their positions, tenure and levels of responsibility. Glidepath also determines whether and to what extent it will provide employee benefits plans to such persons.

See “Transactions with Related Persons” for more information about the Services Agreement.

Director Compensation

Mark Muething is the only director who is an employee of Glidepath. No director receives any additional compensation for serving as a director.

Director Independence

No director is considered independent under independence standards applicable to MMALIC. MMALIC does not have a separately designated audit, nominating or compensation committee, but MassMutual’s audit committee performs a similar function for MMALIC.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

MMALIC does not have a compensation committee.

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

MassMutual indirectly owns 100% of the voting securities of MMALIC. MassMutual’s principal executive offices are located at 1295 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01111-0001.

Transactions with Related Persons

Transactions between MMALIC and Glidepath

Pursuant to a Leased Employee Agreement between MMALIC and Glidepath, Glidepath furnishes MMALIC with personnel as requested by MMALIC. MMALIC pays for these services on the basis of cost, which must be fair and reasonable. Payments for these services by MMALIC to Glidepath were approximately $98 million in 2022.

Transactions between MMALIC and MassMutual or Other MassMutual Subsidiaries

MMALIC and Barings are parties to an Investment Services Agreement under which Barings provides investment services to MMALIC in accordance with guidelines. MMALIC pays Barings a fee based on Barings’s cost of providing these services.

Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement between MMALIC and MassMutual, MassMutual furnishes MMALIC with office, data processing, telecommunications, and administrative and support services, including enterprise risk management services, corporate finance services, actuarial services, legal services, internal audit services, corporate compliance services and procurement services, as agreed upon by the parties. Payments for these services by MMALIC to MassMutual were approximately $4.4 million in 2022.

MMALIC and its subsidiaries have entered into an intercompany tax allocation agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, each company’s tax expense is determined based upon its inclusion in the consolidated tax return of MMALIC and its includable subsidiaries. Estimated payments are made quarterly during the year. Following year-end, additional settlements are made on the original due date of the return and, when extended, at the time the return is filed. The method of allocation among the companies under the agreement is based upon separate return calculations with current credit for losses to the extent the losses provide a benefit in the consolidated return.

Transactions Involving Immediate Family Members of MMALIC’s Directors and Executive Officers

A brother of MMALIC’s President is a partner and Chairman of the Board of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL. MMALIC and its related entities paid Keating Muething & Klekamp approximately $0.4 million in 2022, $1.1 million in 2021, and $1.2 million in 2020.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

MMALIC’s senior management team approves all related party transactions involving directors and executive officers of MMALIC, including relevant transactions described in “Transactions Involving Immediate Family Members of MMALIC’s Directors and Executive Officers” above. In considering the transaction, MMALIC’s senior management team may consider all relevant factors, including as applicable: the business rationale for entering into the transaction; the alternatives to entering into a related person transaction; whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those available to third parties, or in the case of employment relationships, to employees generally; the potential for the transaction to lead to an actual or apparent conflict of interest and any safeguards imposed to prevent such actual or apparent conflicts; and the overall fairness of the transaction to MMALIC. Potential related party transactions are covered by MMALIC’s Code of Conduct policy. Approval of such related person transactions would be evidenced by resolutions of the Finance committee of the MMALIC Board of Directors in accordance with its practice of reviewing and approving transactions in this manner.

Change in Accountants

Prior to the acquisition of GALIC by MassMutual on May 28, 2021, Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) had been engaged to act as independent auditors of GALIC. On May 28, 2021, E&Y resigned as GALIC’s independent auditors. On the same day, as the result of becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of MassMutual, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), which had been engaged by the Board of MassMutual, became GALIC’s new independent registered public accounting firm to audit GALIC’s statutory-basis financial statements for the fiscal year 2021.

The E&Y report dated May 14, 2021 on GALIC’s statutory-basis financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles other than what is disclosed in the following paragraph.

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The E&Y report dated May 14, 2021 of Great American Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by Great American Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the Ernst & Young LLP audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 and any subsequent interim period prior to May 28, 2021, there were: (i) no disagreements between GALIC and E&Y on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of E&Y, would have caused E&Y to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report, and (ii) no reportable events within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

MMALIC provided E&Y with a copy of this disclosure before its filing with the SEC and requested that E&Y provide us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements. A copy of that letter, furnished by E&Y in response to that request, is filed as Exhibit 16 to the registration statement filed with the SEC.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, and any subsequent interim period prior to May 28, 2021, GALIC did not consult with KPMG regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on GALIC’s financial statements, and KPMG did not provide either a written report or oral advice to GALIC that was an important factor considered by GALIC in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a reportable event (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

Information on MMALIC’s Business and Property

Competition

MMALIC’s annuity businesses operate in highly competitive markets. They compete with other insurers and financial institutions based on many factors, including: (i) ratings; (ii) financial strength; (iii) reputation; (iv) service to policyholders and agents; (v) product design (including interest rates credited, bonus features and index participation); and (vi) commissions. Because most policies are marketed and distributed through independent agents, the insurance companies must also compete for agents.

No single insurer dominates the markets in which MMALIC’s annuity businesses compete. See Risks Primarily Related to MMALIC’s Financial Strength and Claims-Paying Ability. MMALIC’s competitors include (i) individual insurers and insurance groups, (ii) mutual funds and (iii) other financial institutions. In a broader sense, MMALIC’s annuity businesses compete for retirement savings with a variety of financial institutions offering a full range of financial services. In the financial institution annuity market, MMALIC’s annuities compete directly against competitors’ annuities, certificates of deposit and other investment alternatives at the point of sale.

Sales of annuities, including renewal premiums, are affected by many factors, including: (i) competitive annuity products and rates; (ii) the general level and volatility of interest rates, including the slope of the yield curve; (iii) the favorable tax treatment of annuities; (iv) commissions paid to agents; (v) services offered; (vi) ratings from independent insurance rating agencies; (vii) other alternative investments; (viii) performance and volatility of the equity markets; (ix) media coverage of annuities; (x) regulatory developments regarding suitability and the sales process; and (xi) general economic conditions.

Financial Strength Ratings

MMALIC believes that the ratings assigned by independent insurance rating agencies are an important competitive factor because agents, potential policyholders and financial institutions often use a company’s rating as an initial screening device in considering annuity products. MMALIC believes that a rating in the “A” category by at least one rating agency is necessary to successfully compete in its primary annuity markets. In 2022, MMALIC was rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and A+ by Standard & Poor’s.

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Regulation

MMALIC is subject to regulation in the jurisdictions where MMALIC does business. In general, the insurance laws of the various states establish regulatory agencies with broad administrative powers governing, among other things, premium rates, solvency standards, licensing of insurers, agents and brokers, trade practices, forms of policies, maintenance of specified reserves and capital for the protection of policyholders, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, investment activities and relationships between insurance subsidiaries and their parents and affiliates. Material transactions between insurance subsidiaries and their parents and affiliates generally must receive prior approval of the applicable insurance regulatory authorities and be disclosed.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”), among other things, established a Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) within the U.S. Treasury. Under this law, the regulatory framework for the FIO to carry out its mandate to focus on systemic risk oversight continues to evolve. Since its formation, the FIO has worked with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) and other stakeholders to explore a hybrid approach to regulation of the insurance industry; however, the state-based system of regulation has largely been retained. MMALIC cannot predict the future role of the FIO and its role in regulation of the insurance industry and how that might ultimately affect MMALIC’s operations.

Most states have created insurance guaranty associations that assess solvent insurers to pay claims of insurance companies that become insolvent. Annual guaranty assessments for MMALIC has not been material.

Risks Primarily Related to MMALIC’s Financial Strength and Claims-Paying Ability

We make annuity payout benefits payments and pay death benefits for this Contract from our general account. We also pay benefits for other insurance contracts from our general account, and our general account is subject to claims by our creditors. Our ability to make payments from our general account is subject to our financial strength. Set out below are the most significant factors that may negatively impact our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

Financial losses could adversely affect our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

Owners of MMALIC’s insurance products do not share in the profits and losses generated by our business. However, if we were to experience significant losses, we might not have sufficient assets in our general account to satisfy all of the guarantees provided in our insurance contracts. Events that may result in financial losses are listed below. We cannot predict the impact that any of these events may ultimately have on our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

Adverse developments in financial markets and deterioration in global economic conditions.

Worldwide financial markets have, from time to time, experienced significant and unpredictable disruption. For example, a prolonged economic downturn may result in heightened credit risk, reduction in the valuation of certain investments and decreased economic activity. Our financial position is materially impacted by the global economy and capital markets. During an economic downturn, we could experience a drop in the demand for our insurance products. In addition, surrenders and withdrawals from MMALIC’s insurance products might also increase during an economic downturn, and owners of MMALIC’s insurance products might opt to discontinue or delay paying insurance premiums or additional purchase payments.

Unfavorable interest rate environments.

During periods of declining interest rates, we may experience losses as the spread tightens between crediting rates that we pay to owners of our insurance contracts and returns on our investments. During periods of increasing rates, we may experience financial losses due to increases in surrenders and withdrawals under our insurance contracts as owners of those contracts choose to seek higher returns.

Losses on our investment portfolio.

A significant majority of MMALIC’s investment portfolio consists of fixed maturity investments, which are subject to both interest rate risk and credit risk. Interest rate risk refers to how the values of our fixed maturity investments fluctuate in response to changes in market interest rates. Increases in market interest rates generally result in decreases in the value of our fixed maturity

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investment portfolio. On the other hand, decreases in rates generally result in increases in the portfolio value. Credit risk refers to the risk that certain investments may default or become impaired due to deterioration in the financial condition of the issuers of those investments.

A portion of MMALIC’s investment portfolio consists of equity investments that are generally valued based on quoted market prices and subject to market risk. Market risk refers to how market prices for equity investments are subject to fluctuation due to general market conditions or changes in the actual or perceived attractiveness of an investment. A decrease in the market price for an equity investment could result in losses upon the sale of that investment.

MMALIC’s investment portfolio also includes investments that lack liquidity, such as privately placed fixed maturity investments, mortgage loans, collateralized debt obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities, real estate and limited partnership interests. If we were required to sell illiquid investments on short notice, we might have difficulty doing so and may be forced to sell them for less than fair value.

Loss of market share due to intense competition.

There is strong competition among individual insurers and insurance groups, mutual funds and other financial institutions seeking clients for the products we provide. Competition is based on numerous factors including the ability to recruit and retain distribution, reputation, product design, crediting rates, insurance product performance, scope of distribution, perceived financial strength and credit ratings. If competition limits MMALIC’s ability to write new or renewal business at adequate rates, its results of operations will be adversely affected.

Ineffectiveness of risk management policies.

Our risk management policies and procedures, which are intended to identify, monitor and manage economic risks, may not be fully effective at mitigating risk exposures in all market conditions or against all types of risk. For instance, we use derivatives to alleviate risks related to floating-rate investments as well as annuity products that credit interest or provide a return based, in part, on the change in a referenced index. Our use of derivatives may not accurately counterbalance the actual risk exposure, and any derivatives held may not be sufficient to completely hedge the associated risks. In addition, counterparties may fail to perform under the derivative financial instruments. We may also decide not to hedge, or fail to identify, certain risks to which we are exposed. Ultimately, our use of derivatives and other risk management strategies may be inadequate to protect against the full extent of the exposure or losses we seek to mitigate.

Changes in applicable law and regulations may affect our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

We are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by government agencies in all the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our operations, products and services are subject to a variety of state and federal laws. We are regulated by various regulatory authorities and self-regulatory authorities including state insurance departments, state securities administrators, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor.

Changes to state and federal laws and regulations may materially impact the way we conduct business. Moreover, the pace of changes to the regulatory environment continues to increase. Federal and state governments, including federal and state regulatory authorities, are active in the regulation of the manufacture, sale and administration of annuity products. We cannot predict the potential effects that any new laws or regulations, changes in existing laws and regulations, or the interpretation or enforcement of laws and regulations may have on our business, but such changes may negatively impact our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

The inability to obtain or collect on reinsurance could adversely affect our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

We use reinsurance for various business segments as part of our risk management strategy. While reinsurance agreements typically bind the reinsurer for the life of the business reinsured at specific pricing, market conditions may determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance for new business. Our risk of loss increases if we are unable to purchase reinsurance at acceptable terms. We are also subject to credit risk related to the ability of a reinsurer to meet its obligations. If we are unable to purchase reinsurance at acceptable terms or if the financial condition of our reinsurers is impaired, it may impact our ability to meet our financial obligations.

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A downgrade or potential downgrade in MMALIC’s financial strength ratings by one or more rating agencies could adversely affect its financial strength and claims-paying ability.

MMALIC’s claims-paying and financial strength is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and A+ by Standard & Poor’s. We believe a rating in the “A” category by at least one rating agency is important for us to successfully compete in our primary annuity markets. We also believe the ratings assigned by these independent insurance rating agencies are an important competitive factor because agents, potential contract owners and financial institutions often use a company’s rating as an initial screening device in considering annuity products. A downgrade in MMALIC’s claims-paying and financial strength ratings could adversely impact MMALIC’s financial strength and claims-paying ability by causing financial losses to our business. Such losses may be due to:

•

Reduction in new sales of annuity products;

•

Harm to our relationships with distributors of our annuity products;

•

Increases to the cost of capital or limitation on our access to sources of capital;

•

Harm to our ability to obtain reinsurance or reasonable terms for reinsurance;

•

Significant increases in the number and amount of surrenders of, or withdrawals from, our annuity products; and

•

Pressure to increase the crediting rates for our annuity products.

Variations from actual experience and management’s estimates and assumptions could result in inadequate reserves.

We establish and maintain reserves to pay future benefits and claims of our policyholders and contract holders. The reserves we established are estimates, primarily based on actuarial assumptions with regard to our future experience, which involve the exercise of significant judgment. Our future financial results depend on the extent to which our actual future experience is consistent with the assumptions we have used in pricing our products and determining our reserves. Many factors can affect future experience, including investment yields (and spreads over fixed annuity crediting rates), benefit utilization rates, equity market performance, the cost of call and put options used in the indexed annuity business, persistency, mortality, surrenders, annuity benefit payments, withdrawals, expenses incurred and changes in regulations. Developing such assumptions is complex and involves information obtained from company-specific and industry-wide data, as well as general economic information. We cannot precisely predict the ultimate amounts we will pay for actual benefits or the timing of those payments. We use actuarial models to assist us in establishing reserves. If actual results differ significantly from our estimates and assumptions, our claim costs could increase significantly and our reserves could be inadequate. If so, we will be required to increase reserves or accelerate amortization of deferred acquisition costs. We cannot be certain that our reserves will ultimately be sufficient to pay future benefit and claims of policyholders and contract holders.

The amount of capital that we must hold to meet our statutory capital requirements can vary significantly from time to time.

Statutory capital requirements are set by applicable state insurance regulators and the NAIC. State insurance regulators have established regulations that govern reserving requirements and provide minimum capitalization requirements based on risk-based capital (“RBC”) ratios for life insurance companies. Statutory surplus and RBC ratios may change in a given year based on a number of factors, including statutory income or losses, reserve changes, excess capital held to support growth, changes in equity market levels, interest rate changes, the value of certain fixed-income and equity securities, and changes to the RBC formulas. Additionally, state insurance regulators have significant leeway in interpreting existing regulations, which could further impact the amount of statutory capital or reserves that we must maintain. There is no guarantee that we will be able to maintain our current RBC ratio in the future or that our RBC ratio will not fall to a level that could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we are unable to maintain minimum capitalization requirements, our business may be subject to significant increases in supervision or control by state insurance regulators.

Legal actions and regulatory proceedings may adversely affect our financial strength and claims-paying ability.

We have been named as defendant in lawsuits. We have also been involved in regulatory investigations and examinations. We may be involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions in the future. Lawsuits and regulatory actions arise in various contexts, including MMALIC’s roles as an insurer, investor, securities issuer and taxpaying entity. These actions may result in material amounts of damages or fines that we must pay and may involve certain regulatory authorities that have substantial power over our business operations. A negative outcome in any legal action or regulatory proceeding that results in significant financial losses or operational burdens may adversely impact MMALIC’s financial position and claims-paying ability.

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We may experience difficulties with technology or data security, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

We use computer systems and services to store, retrieve, evaluate and utilize company and customer data and information. Systems failures or outages could compromise our ability to perform business functions in a timely manner, which could harm our ability to conduct business and hurt our relationships with business partners and customers. In the event of a disaster such as a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, a blackout, a malicious software attack, a terrorist attack or war, our systems may be inaccessible to employees, customers or business partners for an extended period of time. As a result, our employees may be unable to perform their duties for an extended period of time if our data or systems are disabled or destroyed.

Our computer systems are subject to cyber-attacks, viruses, malware, hackers and other external hazards, as well as inadvertent errors, equipment and system failures and to unauthorized or illegitimate actions by employees, consultants, agents and other persons with legitimate access to our systems. In addition, over time, the sophistication of these threats continues to increase. Our administrative and technical controls as well as other preventative actions used to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information may be insufficient to detect or prevent future unauthorized access, other physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks or other security breaches to our computer systems or those of third parties with whom we transact business.

We have increasingly outsourced certain technology and business process functions to third parties and may continue to do so in the future. Outsourcing of certain technology and business process functions to third parties may expose us to increased risk related to data security or service disruptions. If we do not effectively develop, implement and monitor these relationships, third-party providers do not perform as anticipated, technological or other problems are incurred with a transition, or outsourcing relationships relevant to our business process functions are terminated, we may not realize expected productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience operational difficulties, increased costs and a loss of business.

The increased risks identified above could expose us to data loss, disruption of service, monetary and reputational damages, competitive disadvantage and significant increases in compliance costs, and costs to improve the security and resiliency of our computer systems. The compromise of personal, confidential or proprietary information could also subject us to legal liability or regulatory action under evolving cyber-security, data protection and privacy laws and regulations enacted by the U.S. federal and state governments, or by various regulatory organizations. As a result, our ability to conduct business and our results of operations might be materially and adversely affected.

Any failure to protect the confidentiality of customer information could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We are subject to privacy regulations and confidentiality obligations, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and state privacy laws and regulations, that restrict the use and dissemination of, and access to, the information we produce, store or maintain in the course of our business. We also have contractual obligations to protect certain confidential information received through various business relationships. The obligations generally include protecting such information in the same manner and to the same extent as we protect our own confidential information, and, in some instances, may impose indemnity obligations on us relating to unlawful or unauthorized disclosure of any such information.

If we do not properly comply with privacy regulations or fail to protect confidential information, we could experience adverse consequences, including reputational damage, possible litigation, and regulatory sanctions, such as penalties, fines and loss of license. This could have adverse impact on our image or customer relationships and, consequently, result in loss of business partners, lower sales, lapses of existing business or increased expenses. While we may maintain insurance to mitigate or offset these risks, we cannot be certain that any such insurance coverage would be sufficient in amount or scope to fully address any resulting losses or liability.

Failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems could adversely affect our business.

Our various lines of business depend greatly on the use of effective information systems. Maintaining and updating current information systems and the development of new systems to match emerging technology, regulatory standards and customer expectations requires a substantial commitment of resources. We must maintain adequate information systems in order to perform necessary business functions, including processing premium and purchase payments, administering our products, providing customer support and paying claims. We also use systems for investment management, financial reporting and data analysis to support our reserves and other actuarial estimates. Any interruptions may reduce our revenues or increase our

A-9

expenses, and may adversely impact our reputation, business partnerships and customer relationships. In addition, system interruptions may impair our ability to timely and accurately complete our financial reporting and other regulatory obligations, and may impact the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.

The occurrence of catastrophic events, pandemics, terrorism or military actions could adversely affect our business operations.

The occurrence of natural or man-made disasters and catastrophes, including pandemics such as the outbreak of the coronavirus commonly referred to as “COVID-19”, acts of terrorism, floods, earthquakes, industrial accident, blackout, cyberattack, malicious software, insider threat, insurrections and military actions, including the Russian/Ukraine conflict and the resulting response by the United States and other countries, unanticipated problems with our business continuity plans and disaster recovery systems, or a support failure from a third party vendor, could adversely affect our business operations and business results. In addition to impacting our normal business operations, such disasters and catastrophes may impact us indirectly by changing the condition and behavior of our customers, business counterparties and regulators, as well as by causing declines or volatility in the economic and financial markets. We maintain business continuity plans for our operations, but we cannot predict with certainty when normal operations would resume if such an event occurred.

Forward-Looking Statements

The disclosures in this Form S-1 contain certain forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous assumptions, risks or uncertainties. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “projects”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans”, “seeks”, “could”, “may”, “should”, “will” or the negative version of those words or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: expectations concerning market and other conditions and their effect on future premiums, revenues, earnings and investment activities; recoverability of asset values; and rate changes.

Actual results and/or financial condition could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons including but not limited to the following and those discussed in Risk Factors.

•

changes in financial, political and economic conditions, including changes in interest and inflation rates, currency fluctuations and extended economic recessions or expansions in the U.S. and/or abroad;

•

performance of securities markets, including the cost of equity index options;

•

new legislation or declines in credit quality or credit ratings that could have a material impact on the valuation of securities in MMALIC’s investment portfolio;

•

the availability of capital;

•

regulatory actions (including changes in statutory accounting rules);

•

changes in the legal environment affecting MMALIC or its customers;

•

tax law and accounting changes;

•

terrorist activities (including any nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), incidents of war or losses resulting from civil unrest and other major losses;

•

disruption caused by cyber-attacks or other technology breaches or failures by MMALIC or its business partners and service providers, which could negatively impact MMALIC’s business and/or expose MMALIC to litigation;

•

availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations;

•

trends in persistency and mortality;

•

competitive pressures;

•

the ability to obtain adequate rates and policy terms; and

•

changes in MMALIC’s financial strength ratings assigned by major ratings agencies.

The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date of this report. MMALIC assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

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

The following discussion provides an assessment of the financial position and results of operations on a statutory basis of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (“MMALIC” or “Company”) operations. Statutory accounting practices (“SAP”) financial information is prepared and presented in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) and the Ohio Department of Insurance. Certain differences exist between SAP and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). See Note B of MMALIC’s statutory basis audited financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this document, for a discussion of these differences.

OVERVIEW

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company’s name was changed to MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, formerly known as Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”). MMALIC, a stock life insurance company domiciled in the state of Ohio, is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Glidepath Holdings Inc., a financial services holding company wholly-owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”).

MMALIC predominantly markets traditional fixed, fixed-indexed, and registered index-linked annuities nationwide to the savings and retirement markets and maintains term and universal life in-force business, which the Company manages as one operating segment. MMALIC is licensed to write life, annuity and accident & health insurance in the District of Columbia and all states other than New York.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

On May 28, 2021, MassMutual purchased MMALIC, formerly known as GALIC, and its two insurance subsidiaries, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company, as well as a broker-dealer affiliate, MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC (formerly known as Great American Advisors, LLC) and insurance distributor AAG Insurance Agency, LLC from American Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”). Total proceeds for the sale were $3.57 billion. MMALIC and its subsidiaries at that date became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Glidepath Holdings Inc., a financial services holding company wholly-owned by MassMutual.

NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS

On February 17, 2022, MMALIC entered into a Funds Withheld Coinsurance agreement, effective February 1, 2022, with Martello Re Limited, a Bermuda-domiciled Class E life and annuity reinsurer launched in 2022. MMALIC ceded statutory reserves of approximately $14.2 billion on a closed block of fixed, fixed-indexed and payout annuity policies, in exchange for a $320.0 million ceding commission paid by Martello Re. The transaction resulted in a significant increase to MMALIC’s Risk Based Capital ratio.

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company recaptured the fixed-indexed annuity policies ceded to Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America pursuant to an Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement, dated December 31, 2018. The financial impact of the reinsurance recapture was a decrease to statutory capital of $140.6 million and reported as a change in policyholder reserves.

In 2021 the Ohio Department of Insurance promulgated Ohio Administrative Code Section 3901-1-67, Alternative Derivative and Reserve Accounting Practices (OAC 3901-1-67). This regulation allows Ohio-domiciled insurance companies to utilize certain alternative derivative and reserve accounting practices for eligible derivative instruments and indexed products, respectively, in order to better align the measurement of indexed product reserves and the derivatives that hedge them. Effective January 1, 2022, the Company elected to apply OAC 3901-1-67 to its derivative instruments hedging fixed-indexed annuity products and fixed-indexed reserve liabilities.

Under OAC 3901-1-67, derivative instruments will be carried on the statutory balance sheet at amortized cost with the initial hedge cost amortized over the term and asset payoffs realized at the end of the term being reported through net investment income. Additionally, the cash surrender value reserves for fixed-indexed annuity products will only reflect index interest credits at the end of the crediting term as compared to partial index interest credits accumulating throughout the crediting term as an increase in aggregate reserves for life and accident and health contracts. As a result of the Company’s election to apply OAC 3901-1-67 as of January 1, 2022, total statutory admitted assets decreased $393.6 million, total statutory liabilities decreased $236.2 million and total statutory capital and surplus decreased $157.4 million. The following table summarizes the components of the total decrease in statutory surplus (in millions):


Change in reserve on account of change in valuation basis	$	236.2
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		(454.4	)
Change in net deferred tax asset		46.2
Change in nonadmitted assets		14.6

Total decrease in statutory surplus	$	(157.4	)

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ANALYIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021

The following table presents MMALIC’s statutory results of operations for the periods indicated:


	Year Ended December 31
	2022			2021			% Change
Revenues:
Premiums and annuity considerations	$	(7,198.3	)	$	5,027.0			-243	%
Net investment income		1,019.0			1,951.0			-48	%
Other income		581.0			97.0			499	%

Total premiums and other revenues		(5,598.3	)		7,075.0			-179	%

Benefits and Expenses:
Policyholder benefits		505.8			901.2			-44	%
Surrender benefits		1,460.5			2,208.0			-34	%
Change in policyholder reserves		(8,743.9	)		3,107.8			-381	%
Direct commissions and commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance assumed		364.6			285.2			28	%
Other expenses		610.5			317.0			93	%

Total benefits and expenses		(5,802.5	)		6,819.2			-185	%

Operating results before federal income taxes and realized capital gains (losses)		204.2			255.8			-20	%
Federal income taxes on operations		(13.6	)		(45.5	)		-70	%

Operating results before realized gains (losses)		190.6			210.3			-9	%
Realized gains (losses) net of federal income taxes		(32.6	)		118.7			-127	%

Net income	$	158.0		$	329.0			-52	%

Operating results before federal income taxes and realized capital gains (losses) decreased by 20% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2022 compared to the 12 months ended December 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily attributable to the Hannover reinsurance treaty recapture and the impact from the Martello Re reinsurance transaction.

Net income decreased 52% in 2022 compared to 2021. This decrease was largely driven by items mentioned above, along with realized losses in 2022 compared to realized gains in 2021. The realized losses in 2022 were primarily related to sales of fixed maturities, equities, and derivative instruments. The realized gains in 2021 were primarily related to sales of fixed maturities, equities, and other invested assets.

Revenues

Total revenues decreased to ($5,598.3) million in the 12 months ended December 31, 2022 from $7,075.0 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2021. Following is a discussion of the primary contributors to this decrease.

This decrease is primarily attributable to the initial Martello Re transaction recorded through premium and annuity considerations (offset in change in policyholder reserves). Excluding the initial Martello Re ceded premium of $14.2 billion, premium and annuity considerations increased 39%. This increase is primarily attributable to higher traditional fixed, fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuity sales in 2022. Net investment income decreased 48% in the 2022 period compared to 2021, primarily due to ceded investment income related to the Martello Re reinsurance transaction, and lower income on derivative instruments. Gross investment income, excluding derivative instruments, increased 16% primarily due to growth in annuity sales.

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The following table provides a summary of the components of net investment income:


	Year Ended December 31
	2022			2021
Investment income:
Bonds	$	1,436.1		$	1,240.2
Equity securities		9.3			28.5
Mortgage loans		116.5			74.6
Real estate		—			11.9
Policy loans		4.1			4.7
Cash and short-term investments		17.5			18.8
Other invested assets		96.1			75.8
Derivative instruments		(174.6	)		543.7
Other		2.9			2.0

Gross investment income		1,507.9			2,000.2
Investment expenses		(35.6	)		(49.2	)
Ceded investment income		(453.3	)		—

Net investment income	$	1,019.0		$	1,951.0

Other income increased 499% from 2021 to 2022, primarily due to the $320.0 million ceding commission paid by Martello Re. In accordance with statutory accounting practices, ceding commissions representing gains on the reinsurance of in-force blocks of business are deferred in surplus and amortized over the reinsurance contract period. The offsetting impact of ceding commissions is recorded in other income with a corresponding increase in surplus representing the deferred gain that will be amortized over the reinsurance contract.

Benefits and Expenses

Policyholder benefits decreased 44% in 2022 compared to 2021. This decrease was primarily attributable to ceded annuity benefits related to the Martello Re transaction. Surrender benefits decreased 34% in 2022 compared to the prior year due to ceded surrenders related to the Martello Re transaction. Net Surrender and withdrawal benefits were offset by a corresponding change in policyholder reserves. The death benefits paid pursuant to life insurance policies resulted in an impact to operating earnings by the amount of benefits paid above the amount of policyholder reserves released, net of reinsurance.

Change in policyholder reserves decreased 381% in 2022 compared to 2021. This decrease was primarily the result of the initial Martello Re transaction recorded through Change in policyholder reserves (offset in Premiums and annuity considerations). The initial Martello Re transaction in the first quarter of 2022 resulted in a reduction of annuity reserves of approximately $14.2 billion.

Commissions related expenses – direct commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance assumed increased 28% in 2022 compared to 2021, primarily due to higher commissions on record gross annuity sales in 2022. Other expenses increased 93% from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to the amortization of the ceding commission paid by Martello Re. The amortization of the ceding commission is offset by the ceding commission reported in Other income.

Realized Gains (Losses) Net of Federal Income Taxes

Realized losses net of federal income taxes in 2022 were ($32.6) million compared to gains of $118.7 million in 2021. For statutory reporting purposes, realized gains (losses) reported on the statement of operations are net of gains and losses transferred to the Interest Maintenance Reserve (“IMR”). Amounts transferred to IMR, which is a liability reported in the statement of financial position, are the portion of gains and losses for securities sold that relates to gains and losses resulting from changes in interest rates and are amortized into operations over the estimated remaining lives of the securities sold. Gains and losses reported in the statement of operations are credit and non-interest related. The decrease is mainly due to the net gain recognized by MMALIC in 2021 related to the sale of Schedule BA assets to AFG prior to MassMutual’s acquisition of MMALIC and its subsidiaries.

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ANALYIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020

The following table presents the statutory results of operations for the periods indicated:


	Year Ended December 31
	2021			2020			% Change
Revenues:
Premiums and annuity considerations	$	5,027.0		$	(2,716.0	)		-285	%
Net investment income		1,951.0			1,908.8			2	%
Other income		97.0			469.7			-79	%

Total premiums and other revenues		7,075.0			(337.5	)		-2196	%

Benefits and Expenses:
Policyholder benefits		901.2			845.4			7	%
Surrender benefits		2,208.0			2,106.6			5	%
Change in policyholder reserves		3,107.8			(4,081.0	)		-176	%
Direct commissions and commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance assumed		285.2			194.1			47	%
Other expenses		317.0			256.6			24	%

Total benefits and expenses		6,819.2			(678.3	)		-1105	%

Operating results before federal income taxes and realized capital gains (losses)		255.8			340.8			-25	%
Federal income taxes on operations		(45.5	)		61.9			-174	%

Operating results before realized gains (losses)		210.3			402.7			-48	%
Realized gains (losses) net of federal income taxes		118.7			(218.6	)		-154	%

Net income	$	329.0		$	184.1			79	%

Operating results before federal income taxes and realized capital gains (losses) decreased by 25% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2021 compared to the 12 months ended December 31, 2020. This decrease was primarily attributable to higher commission and general expenses during the 2021 period and lower other income related to a 2020 adjustment to IMR for reinsurance, partially offset by increased earnings generated from the growth in inforce annuity business in 2021.

Net income increased 79% in 2021 compared to 2020. This increase was largely driven by realized gains in 2021 compared to realized losses in 2020 and a Federal income tax benefit for 2021 compared to Federal tax expenses in 2020. The realized gains in 2021 were primarily related to sales of fixed maturities, equities, and other invested assets. The realized losses reported in 2020 were primarily attributable to an adjustment to IMR related to new reinsurance.

Revenues

Total revenues increased to $7,075.0 million in the 12 months ended December 31, 2021 from ($337.5) million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2020. Following is a discussion of the primary contributors to this increase.

Excluding an initial ceded premium of $6.1 billion paid to Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (“Commonwealth”) in October 2020 pursuant to a block reinsurance transaction, premiums increased 49%. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in registered index-linked annuity sales in 2021 and the impact of COVID-19 on annuity sales in 2020. Net investment income increased 2% in the 2021 period compared to 2020, primarily due to the growth in the annuity business in 2021.

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The following table provides a summary of the components of net investment income:


	Year Ended December 31
	2021			2020
Investment income:
Bonds	$	1,240.2		$	1,390.5
Equity securities		28.5			77.8
Mortgage loans		74.6			71.0
Real estate		11.9			24.2
Policy loans		4.7			5.0
Cash and short-term investments		18.8			37.4
Other invested assets		75.8			66.3
Derivative instruments		543.7			283.0
Other		2.0			1.7

Gross investment income		2,000.2			1,956.9
Investment expenses		(49.2	)		(48.1	)

Net investment income	$	1,951.0		$	1,908.8

Other income decreased 79% from 2020 to 2021, primarily due to an adjustment to IMR in October 2020 related to the new reinsurance agreement with Commonwealth. Excluding the 2020 adjustment to IMR, other income decreased approximately 16% from 2020 to 2021, primarily related to lower reinsurance experience refunds in 2021.

Benefits and Expenses

Policyholder benefits increased 7% in 2021 compared to 2020. This was primarily attributable to an increase in payout annuity benefits and life and annuity death benefits. Surrender benefits increased 5% in 2021 compared to the prior year due to growth in the annuity business. Surrender and withdrawal benefits were offset by a corresponding decrease in policyholder reserves. The death benefits paid pursuant to life insurance policies impacted operating earnings by the amount of benefit paid above the amount of policyholder reserve released, net of reinsurance.

Change in policyholder reserves increased 176% in 2021 compared to 2020. This increase was primarily the result of the annuity block reinsurance agreement with Commonwealth, effective in October 2020. The initial ceded premium to Commonwealth of $6.1 billion resulted in a reduction of annuity reserves of approximately $5.7 billion in 2020.

Commissions related expenses – direct commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance assumed – increased 47% in 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to higher commissions on increased annuity sales in 2021. Other expenses increased 24% from 2020 to 2021 primarily due to higher investment management expenses and expenses related to the acquisition of MMALIC by MassMutual.

Realized Gains (Losses) Net of Federal Income Taxes

Realized gains net of federal income taxes in 2021 were $118.7 million compared to losses of $218.6 million in 2020. For statutory reporting purposes, realized gains (losses) reported on the statement of operations were net of gains and losses transferred to the IMR. Amounts transferred to IMR, which is a liability reported in the statement of financial position, were the portion of gains and losses for securities sold related to gains and losses resulting from changes in interest rates and were amortized into operations over the estimated remaining lives of the securities sold. Gains and losses reported in the statement of operations were credit and non-interest related. The improvement in realized gains net of federal income taxes from 2020 to 2021 was primarily due to lower impairment losses in 2021 and a large transfer to IMR in 2020 related to a new reinsurance transaction with Commonwealth.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Management believes MMALIC has sufficient resources to meet its liquidity requirements. MMALIC’s liquidity requirements relate primarily to the liabilities associated with its annuity and life products as well as operating costs and expenses, taxes, and contributions of capital to its subsidiaries. Historically, cash flows from premiums and investment income have provided more than sufficient funds to meet these requirements. Funds received in excess of cash requirements are generally invested in additional marketable securities. In addition, MMALIC generally holds a significant amount of highly liquid, short-term investments. If funds generated from operations are insufficient to meet liquidity requirements for any period, MassMutual may contribute funds to MMALIC.

MMALIC’s annuity operations typically produce positive net operating cash flows as investment income exceeds acquisition costs and operating expenses. Interest credited on annuity policyholder funds is a non-cash increase in MMALIC’s annuity reserves, and annuity premiums, benefits and withdrawals are considered financing activities due to the deposit-type nature of annuities. For the full year, net cash provided by operating activities was $5.76 billion in 2022 and net cash provided by operating activities was $3.85 billion in 2021.

MMALIC’s financing activities consist primarily of transactions with annuity policyholders and dividend payments to its former parent company. Net cash used in financing activities was $1,121.8 million in 2022 compared to $1,305.1 million in 2021, a decrease of $183.3 million. Net deposits on deposit-type contracts were $50.4 million in 2022 compared to withdrawals of $1,056.1 million in 2021, a decrease of $1,106.5 million. In addition, MMALIC paid no cash dividends to its parent in 2022 compared to $300.0 million paid to its former parent in 2021. Excluding an initial funds held under reinsurance treaties balance of $14,159.0 million related to the Martello Re transaction, the 2022 change was $1,481.7 million compared to $0.0 million in 2021.

The Company is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). The FHLB makes advances and provides other banking services to member institutions. The Company owned $20.0 million and $25.0 million of FHLB Class B membership stock at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has no membership stock eligible for redemption. Through its association with the FHLB and by purchasing a set amount of FHLB stock, the Company can enter into deposit-type contracts with the FHLB known as funding agreements.

In 2022, the FHLB advanced MMALIC $300.0 million. In 2021, MMALIC repaid $931.0 million to the FHLB. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, MMALIC had $500.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively, in outstanding advances from the FHLB (included in Liability for deposit-type contracts), bearing interest at rates ranging from 1.35% to 1.97% (average rate of 1.72% at December 31, 2022). The Company paid interest of approximately $8.4 million and $4.4 million on these advances in 2022 and 2021, respectively. These advances must be repaid between 2025 and 2030 ($200.0 million in 2025 and $300.0 million in 2030). The Company has invested the proceeds from the advances in bonds for the purpose of earning a spread over the interest payments due to the FHLB. As required by the funding agreement, the Company purchased 282,623 shares ($28.3 million) of FHLB activity and excess stock.

The Company also posted collateral to the FHLB of assets with a fair value and carrying value of approximately $1,030.9 million and $1,102.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. The Company’s FHLB borrowing capacity is based on the Company’s estimate of collateral eligible to be pledged with the FHLB. The deposit contract liabilities, reported in liability for deposit-type contracts in the balance sheet, and related assets are accounted for in the Company’s general account.

MMALIC has no material contractual purchase obligations or other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2022 or 2021.

Policyholder Liabilities

Liquidity needs vary by annuity and life product. Factors that impact a product’s need for liquidity include interest rate levels, contract size, competitive products, termination or surrender charges, market value adjustments, federal income taxes, and benefit levels. To help assure that obligations will be met when they fall due, the Company uses asset/liability cash flow management techniques that take into consideration current and total investment return requirements, asset and liability durations, risk tolerance, and cash flow requirements. The fair values for liabilities under all insurance contracts are taken into consideration in the overall management of interest rate risk.

The Company’s products include features that enhance the Company’s liquidity position. Virtually all individual deferred annuity products contain surrender charges of varying durations, reducing the risk that customers will request a full surrender during the period charges are in effect. Surrender charges allow the Company to better plan the maturities of its invested assets by reducing the risk that future cash outflows will exceed anticipated levels. Also, 40% of the Company’s in-force annuity products (measured by reserves) at December 31, 2022 had a market value adjustment (“MVA”) that protects the Company when surrenders occur as a result of changes in market interest rates.

A-16

The following table provides a summary of statutory annuity reserves at December 31, 2022 by withdrawal characteristics:⁽¹⁾


	Annuity
	Reserves
	Amount		% of Total
Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	17,148.9		39.6	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		7,163.2		16.5	%
c. At fair value		30.6		0.1	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		24,342.7		56.2	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		15,187.8		35.0	%
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		3,818.3		8.8	%

Total (gross: direct + assumed)		43,348.8		100.0	%

Reinsurance ceded		18,424.3

Total (net)	$	24,924.5

(1)

Annuity contract reserves and deposit fund liabilities are monetary amounts that an insurer must have available to provide for future obligations with respect to annuities and deposit funds. Reserves are liabilities on the balance sheets of financial statements prepared in conformity with statutory accounting practices. These amounts are at least equal to the value to be withdrawn by policyholders.

As indicated in the table above, 8.8% of policyholder funds at December 31, 2022 were not subject to discretionary withdrawal and another 56.2% were subject to adjustments and charges that are designed to protect the Company from early withdrawals in the event that they occur. We believe that this structure provides the Company with a relatively stable block of deposit liabilities which helps reduce the risk of unexpected cash withdrawals and the adverse financial effects cash withdrawals could cause.

Some MMALIC annuity products include guaranteed benefits, including guaranteed minimum death benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits. These guarantees are designed to protect contract holders against significant downturns in securities markets and fluctuations in interest rates. Periods of significant and sustained downturns in securities markets, increased equity volatility, or reduced interest rates could result in an increase in the valuation of liabilities associated with products with guaranteed benefits. An increase in these liabilities would result in a decrease in MMALIC’s net income.

MMALIC manages market risks by utilizing a comprehensive asset/liability management process involving the monitoring of asset and liability interest rate sensitivities for its various products. This process includes cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios, including severe stress tests. Although cash flow testing includes many different scenarios, cash flow requirements are inherently unpredictable, as they are affected by external factors, such as changes in interest rates.

MMALIC also utilizes a variety of financial instruments as part of its efforts to efficiently hedge and manage fluctuations in the fair value of its investment portfolio attributable to changes in general interest rate levels and to manage duration mismatch of assets and liabilities. Those instruments may include interest rate exchange agreements, equity index options purchased in either the over-the-counter market or on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, payer swaptions, and commitments to extend credit. All instruments involve elements of credit and market risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the accompanying financial statements at a given point of time. The contract or notional amounts reflect the extent of involvement in the various types of financial instruments.

There can be no assurance that future experience regarding benefit payments and surrenders will be similar to historic experience because withdrawal and surrender levels are influenced by factors such as the interest rate environment and the Company’s claims-paying and financial strength ratings.

A-17

Capital Resources

The NAIC’s model law for risk based capital (“RBC”) applies to life, accident and health companies. RBC formulas determine the amount of capital that an insurance company needs so that it has an acceptable expectation of not becoming financially impaired. At December 31, 2022, the capital ratios of MMALIC and its insurance subsidiaries substantially exceeded the applicable RBC requirements.

The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid to stockholders of life insurance companies domiciled in the State of Ohio without prior approval of the Ohio Insurance Director is the greater of 10% of surplus as regards to policyholders or net income as of the preceding December 31, but only to the extent of earned surplus as of the preceding December 31. The maximum amount of dividends payable by MMALIC in 2023 without prior approval is $283.1 million based on 10% of surplus as regards to policyholders as of the preceding December 31. At December 31, 2022, surplus as regards policyholders was $2,831.1 million, earned surplus was $2,015.9 million, and 2022 net income was $158.0 million.

The Company entered into a flow coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth, effective May 7, 2020. Under this agreement, the Company cedes certain newly issued traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities on a quota share coinsurance basis with such quota share percentages being up to 50%. The Company has ceded approximately $1,417.8 million and $1,038.4 million of deferred annuity reserves to Commonwealth under this agreement at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company entered into a block coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth, effective October 1, 2020. Under this agreement the Company ceded approximately $5.7 billion of deferred annuity reserves and transferred investments with a statutory carrying value of approximately $5.7 billion and market value of approximately $6.1 billion to Commonwealth. The Company has ceded approximately $4.5 billion and $5.2 billion of deferred annuity reserves under this agreement at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

INVESTMENTS

MMALIC had total cash and invested assets of $41,690.4 million and $37,304.9 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as illustrated below (in millions):


	2022					2021
	Carrying		% of			Carrying		% of
	Value		Carrying Value			Value		Carrying Value
Cash and invested assets:
Bonds	$	33,331.9		79.9	%	$	31,141.6		83.5	%
Preferred stocks		185.0		0.4	%		394.4		1.1	%
Common stocks		281.4		0.7	%		279.6		0.7	%
Investments in affliliates and subsidiaries		401.9		1.0	%		384.1		1.0	%
Mortgage loans		3,088.8		7.4	%		2,148.5		5.8	%
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		1,991.2		4.8	%		1,008.9		2.7	%
Policy loans		31.5		0.1	%		64.2		0.2	%
Derivative instruments		873.0		2.1	%		706.9		1.9	%
Other invested assets		1,505.7		3.6	%		1,176.7		3.1	%

Total cash and invested assets	$	41,690.4		100.0	%	$	37,304.9		100.0	%

All investments held by the Company are monitored for conformity with the qualitative and quantitative limits prescribed by the applicable Ohio laws and regulations. MMALIC attempts to optimize investment income while building the value of its portfolio, placing emphasis upon total long-term performance. Management believes that a high quality investment portfolio should generate a stable and predictable investment return.

A-18

The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s bond portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2022 (in millions):


			2022
	Carrying		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Value		Gain (Losses)
U.S. Government and agencies	$	98.9	$	64.0	$	(34.9	)
All other governments		19.2		17.8		(1.4	)
States, territories and possessions		190.7		183.1		(7.6	)
Political subdivisions		272.7		268.7		(4.0	)
Special Revenue		1,691.6		1,537.0		(154.6	)
Industrial and miscellaneous		30,538.0		27,421.0		(3,117.0	)
Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates		520.8		468.3		(52.5	)

Total bonds	$	33,331.9	$	29,959.9	$	(3,372.0	)

The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s bond portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2021 (in millions):


			2021
	Carrying		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Value		Gain (Losses)
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	16.3	$	17.9	$	1.6
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,317.7		2,530.7		213.0
Foreign government		26.7		29.1		2.4
Residential M BS		2,116.9		2,199.5		82.6
Commercial M BS		822.5		844.3		21.8
Asset-backed securities		7,679.5		7,773.1		93.6
All other bonds		18,162.0		19,310.2		1,148.2

Total bonds	$	31,141.6	$	32,704.8	$	1,563.2

The Company’s bond portfolio consisted of 94% and 95% of investment grade securities at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The NAIC Securities Valuation Office (“SVO”) is responsible for the day-to-day credit quality assessment and valuation of securities owned by state-regulated insurance companies. The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations, which are used by insurers when preparing their annual statements to their state insurance regulators. The NAIC ratings are similar to the rating agency designations of the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSRO”) for marketable bonds. NAIC ratings 1 and 2 include bonds generally considered investment grade. NAIC ratings 3 through 6 include bonds generally considered below investment grade. Typically, if a security has been rated by an NRSRO, the SVO utilizes that rating and assigns an NAIC designation based on the following system:


NAIC Rating		NRSRO Equivalent
1		Aaa/Aa/A
2		Baa
3		Ba
4		B
5		Caa and Lower
6		In or near default

A-19

The following table summarizes MMALIC’s bond portfolio by NAIC ratings (in millions):


	2022					2021
	Carrying		% of			Carrying		% of
	Value		Carrying Value			Value		Carrying Value
NAIC Rating
1	$	17,725.2		53.2	%	$	17,466.7		56.1	%
2		13,435.6		40.3	%		12,262.8		39.4	%
3		1,475.9		4.4	%		762.8		2.4	%
4		454.6		1.4	%		545.3		1.8	%
5		209.4		0.6	%		70.0		0.2	%
6		31.2		0.1	%		34.0		0.1	%

Total Bonds	$	33,331.9		100.0	%	$	31,141.6		100.0	%

The table below sets out the expected maturities of MMALIC’s bonds as of December 31, 2022 (in millions):


	2022
	Carrying		% of
	Value		Carrying Value
Maturity:
One year or less	$	2,834.3		8.5	%
After one year through five years		12,227.3		36.7	%
After five years through ten years		10,341.3		31.0	%
After ten years		7,929.0		23.8	%

Total bonds by maturity	$	33,331.9		100.0	%

The table below sets out the expected maturities of MMALIC’s bonds as of December 31, 2021 (in millions):


	2021
	Carrying		% of
	Value		Carrying Value
Maturity:
One year or less	$	491.2		1.6	%
After one year through five years		6,935.6		22.3	%
After five years through ten years		8,000.2		25.7	%
After ten years		5,095.7		16.4	%

Total bonds by maturity		20,522.7		65.9	%
Mortgage-backed securities		2,939.4		9.4	%
Asset-backed securities		7,679.5		24.7	%

Total bonds by maturity	$	31,141.6		100.0	%

The expected maturities in the foregoing tables may differ from the contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Fair values for MMALIC’s portfolio are determined by MMALIC’s internal investment professionals using data from nationally recognized pricing services as well as non-binding broker quotes. Fair values of equity securities are generally based on published closing prices. When prices obtained for the same security vary, MMALIC’s internal investment professionals select the price they believe is most indicative of an exit price.

The pricing services engaged by MMALIC’s investment professionals use a variety of observable inputs to estimate fair value of bonds that do not trade on a daily basis. These inputs include, but are not limited to, recent reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids or offers, reference data, and measures of volatility.

A-20

The pricing of mortgage backed securities (“MBS”) is unique as fair value includes estimates of the rate of future prepayments and defaults of principal over the remaining life of the underlying collateral. Due to the lack of transparency in the process that brokers use to develop MBS prices, valuations based on brokers’ prices are classified as Level 3 in the hierarchy unless the price can be corroborated, for example, by comparison to similar securities priced using observable inputs.

Valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by MMALIC’s internal investment professionals who are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price. To validate the appropriateness of the prices obtained, these investment professionals consider widely published indices (as benchmarks), recent trades, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, and the credit quality of the specific issuers. In addition, MMALIC communicates directly with pricing services regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the services to value specific securities.

MBS are subject to significant prepayment risk because, in periods of declining interest rates, mortgages may be repaid more rapidly than scheduled as borrowers refinance higher rate mortgages to take advantage of lower rates. MBS represented approximately 13% and 9% of MMALIC’s bond portfolio at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Municipal bonds represented approximately 5% and 7% of MMALIC’s fixed maturity portfolio at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. MMALIC’s municipal bond portfolio is high quality, with the majority of the securities rated investment grade as of year-end 2022 and 2021. The portfolio is well diversified across the states of issuance and individual issuers.

When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, an allowance for credit losses (impairment) is charged to earnings (accounted for as a realized loss). The determination of whether unrealized losses are other-than-temporary requires judgment based on subjective as well as objective factors. Factors considered and resources used by management include:

whether the unrealized loss is credit-driven or a result of changes in market interest rates,

the extent to which fair value is less than cost basis,

cash flow projections received from independent sources,

historical operating, balance sheet and cash flow data,

near-term prospects for improvement in the issuer or its industry,

third-party research and communications with industry specialists,

financial models and forecasts,

the continuity of interest payments, maintenance of investment grade ratings and hybrid nature of certain investments,

discussions with issuer management, and

ability and intent to hold the investment for a period sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in fair value.

Based on its analysis of the factors listed above, management believes MMALIC will recover its cost basis in the bond securities with unrealized losses and that MMALIC has the ability to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at December 31, 2022. Although MMALIC can continue holding its bond investments with unrealized losses, its intent to hold them may change due to deterioration in the issuers’ creditworthiness, decisions to lessen exposure to a particular issuer or industry, asset/liability management decisions, market movements, changes in views about appropriate asset allocation or the desire to offset taxable realized gains. Should MMALIC’s ability or intent change regarding a particular security, a charge for impairment would likely be required. Significant declines in the fair value of MMALIC’s investment portfolio could have a significant adverse effect on MMALIC’s liquidity. For information on MMALIC’s realized gains (losses) on securities, see “Realized Gains (Losses) Net of Federal Income Taxes.”

A-21

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

MMALIC utilizes a variety of financial instruments as part of its efforts to economically hedge and manage fluctuations in the fair value of its investment portfolio attributable to changes in general interest rate levels and to manage duration mismatch of assets and liabilities. Those instruments may include interest rate exchange agreements, equity index options purchased in either over-the-counter market or on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, payer swaptions, and commitments to extend credit. All instruments involve elements of credit and market risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the accompanying financial statements at a given point of time. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement in the various types of financial instruments.

The following table presents the estimated fair value and admitted value for assets and reported value for liabilities of derivatives as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:


(dollars in millions)
Derivative instruments:	2022				2021
	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
Assets:
Options*	$	846.8	$	287.4	$	665.0	$	665.0
Interest rate swaps		25.2		25.2		41.9		41.9
Currency swaps		0.9		0.9		—		—
Forward contracts		0.1		0.1		—		—

Total derivative instruments assets	$	873.0	$	313.6	$	706.9	$	706.9


	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
Liabilities:
Options*	$	598.6	$	—	$	14.9	$	14.9
Interest rate swaps		95.0		95.0		—		—
Currency swaps		4.8		4.8		—		—
Forward contracts		2.5		2.5		—		—

Total derivative instruments liabilities	$	700.9	$	102.3	$	14.9	$	14.9

*	Effective 1/1/2022, Fixed-indexed options are carried at amortized cost per OAC 3901-1-67. Estimated Fair Value of options is reported net in the asset section for disclosure.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies are summarized in Note B — “Significant Accounting Policies” to the financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the NAIC and the Ohio Department of Insurance, which vary in some respects from GAAP. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions will likely change and may impact amounts reported in the future. The areas where management believes the degree of judgment required to determine amounts recorded in the financial statements is most significant are as follows:

•

calculation of statutory reserves, and

•

the valuation of investments.

A-22

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk represents the potential economic loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. MMALIC’s exposures to market risk relate primarily to its investment portfolio and annuity contracts, which are exposed to interest rate risk and, to a lesser extent, equity price risk.

MMALIC’s exposures to interest rate risk relate primarily to the fair value of MMALIC’s bond securities, which are inversely correlated to changes in interest rates. MMALIC’s bond portfolio is comprised of primarily fixed-rate investments with intermediate-term maturities. Structuring the bond portfolio in this manner provides MMALIC with flexibility in reacting to interest rate fluctuations.

MMALIC’s portfolios are managed with an objective of achieving an adequate risk-adjusted return while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet policyholder obligations. The portfolios are managed in an effort to adequately position the duration and interest rate sensitivity of the assets against the projected cash flows of policyholder liabilities.

A-23

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Statutory-Basis Financial Statements

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the three years

ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

with Report of Independent Auditors

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Statutory-Basis Financial Statements

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the three years ended

December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

Contents


Report of Independent Auditors			F-1
Statutory-Basis Financial Statements
Balance Sheet - Statutory-Basis			F-4
Statement of Operations - Statutory-Basis			F-5
Statement of Changes in Capital and Surplus - Statutory-Basis			F-6
Statement of Cash Flow - Statutory-Basis			F-7
Notes to Statutory-Basis Financial Statements			F-8

KPMG LLP

Suite 500

191 West Nationwide Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43215-2568

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Board of Directors

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company:

Opinions

We have audited the financial statements of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (formerly Great American Life Insurance Company) (the Company), which comprise the balance sheet statutory-basis as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related statement of operations statutory-basis, statement of changes in capital and surplus statutory-basis, and statement of cash flow statutory-basis for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements (collectively, financial statements).

Unmodified Opinion on Statutory Basis of Accounting

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the balance sheet statutory-basis of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flow for the years then ended in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance described in Note B.

Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the Basis for Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles section of our report, the financial statements do not present fairly, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, or the results of its operations or its cash flows for the years then ended.

Basis for Opinions

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.

Basis for Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

As described in Note B to the financial statements, the financial statements are prepared by the Company using accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the financial statements are not intended to be presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The effects on the financial statements of the variances between the statutory accounting practices described in Note B and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material and pervasive.

Emphasis of Matter

As discussed in Note B to the financial statements, in 2022, the Company elected to apply a prescribed practice promulgated under Ohio Administrative Code Section 3901-1-67 (“OAC 3901-1-67”) to its derivative instruments hedging indexed products and indexed annuity reserve liabilities. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

F-1

LOGO

Other Matter

The accompanying financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and for the year then ended were audited by other auditors whose report thereon, dated May 14, 2021, expressed an adverse opinion on those financial statements with respect to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and an unmodified opinion with respect to accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Management is also responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.

Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.

In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:

•

Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.

•

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.

•

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.

•

Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

F-2

LOGO

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.

Supplementary Information

Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The supplementary information included in the supplemental schedule of selected statutory-basis financial data, supplemental investment disclosures, and supplemental schedule of life and health reinsurance disclosures is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Columbus, Ohio

April 19, 2023

F-3

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

BALANCE SHEET

STATUTORY-BASIS

(Dollars in millions, except share data)


	December 31
	2022		2021
ADMITTED ASSETS
Cash and invested assets:
Bonds - at amortized cost (fair value: $29,959.9 and $32,704.8)	$	33,331.9	$	31,141.6
Preferred stocks - principally at fair value (cost: $165.5 and $332.2)		185.0		394.4
Common stocks - at fair value (cost: $220.5 and $209.6)		281.4		279.6
Investments in affiliates and subsidiaries - at subsidiary capital and surplus (cost: $242.1 and $236.3)		401.9		384.1
Mortgage loans		3,088.8		2,148.5
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		1,991.2		1,008.9
Policy loans		31.5		64.2
Derivative instruments		873.0		706.9
Other invested assets		1,505.7		1,176.7

Total cash and invested assets		41,690.4		37,304.9
Net deferred federal income tax asset		72.2		61.7
Deferred and uncollected premiums		7.7		6.8
Current federal income tax recoverable		89.6		—
Investment income due and accrued		414.7		278.9
Company-owned life insurance		218.7		212.6
Funds held as collateral		—		408.3
Other admitted assets		286.0		108.1

Total general account admitted assets		42,779.3		38,381.3
Separate account assets		103.7		67.6

Total admitted assets	$	42,883.0	$	38,448.9

LIABILITIES, CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
Liabilities:
Policy benefit reserves	$	24,310.4	$	33,290.5
Liability for deposit-type contracts		779.8		592.1
Policy and contract claims		140.6		270.6
Asset valuation reserve		577.1		504.1
Funds held under reinsurance treaties		12,677.3		—
Interest maintenance reserve		93.3		95.3
Current federal and foreign income tax payable		—		14.9
Commissions, general expenses, taxes, licenses and fees due or accrued		59.4		68.6
Payable for securities		120.1		163.6
Liability for funds held as collateral		209.5		435.3
Derivatives		700.9		—
Other liabilities		278.3		68.2

Total general account liabilities		39,946.7		35,503.2
Separate account liabilities		103.7		67.6

Total liabilities		40,050.4		35,570.8
Capital and surplus:
Common stock - $7.50 par value; 1,200,000 shares authorized;
201,000 shares issued and outstanding		1.5		1.5
Gross paid-in and contributed surplus		815.2		815.2
Unassigned funds		2,015.9		2,061.4

Total capital and surplus		2,832.6		2,878.1

Total liabilities, capital and surplus	$	42,883.0	$	38,448.9

See accompanying notes to statutory-basis financial statements.

F-4

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

STATUTORY-BASIS

(Dollars in millions)


	Year Ended December 31
	2022			2021			2020
Premiums and other revenues:
Premiums and annuity considerations	$	(7,198.3	)	$	5,027.0		$	(2,716.0	)
Net investment income		1,019.0			1,951.0			1,908.8
Amortization of interest maintenance reserve		36.4			23.5			11.9
Commissions and expense allowances and reserve adjustments on reinsurance ceded		496.8			(50.8	)		(26.6	)
Charges and fees for deposit-type contracts and miscellaneous income		47.8			124.3			484.4

Total premiums and other revenues		(5,598.3	)		7,075.0			(337.5	)

Benefits and expenses:
Policyholders’ benefits		505.8			901.2			845.4
Surrender benefits		1,460.5			2,208.0			2,106.6
Change in policy and contract reserves		(8,743.9	)		3,107.8			(4,081.0	)
Interest and adjustments on deposit-type contracts		142.3			118.7			124.0
Direct commissions and commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance assumed		364.6			285.2			194.1
General insurance expenses		158.7			145.3			105.9
Insurance taxes, licenses and fees		12.2			12.6			8.0
Net transfers to or (from) separate accounts		(22.0	)		36.8			10.6
Other		319.3			3.6			8.1

Total benefits and expenses		(5,802.5	)		6,819.2			(678.3	)

Income from operations before federal income taxes and net realized capital gains and losses		204.2			255.8			340.8
Federal income tax (expense) benefit on operations		(13.6	)		(45.5	)		61.9

Income from operations before net realized capital gains and losses		190.6			210.3			402.7
Net realized capital gains (losses):
Net realized capital gains before related federal income taxes and transfers to interest maintenance reserve		(12.6	)		301.1			266.7
Federal income tax (expense) benefit on net realized capital gains		14.3			(118.3	)		(118.0	)
Interest maintenance reserve transfers, net of tax		(34.3	)		(64.0	)		(367.3	)

Net realized capital gains (losses)		(32.6	)		118.7			(218.6	)

Net income	$	158.0		$	329.0		$	184.1

See accompanying notes to statutory-basis financial statements.

F-5

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL AND SURPLUS

STATUTORY-BASIS

(Dollars in millions)


	Year Ended December 31
	2022			2021			2020
Common stock:
Balance at beginning of year	$	1.5		$	1.5		$	2.5
Transferred to gross paid-in and contributed surplus		—			—			(1.0	)

Balance at end of year	$	1.5		$	1.5		$	1.5

Gross paid-in and contributed surplus:
Balance at beginning of year	$	815.2		$	814.0		$	812.4
Contributions from parent		—			1.2			0.6
Transferred from common stock		—			—			1.0

Balance at end of year	$	815.2		$	815.2		$	814.0

Unassigned funds:
Balance at end of prior year	$	2,061.4		$	2,081.7		$	2,053.2
Change in reserve on account of change in valuation basis*		236.2			—			—
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle*		(454.4	)		—			—

Adjusted beginning balance		1,843.2			2,081.7			2,053.2
Net income		158.0			329.0			184.1
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives		(204.1	)		(67.7	)		19.0
Change in net unrealized foreign exchange capital gains		8.8			—
Change in net unrealized capital gains, net of deferred taxes		3.5			93.1			47.3
Change in net deferred tax asset*		(33.1	)		39.4			21.7
Change in nonadmitted assets*		(4.6	)		(20.7	)		12.9
Change in asset valuation reserve		(73.0	)		(93.4	)		28.5
Change in surplus as a result of reinsurance		317.2			—			—
Dividends to parent		—			(300.0	)		(285.0	)

Balance at end of year	$	2,015.9		$	2,061.4		$	2,081.7

Total capital and surplus	$	2,832.6		$	2,878.1		$	2,897.2

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company elected to apply Ohio Administrative Code 3901-1-67 to its derivative instruments hedging fixed-indexed products and fixed-indexed annuity reserve liabilities. At adoption, the decrease in statutory surplus of ($157.4 million) was comprised of $236.2 million in change in reserve on account of change in valuation basis, ($454.4 million) in cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, $46.2 million in change in net deferred income tax and $14.6 million in change in nonadmitted assets.

See accompanying notes to statutory-basis financial statements.

F-6

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

STATUTORY-BASIS

(Dollars in millions)


	Year Ended December 31
	2022			2021			2020
Operations:
Premiums and annuity considerations	$	6,877.6		$	5,028.1		$	(2,714.9	)
Net investment income		1,244.9			2,392.4			2,490.9
Benefits paid		(2,266.8	)		(3,052.6	)		(2,978.2	)
Commissions, expenses and other deductions		(551.5	)		(408.9	)		(316.3	)
Federal income taxes paid		(103.8	)		(140.3	)		(81.5	)
Other		562.2			33.1			140.7

Net cash provided by (used in) operations		5,762.6			3,851.8			(3,459.3	)

Investing activities:
Sales, maturities or repayments of investments, net:
Bonds		14,058.5			6,454.7			10,795.9
Stocks		18.2			338.1			309.8
Mortgage loans		537.0			506.8			114.8
Real estate		—			65.8			32.1
Other invested assets		274.0			716.5			108.2
Net gains or (losses) on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		(0.1	)		2.6			3.2
Miscellaneous proceeds		(22.3	)		—			—
Purchases of investments:
Bonds		(16,364.8	)		(9,899.7	)		(5,586.6	)
Stocks		(109.2	)		(78.6	)		(292.2	)
Mortgage loans		(1,107.7	)		(1,074.4	)		(322.4	)
Real estate		—			(1.1	)		(4.2	)
Other invested assets		(300.9	)		(232.4	)		(259.1	)
Miscellaneous applications		(673.9	)		(389.3	)		(499.5	)
Net decrease in policy loans		32.7			5.8			17.0

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(3,658.5	)		(3,585.2	)		4,417.0

Financing and miscellaneous activities:
Net deposits (withdrawals) on deposit-type contracts		50.4			(1,056.1	)		(96.2	)
Dividends to parent		—			(300.0	)		(285.0	)
Other		(1,172.2	)		51.0			(4.0	)

Net cash used in financing and miscellaneous activities		(1,121.8	)		(1,305.1	)		(385.2	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments		982.3			(1,038.5	)		572.5
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of year		1,008.9			2,047.4			1,474.9

Cash and short-term investments at end of year	$	1,991.2		$	1,008.9		$	2,047.4

Cash flow information for non-cash transactions:
Bond conversions and refinancing	$	453.1		$	—
Bonds transferred to mortgage loans		362.7			—
Bonds transferred to other invested assets		119.7			—
Other invested assets transferred to bonds		17.1			—
Net investment income payment-in-kind for bonds		1.1			—
Common stock conversions		0.2			—
Maturity extensions		—			385.9
Exchanges		—			162.0
Transfers		—			30.0
Securities acquired from dividends/return of capital distribution		—			7.1
Capitalized interest		—			5.6
Securities acquired as capital contributions		—			0.7

See accompanying notes to statutory-basis financial statements.

F-7

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

As of May 28, 2021, Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC” or “the Company”), a stock life insurance company domiciled in the State of Ohio, is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Glidepath Holdings, Inc., a financial services holding company wholly-owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”). Prior to that date, GALIC was a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Great American Financial Resources, Inc. (“GAFRI”), a financial services holding company wholly-owned by American Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”). In the fourth quarter of 2022 the Company’s name was changed to MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (“MMALIC”). MMALIC predominantly markets traditional fixed, fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuities (“RILA”) in the retail, financial institutions, broker-dealer and registered investment advisor markets, and maintains pension risk transfer business (“PRT”), which is a run-off block of business. MMALIC also has small blocks of long-term care products (“LTC”), other accident and health business, term and universal life in-force business, much of which is reinsured to third parties and are run-off blocks of business. MMALIC is licensed to write life, annuity and accident & health insurance in forty-nine states and the District of Columbia.

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) and the Ohio Department of Insurance, which vary in some respects from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Although the differences to GAAP have not been quantified, they are presumed to be material. The more significant of the differences using these statutory policies versus GAAP are as follows:

(a)	annuity receipts are accounted for as revenues versus liabilities for GAAP,

(b)	costs incurred in the acquisition of new business such as commissions, underwriting and policy issuance costs are expensed at the time incurred versus being capitalized for GAAP,

(c)

reserves established for future policy benefits are calculated using more conservative assumptions for mortality and interest rates than would be used under GAAP. Beginning on January 1, 2022, certain indexed annuity reserves are calculated in accordance with a prescribed practice under the Ohio Administrative Code discussed elsewhere in this footnote,

(d)	for statutory reporting, an Interest Maintenance Reserve (“IMR”) is provided whereby portions of certain realized gains and losses from fixed income investments are deferred and amortized into investment income as prescribed by the NAIC,

(e)	investments in bonds considered “available for sale” (as defined under GAAP) are generally recorded at amortized cost versus fair value for GAAP,

(f)

investments in non-affiliated common stocks are carried at fair value. Redeemable preferred stocks rated RP1 through RP3 are stated at book value. All other redeemable preferred stocks are stated at the lower of book value or fair value. Perpetual preferred stocks are stated at fair value, not to exceed any effective call price. GAAP requires that equity securities are carried at fair value with holding gains and losses reported in realized gains,

(g)	for statutory reporting, surplus notes are carried at book value. Under GAAP, surplus notes are considered investments in bonds “available for sale” recorded at fair value,

(h)	investments in equity securities of wholly-owned subsidiaries are carried at statutory and GAAP equity, in accordance with Statement of Statutory Accounting Principle No. 97, Investments in Subsidiary, Controlled and Affiliated Entities (“SSAP No. 97”), versus being consolidated for GAAP,

(i)	for statutory reporting, an Asset Valuation Reserve (“AVR”) is provided under a formula prescribed by the NAIC as a valuation allowance for invested assets, which reclassifies a portion of surplus to liabilities,

(j)

the cost of certain assets designated as “nonadmitted assets” (principally advance commissions paid to agents, inventory and prepaid assets on real estate holdings, deferred tax assets (“DTA”) and certain investment income due and accrued in excess of statutory limitations) is charged against surplus,

(k)	policy liabilities and accruals in the statutory-basis balance sheets are reported net of reinsurance credits and recoverable unpaid losses. Under GAAP, balance sheet amounts are reported gross of reinsurance,

(l)

commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded are reported as income when incurred rather than being deferred and amortized with deferred policy acquisition costs as required under GAAP. Gains on reinsurance transactions are recorded to surplus when incurred rather than being deferred as required under GAAP,

F-8

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(m)	for statutory reporting, reinsurance agreements are reported in accordance with Statement of Statutory Accounting Principle No. 61R, Life, Deposit-Type and Accident and Health Reinsurance; certain reinsurance agreements are accounted for using deposit accounting for GAAP,

(n)

the mark to market on RILA options, forward contracts, currency swaps and interest rate swaps is included as an unrealized gain/(loss) in unassigned surplus versus income for GAAP. Prior to January 1, 2022, fixed-indexed annuity options were carried at fair value and the mark to market was included as an unrealized gain/(loss) in unassigned surplus versus income for GAAP,

(o)	the fixed-indexed annuity options are carried at amortized cost versus fair value for GAAP. Prior to January 1, 2022, fixed-indexed annuity options were carried at fair value,

(p)

in accordance with SSAP No. 101 – Income Taxes, DTAs are limited to: 1) the amount of federal income taxes paid in prior years that can be recovered through loss carrybacks for existing temporary differences that reverse during a timeframe corresponding with Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) tax loss carryback provisions, not to exceed three years, including amounts established in accordance with the provision of SSAP No. 5R, plus 2) for entities who meet the required realization threshold in SSAP No. 101, the lesser of the remaining gross DTAs expected to be realized within three years of the balance sheet date or 15% of capital and surplus excluding any net DTAs, EDP equipment and operating software and any net positive goodwill, plus 3) the amount of remaining gross DTAs that can be offset against existing gross deferred tax liabilities (“DTL”). The remaining DTAs are nonadmitted. Deferred taxes do not include amounts for state taxes. Under GAAP, a DTA is recorded for the amount of gross DTAs expected to be realized in future years, and a valuation allowance is established for DTAs not realizable, and

(q)	for statutory reporting, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments represent cash balances and investments with initial maturities of one year or less. Under GAAP, cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and investments with initial maturities of three months or less, and

(r)	changes in deferred taxes are recognized in operations under GAAP versus a change in surplus for statutory reporting.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Significant changes in interest rates expose the Company to the risk of not earning income or experiencing losses based on the differences between the interest rates earned on investments and the credited interest rates paid on outstanding fixed annuity contracts and life insurance products with account values. Significant changes in interest rates may affect:

•

the unrealized gains and losses in the investment portfolio;

•

the book yield of the investment portfolio; and

•

the ability of the Company to maintain appropriate interest rate spreads over the fixed rates guaranteed in life and annuity products.

CREDIT RISK

Third party debtors may not pay or perform their obligations. These parties may include the issuers of securities, customers, reinsurers, and other financial intermediaries.

The Ohio Department of Insurance recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Ohio for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company, for determining its solvency under the Ohio Insurance Law. The NAIC’s Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (“NAIC SAP”) has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted practices by the State of Ohio. The Company has no prescribed practices or permitted practices that would result in differences between NAIC SAP and the State of Ohio with the exception of Ohio Administrative Code Section 3901-1-67, Alternative Derivative and Reserve Accounting Practices (OAC 3901-1-67).

F-9

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company elected to apply OAC 3901-1-67 to its derivative instruments hedging fixed-indexed products and fixed-indexed reserve liabilities. Under OAC 3901-1-67, derivative instruments are carried at amortized cost with the initial hedge cost amortized over the term and asset payoffs realized at the end of the term being reported through net investment income. Additionally, the cash surrender value reserves for fixed-indexed products only reflect index interest credits at the end of the crediting term as compared to partial index interest credits accumulating throughout the crediting term through change in policy and contract reserves.

If the prescribed practices were not applied, the Company’s risk-based capital would continue to be above regulatory action levels. A reconciliation of the Company’s net income (loss) between NAIC SAP and prescribed practice is shown below:


					Year Ended December 31
				State of
Net Income (in millions )		SSAP #	F/S Page	Domicile	2022			2021		2020
(1)	State basis	XXX	XXX	XXX	$	158.0		$	329.0	$	184.1
(2)	State prescribed practices that are an increase/(decrease) from NAIC SAP	XXX	XXX	XXX
	OAC 3901-1-67:
	Derivative instruments	86	4	OH		(26.4	)		—		—
	Reserves for fixed indexed annuities	51	4	OH		(188.0	)		—		—
	Tax impact	101	4	OH		45.0			—		—
(3)	State permitted practices that are an increase/(decrease) from NAIC SAP	XXX	XXX	XXX		—			—		—

(4)	NAIC SAP (1-2-3=4)	XXX	XXX	XXX	$	327.4		$	329.0	$	184.1

A reconciliation of the Company’s capital and surplus between the NAIC SAP and prescribed practice is shown below:


					Year Ended December 31
				State of
Surplus (in millions )		SSAP #	F/S Page	Domicile	2022			2021		2020
(5)	Statutory surplus state basis	XXX	XXX	XXX	$	2,832.6		$	2,878.1	$	2,897.2
(6)	State prescribed practices that are an increase/(decrease) from NAIC SAP
	OAC 3901-1-67:
	Derivative instruments	86	2, 4	OH		(39.2	)		—		—
	Reserves for fixed indexed annuities	51	3, 4	OH		48.2			—		—
	Tax impact	101	2, 4	OH		13.1			—		—
(7)	State permitted practices that are an increase/(decrease) from NAIC SAP	XXX	XXX	XXX		—			—		—

(8)	NAIC SAP (5-6-7=8)	XXX	XXX	XXX	$	2,810.5		$	2,878.1	$	2,897.2

On February 17, 2022, MMALIC entered into a Funds Withheld Coinsurance agreement effective February 1, 2022, with Martello Re Limited, a Bermuda-domiciled Class E life and annuity reinsurer launched in 2022. MMALIC ceded statutory reserves of approximately $14.2 billion on a closed block of fixed, fixed-indexed and payout annuity policies, in exchange for a $320 million ceding commission paid by Martello Re. The transaction resulted in a significant increase to MMALIC’s Risk Based Capital ratio. See “Note F - Reinsurance” for additional disclosure.

Preparation of the statutory-basis financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.

INVESTMENTS

Investments are generally stated as follows:

bonds with a NAIC rating 1 through 5 are stated at amortized cost using the interest method; all others are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. For residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), commercial MBS and loan-backed and structured securities (“LBASS”), the NAIC has retained a third-party investment management firm to assist in the determination of the appropriate NAIC designations and Book Adjusted Carrying Values based on not only the probability of loss, but also the severity of loss. Those residential MBS, commercial MBS and LBASS securities that are not modeled but receive a current year NAIC Credit Rating Provider rating equal to NAIC 1 and 2 are stated at amortized cost and NAIC 3-6 are stated at lower of amortized cost or fair value. Dealer modeled prepayment assumptions are used for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities at the date of purchase to determine effective yields; significant changes in estimated cash flows from the original purchase assumptions are accounted for on a prospective basis,

F-10

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

b)	short-term investments are carried at cost,

c)	Redeemable preferred stocks rated RP1 through RP3 are stated at book value. All other redeemable preferred stocks are stated at the lower of book value or fair value. Perpetual preferred stocks are stated at fair value, not to exceed any effective call price,

d)	common stocks are carried at fair value except investments in stocks of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates in which the Company has an interest of 10% or more are carried on the equity basis in accordance with SSAP No. 97,

e)	investment real estate or property acquired in satisfaction of debt are carried at depreciated cost, less encumbrances,

f)	RILA options, forward contracts, financial futures, currency swaps and interest rate swaps are carried at fair value,

g)	fixed-indexed annuity options are carried at amortized cost. Prior to adoption of OAC 3901-1-67, fixed-indexed annuity options were carried at fair value,

h)	other invested assets include limited partnerships, limited liability companies and surplus notes. Surplus notes are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies are accounted for using the equity method,

i)	mortgage loans on real estate are carried at amortized cost less an allowance, and

j)	policy loans are stated at the aggregate unpaid balance.

If it is determined that a decline in fair value of a specific investment is other-than-temporary, an impairment is recognized as a realized capital loss. Investments that are in an unrealized loss position that the Company intends to sell, or does not have the intent and ability to hold until recovery, are written down to fair value. Loan-backed and structured securities (included in bonds) that are in an unrealized loss position that the Company has the intent and ability to hold until recovery, are written down only to the extent the present value of expected future cash flows using the security’s effective yield is lower than the amortized cost. All other bonds that are in an unrealized loss position that the Company has the intent and ability to hold until recovery are written down to fair value if declines are credit-related and not written down for interest-related declines. When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, a provision for impairment is charged to earnings (included in net realized capital gains (losses)) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced by the amount of the charge.

The Company’s derivative strategy employs a variety of derivative financial instruments including interest rate and currency swaps, options, financial futures, and forward contracts. Investment risk is assessed on a portfolio basis and individual derivative financial instruments are not generally designated in hedging relationships; therefore, as allowed by statutory accounting practices, the Company intentionally has not applied hedge accounting. Subsequent to the adoption of OAC on January 1, 2022, options related to fixed-indexed annuities are recorded at amortized cost with amortization and expirations recorded in Net investment income. All other derivative instruments are recorded at fair value with the related changes reported in Unassigned funds and settlements and expirations reported in Net realized capital gains (losses).

Counterparties to financial instruments expose the Company to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance, but the Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations and expects any nonperformance to not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company receives collateral from certain counterparties to support its purchased equity index call option assets (net of collateral required under put option contracts with the same counterparties). The fair value of this collateral is recorded as an asset (included in Funds held as collateral) and the offsetting obligation to return the collateral is recorded as a liability (included in Liability for funds held as collateral).

Investments having maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents for purposes of the statutory-basis financial statements. The carrying values of cash and short-term investments approximate their fair values.

Gains or losses on sales of securities are recognized at the time of disposition with the amount of gain or loss determined on the specific identification basis.

F-11

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

The IMR applies to interest-related realized capital gains and losses (net of tax) and is intended to defer realized gains and losses resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. Gains and losses deferred from realized capital gains and losses are reported in interest maintenance reserve transfers, net of tax on the Statement of Operations. The IMR is amortized into investment income over the approximate remaining life of the investments sold.

The AVR provides for possible credit-related losses on securities and is calculated according to a specified formula as prescribed by the NAIC for the purpose of stabilizing surplus against fluctuations in the fair value of investment securities. Changes in the required reserve balances are made by direct credits or charges to surplus.

During 2022 and 2021, the Company did not reduce the interest rates on any of the outstanding mortgage loans due to credit concerns. Fire insurance, at least equal to the excess of the loan over the maximum loan that would be permitted by law on the land without the buildings, is required on all properties covered by mortgage loans.

Investments in the capital stock of MMALIC’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company (“AILIC”) and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company (“MNLIC”), are carried at the subsidiary’s statutory equity in accordance with SSAP No. 97.

PREMIUMS

Annuity premiums and considerations are recognized as revenue when received. Life and accident and health premiums are recognized as revenue when due and premiums over 90 days past due are nonadmitted and charged against surplus. Additionally, life and accident and health premiums include deferred premiums on in-force business.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT

Separate account assets and liabilities reported in the accompanying statutory-basis balance sheet represent funds that are separately administered to hedge the Company’s registered index-linked annuity contracts. Separate account assets are reported at fair value and include equity index call options. Separate account liabilities are reported at fair value and include equity index put options and registered index-linked annuity reserves. The operations of the separate account are not included in the accompanying statutory-basis financial statements.

POLICY BENEFIT RESERVES

Life, annuity, and accident and health disability benefit reserves are developed by actuarial methods and are determined based on published tables using statutorily specified interest rates and valuation methods that will provide, in the aggregate, reserves that are greater than or equal to the minimum or guaranteed policy cash values or the amounts required by the Ohio Department of Insurance. MMALIC waives deduction of deferred fractional premiums on the death of life and annuity policy insureds and returns any premium beyond the date of death. Surrender values on policies do not exceed the corresponding benefit reserves.

For life insurance policies extra premiums are charged for substandard lives. Additional reserves are established when the results of cash flow testing under various interest rate scenarios indicate the need for such reserves or, where required by the valuation standards, when the net premiums exceed the gross premiums. The net deficiency reserve at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, was $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The net amount of insurance in force for these reserves at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was approximately $16.1 million and $18.1 million, respectively. Much of the deficiency reserve is related to a cash endowment rider.

The valuation mortality table and interest assumptions being used on the vast majority of life policies in force is the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Table with 2.0% to 6.0% interest. Approximately one-fifth of the future life insurance benefits are based on a net level reserve basis and the remaining are based on a modified reserve basis. The effect of using a modified reserve basis is to partially offset the effect of immediately expensing acquisition costs by providing a reserve increase in the first policy year which is less than the increase in the renewal years.

F-12

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

For life insurance policies the mean reserve method is used to adjust the calculated terminal reserve to the appropriate reserve at December 31. Mean reserves for substandard lives are determined by computing the regular mean reserve for the plan at the rated age and holding, in addition, one-half of the extra premium charge for the year. An asset is recorded for deferred premiums net of loading to adjust the reserve for modal premium payments.

Life insurance deferred and uncollected premiums represent annual or fractional premiums, either due and uncollected or not yet due, whereby policy reserves have been provided on the assumption that the full premium for the current policy year has been collected.

Annuity policy and deposit fund reserves are based on principles underlying the Commissioners Annuity Reserve Valuation Method. Valuation interest rates range from 3.00% to 8.75%. Valuation mortality rates are from the 1971 Individual Annuity Mortality (“IAM”) table, the 1983 IAM table, 1994 Group Annuity Mortality table, Annuity 2000 mortality table and the 2012 Individual Annuity Reserving mortality table. Reserves for fixed-indexed annuities are calculated using the market value reserve method as defined in NAIC Actuarial Guideline 35, adjusted in accordance with OAC 3901-1-67. The fixed-indexed reserves will only reflect index interest credits at the end of the crediting term as compared to partially reflecting the index interest credits throughout the crediting term in aggregate reserves for life and accident and health contracts. Prior to 2022, reserves for fixed-indexed annuities were calculated using the market value reserve method as defined in NAIC Actuarial Guideline 35. Reserves for registered index-linked annuities are calculated using the reserve method defined in the Valuation Manual (VM-21), including the use of the Alternative Methodology for calculating the Conditional Tail Expectation Amount. Rates determined by section VM-22 of the Valuation Manual were used for pension risk transfer contracts and single premium immediate annuities with issue years after 2017 and payout annuities issued as an annuitization of a deferred annuity originally issued after 2017.

Tabular interest, tabular less actual reserves released and tabular costs have been determined by formula. Tabular interest on funds not involving life contingencies is calculated as the product of such valuation rate of interest times the mean of the amount of funds subject to such valuation rate of interest held at the beginning and end of the year of valuation.

The liability for unreported claims is based on actual, recent Company experience of unreported life and annuity claim development. This experience is monitored and the liability is adjusted accordingly each quarter.

The Company is required to perform an annual asset adequacy test of reserves, to determine if they are adequate under moderately adverse conditions. The Appointed Actuary oversees the analysis and determines if and how much additional reserves are required. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 additional reserves were not required.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

Through the first five months of 2021, the Company had an intercompany tax allocation agreement with AFG. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company’s tax expense was determined based upon its inclusion in the consolidated tax return of AFG and its includable subsidiaries. Estimated payments were made quarterly during the year. Following year-end, additional settlements would be made on the original due date of the return and, when extended, at the time the return was filed. The method of allocation among the companies under the agreement was based upon separate return calculations with current credit for net losses to the extent the losses provide a benefit in the consolidated return.

Beginning in June of 2021, MMALIC and its subsidiaries entered into a separate intercompany tax allocation agreement (the Tax Agreement). The Tax Agreement sets forth the manner in which the total combined federal income is allocated among the subsidiaries. The Tax Agreement provides MMALIC with the enforceable right to recoup federal income taxes paid in prior years in the event of future net capital losses, which it may incur. Further, the Tax Agreement provides MMALIC with the enforceable right to utilize its net losses carried forward as an offset to future net income subject to federal income taxes. Estimated payments are made quarterly during the year. Following year-end, additional settlements are made on the original due date of the return and, when extended, at the time the return is filed.

F-13

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

B. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In November 2021, the NAIC adopted modifications to SSAP No. 43R, Loan-Backed and Structured Securities, effective December 31, 2022. The modifications require investments in residual tranches to be reported as partnerships and limited liability companies. Residual tranches will be carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value, with changes in value recorded as unrealized gains or losses. The modifications did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2022, the NAIC adopted modifications to SSAP No. 25, Affiliates and Other Related Parties and SSAP No. 43R, Loan-Backed and Structured Securities, effective December 31, 2022. The modifications clarify application of the existing affiliate definition and incorporate disclosure requirements for all investments that involve related parties, regardless of whether they meet the affiliate definition. The revisions to SSAP No. 43R also included additional clarifications that the investments from any arrangements that results in direct or indirect control, which include but are not limited to control through a servicer, shall be reported as affiliated investments. The modifications did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated all events occurring after December 31, 2022, through the date the financial statements were available to be issued, to determine whether any event required either recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Due to the recent national banking issues, MM Ascend evaluated their positions with Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. In the first quarter of 2023, MM Ascend impaired approximately $15.2 million and $30 million of investments with Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, respectively. Any future impairments to those securities would be immaterial. MM Ascend has no material indirect exposure to Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.

F-14

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting standards for measuring fair value are based on inputs used in estimating fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (markets in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis). MMALIC’s Level 1 financial instruments consist primarily of publicly traded equity securities for which quoted market prices in active markets are available.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets (markets in which there are few transactions, the prices are not current, price quotations vary substantially over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly); and valuations based on other significant inputs that are observable in active markets. MMALIC’s Level 2 financial instruments include corporate and municipal bonds, asset-backed securities, MBS, non-affiliated common stocks, non-affiliated preferred stocks, surplus notes, separate account assets and liabilities, funds held as collateral and derivative instruments priced using observable inputs. Level 2 inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, corroborated broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads and benchmark securities. When non-binding broker quotes can be corroborated by comparison to similar securities priced using observable inputs, they are classified as Level 2.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from market valuation techniques generally consistent with those used to estimate the fair value of Level 2 financial instruments in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable or when the market for a security exhibits significantly less liquidity relative to markets supporting the Level 2 fair value measurements. The unobservable inputs may include management’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use based on the best information available in the circumstances. MMALIC’s Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on non-binding broker quotes or internally developed using significant inputs not based on, or corroborated by, observable market information.

Management is responsible for the valuation process and uses data from outside sources (including nationally recognized pricing services and broker/dealers) in establishing fair value. Valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by internal investment professionals who are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price. To validate the appropriateness of the prices obtained, the investment manager considers widely published indices (as benchmarks), recent trades, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions and the credit quality of the specific issuers. In addition, management communicates directly with the pricing service regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the service to value specific securities. See “Note D—Investments” for fair value of investment securities.

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized into the three-level fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2022 are summarized below (in millions):

F-15

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)


Description	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Bonds:
Special revenue	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Industrial and miscellaneous		—		8.6		12.7		21.3

Total bonds		—		8.6		12.7		21.3

Non-affiliated preferred stocks		24.0		—		127.3		151.3
Non-affiliated common stocks		142.3		—		139.1		281.4
Currency swaps		—		1.0		—		1.0
Currency forwards		—		0.1		—		0.1
Interest rate swaps		—		25.2		—		25.2
Separate account assets		1.1		102.6		—		103.7

Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	167.4	$	137.5	$	279.1	$	584.0

Liabilities:
Currency swaps	$	—	$	4.8	$	—	$	4.8
Currency forwards		—		2.5		—		2.5
Interest rate swaps		—		95.0		—		95.0
Separate account liabilities	$	1.1	$	102.6	$	—	$	103.7

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	1.1	$	204.9	$	—	$	206.0

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized into the three-level fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2021 are summarized below (in millions):


Description	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Bonds:
Residential MBS	$	—	$	5.5	$	—	$	5.5
Asset-backed securities		—		—		8.4		8.4
All other bonds		—		0.1		—		0.1

Total bonds		—		5.6		8.4		14.0

Non-affiliated preferred stocks		31.7		189.5		143.4		364.6
Non-affiliated common stocks		19.2		88.4		172.0		279.6
Derivative instruments		—		706.9		—		706.9
Separate account assets		—		67.6		—		67.6

Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	50.9	$	1,058.0	$	323.8	$	1,432.7

Liabilities:
Separate account liabilities	$	—	$	67.6	$	—	$	67.6

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	—	$	67.6	$	—	$	67.6

*	The adoption of SSAP No. 32 – Preferred Stock – Revised (“SSAP 32R”) in 2021 resulted in a large shift of the Company’s preferred stocks from the cost basis to fair value on a recurring basis.

The Company had no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

F-16

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The Company recognizes and records the transfer of securities into and out of Level 3 due to changes in availability of market observable inputs. All transfers are reflected in the tables below at fair values as of the end of the reporting periods (in millions):


	Balance as of 1/1/2022		Gain (Losses) in Net Income			Losses (Gains) in Surplus										Transfers							Balance as of 12/31/2022
	Balance as of 1/1/2022		Gain (Losses) in Net Income			Losses (Gains) in Surplus			Purchases		Issuances		Settlements			In		Out		Other			Balance as of 12/31/2022
Financial assets:
Industial and miscellaneous	$	8.4	$	(9.3	)	$	(3.0	)	$	—	$	—	$	(4.9	)	$	—	$	—	$	21.5		$	12.7
Preferred stocks - unaffiliated		143.4		—			59.8			—		—		—			—		—		(75.9	)		127.3
Common stocks - unaffiliated		172.0		(0.6	)		83.8			6.4		48.3		(52.5	)		9.0		—		(127.3	)		139.1

Total financial assets	$	323.8	$	(9.9	)	$	140.6		$	6.4	$	48.3	$	(57.4	)	$	9.0	$	—	$	(181.7	)	$	279.1


Description	Commercial MBS			Residential MBS				Non-affiliated Preferred Stocks			Non-affiliated Common Stocks			Asset- backed securities			All other bonds
Balance at January 1, 2021		—				0.2			22.0			229.7			57.6			—
Transfers into Level 3		8.2				—			79.4			6.9			—			15.2
Transfers out of Level 3 to Level 2		—				(0.1	)		—			(81.4	)		(14.1	)		—
Transfers out of Level 3 to cost basis		—				—			(2.9	)		—			(44.7	)		—
Total gains (losses) included in net income		0.2				—			9.7			0.2			(0.2	)		(15.1	)
Total gains (losses) included in surplus		(0.4	)			—			46.1			24.4			1.4			(0.1	)
Purchases and issuances		0.4				—			4.6			3.2			—			—
Sales and settlements		—				(0.1	)		(15.5	)		(11.0	)		—			—

Balance at December 31, 2021	$	8.4			$	—		$	143.4		$	172.0		$	—		$	—

*	Significant transfers out of Level 3 in 2021 included: 1) impact of adoption of SSAP 32R in 2021 on non-affiliated preferred stocks moved to surplus; and 2) transfers of non-affiliated common stocks to Level 2 due to new owner’s fair value methodology.

F-17

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table categorizes all the financial assets and liabilities in the financial statements into the three-level fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2022 (in millions):


Description	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Bonds:
U.S. Government and agencies	$	64.0	$	98.9	$	—	$	64.0	$	—
All other governments		17.8		19.2		—		17.8		—
States, territories and possessions		183.1		190.7		—		183.1		—
Political subdivisions		268.7		272.7		—		268.7		—
Special Revenue		1,537.0		1,691.6		—		1,537.0		—
Industrial and miscellaneous		27,421.0		30,538.0		—		20,029.5		7,391.5
Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates		468.3		520.8		—		347.8		120.5

Total bonds	$	29,959.9	$	33,331.9	$	—	$	22,447.9	$	7,512.0
Non-affiliated preferred stocks		198.3		185.0		38.5		—		159.8
Non-affiliated common stocks		281.4		281.4		142.3		—		139.1
Mortgage loans		2,846.5		3,088.8		—		—		2,846.5
Currency forwards		0.1		0.1		—		0.1		—
Fixed-indexed annuity options		287.4		846.8		102.6		184.8		—
Interest rate swaps		25.2		25.2		—		25.2		—
Currency swaps		0.9		0.9		—		0.9		—
Separate account assets		103.7		103.7		1.1		102.6		—
Cash, cash equivalents and short term-investments		1,991.2		1,991.2		1,991.2		—		—
Policy loans		31.5		31.5		—		—		31.5

Total financial assets	$	35,726.1	$	39,886.5	$	2,275.7	$	22,761.5	$	10,688.9

Financial liabilities:
Currency swaps		4.8		4.8		—		4.8		—
Currency forwards		2.5		2.5		—		2.5		—
Interest rate swaps		95.0		95.0		—		95.0		—
Fixed-indexed annuity options		—		598.6		—		—		—
Funds held as collateral		209.5		209.5		—		209.5		—
Separate account liabilities		103.7		103.7		1.1		102.6		—

Total financial liabilities	$	415.5	$	1,014.1	$	1.1	$	414.4	$	—

*	Separate account liabilities incorporates the fair value of the separate account reserve and equity index put options.

F-18

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table categorizes all the financial assets and liabilities in the financial statements into the three-level fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2021 (in millions):


Description	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Bonds:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	17.9	$	16.3	$	—	$	17.9	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,530.7		2,317.7		—		2,472.2		58.5
Foreign government		29.1		26.7		—		29.1		—
Residential MBS		2,199.5		2,116.9		—		2,195.5		4.0
Commercial MBS		844.3		822.5		—		835.9		8.4
Asset- backed securities		7,773.1		7,679.5		—		7,576.5		196.6
All other bonds		19,310.2		18,162.0		—		17,088.3		2,221.9

Total bonds	$	32,704.8	$	31,141.6	$	—	$	30,215.4	$	2,489.4
Non-affiliated preferred stocks		396.1		394.4		41.9		189.7		164.5
Non-affiliated common stocks		279.6		279.6		19.2		88.4		172.0
Separate account assets		67.6		67.6		—		67.6		—
Surplus notes		1,123.6		1,092.3		—		247.9		875.7
Mortgage loans		2,121.4		2,148.5		—		—		2,121.4
Derivative instruments		706.9		706.9		—		706.9		—
Funds held as collateral		408.3		408.3		—		408.3		—
Policy loans		64.2		64.2		—		—		64.2
Cash, cash equivalents and short term-investments		1,008.9		1,008.9		1,008.9		—		—

Total financial assets	$	38,881.4	$	37,312.3	$	1,070.0	$	31,924.2	$	5,887.2

Financial liabilities:
Annuity reserves and liability for deposit-type reserves	$	42,785.0	$	33,651.1	$	—	$	—	$	42,785.0
Separate account liabilities		67.6		67.6		—		67.6		—
Funds held as collateral		435.3		435.3		—		435.3		—

Total financial liabilities	$	43,287.9	$	34,154.0	$	—	$	502.9	$	42,785.0

*	Separate account liabilities incorporates the fair value of the separate account reserve and equity index put options.

**	Surplus notes are included in other invested assets on the balance sheet.

F-19

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

C. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments:

Annuity Reserves: The fair values of all benefits were estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using forward interest rates adjusted for cash flow uncertainty and the Company’s credit risk and includes the impact of maintenance expenses.

Bonds: Fair values for investments in publicly traded bonds are obtained from nationally recognized pricing services. Fair values for privately placed investment grade bonds are obtained from broker quotes or determined internally by security analysts of the Company’s affiliated investment portfolio manager.

Non-affiliated preferred and common stock: Fair values of equity securities are generally based on closing prices obtained from the exchanges on which the securities are traded. For the remainder of these securities, fair values are determined by management’s internal investment professionals using data from nationally recognized pricing services as well as non-binding broker quotes.

Mortgage Loans: The fair values for the Company’s mortgage loans are estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings.

Derivative instruments: The fair values for MMALIC’s derivative instruments are based on settlement values, quoted market prices of comparable instruments, fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing (guarantees, loan commitments), or, if there are no relevant comparables, on pricing models or formulas using current assumptions.

Separate Account: The separate account consists of derivative instruments in both asset and liability positions and registered index-linked annuity reserves. The reserves are set equal to the net fair value of the separate account derivative instruments. The methods and assumptions used for the separate account derivatives and reserves are described in more detail above.

Policy Loans: The Company states policy loans at the aggregate unpaid balance, which approximates fair value.

Funds held as collateral: The collateral held by MMALIC consists of cash under the Company’s exclusive control and is stated at fair value.

F-20

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS

Bonds at December 31 consisted of the following (in millions):


	2022
	Carrying		Fair		Gross Unrealized
	Value		Value		Gains		Losses
U.S. Government and agencies	$	98.9	$	64.0	$	0.9	$	35.8
All other governments		19.2		17.8		—		1.4
States, territories and possessions		190.7		183.1		0.6		8.2
Political subdivisions		272.7		268.7		4.9		8.9
Special Revenue		1,691.6		1,537.0		4.0		158.6
Industrial and miscellaneous		30,538.0		27,421.0		99.6		3,216.6
Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates		520.8		468.3		3.6		56.1

Total bonds	$	33,331.9	$	29,959.9	$	113.6	$	3,485.6

The December 31, 2022 gross unrealized losses exclude $15.7 million of losses included in the carrying value. These losses include $15.4 million from NAIC Class 6 bonds and $0.3 million from residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) whose ratings were obtained from outside modelers. These losses were primarily included in industrial and miscellaneous.


	2021
	Carrying		Fair		Gross Unrealized
	Value		Value		Gains		Losses
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	16.3	$	17.9	$	1.6	$	—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,317.7		2,530.7		213.3		0.3
Foreign government		26.7		29.1		2.4		—
Residential MBS		2,116.9		2,199.5		119.3		36.7
Commercial MBS		822.5		844.3		24.2		2.4
Asset-backed securities		7,679.5		7,773.1		126.5		32.9
All other bonds		18,162.0		19,310.2		1,209.9		61.7

Total bonds	$	31,141.6	$	32,704.8	$	1,697.2	$	134.0

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company held unrated or less-than-investment grade bonds of $2,171.2 million and $1,352.3 million, respectively, with an aggregate fair value of $1,968.2 million and $1,384.7 million, respectively. Those holdings amounted to 6.5% and 4.3% of the Company’s investments in bonds and approximately 5.1% and 3.5% of the Company’s total admitted assets at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the issuers of these bonds.

Mortgage loans are collateralized by underlying real estate properties, with geographic diversification across the United States. The Company monitors loan-to-value ratios and debt-service coverage ratios in assessing the credit quality of the underlying mortgage loans. There have been no material losses related to commercial mortgage loans historically or in 2022, 2021 or 2020.

F-21

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s mortgage loans at December 31, 2022 were as follows (in millions):


	2022
	Carrying Value		Fair Value
Commercial mortgage loans:
Primary lender	$	1,263.5	$	1,160.4
Mezzanine loans		22.6		22.6

Total commercial mortgage loans		1,286.1		1,183.0
Residential mortgage loans:
FHA insured and VA guranteed		486.6		439.5
Other residential mortgage loans		1,316.1		1,224.0

Total residential mortgage loans		1,802.7		1,663.5

Total mortgage loans	$	3,088.8	$	2,846.5

The loan-to-value ratios by property type of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans at December 31, 2022 were as follows (in millions):


	2022
	Less Than 81%		81% to 95%		Above 95%		Total		% of Total
Office	$	79.1	$	—	$	30.8	$	109.9		9	%
Apartments		441.5		82.9		—		524.4		41	%
Industrial and other		224.7		—		—		224.7		17	%
Hotels		351.3		75.8		—		427.1		33	%
Retail		—		—		—		—		0	%

Total	$	1,096.6	$	158.7	$	30.8	$	1,286.1		100	%

More than 85% of the Company’s commercial mortgage loans’ loan-to-value ratios are below 81% for the year

ended December 31, 2022.

F-22

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The Company uses an internal rating system as its primary method of monitoring credit quality. The following illustrates the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio rating at December 31, 2022, translated into the equivalent rating agency designation (in millions):


	2022
	AAA/AA/A		BBB		BB		B		CCC and Lower		Total
Commercial mortgage loans:
Primary lender	$	174.8	$	798.4	$	276.1	$	—	$	14.2	$	1,263.5
Mezzanine loans		—		22.6		—		—		—		22.6
Total commercial mortgage loans		174.8		821.0		276.1		—		14.2		1,286.1
Residential mortgage loans:
FHA insured and VA guranteed		481.6		5.0		—		—		—		486.6
Other residential mortgage loans		56.3		1,259.8		—		—		—		1,316.1

Total residential mortgage loans		537.9		1,264.8		—		—		—		1,802.7

Total mortgage loans	$	712.7	$	2,085.8	$	276.1	$	—	$	14.2	$	3,088.8

The maximum percentage of any one commercial mortgage loan to the estimated value of secured collateral at the time the loan was originated, exclusive of mezzanine, insured, guaranteed or purchase money mortgages, was 100% as of December 31, 2022.

The geographic distribution of commercial mortgage loans was as follows:


	2022
	Carrying Value		Average Loan-to-Value Ratio
Florida	$	194.3		76	%
Colorado		175.8		67	%
Texas		174.1		54	%
New York		104.1		43	%
Virginia		87.3		64	%
Indiana		70.4		60	%
All other		480.1		60	%

Total commercial mortgage loans	$	1,286.1		61	%

All other consists of 18 jurisdictions, with no individual exposure exceeding $70.4 million.

F-23

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Interest rates, including fixed and variable, on the Company’s portfolio of mortgage loans at December 31, 2022 were (in millions):


	2022
	Low			High
Commercial mortgage loans:		2.6	%		11.7	%
Residential mortgage loans		2.2	%		11.7	%
Mezzanine mortgage loans		10.0	%		13.3	%

Interest rates, including fixed and variable, on new mortgage loans at December 31, 2022 were (in millions):


	2022
	Low			High
Commercial mortgage loans:		2.6	%		11.7	%
Residential mortgage loans		2.5	%		11.7	%
Mezzanine mortgage loans		10.0	%		13.3	%

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had no impaired mortgage loans with or without a valuation allowance or mortgage loans derecognized as a result of foreclosure, including mortgage loans subject to a participant or co-lender mortgage loan agreement with a unilateral mortgage loan foreclosure restriction or mortgage loan derecognized as a result of a foreclosure.

F-24

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Unrealized gains and losses on investments in non-affiliated preferred and common stocks are reported directly in unassigned funds and do not affect operations. The cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of those investments are summarized as follows (in millions):


			Fair		Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Value		Gains		Losses
At December 31, 2022
Non-affiliated preferred stocks	$	165.5	$	198.3	$	58.5	$	25.7
Non-affiliated common stocks		220.5		281.4		87.8		26.9

Total	$	386.0	$	479.7	$	146.3	$	52.6


			Fair		Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Value		Gains		Losses
At December 31, 2021
Non-affiliated preferred stocks	$	332.2	$	396.1	$	67.1	$	3.2
Non-affiliated common stocks		209.6		279.6		81.8		11.8

Total	$	541.8	$	675.7	$	148.9	$	15.0

F-25

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following tables present gross unrealized losses and fair values on bonds and non-affiliated preferred and common stocks by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31 (in millions):


	2022
	Twelve Months or Less						More Than Twelve Months
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Number of Issuers		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Number of Issuers
U.S. Government and agencies	$	49.5	$	35.8		2	$	—	$	—		—
All other governments		17.8		1.4		11		—		—		—
States, territories and possessions		160.6		8.2		10		—		—		—
Political subdivisions		157.9		8.9		22		—		—		—
Special Revenue		1,378.7		158.6		118		—		—		—
Industrial and miscellaneous		23,786.8		3,212.8		2,170		101.2		19.4		28
Parent, subsidiaries and affiliates		444.6		56.1		13		—		—		—

Total bonds	$	25,995.9	$	3,481.8		2,346	$	101.2	$	19.4		28

Non-affiliated preferred stocks	$	1.3	$	25.7		2	$	—	$	—		—
Non-affiliated common stocks		36.8		26.9		53		—		—		—

Total non-affiliated preferred and common stocks	$	38.1	$	52.6		55	$	—	$	—		—

The December 31, 2022 gross unrealized losses include $15.7 million of losses included in the carrying value. These losses include $15.4 million from NAIC Class 6 bonds and $0.3 million from RMBS whose ratings were obtained from outside modelers. These losses were primarily included in industrial and miscellaneous.


	2021
	Twelve Months or Less				More Than Twelve Months
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	$	23.0	$	0.3	$	—	$	—
Residential MBS		1,007.2		22.4		33.0		14.3
Commercial MBS		249.6		2.4		8.4		—
Asset-backed securities		2,343.7		18.1		530.3		14.8
All other bonds		2,555.6		54.9		191.9		6.8

Total bonds	$	6,179.1	$	98.1	$	763.6	$	35.9

Non-affiliated preferred stocks	$	11.9	$	—	$	18.0	$	3.2
Non-affiliated common stocks		16.4		11.4		1.7		0.4

Total non-affiliated preferred and common stocks	$	28.3	$	11.4	$	19.7	$	3.6

At December 31, 2021, the gross unrealized losses related to 834 bonds, 8 common stocks and 5 preferred stocks.

F-26

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The quality of the bond portfolio is determined by the use of SVO ratings and the equivalent rating agency designations, except for RMBS and CMBS that use third-party modelers. The following sets forth the NAIC class ratings for the bond portfolio (in millions):


		2022					2021
NAIC Class	Equivalent Rating Agency Designation	Carrying Value		% of Total			Carrying Value		% of Total
1	Aaa/Aa/A	$	17,729.1		53.2	%	$	17,466.7		56.1	%
2	Baa		13,435.0		40.3	%		12,262.9		39.4	%
3	Ba		1,473.9		4.4	%		761.8		2.4	%
4	B		454.6		1.4	%		545.3		1.8	%
5	Caa and lower		209.4		0.6	%		70.9		0.2	%
6	In or near default		29.9		0.1	%		34.0		0.1	%

	Total	$	33,331.9		100.0	%	$	31,141.6		100.0	%

When a decline in the fair value of a specific investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, a provision for impairment is charged to earnings (accounted for as realized capital loss) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced by the amount of the charge. The determination of whether unrealized losses are other-than-temporary requires judgment based on subjective as well as objective factors. Factors considered and resources used by management include:

(a)	whether the unrealized loss is credit-driven or a result of changes in market interest rates,

(b)	the extent to which fair value is less than cost basis,

(c)	cash flow projections received from independent sources,

(d)	historical operating, balance sheet and cash flow data contained in issuer Securities and Exchange Commission filings and news releases,

(e)	near-term prospects for improvement in the issuer and/or its industry,

(f)	third party research and communications with industry specialists,

(g)	financial models and forecasts,

(h)	the continuity of dividend payments, maintenance of investment grade ratings and hybrid nature of certain investments,

(i)	discussions with issuer management, and

(j)	the ability and intent to hold investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Based on its analysis of the factors enumerated above, management believes (i) MMALIC will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and (ii) that MMALIC has the ability and intent to hold securities until they recover in value. Although MMALIC has the ability to continue holding its investments with unrealized losses, its intent to hold them may change due to deterioration in the issuers’ creditworthiness, decisions to lessen exposure to a particular issuer or industry, asset/liability management decisions, market movements, changes in views about appropriate asset allocation or the desire to offset taxable realized gains. Should MMALIC’s ability or intent change with regard to a particular security, a charge for impairment would likely be required. While it is not possible to accurately predict if or when a specific security will become impaired, charges for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) could be material to results of operations in future periods.

Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold and charges for OTTI on investments held were as follows for the years ended December 31 (dollars in millions):


	Net Realized Gains		Charges for						Number of Investments with
Year	(Net of IMR Transfers and Taxes)		Impairment			Total			Impairment Charges
2022	$	8.4	$	(41.0	)	$	(32.6	)	138
2021	$	170.7	$	(52.0	)	$	118.7		31
2020	$	93.0	$	(311.6	)	$	(218.6	)	156

F-27

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following is a summary of the carrying value and fair value of bonds as of December 31, 2022 by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. Securities with more than one maturity date are included in the table using the final maturity date (in millions):


	2022
	Carrying Value		Fair Value
Maturity:
One year or less	$	662.3	$	657.9
After one year through five years		5,118.2		4,925.2
After five years through ten years		9,902.5		9,068.6
After ten years		17,648.9		15,308.2

Total bonds by maturity	$	33,331.9	$	29,959.9

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of MMALIC’s bonds as of December 31, 2021 (in millions):


	2021
	Carrying Value		Fair Value
Maturity:
One year or less	$	491.2	$	506.9
After one year through five years		6,935.6		7,326.4
After five years through ten years		8,000.2		8,747.4
After ten years		5,095.7		5,307.2
Subtotal		20,522.7		21,887.9
Mortgage-backed securities		2,939.4		3,043.8
Asset-backed securities		7,679.5		7,773.1

Total bonds by maturity	$	31,141.6	$	32,704.8

The aggregate amount of investment income generated as a result of prepayment penalties and acceleration fees was $0.6 million, $35.9 million, and $28.2 million during 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Proceeds from sales of bonds were $10,640.3 million, $686.8 million, and $7,642.5 million for 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Gross realized gains of $282.1 million, $87.4 million, and $409.1 million and gross realized losses of $232.4 million, $11.9 million, and $43.7 million were realized on bonds during 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The number of securities disposed of with a callable feature in 2022 and 2021 was 182 and 244, respectively.

MMALIC’s $4,253.5 million investment in MBS represents approximately 13% of the carrying value of its bonds at December 31, 2022. The Company’s indirect exposure to subprime mortgage risk as of December 31, 2022 had a total actual cost and book adjusted carrying value of approximately $551.0 million and $546.9 million, respectively, and a total fair value of approximately $515.7 million. MMALIC’s $2,939.4 million investment in MBS represents approximately 9% of the carrying value of its bonds at December 31, 2021. The Company’s indirect exposure to subprime mortgage risk as of December 31, 2021 included 70 residential MBS with total actual cost and book adjusted carrying values of approximately $123.0 million and $123.3 million, respectively, and a total fair value of approximately $138.6 million.

The Company has no aggregate loan-backed securities with an OTTI in which the Company has the intent to sell or the inability or lack of intent to retain the investment in the security for a period of time to recover the amortized cost basis.

F-28

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table shows each loan-backed security with an OTTI recognized in 2022, as the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security (in whole dollars):


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows		OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement		Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
00256DAA0	$	5,028,172	$	3,890,891	$	1,137,281	$	3,890,891	$	3,201,439		3/31/2022
05535DBG8		270,320		226,054		44,266		226,054		146,322		3/31/2022
36157NFL3		63,101		48,296		14,805		48,296		65,578		3/31/2022
86358RXZ5		730,465		680,597		49,868		680,597		653,004		3/31/2022
05951KAN3		769,516		727,854		41,662		727,854		725,932		3/31/2022
17309AAD1		1,178,157		1,157,862		20,295		1,157,862		1,143,417		3/31/2022
41161PMV2		381,790		294,193		87,597		294,193		400,491		3/31/2022
65535VNL8		2,434,448		2,223,472		210,976		2,223,472		2,443,775		3/31/2022
74928XBB6		5,618,112		4,942,615		675,497		4,942,615		6,168,357		3/31/2022
05949CHM1		951,691		869,857		81,834		869,857		894,663		3/31/2022
57643MLZ5		391,660		375,540		16,120		375,540		376,146		3/31/2022
59020UV77		84,020		82,288		1,732		82,288		80,945		3/31/2022
863579RP5		736,920		685,020		51,900		685,020		711,770		3/31/2022
885220KW2		2,541,472		2,529,769		11,703		2,529,769		2,530,102		3/31/2022
94984DAC8		474,157		426,688		47,469		426,688		439,204		3/31/2022
07325DAF1		351,756		298,754		53,002		298,754		308,547		6/30/2022
759676AF6		467,062		389,330		77,732		389,330		403,998		6/30/2022
02147WAT6		1,833,809		1,810,984		22,825		1,810,984		1,647,430		6/30/2022
02147XAR8		722,783		716,983		5,800		716,983		616,400		6/30/2022
05951KAN3		727,416		726,755		661		726,755		709,393		6/30/2022
12566UAE4		484,546		479,517		5,029		479,517		428,794		6/30/2022
12566UAN4		745,695		687,455		58,239		687,455		680,275		6/30/2022
12566XAM0		762,429		749,321		13,107		749,321		711,263		6/30/2022
12628LAD2		939,894		917,685		22,210		917,685		775,478		6/30/2022
12668APC3		1,053,742		1,028,969		24,773		1,028,969		1,023,156		6/30/2022
17309BAB3		231,697		229,910		1,787		229,910		212,294		6/30/2022
17309VAH6		883,901		881,260		2,641		881,260		828,464		6/30/2022
225470Q89		639,198		566,017		73,181		566,017		434,433		6/30/2022
32051GSQ9		2,150,300		2,111,315		38,985		2,111,315		2,136,944		6/30/2022
59020UW43		484,507		422,353		62,154		422,353		438,518		6/30/2022
65535VSJ8		1,382,487		1,368,659		13,828		1,368,659		1,226,910		6/30/2022
69337BAH7		1,615,840		1,597,892		17,947		1,597,892		1,468,643		6/30/2022
74923HAQ4		591,952		582,904		9,048		582,904		527,598		6/30/2022
74928RAB0		299,181		295,529		3,652		295,529		312,097		6/30/2022
75115BAC3		1,263,859		1,260,657		3,203		1,260,657		1,287,590		6/30/2022
75116FBH1		1,660,615		1,655,476		5,139		1,655,476		1,511,249		6/30/2022
761118SC3		1,738,294		1,735,436		2,859		1,735,436		1,583,504		6/30/2022
863579J90		408,035		404,919		3,116		404,919		410,645		6/30/2022
87222EAB4		989,431		964,435		24,996		964,435		915,285		6/30/2022
87222EAC2		1,069,037		1,046,433		22,604		1,046,433		954,115		6/30/2022

F-29

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows		OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement		Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
93934NAC9		550,457		525,641		24,815		525,641		469,111		6/30/2022
058931AT3		1,243,463		1,240,130		3,333		1,240,130		1,198,967		6/30/2022
073880AD8		1,276,813		1,222,687		54,126		1,222,687		1,154,766		6/30/2022
12544DAG4		95,844		90,011		5,833		90,011		85,172		6/30/2022
12545EAK2		1,550,474		1,490,197		60,276		1,490,197		1,329,130		6/30/2022
12638PAB5		744,092		736,605		7,487		736,605		600,312		6/30/2022
1266942H0		606,740		599,651		7,089		599,651		501,690		6/30/2022
126694HP6		655,886		535,926		119,960		535,926		506,396		6/30/2022
12669G3S8		1,421,943		1,403,926		18,017		1,403,926		1,272,912		6/30/2022
12669G4K4		2,882,965		2,860,499		22,466		2,860,499		2,654,538		6/30/2022
16162YAL9		406,596		387,094		19,502		387,094		351,124		6/30/2022
16165MAG3		2,063,370		2,039,505		23,865		2,039,505		1,824,783		6/30/2022
170257AE9		3,090,905		2,877,625		213,279		2,877,625		2,454,654		6/30/2022
17025AAH5		1,119,104		1,045,677		73,427		1,045,677		993,451		6/30/2022
225458L55		554,354		551,293		3,060		551,293		495,964		6/30/2022
362341XC8		963,117		959,504		3,613		959,504		830,593		6/30/2022
46631NAA7		819,190		805,803		13,387		805,803		733,833		6/30/2022
46631NDT3		7,735,758		7,037,790		697,968		7,037,790		7,196,047		6/30/2022
74958YAE2		335,485		319,458		16,027		319,458		327,784		6/30/2022
78473TAJ9		275,754		245,411		30,343		245,411		214,919		6/30/2022
863579XC7		1,415,676		1,337,580		78,096		1,337,580		1,408,287		6/30/2022
86363GAF1		1,733,928		1,673,515		60,413		1,673,515		1,636,845		6/30/2022
94985AAA7		227,339		217,876		9,463		217,876		211,415		6/30/2022
94986CAA2		328,420		320,452		7,968		320,452		302,929		6/30/2022
57430U301		1,330,669		1,004,371		326,298		1,004,371		803,430		9/30/2022
07325DAF1		291,282		290,354		928		290,354		286,720		9/30/2022
3622EAAA8		3,999,702		3,929,491		70,212		3,929,491		3,739,585		9/30/2022
61751DAE4		1,716,986		1,604,835		112,151		1,604,835		2,251,814		9/30/2022
617526AD0		2,717,720		2,314,163		403,557		2,314,163		2,489,016		9/30/2022
86358RXZ5		573,712		503,846		69,866		503,846		532,119		9/30/2022
07386XAH9		1,136,200		1,060,380		75,820		1,060,380		920,227		9/30/2022
12566UAE4		469,028		437,575		31,453		437,575		395,514		9/30/2022
12566UAN4		659,320		581,671		77,649		581,671		613,196		9/30/2022
12566XAM0		724,102		706,097		18,005		706,097		652,607		9/30/2022
12628LAD2		944,313		837,560		106,754		837,560		715,627		9/30/2022
126670JP4		799,425		751,737		47,688		751,737		748,985		9/30/2022
12667F4N2		2,337,848		2,296,401		41,448		2,296,401		2,234,566		9/30/2022
12668APC3		991,327		950,477		40,850		950,477		944,519		9/30/2022
17307GED6		1,519,753		1,448,105		71,648		1,448,105		1,466,554		9/30/2022
17309BAB3		228,895		224,462		4,433		224,462		201,398		9/30/2022
17309VAH6		845,828		839,340		6,488		839,340		792,523		9/30/2022
225470Q89		554,757		534,935		19,822		534,935		418,987		9/30/2022
32051GSQ9		2,037,561		1,989,697		47,865		1,989,697		2,018,934		9/30/2022

F-30

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows		OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement			Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
46627MAD9		641,414		620,422		20,992			620,422		598,910		9/30/2022
46627MEJ2		1,290,004		1,214,983		75,022			1,214,983		1,045,674		9/30/2022
47232CAH7		1,899,848		1,899,428		420			1,899,428		2,091,390		9/30/2022
576434W59		231,800		180,887		50,912			180,887		133,506		9/30/2022
59020UW43		402,012		374,574		27,438			374,574		282,946		9/30/2022
643529AC4		566,063		512,432		53,631			512,432		615,937		9/30/2022
65535VMJ4		654,212		604,134		50,077			604,134		606,472		9/30/2022
65535VNL8		2,216,330		2,128,294		88,036			2,128,294		2,136,155		9/30/2022
65535VSJ8		1,353,591		1,314,301		39,290			1,314,301		1,150,059		9/30/2022
69337BAH7		1,588,255		1,531,076		57,179			1,531,076		1,357,354		9/30/2022
74923HAQ4		563,728		561,272		2,456			561,272		491,746		9/30/2022
74928RAB0		293,120		262,538		30,582			262,538		285,136		9/30/2022
75116CET9		263,844		166,578		97,266			166,578		229,893		9/30/2022
761118SC3		1,692,139		1,684,385		7,754			1,684,385		1,439,667		9/30/2022
863579J90		399,903		373,319		26,584			373,319		387,475		9/30/2022
87222EAB4		960,274		864,706		95,569			864,706		855,078		9/30/2022
87222EAC2		1,041,136		968,565		72,571			968,565		884,062		9/30/2022
93934FMD1		1,850,357		1,613,441		236,916			1,613,441		1,651,078		9/30/2022
45660LCK3		2,987,283		2,747,927		239,356			2,747,927		2,828,661		9/30/2022
05946XY72		1,121,255		1,064,056		57,199			1,064,056		1,039,216		9/30/2022
05949CHM1		788,146		770,794		17,352			770,794		776,150		9/30/2022
05949CKX3		1,593,696		1,495,795		97,900			1,495,795		1,483,476		9/30/2022
073880AD8		1,165,906		1,163,805		2,101			1,163,805		1,066,603		9/30/2022
12544DAG4		87,957		88,141		(184	)		88,141		76,266		9/30/2022
12545EAK2		1,470,040		1,423,980		46,060			1,423,980		1,225,499		9/30/2022
12638PAB5		730,343		719,668		10,676			719,668		561,272		9/30/2022
1266942H0		586,626		561,203		25,423			561,203		472,137		9/30/2022
126694BE7		332,557		306,506		26,051			306,506		311,536		9/30/2022
126694CS5		3,094,276		3,091,476		2,800			3,091,476		2,504,248		9/30/2022
126694HP6		515,419		474,981		40,438			474,981		462,478		9/30/2022
12669DUS5		773,797		772,715		1,082			772,715		742,780		9/30/2022
12669G3S8		1,387,574		1,375,347		12,226			1,375,347		1,217,425		9/30/2022
12669G4K4		2,834,361		2,781,521		52,840			2,781,521		2,545,994		9/30/2022
12669GR45		534,792		525,148		9,644			525,148		485,346		9/30/2022
16162YAL9		380,468		361,472		18,995			361,472		327,514		9/30/2022
16165MAG3		1,961,306		1,944,718		16,588			1,944,718		1,661,310		9/30/2022
170257AE9		2,828,331		2,633,857		194,474			2,633,857		2,354,786		9/30/2022
17025AAH5		996,965		955,555		41,410			955,555		872,118		9/30/2022
2254582Y3		1,262,710		1,223,508		39,202			1,223,508		1,083,348		9/30/2022
362341XC8		925,615		890,329		35,286			890,329		775,076		9/30/2022
41161PCX9		222,673		219,523		3,150			219,523		217,809		9/30/2022
466247UG6		543,666		541,554		2,112			541,554		492,253		9/30/2022
466247ZP1		597,232		578,858		18,375			578,858		551,434		9/30/2022

F-31

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows		OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement			Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
46628LAB4		52,197		43,653		8,544			43,653		46,321		9/30/2022
46631NAA7		787,350		768,303		19,047			768,303		654,423		9/30/2022
46631NDT3		6,957,695		6,448,656		509,039			6,448,656		6,565,975		9/30/2022
57643MLZ5		322,070		311,840		10,230			311,840		295,793		9/30/2022
59023PAB9		550,151		530,517		19,633			530,517		549,074		9/30/2022
863579RP5		630,863		612,560		18,302			612,560		593,202		9/30/2022
863579XC7		1,202,538		1,169,250		33,288			1,169,250		1,184,462		9/30/2022
86363GAF1		1,622,996		1,511,763		111,233			1,511,763		1,431,479		9/30/2022
885220KW2		2,336,973		2,265,171		71,802			2,265,171		2,217,726		9/30/2022
92979DAC9		2,889,617		2,736,750		152,866			2,736,750		2,880,781		9/30/2022
94984DAC8		391,725		391,939		(214	)		391,939		377,184		9/30/2022
94986CAA2		319,103		297,142		21,962			297,142		281,932		9/30/2022
00176BAM54		221,912		204,829		17,083			204,829		145,456		12/31/2022
36157NFL3		34,787		33,507		1,280			33,507		49,479		12/31/2022
3622EAAA8		3,923,762		3,761,791		161,971			3,761,791		3,650,746		12/31/2022
61751DAE4		1,629,194		1,602,771		26,423			1,602,771		1,949,256		12/31/2022
759676AF6		379,733		378,947		785			378,947		359,320		12/31/2022
86358RXZ5		465,267		455,171		10,096			455,171		471,122		12/31/2022
02147XAR8		680,181		643,751		36,430			643,751		528,126		12/31/2022
058933AN2		919,353		889,825		29,529			889,825		821,517		12/31/2022
05951KAN3		696,878		683,150		13,728			683,150		647,406		12/31/2022
07386XAH9		1,011,656		911,593		100,063			911,593		863,150		12/31/2022
12566UAE4		337,542		337,076		465			337,076		317,476		12/31/2022
12566UAN4		576,035		576,010		25			576,010		628,281		12/31/2022
12566XAM0		699,177		699,339		(162	)		699,339		655,865		12/31/2022
12628LAD2		834,249		776,091		58,158			776,091		675,639		12/31/2022
126670JP4		743,653		722,674		20,979			722,674		725,258		12/31/2022
12667F4N2		2,266,231		2,246,591		19,640			2,246,591		2,214,064		12/31/2022
12667GAC7		693,373		685,397		7,976			685,397		654,562		12/31/2022
12668APC3		924,868		924,886		(18	)		924,886		878,754		12/31/2022
17025RAA3		1,550,324		1,306,829		243,495			1,306,829		1,552,445		12/31/2022
17307GED6		1,443,837		1,417,702		26,135			1,417,702		1,463,475		12/31/2022
17309BAB3		222,437		220,151		2,285			220,151		198,606		12/31/2022
17309VAH6		805,883		803,877		2,006			803,877		758,730		12/31/2022
225470Q89		521,333		522,356		(1,023	)		522,356		415,017		12/31/2022
32051GT70		735,886		675,158		60,728			675,158		601,220		12/31/2022
36244SAD0		2,376,922		2,199,302		177,620			2,199,302		2,397,505		12/31/2022
43739EAP2		705,506		689,473		16,033			689,473		669,168		12/31/2022
46627MAD9		604,558		593,543		11,016			593,543		524,404		12/31/2022
46627MCY1		5,194,888		4,953,702		241,186			4,953,702		5,130,647		12/31/2022
46627MEJ2		1,195,047		1,170,943		24,104			1,170,943		982,410		12/31/2022
47232CAH7		1,899,914		1,890,225		9,689			1,890,225		2,006,775		12/31/2022

F-32

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows		OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement			Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
59020UW43		366,342		237,303		129,039			237,303		284,957		12/31/2022
643529AC4		520,909		520,857		53			520,857		620,443		12/31/2022
65535VSJ8		1,311,192		1,265,976		45,215			1,265,976		1,124,326		12/31/2022
69337BAH7		1,434,530		1,431,323		3,207			1,431,323		1,273,601		12/31/2022
74923GAC7		1,755,192		1,490,490		264,702			1,490,490		1,608,920		12/31/2022
74923HAQ4		552,304		550,690		1,614			550,690		486,284		12/31/2022
74928RAB0		264,408		256,037		8,371			256,037		280,614		12/31/2022
75115BAC3		1,262,630		1,098,615		164,015			1,098,615		1,195,478		12/31/2022
75115DAA3		201,854		200,413		1,441			200,413		189,024		12/31/2022
76110HH85		270,810		243,642		27,169			243,642		261,417		12/31/2022
761118BU1		942,962		855,567		87,395			855,567		916,638		12/31/2022
761118GS1		1,175,777		1,156,524		19,253			1,156,524		1,119,101		12/31/2022
761118SC3		1,633,297		1,616,573		16,724			1,616,573		1,423,542		12/31/2022
761118UG1		524,740		522,750		1,990			522,750		437,178		12/31/2022
76112BNM8		5,289,750		4,895,126		394,624			4,895,126		5,091,696		12/31/2022
863579J90		348,530		349,527		(997	)		349,527		353,839		12/31/2022
86360BAJ7		747,131		721,456		25,674			721,456		766,709		12/31/2022
87222EAB4		867,402		838,871		28,530			838,871		817,668		12/31/2022
87222EAC2		977,235		960,878		16,357			960,878		815,432		12/31/2022
93934FMD1		1,598,156		1,599,666		(1,510	)		1,599,666		1,669,656		12/31/2022
93934NAC9		495,187		485,595		9,592			485,595		412,326		12/31/2022
026929AA7		1,760,841		1,592,703		168,138			1,592,703		1,705,416		12/31/2022
45660LCK3		2,750,918		2,656,466		94,452			2,656,466		2,796,920		12/31/2022
058931AT3		1,225,723		1,209,276		16,447			1,209,276		1,154,041		12/31/2022
05946XY72		1,048,037		1,046,371		1,666			1,046,371		1,028,271		12/31/2022
05949CKX3		1,262,077		1,203,570		58,507			1,203,570		1,250,063		12/31/2022
07386YAE4		2,032,756		1,895,938		136,818			1,895,938		1,823,359		12/31/2022
073880AD8		1,158,830		1,127,532		31,298			1,127,532		1,051,875		12/31/2022
07401CAS2		3,509,364		3,262,743		246,621			3,262,743		3,195,561		12/31/2022
12543XAD8		1,176,300		1,172,978		3,321			1,172,978		1,091,000		12/31/2022
12545EAK2		1,377,454		1,391,454		(14,000	)		1,391,454		1,221,449		12/31/2022
12638PAB5		721,090		711,902		9,188			711,902		552,531		12/31/2022
1266942H0		554,299		556,124		(1,824	)		556,124		475,653		12/31/2022
126694HP6		472,556		469,133		3,424			469,133		458,573		12/31/2022
126694UJ5		1,182,995		1,033,719		149,276			1,033,719		1,173,798		12/31/2022
12669DUS5		754,525		753,847		679			753,847		726,499		12/31/2022
12669G3S8		1,273,702		1,267,299		6,403			1,267,299		1,123,086		12/31/2022
12669G4K4		2,695,208		2,679,394		15,815			2,679,394		2,508,614		12/31/2022
12669GR45		521,474		499,857		21,618			499,857		477,045		12/31/2022
16162YAL9		353,219		351,895		1,324			351,895		327,680		12/31/2022
16165MAG3		1,899,055		1,872,274		26,782			1,872,274		1,610,464		12/31/2022
170257AE9		2,539,977		2,557,671		(17,695	)		2,557,671		2,070,574		12/31/2022

F-33

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows		OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement			Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
17025AAH5		938,958		899,184		39,774			899,184		873,057		12/31/2022
2254582Y3		244,640		244,638		3			244,638		216,789		12/31/2022
225458L55		544,944		541,599		3,344			541,599		471,470		12/31/2022
225470VF7		1,564,751		1,540,100		24,651			1,540,100		1,484,306		12/31/2022
32051GXQ3		1,362,980		1,279,943		83,036			1,279,943		1,285,425		12/31/2022
362341XC8		884,539		865,321		19,218			865,321		767,933		12/31/2022
36242DQY2		110,190		104,565		5,625			104,565		100,339		12/31/2022
466247J46		80,370		74,449		5,922			74,449		74,585		12/31/2022
466247UG6		541,686		527,981		13,705			527,981		520,360		12/31/2022
466247ZP1		571,804		565,679		6,125			565,679		545,586		12/31/2022
46628LAB4		43,495		42,157		1,338			42,157		44,190		12/31/2022
46630WAB6		922,039		888,065		33,974			888,065		822,318		12/31/2022
46630WAL4		544,230		517,582		26,648			517,582		489,602		12/31/2022
46631NAA7		754,017		754,676		(659	)		754,676		639,770		12/31/2022
46631NDT3		6,401,145		6,374,664		26,481			6,374,664		6,427,560		12/31/2022
576433C53		505,306		453,037		52,269			453,037		513,969		12/31/2022
576433D52		534,258		502,735		31,523			502,735		444,494		12/31/2022
57643MLZ5		289,827		286,800		3,026			286,800		270,858		12/31/2022
59020UV77		34,748		33,720		1,027			33,720		33,150		12/31/2022
59023PAB9		513,508		509,687		3,821			509,687		530,373		12/31/2022
74958YAE2		312,432		299,278		13,154			299,278		304,434		12/31/2022
863579RP5		611,800		611,553		247			611,553		595,598		12/31/2022
863579XC7		1,153,338		1,124,061		29,277			1,124,061		1,170,138		12/31/2022
86363GAF1		1,513,354		1,415,604		97,750			1,415,604		1,437,559		12/31/2022
885220KW2		2,124,251		2,082,510		41,741			2,082,510		2,073,599		12/31/2022
94984DAC8		360,258		345,160		15,098			345,160		349,356		12/31/2022
94986CAA2		295,523		289,300		6,223			289,300		276,087		12/31/2022

Total					$	13,330,036

F-34

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table shows each loan-backed security with an OTTI recognized in 2021, as the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security (in whole dollars):


CUSIP	Amortized Cost Before OTTI		Present Value of Projected Cash Flows	OTTI Charge Recognized in Income Statement	Amortized Cost After OTTI		Fair Value at Time of OTTI		Date Reported
675923AG1	$	22,537,675	$22,503,488	$34,188	$	22,503,487	$	23,304,422		3/31/2021
12641QBX9		671,232	635,668	35,564		635,668		655,103		9/30/2021
36157NFL3		79,086	73,555	5,531		73,555		72,966		9/30/2021
47232VDK5		242,528	153,931	88,597		153,931		251,406		9/30/2021
65535VNL8		2,852,493	2,494,587	357,906		2,494,587		2,676,769		9/30/2021
94985AAA7		285,677	271,708	13,969		271,708		260,990		9/30/2021
05535DBG8		314,225	270,320	43,905		270,320		142,946		12/31/2021
05950TAC9		442,252	369,516	72,736		369,516		412,681		12/31/2021
12669DUS5		995,505	920,453	75,052		920,453		963,480		12/31/2021
41161PMV2		478,307	387,944	90,363		387,944		410,649		12/31/2021
47232CAH7		2,108,386	1,933,527	174,859		1,933,527		2,067,412		12/31/2021
65535VNL8		2,534,050	2,437,293	96,756		2,437,294		2,571,479		12/31/2021
94985AAA7		258,562	257,318	1,244		257,318		246,274		12/31/2021
94986MAF9		1,408,551	1,406,900	1,651		1,406,900		1,561,524		12/31/2021

Total				$1,092,321

F-35

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

D. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table shows the amount of assets pledged to others as collateral or otherwise restricted for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


								Gross			Restricted to
								Restricted			Total
					Increase/			to Total			Admitted
Restricted Asset Category	2022		2021		(Decrease)			Assets			Assets
Letter stock or securities restricted as to sale	$	241.4	$	1,195.0	$	(953.6	)		0.6	%		0.6	%
FHLB capital stock		48.3		52.5		(4.2	)		0.1	%		0.1	%
On deposit with states		6.3		5.9		0.4			0.0	%		0.0	%
Pledged as collateral to FHLB (including assets backing funding agreements)		1,102.3		1,256.4		(154.1	)		2.9	%		2.6	%
Pledged as collateral not captured in other categories		167.6		—		167.6			0.4	%		0.4	%

Total restricted assets	$	1,565.9	$	2,509.8	$	(943.9	)		4.1	%		3.7	%

Net investment income consisted of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2022			2021			2020
Investment income:
Bonds	$	1,436.1		$	1,240.2		$	1,390.5
Equity securities		9.3			28.5			77.8
Mortgage loans		116.5			74.6			71.0
Real estate		—			11.9			24.2
Policy loans		4.1			4.7			5.0
Cash and short-term investments		17.5			18.8			37.4
Other invested assets		96.1			75.8			66.3
Derivative instruments		(174.6	)		543.7			283.0
Other		2.9			2.0			1.7

Gross investment income		1,507.9			2,000.2			1,956.9
Investment expenses		(35.6	)		(49.2	)		(48.1	)
Ceded investment income		(453.3	)		—			—

Net investment income	$	1,019.0		$	1,951.0		$	1,908.8

F-36

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

E. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

MMALIC primarily utilizes a variety of financial instruments as part of its efforts to economically hedge and manage fluctuations in the fair value of its investment portfolio attributable to changes in general interest rate levels and to manage duration mismatch of assets and liabilities. Those instruments may include interest rate exchange agreements, equity index options purchased in either over-the-counter market or on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, payer swaptions, and commitments to extend credit. All instruments involve elements of credit and market risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the accompanying financial statements at a given point of time. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement in the various types of financial instruments.

Equity index options are contracts that give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell securities at a specified price during a specified period. MMALIC’s equity index options backing fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuities are based on existing market index (generally the S&P 500). The equity index options expire ratably between 2023 and 2029. Under the indexed annuity products, the crediting rate is linked to changes in the equity indices or Exchanged Traded Funds (ETF) for specified periods and participation rates. The prices of the options purchased are calculated with reference to the underlying index or ETF, participation rates, caps, floors, durations and notional amounts of the underlying contracts. As a purchaser of options, MMALIC pays, at the beginning of the contract, a premium for transferring the risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the underlying financial instrument. As of January 1, 2022, options backing the fixed indexed annuities for which the company is applying the OAC prescribed practice are now accounted for at amortized cost.

As of December 31, 2022, MMALIC has entered into nineteen interest rate swaps to mitigate interest rate risk related to certain floating-rate securities included in MMALIC’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities. The purpose of each of these swaps is to effectively convert a portion of MMALIC’s floating-rate fixed maturity securities to fixed rates by offsetting the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in short-term LIBOR. Under the terms of the swaps, MMALIC receives fixed rate interest payments in exchange for variable interest payments based on short-term LIBOR. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps generally decline over each swap’s respective life (the swaps expire between 2023 and 2042) in anticipation of the expected decline in MMALIC’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities with floating interest rates based on short-term LIBOR.

The Company uses currency swaps for the purpose of managing currency exchange risks in its assets and liabilities.

The Company utilizes certain other agreements including forward contracts and financial futures. Currency forwards are contracts in which the Company agrees with other parties to exchange specified amounts of identified currencies at a specific future date. Typically, the exchange rate is agreed upon at the time of the contract. The Company’s futures contracts are exchange traded and have credit risk. Margin requirements are met with the deposit of securities. Futures contracts are generally settled with offsetting transactions. Forward contracts and financial futures are used by the Company to reduce exposures to various risks including interest rates and currency rates. The Company’s futures contracts were all terminated as of the reporting date.

The Company enters derivative transactions through bilateral derivative agreements with counterparties, or through over the counter cleared derivatives with a counterparty and the use of a clearinghouse. To minimize credit risk for bilateral transactions, the Company and its counterparties generally enter into master netting agreements based on agreed upon requirements that outline the framework for how collateral is to be posted in the amount owed under each transaction, subject to certain minimums. For over the counter cleared derivative transactions between the Company and a counterparty, the parties enter into a series of master netting and other agreements that govern, among other things, clearing and collateral requirements. These transactions are cleared through a clearinghouse and each derivative counterparty is only exposed to the default risk of the clearinghouse. Certain interest rate swaps are considered cleared transactions. These cleared transactions require initial and daily variation margin collateral postings. These agreements allow for contracts in a positive position, in which amounts are due to the Company, to be offset by contracts in a negative position. This right of offset, combined with collateral obtained from counterparties, reduces the Company’s credit exposure.

F-37

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

E. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Net collateral pledged by the counterparties was $131.1 million as of December 31, 2022. In the event of default, the full market value exposure at risk in a net gain position, net of offsets and collateral, was $194.2 million as of December 31, 2022. The statutory net amount at risk, defined as net collateral pledged and statement values excluding accrued interest, was $80.4 million as of December 31, 2022.

The following table summarizes the carrying values and notional amounts of the Company’s derivative financial instruments within the general account:


	December 31, 2022
	Assets				Liabilities
	Carrying		Notional		Carrying		Notional
	Value		Amount		Value		Amount
	(in millions)
Fixed-indexed options*	$	846.8	$	18,948.0	$	598.6	$	17,176.5
Interest rate swaps		25.2		1,551.8		95.0		3,930.0
Currency swaps		0.9		38.4		4.8		142.4
Forward contracts		0.1		7.5		2.5		69.0

Total	$	873.0	$	20,545.7	$	700.9	$	21,317.9

*	Beginning January 1, 2022, fixed-indexed options are held at amortized cost under OAC 3901-1-67. Prior to the adoption of OAC 3901-1-67, fixed-indexed options were carried at fair value. The fair value amount related to fixed-indexed options was $287.4 million as of December 31, 2022.

The following presents the Company’s gross notional interest rate swap positions:


	December 31, 2022
	(in millions)
Open interest rate swaps in a fixed pay position	$	3,930.0
Open interest rate swaps in a fixed receive position		1,551.8

Total interest rate swaps	$	5,481.8

The following summarizes the Company’s net realized gains (losses) on closed contracts and change in net unrealized gains (losses) related to market fluctuations on open contracts by derivative type:


	Year Ended December 31, 2022
				Change In Net
	Net Realized			Unrealized Gains
	Gains (Losses) on			(Losses) on Open
	Closed Contracts			Contracts
	(in millions)
Registered index-linked options	$	(26.1	)	$	(86.2	)
Interest rate swaps		—			(111.6	)
Currency swaps		—			(3.9	)
Forward contracts		0.7			(2.4	)
Financial futures		3.1			—

Total	$	(22.3	)	$	(204.1	)

Fixed-indexed options are carried at amortized cost with amortization and expirations recorded in Net investment income. The company recorded gains on expirations of $273.9 million and amortization of $457.1 million in 2022.

F-38

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

E. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

The Company became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) on August 14, 2009. The FHLB makes advances and provides other banking services to member institutions. The Company owned $20.0 million and $25.0 million of FHLB Class B membership stock at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has no membership stock eligible for redemption. Through its association with the FHLB and by purchasing a set amount of FHLB stock, the Company can enter into deposit-type contracts with the FHLB known as funding agreements.

In 2022, FHLB advanced MMALIC $300.0 million to the FHLB. In 2021, MMALIC repaid $931.0 million to the FHLB. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, MMALIC had $500.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively (the maximum amount of borrowings, as permitted by the FHLB, during the reporting period was $500.0 million) in outstanding advances from the FHLB (included in liability for deposit-type contracts), bearing interest at rates ranging from 1.35% to 1.97% (average rate of 1.72% at December 31, 2022). The Company paid interest of approximately $8.4 million, $4.4 million, and $11.0 million on FHLB advances in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These advances must be repaid between 2025 and 2030 ($200.0 million in 2025 and $300.0 million in 2030). The Company has invested the proceeds from the advances in bonds for the purpose of earning a spread over the interest payments due to the FHLB. Per the funding agreement, the Company was required to purchase 282,623 shares ($28.3 million) of FHLB activity and excess stock.

The Company posted collateral to the FHLB of assets with a fair value of approximately $1,030.9 million and $1,320.9 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company posted collateral to the FHLB of assets with a carrying value of approximately $1,102.3 million and $1,256.4 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s FHLB borrowing capacity is based on the Company’s estimate of collateral eligible to be pledged with the FHLB. The deposit contract liabilities are reported in liability for deposit-type contracts in the balance sheet, and related assets are accounted for in the Company’s general account. FHLB capital stock is reported in Common stocks in the balance sheet.

F-39

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

E. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

PRIOR YEAR INFORMATION

At December 31, 2021 and 2020 the Company’s notional or contract amounts and fair value of financial instruments and related reserves for fixed-indexed annuities (included in liabilities below) (shown as liabilities below) in the general account are summarized as follows (in millions):


	Equity Index Options
	Contract or
	Notional
	Amount		Fair Value		Liabilities
2021	$	18,307.1	$	665.0	$	22,483.5
2020	$	21,035.1	$	785.6	$	21,249.6

Equity index options are contracts that give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell securities at a specified price during a specified period. MMALIC’s equity index options backing fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuities are based on existing market index (generally the S&P 500) with a notional value of $19,487.7 million and expire ratably in 2022 and 2023. The Company recognized a change in unrealized loss of ($7.6) million and ($38.2) million on these options in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Under the indexed annuity products, the crediting rate is linked to changes in the equity indices or Exchanged Traded Funds (ETF) for specified periods and participation rates. The prices of the options purchased are calculated with reference to the underlying index or ETF, participation rates, caps, floors, durations and notional amounts of the underlying contracts. As a purchaser of options, MMALIC pays, at the beginning of the contract, a premium for transferring the risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the underlying financial instrument. The liabilities summarized above represent the reserves for MMALIC’s fixed-indexed annuities.

As of December 31, 2021, MMALIC has entered into nine interest rate swaps to mitigate interest rate risk related to certain floating-rate securities included in MMALIC’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities. The purpose of each of these swaps is to effectively convert a portion of MMALIC’s floating-rate fixed maturity securities to fixed rates by offsetting the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in short-term LIBOR. Under the terms of the swaps, MMALIC receives fixed rate interest payments in exchange for variable interest payments based on short-term LIBOR. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps generally decline over each swap’s respective life (the swaps expire between December 2023 and June 2030) in anticipation of the expected decline in MMALIC’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities with floating interest rates based on short-term LIBOR ($1,472.0 million and $1,625.0 million notional amount at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively). The Company recognized a change in unrealized loss of ($60.2) million and an unrealized gain of $57.2 million on these interest rate swaps in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company terminated three interest rate swaps and recognized realized gains of $16.5 million in 2020. The fair value of the interest rate swaps in an asset position, included in derivative instruments, was $41.9 million and $102.1 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair value of the interest rate swaps in a liability position was zero at December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The Company’s equity index options and interest rate swaps, fair value hedges that are not accounted for using hedge accounting, are accounted for at fair value with the change in fair value recorded as unrealized capital gains (losses) reported in surplus. The net change in unrealized capital gains (losses) on contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting, the equity index options and interest rate swaps above, were ($67.7) million in 2021 and $19.0 million in 2020.

F-40

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

E. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

MMALIC receives collateral from certain counterparties to support its purchased call option assets (net of collateral required under put option contracts with the same counterparties). This collateral ($408.3 million at December 31, 2021 and $351.3 million at December 31, 2020) is shown as funds held as collateral in MMALIC’s Balance Sheet with an offsetting liability to return the collateral, which is included in liability for funds held as collateral.

The Company became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) on August 14, 2009. The FHLB makes advances and provides other banking services to member institutions. The Company owned $25.0 million and $30.0 million of FHLB Class B membership stock at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company has no membership stock eligible for redemption. Through its association with the FHLB and by purchasing a set amount of FHLB stock, the Company can enter into deposit-type contracts with the FHLB known as funding agreements.

In 2021, MMALIC repaid $931.0 million to the FHLB. In 2020, the FHLB advanced MMALIC $200.0 million and MMALIC repaid $165.0 million to the FHLB. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, MMALIC had $200.0 million and $1,131.0 million, respectively (the maximum amount of borrowings, as permitted by the FHLB, during the reporting period was $981.0 million) in outstanding advances from the FHLB (included in liability for deposit-type contracts), bearing interest at 1.35%. The Company paid interest of approximately $4.4 million and $11.0 million on these advances in 2021 and 2020, respectively. This advance must be repaid in 2025. The Company has invested the proceeds from the advances in bonds for the purpose of earning a spread over the interest payments due to the FHLB. Per the funding agreement, the Company was required to purchase 275,008 shares ($27.5 million) of FHLB activity and excess stock.

The Company also posted collateral to the FHLB of assets with a fair value and carrying value of approximately $1,320.9 million and $1,256.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. The Company’s FHLB borrowing capacity is based on the Company’s estimate of collateral eligible to be pledged with the FHLB. The deposit contract liabilities are reported in liability for deposit-type contracts in the balance sheet, and related assets are accounted for in the Company’s general account. FHLB capital stock is reported in Common stocks in the balance sheet.

F-41

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

F. REINSURANCE

The Company is contingently liable with respect to reinsurance ceded in that the liability for such reinsurance would become that of the Company upon failure of any reinsurer to meet its obligations under a particular reinsurance agreement. The Company currently reinsures its ordinary life insurance, LTC, other health products and a portion of fixed and fixed-indexed annuity products. The maximum amount the Company would retain on any single life insurance policy is $250,000.

On February 17, 2022, MMALIC entered into a Funds Withheld Coinsurance agreement effective February 1, 2022, with Martello Re Limited, a Bermuda-domiciled Class E life and annuity reinsurer launched in 2022. MMALIC ceded statutory reserves of approximately $14.2 billion on a closed block of fixed, fixed-indexed and payout annuity policies, in exchange for a $320 million ceding commission paid by Martello Re that was recorded to surplus net of tax. The Company has ceded approximately $12.6 billion of statutory annuity reserves at December 31, 2022. The Company’s funds held under reinsurance treaties were approximately $12.7 billion at December 31, 2022.

The impact of the Martello Re transaction on MMALIC’s income statement for 2022 is as follows (in millions):


	2022
Premiums and other revenues:
Premiums and annuity considerations	$	(14,113.4	)
Net investment income		(451.8	)
Commissions and expense allowances and reserve adjustments on reinsurance ceded		451.6
Charges and fees for deposit-type contracts and miscellaneous income		(34.6	)

Total premiums and other revenues	$	(14,148.2	)

Benefits and expenses:
Policyholders’ benefits	$	(470.7	)
Surrender benefits		(1,604.8	)
Change in policy and contract reserves		(12,416.6	)
Other		317.2

Total benefits and expenses	$	(14,174.9	)

Effective January 1, 2007, MMALIC entered into a reinsurance agreement with Loyal American Life Insurance Company (“Loyal”), at the time an indirect wholly-owned insurance subsidiary domiciled in Ohio, whereby Loyal cedes 100% of certain fixed-indexed annuity business written to MMALIC. Annuity reserves assumed by MMALIC under this agreement were $14.5 million and $16.7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

On August 31, 2012, in conjunction with and prior to the sale of certain affiliated insurance companies to Cigna, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with Cigna which ceded 100% of all accident and health policies, excluding LTC. Under this agreement, all activity on these policies after existing reinsurance is ceded to Loyal, a Cigna subsidiary and one of the sold companies.

Also, effective August 31, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to retrocede 90% of the life and annuity business assumed from Loyal to Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America. This business was previously reinsured directly from Loyal to Hannover Life Reassurance of Ireland. This transaction did not have any significant impact on the operations and capital of MMALIC.

The Company entered into a coinsurance agreement with Great American Life Assurance Company (“GALAC”), an affiliated life insurance company domiciled in Ohio, effective June 30, 2011. Under this agreement the Company assumes 100% of GALAC’s life and annuity business, with statutory reserves of approximately $4.4 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. GALAC was sold to an unaffiliated insurance company on July 3, 2012, re-domiciled in Iowa, and is currently named Accordia Life and Annuity Company.

F-42

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

F. REINSURANCE (CONTINUED)

The Company entered into a coinsurance agreement with United Teacher Associates Insurance Company (“UTAIC”), a life insurance company domiciled in Texas, effective October 31, 2015. Under this agreement the Company assumes 100% of UTAIC’s life, annuity, and LTC business issued in the state of Florida. Effective December 31, 2016, UTAIC merged into Continental General Insurance Company, a life insurance company domiciled in Texas. Assumed reserves under this agreement were approximately $53.7 million and $52.1 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company entered into a quota share indemnity reinsurance agreement on fixed-indexed annuity policies with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America effective December 31, 2018. The reinsurance treaty transfers risk of certain surrender activity in MMALIC’s fixed-indexed annuity business. This treaty reduces statutory capital and surplus volatility related to MMALIC’s fixed-indexed annuity policies from stock market fluctuations, which could impact the Company’s risk-based capital. Ceded reserves under this agreement as of December 31, 2021 were approximately $175.9 million which resulted in a $0.2 million decrease in surplus in 2021 (through an after-tax reserve credit). Effective January 1, 2022 the Company has recaptured the fixed-indexed annuity policies ceded to Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America in the agreement that became effective on December 31, 2018. The financial impact of the reinsurance recapture is a decrease to statutory capital of $140.6 million.

The Company entered into a flow coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (“Commonwealth”), a subsidiary of Global Atlantic Financial Group, effective May 7, 2020. Under this agreement, the Company cedes certain newly issued traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities on a quota share coinsurance basis with such quota share percentages being up to 50%. The Company has ceded approximately $1,417.8 million and $1,038.4 million of deferred annuity reserves to Commonwealth under this agreement at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company entered into a block coinsurance agreement with Commonwealth effective October 1, 2020. Under this agreement the Company ceded approximately $5.7 billion of deferred annuity reserves and transferred investments with a statutory carrying value of approximately $5.7 billion and market value of approximately $6.1 billion to Commonwealth. The Company has ceded approximately $4.5 billion and $5.2 billion of deferred annuity reserves under this agreement at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company has reinsured with various insurance companies approximately $18,719.6 million and $6,688.0 million of reserves at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The termination of all reinsurance agreements at December 31, 2022 would produce a reduction in statutory surplus of approximately $0.0 million (after tax). The termination of all reinsurance agreements at December 31, 2021 would have produced a reduction in statutory surplus of approximately $139.0 million (after tax).

The effect of reinsurance on premiums and annuity considerations for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):


	2022			2021			2020
Direct premiums and annuity considerations	$	7,379.8		$	5,797.3		$	3,988.6
Reinsurance assumed		6.7			4.2			12.9
Reinsurance ceded		(14,584.8	)		(774.5	)		(6,717.5	)

Net premium and annuity considerations	$	(7,198.3	)	$	5,027.0		$	(2,716.0	)

The effect of reinsurance on benefits paid to policyholders and withdrawals on deposit-type contract funds during the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):


	2022			2021			2020
Direct benefits paid to policyholders and withdrawals on deposit-type contracts	$	5,063.7		$	3,959.4		$	3,301.5
Reinsurance assumed		26.8			26.2			28.2
Reinsurance ceded		(2,862.0	)		(798.9	)		(283.8	)

Net benefits paid to policyholders and withdrawals on deposit-type contracts	$	2,228.5		$	3,186.7		$	3,045.9

F-43

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

G. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law and includes certain corporate income tax provisions. Impacts to the Company include the imposition of a corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) applicable to tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. The CAMT imposes a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income on applicable corporations that have an average adjusted financial statement income over $1 billion in the prior three-year period (2020-2022). As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not determined if it will be liable for CAMT in 2023. In accordance with INT 22-02: Fourth Quarter 2022 through First Quarter 2023 Reporting of the Inflation Reduction Act – Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, the financial statements do not include an estimated impact of the CAMT because a reasonable estimate cannot be made. The United States Treasury Secretary has been authorized to issue guidance on the CAMT and pending such guidance the Company is not able to make a reasonable estimate.

The components of the net deferred tax assets at December 31 are as follows (in millions):


	2022			2021			Change
DTAs resulting in book/tax differences in:
Ordinary:
Deferred acquisition costs	$	61.6		$	48.4		$	13.2
Reserves		112.7			159.8			(47.1	)
Deferred compensation		0.2			0.3			(0.1	)
Accrued expenses		4.6			6.2			(1.6	)
Other		8.3			5.2			3.1

Total ordinary DTAs		187.4			219.9			(32.5	)
Total DTAs		187.4			219.9			(32.5	)
Deferred tax assets nonadmitted		(2.2	)		(14.6	)		12.4

Admitted DTAs		185.2			205.3			(20.1	)
DTLs resulting in book/tax differences in:
Ordinary:
Section 807(f) amortization		3.9			4.9			(1.0	)
Depreciation/other		4.6			4.4			0.2
Reserve transition adjustment		33.1			44.1			(11.0	)

Total ordinary DTLs		41.6			53.4			(11.8	)
Capital:
Unrealized gains		54.9			86.1			(31.2	)
Security-related adjustments		16.5			4.1			12.4

Total capital DTLs		71.4			90.2			(18.8	)

Total DTLs		113.0			143.6			(30.6	)

Total net deferred admitted tax assets	$	72.2		$	61.7		$	10.5

Change in deferred tax assets nonadmitted	$	12.4		$	(14.6	)

F-44

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

G. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

The results of the admissibility calculations at December 31 are as follows (in millions):


	2022						2021						Change
	Ordinary		Capital		Total		Ordinary		Capital		Total		Ordinary			Capital			Total
a. Federal income taxes paid in prior years recoverable through loss carrybacks	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
b. Adjusted gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized (excluding the amount of deferred tax assets from (a) above) after application of the threshold limitation. (The lesser of (b)1 and (b)2 below)		72.2		—		72.2		61.7		—		61.7		10.5			—			10.5
1. Adjusted gross deferred tax assets expected to be realized following t he balance sheet date		72.2		—		72.2		61.7		—		61.7		10.5			—			10.5
2. Adjusted gross deferred tax assets allowed per limitation threshold		XXX		XXX		415.6		XXX		XXX		418.2		XXX			XXX			(2.6	)
c. Adjusted gross deferred tax assets (excluding the amount of deferred tax asset s from (a) and (b) above) offset by gross deferred tax liabilities		41.6		71.4		113.0		53.4		90.2		143.6		(11.8	)		(18.8	)		(30.6	)

d. Deferred tax assets admitted as the result of application of SSAP No. 101	$	113.8	$	71.4	$	185.2	$	115.1	$	90.2	$	205.3	$	(1.3	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(20.1	)

The other admissibility criteria for the Company are as follows (dollars in millions):


	2022			2021			2020
a. Ratio percentage used to determine recovery period and threshold limitation amount		871	%		791	%		810	%
b. Amount of adjusted capital and surplus used to determine recovery period and threshold limitation in the table above	$	2,770.8		$	2,788.3		$	2,865.5

The Company’s tax planning strategy had no impact on the adjusted gross DTA and net admitted adjusted gross DTA at December 31, 2022 and does not include the use of reinsurance. The provision for incurred income taxes on operating earnings and capital gains and the change in DTAs and DTLs for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):


	2022			2021		2020
Current federal income tax expense (benefit) on operations	$	13.6		$	45.5	$	(61.9	)
Federal income tax expense (benefit) on net realized capital gains		(14.3	)		118.3		118.0

Total federal income tax expense (benefit)	$	(0.7	)	$	163.8	$	56.1

Net DTA(L)	$	10.5		$	22.7	$	3.8
Less: Items not recorded in the change in net deferred tax asset:
Tax-effect of unrealized gains (losses)		(31.2	)		2.1		30.3
Tax-effect of changes in nonadmitted DTA		(12.4	)		14.6		(12.4	)

Change in net deferred tax asset	$	(33.1	)	$	39.4	$	21.7

F-45

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

G. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

The Company’s income tax expense and change in DTA/DTL for the year ended December 31 differs from the amount obtained by applying the federal statutory rate of 21% to income from operations before federal income taxes for the following reasons (in millions):


	2022
Provision computed at federal statutory rate	$	40.3
Reinsurance items		54.9
OAC 3901-1-67 adoption		(46.2	)
Investment items		(10.4	)
Nonadmitted assets		(3.6	)
Tax credits		(0.1	)
Other		(2.5	)

Total statutory income tax expense (benefit)	$	32.4

Federal and foreign income tax expense (benefit)	$	(0.7	)
Change in net deferred income taxes		33.1

Total statutory income tax expense (benefit)	$	32.4

F-46

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

G. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)


	2021			2020
Provision computed at statutory rate (operations and realized gains/losses, excluding amortization of IMR)	$	112.0		$	54.5
Permanent differences:
Company-owned life insurance		(1.3	)		(1.3	)
Dividend received deduction		(0.7	)		(7.9	)
Stock options		(0.2	)		(0.1	)
Tax exempt interest		(1.8	)		(2.3	)
Provision to return adjustments		—			(0.2	)
Other		0.6			0.5

Total permanent differences		(3.4	)		(11.3	)
Timing adjustments:
Investment differences		(1.4	)		30.0
Reserves		43.8			11.1
DAC tax adjustment		8.5			(10.6	)
Accounts payable		—			0.2
Provision to return adjustments		(20.0	)		(9.3	)
Sale of real estate and subs		20.1			—
Other		5.7			0.2

Total timing adjustments		56.7			21.6
Other adjustments:
Unrealized loss on equity index options		(1.6	)		(8.0	)
Miscellaneous items		0.1			(0.7	)

Total other adjustments		(1.5	)		(8.7	)

Federal income tax expense on operations and realized gains	$	163.8		$	56.1

Federal income tax expense on operations and realized gains	$	163.8		$	56.1
Change in net deferred tax assets (excluding unrealized)		(39.4	)		(21.7	)

Total statutory income tax expense (excluding unrealized)	$	124.4		$	34.4

F-47

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

G. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company does not have any operating loss carryforwards available to offset future net income subject to federal income taxes. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company does not have a pretax capital loss carryforward.

The following are income taxes incurred in the current and prior years that will be available for recoupment in the event of future net losses (in millions):


Year	Operations		Realized Gains		Total
2022	$	—	$	—	$	—
2021	$	—	$	28.9	$	28.9

As of December 31, 2022, MMALIC’s consolidated federal income tax returns for the 2021 through 2022 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS.

The consolidated federal income tax returns include the following entities:

AAG Insurance Agency, LLC

Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company

MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

Manhattan National Holding, LLC

Manhattan National Life Insurance Company

The Company has determined that it is more likely than not that gross DTAs will be recoverable through future taxable income and that a valuation allowance is not necessary.

F-48

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

H. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Certain administrative, management, accounting, actuarial, data processing, underwriting, claim, collection and investment services are provided under agreements between MMALIC and affiliates at charges not unfavorable to MMALIC or the insurance affiliates. The net amount received from affiliates was $13.1 million in 2022, the net amount received from affiliates was $14.4 million in 2021, and the net amount paid to affiliates was $34.4 million in 2020, included in general insurance expenses in the Statement of Operations.

As of May 28, 2021, the Company has an agreement with Barings, LLC, an affiliate, which provides investment advisory services to the Company. MMALIC expensed investment management charges related to Barings, LLC of $32.8 million in 2022 and $27.5 million during the last seven months of 2021, included in net investment income in the Statement of Operations. Prior to that agreement and to the sale of the Company to MassMutual, the Company and affiliated insurance companies had contracts with American Money Management Corporation (“AMMC”), which, subject to the direction of the Finance Committee, provided for management and accounting services related to the investment portfolios. MMALIC expensed investment management charges related to AMMC of $4.0 million, and $7.6 million in 2021, and 2020, respectively, included in net investment income in the Statement of Operations.

For the first five months of 2021, AFG provided retirement benefits to qualified employees of participating companies through the AFG 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan, a defined contribution plan. AFG made all contributions to the retirement fund portion of the plan and matched a percentage of employee contributions to the savings fund. Company contributions were expensed in the year for which they were declared. Beginning in June of 2021, the Company participates in the retirement plans of MMALIC. MMALIC sponsors funded (qualified 401(k) thrift savings) and unfunded (nonqualified deferred compensation thrift savings) defined contribution plans for its employees and retirees. The qualified 401(k) thrift savings plan’s net assets available for benefits were $37.4 million and $34.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company matches a percentage of employee contributions to the qualified 401(k) thrift savings plan. MMALIC expensed approximately $4.0 million, $3.4 million, and $1.8 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, for its retirement and employee savings plan.

In contemplation of the sale of MMALIC to Glidepath, effective May 28, 2021, a condition to the sale agreement was that MMALIC sell certain assets to AFG prior to sale, representing approximately $66 million of directly owned real estate and approximately $405 million of Schedule BA assets. The proceeds from these sales were approximately $579 million and the net gain recognized by MMALIC as a result of these sales was approximately $108 million (all on Schedule BA assets) recognized in the accompanying statements of operations statutory-basis.

MMALIC has an agreement with MassMutual Ascend Life Investor Services (“MMALIS,” formerly known as Great American Advisors, Inc.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMALIC, whereby MMALIS is the principal underwriter and distributor of MMALIC’s registered index-linked annuity contracts. MMALIC pays MMALIS for acting as underwriter under a distribution agreement. MMALIC paid $71.1 million in 2022 to MMALIS, 99% of which was paid to other broker/dealers as commissions. The remaining 1% of MMALIC commissions were paid to registered representatives of MMALIS. MMALIC paid $32.3 million in 2021 to MMALIS, 97% of which was paid to other broker/dealers as commissions. The remaining 3% of MMALIC commissions were paid to registered representatives of MMALIS. MMALIC paid $7.4 million in 2020 to MMALIS, 96% of which was paid to other broker/dealers as commissions. The remaining 4% of MMALIC commissions were paid to registered representatives of MMALIS. MMALIS exited the retail brokerage business on August 3, 2010 after MMALIC announced a definitive agreement with Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc., an independent broker dealer.

The Company paid no dividends to Glidepath in 2022, and paid $300.0 million in dividends to GAFRI, its former parent, in 2021.

F-49

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

I. ANNUITY RESERVES AND DEPOSIT-TYPE FUNDS

At December 31, 2022, MMALIC’s annuity (individual and group) reserves and deposit-type funds that are subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment), subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment), and not subject to discretionary withdrawal are summarized as follows (in millions):

A. Individual Annuities:


			Separate		Separate
	General		Account with		Account
	Account		Guarantees		Nonguaranteed		Total		% of Total
1. Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	17,148.9	$	—	$	—	$	17,148.9		42.2	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		7,044.3		—		—		7,044.3		17.3	%
c. At fair value		—		—		30.6		30.6		0.1	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		24,193.0		—		30.6		24,223.8		59.6	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		14,464.8		—		—		14,464.8		35.5	%
2. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		1,985.4		—		—		1,985.4		4.9	%

3. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		40,643.3		—		30.6		40,674.0		100.0	%

4. Reinsurance ceded		17,817.8		—		—		17,817.8

5. Total (net) (3) - (4)		22,825.5		—		30.6		22,856.2

6. Amount included in A(1)b above that will move to A(1)e in the year after the statement date	$	2,241.2	$	—	$	—	$	—

B. Group Annuities:


			Separate		Separate
	General		Account with		Account
	Account		Guarantees		Nonguaranteed		Total		% of Total
1. Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		0.0	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		118.9		—		—		118.9		6.7	%
c. At fair value		—		—		—		—		0.0	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		118.9		—		—		118.9		6.7	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		723.0		—		—		723.0		40.5	%
2. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		943.3		—		—		943.3		52.8	%

3. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		1,785.2		—		—		1,785.2		100.0	%

4. Reinsurance ceded		496.7		—		—		496.7

5. Total (net) (3) - (4)		1,288.5		—		—		1,288.5

6. Amount included in A(1)b above that will move to A(1)e in the year after the statement date	$	2.7	$	—	$	—	$	—

F-50

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

I. ANNUITY RESERVES AND DEPOSIT-TYPE FUNDS (CONTINUED)

C. Deposit-Type Funds

(no life contingencies):


			Separate		Separate
	General		Account with		Account
	Account		Guarantees		Nonguaranteed		Total		% of Total
1. Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		0.0	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		—		—		—		—		0.0	%
c. At fair value		—		—		—		—		0.0	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		—		—		—		—		0.0	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		—		—		—		—		0.0	%
2. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		889.6		—		—		889.6		100.0	%

3. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		889.6		—		—		889.6		100.0	%

4. Reinsurance ceded		109.8		—		—		109.8

5. Total (net) (3) - (4)		779.8		—		—		779.8

6. Amount included in A(1)b above that will move to A(1)e in the year after the statement date	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
D. Reconciliation to total annuity reserves and deposit-type funds:
Net annuity reserves							$	24,113.2
Net supplementary contracts								0.9
Deposit-type funds								779.8
Separate account nonguaranteed liabilities								30.6

Total							$	24,924.5

F-51

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

I. ANNUITY RESERVES AND DEPOSIT-TYPE FUNDS (CONTINUED)

At December 31, 2021, MMALIC’s annuity (individual and group) reserves and deposit-type funds that are subject to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment), subject to discretionary withdrawal (without adjustment), and not subject to discretionary withdrawal are summarized as follows (in millions):

A. Individual Annuities:


			Separate		Separate
	General		Account with		Account
	Account		Guarantees		Nonguaranteed		Total		% of Total
1. Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	12,355.1	$	—	$	—	$	12,355.1		32.8	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		9,743.2		—		—		9,743.2		25.9	%
c. At fair value		—		—		52.7		52.7		0.1	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		22,098.3		—		52.7		22,151.0		58.8	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		13,781.4		—		—		13,781.4		36.6	%
2. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		1,715.5		—		—		1,715.5		4.6	%

3. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		37,595.2		—		52.7		37,647.9		100.0	%

4. Reinsurance ceded		6,378.2		—		—		6,378.2

5. Total (net) (3) - (4)		31,217.0		—		52.7		31,269.7

6. Amount included in A(1)b above that will move to A(1)e in the year after the statement date	$	3,198.2	$	—	$	—	$	—

B. Group Annuities:


			Separate		Separate
	General		Account with		Account
	Account		Guarantees		Nonguaranteed		Total		% of Total
1. Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		0.0	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		120.2		—		—		120.2		6.5	%
c. At fair value		—		—		—		—		0.0	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		120.2		—		—		120.2		6.5	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		735.1		—		—		735.1		39.9	%
2. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		988.4		—		—		988.4		53.6	%

3. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		1,843.7		—		—		1,843.7		100.0	%

4. Reinsurance ceded		1.7		—		—		1.7

5. Total (net) (3) - (4)		1,842.0		—		—		1,842.0

6. Amount included in A(1)b above that will move to A(1)e in the year after the statement date	$	2.9	$	—	$	—	$	—

F-52

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

I. ANNUITY RESERVES AND DEPOSIT-TYPE FUNDS (CONTINUED)

C. Deposit-Type Funds

(no life contingencies):


			Separate		Separate
	General		Account with		Account
	Account		Guarantees		Nonguaranteed		Total		% of Total
1. Subject to discretionary withdrawal:
a. With market value adjustment	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		0.0	%
b. At book value less current surrender charge of 5% or more		—		—		—		—		0.0	%
c. At fair value		—		—		—		—		0.0	%

d. Total with market value adjustment or at fair value (total of a through c)		—		—		—		—		0.0	%
e. At book value without adjustment (minimal or no charge or adjustment)		—		—		—		—		0.0	%
2. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal		592.3		—		—		592.3		100.0	%

3. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		592.3		—		—		592.3		100.0	%

4. Reinsurance ceded		0.2		—		—		0.2

5. Total (net) (3) - (4)		592.1		—		—		592.1

6. Amount included in A(1)b above that will move to A(1)e in the year after the statement date	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
D. Reconciliation to total annuity reserves and deposit-type funds:
Net annuity reserves							$	33,058.1
Net supplementary contracts								0.9
Deposit-type funds								592.1
Separate account nonguaranteed liabilities								52.7

Total							$	33,703.8

F-53

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

J. LIFE RESERVES

At December 31, 2022, MMALIC’s account value, cash value and reserves for the breakouts of life insurance by withdrawal characteristics for general account products are summarized as follows (in millions):


	December 31, 2022
	General Account
	Account		Cash
	Value		Value		Reserve
A. Subject to discretionary withdrawal, surrender values, or policy loans:
Universal Life	$	107.6	$	107.6	$	107.6
Other Permanent Cash Value Life Insurance		—		51.3		51.3
B. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal or no cash values
Term Policies without Cash Value		XXX		XXX		209.6
Accidental Death Benefits		XXX		XXX		0.1
Disability - Active Lives		XXX		XXX		0.1
Disability - Disabled Lives		XXX		XXX		3.6
Miscellaneous Reserves		XXX		XXX		5.6

C. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		107.6		158.9		377.9
D. Reinsurance ceded		66.9		97.8		232.1

E. Total (net) (C) - (D)	$	40.7	$	61.1	$	145.8


					Amount
F.
Reconciliation to total life reserves:
Life insurance, total (net)					$	140.2
Accidental death benefits, total (net)						—
Disability - active lives, total (net)						—
Disability - disabled lives, total (net)						1.5
Miscellaneous reserves, total (net)						4.1

Total					$	145.8

F-54

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

J. LIFE RESERVES (CONTINUED)

At December 31, 2021, MMALIC’s account value, cash value and reserves for the breakouts of life insurance by withdrawal characteristics for general account products are summarized as follows (in millions):


	December 31, 2021
	General Account
	Account		Cash
	Value		Value		Reserve
A. Subject to discretionary withdrawal, surrender values, or policy loans:
Universal Life	$	107.3	$	107.3	$	110.5
Other Permanent Cash Value Life Insurance		—		52.4		53.7
B. Not subject to discretionary withdrawal or no cash values
Term Policies without Cash Value		XXX		XXX		254.7
Accidental Death Benefits		XXX		XXX		0.1
Disability - Active Lives		XXX		XXX		0.1
Disability - Disabled Lives		XXX		XXX		4.2
Miscellaneous Reserves		XXX		XXX		4.7

C. Total (gross: direct + assumed)		107.3		159.7		428.0
D. Reinsurance ceded		63.9		93.8		255.3

E. Total (net) (C) - (D)	$	43.4	$	65.9	$	172.7


					Amount
F.
Reconciliation to total life reserves:
Life insurance, total (net)					$	168.0
Accidental death benefits, total (net)						0.1
Disability - active lives, total (net)						0.0
Disability - disabled lives, total (net)						1.5
Miscellaneous reserves, total (net)						3.1

Total					$	172.7

F-55

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

K. CAPITAL AND SURPLUS

The portion of the Company’s unassigned funds represented or reduced by each item below is as follows at December 31 (in millions):


	2022			2021
Unrealized gains and losses (excluding subsidiaries)	$	213.4		$	678.1
Nonadmitted asset values	$	(31.9	)	$	(27.2	)
Asset valuation reserve	$	(577.1	)	$	(504.1	)

Life/health insurance companies are subject to certain Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a life/health insurance company is to be determined based on the various risk factors related to it. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, MMALIC exceeds the RBC requirements.

The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid to stockholders by life insurance companies domiciled in the State of Ohio without prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner is the greater of 10% of surplus as regards policyholders or net income as of the preceding December 31, but only to the extent of earned surplus as of the preceding December 31. The maximum amount of dividends payable in 2023 without prior approval is $283.1 million based on 10% of surplus as regards to policyholders as of the preceding December 31. At December 31, 2022, surplus as regards policyholders was $2,831.1 million, earned surplus was $2,015.9 million, and 2022 net income was $158.0 million.

F-56

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

L. SEPARATE ACCOUNT

The Company utilizes a non-unitized separate account to record and account for assets and liabilities for individual registered index-linked annuities. MMALIC maintains the separate account pursuant to the laws of Ohio for the purpose of supporting the obligation to adjust the indexed strategy values based on the daily value calculation or rise and fall of the index. The assets of the separate account are held in MMALIC’s name on behalf of the separate account and legally belong to MMALIC. The assets in the separate account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business the Company conducts. MMALIC may invest these assets in hedging instruments, including derivative contracts as well as other assets permitted under state law (ORC 3907.15). To support the Company’s obligations to adjust the index strategy values, the Company may move funds between the separate account and the general account. MMALIC is not obligated to invest the assets of the separate account according to any particular plan except as the Company may be required to by state insurance laws (MMALIC does have a derivative use plan).

In accordance with the products and transactions recorded within the separate account, all assets are considered legally insulated from the general account and are not chargeable with liabilities incurred in any other business operation of the Company. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s separate account statement included legally insulated registered index-linked annuity assets of $103.7 million and $67.6 million, respectively.

With regard to the products and transactions recorded within the separate account, registered index-linked annuity products have guarantees backed by the general account. The separate account does not remit any risk charges to the general account for guaranteed benefits for the registered index-linked annuity products. The general account has not paid any guarantees for registered index-linked annuity products through December 31, 2022.

Net transfers to or (from) the Company’s separate account for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were ($22.0) million, $36.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

All separate account reserves are non-guaranteed and subject to discretionary withdrawal at fair value. Investments in the separate account at December 31, 2022 had a cost of $79.5 million and fair value of $30.6 million. The notional amount of these investments at December 31, 2022 was $3,800.5 million. Investments in the separate account at December 31, 2021 had a cost of $13.5 million and fair value of $52.7 million. The notional amount of these investments at December 31, 2021 was $1,180.6 million.

F-57

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

F-58

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTE TO SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF SELECTED STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL DATA

AND SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT DISCLOSURES

DECEMBER 31, 2022

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying supplemental schedules and interrogatories present selected statutory-basis financial data as of December 31, 2022 and for the year then ended for purposes of complying with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (“NAIC”) Annual Statement Instructions and the NAIC’s Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, and agrees to or is included in the amounts reported in the Company’s 2022 Statutory Annual Statement as amended and filed with the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Captions not presented were not applicable to the Company.

F-59

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF SELECTED STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL DATA

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)


Investment income earned:
U.S. Government bonds	$	0.1
Bonds exempt from U.S. tax		—
Other bonds (unaffiliated)		1,429.3
Bonds of affiliates		6.7
Preferred stocks (unaffiliated)		4.3
Common stocks (unaffiliated)		5.0
Common stocks (affiliated)		—
Mortgage loans		116.5
Real estate		—
Policy loans		4.1
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		17.5
Derivative instruments		(174.6	)
Other invested assets		99.0

Gross investment income	$	1,507.9

Real estate owned (book value less encumbrances)	$	—
Mortgage loans - book value:
Residential mortgages	$	1,802.7
Commercial mortgages		1,286.1

Total mortgage loans	$	3,088.8

Mortgage loans by standing - book value
Good standing	$	3,088.8

Interest overdue more than 90 days, not in foreclosure	$	—

Other long term assets - statement value	$	1,363.4

Bonds and stocks of parents, subsidiaries and affiliates - book value
Bonds	$	—

Common stocks	$	401.9

Bonds (including short-term investments) by expected maturity - statement value
Due within one year or less	$	4,452.0
Over 1 year through 5 years		12,227.3
Over 5 years through 10 years		10,341.3
Over 10 years through 20 years		4,849.9
Over 20 years		3,079.1

Total by maturity	$	34,949.6

Bonds (including short-term investments) by NAIC designation - statement value
NAIC 1	$	18,045.1
NAIC 2		14,733.3
NAIC 3		1,475.9
NAIC 4		454.6
NAIC 5		209.4
NAIC 6		31.2
Total by NAIC designation	$	34,949.6

Total bonds publicly traded	$	13,135.3

Total bonds privately placed	$	21,814.3

Preferred stocks - statement value	$	185.0

Common stocks - market value	$	683.3

Short-term investments - book value	$	389.7

Derivative instruments owned - statement value	$	172.1

Cash on deposit	$	65.9

Cash equivalents	$	1,535.6

(Continued)

F-60

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF SELECTED STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL DATA

(CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)


Life insurance in force:
Ordinary	$	5,091.7

Group life	$	13.8

Amount of accidental death insurance in-force under ordinary policies:	$	83.4

Life insurance with disability provisions in-force:
Ordinary	$	101.2

Group life	$	—

Annuities:
Ordinary:
Immediate - amount of income payable	$	173.4

Deferred - fully paid account balance	$	22,871.8

Deferred - not fully paid - account balance	$	12,078.3

Group
Amount of income payable	$	73.0

Fully paid account balance	$	104.9

Not fully paid - account balance	$	739.7

Accident and health insurance - premiums in force:
Ordinary	$	3.2

Claim payments 2022
Other accident and health:
2022	$	3.5

See accompanying independent auditor’s report.

F-61

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT DISCLOSURES

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)

1.	MMALIC’s total admitted assets as reported on page two of its Annual Statement excluding separate account assets are $42,779.3 million.

Following are the 10 largest exposures to a single issuer/borrower/investment, by investment category, excluding: (i) U.S. Government, U.S. Government agency securities and those U.S. Government money market funds listed in the appendix to the SVO Practices and Procedures Manual as exempt, (ii) property occupied by MMALIC, and (iii) policy loans.


Issuer	Amount		Percent of Total Admitted Assets
PennyMac Loan Services LLC	$	433.2		1.0	%
Annuity Investors Life Insurance Co		384.8		0.9	%
LOAN ASSET ISSUER LLC SER 2021 M-2		242.8		0.6	%
Barings Loan Partners CLO ltd 3		191.7		0.4	%
NP Inc		169.0		0.4	%
Conrex Corp		164.5		0.4	%
Morgan Stanley		163.7		0.4	%
Bank Of America		158.0		0.4	%
Goldman Sachs Group Inc/The		156.2		0.4	%
Quontic Bank		141.5		0.3	%

3.	MMALIC’s total admitted assets held in bonds (including short-term investments) and preferred stocks by NAIC rating, are as follows:


Bonds						Preferred Stocks
NAIC Rating	Amount		Percentage of Total Admitted Assets			NAIC Rating	Amount		Percentage of Total Admitted Assets
NAIC-1	$	18,045.1		42.2	%	P/RP-1	$	4.0		0.0	%
NAIC-2		14,733.3		34.4	%	P/RP-2		92.6		0.2	%
NAIC-3		1,475.9		3.5	%	P/RP-3		7.0		0.0	%
NAIC-4		454.6		1.1	%	P/RP-4		1.4		0.0	%
NAIC-5		209.4		0.5	%	P/RP-5		79.3		0.2	%
NAIC-6		31.2		0.1	%	P/RP-6		0.6		0.0	%
Total	$	34,949.6		81.8	%	Total	$	185.0		0.4	%

4.	Assets held in foreign investments:


	Amount		Percent of Total Admitted Assets
Total admitted assets held in foreign investments	$	2,003.5		4.7	%
Foreign-currency-denominated investments		—		0.0	%
Insurance liabilities denominated in that same foreign currency		—		0.0	%

(Continued)

F-62

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)

5.	Aggregate foreign investment exposure categorized by NAIC sovereign rating:


	Amount		Percent of Total Admitted Assets
Countries rated NAIC-1	$	689.0		1.6	%
Countries rated NAIC-2		1,160.3		2.7	%
Countries rated NAIC-3 or below		154.3		0.4	%

6. Two largest foreign investment exposures to a single country, categorized by the country’s NAIC sovereign rating:


	Amount		Percent of Total Admitted Assets
Countries rated NAIC-1:
Cayman Islands	$	211.9		0.5	%
Japan		127.3		0.3	%
Countries rated NAIC-2
United Kingdom	$	292.2		0.7	%
France		178.2		0.4	%
Countries rated NAIC-3 or below
United Kingdom	$	41.1		0.1	%
Bermuda		22.4		0.1	%

7.	The Company does not have any unhedged foreign currency exposure.

8.	The Company does not have any unhedged foreign currency exposure.

9.	The Company does not have any unhedged foreign currency exposure.

10.	Ten largest non-sovereign (i.e. non-governmental) foreign issues:


Issuer	NAIC Rating		Amount		Percent of Total Admitted Assets
Elis SA		2.C PL	$	88.0		0.2	%
Vodafone Group PLC		2.B FE		62.6		0.1	%
Standard Chartered PLC		2.B FE		47.1		0.1	%
Vista Malta Finance P.L.C. and/or Owner Trustee		2.A PL		47.0		0.1	%
Volkswagen Group of America Finance LLC		2.A FE		42.3		0.1	%
Yara International ASA		2.B FE		39.7		0.1	%
Viterra Finance BV		2.C FE		39.5		0.1	%
WEA Finance LLC		2.B FE		38.7		0.1	%
Mercedes-Benz Finance North America LLC		1.G FE		33.9		0.1	%
Nippon Life Insurance Co		1.G FE		33.0		0.1	%

11.	Assets held in Canadian investments are less than 2.5% of the Company’s total admitted assets.

12.	Following are MMALIC’s total admitted assets held in the largest three investments with contractual sales restrictions:


	Amount		Percent of Total Admitted Assets
The Cranemere Group Limited		61.9		0.1	%
Lubert-Adler Real Estate Fund VII, LP		30.0		0.1	%
Knopp Biosciences LLC C		24.5		0.1	%

(Continued)

F-63

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)

13.	Following are MMALIC’s total admitted assets held in the largest 10 equity interests:


Name of Issuer	Amount		Percentage of Total Admitted Assets
Annuity Investors Life (AILIC) Common St	$	384.8		0.9	%
Barings Real Estate Debt Income Fund LP		112.7		0.3	%
Cranemere Group Limited		61.9		0.1	%
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK CINCINNATI-R		48.3		0.1	%
Nationwide Mutual Ins Co		40.2		0.1	%
NexBank Capital Inc Noncumulative Perpet		37.9		0.1	%
Lubert-Adler Real Estate Fund VII LP		30.0		0.1	%
CGL HOLDINGS—II CORPORATION Common Sto		29.0		0.1	%
KNOPP BIOSCIENCES LLC C PERP CONVPFD		24.5		0.1	%
Bridge Growth Partners LP		22.4		0.1	%

14.	Following are MMALIC’s largest three investments held in nonaffiliated, privately placed equities:


Name of Issuer	Amount		Percentage of Total Admitted Assets
Cranemere Group Limited	$	61.9		0.1	%
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK CINCINNATI-R		48.3		0.1	%
Nationwide Mutual Ins Co		40.2		0.1	%

15.	Assets held in general partnership interests are less than 2.5% of the Company’s total admitted assets.

16.	Following are MMALIC’s total admitted assets held in the largest 10 mortgage loans:


Type (Residential, Commercial, Agricultural)	Amount		Percentage of Total Admitted Assets
PennyMac Loan Services LLC (Residential)	$	433.2		1.0	%
NP Inc (Residential)		228.5		0.5	%
Conrex Corp (Residential)		164.5		0.4	%
Quontic Bank (Residential)		141.5		0.3	%
Colchis Real Properties Income Fund II LP (Residential)		91.7		0.2	%
Deephaven Mortgage LLC (Residential)		85.0		0.2	%
Pearl at Dadeland Owner, LLC (Commercial)		82.9		0.2	%
Salamander Resort, LLC (Commercial)		76.5		0.2	%
Park Meadows Co Partners, LLC (Commercial)		71.6		0.2	%
SFR 3-040 LLC (Residential)		57.7		0.1	%

17.	Following are MMALIC’s loan-to-value ratios as determined from the most current appraisal:


Loan-to-Value	Residential				Commercial				Agricultural
above 95%	$	25.0	0.1	%	$	30.8	0.1	%	$	—	0.0	%
91% to 95%		63.8	0.1	%		—	0.0	%		—	0.0	%
81% to 90%		208.2	0.5	%		158.7	0.4	%		—	0.0	%
71% to 80%		731.2	1.7	%		220.3	0.5	%		—	0.0	%
below 70%		774.6	1.8	%		876.3	2.0	%		—	0.0	%

18.	The assets held in real estate are less than 2.5% of the Company’s total admitted assets.

19.	Investments in mezzanine real estate loans are less than 2.5% of the Company’s total admitted assets.

20.	The Company has no admitted assets subject to securities lending agreements, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, dollar repurchase agreements, or dollar reverse repurchase agreements.

(Continued)

F-64

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)

21.	The Company owns $248.2 million in hedging options.

22.	The Company’s potential exposure for swaps and forwards is $57.7 million.

23.	The Company does not have any futures contracts.

(continued)

F-65

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL INVESTMENT DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)


			Gross Investment Holdings*					Admitted Assets as Reported in the Annual Statement
		Investment Categories	Amount		Percentage of Column 1 Line 13			Amount		Securities Lending Reinvested Collateral Amount		Total (Col 3 +4) Amount		Percentage of Column 5 Line 13
1.	Long-Term Bonds:
	1.01	U.S. Governments	$	98.9		0.2	%	$	98.9	$	—	$	98.9		0.2	%
	1.02	All Other Governments		19.2		0.0	%		19.2		—		19.2		0.0	%
	1.03	U.S. States, Territories and Possessions etc., Guaranteed		190.7		0.5	%		190.7		—		190.7		0.5	%
	1.04	U.S. Political Subdivisions of States, Territories and
		Possessions, Guaranteed		272.7		0.7	%		272.7		—		272.7		0.7	%
	1.05	U.S. Special Revenue and Special Assessment Obligations,
		etc., Non-Guaranteed		1,691.6		4.1	%		1,691.6		—		1,691.6		4.1	%
	1.06	Industrial and Miscellaneous		27,626.4		66.3	%		27,626.4		—		27,626.4		66.3	%
	1.07	Hybrid Securities		634.2		1.5	%		634.2		—		634.2		1.5	%
	1.08	Parent, Subsidiaries and Affiliates		520.8		1.2	%		520.8		—		520.8		1.2	%
	1.09	SVO Identified Funds		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	1.10	Unaffiliated Bank Loans		2,277.4		5.5	%		2,277.4		—		2,277.4		5.5	%
	1.11	Total Long-Term Bonds		33,331.9		80.0	%		33,331.9		—		33,331.9		80.0	%
2.	Preferred Stocks:
	2.01	Industrial and Misc. (Unaffiliated)		185.0		0.4	%		185.0		—		185.0		0.4	%
	2.02	Parent, Subsidiaries and Affiliates		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	2.03	Total Preferred Stock		185.0		0.4	%		185.0		—		185.0		0.4	%
3.	Common Stocks:
	3.01	Industrial and Miscellaneous Publicly Traded (Unaffiliated)		113.6		0.2	%		113.6		—		113.6		0.2	%
	3.02	Industrial and Miscellaneous Other (Unaffiliated)		167.8		0.4	%		167.8		—		167.8		0.4	%
	3.03	Parent, Subsidiaries and Affiliates Publicly Traded		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	3.04	Parent, Subsidiaries and Affiliates Other		401.9		1.0	%		401.9		—		401.9		1.0	%
	3.05	Mutual Funds		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	3.06	Unit Investment Trusts		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	3.07	Closed-End Funds.		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	3.08	Total Common Stocks		683.3		1.6	%		683.3		—		683.3		1.6	%
4.	Mortgage Loans:
	4.01	Farm Mortgages		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	4.02	Residential Mortgages		1,802.8		4.3	%		1,802.8		—		1,802.8		4.3	%
	4.03	Commercial Mortgages		1,263.4		3.0	%		1,263.4		—		1,263.4		3.0	%
	4.04	Mezzanine Real Estate Loans		22.6		0.1	%		22.6		—		22.6		0.1	%
	4.05	Total Mortgage Loans		3,088.8		7.4	%		3,088.8		—		3,088.8		7.4	%
5.	Real estate:
	5.01	Properties Occupied by Company		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	5.02	Properties Held for Production of Income		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	5.03	Properties Held for Sale		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
	5.04	Total Real Estate		—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
6.	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments:
	6.01	Cash		65.9		0.2	%		65.9		—		65.9		0.2	%
	6.02	Cash Equivalents		1,535.6		3.7	%		1,535.6		—		1,535.6		3.7	%
	6.03	Short-Term Investments		389.7		0.9	%		389.7		—		389.7		0.9	%
	6.04	Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments		1,991.2		4.8	%		1,991.2		—		1,991.2		4.8	%
7. Contract Loans				31.5		0.1	%		31.5		—		31.5		0.1	%
8. Derivatives				873.0		2.1	%		873.0		—		873.0		2.1	%
9. Other Invested Assets				1,363.4		3.3	%		1,363.4		—		1,363.4		3.3	%
10. Receivables for Securities				142.3		0.3	%		142.3		—		142.3		0.3	%
11. Securities Lending				—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
12. Other Invested Assets				—		0.0	%		—		—		—		0.0	%
13. Total Invested Assets				41,690.4		100.0	%		41,690.4		—		41,690.4		100.0	%

*	Gross investment holdings as valued in compliance with NAIC SAP.

See accompanying independent auditor’s report.

F-66

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF LIFE AND HEALTH REINSURANCE DISCLOSURES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)

The following information regarding reinsurance contracts is presented to satisfy the disclosure requirements in SSAP No. 61R, Life, Deposit-Type and Accident and Health Reinsurance, which apply to reinsurance contracts entered into, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 1996.

Has MassMutal Ascend Life Insurance Company reinsured any risk with any other entity under a reinsurance contract (or multiple contracts with the same reinsurer or its affiliates) that is subject to Appendix A-791, Life and Health Reinsurance Agreements, and includes a provision that limits the reinsurer’s assumption of significant risks identified in Appendix A-791?

Examples of risk-limiting features include provisions such as a deductible, a loss ratio corridor, a loss cap, an aggregate limit or other provisions that result in similar effects.

Yes ☐ No ☒

If yes, indicate the number of reinsurance contracts to which such provisions apply: __________

If yes, indicate if deposit accounting was applied for all contracts subject to Appendix A-791 that limit significant risks.

Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☒

Has MassMutal Ascend Life Insurance Company reinsured any risk with any other entity under a reinsurance contract (or multiple contracts with the same reinsurer or its affiliates) that is not subject to Appendix A-791, for which reinsurance accounting was applied and includes a provision that limits the reinsurer’s assumption of risk?

Examples of risk-limiting features include provisions such as a deductible, a loss ratio corridor, a loss cap, an aggregate limit or other provisions that result in similar effects.

Yes ☐ No ☒

If yes, indicate the number of reinsurance contracts to which such provisions apply: __________

If yes, indicate whether the reinsurance credit was reduced for the risk-limiting features.

Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☒

3.	Does MassMutal Ascend Life Insurance Company have any reinsurance contracts (other than reinsurance contracts with a federal or state facility) that contain one or more of the following features which may result in delays in payment in form or in fact:

(a) Provisions that permit the reporting of losses to be made less frequently than quarterly;

(b) Provisions that permit settlements to be made less frequently than quarterly;

(c) Provisions that permit payments due from the reinsurer to not be made in cash within ninety (90) days of the settlement date (unless there is no activity during the period); or

(d) The existence of payment schedules, accumulating retentions from multiple years, or any features inherently designed to delay timing of the reimbursement to the ceding entity.

Yes ☐ No ☒

(Continued)

F-67

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF LIFE AND HEALTH REINSURANCE DISCLOSURES

(CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Dollars in millions)

4.	Has MassMutal Ascend Life Insurance Company reflected reinsurance accounting credit for any contracts that are not subject to Appendix A-791 and not yearly renewable term reinsurance, which meet the risk transfer requirements of SSAP No. 61R?


Type of contract:	Response:	Identify reinsurance contract(s):	Has the insured event(s) triggering contract coverage been recognized?
Assumption reinsurance – new for the reporting period	Yes ☐ No ☒		N/A
Non-proportional reinsurance, which does not result in significant surplus relief	Yes ☐ No ☒		Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☒

Has MassMutal Ascend Life Insurance Company ceded any risk, which is not subject to Appendix A-791 and not yearly renewable term reinsurance, under any reinsurance contract (or multiple contracts with the same reinsurer or its affiliates) during the period covered by the financial statements, and either:

(a)

Accounted for that contract as reinsurance under statutory accounting principles (SAP) and as a deposit under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); or

Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A ☐

(b)

Accounted for that contract as reinsurance under GAAP and as a deposit under SAP?

Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A ☐

If the answer to item (a) or item (b) is yes, include relevant information regarding GAAP to SAP differences from the accounting policy footnote to the audited statutory-basis financial statements to explain why the contract(s) is treated differently for GAAP and SAP below:

See accompanying independent auditors’ report

F-68

PART II — INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following is a list of the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the securities being offered.


Estimated Accounting Fees	$	1,784,320
Estimated Filing Fees	$	0
Estimated Legal Fees	$	200,000
Registration Fees	$	55,100

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Ohio Revised Code, Section 1701.13(E), allows indemnification by the Registrant to any person made or threatened to be made a party to any proceedings, other than a proceeding by or in the right of the Registrant, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, against expenses, including judgment and fines, if he acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests and, with respect to criminal actions, in which he had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Similar provisions apply to actions brought by or in the right of the Registrant, except that no indemnification shall be made in such cases when the person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct to the Registrant unless deemed otherwise by the court. Indemnifications are to be made by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors or the written opinion of independent counsel or by the shareholders or by the court.

Article VII of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Code of Regulations includes the following provisions related to indemnification of its directors, officers, employees and agents.

ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 1. Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, claim, suit investigation or proceeding, of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account, or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, or that, being or having been such a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, he or she is or was serving at the request of an executive officer of the Corporation as a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), whenever the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as such shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law, as the same exists or may hereinafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all costs and reasonable counsel fees, fines, penalties, judgments or awards of any kind, and the amount of reasonable settlements,

Part II – Page 1

whether or not payable to the Corporation or to any of the other entities described above actually incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors, legal representatives and administrators. To the extent any of the indemnification provisions set forth above prove to be ineffective for any reason in furnishing the indemnification provided, each of the persons named above shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be provided with respect to:

1. any matter as to which the person shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Corporation or, to the extent that such matter relates to service with respect to any employee benefit plan, in the best interests of the participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan;

2. any liability to any entity which is registered as an investment company under the Federal Investment Company Act of 1940 or to the security holders thereof, where the basis for such liability is willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office; and

3. any action, claim or proceeding voluntarily initiated by any person seeking indemnification, unless such action, claim or proceeding had been authorized by the Board or unless such person’s indemnification is awarded by vote of the Board.

In any matter disposed of by settlement or in the event of an adjudication which in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her delegate does not make a sufficient determination of conduct which could preclude or permit indemnification in accordance with the preceding paragraphs, the person shall be entitled to indemnification unless, as determined by the majority of the disinterested directors or in the opinion of counsel (who may be an officer of the Corporation or outside counsel employed by the Corporation), such person’s conduct was such as precludes indemnification under any such paragraph. The termination of any action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation.

1.1 Advancements. The Corporation may at its option indemnify for expenses incurred in connection with any action or proceeding in advance of its final disposition, upon receipt of a satisfactory undertaking for repayment if it be subsequently determined that the person thus indemnified is not entitled to indemnification under this Article VII.

Section 2. Procedures for the Submission of Claims. The Board may establish reasonable procedures for the submission of claims for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VII, determination of the entitlement of any person thereto, and review of any such determination.

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Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), the Registrant’s parent company, maintains, at its expense, Directors and Officers Liability and Company Reimbursement Liability Insurance. The Directors and Officers Liability portion of such policy covers all directors and officers of MassMutual and of the companies which are, directly or indirectly, more than 50% owned by MassMutual, which includes the Registrant. The policy provides for payment on behalf of the directors and officers, up to the policy limits and after expenditure of a specified deductible, of all Loss (as defined) from claims made against them during the policy period for defined wrongful acts, and neglect or breach of duty by directors and officers in the discharge of their individual or collective duties as such. The insurance includes the cost of investigations and defenses, appeals, and settlements and judgments, but not fines or penalties imposed by law. The insurance does not cover any claims arising out of acts alleged to have been committed prior to December 31,1996, or in the case of companies directly or indirectly 50% owned by MassMutual, which includes the Registrant, such later date as MassMutual or its predecessors may be deemed to control the company. The prior acts effective date for the Registrant is May 28, 2021. The policy contains various exclusions and reporting requirements.

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Not applicable

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Exhibits

(1)

Principal Underwriting Agreement between Great American Life Insurance Company and Great American Advisors, Inc. effective as of February 2, 2018 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on April 24, 2018. 1933 Act File No. 333-207914.

(2)	Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession—Not applicable.

(3)	Governing Documents

(a)

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(b)

Amended and Restated Code of Regulations are incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(4)(a) Contracts

(1)

[Index Frontier 5 Plus] Individual Deferred Annuity Contract (Form No. P1850822NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(4)(b) Tax Endorsements

(1)

Inherited Contract Endorsement (Form No. E1091612NW) (Non-Qualified Plans) is filed herewith.

Part II – Page 3

(2)

Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004010NW) (IRA/SEP IRA) is filed herewith.

(3)

Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004108NW) (Roth IRA) is filed herewith.

(4)

Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004202NW) (SIMPLE IRA) is filed herewith.

(5)

Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement for Inherited IRA (Form No. E6014407NW) (Inherited IRA) is filed herewith.

(6)

Governmental Section 457 Plan Endorsement (Form No. E6004505NW) (Section 457 (Traditional & Roth) Governmental Plan) is filed herewith.

(7)

Tax Sheltered Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004308NW) (Employer Plan TSA 403(B)/Roth 403(B)) is filed herewith.

(8)

Qualified Pension, Profit Sharing and Annuity Plan Endorsement (Form No. E6004405NW) (401(A), Pension or Profit Sharing) is filed herewith.

(9)

Employer Plan Endorsement (EPLAN Rev. 2/98)-1 (For use with E6004308NW Employer Plan TSA/Roth 403(B), E6004405NW 401(A), Pension or Profit Sharing and E6004505NW Section 457 (Traditional & Roth) Governmental Plan) is filed herewith.

(4)(c) Strategy Endorsements

(1)

1-Year Declared Rate Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Interest Subject to a Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rate (Form No. E1825318NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

Part II – Page 4

(2)

S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a –10% Floor for Each Term (Form No. E1850022NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(3)

SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year -10% Floor Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a –10% Floor for Each Term (Form No. E1850522NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(4)

iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year -10% Floor Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a –10% Floor for Each Term (Form No. E1850622NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(5)

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year -10% Floor Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a –10% Floor for Each Term (Form No. E1850722NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(6)

First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1849122NW) is filed herewith.

(7)

S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1849922NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(4)(d) Waiver Riders

(1)

Terminal Illness Waiver Rider (Form No. R1462416NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(2)

Extended Care Waiver Rider (Form No. R1462316NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(3)

California Terminal Illness Waiver Rider (Form No. R1462416CA) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(4)

California Waiver of Early Withdrawal Charges for Facility Care Rider (Form No. R1462316CA) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company on January 25, 2023. 1933 Act File No. 333-269395.

(5)	Opinion re Legality is filed herewith.

(8)	Opinion re Tax Matters—Not applicable.

(9)	Voting Trust Agreement—Not applicable.

(10)	Material Contracts

Part II – Page 5

(a)

Administrative Services Agreement between MassMutual Life Insurance Company, Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company effective May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on January 6, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-262034.

(b)

Amendment No. 1 to Administrative Services Agreement between MassMutual Life Insurance Company, Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company effective August 5, 2021 is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on January 6, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-262034.

(c)

Leased Employee Agreement among Glidepath Holdings Inc., Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company effective May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on January 6, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-262034.

(11)	Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings—Not applicable.

(12)	Statements re Computation of Ratios—Not applicable.

(15)	Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information—Not applicable.

(16)	Letter re Change in Certifying Accountant is filed herewith.

(21)	Subsidiaries of the Registrant— Information about the subsidiaries of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company is filed herewith.

(23)

Consents

(a)

Consent of legal counsel is included in Opinion re Legality, which is filed herewith.

(b)

Consent of independent registered public accounting firms

(i)

Consent of independent registered public accounting firm (KPMG LLP) is filed herewith.

(ii)

Consent of independent auditors (Ernst & Young LLP) is be filed herewith.

(24) Powers of Attorney

(a)

Power of Attorney – Dominic L. Blue is filed herewith.

(b)

Power of Attorney – Susan M. Cicco is filed herewith.

(c)

Power of Attorney – Geoffrey J. Craddock is filed herewith.

(d)

Power of Attorney – Roger W. Crandall is filed herewith.

(e)

Power of Attorney – Michael R. Fanning is filed herewith.

(f)

Power of Attorney – Paul A. LaPiana is filed herewith.

(g)

Power of Attorney – Sears Merritt is filed herewith.

(h)

Power of Attorney – Mark F. Muething is filed herewith.

(i)

Power of Attorney – Michael J. O’Connor is filed herewith.

(j)

Power of Attorney – Eric W. Partlan is filed herewith.

(k)

Power of Attorney – Arthur W. Wallace is filed herewith.

(l)

Power of Attorney – Elizabeth A. Ward is filed herewith.

Part II – Page 6

(25)	Statement of Eligibility of Trustee—Not applicable.

(26)	Invitation for Competitive Bids—Not applicable.

(99)	Additional Exhibits – None.

(101)

Interactive Data File – Not applicable

(b)

Financial Statement Schedules


Report of Independent Auditors (KPMG)			F-1
Report of Independent Auditors (Ernst & Young)
Statutory-Basis Financial Statements
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 - Statutory-Basis			F-4
Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 - Statutory-Basis			F-5
Statement of Changes in Capital and Surplus for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 - Statutory-Basis			F-6
Statement of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 - Statutory-Basis			F-7
Notes to Statutory-Basis Financial Statements			F-8

(c)

Calculation of Filing Fee Tables is filed herewith.

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)	To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)

To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii)

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (§ 230.424(b) of this chapter) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

(iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

(2)

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)	To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)

That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A (§ 230.430A of this chapter), shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration

Part II – Page 7

statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5)

That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§ 230.424 of this chapter);

(ii)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(6)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Part II – Page 8

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


Number		Exhibit Description

4(b)(1)		Inherited Contract Endorsement (Form No. E1091612NW)

4(b)(2)		Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004010NW)

4(b)(3)		Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement

4(b)(4)		Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement

4(b)(5)		Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement for Inherited IRA

4(b)(6)		Governmental Section 457 Plan Endorsement

4(b)(7)		Tax Sheltered Annuity Endorsement

4(b)(8)		Qualified Pension, Profit Sharing and Annuity Plan Endorsement

4(b)(9)		Employer Plan Endorsement

4(c)(6)		First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy

5		Opinion re Legality

16		Letter re Change in Certifying Accountant

21		Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23(b)(i)		Consent of independent registered public accounting firm (KPMG LLP)

23(b)(ii)		Consent of independent auditors (Ernst & Young LLP)

24(a)		Power of Attorney – Dominic L. Blue

24(b)		Power of Attorney – Susan M. Cicco

24(c)		Power of Attorney – Geoffrey J. Craddock

24(d)		Power of Attorney – Roger W. Crandall

24(e)		Power of Attorney – Michael R. Fanning

24(f)		Power of Attorney – Paul A. LaPiana

24(g)		Power of Attorney – Sears Merritt

24(h)		Power of Attorney – Mark F. Muething

24(i)		Power of Attorney – Michael J. O’Connor

24(j)		Power of Attorney – Eric W. Partlan

24(k)		Power of Attorney – Arthur W. Wallace

24(l)		Power of Attorney – Elizabeth A. Ward

107		Calculation of Filing Fee Tables

Part II – Page 9

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, on April 25, 2023.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature	Capacity	Date

/s/ Dominic L. Blue* Dominic L. Blue*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Susan M. Cicco* Susan M. Cicco*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Geoffrey J. Craddock* Geoffrey J. Craddock*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Roger W. Crandall* Roger W. Crandall*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Michael R. Fanning* Michael R. Fanning*	Director Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)	April 25, 2023

/s/ Paul A. LaPiana* Paul A. LaPiana*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Sears Merritt* Sears Merritt*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Mark F. Muething* Mark F. Muething*	President Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Michael J. O’Connor* Michael J. O’Connor*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Eric W. Partlan* Eric W. Partlan*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Brian P. Sponaugle Brian P. Sponaugle	Principal Accounting Officer	April 25, 2023

/s/ Arthur W. Wallace* Arthur W. Wallace*	Director	April 25, 2023

/s/ Elizabeth A. Ward* Elizabeth A. Ward*	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) Director	April 25, 2023

*By:

/s/ John P. Gruber

As Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to powers of

attorney filed herewith

John P. Gruber

Date: April 25, 2023