10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2017

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

Commission file number: 033-03094

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	06-0566090
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina	28277
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(212) 578-9500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes þ    No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes þ    No ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨	Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer    þ  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨    No þ

At May 10, 2017, 3,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $25,000 par value per share, were outstanding, all of which were indirectly owned by MetLife, Inc.

REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is, therefore, filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.

Table of Contents

		Page
Part I — Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (at March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited))	4
	Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	4
	Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5
	Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity	6
	Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	7
	Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Note 1 — Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	8
	Note 2 — Segment Information	11
	Note 3 — Insurance	15
	Note 4 — Investments	17
	Note 5 — Derivatives	30
	Note 6 — Fair Value	42
	Note 7 — Equity	60
	Note 8 — Other Expenses	62
	Note 9 — Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	62
	Note 10 — Related Party Transactions	65
	Note 11 — Subsequent Events	69
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	70
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	85
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	91
Part II — Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	92
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	92
Item 6.	Exhibits	95
Signatures		96
Exhibit Index		E-1

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “Brighthouse Insurance,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (formerly, MetLife Insurance Company USA), a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). The term “Separation” refers to the separation of MetLife, Inc.’s Brighthouse Financial segment from MetLife’s other businesses and the creation of a separate, publicly traded company, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse”), to hold the assets (including the equity interests of certain MetLife, Inc. subsidiaries) and liabilities associated with MetLife, Inc.’s Brighthouse Financial segment from and after the distribution; the term “Distribution” refers to the distribution of at least 80.1% of the shares of Brighthouse common stock outstanding immediately prior to the distribution date by MetLife, Inc. to shareholders of MetLife, Inc. as of the record date for the distribution.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, statements regarding the planned Separation from MetLife and the distribution of common stock of Brighthouse, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of Brighthouse Insurance. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Brighthouse Insurance’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others:

• the timing of our Separation from MetLife and the Distribution, whether the conditions to the Distribution will be met, and whether the Separation and the Distribution will be completed;

• the impact of the Separation on our business and profitability due to MetLife’s strong brand and reputation, the increased costs related to replacing arrangements with MetLife with those of third parties;

• whether the operational, strategic and other benefits of the Separation can be achieved, and our ability to implement our business strategy;

• differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions;

• a sustained period of low equity market prices and interest rates that are lower than those we assumed when we issued our variable annuity products;

• the effect adverse capital and credit market conditions may have on our ability to meet liquidity needs and our access to capital;

• the impact of regulatory, legislative or tax changes on our insurance business or other operations;

• the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures;

• heightened competition, including with respect to service, product features, scale, price, actual or perceived financial strength, claims-paying ratings, credit ratings, e-business capabilities and name recognition;

• changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies applicable to us;

• our ability to market and distribute our products through distribution channels; and

• our ability to attract and retain key personnel.

For the reasons described above, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included and the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise may be required by law. Please consult any further disclosures Brighthouse Life Insurance Company makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.

Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts

See “Exhibit Index — Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts” for information regarding agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Part I — Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016

(In millions, except share and per share data)

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $48,385 and $49,312, respectively)	$	51,243		$	51,785
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $259 and $280, respectively)	290			300
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $41 and $38, respectively; includes $129 and $136, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	9,398			8,884
Policy loans	1,090			1,093
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	242			215
Other limited partnership interests	1,593			1,639
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	963			926
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	2,705			3,887
Total investments	67,524			68,729
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value	2,129			1,888
Accrued investment income (includes $1 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	547			591
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	19,676			20,101
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,418			5,274
Current income tax recoverable	887			454
Deferred income tax receivable	591			1,018
Other assets	624			630
Separate account assets	102,620			100,588
Total assets	$	200,016		$	199,273
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	31,963		$	31,684
Policyholder account balances	35,409			35,587
Other policy-related balances	3,348			3,384
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	7,152			7,362
Long-term debt (includes $20 and $23, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	801			804
Other liabilities (includes $0 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	8,878			10,147
Separate account liabilities	102,620			100,588
Total liabilities	190,171			189,556
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 9)
Stockholder's Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75			75
Additional paid-in capital	12,651			12,449
Retained earnings (deficit)	(4,445		)	(4,209		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,564			1,402
Total stockholder's equity	9,845			9,717
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$	200,016		$	199,273

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

(In millions)

	Three Months  Ended   March 31,
	2017			2016
Revenues
Premiums	$	111		$	309
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	698			644
Net investment income	661			627
Other revenues	91			109
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	—			(15		)
Other net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(33		)
Total net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709		)	(5		)
Total revenues	802			1,636
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	715			581
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	224			238
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	(91		)	179
Other expenses	365			446
Total expenses	1,213			1,444
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	(411		)	192
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(175		)	31
Net income (loss)	$	(236	)	$	161
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(74	)	$	1,121

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity

For the Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

(In millions)

	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings (Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholder's Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	75	$	12,449	$	(4,209	)	$	1,402	$	9,717
Sale of operating joint venture interest to an affiliate			202							202
Net income (loss)					(236		)			(236		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax								162		162
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	75	$	12,651	$	(4,445	)	$	1,564	$	9,845
	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings (Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholder's Equity
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	75	$	10,871	$	(1,011	)	$	1,628	$	11,563
Capital contributions from MetLife, Inc.			1,501							1,501
Net income (loss)					161					161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax								960		960
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	75	$	12,372	$	(850	)	$	2,588	$	14,185

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

(In millions)

	Three Months Ended     March 31,
	2017			2016
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	437		$	493
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
Fixed maturity securities	2,940			9,533
Equity securities	25			65
Mortgage loans	135			239
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	11			8
Other limited partnership interests	110			65
Purchases of:
Fixed maturity securities	(2,303		)	(10,511		)
Equity securities	(3		)	(54		)
Mortgage loans	(598		)	(398		)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	(35		)	(10		)
Other limited partnership interests	(57		)	(40		)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	1,307			443
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(1,850		)	(408		)
Net change in policy loans	3			5
Net change in short-term investments	5			(743		)
Net change in other invested assets	19			9
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(291		)	(1,797		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances:
Deposits	929			3,486
Withdrawals	(919		)	(4,918		)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	(136		)	1,337
Long-term debt repaid	(3		)	(5		)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	224			(7		)
Capital contributions	—			1,500
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	95			1,393
Change in cash and cash equivalents	241			89
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,888			1,383
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2,129		$	1,472
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Net cash paid (received) for:
Interest	$	1		$	1
Income tax	$	1		$	(5	)
Non-cash transactions:
Capital contributions	$	—		$	1
Sale of operating joint venture interest to an affiliate (Note 4)	$	202		$	—
Reduction in other invested assets (Note 4)	$	89		$	—
Transfer of fixed maturity securities to affiliates	$	293		$	—
Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with reinsurance transactions	$	293		$	—

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

“Brighthouse Insurance” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). The Company offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products.

In anticipation of MetLife’s plan to separate a substantial portion of its former Retail segment, as well as certain portions of its former Corporate Benefit Funding segment and Corporate & Other (the “Separation”), in the third quarter of 2016, the Company reorganized its businesses into three segments: Annuities, Life and Run-off. See Note 2 for further information on the reorganization of the Company’s segments in the third quarter of 2016, which was applied retrospectively.

In January 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced its plan to pursue the Separation. Additionally, on July 21, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced that following the planned Separation, the separated business will be rebranded as Brighthouse Financial. On October 5, 2016, Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (“Brighthouse”), filed a registration statement on Form 10 (the “Form 10”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). On December 6, 2016 and on April 18, 2017, Brighthouse filed amendments to its registration statement on Form 10 with the SEC. The information statement filed as an exhibit to the Form 10 disclosed that MetLife intends to include Brighthouse Insurance and certain affiliates in the proposed separated business and distribute at least 80.1% of the shares of Brighthouse’s common stock on a pro rata basis to the holders of MetLife, Inc. common stock. Effective March 6, 2017, and in connection with the planned Separation, the Company changed its name from MetLife Insurance Company USA to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Additionally, effective April 2017, MetLife, Inc. contributed the Company to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC.

The ultimate form and timing of the planned Separation will be influenced by a number of factors, including regulatory considerations and economic conditions. MetLife continues to evaluate and pursue structural alternatives for the proposed Separation. The planned Separation remains subject to certain conditions, including among others, obtaining final approval from the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors, receipt of a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and an opinion from MetLife’s tax advisor regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters, insurance and other regulatory approvals, and an SEC declaration of the effectiveness of the Form 10.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Consolidation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company early adopted guidance relating to business combinations. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business and requires that an entity apply certain criteria in order to determine when a set of assets and activities qualifies as a business. The adoption of this standard will result in fewer acquisitions qualifying as businesses and, accordingly, acquisition costs for those acquisitions that do not qualify as businesses will be capitalized rather than expensed. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company retrospectively adopted guidance relating to consolidation. The new guidance does not change the characteristics of a primary beneficiary under current GAAP. It changes how a reporting entity evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decisionmaker of a VIE handles indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other

Effective January 3, 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives, for which the CME serves as the central clearing party. As of the effective date, the application of the amended rulebook, reduced gross derivative assets by $206 million, gross derivative liabilities by $927 million, accrued investment income by $30 million, collateral receivables recorded within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $765 million, and collateral payables recorded within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions of $74 million.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on purchased callable debt securities (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.) The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium and requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. However, the new guidance does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount whose discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on derecognition of nonfinancial assets (ASU 2017-05,Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance clarifies the scope and accounting of a financial asset that meets the definition of an “in-substance nonfinancial asset” and defines the term, “in-substance nonfinancial asset.” The ASU also adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on restricted cash (ASU 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, the new guidance requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on tax accounting for intra-entity transfers of assets (ASU 2016-16,Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted in the first interim or annual reporting period. Current guidance prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Also, the guidance eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on cash flow statement presentation (ASU 2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. This ASU addresses diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. This ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with one that reflects expected credit losses. The measurement of expected credit losses should be based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance requires that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The Company has assessed the asset classes impacted by the new guidance and is currently assessing the accounting and reporting system changes that will be required to comply with the new guidance. The Company believes that the most significant impact upon adoption will be to its mortgage loan investments. The Company is continuing to evaluate the overall impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2016-01,Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities)on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the instrument-specific credit risk provision. The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, (ii) the presentation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option (“FVO”) that are due to instrument-specific credit risk, and (iii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to assess equity securities for impairment since such securities will be measured at fair value through net income. The Company has assessed the population of financial instruments that are subject to the new guidance and has determined that the most significant impact will be the requirement to report changes in fair value in net income each reporting period for all equity securities currently classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and to a lesser extent, other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures that are currently accounted for under the cost method. The population of these investments accounted for under the cost method is not material. The Company is continuing to evaluate the overall impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard (ASU 2014‑09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance and investment contracts within the scope of Financial Services insurance (Topic 944), leases, financial instruments and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. Given the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance, the Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated revenues or statements of operations, with the Company’s implementation efforts primarily focused on other revenues on the consolidated statements of operations.

2. Segment Information

In anticipation of the planned Separation, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company reorganized its businesses into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company moved the universal life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) business from the Life segment to the Run-off segment. These and certain other presentation changes were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated net income (loss) or operating earnings in the prior periods.

Annuities

The Annuities segment offers a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contractholders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security.

Life

The Life segment offers insurance products and services, including term, whole, universal and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis.

Run-off

The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, certain company-owned life insurance policies, bank-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and ULSG.

Corporate & Other

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts and a portion of MetLife’s U.S. insurance business sold direct to consumers.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

2. Segment Information (continued)

Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies

Operating earnings is used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is also the Company’s GAAP measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). The Company believes the presentation of operating earnings as the Company measures it for management purposes enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings allows analysis of the Company’s performance and facilitates comparisons to industry results.

Operating earnings focuses on our primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, revenues and costs related to non-core products, divested businesses, and certain entities required to be consolidated under GAAP.

The following are excluded from total revenues in calculating operating earnings:

• Net investment gains (losses);

• Net derivative gains (losses) except: (i) earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and (ii) earned income on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment;

• Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”);

• Certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and

• Results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company referred to as divested businesses.

The following are excluded from total expenses in calculating operating earnings:

• Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”) and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts:

• Amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”);

• Recognition of certain contingent assets and liabilities that could not be recognized at acquisition or adjusted for during the measurement period under GAAP business combination accounting guidance;

• Results of divested businesses;

• Amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP;

• Goodwill impairment; and

• Costs related to: (i) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements and (ii) acquisition and integration costs.

The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above are calculated net of the U.S or foreign statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.

Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for operating earnings adjustments as defined above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the method of capital allocation described below.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

2. Segment Information (continued)

The internal capital model is a MetLife developed risk capital model that reflects management’s judgment and view of required capital to represent the measurement of the risk profile of the business, to meet the Company’s long term promises to clients, to service long-term obligations and to support the credit ratings of the Company. It accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business. Management is responsible for the ongoing production and enhancement of the internal capital model and reviews its approach periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with emerging industry practice standards. As such, the internal capital allocation methodology in the future may differ from MetLife’s historical model.

The Company allocates equity to the segments based on the internal capital model, coupled with considerations of local capital requirements, and aligns with emerging standards and consistent risk principles.

Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income or net income (loss).

Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable investment portfolios adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee time incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing.

	Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017	Annuities		Life			Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$	255	$	(56	)	$	130		$	15		$	344
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	64		(20		)	45			—			89
Operating earnings	$	191	$	(36	)	$	85		$	15		255
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)												(50		)
Net derivative gains (losses)												(709		)
Other adjustments to net income												4
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit												264
Net income (loss)												$	(236	)
Inter-segment revenues	$	91	$	(195	)	$	(26	)	$	(15	)
Interest revenue	$	309	$	79		$	307		$	42
Interest expense	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	18

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

2. Segment Information (continued)

	Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Annuities		Life			Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$	304	$	(78	)	$	130		$	(15	)	$	341
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	76		(23		)	44			(10		)	87
Operating earnings	$	228	$	(55	)	$	86		$	(5	)	254
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)												(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)												(5		)
Other adjustments to net income												(96		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit												56
Net income (loss)												$	161
Inter-segment revenues	$	128	$	(227	)	$	(78	)	$	46
Interest revenue	$	330	$	67		$	304		$	(9	)
Interest expense	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	17

Reconciliation of Company operating revenues to total revenues:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	887		$	1,065
Life	169			134
Run-off	456			419
Total segment	1,512			1,618
Corporate & Other	63			70
Net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709		)	(5		)
Other adjustments	(14		)	1
Total	$	802		$	1,636

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	139,139	$	141,111
Life	12,822		12,674
Run-off	38,810		39,261
Corporate & Other	9,245		6,227
Total	$	200,016	$	199,273

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

3. Insurance

Guarantees

As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5.

The Company also issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a secondary guarantee.

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	104,487		$	58,406		$	101,827		$	57,370
Separate account value	$	99,584		$	57,125		$	97,237		$	56,048
Net amount at risk	$	5,989	(4)	$	2,622	(5)	$	6,726	(4)	$	2,906	(5)
Average attained age of contractholders	68 years			67 years			67 years			67 years

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal and Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	7,133	$	7,176
Net amount at risk (6)	$	90,606	$	90,973
Average attained age of policyholders	60 years		60 years

__________________

(1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for a discussion of GMxBs which have been reinsured.

(3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.

(4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved.

(6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

3. Insurance (continued)

Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

Rollforward of Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses

Information regarding the liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31 of prior period	$	1,966		$	1,693
Less: Reinsurance recoverables	1,808			1,545
Net Balance at December 31 of prior period	158			148
Cumulative adjustment (1)	—			67
Net balance, beginning of period	158			215
Incurred related to:
Current year	236			231
Prior years (2)	(2		)	13
Total incurred	234			244
Paid related to:
Current year	(124		)	(129		)
Prior years	(75		)	(76		)
Total paid	(199		)	(205		)
Net balance, end of period	193			254
Add: Reinsurance recoverables	1,799			1,618
Balance, end of period	$	1,992		$	1,872

______________

(1) Reflects the accumulated adjustment, net of reinsurance, upon implementation of the new short-duration contracts guidance which clarified the requirement to include claim information for long-duration contracts. The accumulated adjustment primarily reflects unpaid claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for long-duration contracts as of the beginning of the period presented.

(2) During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years changed due to differences between the actual benefits paid and the expected benefits owed during those periods.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector

The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).

	March 31, 2017											December 31, 2016
	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
			Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)							Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	17,358	$	1,248	$	163	$	—		$	18,443	$	17,583	$	1,158	$	235	$	—		$	18,506
U.S. government and agency	10,648		1,266		153		—			11,761		10,517		1,221		188		—			11,550
RMBS	6,575		206		85		(3		)	6,699		6,722		194		101		—			6,815
Foreign corporate	5,523		234		124		—			5,633		5,512		201		158		—			5,555
State and political subdivision	2,627		310		19		1			2,917		2,633		305		24		—			2,914
CMBS	2,458		29		25		(1		)	2,463		2,837		26		26		(1		)	2,838
ABS	2,235		16		7		—			2,244		2,562		11		12		—			2,561
Foreign government	961		127		5		—			1,083		946		111		11		—			1,046
Total fixed maturity securities	$	48,385	$	3,436	$	581	$	(3	)	$	51,243	$	49,312	$	3,227	$	755	$	(1	)	$	51,785
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stock	$	157	$	9	$	4	$	—		$	162	$	180	$	6	$	9	$	—		$	177
Common stock	102		26		—		—			128		100		23		—		—			123
Total equity securities	$	259	$	35	$	4	$	—		$	290	$	280	$	29	$	9	$	—		$	300

__________________

(1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”

The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of less than $1 million and $5 million with unrealized gains (losses) of less than $1 million and less than $1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at March 31, 2017:

	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,901	$	8,524	$	8,077	$	18,615	$	11,268	$	48,385
Estimated fair value	$	1,910	$	8,896	$	8,238	$	20,793	$	11,406	$	51,243

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at:

	March 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	3,135	$	118	$	456	$	45	$	3,525	$	145	$	625	$	90
U.S. government and agency	3,288		153		—		—		3,548		188		—		—
RMBS	2,376		59		623		23		2,642		69		811		32
Foreign corporate	892		40		508		84		1,231		60		532		98
State and political subdivision	450		17		28		3		548		21		29		3
CMBS	996		21		130		3		1,307		22		164		3
ABS	291		4		276		3		433		4		461		8
Foreign government	142		4		4		1		228		10		4		1
Total fixed maturity securities	$	11,570	$	416	$	2,025	$	162	$	13,462	$	519	$	2,626	$	235
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stock	$	28	$	—	$	29	$	4	$	57	$	2	$	40	$	7
Total equity securities	$	28	$	—	$	29	$	4	$	57	$	2	$	40	$	7
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	1,182				398				1,388				468

Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities

As described more fully in Notes 1 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation of all investment classes for impairment, including fixed maturity securities, equity securities and perpetual hybrid securities, in accordance with its impairment policy, in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired.

Current Period Evaluation

Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017. Future OTTI will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, collateral valuation, interest rates and credit spreads, as well as a change in the Company’s intention to hold or sell a security that is in an unrealized loss position. If economic fundamentals deteriorate or if there are adverse changes in the above factors, OTTI may be incurred in upcoming periods.

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securitiesdecreased$176 millionduring thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017to$578 million. The decrease in gross unrealized losses for thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017was primarily attributable to narrowing credit spreads and decreasing longer-term interest rates.

At March 31, 2017, $25 million of the total $578 million of gross unrealized losses were from ten fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

The change in gross unrealized losses on equity securities was not significant during the three months endedMarch 31, 2017.

Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities

Of the $25 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $19 million, or 76%, were related to gross unrealized losses on three investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to widening credit spreads since purchase and, with respect to fixed-rate fixed maturity securities, rising interest rates since purchase.

Below Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities

Of the $25 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $6 million, or 24%, were related to gross unrealized losses on seven below investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on below investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to foreign corporate securities (primarily British pound consumer securities) and are the result of the weakening of the British pound since purchase, largely due to uncertainties associated with the U.K.’s pending withdrawal from the European Union. Management evaluates foreign corporate securities based on factors such as expected cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuers.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	6,445		68.6	%	$	6,211		69.9	%
Agricultural	1,869			19.9		1,708			19.2
Residential	996			10.6		867			9.8
Subtotal (1)	9,310			99.1		8,786			98.9
Valuation allowances	(41		)	(0.4	)	(38		)	(0.4	)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	9,269			98.7		8,748			98.5
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO	129			1.3		136			1.5
Total mortgage loans, net	$	9,398		100.0	%	$	8,884		100.0	%

__________________

(1) Purchases of mortgage loans were $160 million and $39 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”).

Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO is presented in Note 6. The Company elects the FVO for certain commercial mortgage loans and related long-term debt that are managed on a total return basis.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Mortgage Loans, Valuation Allowance and Impaired Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at:

	Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses										Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses				Impaired Loans
	Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance						Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Valuation Allowances		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Recorded Investment		Valuation Allowances		Carrying Value
	(In millions)
March 31, 2017
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,445	$	31	$	—
Agricultural	4		3		—		—		—		1,866		6		3
Residential	—		—		—		2		2		994		4		2
Total	$	4	$	3	$	—	$	2	$	2	$	9,305	$	41	$	5
December 31, 2016
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,211	$	30	$	—
Agricultural	4		3		—		—		—		1,705		5		3
Residential	—		—		—		1		1		866		3		1
Total	$	4	$	3	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	8,782	$	38	$	4

The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $0, $3 million and $1 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017; and $0, $3 million and $0, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment

The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended     March 31,
	2017								2016
	Commercial		Agricultural		Residential		Total		Commercial		Agricultural		Residential		Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	30	$	5	$	3	$	38	$	28	$	5	$	3	$	36
Provision (release)	1		1		1		3		—		—		1		1
Balance, end of period	$	31	$	6	$	4	$	41	$	28	$	5	$	4	$	37

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:

	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2017
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	5,729	$	306	$	20	$	6,055	94.0	%	$	6,180	94.2	%
65% to 75%	325		—		18		343		5.3		339		5.2
76% to 80%	9		—		—		9		0.1		9		0.1
Greater than 80%	24		14		—		38		0.6		36		0.5
Total	$	6,087	$	320	$	38	$	6,445	100.0	%	$	6,564	100.0	%
December 31, 2016
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	5,459	$	214	$	166	$	5,839	94.0	%	$	5,922	94.2	%
65% to 75%	281		—		19		300		4.8		294		4.7
76% to 80%	34		—		—		34		0.6		33		0.5
Greater than 80%	24		14		—		38		0.6		37		0.6
Total	$	5,798	$	228	$	185	$	6,211	100.0	%	$	6,286	100.0	%

Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	1,821	97.4	%	$	1,669	97.7	%
65% to 75%	48		2.6		39		2.3
Total	$	1,869	100.0	%	$	1,708	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	985	98.9	%	$	856	98.7	%
Nonperforming	11		1.1		11		1.3
Total	$	996	100.0	%	$	867	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was$1.0 billionand$867 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively.

Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans

The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with99%of all mortgage loans classified as performing at bothMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016. The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company hadnopast due and nonaccrual commercial or agricultural mortgage loans at eitherMarch 31, 2017, orDecember 31, 2016. The recorded investment of past due and nonaccrual residential mortgage loans was$11 millionat bothMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016.

Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.

Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities AFS and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in (loss) AOCI.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	2,846		$	2,464
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	3			1
Total fixed maturity securities	2,849			2,465
Equity securities	50			32
Derivatives	364			393
Short-term investments	—			(42		)
Other	(11		)	58
Subtotal	3,252			2,906
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(594		)	(550		)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(1		)	(1		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(199		)	(188		)
Subtotal	(794		)	(739		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(860		)	(736		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	1,598		$	1,431

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2017
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,431
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	2
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	344
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(44		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(11		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(124		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,598
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	167

Concentrations of Credit Risk

There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholder’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	6,072	$	5,895
Estimated fair value	$	6,781	$	6,555
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	6,925	$	6,642
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	11	$	27
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	6,952	$	6,571

__________________

(1) Included within fixed maturity securities.

(2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.

(3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:

	March 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
Cash collateral liability by loaned security type:
U.S. government and agency	$	2,175	$	1,644	$	2,269	$	6,088	$	2,129	$	1,906	$	1,743	$	5,778
U.S. corporate	—		469		—		469		—		480		—		480
Agency RMBS	—		257		—		257		—		—		274		274
Foreign corporate	—		58		—		58		—		58		—		58
Foreign government	—		53		—		53		—		52		—		52
Total	$	2,175	$	2,481	$	2,269	$	6,925	$	2,129	$	2,496	$	2,017	$	6,642

__________________

(1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at March 31, 2017 was $2.1 billion, all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.

The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, ABS, non-agency RMBS and U.S. and foreign corporate securities) with 57% invested in cash equivalents, agency RMBS, short-term investments, U.S. government and agency securities or held in cash. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for all asset classes at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$	7,746	$	7,642
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (1)	221		721
Invested assets pledged as collateral (2)	3,818		3,548
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	11,785	$	11,911

__________________

(1) The Company has held in trust certain investments, primarily fixed maturity securities, in connection with certain reinsurance transactions.

(2) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).

See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity.

Consolidated VIEs

Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment.

The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
CSEs: (1)
Assets
Mortgage loans (commercial mortgage loans)	$	129	$	136
Accrued investment income	1		1
Total assets	$	130	$	137
Liabilities
Long-term debt	$	20	$	23
Other liabilities	—		1
Total liabilities	$	20	$	24

__________________

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

(1) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $91 million and $95 million at estimated fair value at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Unconsolidated VIEs

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss (1)		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss (1)
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities AFS:
Structured Securities (2)	$	9,923	$	9,923	$	10,789	$	10,789
U.S. and foreign corporate	529		529		505		505
Other limited partnership interests	1,382		2,155		1,491		2,287
Real estate joint ventures	26		27		17		22
Other investments (3)	41		47		61		66
Total	$	11,901	$	12,681	$	12,863	$	13,669

__________________

(1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties. There were no income tax credits and less than $1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee.

(2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity.

(3) Other investments is comprised of other invested assets and non-redeemable preferred stock.

As described in Note 9, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	501	$	515
Equity securities	3		5
Mortgage loans	103		88
Policy loans	12		14
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	12		13
Other limited partnership interests	57		21
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	4		4
Operating joint venture	1		2
Other	6		—
Subtotal	699		662
Less: Investment expenses	40		38
Subtotal, net	659		624
FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans	2		3
Net investment income	$	661	$	627

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.

See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated investment expenses.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry:
U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:
Industrial	$	—		$	(13	)
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities	—			(13		)
RMBS	—			(2		)
OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings	—			(15		)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	(31		)	(33		)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities	(31		)	(48		)
Total gains (losses) on equity securities:
Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector:
Common stock	—			(1		)
OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings	—			(1		)
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	—			4
Total gains (losses) on equity securities	—			3
Mortgage loans	(3		)	(2		)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	2			(1		)
Other limited partnership interests	(10		)	(4		)
Other	(7		)	2
Subtotal	(49		)	(50		)
FVO CSEs:
Commercial mortgage loans	(1		)	1
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans	1			—
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	(1		)	1
Subtotal	(1		)	2
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	(50	)	$	(48	)

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.

See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated net investment gains (losses) related to transfers of invested assets to affiliates.

Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were($7) millionand$3 millionfor thethree monthsendedMarch 31, 2017and 2016, respectively.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Fixed Maturity Securities						Equity Securities
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,753		$	8,838		$	1	$	4
Gross investment gains	$	7		$	33		$	—	$	4
Gross investment losses	(38		)	(66		)	—		—
OTTI losses	—			(15		)	—		(1		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	(31	)	$	(48	)	$	—	$	3

Credit Loss Rollforward

The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	28		$	52
Additions:
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired	—			1
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	(17		)	(2		)
Balance, end of period	$	11		$	51

Related Party Investment Transactions

The Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from affiliates. Invested assets transferred to and from affiliates were as follows:

	Three Months   Ended  March 31,
	2017			2016
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$	292		$	—
Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$	294		$	—
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers	$	(2	)	$	—
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates	$	—		$	237

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

4. Investments (continued)

The Company receives investment administrative services from an affiliate. The related investment administrative service charges were$23 millionand$21 millionfor thethree monthsendedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

In March 2017, the Company sold an operating joint venture with a book value of $89 million to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), an affiliate, for $286 million, which is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables. The Company received the cash from MLIC on April 3, 2017. The operating joint venture was accounted for under the equity method and included in other invested assets. This sale resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $202 million in the first quarter of 2017.

5. Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.

Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.

If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows:

Statement of Operations Presentation:	Derivative:
Policyholder benefits and claims	•	Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits
Net investment income	•	Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures

Hedge Accounting

To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows:

• Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) - in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged.

• Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) - effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses).

The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. 

In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses).

In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).

Embedded Derivatives

The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if:

• the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings;

• the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and

• a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument.

Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.

See Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.

Derivative Strategies

The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors, swaptions and futures.

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives

The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Credit Derivatives

The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

The Company enters into written credit default swaps to synthetically create credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.

Equity Derivatives

The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps.

Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

In an equity total return swap are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives

The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:

		March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
				Assets		Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	$	265	$	40	$	—	$	310	$	41	$	—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	45		7		—		45		7		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,372		154		11		1,386		181		10
Subtotal		1,417		161		11		1,431		188		10
Total qualifying hedges		1,682		201		11		1,741		229		10
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	18,644		962		798		28,175		1,928		1,688
Interest rate floors	Interest rate	2,100		2		1		2,100		5		2
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	8,542		17		—		12,042		25		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	282		1		—		1,288		9		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	15,520		79		—		15,520		136		—
Interest rate total return swaps	Interest rate	3,150		—		503		3,876		—		611
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	845		97		4		1,236		149		4
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	194		2		—		158		9		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	34		—		—		34		—		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,789		30		1		1,891		28		—
Equity futures	Equity market	4,682		7		2		8,037		38		—
Equity index options	Equity market	38,886		970		1,190		37,501		897		934
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	14,894		159		568		14,894		140		517
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	2,260		—		104		2,855		1		117
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		111,822		2,326		3,171		129,607		3,365		3,873
Total		$	113,504	$	2,527	$	3,182	$	131,348	$	3,594	$	3,883

Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to synthetically create credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

Net Derivative Gains (Losses)

The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)	$	(1,136	)	$	775
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	427			(780		)
Total net derivative gains (losses)	$	(709	)	$	(5	)

__________________

(1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.

The following table presents earned income on derivatives:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In millions)
Qualifying hedges:
Net investment income	$	6	$	3
Nonqualifying hedges:
Net derivative gains (losses)	119		97
Policyholder benefits and claims	4		4
Total	$	129	$	104

Nonqualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging

The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:

	Net Derivative Gains (Losses)			Net Investment Income (1)			Policyholder Benefits and Claims (2)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate derivatives	$	(269	)	$	—		$	(1	)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(19		)	—			—
Credit derivatives — written	6			—			—
Equity derivatives	(939		)	—			(184		)
Total	$	(1,221	)	$	—		$	(185	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate derivatives	$	817		$	—		$	19
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			—
Credit derivatives — written	—			—			—
Equity derivatives	(136		)	(3		)	30
Total	$	681		$	(3	)	$	49

__________________

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

(1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures.

(2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.

Fair Value Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging.

The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
		(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps:	Fixed maturity securities	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Policyholder liabilities (1)	(2		)	2			—
Total		$	(2	)	$	2		$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps:	Fixed maturity securities	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—
	Policyholder liabilities (1)	14			(14		)	—
Total		$	12		$	(12	)	$	—

__________________

(1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits.

All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments.

In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). For the three months endedMarch 31, 2017, these amounts were $9 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) related to such discontinued cash flow hedges.

At both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed three years.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $364 million and $393 million, respectively. 

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of stockholder’s equity:

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives			Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
	(Effective Portion)			(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion)
				Net Derivative Gains (Losses)		Net Investment Income		Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
				(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps	$	—		$	—	$	1	$	—
Interest rate forwards	—			—		1		—
Foreign currency swaps	(19		)	8		—		—
Credit forwards	—			—		—		—
Total	$	(19	)	$	8	$	2	$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps	$	26		$	—	$	1	$	—
Interest rate forwards	4			2		1		—
Foreign currency swaps	(13		)	2		—		—
Credit forwards	—			—		—		—
Total	$	17		$	4	$	2	$	—

All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

AtMarch 31, 2017,the Company expects to reclassify $30 millionof deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in AOCI to earnings within the next 12 months.

Credit Derivatives

In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company’s maximum amount at risk, assuming the value of all referenced credit obligations is zero, was$1.8 billionand$1.9 billionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company would have received$29 millionand$28 million, respectively, to terminate all of these contracts.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: 

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A
Single name credit default swaps (3)	$	—	$	35	2.5	$	1	$	45	2.2
Credit default swaps referencing indices	9		433		3.5	8		433		3.7
Subtotal	9		468		3.4	9		478		3.6
Baa
Single name credit default swaps (3)	1		110		1.7	1		180		1.6
Credit default swaps referencing indices	19		1,166		5.3	18		1,213		4.8
Subtotal	20		1,276		5.0	19		1,393		4.4
Ba
Single name credit default swaps (3)	—		45		4.0	—		20		2.7
Credit default swaps referencing indices	—		—		—	—		—		—
Subtotal	—		45		4.0	—		20		2.7
Total	$	29	$	1,789	4.6	$	28	$	1,891	4.2

__________________

(1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”),Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”)and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

(3) Single name credit default swaps may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments, or state and political subdivisions.

Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.

The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives.

The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	(In millions)
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives:
OTC-bilateral (1)	$	2,550		$	3,165		$	3,384		$	2,929
OTC-cleared (1), (6)	36			7			267			905
Exchange-traded	8			2			47			—
Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets	—			—			—			—
Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets:
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2)
OTC-bilateral	(2,159		)	(2,159		)	(2,231		)	(2,231		)
OTC-cleared	(7		)	(7		)	(165		)	(165		)
Exchange-traded	(1		)	(1		)	—			—
Cash collateral: (3), (4)
OTC-bilateral	(189		)	—			(625		)	—
OTC-cleared	(18		)	—			(92		)	(740		)
Exchange-traded	—			—			—			—
Securities collateral: (5)
OTC-bilateral	(194		)	(958		)	(429		)	(698		)
OTC-cleared	—			—			—			—
Exchange-traded	—			(1		)	—			—
Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral	$	26		$	48		$	156		$	—

__________________

(1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $67 million and $104 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals.

(3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet.

(4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company received excess cash collateral of $20 million and $3 million, respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $25 million, respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

(5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but atMarch 31, 2017, noneof the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$178 millionand$135 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$41 millionand$108 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and$291 millionand$630 million, respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and$210 millionand$453 million, respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.

The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC-bilateral derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the amount owed by that counterparty reaches a minimum transfer amount. A small number of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions that include a threshold above which collateral must be posted. Such agreements provide for a reduction of these thresholds (on a sliding scale that converges toward zero) in the event of downgrades in the credit ratings of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, and/or the counterparty. In addition, substantially all of the Company’s netting agreements for derivatives contain provisions that require both the Company and the counterparty to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from each of Moody’s and S&P. If a party’s financial strength or credit ratings, were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, that party would be in violation of these provisions, and the other party to the derivatives could terminate the transactions and demand immediate settlement and payment based on such party’s reasonable valuation of the derivatives.

The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC-bilateral derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The Company’s collateral agreements require both parties to be fully collateralized, as such, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company would not be required to post additional collateral as a result of a downgrade in financial strength rating. OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table.  

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	1,006	$	698
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided
Fixed maturity securities	$	999	$	777
Cash	$	—	$	—
Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon
One-notch downgrade in financial strength rating	$	—	$	—
Downgrade in financial strength rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position	$	—	$	—

__________________

(1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

5. Derivatives (continued)

Embedded Derivatives

The Company issues certain products or purchases certain investments that contain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as freestanding derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; affiliated ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; affiliated assumed reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and certain GMIBs; funds withheld on assumed and ceded reinsurance; fixed annuities with equity-indexed returns; and certain debt and equity securities. 

The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at:

	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
		(In millions)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	226		$	241
Options embedded in debt or equity securities	Investments	(57		)	(49		)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts		$	169		$	192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Policyholder account balances	$	1,868		$	2,261
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Policyholder account balances	821			952
Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance	Other liabilities	312			285
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns	Policyholder account balances	306			192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts		$	3,307		$	3,690

The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2)	$	427		$	(780	)
Policyholder benefits and claims	$	(15	)	$	45

__________________

(1) The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were($50) millionand $144 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

(2) See Note 10 for discussion of affiliated net derivative gains (losses).

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value

Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at:

	March 31, 2017
	Fair Value Hierarchy						Total Estimated Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	17,033	$	1,410	$	18,443
U.S. government and agency	5,403		6,358		—		11,761
RMBS	—		5,455		1,244		6,699
Foreign corporate	—		4,791		842		5,633
State and political subdivision	—		2,910		7		2,917
CMBS	—		2,306		157		2,463
ABS	—		2,050		194		2,244
Foreign government	—		1,083		—		1,083
Total fixed maturity securities	5,403		41,986		3,854		51,243
Equity securities	43		105		142		290
Short-term investments	458		504		1		963
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO	—		129		—		129
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	1		1,107		—		1,108
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		253		—		253
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	7		945		184		1,136
Total derivative assets	8		2,326		193		2,527
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		226		226
Separate account assets (3)	545		102,060		15		102,620
Total assets	$	6,457	$	147,110	$	4,431	$	157,998
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	799	$	503	$	1,302
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		15		—		15
Credit	—		1		—		1
Equity market	2		1,282		580		1,864
Total derivative liabilities	2		2,097		1,083		3,182
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		3,307		3,307
Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO	—		20		—		20
Total liabilities	$	2	$	2,117	$	4,390	$	6,509

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

	December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Hierarchy						Total Estimated Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	17,107	$	1,399	$	18,506
U.S. government and agency	5,279		6,271		—		11,550
RMBS	—		5,524		1,291		6,815
Foreign corporate	—		4,727		828		5,555
State and political subdivision	—		2,897		17		2,914
CMBS	—		2,676		162		2,838
ABS	—		2,350		211		2,561
Foreign government	—		1,046		—		1,046
Total fixed maturity securities	5,279		42,598		3,908		51,785
Equity securities	39		124		137		300
Short-term investments	459		465		2		926
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO	—		136		—		136
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	9		2,142		—		2,151
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		339		—		339
Credit	—		20		8		28
Equity market	38		859		179		1,076
Total derivative assets	47		3,360		187		3,594
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		241		241
Separate account assets (3)	720		99,858		10		100,588
Total assets	$	6,544	$	146,541	$	4,485	$	157,570
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	1,690	$	611	$	2,301
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		14		—		14
Equity market	—		1,038		530		1,568
Total derivative liabilities	—		2,742		1,141		3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		3,690		3,690
Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO	—		23		—		23
Total liabilities	$	—	$	2,765	$	4,831	$	7,596

__________________

(1) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

(2) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($57) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(3) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The description includes the valuation techniques and key inputs for each category of assets or liabilities that are classified within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments

Valuation Controls and Procedures

On behalf of the Company and MetLife, Inc.’s Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, a pricing and valuation committee that is independent of the trading and investing functions and comprised of senior management, provides oversight of control systems and valuation policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives. On a quarterly basis, this committee reviews and approves new transaction types and markets, ensures that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. This committee also provides oversight of the selection of independent third-party pricing providers and the controls and procedures to evaluate third party pricing. Periodically, the Chief Accounting Officer reports to the Audit Committee of MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The Company reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and revises those methodologies when necessary based on changing market conditions. Assurance is gained on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with fair value accounting standards through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Several controls are utilized, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the Company’s knowledge of the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. While independent non-binding broker quotations are utilized, they are not used for a significant portion of the portfolio. For example, fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 9% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2017.

The Company also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained, or an internally developed valuation is prepared. Internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences in the estimated fair values for the majority of the portfolio; accordingly, overrides were not material. This is, in part, because internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks are generally based on available market evidence and estimates used by other market participants. In the absence of such market-based evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO

When available, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment.

When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.

The estimated fair value of long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities.

The valuation of most instruments listed below is determined using independent pricing sources, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow methodologies or other similar techniques that use either observable market inputs or unobservable inputs.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Instrument		Level 2 Observable Inputs		Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
Fixed Maturity Securities
U.S. corporate and Foreign corporate securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	illiquidity premium
	•	benchmark yields; spreads off benchmark yields; new issuances; issuer rating		•	delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
	•	trades of identical or comparable securities; duration		•	credit spreads
	•	Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs:		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
		•	market yield curve; call provisions
		•	observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer	•	independent non-binding broker quotations
		•	delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
U.S. government and agency, State and political subdivision and Foreign government securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	independent non-binding broker quotations
	•	benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
	•	the spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security
	•	issuer ratings and issuer spreads; broker-dealer quotes		•	credit spreads
	•	comparable securities that are actively traded
Structured Securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	credit spreads
	•	spreads for actively traded securities; spreads off benchmark yields		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
	•	expected prepayment speeds and volumes
	•	current and forecasted loss severity; ratings; geographic region		•	independent non-binding broker quotations
	•	weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity
	•	average delinquency rates; debt-service coverage ratios
	•	issuance-specific information, including, but not limited to:
		•	collateral type; structure of the security; vintage of the loans
		•	payment terms of the underlying assets
		•	payment priority within the tranche; deal performance

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Instrument	Level 2 Observable Inputs		Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
Equity Securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.		Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.
	Key Input:		Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not considered active	•	credit ratings; issuance structures
			•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
			•	independent non-binding broker quotations
Short-term investments
	•	Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.	•	Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and unobservable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.		•	N/A
	Key Input:
	•	quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs
Separate Account Assets (1)
Mutual funds without readily determinable fair values as prices are not published publicly
	Key Input:		•	N/A
	•	quoted prices or reported net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the fund managers
Other limited partnership interests
	•	N/A	Valued giving consideration to the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate.
			Key Inputs:
			•	liquidity; bid/ask spreads; performance record of the fund manager
			•	other relevant variables that may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest

__________________

(1) Estimated fair value equals carrying value, based on the value of the underlying assets, including: mutual fund interests, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are similar in nature to the instruments described under “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO” and “— Derivatives — Freestanding Derivatives.”

Derivatives

The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives, or through the use of pricing models for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. The valuation controls and procedures for derivatives are described in “— Investments — Valuation Controls and Procedures.”

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

Freestanding Derivatives

Level 2 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

This level includes all types of derivatives utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivatives with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3.

Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Freestanding derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. Key inputs are as follows:

Instrument		Interest Rate		Foreign Currency Exchange Rate		Credit		Equity Market
Inputs common to Level 2 and Level 3 by instrument type	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves
	•	basis curves	•	basis curves	•	credit curves	•	spot equity index levels
	•	interest rate volatility (1)	•	currency spot rates	•	recovery rates	•	dividend yield curves
			•	cross currency basis curves			•	equity volatility (1)
Level 3	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	N/A	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	dividend yield curves (2)
	•	basis curves (2)			•	credit curves (2)	•	equity volatility (1), (2)
	•	repurchase rates			•	credit spreads	•	correlation between model inputs (1)
					•	repurchase rates
					•	independent non-binding broker quotations

______________

(1) Option-based only.

(2) Extrapolation beyond the observable limits of the curve(s).

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Embedded Derivatives

Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates.

Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.

The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to MetLife, Inc.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.

The Company assumed from an affiliated insurance company the risk associated with certain GMIBs. These embedded derivatives are included in policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these assumed risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company.

The Company ceded to an affiliate the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above that are also accounted for as embedded derivatives. In addition to ceding risks associated with guarantees that are accounted for as embedded derivatives, the Company also cedes, to an affiliated company, certain directly written GMIBs that are accounted for as insurance (i.e., not as embedded derivatives), but where the reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Investments — Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.

The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.

Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts

Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curves, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curves and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin.

Reinsurance ceded on certain guaranteed minimum benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those described above in “— Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits” and also include counterparty credit spreads.

Transfers between Levels

Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:

For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at March 31, 2017, there were no transfers between Level 1 and 2. For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at December 31, 2016, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Transfers into or out of Level 3:

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:

					March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2)
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Weighted Average (1)	Range			Weighted Average (1)
Fixed maturity securities (3)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate	•	Matrix pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	18	-	144	105	18	-	138	104	Increase
	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	13	-	627	113	13	-	700	99	Increase
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	86	-	86	86	68	-	109	86	Increase
RMBS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	39	-	110	92	38	-	111	91	Increase (5)
ABS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	94	-	106	101	94	-	106	100	Increase (5)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	99	-	101	99	98	-	100	99	Increase (5)
Derivatives
Interest rate	•	Present value techniques	•	Repurchase rates (7)	(14)	-	15		(44)	-	18		Decrease (6)
Credit	•	Present value techniques	•	Credit spreads (8)	97	-	98		97	-	98		Decrease (8)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (9)
Equity market	•	Present value techniques or option pricing models	•	Volatility (10)	9%	-	33%		14%	-	32%		Increase (6)
			•	Correlation (11)	70%	-	70%		40%	-	40%
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates:
				Ages 0 - 40	0%	-	0.09%		0%	-	0.09%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 41 - 60	0.04%	-	0.65%		0.04%	-	0.65%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 61 - 115	0.26%	-	100%		0.26%	-	100%		Decrease (12)
			•	Lapse rates:
				Durations 1 - 10	0.25%	-	100%		0.25%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 11 - 20	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 21 - 116	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
			•	Utilization rates	0%	-	25%		0%	-	25%		Increase (14)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10%		0.25%	-	10%		(15)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	17.40%	-	25%		17.40%	-	25%		Increase (16)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.04%	-	0.55%		0.04%	-	0.57%		Decrease (17)

___________________

(1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities.

(2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions.

(3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

(4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.

(5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates.

(6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions.

(7) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points.

(8) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps.

(9) At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of 1% and 3%, respectively, of the total net derivative estimated fair value.

(10) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.

(11) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations.

(12) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(13) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(14) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(15) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.

(16) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(17) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 that are not included in the preceding table. Generally, all other classes of securities classified within Level 3, including those within separate account assets, use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for Level 3 securities. This includes matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other assets and liabilities is similar in nature to that described in the preceding table. The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for the more significant assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis and determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are summarized in “— Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements.”

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			U.S. Government and Agency		Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,227		$	—	$	1,664		$	17		$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(3		)	—		3			—			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	112			—		15			—			—
Purchases (7)	102			—		51			—			—
Sales (7)	(47		)	—		(105		)	—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	—			—		11			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(139		)	—		(44		)	(10		)	—
Balance, end of period	$	2,252		$	—	$	1,595		$	7		$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,142		$	—	$	1,838		$	13		$	26
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(11		)	—		5			—			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	90			1		(12		)	—			—
Purchases (7)	32			—		100			—			—
Sales (7)	(60		)	—		(100		)	—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	95			19		38			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(153		)	—		(234		)	(5		)	(26		)
Balance, end of period	$	2,135		$	20	$	1,635		$	8		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2017 (9)	$	2		$	—	$	4		$	—		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2016 (9)	$	(9	)	$	—	$	5		$	—		$	—

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	137		$	2		$	(954	)	$	(3,449	)	$	10
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			(10		)	420			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	2			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	3			1			—			—			—
Sales (7)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			74			(52		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	—			—			—			—			5
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	142		$	1		$	(890	)	$	(3,081	)	$	15
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	97		$	47		$	(232	)	$	(1,047	)	$	146
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			(17		)	(735		)	(1		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(2		)	—			4			—			—
Purchases (7)	—			50			3			—			2
Sales (7)	—			(47		)	—			—			(4		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			(1		)	—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			(124		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	129			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(53		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	171		$	50		$	(243	)	$	(1,906	)	$	143
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2017 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	(12	)	$	432		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2016 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	(17	)	$	(736	)	$	—

__________________

(1) Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.

(2) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(3) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(4) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5) Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivatives gains (losses).

(6) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

(7) Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.

(8) Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Fair Value Option

The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value.

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Assets (1)
Unpaid principal balance	$	81	$	88
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	48		48
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	129	$	136
Liabilities (1)
Contractual principal balance	$	19	$	22
Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance	1		1
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	20	$	23

__________________

(1) These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions and those short-term investments that are not securities, such as time deposits, and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:

	March 31, 2017
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	9,269	$	—	$	—	$	9,463	$	9,463
Policy loans	$	1,090	$	—	$	747	$	429	$	1,176
Real estate joint ventures	$	5	$	—	$	—	$	34	$	34
Other limited partnership interests	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	41	$	41
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	2,027	$	—	$	23	$	2,843	$	2,866
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	14,688	$	—	$	—	$	15,822	$	15,822
Long-term debt	$	781	$	—	$	1,080	$	—	$	1,080
Other liabilities	$	480	$	—	$	113	$	386	$	499
Separate account liabilities	$	1,151	$	—	$	1,151	$	—	$	1,151

	December 31, 2016
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	8,748	$	—	$	—	$	8,893	$	8,893
Policy loans	$	1,093	$	—	$	746	$	431	$	1,177
Real estate joint ventures	$	12	$	—	$	—	$	44	$	44
Other limited partnership interests	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	42	$	42
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	2,831	$	—	$	832	$	2,843	$	3,675
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	14,829	$	—	$	—	$	15,975	$	15,975
Long-term debt	$	781	$	—	$	1,060	$	—	$	1,060
Other liabilities	$	194	$	—	$	27	$	167	$	194
Separate account liabilities	$	1,110	$	—	$	1,110	$	—	$	1,110

The methods, assumptions and significant valuation techniques and inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:

Mortgage Loans

The estimated fair value of mortgage loans is primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk, or is determined from pricing for similar loans.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Policy Loans

Policy loans with fixed interest rates are classified within Level 3. The estimated fair values for these loans are determined using a discounted cash flow model applied to groups of similar policy loans determined by the nature of the underlying insurance liabilities. Cash flow estimates are developed by applying a weighted-average interest rate to the outstanding principal balance of the respective group of policy loans and an estimated average maturity determined through experience studies of the past performance of policyholder repayment behavior for similar loans. These cash flows are discounted using current risk-free interest rates with no adjustment for borrower credit risk, as these loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Policy loans with variable interest rates are classified within Level 2 and the estimated fair value approximates carrying value due to the absence of borrower credit risk and the short time period between interest rate resets, which presents minimal risk of a material change in estimated fair value due to changes in market interest rates.

Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests

The estimated fair values of these cost method investments are generally based on the Company’s share of the NAV as provided on the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments. 

Premiums, Reinsurance and Other Receivables

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables are principally comprised of certain amounts recoverable under reinsurance agreements, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivatives and amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled.

Amounts recoverable under ceded reinsurance agreements, which the Company has determined do not transfer significant risk such that they are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting, have been classified as Level 3. The valuation is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using interest rates determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.

The amounts on deposit for derivative settlements, classified within Level 2, essentially represent the equivalent of demand deposit balances and amounts due for securities sold are generally received over short periods such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value.

Policyholder Account Balances

These policyholder account balances include investment contracts which primarily include certain funding agreements, fixed deferred annuities, modified guaranteed annuities, fixed term payout annuities and total control accounts. The valuation of these investment contracts is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using current market risk-free interest rates adding a spread to reflect the nonperformance risk in the liability.

Long-term Debt

The estimated fair value of long-term debt is principally determined using market standard valuation methodologies. Valuations of instruments are based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active or using matrix pricing that use standard market observable inputs such as quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. Instruments valued using discounted cash flow methodologies use standard market observable inputs including market yield curve, duration, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consist primarily of interest payable, amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled, funds withheld amounts payable, which are contractually withheld by the Company in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements, and deposits payable. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which are not materially different from the carrying values. 

Separate Account Liabilities

Separate account liabilities represent those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

6. Fair Value (continued)

Separate account liabilities classified as investment contracts primarily represent variable annuities with no significant mortality risk to the Company such that the death benefit is equal to the account balance and certain contracts that provide for benefit funding.

Since separate account liabilities are fully funded by cash flows from the separate account assets which are recognized at estimated fair value as described in the section “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements,” the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities. The valuation techniques and inputs for separate account liabilities are similar to those described for separate account assets.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

7. Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2017
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,176		$	255		$	(29	)	$	1,402
OCI before reclassifications	236			(19		)	(7		)	210
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(100		)	7			2			(91		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,312			243			(34		)	1,521
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	84			(10		)	—			74
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(34		)	3			—			(31		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	50			(7		)	—			43
Balance, end of period	$	1,362		$	236		$	(34	)	$	1,564

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2016
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,415		$	239		$	(26	)	$	1,628
OCI before reclassifications	1,413			17			(4		)	1,426
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(488		)	(6		)	—			(494		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	2,340			250			(30		)	2,560
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	49			(6		)	—			43
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(17		)	2			—			(15		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	32			(4		)	—			28
Balance, end of period	$	2,372		$	246		$	(30	)	$	2,588

__________________

(1) See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

7. Equity (continued)

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:

AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI						Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	(42	)	$	(46	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	1			(3		)	Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	(43		)	—			Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	(84		)	(49		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	34			17
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	(50		)	(32		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	1			1			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			2			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	1			1			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	8			2			Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	10			6
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	(2		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	7			4
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	(43	)	$	(28	)

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

8. Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	52		$	122
Commissions	170			163
Volume-related costs	30			31
Affiliated expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance	4			63
Capitalization of DAC	(61		)	(93		)
Interest expense on debt	18			17
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	12			16
Professional services	34			5
Rent and related expenses	3			14
Other	103			108
Total other expenses	$	365		$	446

Affiliated Expenses

Commissions and capitalization of DAC include the impact of affiliated reinsurance transactions. See Note10 for a discussion of affiliated expenses included in the table above.

9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees

Contingencies

Litigation

The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. 

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated at March 31, 2017.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made

For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters was not material for the Company.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)

Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made

For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.

Sales Practices Claims

Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.

Summary

Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Commitments

Mortgage Loan Commitments

The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $293 million and $335 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments

The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Other Commitments

The Company has entered into collateral arrangements with affiliates which require the transfer of collateral in connection with secured demand notes. As of March 31, 2017, these arrangements had expired and the Company is no longer transferring collateral to custody accounts. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had agreed to fund up to $20 million of cash upon the request by these affiliates and had transferred collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $25 million, to custody accounts to secure the demand notes. Each of these affiliates was permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)

Guarantees

In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from less than $1 million to $217 million, with a cumulative maximum of $223 million, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments.

In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future.

The Company’s recorded liabilities were $2 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

10. Related Party Transactions

The Company has various existing relationships with MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities.

Non-Broker-Dealer Transactions

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Income						Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	(167	)	$	(477	)	$	8	$	61

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	9,341	$	9,010	$	8,972	$	9,518

The material arrangements between the Company and MetLife are as follows:

Reinsurance Agreements

The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by affiliated companies. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.

The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain of MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries, including MLIC, MetLife Reinsurance company of South Carolina, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY(“Brighthouse NY”), General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Europe d.a.c., MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”), MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“MRD”), Delaware American Life Insurance Company and American Life Insurance Company, all of which are related parties.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	3		$	45
Reinsurance ceded	(215		)	(227		)
Net premiums	$	(212	)	$	(182	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	27		$	29
Reinsurance ceded	(75		)	(107		)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	(48	)	$	(78	)
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	—		$	—
Reinsurance ceded	31			51
Net other revenues	$	31		$	51
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	32		$	44
Reinsurance ceded	(238		)	(237		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	(206	)	$	(193	)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
Reinsurance assumed	$	18		$	19
Reinsurance ceded	(36		)	(36		)
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	$	(18	)	$	(17	)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
Reinsurance assumed	$	(3	)	$	4
Reinsurance ceded	$	28		$	(42	)
Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	$	25		$	(38	)
Other expenses
Reinsurance assumed	$	5		$	27
Reinsurance ceded	2			42
Net other expenses	$	7		$	69

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Assumed			Ceded			Assumed		Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	55		$	9,791		$	23	$	9,661
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	65			(841		)	71		(803		)
Total assets	$	120		$	8,950		$	94	$	8,858
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	189		$	(106	)	$	213	$	(117	)
Policyholder account balances	821			—			952		—
Other policy-related balances	1,694			666			1,677		680
Other liabilities	(390		)	5,360			10		5,344
Total liabilities	$	2,314		$	5,920		$	2,852	$	5,907

The Company assumes risks from affiliates related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the affiliates. These assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in their estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $821 million and $952 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $57 million and ($136) million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company ceded two blocks of business to two affiliates on a90%coinsurance with funds withheld basis. Certain contractual features of these agreements qualify as embedded derivatives, which are separately accounted for at estimated fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The embedded derivatives related to the funds withheld associated with these reinsurance agreements are included within other liabilities and increased the funds withheld balance by$312 millionand$285 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with these embedded derivatives were($27) millionand ($166) millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

The Company ceded risks to an affiliate related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company. This ceded reinsurance agreement contains embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivative associated with this cession is included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $3 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivative were less than ($1) million and $1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment agreement whereby it will replace MLIC as the reinsurer of certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse NY and NELICO. This novation and assignment resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $34 million, an increase in future policy benefits of $79 million, an increase in policyholder account balances of $387 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $427 million. The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction.

In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million, a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million, and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million. The Company recognized a loss of $2 million, net of income tax, as a result of this transaction.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

In December 2015, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede one block of business to MRD on a 90% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term life policies issued in 2015 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were $93 million and $83 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were $44 million and $34 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement of $1 million and an income of $42 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In December 2014, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede two blocks of business to MRD on a90%coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term and certain universal life policies issued in 2014 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were$139 millionand$136 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were$93 millionand$83 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement ofless than$1 million and $52 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

Financing Arrangements

The Company has financing arrangements with MetLife that are used to support reinsurance obligations arising under affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for affiliated debt of $16 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Investment Transactions

The Company has extended loans to certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from MetLife affiliates. See Note 4 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions.

Shared Services and Overhead Allocations

MetLife provides the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, executive oversight, treasury, finance, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting, information technology, distribution services and investor relations. The Company is charged for these services based on direct and indirect costs. When specific identification is not practicable, an allocation methodology is used, primarily based on sales, in-force liabilities, or headcount. For certain agreements, charges are based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Expenses incurred with MetLife related to these arrangements, recorded in other operating expenses, were $184 million and $233 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Broker-Dealer Transactions

The Company accrues related party revenues and expenses arising from transactions with MetLife’s broker-dealers whereby the MetLife broker-dealers sell the Company’s variable annuity and life products. The affiliated revenue for the Company is fee income from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. The affiliated expense for the Company is commissions collected on the sale of variable products by the Company and passed through to the broker-dealer.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company

(An Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (continued)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related broker-dealers for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	Fee Income				Commission Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	51	$	49	$	120	$	154

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with affiliated broker-dealers as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes		Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	4	$	—	$	18	$	20

11. Subsequent Events

Effective April 2017, following receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, MetLife contributed certain affiliated reinsurance companies and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. The affiliated reinsurance companies were then merged into Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware, a licensed reinsurance subsidiary of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. The affiliated reinsurance companies’ reinsured risks, including level premium term life and ULSG assumed from the Company and other entities and operations of Brighthouse. Simultaneously with the restructuring, the existing reserve financing arrangements of the affiliated reinsurance companies with unaffiliated financial institutions were terminated and replaced with a single financing arrangement supported by a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers. The aggregate carrying amount of the contributed companies’ assets in excess of their liabilities was approximately $7.0 billion as of March 31, 2017.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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

	Page
Forward-Looking Statements and Other Financial Information	71
Business	72
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates	75
Results of Operations	76
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements	82
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements	82
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures	82
Subsequent Events	84

Forward-Looking Statements and Other Financial Information

For purposes of this discussion, “Brighthouse Insurance,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (formerly, MetLife Insurance Company USA), a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). Management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations is presented pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q. This narrative analysis should be read in conjunction with Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), the cautionary language regarding forward-looking statements included below, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A, and the additional risk factors referred to therein, and the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

This narrative analysis may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, statements regarding the planned Separation from MetLife and the distribution of common stock of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse”), prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results. Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

This narrative analysis includes references to our performance measure, operating earnings, that is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This measure is used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is also our GAAP measure of segment performance. Operating earnings allows analysis of our performance and facilitates comparisons to industry results. See “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for a definition and discussion of this and other financial measures, and “— Results of Operations” for reconciliations of historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Operating Earnings

In this narrative analysis, in addition to providing net income (loss), we also present operating earnings, a measure of performance that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe this non-GAAP measure enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business. Operating earnings allows analysis of our performance and facilitates comparisons to industry results. The financial information that follows is presented in conformity with GAAP, unless otherwise indicated. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for a discussion of GAAP.

Operating earnings is used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is also our GAAP measure of segment performance. Accordingly, we report operating earnings by segment in Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). See “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for the definition and components of operating earnings.

We allocate capital to our segments based on an internal capital model, which is a model that reflects the capital required to represent the measurement of the risk profile of the business. We also allocate capital to our segments to meet our long-term promises to clients, to service long-term obligations and to support our credit ratings. Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact our consolidated net investment income or net income (loss). See Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the internal capital model and segment accounting policies including the calculation of segment net investment income.

Business

Overview

The Company offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products. The Company is organized into three segments: Annuities, Life and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. See “— Other Key Information — Segment Information” and Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s segments and Corporate & Other. See also “— Other Key Information — Significant Events” for information on the Separation. Management continues to evaluate the Company’s segment performance and allocated resources and may adjust related measurements in the future to better reflect segment profitability.

Other Key Information

Segment Information

As previously announced, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company reorganized its businesses in anticipation of the planned Separation. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company moved the universal life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) business from the Life segment to the Run-off segment (“ULSG Re-segmentation”). These changes were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated net income (loss) or operating earnings in the prior periods.” See Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s segments.

Significant Events

On January 12, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced its plan to pursue the separation of a substantial portion of its former Retail segment. Additionally, on July 21, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced that the separated business would be rebranded as “Brighthouse Financial.”

On October 5, 2016, Brighthouse, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc., filed a registration statement on Form 10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and on December 6, 2016 and April 18, 2017, Brighthouse filed amendments to its registration statement on Form 10 with the SEC (as amended, the “Form 10”). The information statement filed as an exhibit to the Form 10 disclosed that MetLife, Inc. intends to undertake several actions, including an internal reorganization involving its U.S. retail business (the “Restructuring”) and include Brighthouse Insurance, New England Life Insurance Company, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY ((“Brighthouse NY”), formerly known as First MetLife Investors Insurance Company), Brighthouse Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly known as MetLife Advisers, LLC) and certain affiliated reinsurance companies in the planned separated business and distribute at least 80.1% of the shares of Brighthouse’s common stock on a pro rata basis to the holders of MetLife, Inc. common stock. In connection with the planned Separation, effective April 2017, following receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, MetLife, Inc. contributed certain affiliated reinsurance companies and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY to the Brighthouse Insurance. The affiliated reinsurance companies were then merged into Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware, a licensed reinsurance subsidiary of Brighthouse Insurance. See Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. The ultimate form and timing of the Separation will be influenced by a number of factors, including, regulatory considerations and economic conditions. MetLife continues to evaluate and pursue structural alternatives for the planned Separation. The Distribution remains subject to certain conditions including, among others, obtaining final approval from the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors, receipt of a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and an opinion from MetLife’s tax advisor regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters, insurance and other regulatory approvals, and an SEC declaration of the effectiveness of the Form 10. In connection with the planned Separation, MetLife, Inc. has agreed to forgive the $750 million principal amount of 8.595% surplus notes issued in 2008 by Brighthouse Insurance to a MetLife affiliate after MetLife, Inc. becomes owner of such surplus notes. Effective March 6, 2017, and in connection with the planned Separation, the Company changed its name from MetLife Insurance Company USA to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.

In July 2016, MetLife, Inc. completed the sale to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”) of MetLife’s U.S. retail advisor force and certain assets associated with the MetLife Premier Client Group, including all of the issued and outstanding shares of MetLife’s affiliated broker-dealer, MetLife Securities, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (the “U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture”). MassMutual assumed all of the liabilities related to such assets that arise or occur at or after the closing of the sale. As part of the transactions, MetLife, Inc. and MassMutual entered into a product development agreement under which MetLife’s U.S. retail business will be the exclusive developer of certain annuity products to be issued by MassMutual. In the MassMutual purchase agreement, MetLife, Inc. agreed to indemnify MassMutual for certain claims, liabilities and breaches of representations and warranties up to limits described in the purchase agreement.

On December 18, 2014, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”) designated MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank systemically important financial institution (“non-bank SIFI”) subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (collectively with the Federal Reserve Board, the “Federal Reserve”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), as well as to enhanced supervision and prudential standards. On March 30, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (the “D.C. District Court”) ordered that the designation of MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank SIFI by the FSOC be rescinded. On April 8, 2016, the FSOC appealed the D.C. District Court’s order to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and oral argument was heard on October 24, 2016. In a Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury dated April 21, 2017, President Trump directed the Secretary of the Treasury to review the FSOC SIFI designation process for transparency, due process and other factors, and, pending the completion of the review and submission of the Secretary’s recommendations, to refrain from voting for any non-emergency designations. The Secretary’s review and report are due by October 18, 2017. On April 24, 2017, MetLife requested that the Court issue an order holding the appeal in abeyance pending the upcoming determination of the Secretary of the Treasury, and on May 4, 2017, while the FSOC did not take a position on MetLife’s motion, it requested that the Court refrain from action for 60 days to allow for additional deliberation among FSOC members. If the FSOC prevails on appeal or designates MetLife, Inc. as systemically important as part of its ongoing review of non-bank financial companies, MetLife, Inc. could once again be subject to regulation as a non-bank SIFI. See “Business — Regulation — Potential Regulation as a Non-Bank SIFI: Enhanced Prudential Standards and Other Regulatory Requirements Under Dodd-Frank” included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Regulatory Developments

We are domiciled in Delaware and regulated by the Delaware Department of Insurance. We are primarily regulated at the state level, with some products and services also subject to federal regulation. In addition, we are subject to regulation under the insurance holding company laws of Delaware. Furthermore, some of our operations, products and services are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), consumer protection laws, securities, broker-dealer and investment advisor regulations, and environmental and unclaimed property laws and regulations. If our ultimate parent, MetLife, Inc., were re-designated as a non-bank SIFI, it would also be subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. If Brighthouse were designated a non-bank SIFI following the Distribution, it would also be subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. See “Risk Factors — Regulatory and Legal Risks —Federal — Insurance regulation,” “Business — Regulation,” as well as “Risk Factors — Regulatory and Legal Risks — Our business is highly regulated, and changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies may materially impact our capitalization or cash flows, reduce our profitability and limit our growth” included in the 2016 Annual Report, as amended or in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under this “Regulatory Developments” caption and “Risk Factors — Regulatory and Legal Risks.”

Department of Labor and ERISA Considerations

We manufacture life insurance products for third parties to sell to tax-qualified pension and retirement plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) to individuals that are subject to ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). While we currently believe manufacturers do not have as much exposure to ERISA and the Code as distributors, certain activities are subject to the restrictions imposed by ERISA and the Code, including the requirement under ERISA that fiduciaries must perform their duties solely in the interests of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries, and those fiduciaries may not cause a covered plan to engage in certain prohibited transactions. The applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code are subject to enforcement by the Department of Labor (“DOL”), the IRS and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”).

The prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and the Code generally restrict the provision of investment advice to ERISA plans and participants and IRAs if the investment recommendation results in fees paid to an individual advisor, the firm that employs the advisor or their affiliates that vary according to the investment recommendation chosen.

The DOL issued new regulations on April 6, 2016 with an original applicable date for most provisions of April 10, 2017, although on April 4, 2017, the DOL released its final rule delaying the original applicable date for 60 days until June 9, 2017. These rules, if and when they become applicable, would substantially expand the definition of “investment advice” and thereby broaden the circumstances under which distributors and even manufacturer can be considered fiduciaries under ERISA or the Code. Pursuant to the final rule, certain communications with plans, plan participants and IRA holders, including the marketing of products, and marketing of investment management or advisory services, could be deemed fiduciary investment advice, thus, causing increased exposure to fiduciary liability if the distributor does not recommend what is in the client’s best interests. The DOL also issued amendments to certain of its prohibited transaction exemptions, and issued a new exemption, that apply more onerous disclosure and contract requirements to, and increase fiduciary requirements and fiduciary liability exposure in respect of, transactions involving ERISA plans, plan participants and IRAs. Contracts entered into prior to the applicability date of the new regulations are generally “grandfathered” and, as such, are not subject to the requirements of the rule and related exemptions. To retain “grandfathered” status, no investment recommendations may be made after the applicability date of the new regulations with respect to such annuity products that were sold to ERISA plans or IRAs.

We will not be engaging in direct distribution of retail products, including IRA products and retail annuities sold into ERISA plans and IRAs, and therefore we anticipate that we will have limited exposure to the new DOL regulations, as the application of the vast majority of the provisions of the new DOL regulations targeted at such retail products will be reduced. Specifically, the most onerous of the requirements under the DOL Fiduciary Rule relate to the Best Interest Contract Exemption (“BIC”). The DOL guidance makes clear that distributors, not manufacturers, are primarily responsible for BIC compliance. However, we will be asked by our distributors, to assist them with preparing the voluminous disclosures required under BIC. Furthermore, if we want to retain the “grandfathered” status described above of current contracts, we will be limited in the interactions we can have directly with customers and the information that can be provided. We also anticipate that we will need to undertake certain additional tasks in order to comply with certain of the exemptions provided in the DOL regulations, including additional compliance reviews of material shared with distributors, wholesaler and call center training and product reporting and analysis. See “Risk Factors — Regulatory and Legal Risks — Our business is highly regulated, and changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies may materially impact our capitalization or cash flows, reduce our profitability and limit our growth” included in the 2016 Annual Report.

On February 3, 2017, the Trump administration issued an executive order and memorandum directing the DOL to reexamine the Fiduciary Rule and prepare an updated economic and legal analysis concerning its likely impact. On April 4, 2017, the DOL released its final rule delaying the original applicable date for 60 days from April 10, 2017 until June 9, 2017 to provide the DOL with additional time to consider possible changes to the Fiduciary Rule and related exemptions. The applicable date for the Fiduciary Rule and related exemptions could be further extended to provide the DOL with additional time to consider possible changes to the Fiduciary Rule and related exemptions, in connection with the preparation by the DOL of an updated economic and legal analysis concerning the likely impact of the Fiduciary Rule, as directed by President Trump in a memorandum to the DOL on February 3, 2017. On April 4, 2017, the DOL issued a news release regarding the delay stating that, as of June 9, 2017, the definition of fiduciary under the final regulations and the impartial conduct or “best interest” standard must be met for all retail sales of life and annuity products. The DOL also indicated that the BIC contract and the point of sale disclosures required under prohibited transaction exemption 84-24 would be delayed until January 1, 2018. Application of these standards on June 9, 2017 is likely to create further confusion among our distribution partners that could negatively impact product sales. The change of administration and DOL officials leaves uncertainty over whether the regulations will be substantially modified or repealed. We cannot predict what other proposals may be made, what legislation may be introduced or enacted, or what impact any such legislation may have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Potential Regulation of MetLife, Inc. as a Non-Bank SIFI

See “Overview — Other Key Information — Significant Events” above for recent developments concerning FSOC’s appeal of the D.C. District Court’s order that the designation of MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank SIFI by the FSOC be rescinded.

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The most critical estimates include those used in determining:

(i) liabilities for future policy benefits;

(ii) accounting for reinsurance;

(iii) capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the establishment and amortization of value of business acquired (“VOBA”);

(iv) estimated fair values of investments in the absence of quoted market values;

(v) investment impairments;

(vi) estimated fair values of freestanding derivatives and the recognition and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;

(vii) measurement of goodwill and related impairment;

(viii) measurement of income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets; and

(ix) liabilities for litigation and regulatory matters.

In applying our accounting policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to our business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The above critical accounting estimates are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Business Overview.While sales of our index-linked annuities increased, overall annuity sales declined 35% primarily due to the suspension of sales by a major distributor and discontinuance of sales of guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) riders on our variable annuity products, both of which occurred in 2016. Life sales declined 54% primarily due to the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture and our discontinuance of new sales of whole life and certain term life products in the current period. Additionally, we ceased sales of all remaining ULSG products in the current period.

A significant portion of our net income is driven by separate account balances, particularly in our variable annuity business. Most directly, these balances determine asset-based fee income but also impact DAC amortization and asset-based commissions. Separate account balances are driven by sales, movements in the market, surrenders, withdrawals, benefit payments, transfers and policy charges. Average separate account balances increased in the current period, compared to the prior period, due to favorable equity market performance which more than offset the impact of continued negative net flows. We have experienced positive net flows in the general account in both periods.

	Three Months   Ended  March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Revenues
Premiums	$	111		$	309
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	698			644
Net investment income	661			627
Other revenues	91			109
Net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709		)	(5		)
Total revenues	802			1,636
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	715			581
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	224			238
Goodwill impairment	—			—
Capitalization of DAC	(61		)	(93		)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(91		)	179
Interest expense on debt	18			17
Other expenses	408			522
Total expenses	1,213			1,444
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	(411		)	192
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(175		)	31
Net income (loss)	$	(236	)	$	161

The table below shows the components of net income (loss), in addition to operating earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Three Months   Ended  March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
GMLB Riders	$	(398	)	$	75
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(7		)	(12		)
Other derivative instruments	(292		)	(130		)
Net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Other adjustments	(8		)	(34		)
Operating earnings before provision for income tax	344			341
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	(411		)	192
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(175		)	31
Net income (loss)	$	(236	)	$	161

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

Overview. Income (loss) before provision for income tax decreased $603 million ($397 million, net of income tax) compared to the prior period. This decrease was primarily due to unfavorable changes in GMLB Riders and other freestanding derivatives. Operating earnings were essentially unchanged compared to the prior period.

GMLB Riders. Results from GMLB Riders reflect (i) changes in the carrying value of guaranteed minimum living benefits (“GMLB”) liabilities, including GMIBs, guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits; (ii) changes in the fair value of the hedges and reinsurance of the GMLB liabilities; (iii) the fees earned from the GMLB liabilities; and (iv) the related DAC offsets to each of the preceding components (collectively, the “GMLB Riders”).

GMLB Riders decreased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $473 million ($307 million, net of income tax). This decrease was primarily due to unfavorable impacts on hedges and reinsurance, partially offset by favorable impacts on the liabilities, both due to changes in interest rates and equity markets.

Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Lower DAC and VOBA amortization, excluding the amounts in GMLB Riders and operating earnings, increased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $5 million ($3 million, net of income tax), primarily due to lower profits resulting from net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) related to life and annuity products.

Other Derivative Instruments. We have other derivative instruments, in addition to the hedges and embedded derivatives included in GMLB Riders, for which changes in fair value are recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The change in fair value of other derivative instruments decreased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $162 million ($105 million, net of income tax).

Freestanding Derivatives. We have freestanding derivatives that economically hedge certain invested assets and insurance liabilities. The majority of this hedging activity is focused in the following areas:

• use of interest rate swaps when we have duration mismatches where suitable assets with maturities similar to those of our long-dated liabilities are not readily available in the market; and

• use of foreign currency swaps when we hold fixed maturity securities denominated in foreign currencies that are matching insurance liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars.

In 2016, in connection with the planned Separation, we entered into additional interest rate swaps in order to protect the statutory capital of the company against further declines in interest rates.

The market impacts on the hedges are accounted for in net income (loss) while the offsetting economic impact on the items they are hedging are either not recognized or recognized through other comprehensive income in equity.

Changes in the fair value of freestanding derivatives decreased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $161 million ($105 million, net of income tax), primarily due to unfavorable changes in our receive-fixed interest rate swaps and swaptions as well as our foreign currency swaps. The change in interest rate derivatives was driven by long-term interest rates increasing in the current period, compared to decreasing in the prior period. The change in foreign currency swaps was primarily driven by the U.S. dollar weakening against key foreign currencies more in the current period than in the prior period.

Embedded Derivatives. Ceded reinsurance agreements covering certain life products are written on a coinsurance with funds withheld basis. The funds withheld component is accounted for as an embedded derivative, reflecting the change in fair value of the underlying asset portfolio, with these changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss) in the period in which they occur. In addition, the changes in liability values of our index-linked annuity contracts that result from changes in the underlying equity indices are accounted for as embedded derivatives. The impact to income (loss) before provision for income tax from embedded derivatives was essentially unchanged as an unfavorable change of $116 million ($75 million, net of income tax) in the fair value of the index-linked annuities, primarily due to an increase in equity index levels, was mostly offset by a $115 million ($75 million, net of income tax) favorable change primarily in the fair value of the funds withheld resulting from interest rates rising in the current period, compared to decreasing in the prior period.

Net Investment Gains (Losses). Net investment gains (losses) were essentially unchanged as losses on foreign currency transactions and increased losses on disposals of other limited partnerships were mostly offset by lower net losses on impairments and sales of fixed maturity securities, when compared to the prior period.

Other Adjustments. Other adjustments to determine operating earnings increased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $26 million ($17 million, net of income tax), primarily due to the pass-through adjustment related to participating general account products in our run-off business as well as direct expenses incurred in the prior period in connection with the U.S Retail Advisor Force Divestiture. The pass-through adjustment resulted from a decrease in the underlying general account asset values due to interest rates increasing in the current period, compared to decreasing in the prior period,

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $175 million, or 43% of income (loss) before provision for income tax, compared to income tax expense of $31 million, or 16% of income (loss) before provision for income tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Our effective tax rates in both periods differ from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to dividend received deductions and utilization of tax credits. The dividend received deduction decreased by $5 million in the current period, compared to the prior period, but our effective tax rate varied more significantly, when expressed as a percentage, primarily due to the decrease in income (loss) before provision for income tax.

Operating Earnings. As more fully described in “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures,” we use operating earnings, which does not equate to net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP, to analyze our performance, evaluate segment performance, and allocate resources. We believe that the presentation of operating earnings, as we measure it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings allows analysis of our performance and facilitates comparisons to industry results. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). Operating earnings were essentially unchanged compared to the prior period. Operating earnings is discussed in greater detail below.

Reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating earnings

	Three Months   Ended  March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net income (loss)	$	(236	)	$	161
Add: Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(175		)	31
Net income (loss) before provision for income tax	(411		)	192
Less: GMLB Riders	(398		)	75
Less: Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(7		)	(12		)
Less: Other derivative instruments	(292		)	(130		)
Less: Net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Less: Other adjustments (1)	(8		)	(34		)
Operating earnings before provision for income tax	344			341
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit	89			87
Operating earnings	$	255		$	254

__________________

(1) See “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for a listing of other adjustments to net income (loss).

Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 — Operating

	Three Months   Ended   March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Fee income	$	730		$	657
Net investment spread	339			306
Insurance-related activities	(185		)	(69		)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(177		)	(121		)
Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization	(363		)	(432		)
Operating earnings before provision for income tax	344			341
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	89			87
Operating earnings	$	255		$	254

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.

Overview. Operating earnings were essentially unchanged as higher fee income, lower expenses and higher net investment spread were mostly offset by increases in insurance-related liabilities and higher DAC amortization.

Fee Income.Higher fee income increased operating earnings by $47 million, primarily due to:

• an increase of $20 million driven by the effects of positive net flows in both periods in our life and ULSG businesses;

• an increase of $18 million resulting from an unfavorable reinsurance-related adjustment in the prior period as well as current period refinements to expected future cash flows related to reinsurance ceded to affiliates; and

• an increase of $6 million in asset-based fees in our variable annuity business resulting from higher average separate account balances as the impact from improved equity market performance more than offset the decrease due to negative net flows.

Net Investment Spread.Higher net investment spread increased operating earnings by $21 million, primarily due to higher net investment income and, to a lesser extent, lower interest credited expense and lower imputed interest on insurance-related liabilities. These increases were partially offset by the impact from the elimination of interest credited payments on a reinsurance receivable as a result of the recapture, from an affiliate of MetLife, of a ceded reinsurance agreement for certain single-premium deferred annuity contracts. Net investment income increased primarily due to a higher average invested asset base, higher income on interest rate and currency derivatives, and higher returns on other limited partnership interests driven by an improvement in equity market performance. These increases in net investment income were partially offset by lower yields from our securities lending program as well as lower prepayment fees. The average invested asset base increased primarily due to the single-premium deferred annuity recapture and a capital contribution received from MetLife, Inc., both of which occurred in 2016, as well as positive general account net flows from our annuities and life businesses. These increases in average invested assets were partially offset by continued repayments of funding agreements in our run-off business.

Insurance-Related Activities.Insurance-related activities decreased operating earnings by $75 million, primarily due to the following items:

• a $21 million increase in insurance-related liabilities from the recurring impact of the ULSG Re-segmentation;

• a $14 million decrease in premiums, net of lower policyholder benefits and claims, in our term life business sold direct to consumers which is no longer being offered for new sales;

• a $12 million increase in insurance-related liabilities resulting from unfavorable mortality experience, primarily due to higher claims volume, net of lower claim severity, in our traditional life business;

• an $11 million increase in insurance-related liabilities resulted from additional loss recognition in our ULSG business driven by an increase in policyholder conversions from term life policies in anticipation of the discontinuance of the ULSG products; and

• a $6 million increase in insurance-related liabilities from higher GMDB costs related to higher claims, hedge losses and the liabilities increasing at a higher rate.

The increases in insurance-related liabilities were recognized in policyholder benefits and claims in the interim condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Amortization of DAC and VOBA. Higher DAC and VOBA amortization decreased operating earnings by $36 million, primarily due to a ceded DAC adjustment related to participating whole life business reinsured to an affiliate of MetLife.

Other Expenses, Net of DAC Capitalization. Lower expenses increased operating earnings by $45 million, primarily due to favorable impacts resulting from the recapture and novation of several ceded and assumed reinsurance agreements, higher net interest earned on funds withheld related to affiliated reinsurance agreements, and lower sales and general administrative expenses as a result of the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture. These decreases were partially offset by higher expenses incurred in connection with the Separation.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $89 million, or 26% of operating earnings before provision for income tax, compared to income tax expense of $87 million, or 26% of operating earnings before provision for income tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Our effective tax rates in both periods differ from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to dividend received deductions and utilization of tax credits.

GMLB Riders for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

The following table presents the overall impact to income (loss) before provision for income tax from the performance of GMLB Riders for (i) changes in carrying value of the GAAP liabilities, (ii) the mark-to-market of hedges and reinsurance, (iii) fees, and (iv) associated DAC offsets for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

	Three Months   Ended   March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Directly Written Liabilities	$	348		$	(726	)
Assumed Reinsurance Liabilities	130			(144		)
Total Liabilities	478			(870		)
Core Hedges	(936		)	489
Macro Overlay Hedges	(315		)	266
Ceded Reinsurance	(15		)	46
Total Hedges and Reinsurance	(1,266		)	801
Directly Written Fees	187			183
Assumed Reinsurance Fees	(72		)	7
Total Fees (1)	115			190
GMLB Riders before DAC Offsets	(673		)	121
DAC Offsets	275			(46		)
Total GMLB Riders	$	(398	)	$	75

______________

(1) Excludes living benefit fees of $17 million and $19 million, included as a component of operating earnings, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

GMLB Riders decreased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $473 million ($307 million, net of income tax). Of this amount, an unfavorable change of $286 million ($186 million, net of income tax) was recorded in net derivative gains (losses).

GMLB Riders Liabilities

GMLB Riders liabilities represent our obligation to protect policyholders against the possibility that a downturn in the markets will reduce the specified benefits that can be claimed under the base annuity contract. Any periods of significant and/or sustained downturns in equity markets, increased equity volatility, or reduced interest rates could result in an increase in the valuation of our GMLB Riders liabilities. An increase in these liabilities would result in a decrease to our net income, which could be significant.

The change in the carrying value of GMLB Riders liabilities increased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $1.3 billion ($876 million, net of income tax), primarily due to favorable changes from the increase in equity market performance as well as interest rates increasing in the current period, compared to decreasing in the prior period.

GMLB Riders Hedges and Reinsurance

We enter into freestanding derivatives, and to a lesser extent reinsurance, to hedge the market risks inherent in GMLB Riders liabilities. However, certain of the risks inherent in GMLB Riders liabilities are unhedged, including the adjustment for non-performance risk. Generally, the same market factors that impact the fair value of GMLB Riders liabilities impact the value of the hedges, though in the opposite direction. However, due to the complex nature of the business and any unhedged risks, the changes in fair value of GMLB Riders liabilities and GMLB Riders hedges and reinsurance are not always in an equal amount.

The same market factors that resulted in the favorable impact to the GMLB Riders liabilities had an inverse unfavorable effect on the hedges and reinsurance, decreasing income (loss) before provision for income tax by $2.1 billion ($1.4 billion, net of income tax).

GMLB Riders Fees

We earn fees on our GMLB Riders liabilities, which are calculated based on the notional amount used to calculate the owner’s guaranteed benefits (“Benefit base”). In market downturns, fees calculated based on the Benefit base are more stable, as compared to fees based on the account value, because the Benefit base excludes the impact of a decline in the market value of the policyholder’s account value. We use the fees directly earned from GMLB Riders to fund the reserves, future claims and costs associated with the hedges of market risks inherent in GMLB Riders liabilities. For GMLB Riders liabilities accounted for as embedded derivatives, the future fees are included in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities, with changes recorded in net derivative gains (losses). For GMLB Riders liabilities accounted for as insurance, while the related fees do affect the valuations of these liabilities, they are not included in the resulting liability values, but are recorded separately in universal life and investment-type product policy fees.

Lower GMLB Riders fees decreased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $75 million ($49 million, net of income tax), primarily due to the impact from the recapture and novation, in the current period, of assumed and ceded agreements covering certain of our variable annuity business.

DAC Offsets

DAC offsets related to the impact of changes in each of the individual components of the GMLB Riders discussed above increased income (loss) before provision for income tax by $321 million ($209 million, net of income tax). The DAC offset related to each component of the directly written GMLB Riders is determined by the same factors that impact the respective component, but generally in the opposite direction. There is no DAC related to assumed reinsurance and, accordingly, no DAC offset.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures

In this report, the Company presents a measure of its performance that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business.

The following non-GAAP financial measure should not be viewed as a substitute for the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP:

Non-GAAP financial measure:		Comparable GAAP financial measure:
—	operating earnings	—	net income (loss)

See “— Results of Operations” for a reconciliation of this measure to the most directly comparable historical GAAP measure. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is not accessible on a forward-looking basis because we believe it is not possible without unreasonable efforts to provide other than a range of net investment gains and losses and net derivative gains and losses, which can fluctuate significantly within or outside the range and from period to period and may have a material impact on net income (loss).

Our definitions of the non-GAAP and other financial measures discussed in this report may differ from those used by other companies. For example, as indicated below, we exclude GMIB revenues and related embedded derivatives gains (losses) as well as GMIB benefits and associated DAC and VOBA offsets from operating earnings, thereby excluding substantially all GMLB activity from operating earnings.

Operating earnings

This measure is used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is also our GAAP measure of segment performance. Operating earnings allows analysis of our performance and facilitates comparisons to industry results.

The financial measure focuses on our primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, revenues and costs related to non-core products, divested businesses, and certain entities required to be consolidated under GAAP.

The following are excluded from total revenues in calculating operating earnings:

• Net investment gains (losses);

• Net derivative gains (losses) except: (i) earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; and (ii) earned income on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment;

• Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity GMIB fees (“GMIB Fees”);

• Certain amounts related to securitization entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidated under GAAP; and

• Results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company and are referred to as divested businesses.

The following are excluded from total expenses in calculating operating earnings:

• Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”) and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);

• Amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), and (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs included in amortization of DAC and VOBA;

• Recognition of certain contingent assets and liabilities that could not be recognized at acquisition or adjusted for during the measurement period under GAAP business combination accounting guidance;

• Results of divested businesses;

• Amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP;

• Goodwill impairment; and

• Costs related to: (i) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements and (ii) acquisition and integration costs.

The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned are calculated net of the U.S. or foreign statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.

Further, the table below illustrates how each component of operating earnings is calculated from the GAAP statement of operations line items:

Component of Operating Earnings		How Derived from GAAP (1)(2)
(i)	Fee income	(i)	Universal life and investment-type policy fees (excluding (a) unearned revenue adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and (b) GMIB Fees) plusOther revenues(excluding other revenues related to affiliated reinsurance) and amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance.
(ii)	Net investment spread	(ii)	Net investment income (excluding VIE income) plus investment hedge adjustments and interest received on ceded fixed annuity reinsurance deposit funds reduced by Interest credited to policyholder account balances and interest on future policy benefits.
(iii)	Insurance-related activities	(iii)	Premiums less Policyholder benefits and claims (excluding (a) GMIB Costs, (b) pass through and Market Value Adjustments, (c) interest on future policy benefits, and (d) amortization of deferred gain on reinsurance) plus the pass through of performance of ceded separate account assets.
(iv)	Amortization of DAC and VOBA	(iv)	Amortization of DAC and VOBA (excluding amounts related to (a) net investment gains (losses), (b) net derivative gains (losses), (c) GMIB Fees, (d) GMIB Costs and (e) Market Value Adjustments).
(v)	Other expenses, net of DAC capitalization	(v)	Other expensesreduced by capitalization of DAC and VIE expense.
(vi)	Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(vi)	Tax impact of the above items.

______________

(1) Amounts related to divested businesses are excluded from all components of operating earnings.

(2) Italicized items indicate GAAP statement of operations line items.

The following additional information is relevant to an understanding of our performance results:

• We sometimes refer to sales activity for various products. Statistical sales information for Life sales are calculated using the LIMRA definition of sales for core direct sales, excluding company sponsored internal exchanges, corporate-owned life insurance, bank-owned life insurance, and private placement variable universal life insurance. Annuity sales consist of 10% of direct statutory premiums, excluding company sponsored internal exchanges. These sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures of business activity.

• Allocated equity is the portion of common stockholder’s equity that management allocates to each of its segments and sub-segments. See “— Forward-Looking Statements and Other Financial Information — Operating Earnings.”

Subsequent Events

See Note 11 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Risk Management

We are implementing an integrated process for managing risk exposures, which is coordinated among Brighthouse’s Risk Management, Treasury Actuarial and Investment Departments. The process is designed to assess and manage exposures on a consolidated company-wide basis. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. has established a Balance Sheet and Financial Risk Committee (“BSFRC”). The BSFRC, with a mandate from the Brighthouse Insurance Board of Directors, will be responsible for periodically reviewing all material financial risks to us and in the event risks exceed desired tolerances informing the Board of Directors, considering possible courses of action, and determining how best to resolve or mitigate such risks. In taking such actions, the BSFRC will consider industry best practices and the current economic environment. The BSFRC will also review and approve target investment portfolios in order to align them with our liability profile, and will establish guidelines and limits for various risk taking departments, such as the Investment Department. The membership of the BSFRC will include the following members of Brighthouse’s senior management: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Prior to the Distribution, MetLife’s Enterprise Risk Committee, through the activities of MetLife’s Global Risk Management Department, will continue to oversee Brighthouse Insurance’s risk management strategies and activities. Brighthouse’s Treasury Department will be responsible for coordinating our asset liability management (“ALM”) strategies throughout the enterprise.

Our significant market risk management practices include, but are not limited to the following:

Interest rate risk management: To manage interest rate risk, we employ product design, pricing and ALM strategies to mitigate the potential effects of interest rate movements. Product design and pricing strategies include the use of surrender charges or restrictions on withdrawals in some products and the ability to reset crediting rates for certain products. The Brighthouse ALM strategies include the use of derivatives and duration mismatch limits.

We analyze interest rate risk using various models, including multi-scenario cash flow projection models that forecast cash flows of the liabilities and their supporting investments, including derivatives. These projections involve evaluating the potential gain or loss on most of our in-force business under various increasing and decreasing interest rate environments. State insurance department regulations require that we perform some of these analyses annually as part of our review of the sufficiency of our regulatory reserves. We measure relative sensitivities of the value of our assets and liabilities to changes in key assumptions utilizing internal models. These models reflect specific product characteristics and include assumptions based on current and anticipated experience regarding lapse, mortality and interest crediting rates. In addition, these models include asset cash flow projections reflecting interest payments, sinking fund payments, principal payments, bond calls, fixed maturity securities and mortgage loan prepayments and defaults.

We also use common industry metrics, such as duration and convexity, to measure the relative sensitivity of asset and liability values to changes in interest rates. In computing the duration of liabilities, we consider all policyholder guarantees and how indeterminate policy elements such as interest credits or dividends are set. Each asset portfolio has a duration target based on the liability duration and the investment objectives of that portfolio.

Equity market and foreign currency exchange rate risk management: We employ reinsurance strategies to manage equity exposures. Key management objectives include limiting losses, minimizing exposures to significant risks and providing additional capital capacity for future growth. We use foreign currency swaps and forwards to mitigate the exposure, risk of loss and financial statement volatility associated with foreign currency denominated fixed income investments.

Market Risk Fair Value Exposures

We regularly analyze our exposure to interest rate, equity market and foreign currency exchange rate risks. As a result of that analysis, we have determined that the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities are materially exposed to changes in interest rates, equity markets and foreign currency exchange rates. We have exposure to market risk through our insurance and annuity operations and general account investment activities. For purposes of this discussion, “market risk” is defined as changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates, equity markets and foreign currency exchange rates. We may have additional financial impacts, in addition to changes in fair value, which are beyond the scope of this discussion. See ‘Risk Factors” for additional disclosure regarding our market risk and related sensitivities.

Interest Rates

Our fair value exposure to changes in interest rates arises most significantly from our holdings of fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans, as well as our interest rate sensitive liabilities. Our fixed maturity securities include U. S. and foreign government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, while mortgage loans include commercial, agricultural and residential loans, all of which are mainly exposed to changes in medium and long-term interest rates. Our interest rate sensitive liabilities include debt, policyholder account balances related to certain investment type contracts, and embedded derivatives on variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits which have the same type of interest rate exposure (medium and long-term interest rates) as fixed maturity securities. See “Risk Factors — Economic Environment and Capital Markets Related Risks” in the 2016 Annual Report. We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risks which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and may cause our net investment income and net income to vary from period to period.

Equity Market

Along with investments in equity securities, we have fair value exposure to equity market risk through certain liabilities that involve long-term guarantees on equity performance such as embedded derivatives on variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits and certain policyholder account balances.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Our fair value exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar results from our holdings in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed maturity and equity securities, mortgage loans and certain liabilities. The principal currencies that create foreign currency exchange rate risk in our investment portfolios and liabilities are the Euro and the British pound.

Risk Measurement: Sensitivity Analysis

In the following discussion and analysis, we measure market risk related to our market sensitive assets and liabilities based on changes in interest rates, equity market prices and foreign currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis. This analysis estimates the potential changes in estimated fair value based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase or decrease) in interest rates, equity market prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that a 10% change (increase or decrease) in these market rates and prices is reasonably possible in the near term. In performing the analysis summarized below, we used market rates at March 31, 2017. We modeled the impact of changes in market rates and prices on the estimated fair values of our market sensitive assets and liabilities as follows: 

• the net present values of our interest rate sensitive exposures resulting from a 10% change (increase or decrease) in interest rates;

• the estimated fair value of our equity positions due to a 10% change (increase or decrease) in equity market prices; and

• the U.S. dollar equivalent of estimated fair values of our foreign currency exposures due to a 10% change (increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the foreign currency or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the foreign currency) in foreign currency exchange rates. 

The sensitivity analysis is an estimate and should not be viewed as predictive of our future financial performance. Our actual losses in any particular period may vary from the amounts indicated in the table below. Limitations related to this sensitivity analysis include: 

• interest sensitive liabilities do not include $35.3 billion of insurance contracts, which are accounted for on a book value basis. Management believes that the changes in the economic value of those contracts under changing interest rates would offset a portion of the fair value changes of interest sensitive assets;

• the market risk information is limited by the assumptions and parameters established in creating the related sensitivity analysis, including the impact of prepayment rates on mortgage loans;

• foreign currency exchange rate risk is not isolated for certain embedded derivatives within host asset and liability contracts, as the risk on these instruments is reflected as equity;

• for the derivatives that qualify as hedges, the impact on reported earnings may be materially different from the change in market values;

• the analysis excludes real estate holdings and limited partnership interests; and

• the model assumes that the composition of assets and liabilities remains unchanged throughout the period.

Accordingly, we use such models as tools and not as substitutes for the experience and judgment of our management. Based on the fair value of the financial instruments and our analysis of the impact of a 10% change (increase or decrease) in market rates and prices, we have determined that interest rate, equity market and foreign currency exchange rate exposures are material.

The table below illustrates the potential loss in estimated fair value for each market risk exposure of our market sensitive assets and liabilities at: 

	March 31, 2017
	(In millions)
Interest rate risk (1)	$	1,330
Foreign currency exchange rate risk (1)	$	50
Equity market risk (1)	$	134

______________ 

(1) The risk sensitivities derived used a 10% increase to interest rates, a 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies and a 10% increase in equity prices.

The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in estimated fair value of our interest sensitive financial instruments due to a 10% increase in yield curve by type of asset or liability at: 

	March 31, 2017
	Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value (1)			Assuming a 10% Increase in the Yield Curve
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities			$	51,243		$	(1,133	)
Equity securities			$	290		—
Mortgage loans			$	9,463		(109		)
Policy loans			$	1,176		(7		)
Short-term investments			$	963		—
Cash and cash equivalents			$	2,129		—
Accrued investment income			$	547		—
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables			$	2,866		(134		)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)			$	226		(23		)
Total assets						$	(1,406	)
Liabilities (3)
Policyholder account balances			$	15,822		$	182
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions			$	7,152		—
Long-term debt			$	1,080		24
Other liabilities			$	499		12
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)			$	3,307		508
Total liabilities						$	726
Derivative Instruments
Interest rate swaps and interest rate total return swaps	$	22,104	$	(292	)	$	(566	)
Interest rate floors	$	2,100	$	1		—
Interest rate caps	$	8,542	$	17		7
Interest rate futures	$	282	$	1		(16		)
Interest rate options	$	15,520	$	79		(27		)
Foreign currency swaps	$	2,217	$	236		(29		)
Foreign currency forwards	$	194	$	2		—
Credit default swaps	$	1,823	$	29		—
Equity futures	$	4,682	$	5		(1		)
Equity options	$	38,886	$	(220	)	(19		)
Variance swaps	$	14,894	$	(409	)	1
Total rate of return swaps	$	2,260	$	(104	)	—
Total derivative instruments						$	(650	)
Net Change						$	(1,330	)

______________ 

(1) Separate account assets and liabilities, which are interest rate sensitive, are not included herein as any interest rate risk is borne by the contractholder.

(2) Embedded derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.

(3) Excludes $35.3 billion of liabilities, at carrying value, pursuant to insurance contracts reported within future policy benefits and other policy-related balances. Management believes that the changes in the economic value of those contracts under changing interest rates would offset a portion of the fair value changes of interest sensitive assets.

Sensitivity to rising interest rates decreased by $312 million, or 19%, to $1.3 billion at March 31, 2017 from $1.6 billion at December 31, 2016. The change was primarily due to a decrease of $339 million from the use of derivatives which the Company uses as hedges against low rates.

The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in estimated fair value of our portfolio due to a 10% decrease in the U.S. dollar compared to all foreign currencies at: 

	March 31, 2017
	Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value (1)			Assuming a 10% Decrease in the Foreign Exchange Rate
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities			$	51,243		$	173
Equity securities			$	290		3
Mortgage loans			$	9,463		23
Total assets						$	199
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances			$	15,822		$	(13	)
Total liabilities						$	(13	)
Derivative Instruments
Interest rate swaps and interest rate total return swaps	$	22,104	$	(292	)	$	—
Interest rate floors	$	2,100	$	1		—
Interest rate caps	$	8,542	$	17		—
Interest rate futures	$	282	$	1		—
Interest rate forwards (options)	$	15,520	$	79		—
Foreign currency swaps	$	2,217	$	236		(220		)
Foreign currency forwards	$	194	$	2		(12		)
Credit default swaps	$	1,823	$	29		(1		)
Equity futures	$	4,682	$	5		—
Equity index options	$	38,886	$	(220	)	(3		)
Equity variance swaps	$	14,894	$	(409	)	—
Total rate of return swaps	$	2,260	$	(104	)	—
Total derivative instruments						$	(236	)
Net Change						$	(50	)

______________

(1) Does not necessarily represent those financial instruments solely subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Separate account assets and liabilities, which are foreign currency exchange rate sensitive, are not included herein as any foreign currency exchange rate risk is borne by the contractholder. Mortgage loans exclude $129 million related to consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”).SeeNote4of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding CSEs.

Sensitivity to foreign currency exchange rates decreased by $53 million, or 51%, to $50 million at March 31, 2017 from $103 million at December 31, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to $26 million lower sensitivity of derivatives used by the Company to hedge against currency changes.

The table below provides additional detail regarding the potential loss in estimated fair value of our portfolio due to a 10% increase in equity market price by type of asset or liability at:

	March 31, 2017
	Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value (1)			Assuming a 10% increase in Equity Prices
	(In millions)
Assets
Equity securities			$	290		$	29
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)			$	226		(21		)
Total assets						$	8
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances			$	15,822		$	—
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)			$	3,307		657
Total liabilities						$	657
Derivative Instruments
Interest rate swaps and interest rate total return swaps	$	22,104	$	(292	)	$	—
Interest rate floors	$	2,100	$	1		—
Interest rate caps	$	8,542	$	17		—
Interest rate futures	$	282	$	1		—
Interest rate options	$	15,520	$	79		—
Foreign currency swaps	$	2,217	$	236		—
Foreign currency forwards	$	194	$	2		—
Credit default swaps	$	1,823	$	29		—
Equity futures	$	4,682	$	5		(444		)
Equity index options	$	38,886	$	(220	)	(122		)
Equity variance swaps	$	14,894	$	(409	)	10
Total rate of return swaps	$	2,260	$	(104	)	(243		)
Total derivative instruments						$	(799	)
Net Change						$	(134	)

______________

(1) Does not necessarily represent those financial instruments solely subject to equity market price risk. Additionally, separate account assets and liabilities, which are equity market sensitive, are not included herein as any equity market risk is borne by the contractholder.

(2) Embedded derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in the same caption as the host contract.

Sensitivity to rising equity prices decreased by $392 million, or 75%, to $134 million at March 31, 2017 from $526 million at December 31, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of derivatives used by the Company to hedge against equity changes.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 15d-15 (f) during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II — Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3, of the 2016 Annual Report; and (ii) Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report.

Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following should be read in conjunction with, and supplements and amends, the factors that may affect the Company’s business or operations described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of the 2016 Annual Report. Other than as described in this Item 1A, there have been no other material changes to our risk factors from the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2016 Annual Report.

Risks Related to Our Business

The following updates and replaces in its entirety the risk factor entitled “Differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions may adversely affect our financial results, capitalization and financial condition” included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions and the effectiveness of our actuarial models may adversely affect our financial results, capitalization and financial condition

Our earnings significantly depend upon the extent to which our actual claims experience and benefit payments on our products are consistent with the assumptions we use in setting prices for our products and establishing liabilities for future policy benefits and claims. Such amounts are established based on estimates by actuaries of how much we will need to pay for future benefits and claims. To the extent that actual claims and benefits experience is less favorable than the underlying assumptions we used in establishing such liabilities, we could be required to increase our liabilities. We make assumptions regarding policyholder behavior at the time of pricing and in selecting and utilizing the guaranteed options inherent within our products based in part upon expected persistency of the products, which change the probability that a policy or contract will remain in force from one period to the next. Persistency within our annuities business may be significantly affected by the value of guaranteed minimum benefits (“GMxBs”) contained in many of our variable annuities being higher than current account values in light of poor equity market performance or extended periods of low interest rates as well as other factors. Persistency could be adversely affected generally by developments affecting policyholder perception of us, including perceptions arising from adverse publicity. The pricing of certain of our variable annuity products that contain certain living benefit guarantees (“GMLBs”) is also based on assumptions about utilization rates, or the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, including the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Results may vary based on differences between actual and expected benefit utilization. A material increase in the valuation of the liability could result to the extent emerging and actual experience deviates from these policyholder option utilization assumptions, and in certain circumstances this deviation may impair our solvency.

We use actuarial models to assist us in establishing reserves for liabilities arising from our insurance policies and annuity contracts. We periodically review the effectiveness of these models, their underlying logic and assumptions and, from time to time, implement refinements to our models based on these reviews. We only implement refinements after rigorous testing and validation and, even after such validation and testing our models remain subject to inherent limitations. Accordingly, no assurances can be given as to whether or when we will implement refinements to our actuarial models, and, if implemented, the extent of such refinements. Furthermore, if implemented, any such refinements could cause us to increase the reserves we hold for our insurance policy and annuity contract liabilities which would adversely affect our risk-based capital ratio and the amount of variable annuity assets we hold in excess of target funding levels and, in the case of any material model refinements, could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Due to the nature of the underlying risks and the uncertainty associated with the determination of liabilities for future policy benefits and claims, we cannot determine precisely the amounts which we will ultimately pay to settle our liabilities. Such amounts may vary materially from the estimated amounts, particularly when those payments may not occur until well into the future. We evaluate our liabilities periodically based on accounting requirements, which change from time to time, the assumptions and models used to establish the liabilities, as well as our actual experience. If the liabilities originally established for future benefit payments and claims prove inadequate, we must increase them. Such increases would adversely affect our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition including our capitalization, as well as a material adverse effect on the financial strength ratings which are necessary to support our product sales. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Liability for Future Policy Benefits” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates — Derivatives” included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Regulatory and Legal Risks

The following updates and replaces the “Department of Labor and ERISA considerations” section of the risk factor entitled “Our business is highly regulated, and changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies may materially impact our capitalization or cash flows, reduce our profitability and limit our growth” included in the 2016 Annual Report. There have been no material changes to other sections of such risk factor, which include: “NAIC — Existing and proposed insurance regulation,” “State insurance guaranty associations,” “Federal — Insurance regulation” and “Other.”

Department of Labor and ERISA Considerations

We manufacture life insurance products for third parties to sell to tax-qualified pension and retirement plans and IRAs to individuals that are subject to ERISA or the Code. While we currently believe manufacturers do not have as much exposure to ERISA and the Code as distributors, certain activities are subject to the restrictions imposed by ERISA and the Code, including the requirement under ERISA that fiduciaries must perform their duties solely in the interests of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries, and those fiduciaries may not cause a covered plan to engage in certain prohibited transactions. The prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and the Code generally restrict the provision of investment advice to ERISA plans and participants and IRAs if the investment recommendation results in fees paid to an individual advisor, the firm that employs the advisor or their affiliates that vary according to the investment recommendation chosen. Similarly, without an exemption, fiduciary advisors are prohibited from receiving compensation from third parties in connection with their advice. ERISA also affects certain of our in-force insurance policies and annuity contracts as well as insurance policies and annuity contracts we may sell in the future.

The DOL issued new regulations on April 6, 2016 with an original applicable date for most provisions of April 10, 2017, although on April 4, 2017, the DOL released its final rule delaying the original applicable date for 60 days until June 9, 2017. The applicable date for the Fiduciary Rule and related exemptions could be further extended to provide the DOL with additional time to consider possible changes to the Fiduciary Rule and related exemptions, in connection with the preparation by the DOL of an updated economic and legal analysis concerning the likely impact of the Fiduciary Rule, as directed by President Trump in a memorandum to the DOL on February 3, 2017. On April 4, 2017, the DOL issued a news release regarding the delay stating that, as of June 9, 2017, the definition of fiduciary under the final regulations and the impartial conduct or “best interest” standard must be met for all retail sales of life and annuity products. The DOL also indicated that the BIC contract and the point of sale disclosures required under prohibited transaction exemption 84-24 would be delayed until January 1, 2018. Application of these standards on June 9, 2017 is likely to create further confusion among our distribution partners that could negatively impact product sales. The change of administration and DOL officials leaves uncertainty over whether the regulations will be substantially modified or repealed. We cannot predict what other proposals may be made, what legislation may be introduced or enacted, or what impact any such legislation may have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

These rules, if and when they become applicable, would substantially expand the definition of “investment advice” and thereby broaden the circumstances under which we or our representatives, in providing investment advice with respect to ERISA plans, plan participants or IRAs, could be deemed a fiduciary under ERISA or the Code. Pursuant to the final rule, certain communications with plans, plan participants and IRA holders, including the marketing of products, and marketing of investment management or advisory services, could be deemed fiduciary investment advice, thus causing increased exposure to fiduciary liability if the distributor does not recommend what is in the client’s best interests. While the final rule also provides that, to a limited extent, contracts sold and advice provided prior to the applicable date would not have to be modified to comply with the new investment advice regulations, there is lack of clarity surrounding some of the conditions for qualifying for this limited exception. There can be no assurance that the DOL will agree with our interpretation of these provisions, in which case the DOL and IRS could assess significant penalties against a portion of products sold prior to the applicable date of the new regulations. The assessment of such penalties could also trigger substantial litigation risk. Any such penalties and related litigation could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The DOL also issued amendments to certain of its prohibited transaction exemptions, and issued a new exemption, that applies more onerous disclosure and contact requirements to, and increase fiduciary requirements and fiduciary liability exposure in respect of, transactions involving ERISA plans, plan participants and IRAs.

While we continue to analyze the impact of the final regulation on our business, if and when it becomes applicable, we believe it could have an adverse effect on sales of annuity products to ERISA qualified plans such as IRAs through our independent distribution partners. A significant portion of our annuity sales are to IRAs. The new regulation deems advisors, including independent distributors, who sell fixed index-linked annuities to IRAs, IRA rollovers or 401(k) plans, fiduciaries and prohibits them from receiving compensation unless they comply with a prohibited transaction exemption. The exemption requires advisors to comply with impartial conduct standards and may require us to exercise additional oversight of the sales process. Compliance with the prohibited transaction exemptions will likely result in increased regulatory burdens on us and our independent distribution partners, changes to our compensation practices and product offerings and increased litigation risk, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Business — Regulatory Developments — Insurance Regulation — Department of Labor and ERISA Considerations.”

Item 6. Exhibits

(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of MetLife Insurance Company USA (now Brighthouse Life Insurance Company), as effective March 6, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”)).
3.2	Amended and Restated By-laws of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, as effective March 6, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the 2016 Annual Report).
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:		/s/ Lynn A. Dumais
	Name:	Lynn A. Dumais
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
		(Authorized Signatory and Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: May 10, 2017

Exhibit Index

(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of MetLife Insurance Company USA (now Brighthouse Life Insurance Company), as effective March 6, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”)).
3.2	Amended and Restated By-laws of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, as effective March 6, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the 2016 Annual Report).
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

E-1

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Eric T. Steigerwalt, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2017

/s/ Eric T. Steigerwalt

Eric T. Steigerwalt

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Anant Bhalla, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2017

/s/ Anant Bhalla

Anant Bhalla

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 1350 OF CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18 OF

THE UNITED STATES CODE

I, Eric T. Steigerwalt, certify that (i) Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.

Date: May 10, 2017

/s/ Eric T. Steigerwalt

Eric T. Steigerwalt

Chairman of the Board, President

and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and will be retained by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 1350 OF CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18 OF

THE UNITED STATES CODE

I, Anant Bhalla, certify that (i) Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.

Date: May 10, 2017

/s/ Anant Bhalla

Anant Bhalla
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and will be retained by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 10, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE Co
Entity Central Index Key	0000733076
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,000

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $48,385 and $49,312, respectively)	$ 51,243	$ 51,785
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $259 and $280, respectively)	290	300
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $41 and $38, respectively; includes $129 and $136, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	9,398	8,884
Policy loans	1,090	1,093
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	242	215
Other limited partnership interests	1,593	1,639
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	963	926
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	2,705	3,887
Total investments	67,524	68,729
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value	2,129	1,888
Accrued investment income (includes $1 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	547	591
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	19,676	20,101
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,418	5,274
Current income tax recoverable	887	454
Deferred income tax receivable	591	1,018
Other assets	624	630
Separate account assets	102,620	100,588
Total assets	200,016	199,273
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	31,963	31,684
Policyholder account balances	35,409	35,587
Other policy-related balances	3,348	3,384
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	7,152	7,362
Long-term debt (includes $20 and $23, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	801	804
Other liabilities (includes $0 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	8,878	10,147
Separate account liabilities	102,620	100,588
Total liabilities	190,171	189,556
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 9)
Stockholder's Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	12,651	12,449
Retained earnings (deficit)	(4,445)	(4,209)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,564	1,402
Total stockholder's equity	9,845	9,717
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$ 200,016	$ 199,273

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 48,385	$ 49,312
Cost of equity securities available-for-sale	259	280
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	41	38
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	9,398	8,884
Real estate held-for-sale
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	547	591
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	801	804
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 8,878	$ 10,147
Stockholder's Equity
Common stock, par value	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Common stock, shares authorized	4,000	4,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,000	3,000
Variable interest entities
Assets
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	$ 129	$ 136
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	1	1
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	20	23
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 0	$ 1

XML

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues
Premiums	$ 111	$ 309
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	698	644
Net investment income	661	627
Other revenues	91	109
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	0	(15)
Other net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(33)
Total net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(48)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709)	(5)
Total revenues	802	1,636
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	715	581
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	224	238
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits, Amortization	(91)	179
Other expenses	365	446
Total expenses	1,213	1,444
Income (loss) before provision for income tax	(411)	192
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(175)	31
Net income (loss)	(236)	161
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (74)	$ 1,121

XML

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 11,563	$ 75	$ 10,871	$ (1,011)	$ 1,628
Sale of operating joint venture interest to an affiliate	1,501		1,501
Net income (loss)	161			161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	960				960
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	14,185	75	12,372	(850)	2,588
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	9,717	75	12,449	(4,209)	1,402
Sale of operating joint venture interest to an affiliate	202		202
Net income (loss)	(236)			(236)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	162				162
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 9,845	$ 75	$ 12,651	$ (4,445)	$ 1,564

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 437	$ 493
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities	2,940	9,533
Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities	25	65
Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	135	239
Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures	11	8
Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests	110	65
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(2,303)	(10,511)
Purchases of equity securities	(3)	(54)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(598)	(398)
Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures	(35)	(10)
Purchases of other limited partnership interests	(57)	(40)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	1,307	443
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(1,850)	(408)
Net change in policy loans	3	5
Net change in short-term investments	5	(743)
Net change in other invested assets	19	9
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(291)	(1,797)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances: Deposits	929	3,486
Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals	(919)	(4,918)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	(136)	1,337
Long-term debt repaid	(3)	(5)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	224	(7)
Capital contributions	0	1,500
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	95	1,393
Change in cash and cash equivalents	241	89
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,888	1,383
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,129	1,472
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid for Interest	1	1
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax	1	(5)
Non-cash transactions:
Capital contributions	0	1
Sale of operating joint venture interest to an affiliate	202	0
Reduction of other invested assets	89	0
Transfer of fixed maturity securities to affiliates	293	0
Reduction of policyholder account balances in connection with a reinsurance transactions	$ 293	$ 0

XML

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

“Brighthouse Insurance” and the “Company” refer to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, which is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). The Company offers a range of individual annuities and individual life insurance products.

In anticipation of MetLife’s plan to separate a substantial portion of its former Retail segment, as well as certain portions of its former Corporate Benefit Funding segment and Corporate & Other (the “Separation”), in the third quarter of 2016, the Company reorganized its businesses into three segments: Annuities, Life and Run-off. See Note 2 for further information on the reorganization of the Company’s segments in the third quarter of 2016, which was applied retrospectively.

In January 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced its plan to pursue the Separation. Additionally, on July 21, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced that following the planned Separation, the separated business will be rebranded as Brighthouse Financial. On October 5, 2016, Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (“Brighthouse”), filed a registration statement on Form 10 (the “Form 10”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). On December 6, 2016 and on April 18, 2017, Brighthouse filed amendments to its registration statement on Form 10 with the SEC. The information statement filed as an exhibit to the Form 10 disclosed that MetLife intends to include Brighthouse Insurance and certain affiliates in the proposed separated business and distribute at least 80.1% of the shares of Brighthouse’s common stock on a pro rata basis to the holders of MetLife, Inc. common stock. Effective March 6, 2017, and in connection with the planned Separation, the Company changed its name from MetLife Insurance Company USA to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. Additionally, effective April 2017, MetLife, Inc. contributed the Company to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC.

The ultimate form and timing of the planned Separation will be influenced by a number of factors, including regulatory considerations and economic conditions. MetLife continues to evaluate and pursue structural alternatives for the proposed Separation. The planned Separation remains subject to certain conditions, including among others, obtaining final approval from the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors, receipt of a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and an opinion from MetLife’s tax advisor regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters, insurance and other regulatory approvals, and an SEC declaration of the effectiveness of the Form 10.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Consolidation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company early adopted guidance relating to business combinations. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business and requires that an entity apply certain criteria in order to determine when a set of assets and activities qualifies as a business. The adoption of this standard will result in fewer acquisitions qualifying as businesses and, accordingly, acquisition costs for those acquisitions that do not qualify as businesses will be capitalized rather than expensed. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company retrospectively adopted guidance relating to consolidation. The new guidance does not change the characteristics of a primary beneficiary under current GAAP. It changes how a reporting entity evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decisionmaker of a VIE handles indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other

Effective January 3, 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. These amendments impacted the accounting treatment of the Company’s centrally cleared derivatives, for which the CME serves as the central clearing party. As of the effective date, the application of the amended rulebook, reduced gross derivative assets by $206 million, gross derivative liabilities by $927 million, accrued investment income by $30 million, collateral receivables recorded within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables of $765 million, and collateral payables recorded within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions of $74 million.

Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on purchased callable debt securities (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.) The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium and requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. However, the new guidance does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount whose discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on derecognition of nonfinancial assets (ASU 2017-05,Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance clarifies the scope and accounting of a financial asset that meets the definition of an “in-substance nonfinancial asset” and defines the term, “in-substance nonfinancial asset.” The ASU also adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on restricted cash (ASU 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, the new guidance requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on tax accounting for intra-entity transfers of assets (ASU 2016-16,Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted in the first interim or annual reporting period. Current guidance prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Also, the guidance eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on cash flow statement presentation (ASU 2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. This ASU addresses diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments). The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. This ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with one that reflects expected credit losses. The measurement of expected credit losses should be based on historical loss information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new guidance requires that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a debt security will be recognized as an allowance going forward, such that improvements in expected future cash flows after an impairment will no longer be reflected as a prospective yield adjustment through net investment income, but rather a reversal of the previous impairment and recognized through realized investment gains and losses. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures. The Company has assessed the asset classes impacted by the new guidance and is currently assessing the accounting and reporting system changes that will be required to comply with the new guidance. The Company believes that the most significant impact upon adoption will be to its mortgage loan investments. The Company is continuing to evaluate the overall impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance (ASU 2016-01,Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities)on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the instrument-specific credit risk provision. The new guidance changes the current accounting guidance related to (i) the classification and measurement of certain equity investments, (ii) the presentation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option (“FVO”) that are due to instrument-specific credit risk, and (iii) certain disclosures associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to assess equity securities for impairment since such securities will be measured at fair value through net income. The Company has assessed the population of financial instruments that are subject to the new guidance and has determined that the most significant impact will be the requirement to report changes in fair value in net income each reporting period for all equity securities currently classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and to a lesser extent, other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures that are currently accounted for under the cost method. The population of these investments accounted for under the cost method is not material. The Company is continuing to evaluate the overall impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard (ASU 2014‑09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance and investment contracts within the scope of Financial Services insurance (Topic 944), leases, financial instruments and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, in exchange for those goods or services. Given the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance, the Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated revenues or statements of operations, with the Company’s implementation efforts primarily focused on other revenues on the consolidated statements of operations.

XML

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

2. Segment Information

In anticipation of the planned Separation, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company reorganized its businesses into three segments: Annuities; Life; and Run-off. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company moved the universal life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) business from the Life segment to the Run-off segment. These and certain other presentation changes were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated net income (loss) or operating earnings in the prior periods.

Annuities

The Annuities segment offers a variety of variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities designed to address contractholders’ needs for protected wealth accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, wealth transfer and income security.

Life

The Life segment offers insurance products and services, including term, whole, universal and variable life products designed to address policyholders’ needs for financial security and protected wealth transfer, which may be provided on a tax-advantaged basis.

Run-off

The Run-off segment consists of products no longer actively sold and which are separately managed, including structured settlements, certain company-owned life insurance policies, bank-owned life insurance policies, funding agreements and ULSG.

Corporate & Other

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts and a portion of MetLife’s U.S. insurance business sold direct to consumers.

Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies

Operating earnings is used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is also the Company’s GAAP measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). The Company believes the presentation of operating earnings as the Company measures it for management purposes enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings allows analysis of the Company’s performance and facilitates comparisons to industry results.

Operating earnings focuses on our primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, revenues and costs related to non-core products, divested businesses, and certain entities required to be consolidated under GAAP.

The following are excluded from total revenues in calculating operating earnings:

• Net investment gains (losses);

• Net derivative gains (losses) except: (i) earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and (ii) earned income on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment;

• Amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”);

• Certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and

• Results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company referred to as divested businesses.

The following are excluded from total expenses in calculating operating earnings:

• Amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”) and market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts:

• Amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”);

• Recognition of certain contingent assets and liabilities that could not be recognized at acquisition or adjusted for during the measurement period under GAAP business combination accounting guidance;

• Results of divested businesses;

• Amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP;

• Goodwill impairment; and

• Costs related to: (i) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements and (ii) acquisition and integration costs.

The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above are calculated net of the U.S or foreign statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate.

Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for operating earnings adjustments as defined above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the method of capital allocation described below.

The internal capital model is a MetLife developed risk capital model that reflects management’s judgment and view of required capital to represent the measurement of the risk profile of the business, to meet the Company’s long term promises to clients, to service long-term obligations and to support the credit ratings of the Company. It accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business. Management is responsible for the ongoing production and enhancement of the internal capital model and reviews its approach periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with emerging industry practice standards. As such, the internal capital allocation methodology in the future may differ from MetLife’s historical model.

The Company allocates equity to the segments based on the internal capital model, coupled with considerations of local capital requirements, and aligns with emerging standards and consistent risk principles.

Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income or net income (loss).

Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable investment portfolios adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee time incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing.

	Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017	Annuities		Life			Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$	255	$	(56	)	$	130		$	15		$	344
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	64		(20		)	45			—			89
Operating earnings	$	191	$	(36	)	$	85		$	15		255
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)												(50		)
Net derivative gains (losses)												(709		)
Other adjustments to net income												4
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit												264
Net income (loss)												$	(236	)
Inter-segment revenues	$	91	$	(195	)	$	(26	)	$	(15	)
Interest revenue	$	309	$	79		$	307		$	42
Interest expense	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	18

	Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Annuities		Life			Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$	304	$	(78	)	$	130		$	(15	)	$	341
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	76		(23		)	44			(10		)	87
Operating earnings	$	228	$	(55	)	$	86		$	(5	)	254
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)												(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)												(5		)
Other adjustments to net income												(96		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit												56
Net income (loss)												$	161
Inter-segment revenues	$	128	$	(227	)	$	(78	)	$	46
Interest revenue	$	330	$	67		$	304		$	(9	)
Interest expense	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	17

Reconciliation of Company operating revenues to total revenues:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	887		$	1,065
Life	169			134
Run-off	456			419
Total segment	1,512			1,618
Corporate & Other	63			70
Net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709		)	(5		)
Other adjustments	(14		)	1
Total	$	802		$	1,636

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	139,139	$	141,111
Life	12,822		12,674
Run-off	38,810		39,261
Corporate & Other	9,245		6,227
Total	$	200,016	$	199,273

XML

Insurance

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Insurance

3. Insurance

Guarantees

As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”), the non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5.

The Company also issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a secondary guarantee.

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	104,487		$	58,406		$	101,827		$	57,370
Separate account value	$	99,584		$	57,125		$	97,237		$	56,048
Net amount at risk	$	5,989	(4)	$	2,622	(5)	$	6,726	(4)	$	2,906	(5)
Average attained age of contractholders	68 years			67 years			67 years			67 years

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal and Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	7,133	$	7,176
Net amount at risk (6)	$	90,606	$	90,973
Average attained age of policyholders	60 years		60 years

__________________

(1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for a discussion of GMxBs which have been reinsured.

(3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.

(4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved.

(6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses

Rollforward of Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses

Information regarding the liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31 of prior period	$	1,966		$	1,693
Less: Reinsurance recoverables	1,808			1,545
Net Balance at December 31 of prior period	158			148
Cumulative adjustment (1)	—			67
Net balance, beginning of period	158			215
Incurred related to:
Current year	236			231
Prior years (2)	(2		)	13
Total incurred	234			244
Paid related to:
Current year	(124		)	(129		)
Prior years	(75		)	(76		)
Total paid	(199		)	(205		)
Net balance, end of period	193			254
Add: Reinsurance recoverables	1,799			1,618
Balance, end of period	$	1,992		$	1,872

______________

(1) Reflects the accumulated adjustment, net of reinsurance, upon implementation of the new short-duration contracts guidance which clarified the requirement to include claim information for long-duration contracts. The accumulated adjustment primarily reflects unpaid claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for long-duration contracts as of the beginning of the period presented.

(2) During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years changed due to differences between the actual benefits paid and the expected benefits owed during those periods.

XML

Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

4. Investments

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector

The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).

	March 31, 2017											December 31, 2016
	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
			Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)							Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	17,358	$	1,248	$	163	$	—		$	18,443	$	17,583	$	1,158	$	235	$	—		$	18,506
U.S. government and agency	10,648		1,266		153		—			11,761		10,517		1,221		188		—			11,550
RMBS	6,575		206		85		(3		)	6,699		6,722		194		101		—			6,815
Foreign corporate	5,523		234		124		—			5,633		5,512		201		158		—			5,555
State and political subdivision	2,627		310		19		1			2,917		2,633		305		24		—			2,914
CMBS	2,458		29		25		(1		)	2,463		2,837		26		26		(1		)	2,838
ABS	2,235		16		7		—			2,244		2,562		11		12		—			2,561
Foreign government	961		127		5		—			1,083		946		111		11		—			1,046
Total fixed maturity securities	$	48,385	$	3,436	$	581	$	(3	)	$	51,243	$	49,312	$	3,227	$	755	$	(1	)	$	51,785
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stock	$	157	$	9	$	4	$	—		$	162	$	180	$	6	$	9	$	—		$	177
Common stock	102		26		—		—			128		100		23		—		—			123
Total equity securities	$	259	$	35	$	4	$	—		$	290	$	280	$	29	$	9	$	—		$	300

__________________

(1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”

The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of less than $1 million and $5 million with unrealized gains (losses) of less than $1 million and less than $1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at March 31, 2017:

	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,901	$	8,524	$	8,077	$	18,615	$	11,268	$	48,385
Estimated fair value	$	1,910	$	8,896	$	8,238	$	20,793	$	11,406	$	51,243

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS by Sector

The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at:

	March 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	3,135	$	118	$	456	$	45	$	3,525	$	145	$	625	$	90
U.S. government and agency	3,288		153		—		—		3,548		188		—		—
RMBS	2,376		59		623		23		2,642		69		811		32
Foreign corporate	892		40		508		84		1,231		60		532		98
State and political subdivision	450		17		28		3		548		21		29		3
CMBS	996		21		130		3		1,307		22		164		3
ABS	291		4		276		3		433		4		461		8
Foreign government	142		4		4		1		228		10		4		1
Total fixed maturity securities	$	11,570	$	416	$	2,025	$	162	$	13,462	$	519	$	2,626	$	235
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stock	$	28	$	—	$	29	$	4	$	57	$	2	$	40	$	7
Total equity securities	$	28	$	—	$	29	$	4	$	57	$	2	$	40	$	7
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	1,182				398				1,388				468

Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities

As described more fully in Notes 1 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation of all investment classes for impairment, including fixed maturity securities, equity securities and perpetual hybrid securities, in accordance with its impairment policy, in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired.

Current Period Evaluation

Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017. Future OTTI will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, collateral valuation, interest rates and credit spreads, as well as a change in the Company’s intention to hold or sell a security that is in an unrealized loss position. If economic fundamentals deteriorate or if there are adverse changes in the above factors, OTTI may be incurred in upcoming periods.

Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securitiesdecreased$176 millionduring thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017to$578 million. The decrease in gross unrealized losses for thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017was primarily attributable to narrowing credit spreads and decreasing longer-term interest rates.

At March 31, 2017, $25 million of the total $578 million of gross unrealized losses were from ten fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater.

The change in gross unrealized losses on equity securities was not significant during the three months endedMarch 31, 2017.

Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities

Of the $25 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $19 million, or 76%, were related to gross unrealized losses on three investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to widening credit spreads since purchase and, with respect to fixed-rate fixed maturity securities, rising interest rates since purchase.

Below Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities

Of the $25 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $6 million, or 24%, were related to gross unrealized losses on seven below investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on below investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to foreign corporate securities (primarily British pound consumer securities) and are the result of the weakening of the British pound since purchase, largely due to uncertainties associated with the U.K.’s pending withdrawal from the European Union. Management evaluates foreign corporate securities based on factors such as expected cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuers.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	6,445		68.6	%	$	6,211		69.9	%
Agricultural	1,869			19.9		1,708			19.2
Residential	996			10.6		867			9.8
Subtotal (1)	9,310			99.1		8,786			98.9
Valuation allowances	(41		)	(0.4	)	(38		)	(0.4	)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	9,269			98.7		8,748			98.5
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO	129			1.3		136			1.5
Total mortgage loans, net	$	9,398		100.0	%	$	8,884		100.0	%

__________________

(1) Purchases of mortgage loans were $160 million and $39 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”).

Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO is presented in Note 6. The Company elects the FVO for certain commercial mortgage loans and related long-term debt that are managed on a total return basis.

Mortgage Loans, Valuation Allowance and Impaired Loans by Portfolio Segment

Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at:

	Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses										Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses				Impaired Loans
	Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance						Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Valuation Allowances		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Recorded Investment		Valuation Allowances		Carrying Value
	(In millions)
March 31, 2017
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,445	$	31	$	—
Agricultural	4		3		—		—		—		1,866		6		3
Residential	—		—		—		2		2		994		4		2
Total	$	4	$	3	$	—	$	2	$	2	$	9,305	$	41	$	5
December 31, 2016
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,211	$	30	$	—
Agricultural	4		3		—		—		—		1,705		5		3
Residential	—		—		—		1		1		866		3		1
Total	$	4	$	3	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	8,782	$	38	$	4

The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $0, $3 million and $1 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017; and $0, $3 million and $0, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment

The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended     March 31,
	2017								2016
	Commercial		Agricultural		Residential		Total		Commercial		Agricultural		Residential		Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	30	$	5	$	3	$	38	$	28	$	5	$	3	$	36
Provision (release)	1		1		1		3		—		—		1		1
Balance, end of period	$	31	$	6	$	4	$	41	$	28	$	5	$	4	$	37

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:

	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2017
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	5,729	$	306	$	20	$	6,055	94.0	%	$	6,180	94.2	%
65% to 75%	325		—		18		343		5.3		339		5.2
76% to 80%	9		—		—		9		0.1		9		0.1
Greater than 80%	24		14		—		38		0.6		36		0.5
Total	$	6,087	$	320	$	38	$	6,445	100.0	%	$	6,564	100.0	%
December 31, 2016
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	5,459	$	214	$	166	$	5,839	94.0	%	$	5,922	94.2	%
65% to 75%	281		—		19		300		4.8		294		4.7
76% to 80%	34		—		—		34		0.6		33		0.5
Greater than 80%	24		14		—		38		0.6		37		0.6
Total	$	5,798	$	228	$	185	$	6,211	100.0	%	$	6,286	100.0	%

Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	1,821	97.4	%	$	1,669	97.7	%
65% to 75%	48		2.6		39		2.3
Total	$	1,869	100.0	%	$	1,708	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	985	98.9	%	$	856	98.7	%
Nonperforming	11		1.1		11		1.3
Total	$	996	100.0	%	$	867	100.0	%

The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was$1.0 billionand$867 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively.

Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans

The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with99%of all mortgage loans classified as performing at bothMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016.The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days.The Company hadnopast due and nonaccrual commercial or agricultural mortgage loans at eitherMarch 31, 2017, orDecember 31, 2016. The recorded investment of past due and nonaccrual residential mortgage loans was$11 millionat bothMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016.

Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.

Cash Equivalents

The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities AFS and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in (loss) AOCI.

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	2,846		$	2,464
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	3			1
Total fixed maturity securities	2,849			2,465
Equity securities	50			32
Derivatives	364			393
Short-term investments	—			(42		)
Other	(11		)	58
Subtotal	3,252			2,906
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(594		)	(550		)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(1		)	(1		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(199		)	(188		)
Subtotal	(794		)	(739		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(860		)	(736		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	1,598		$	1,431

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2017
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,431
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	2
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	344
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(44		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(11		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(124		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,598
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	167

Concentrations of Credit Risk

There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholder’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	6,072	$	5,895
Estimated fair value	$	6,781	$	6,555
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	6,925	$	6,642
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	11	$	27
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	6,952	$	6,571

__________________

(1) Included within fixed maturity securities.

(2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.

(3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:

	March 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
Cash collateral liability by loaned security type:
U.S. government and agency	$	2,175	$	1,644	$	2,269	$	6,088	$	2,129	$	1,906	$	1,743	$	5,778
U.S. corporate	—		469		—		469		—		480		—		480
Agency RMBS	—		257		—		257		—		—		274		274
Foreign corporate	—		58		—		58		—		58		—		58
Foreign government	—		53		—		53		—		52		—		52
Total	$	2,175	$	2,481	$	2,269	$	6,925	$	2,129	$	2,496	$	2,017	$	6,642

__________________

(1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at March 31, 2017 was $2.1 billion, all of which were U.S. government and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.

The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including agency RMBS, ABS, non-agency RMBS and U.S. and foreign corporate securities) with 57% invested in cash equivalents, agency RMBS, short-term investments, U.S. government and agency securities or held in cash. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for all asset classes at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$	7,746	$	7,642
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (1)	221		721
Invested assets pledged as collateral (2)	3,818		3,548
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	11,785	$	11,911

__________________

(1) The Company has held in trust certain investments, primarily fixed maturity securities, in connection with certain reinsurance transactions.

(2) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).

See “— Securities Lending” for information regarding securities on loan.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity.

Consolidated VIEs

Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment.

The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
CSEs: (1)
Assets
Mortgage loans (commercial mortgage loans)	$	129	$	136
Accrued investment income	1		1
Total assets	$	130	$	137
Liabilities
Long-term debt	$	20	$	23
Other liabilities	—		1
Total liabilities	$	20	$	24

__________________

(1) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $91 million and $95 million at estimated fair value at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Unconsolidated VIEs

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss (1)		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss (1)
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities AFS:
Structured Securities (2)	$	9,923	$	9,923	$	10,789	$	10,789
U.S. and foreign corporate	529		529		505		505
Other limited partnership interests	1,382		2,155		1,491		2,287
Real estate joint ventures	26		27		17		22
Other investments (3)	41		47		61		66
Total	$	11,901	$	12,681	$	12,863	$	13,669

__________________

(1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties. There were no income tax credits and less than $1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee.

(2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity.

(3) Other investments is comprised of other invested assets and non-redeemable preferred stock.

As described in Note 9, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	501	$	515
Equity securities	3		5
Mortgage loans	103		88
Policy loans	12		14
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	12		13
Other limited partnership interests	57		21
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	4		4
Operating joint venture	1		2
Other	6		—
Subtotal	699		662
Less: Investment expenses	40		38
Subtotal, net	659		624
FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans	2		3
Net investment income	$	661	$	627

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.

See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated investment expenses.

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry:
U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:
Industrial	$	—		$	(13	)
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities	—			(13		)
RMBS	—			(2		)
OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings	—			(15		)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	(31		)	(33		)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities	(31		)	(48		)
Total gains (losses) on equity securities:
Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector:
Common stock	—			(1		)
OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings	—			(1		)
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	—			4
Total gains (losses) on equity securities	—			3
Mortgage loans	(3		)	(2		)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	2			(1		)
Other limited partnership interests	(10		)	(4		)
Other	(7		)	2
Subtotal	(49		)	(50		)
FVO CSEs:
Commercial mortgage loans	(1		)	1
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans	1			—
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	(1		)	1
Subtotal	(1		)	2
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	(50	)	$	(48	)

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.

See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated net investment gains (losses) related to transfers of invested assets to affiliates.

Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were($7) millionand$3 millionfor thethree monthsendedMarch 31, 2017and 2016, respectively.

Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Fixed Maturity Securities						Equity Securities
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,753		$	8,838		$	1	$	4
Gross investment gains	$	7		$	33		$	—	$	4
Gross investment losses	(38		)	(66		)	—		—
OTTI losses	—			(15		)	—		(1		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	(31	)	$	(48	)	$	—	$	3

Credit Loss Rollforward

The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	28		$	52
Additions:
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired	—			1
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	(17		)	(2		)
Balance, end of period	$	11		$	51

Related Party Investment Transactions

The Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from affiliates. Invested assets transferred to and from affiliates were as follows:

	Three Months   Ended  March 31,
	2017			2016
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$	292		$	—
Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$	294		$	—
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers	$	(2	)	$	—
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates	$	—		$	237

The Company receives investment administrative services from an affiliate. The related investment administrative service charges were$23 millionand$21 millionfor thethree monthsendedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

In March 2017, the Company sold an operating joint venture with a book value of $89 million to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”), an affiliate, for $286 million, which is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables. The Company received the cash from MLIC on April 3, 2017. The operating joint venture was accounted for under the equity method and included in other invested assets. This sale resulted in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $202 million in the first quarter of 2017.

XML

Derivatives

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

5. Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.

Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.

If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows:

Statement of Operations Presentation:	Derivative:
Policyholder benefits and claims	•	Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits
Net investment income	•	Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures

Hedge Accounting

To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows:

• Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) - in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged.

• Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) - effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses).

The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. 

In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses).

In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).

Embedded Derivatives

The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if:

• the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings;

• the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and

• a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument.

Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.

See Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.

Derivative Strategies

The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives.

Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors, swaptions and futures.

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives

The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships.

To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Credit Derivatives

The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

The Company enters into written credit default swaps to synthetically create credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.

Equity Derivatives

The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps.

Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

In an equity total return swap are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships.

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives

The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:

		March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
				Assets		Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	$	265	$	40	$	—	$	310	$	41	$	—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	45		7		—		45		7		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,372		154		11		1,386		181		10
Subtotal		1,417		161		11		1,431		188		10
Total qualifying hedges		1,682		201		11		1,741		229		10
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	18,644		962		798		28,175		1,928		1,688
Interest rate floors	Interest rate	2,100		2		1		2,100		5		2
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	8,542		17		—		12,042		25		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	282		1		—		1,288		9		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	15,520		79		—		15,520		136		—
Interest rate total return swaps	Interest rate	3,150		—		503		3,876		—		611
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	845		97		4		1,236		149		4
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	194		2		—		158		9		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	34		—		—		34		—		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,789		30		1		1,891		28		—
Equity futures	Equity market	4,682		7		2		8,037		38		—
Equity index options	Equity market	38,886		970		1,190		37,501		897		934
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	14,894		159		568		14,894		140		517
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	2,260		—		104		2,855		1		117
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		111,822		2,326		3,171		129,607		3,365		3,873
Total		$	113,504	$	2,527	$	3,182	$	131,348	$	3,594	$	3,883

Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to synthetically create credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged.

Net Derivative Gains (Losses)

The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)	$	(1,136	)	$	775
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	427			(780		)
Total net derivative gains (losses)	$	(709	)	$	(5	)

__________________

(1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.

The following table presents earned income on derivatives:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In millions)
Qualifying hedges:
Net investment income	$	6	$	3
Nonqualifying hedges:
Net derivative gains (losses)	119		97
Policyholder benefits and claims	4		4
Total	$	129	$	104

Nonqualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging

The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:

	Net Derivative Gains (Losses)			Net Investment Income (1)			Policyholder Benefits and Claims (2)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate derivatives	$	(269	)	$	—		$	(1	)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(19		)	—			—
Credit derivatives — written	6			—			—
Equity derivatives	(939		)	—			(184		)
Total	$	(1,221	)	$	—		$	(185	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate derivatives	$	817		$	—		$	19
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			—
Credit derivatives — written	—			—			—
Equity derivatives	(136		)	(3		)	30
Total	$	681		$	(3	)	$	49

__________________

(1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures.

(2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.

Fair Value Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging.

The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
		(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps:	Fixed maturity securities	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Policyholder liabilities (1)	(2		)	2			—
Total		$	(2	)	$	2		$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps:	Fixed maturity securities	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—
	Policyholder liabilities (1)	14			(14		)	—
Total		$	12		$	(12	)	$	—

__________________

(1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits.

All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments.

In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). For the three months endedMarch 31, 2017, these amounts were $9 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) related to such discontinued cash flow hedges.

At both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed three years.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $364 million and $393 million, respectively. 

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of stockholder’s equity:

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives			Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
	(Effective Portion)			(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion)
				Net Derivative Gains (Losses)		Net Investment Income		Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
				(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps	$	—		$	—	$	1	$	—
Interest rate forwards	—			—		1		—
Foreign currency swaps	(19		)	8		—		—
Credit forwards	—			—		—		—
Total	$	(19	)	$	8	$	2	$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps	$	26		$	—	$	1	$	—
Interest rate forwards	4			2		1		—
Foreign currency swaps	(13		)	2		—		—
Credit forwards	—			—		—		—
Total	$	17		$	4	$	2	$	—

All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

AtMarch 31, 2017,the Company expects to reclassify $30 millionof deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in AOCI to earnings within the next 12 months.

Credit Derivatives

In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company’s maximum amount at risk, assuming the value of all referenced credit obligations is zero, was$1.8 billionand$1.9 billionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company would have received$29 millionand$28 million, respectively, to terminate all of these contracts.

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: 

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A
Single name credit default swaps (3)	$	—	$	35	2.5	$	1	$	45	2.2
Credit default swaps referencing indices	9		433		3.5	8		433		3.7
Subtotal	9		468		3.4	9		478		3.6
Baa
Single name credit default swaps (3)	1		110		1.7	1		180		1.6
Credit default swaps referencing indices	19		1,166		5.3	18		1,213		4.8
Subtotal	20		1,276		5.0	19		1,393		4.4
Ba
Single name credit default swaps (3)	—		45		4.0	—		20		2.7
Credit default swaps referencing indices	—		—		—	—		—		—
Subtotal	—		45		4.0	—		20		2.7
Total	$	29	$	1,789	4.6	$	28	$	1,891	4.2

__________________

(1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”),Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”)and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

(3) Single name credit default swaps may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments, or state and political subdivisions.

Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.

The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives.

The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives.

See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	(In millions)
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives:
OTC-bilateral (1)	$	2,550		$	3,165		$	3,384		$	2,929
OTC-cleared (1), (6)	36			7			267			905
Exchange-traded	8			2			47			—
Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets	—			—			—			—
Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets:
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2)
OTC-bilateral	(2,159		)	(2,159		)	(2,231		)	(2,231		)
OTC-cleared	(7		)	(7		)	(165		)	(165		)
Exchange-traded	(1		)	(1		)	—			—
Cash collateral: (3), (4)
OTC-bilateral	(189		)	—			(625		)	—
OTC-cleared	(18		)	—			(92		)	(740		)
Exchange-traded	—			—			—			—
Securities collateral: (5)
OTC-bilateral	(194		)	(958		)	(429		)	(698		)
OTC-cleared	—			—			—			—
Exchange-traded	—			(1		)	—			—
Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral	$	26		$	48		$	156		$	—

__________________

(1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $67 million and $104 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals.

(3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet.

(4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company received excess cash collateral of $20 million and $3 million, respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $25 million, respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but atMarch 31, 2017, noneof the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$178 millionand$135 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$41 millionand$108 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and$291 millionand$630 million, respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and$210 millionand$453 million, respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.

The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC-bilateral derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the amount owed by that counterparty reaches a minimum transfer amount. A small number of these arrangements also include credit-contingent provisions that include a threshold above which collateral must be posted. Such agreements provide for a reduction of these thresholds (on a sliding scale that converges toward zero) in the event of downgrades in the credit ratings of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, and/or the counterparty. In addition, substantially all of the Company’s netting agreements for derivatives contain provisions that require both the Company and the counterparty to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from each of Moody’s and S&P. If a party’s financial strength or credit ratings, were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, that party would be in violation of these provisions, and the other party to the derivatives could terminate the transactions and demand immediate settlement and payment based on such party’s reasonable valuation of the derivatives.

The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC-bilateral derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The Company’s collateral agreements require both parties to be fully collateralized, as such, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company would not be required to post additional collateral as a result of a downgrade in financial strength rating. OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table.  

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	1,006	$	698
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided
Fixed maturity securities	$	999	$	777
Cash	$	—	$	—
Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon
One-notch downgrade in financial strength rating	$	—	$	—
Downgrade in financial strength rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position	$	—	$	—

__________________

(1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

Embedded Derivatives

The Company issues certain products or purchases certain investments that contain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as freestanding derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; affiliated ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; affiliated assumed reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and certain GMIBs; funds withheld on assumed and ceded reinsurance; fixed annuities with equity-indexed returns; and certain debt and equity securities. 

The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at:

	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
		(In millions)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	226		$	241
Options embedded in debt or equity securities	Investments	(57		)	(49		)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts		$	169		$	192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Policyholder account balances	$	1,868		$	2,261
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Policyholder account balances	821			952
Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance	Other liabilities	312			285
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns	Policyholder account balances	306			192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts		$	3,307		$	3,690

The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2)	$	427		$	(780	)
Policyholder benefits and claims	$	(15	)	$	45

__________________

(1) The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were($50) millionand $144 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

(2) See Note 10 for discussion of affiliated net derivative gains (losses).

XML

Fair Value

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

6. Fair Value

Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at:

	March 31, 2017
	Fair Value Hierarchy						Total Estimated Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	17,033	$	1,410	$	18,443
U.S. government and agency	5,403		6,358		—		11,761
RMBS	—		5,455		1,244		6,699
Foreign corporate	—		4,791		842		5,633
State and political subdivision	—		2,910		7		2,917
CMBS	—		2,306		157		2,463
ABS	—		2,050		194		2,244
Foreign government	—		1,083		—		1,083
Total fixed maturity securities	5,403		41,986		3,854		51,243
Equity securities	43		105		142		290
Short-term investments	458		504		1		963
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO	—		129		—		129
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	1		1,107		—		1,108
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		253		—		253
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	7		945		184		1,136
Total derivative assets	8		2,326		193		2,527
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		226		226
Separate account assets (3)	545		102,060		15		102,620
Total assets	$	6,457	$	147,110	$	4,431	$	157,998
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	799	$	503	$	1,302
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		15		—		15
Credit	—		1		—		1
Equity market	2		1,282		580		1,864
Total derivative liabilities	2		2,097		1,083		3,182
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		3,307		3,307
Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO	—		20		—		20
Total liabilities	$	2	$	2,117	$	4,390	$	6,509

	December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Hierarchy						Total Estimated Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	17,107	$	1,399	$	18,506
U.S. government and agency	5,279		6,271		—		11,550
RMBS	—		5,524		1,291		6,815
Foreign corporate	—		4,727		828		5,555
State and political subdivision	—		2,897		17		2,914
CMBS	—		2,676		162		2,838
ABS	—		2,350		211		2,561
Foreign government	—		1,046		—		1,046
Total fixed maturity securities	5,279		42,598		3,908		51,785
Equity securities	39		124		137		300
Short-term investments	459		465		2		926
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO	—		136		—		136
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	9		2,142		—		2,151
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		339		—		339
Credit	—		20		8		28
Equity market	38		859		179		1,076
Total derivative assets	47		3,360		187		3,594
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		241		241
Separate account assets (3)	720		99,858		10		100,588
Total assets	$	6,544	$	146,541	$	4,485	$	157,570
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	1,690	$	611	$	2,301
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		14		—		14
Equity market	—		1,038		530		1,568
Total derivative liabilities	—		2,742		1,141		3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		3,690		3,690
Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO	—		23		—		23
Total liabilities	$	—	$	2,765	$	4,831	$	7,596

__________________

(1) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

(2) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($57) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(3) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The description includes the valuation techniques and key inputs for each category of assets or liabilities that are classified within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments

Valuation Controls and Procedures

On behalf of the Company and MetLife, Inc.’s Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, a pricing and valuation committee that is independent of the trading and investing functions and comprised of senior management, provides oversight of control systems and valuation policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives. On a quarterly basis, this committee reviews and approves new transaction types and markets, ensures that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. This committee also provides oversight of the selection of independent third-party pricing providers and the controls and procedures to evaluate third party pricing. Periodically, the Chief Accounting Officer reports to the Audit Committee of MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.

The Company reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and revises those methodologies when necessary based on changing market conditions. Assurance is gained on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with fair value accounting standards through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Several controls are utilized, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the Company’s knowledge of the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. While independent non-binding broker quotations are utilized, they are not used for a significant portion of the portfolio. For example, fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 9% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2017.

The Company also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained, or an internally developed valuation is prepared. Internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences in the estimated fair values for the majority of the portfolio; accordingly, overrides were not material. This is, in part, because internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks are generally based on available market evidence and estimates used by other market participants. In the absence of such market-based evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO

When available, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment.

When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.

The estimated fair value of long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities.

The valuation of most instruments listed below is determined using independent pricing sources, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow methodologies or other similar techniques that use either observable market inputs or unobservable inputs.

Instrument		Level 2 Observable Inputs		Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
Fixed Maturity Securities
U.S. corporate and Foreign corporate securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	illiquidity premium
	•	benchmark yields; spreads off benchmark yields; new issuances; issuer rating		•	delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
	•	trades of identical or comparable securities; duration		•	credit spreads
	•	Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs:		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
		•	market yield curve; call provisions
		•	observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer	•	independent non-binding broker quotations
		•	delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
U.S. government and agency, State and political subdivision and Foreign government securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	independent non-binding broker quotations
	•	benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
	•	the spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security
	•	issuer ratings and issuer spreads; broker-dealer quotes		•	credit spreads
	•	comparable securities that are actively traded
Structured Securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.			Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.
	Key Inputs:			Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not active		•	credit spreads
	•	spreads for actively traded securities; spreads off benchmark yields		•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
	•	expected prepayment speeds and volumes
	•	current and forecasted loss severity; ratings; geographic region		•	independent non-binding broker quotations
	•	weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity
	•	average delinquency rates; debt-service coverage ratios
	•	issuance-specific information, including, but not limited to:
		•	collateral type; structure of the security; vintage of the loans
		•	payment terms of the underlying assets
		•	payment priority within the tranche; deal performance

Instrument	Level 2 Observable Inputs		Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
Equity Securities
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.		Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches.
	Key Input:		Key Inputs:
	•	quoted prices in markets that are not considered active	•	credit ratings; issuance structures
			•	quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
			•	independent non-binding broker quotations
Short-term investments
	•	Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.	•	Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and unobservable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
	Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach.		•	N/A
	Key Input:
	•	quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs
Separate Account Assets (1)
Mutual funds without readily determinable fair values as prices are not published publicly
	Key Input:		•	N/A
	•	quoted prices or reported net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the fund managers
Other limited partnership interests
	•	N/A	Valued giving consideration to the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate.
			Key Inputs:
			•	liquidity; bid/ask spreads; performance record of the fund manager
			•	other relevant variables that may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest

__________________

(1) Estimated fair value equals carrying value, based on the value of the underlying assets, including: mutual fund interests, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are similar in nature to the instruments described under “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO” and “— Derivatives — Freestanding Derivatives.”

Derivatives

The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives, or through the use of pricing models for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. The valuation controls and procedures for derivatives are described in “— Investments — Valuation Controls and Procedures.”

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.

Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.

The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.

Freestanding Derivatives

Level 2 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

This level includes all types of derivatives utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivatives with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3.

Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Freestanding derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. Key inputs are as follows:

Instrument		Interest Rate		Foreign Currency Exchange Rate		Credit		Equity Market
Inputs common to Level 2 and Level 3 by instrument type	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves	•	swap yield curves
	•	basis curves	•	basis curves	•	credit curves	•	spot equity index levels
	•	interest rate volatility (1)	•	currency spot rates	•	recovery rates	•	dividend yield curves
			•	cross currency basis curves			•	equity volatility (1)
Level 3	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	N/A	•	swap yield curves (2)	•	dividend yield curves (2)
	•	basis curves (2)			•	credit curves (2)	•	equity volatility (1), (2)
	•	repurchase rates			•	credit spreads	•	correlation between model inputs (1)
					•	repurchase rates
					•	independent non-binding broker quotations

______________

(1) Option-based only.

(2) Extrapolation beyond the observable limits of the curve(s).

Embedded Derivatives

Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.

The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates.

Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.

The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to MetLife, Inc.

Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.

The Company assumed from an affiliated insurance company the risk associated with certain GMIBs. These embedded derivatives are included in policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these assumed risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company.

The Company ceded to an affiliate the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above that are also accounted for as embedded derivatives. In addition to ceding risks associated with guarantees that are accounted for as embedded derivatives, the Company also cedes, to an affiliated company, certain directly written GMIBs that are accounted for as insurance (i.e., not as embedded derivatives), but where the reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer.

The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Investments — Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.

The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.

Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts

Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs:

Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curves, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curves and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin.

Reinsurance ceded on certain guaranteed minimum benefits

These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those described above in “— Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits” and also include counterparty credit spreads.

Transfers between Levels

Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:

For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at March 31, 2017, there were no transfers between Level 1 and 2. For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at December 31, 2016, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant.

Transfers into or out of Level 3:

Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:

					March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2)
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Weighted Average (1)	Range			Weighted Average (1)
Fixed maturity securities (3)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate	•	Matrix pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	18	-	144	105	18	-	138	104	Increase
	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	13	-	627	113	13	-	700	99	Increase
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	86	-	86	86	68	-	109	86	Increase
RMBS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	39	-	110	92	38	-	111	91	Increase (5)
ABS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	94	-	106	101	94	-	106	100	Increase (5)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	99	-	101	99	98	-	100	99	Increase (5)
Derivatives
Interest rate	•	Present value techniques	•	Repurchase rates (7)	(14)	-	15		(44)	-	18		Decrease (6)
Credit	•	Present value techniques	•	Credit spreads (8)	97	-	98		97	-	98		Decrease (8)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (9)
Equity market	•	Present value techniques or option pricing models	•	Volatility (10)	9%	-	33%		14%	-	32%		Increase (6)
			•	Correlation (11)	70%	-	70%		40%	-	40%
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates:
				Ages 0 - 40	0%	-	0.09%		0%	-	0.09%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 41 - 60	0.04%	-	0.65%		0.04%	-	0.65%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 61 - 115	0.26%	-	100%		0.26%	-	100%		Decrease (12)
			•	Lapse rates:
				Durations 1 - 10	0.25%	-	100%		0.25%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 11 - 20	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 21 - 116	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
			•	Utilization rates	0%	-	25%		0%	-	25%		Increase (14)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10%		0.25%	-	10%		(15)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	17.40%	-	25%		17.40%	-	25%		Increase (16)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.04%	-	0.55%		0.04%	-	0.57%		Decrease (17)

___________________

(1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities.

(2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions.

(3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.

(4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.

(5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates.

(6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions.

(7) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points.

(8) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps.

(9) At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of 1% and 3%, respectively, of the total net derivative estimated fair value.

(10) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.

(11) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations.

(12) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(13) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(14) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(15) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.

(16) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(17) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 that are not included in the preceding table. Generally, all other classes of securities classified within Level 3, including those within separate account assets, use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for Level 3 securities. This includes matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other assets and liabilities is similar in nature to that described in the preceding table. The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for the more significant assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis and determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are summarized in “— Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements.”

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			U.S. Government and Agency		Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,227		$	—	$	1,664		$	17		$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(3		)	—		3			—			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	112			—		15			—			—
Purchases (7)	102			—		51			—			—
Sales (7)	(47		)	—		(105		)	—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	—			—		11			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(139		)	—		(44		)	(10		)	—
Balance, end of period	$	2,252		$	—	$	1,595		$	7		$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,142		$	—	$	1,838		$	13		$	26
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(11		)	—		5			—			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	90			1		(12		)	—			—
Purchases (7)	32			—		100			—			—
Sales (7)	(60		)	—		(100		)	—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	95			19		38			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(153		)	—		(234		)	(5		)	(26		)
Balance, end of period	$	2,135		$	20	$	1,635		$	8		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2017 (9)	$	2		$	—	$	4		$	—		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2016 (9)	$	(9	)	$	—	$	5		$	—		$	—

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	137		$	2		$	(954	)	$	(3,449	)	$	10
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			(10		)	420			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	2			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	3			1			—			—			—
Sales (7)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			74			(52		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	—			—			—			—			5
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	142		$	1		$	(890	)	$	(3,081	)	$	15
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	97		$	47		$	(232	)	$	(1,047	)	$	146
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			(17		)	(735		)	(1		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(2		)	—			4			—			—
Purchases (7)	—			50			3			—			2
Sales (7)	—			(47		)	—			—			(4		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			(1		)	—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			(124		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	129			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(53		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	171		$	50		$	(243	)	$	(1,906	)	$	143
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2017 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	(12	)	$	432		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2016 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	(17	)	$	(736	)	$	—

__________________

(1) Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.

(2) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(3) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(4) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5) Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivatives gains (losses).

(6) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.

(7) Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.

(8) Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Fair Value Option

The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value.

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Assets (1)
Unpaid principal balance	$	81	$	88
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	48		48
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	129	$	136
Liabilities (1)
Contractual principal balance	$	19	$	22
Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance	1		1
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	20	$	23

__________________

(1) These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions and those short-term investments that are not securities, such as time deposits, and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the tables below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:

	March 31, 2017
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	9,269	$	—	$	—	$	9,463	$	9,463
Policy loans	$	1,090	$	—	$	747	$	429	$	1,176
Real estate joint ventures	$	5	$	—	$	—	$	34	$	34
Other limited partnership interests	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	41	$	41
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	2,027	$	—	$	23	$	2,843	$	2,866
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	14,688	$	—	$	—	$	15,822	$	15,822
Long-term debt	$	781	$	—	$	1,080	$	—	$	1,080
Other liabilities	$	480	$	—	$	113	$	386	$	499
Separate account liabilities	$	1,151	$	—	$	1,151	$	—	$	1,151

	December 31, 2016
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	8,748	$	—	$	—	$	8,893	$	8,893
Policy loans	$	1,093	$	—	$	746	$	431	$	1,177
Real estate joint ventures	$	12	$	—	$	—	$	44	$	44
Other limited partnership interests	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	42	$	42
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	2,831	$	—	$	832	$	2,843	$	3,675
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	14,829	$	—	$	—	$	15,975	$	15,975
Long-term debt	$	781	$	—	$	1,060	$	—	$	1,060
Other liabilities	$	194	$	—	$	27	$	167	$	194
Separate account liabilities	$	1,110	$	—	$	1,110	$	—	$	1,110

The methods, assumptions and significant valuation techniques and inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:

Mortgage Loans

The estimated fair value of mortgage loans is primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk, or is determined from pricing for similar loans.

Policy Loans

Policy loans with fixed interest rates are classified within Level 3. The estimated fair values for these loans are determined using a discounted cash flow model applied to groups of similar policy loans determined by the nature of the underlying insurance liabilities. Cash flow estimates are developed by applying a weighted-average interest rate to the outstanding principal balance of the respective group of policy loans and an estimated average maturity determined through experience studies of the past performance of policyholder repayment behavior for similar loans. These cash flows are discounted using current risk-free interest rates with no adjustment for borrower credit risk, as these loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Policy loans with variable interest rates are classified within Level 2 and the estimated fair value approximates carrying value due to the absence of borrower credit risk and the short time period between interest rate resets, which presents minimal risk of a material change in estimated fair value due to changes in market interest rates.

Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests

The estimated fair values of these cost method investments are generally based on the Company’s share of the NAV as provided on the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments. 

Premiums, Reinsurance and Other Receivables

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables are principally comprised of certain amounts recoverable under reinsurance agreements, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivatives and amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled.

Amounts recoverable under ceded reinsurance agreements, which the Company has determined do not transfer significant risk such that they are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting, have been classified as Level 3. The valuation is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using interest rates determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.

The amounts on deposit for derivative settlements, classified within Level 2, essentially represent the equivalent of demand deposit balances and amounts due for securities sold are generally received over short periods such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value.

Policyholder Account Balances

These policyholder account balances include investment contracts which primarily include certain funding agreements, fixed deferred annuities, modified guaranteed annuities, fixed term payout annuities and total control accounts. The valuation of these investment contracts is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using current market risk-free interest rates adding a spread to reflect the nonperformance risk in the liability.

Long-term Debt

The estimated fair value of long-term debt is principally determined using market standard valuation methodologies. Valuations of instruments are based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active or using matrix pricing that use standard market observable inputs such as quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. Instruments valued using discounted cash flow methodologies use standard market observable inputs including market yield curve, duration, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consist primarily of interest payable, amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled, funds withheld amounts payable, which are contractually withheld by the Company in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements, and deposits payable. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which are not materially different from the carrying values. 

Separate Account Liabilities

Separate account liabilities represent those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts.

Separate account liabilities classified as investment contracts primarily represent variable annuities with no significant mortality risk to the Company such that the death benefit is equal to the account balance and certain contracts that provide for benefit funding.

Since separate account liabilities are fully funded by cash flows from the separate account assets which are recognized at estimated fair value as described in the section “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements,” the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities. The valuation techniques and inputs for separate account liabilities are similar to those described for separate account assets.

XML

Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Equity

7. Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2017
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,176		$	255		$	(29	)	$	1,402
OCI before reclassifications	236			(19		)	(7		)	210
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(100		)	7			2			(91		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,312			243			(34		)	1,521
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	84			(10		)	—			74
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(34		)	3			—			(31		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	50			(7		)	—			43
Balance, end of period	$	1,362		$	236		$	(34	)	$	1,564

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2016
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,415		$	239		$	(26	)	$	1,628
OCI before reclassifications	1,413			17			(4		)	1,426
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(488		)	(6		)	—			(494		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	2,340			250			(30		)	2,560
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	49			(6		)	—			43
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(17		)	2			—			(15		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	32			(4		)	—			28
Balance, end of period	$	2,372		$	246		$	(30	)	$	2,588

__________________

(1) See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:

AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI						Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	(42	)	$	(46	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	1			(3		)	Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	(43		)	—			Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	(84		)	(49		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	34			17
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	(50		)	(32		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	1			1			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			2			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	1			1			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	8			2			Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	10			6
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	(2		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	7			4
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	(43	)	$	(28	)

XML

Other Expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Expenses

8. Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	52		$	122
Commissions	170			163
Volume-related costs	30			31
Affiliated expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance	4			63
Capitalization of DAC	(61		)	(93		)
Interest expense on debt	18			17
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	12			16
Professional services	34			5
Rent and related expenses	3			14
Other	103			108
Total other expenses	$	365		$	446

Affiliated Expenses

Commissions and capitalization of DAC include the impact of affiliated reinsurance transactions. See Note10 for a discussion of affiliated expenses included in the table above.

XML

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees

9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees

Contingencies

Litigation

The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.

Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. 

The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated at March 31, 2017.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made

For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters was not material for the Company.

Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made

For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.

Sales Practices Claims

Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.

Summary

Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Commitments

Mortgage Loan Commitments

The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $293 million and $335 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments

The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Other Commitments

The Company has entered into collateral arrangements with affiliates which require the transfer of collateral in connection with secured demand notes. As of March 31, 2017, these arrangements had expired and the Company is no longer transferring collateral to custody accounts. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had agreed to fund up to $20 million of cash upon the request by these affiliates and had transferred collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $25 million, to custody accounts to secure the demand notes. Each of these affiliates was permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral.

Guarantees

In the normal course of its business, the Company has provided certain indemnities, guarantees and commitments to third parties such that it may be required to make payments now or in the future. In the context of acquisition, disposition, investment and other transactions, the Company has provided indemnities and guarantees, including those related to tax, environmental and other specific liabilities and other indemnities and guarantees that are triggered by, among other things, breaches of representations, warranties or covenants provided by the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in contracts with triggers similar to the foregoing, as well as for certain other liabilities, such as third-party lawsuits. These obligations are often subject to time limitations that vary in duration, including contractual limitations and those that arise by operation of law, such as applicable statutes of limitation. In some cases, the maximum potential obligation under the indemnities and guarantees is subject to a contractual limitation ranging from less than $1 million to $217 million, with a cumulative maximum of $223 million, while in other cases such limitations are not specified or applicable. Since certain of these obligations are not subject to limitations, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these guarantees in the future. Management believes that it is unlikely the Company will have to make any material payments under these indemnities, guarantees, or commitments.

In addition, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers as provided in its charters and by-laws. Also, the Company indemnifies its agents for liabilities incurred as a result of their representation of the Company’s interests. Since these indemnities are generally not subject to limitation with respect to duration or amount, the Company does not believe that it is possible to determine the maximum potential amount that could become due under these indemnities in the future.

The Company’s recorded liabilities were $2 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, for indemnities, guarantees and commitments.

XML

Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

10. Related Party Transactions

The Company has various existing relationships with MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities.

Non-Broker-Dealer Transactions

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Income						Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	(167	)	$	(477	)	$	8	$	61

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	9,341	$	9,010	$	8,972	$	9,518

The material arrangements between the Company and MetLife are as follows:

Reinsurance Agreements

The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by affiliated companies. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.

The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain of MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries, including MLIC, MetLife Reinsurance company of South Carolina, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY(“Brighthouse NY”), General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Europe d.a.c., MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”), MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“MRD”), Delaware American Life Insurance Company and American Life Insurance Company, all of which are related parties.

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	3		$	45
Reinsurance ceded	(215		)	(227		)
Net premiums	$	(212	)	$	(182	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	27		$	29
Reinsurance ceded	(75		)	(107		)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	(48	)	$	(78	)
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	—		$	—
Reinsurance ceded	31			51
Net other revenues	$	31		$	51
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	32		$	44
Reinsurance ceded	(238		)	(237		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	(206	)	$	(193	)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
Reinsurance assumed	$	18		$	19
Reinsurance ceded	(36		)	(36		)
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	$	(18	)	$	(17	)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
Reinsurance assumed	$	(3	)	$	4
Reinsurance ceded	$	28		$	(42	)
Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	$	25		$	(38	)
Other expenses
Reinsurance assumed	$	5		$	27
Reinsurance ceded	2			42
Net other expenses	$	7		$	69

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Assumed			Ceded			Assumed		Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	55		$	9,791		$	23	$	9,661
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	65			(841		)	71		(803		)
Total assets	$	120		$	8,950		$	94	$	8,858
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	189		$	(106	)	$	213	$	(117	)
Policyholder account balances	821			—			952		—
Other policy-related balances	1,694			666			1,677		680
Other liabilities	(390		)	5,360			10		5,344
Total liabilities	$	2,314		$	5,920		$	2,852	$	5,907

The Company assumes risks from affiliates related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the affiliates. These assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in their estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $821 million and $952 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $57 million and ($136) million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company ceded two blocks of business to two affiliates on a90%coinsurance with funds withheld basis. Certain contractual features of these agreements qualify as embedded derivatives, which are separately accounted for at estimated fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The embedded derivatives related to the funds withheld associated with these reinsurance agreements are included within other liabilities and increased the funds withheld balance by$312 millionand$285 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with these embedded derivatives were($27) millionand ($166) millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

The Company ceded risks to an affiliate related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company. This ceded reinsurance agreement contains embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivative associated with this cession is included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $3 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivative were less than ($1) million and $1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment agreement whereby it will replace MLIC as the reinsurer of certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse NY and NELICO. This novation and assignment resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $34 million, an increase in future policy benefits of $79 million, an increase in policyholder account balances of $387 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $427 million. The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction.

In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million, a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million, and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million. The Company recognized a loss of $2 million, net of income tax, as a result of this transaction.

In December 2015, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede one block of business to MRD on a 90% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term life policies issued in 2015 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were $93 million and $83 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were $44 million and $34 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement of $1 million and an income of $42 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In December 2014, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede two blocks of business to MRD on a90%coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term and certain universal life policies issued in 2014 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were$139 millionand$136 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were$93 millionand$83 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement ofless than$1 million and $52 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

Financing Arrangements

The Company has financing arrangements with MetLife that are used to support reinsurance obligations arising under affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for affiliated debt of $16 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Investment Transactions

The Company has extended loans to certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from MetLife affiliates. See Note 4 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions.

Shared Services and Overhead Allocations

MetLife provides the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, executive oversight, treasury, finance, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting, information technology, distribution services and investor relations. The Company is charged for these services based on direct and indirect costs. When specific identification is not practicable, an allocation methodology is used, primarily based on sales, in-force liabilities, or headcount. For certain agreements, charges are based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Expenses incurred with MetLife related to these arrangements, recorded in other operating expenses, were $184 million and $233 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Broker-Dealer Transactions

The Company accrues related party revenues and expenses arising from transactions with MetLife’s broker-dealers whereby the MetLife broker-dealers sell the Company’s variable annuity and life products. The affiliated revenue for the Company is fee income from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. The affiliated expense for the Company is commissions collected on the sale of variable products by the Company and passed through to the broker-dealer.

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related broker-dealers for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	Fee Income				Commission Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	51	$	49	$	120	$	154

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with affiliated broker-dealers as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes		Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	4	$	—	$	18	$	20

XML

Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

11. Subsequent Events

Effective April 2017, following receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, MetLife contributed certain affiliated reinsurance companies and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. The affiliated reinsurance companies were then merged into Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware, a licensed reinsurance subsidiary of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company. The affiliated reinsurance companies’ reinsured risks, including level premium term life and ULSG assumed from the Company and other entities and operations of Brighthouse. Simultaneously with the restructuring, the existing reserve financing arrangements of the affiliated reinsurance companies with unaffiliated financial institutions were terminated and replaced with a single financing arrangement supported by a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers. The aggregate carrying amount of the contributed companies’ assets in excess of their liabilities was approximately $7.0 billion as of March 31, 2017.

XML

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Consolidation of Subsidiaries

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations.

Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in Brighthouse Life Insurance Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2016 Annual Report.

Investments

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities

Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans

The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days.

The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity.

Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.

Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.

If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows:

Statement of Operations Presentation:	Derivative:
Policyholder benefits and claims	•	Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits
Net investment income	•	Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures

Hedge Accounting

To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows:

• Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) - in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged.

• Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) - effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses).

The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. 

In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses).

In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).

Embedded Derivatives

The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if:

• the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings;

• the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and

• a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument.

Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.

Derivative Strategies

Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets.

The Company designates and accounts for interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging.

The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments.

The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.

XML

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

	Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017	Annuities		Life			Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$	255	$	(56	)	$	130		$	15		$	344
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	64		(20		)	45			—			89
Operating earnings	$	191	$	(36	)	$	85		$	15		255
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)												(50		)
Net derivative gains (losses)												(709		)
Other adjustments to net income												4
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit												264
Net income (loss)												$	(236	)
Inter-segment revenues	$	91	$	(195	)	$	(26	)	$	(15	)
Interest revenue	$	309	$	79		$	307		$	42
Interest expense	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	18

	Operating Results
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Annuities		Life			Run-off			Corporate & Other			Total
	(In millions)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$	304	$	(78	)	$	130		$	(15	)	$	341
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	76		(23		)	44			(10		)	87
Operating earnings	$	228	$	(55	)	$	86		$	(5	)	254
Adjustments for:
Net investment gains (losses)												(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)												(5		)
Other adjustments to net income												(96		)
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit												56
Net income (loss)												$	161
Inter-segment revenues	$	128	$	(227	)	$	(78	)	$	46
Interest revenue	$	330	$	67		$	304		$	(9	)
Interest expense	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	17

The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	139,139	$	141,111
Life	12,822		12,674
Run-off	38,810		39,261
Corporate & Other	9,245		6,227
Total	$	200,016	$	199,273

Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated

Reconciliation of Company operating revenues to total revenues:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Annuities	$	887		$	1,065
Life	169			134
Run-off	456			419
Total segment	1,512			1,618
Corporate & Other	63			70
Net investment gains (losses)	(50		)	(48		)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709		)	(5		)
Other adjustments	(14		)	1
Total	$	802		$	1,636

XML

Insurance (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]

Information regarding the liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31 of prior period	$	1,966		$	1,693
Less: Reinsurance recoverables	1,808			1,545
Net Balance at December 31 of prior period	158			148
Cumulative adjustment (1)	—			67
Net balance, beginning of period	158			215
Incurred related to:
Current year	236			231
Prior years (2)	(2		)	13
Total incurred	234			244
Paid related to:
Current year	(124		)	(129		)
Prior years	(75		)	(76		)
Total paid	(199		)	(205		)
Net balance, end of period	193			254
Add: Reinsurance recoverables	1,799			1,618
Balance, end of period	$	1,992		$	1,872

______________

(1) Reflects the accumulated adjustment, net of reinsurance, upon implementation of the new short-duration contracts guidance which clarified the requirement to include claim information for long-duration contracts. The accumulated adjustment primarily reflects unpaid claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for long-duration contracts as of the beginning of the period presented.

(2) During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years changed due to differences between the actual benefits paid and the expected benefits owed during those periods.

Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts

Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	In the Event of Death			At Annuitization			In the Event of Death			At Annuitization
	(Dollars in millions)
Annuity Contracts (1), (2)
Variable Annuity Guarantees
Total account value (3)	$	104,487		$	58,406		$	101,827		$	57,370
Separate account value	$	99,584		$	57,125		$	97,237		$	56,048
Net amount at risk	$	5,989	(4)	$	2,622	(5)	$	6,726	(4)	$	2,906	(5)
Average attained age of contractholders	68 years			67 years			67 years			67 years

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	Secondary Guarantees
	(Dollars in millions)
Universal and Variable Life Contracts
Total account value (3)	$	7,133	$	7,176
Net amount at risk (6)	$	90,606	$	90,973
Average attained age of policyholders	60 years		60 years

__________________

(1) The Company’s annuity contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

(2) Includes direct business, but excludes offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report for a discussion of GMxBs which have been reinsured.

(3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable.

(4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.

(5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved.

(6) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.

XML

Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”).

	March 31, 2017											December 31, 2016
	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value		Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized							Estimated Fair Value
			Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)							Gains		Temporary Losses		OTTI Losses (1)
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	17,358	$	1,248	$	163	$	—		$	18,443	$	17,583	$	1,158	$	235	$	—		$	18,506
U.S. government and agency	10,648		1,266		153		—			11,761		10,517		1,221		188		—			11,550
RMBS	6,575		206		85		(3		)	6,699		6,722		194		101		—			6,815
Foreign corporate	5,523		234		124		—			5,633		5,512		201		158		—			5,555
State and political subdivision	2,627		310		19		1			2,917		2,633		305		24		—			2,914
CMBS	2,458		29		25		(1		)	2,463		2,837		26		26		(1		)	2,838
ABS	2,235		16		7		—			2,244		2,562		11		12		—			2,561
Foreign government	961		127		5		—			1,083		946		111		11		—			1,046
Total fixed maturity securities	$	48,385	$	3,436	$	581	$	(3	)	$	51,243	$	49,312	$	3,227	$	755	$	(1	)	$	51,785
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stock	$	157	$	9	$	4	$	—		$	162	$	180	$	6	$	9	$	—		$	177
Common stock	102		26		—		—			128		100		23		—		—			123
Total equity securities	$	259	$	35	$	4	$	—		$	290	$	280	$	29	$	9	$	—		$	300

__________________

(1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”

Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at March 31, 2017:

	Due in One Year or Less		Due After One Year Through Five Years		Due After Five Years Through Ten Years		Due After Ten Years		Structured Securities		Total Fixed Maturity Securities
	(In millions)
Amortized cost	$	1,901	$	8,524	$	8,077	$	18,615	$	11,268	$	48,385
Estimated fair value	$	1,910	$	8,896	$	8,238	$	20,793	$	11,406	$	51,243

Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale

The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at:

	March 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months				Less than 12 Months				Equal to or Greater than 12 Months
	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in millions)
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	3,135	$	118	$	456	$	45	$	3,525	$	145	$	625	$	90
U.S. government and agency	3,288		153		—		—		3,548		188		—		—
RMBS	2,376		59		623		23		2,642		69		811		32
Foreign corporate	892		40		508		84		1,231		60		532		98
State and political subdivision	450		17		28		3		548		21		29		3
CMBS	996		21		130		3		1,307		22		164		3
ABS	291		4		276		3		433		4		461		8
Foreign government	142		4		4		1		228		10		4		1
Total fixed maturity securities	$	11,570	$	416	$	2,025	$	162	$	13,462	$	519	$	2,626	$	235
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stock	$	28	$	—	$	29	$	4	$	57	$	2	$	40	$	7
Total equity securities	$	28	$	—	$	29	$	4	$	57	$	2	$	40	$	7
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position	1,182				398				1,388				468

Disclosure of Mortgage Loans Net of Valuation Allowance

Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
	Carrying Value			% of Total		Carrying Value			% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	6,445		68.6	%	$	6,211		69.9	%
Agricultural	1,869			19.9		1,708			19.2
Residential	996			10.6		867			9.8
Subtotal (1)	9,310			99.1		8,786			98.9
Valuation allowances	(41		)	(0.4	)	(38		)	(0.4	)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	9,269			98.7		8,748			98.5
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO	129			1.3		136			1.5
Total mortgage loans, net	$	9,398		100.0	%	$	8,884		100.0	%

__________________

(1) Purchases of mortgage loans were $160 million and $39 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and were primarily comprised of residential mortgage loans.

Disclosure of mortgage loans held-for-investment and valuation allowances by method of evaluation for credit loss

Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at:

	Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses										Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses				Impaired Loans
	Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance						Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Valuation Allowances		Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Recorded Investment		Valuation Allowances		Carrying Value
	(In millions)
March 31, 2017
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,445	$	31	$	—
Agricultural	4		3		—		—		—		1,866		6		3
Residential	—		—		—		2		2		994		4		2
Total	$	4	$	3	$	—	$	2	$	2	$	9,305	$	41	$	5
December 31, 2016
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,211	$	30	$	—
Agricultural	4		3		—		—		—		1,705		5		3
Residential	—		—		—		1		1		866		3		1
Total	$	4	$	3	$	—	$	1	$	1	$	8,782	$	38	$	4

Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables

The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows:

	Three Months Ended     March 31,
	2017								2016
	Commercial		Agricultural		Residential		Total		Commercial		Agricultural		Residential		Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	30	$	5	$	3	$	38	$	28	$	5	$	3	$	36
Provision (release)	1		1		1		3		—		—		1		1
Balance, end of period	$	31	$	6	$	4	$	41	$	28	$	5	$	4	$	37

Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities	$	2,846		$	2,464
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	3			1
Total fixed maturity securities	2,849			2,465
Equity securities	50			32
Derivatives	364			393
Short-term investments	—			(42		)
Other	(11		)	58
Subtotal	3,252			2,906
Amounts allocated from:
Future policy benefits	(594		)	(550		)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(1		)	(1		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(199		)	(188		)
Subtotal	(794		)	(739		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(860		)	(736		)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	1,598		$	1,431

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2017
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,431
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	2
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	344
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(44		)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(11		)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(124		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,598
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	167

Securities Lending

Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
Amortized cost	$	6,072	$	5,895
Estimated fair value	$	6,781	$	6,555
Cash collateral received from counterparties (2)	$	6,925	$	6,642
Security collateral received from counterparties (3)	$	11	$	27
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	$	6,952	$	6,571

__________________

(1) Included within fixed maturity securities.

(2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.

(3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements.

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:

	March 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements								Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
	Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total		Open (1)		1 Month or Less		1 to 6 Months		Total
	(In millions)
Cash collateral liability by loaned security type:
U.S. government and agency	$	2,175	$	1,644	$	2,269	$	6,088	$	2,129	$	1,906	$	1,743	$	5,778
U.S. corporate	—		469		—		469		—		480		—		480
Agency RMBS	—		257		—		257		—		—		274		274
Foreign corporate	—		58		—		58		—		58		—		58
Foreign government	—		53		—		53		—		52		—		52
Total	$	2,175	$	2,481	$	2,269	$	6,925	$	2,129	$	2,496	$	2,017	$	6,642

__________________

(1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.

Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral

Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for all asset classes at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$	7,746	$	7,642
Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (1)	221		721
Invested assets pledged as collateral (2)	3,818		3,548
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$	11,785	$	11,911

__________________

(1) The Company has held in trust certain investments, primarily fixed maturity securities, in connection with certain reinsurance transactions.

(2) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2016 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).

The Components of Net Investment Income

The components of net investment income were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In millions)
Investment income:
Fixed maturity securities	$	501	$	515
Equity securities	3		5
Mortgage loans	103		88
Policy loans	12		14
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	12		13
Other limited partnership interests	57		21
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	4		4
Operating joint venture	1		2
Other	6		—
Subtotal	699		662
Less: Investment expenses	40		38
Subtotal, net	659		624
FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans	2		3
Net investment income	$	661	$	627

The components of net investment gains (losses)

The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry:
U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:
Industrial	$	—		$	(13	)
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities	—			(13		)
RMBS	—			(2		)
OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings	—			(15		)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	(31		)	(33		)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities	(31		)	(48		)
Total gains (losses) on equity securities:
Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector:
Common stock	—			(1		)
OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings	—			(1		)
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	—			4
Total gains (losses) on equity securities	—			3
Mortgage loans	(3		)	(2		)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	2			(1		)
Other limited partnership interests	(10		)	(4		)
Other	(7		)	2
Subtotal	(49		)	(50		)
FVO CSEs:
Commercial mortgage loans	(1		)	1
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans	1			—
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	(1		)	1
Subtotal	(1		)	2
Total net investment gains (losses)	$	(50	)	$	(48	)

Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses

Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Fixed Maturity Securities						Equity Securities
	(In millions)
Proceeds	$	1,753		$	8,838		$	1	$	4
Gross investment gains	$	7		$	33		$	—	$	4
Gross investment losses	(38		)	(66		)	—		—
OTTI losses	—			(15		)	—		(1		)
Net investment gains (losses)	$	(31	)	$	(48	)	$	—	$	3

Rollforward of the Cumulative Credit Loss Component of OTTI income (loss)

The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	28		$	52
Additions:
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired	—			1
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	(17		)	(2		)
Balance, end of period	$	11		$	51

Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Securitizations or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sale [Table Text Block]

The Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from affiliates. Invested assets transferred to and from affiliates were as follows:

	Three Months   Ended  March 31,
	2017			2016
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$	292		$	—
Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$	294		$	—
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers	$	(2	)	$	—
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates	$	—		$	237

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]

Variable Interest Entities

The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at:

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
CSEs: (1)
Assets
Mortgage loans (commercial mortgage loans)	$	129	$	136
Accrued investment income	1		1
Total assets	$	130	$	137
Liabilities
Long-term debt	$	20	$	23
Other liabilities	—		1
Total liabilities	$	20	$	24

__________________

(1) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $91 million and $95 million at estimated fair value at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]

Variable Interest Entities

The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss (1)		Carrying Amount		Maximum Exposure to Loss (1)
	(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities AFS:
Structured Securities (2)	$	9,923	$	9,923	$	10,789	$	10,789
U.S. and foreign corporate	529		529		505		505
Other limited partnership interests	1,382		2,155		1,491		2,287
Real estate joint ventures	26		27		17		22
Other investments (3)	41		47		61		66
Total	$	11,901	$	12,681	$	12,863	$	13,669

__________________

(1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties. There were no income tax credits and less than $1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee.

(2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity.

(3) Other investments is comprised of other invested assets and non-redeemable preferred stock.

Commercial

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]

Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories

The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:

	Recorded Investment
	Debt Service Coverage Ratios								% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	> 1.20x		1.00x - 1.20x		< 1.00x		Total
	(Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2017
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	5,729	$	306	$	20	$	6,055	94.0	%	$	6,180	94.2	%
65% to 75%	325		—		18		343		5.3		339		5.2
76% to 80%	9		—		—		9		0.1		9		0.1
Greater than 80%	24		14		—		38		0.6		36		0.5
Total	$	6,087	$	320	$	38	$	6,445	100.0	%	$	6,564	100.0	%
December 31, 2016
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	5,459	$	214	$	166	$	5,839	94.0	%	$	5,922	94.2	%
65% to 75%	281		—		19		300		4.8		294		4.7
76% to 80%	34		—		—		34		0.6		33		0.5
Greater than 80%	24		14		—		38		0.6		37		0.6
Total	$	5,798	$	228	$	185	$	6,211	100.0	%	$	6,286	100.0	%

Agricultural

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]

Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories

The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%	$	1,821	97.4	%	$	1,669	97.7	%
65% to 75%	48		2.6		39		2.3
Total	$	1,869	100.0	%	$	1,708	100.0	%

Residential

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]

Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories

The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Recorded Investment		% of Total		Recorded Investment		% of Total
	(Dollars in millions)
Performance indicators:
Performing	$	985	98.9	%	$	856	98.7	%
Nonperforming	11		1.1		11		1.3
Total	$	996	100.0	%	$	867	100.0	%

XML

Derivatives (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:

		March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Primary Underlying Risk Exposure	Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value				Gross Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value
				Assets		Liabilities				Assets		Liabilities
		(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	$	265	$	40	$	—	$	310	$	41	$	—
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	45		7		—		45		7		—
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	1,372		154		11		1,386		181		10
Subtotal		1,417		161		11		1,431		188		10
Total qualifying hedges		1,682		201		11		1,741		229		10
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Interest rate swaps	Interest rate	18,644		962		798		28,175		1,928		1,688
Interest rate floors	Interest rate	2,100		2		1		2,100		5		2
Interest rate caps	Interest rate	8,542		17		—		12,042		25		—
Interest rate futures	Interest rate	282		1		—		1,288		9		—
Interest rate options	Interest rate	15,520		79		—		15,520		136		—
Interest rate total return swaps	Interest rate	3,150		—		503		3,876		—		611
Foreign currency swaps	Foreign currency exchange rate	845		97		4		1,236		149		4
Foreign currency forwards	Foreign currency exchange rate	194		2		—		158		9		—
Credit default swaps — purchased	Credit	34		—		—		34		—		—
Credit default swaps — written	Credit	1,789		30		1		1,891		28		—
Equity futures	Equity market	4,682		7		2		8,037		38		—
Equity index options	Equity market	38,886		970		1,190		37,501		897		934
Equity variance swaps	Equity market	14,894		159		568		14,894		140		517
Equity total return swaps	Equity market	2,260		—		104		2,855		1		117
Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives		111,822		2,326		3,171		129,607		3,365		3,873
Total		$	113,504	$	2,527	$	3,182	$	131,348	$	3,594	$	3,883

The following table presents earned income on derivatives:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In millions)
Qualifying hedges:
Net investment income	$	6	$	3
Nonqualifying hedges:
Net derivative gains (losses)	119		97
Policyholder benefits and claims	4		4
Total	$	129	$	104

Amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that are not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments

The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:

	Net Derivative Gains (Losses)			Net Investment Income (1)			Policyholder Benefits and Claims (2)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate derivatives	$	(269	)	$	—		$	(1	)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	(19		)	—			—
Credit derivatives — written	6			—			—
Equity derivatives	(939		)	—			(184		)
Total	$	(1,221	)	$	—		$	(185	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate derivatives	$	817		$	—		$	19
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives	—			—			—
Credit derivatives — written	—			—			—
Equity derivatives	(136		)	(3		)	30
Total	$	681		$	(3	)	$	49

__________________

(1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures.

(2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.

Net derivatives gains (losses) recognized on fair value derivatives and the related hedged items

The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives			Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items			Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
		(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps:	Fixed maturity securities	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Policyholder liabilities (1)	(2		)	2			—
Total		$	(2	)	$	2		$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps:	Fixed maturity securities	$	(2	)	$	2		$	—
	Policyholder liabilities (1)	14			(14		)	—
Total		$	12		$	(12	)	$	—

__________________

(1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits.

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of stockholder’s equity:

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives			Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)				Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
	(Effective Portion)			(Effective Portion)				(Ineffective Portion)
				Net Derivative Gains (Losses)		Net Investment Income		Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
				(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps	$	—		$	—	$	1	$	—
Interest rate forwards	—			—		1		—
Foreign currency swaps	(19		)	8		—		—
Credit forwards	—			—		—		—
Total	$	(19	)	$	8	$	2	$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps	$	26		$	—	$	1	$	—
Interest rate forwards	4			2		1		—
Foreign currency swaps	(13		)	2		—		—
Credit forwards	—			—		—		—
Total	$	17		$	4	$	2	$	—

Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: 

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)	Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps		Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps		Weighted Average Years to Maturity (2)
	(Dollars in millions)
Aaa/Aa/A
Single name credit default swaps (3)	$	—	$	35	2.5	$	1	$	45	2.2
Credit default swaps referencing indices	9		433		3.5	8		433		3.7
Subtotal	9		468		3.4	9		478		3.6
Baa
Single name credit default swaps (3)	1		110		1.7	1		180		1.6
Credit default swaps referencing indices	19		1,166		5.3	18		1,213		4.8
Subtotal	20		1,276		5.0	19		1,393		4.4
Ba
Single name credit default swaps (3)	—		45		4.0	—		20		2.7
Credit default swaps referencing indices	—		—		—	—		—		—
Subtotal	—		45		4.0	—		20		2.7
Total	$	29	$	1,789	4.6	$	28	$	1,891	4.2

__________________

(1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”),Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”)and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.

(2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	(In millions)
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives:
OTC-bilateral (1)	$	2,550		$	3,165		$	3,384		$	2,929
OTC-cleared (1), (6)	36			7			267			905
Exchange-traded	8			2			47			—
Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets	—			—			—			—
Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets:
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2)
OTC-bilateral	(2,159		)	(2,159		)	(2,231		)	(2,231		)
OTC-cleared	(7		)	(7		)	(165		)	(165		)
Exchange-traded	(1		)	(1		)	—			—
Cash collateral: (3), (4)
OTC-bilateral	(189		)	—			(625		)	—
OTC-cleared	(18		)	—			(92		)	(740		)
Exchange-traded	—			—			—			—
Securities collateral: (5)
OTC-bilateral	(194		)	(958		)	(429		)	(698		)
OTC-cleared	—			—			—			—
Exchange-traded	—			(1		)	—			—
Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral	$	26		$	48		$	156		$	—

__________________

(1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $67 million and $104 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals.

(3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet.

(4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company received excess cash collateral of $20 million and $3 million, respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $25 million, respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but atMarch 31, 2017, noneof the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$178 millionand$135 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$41 millionand$108 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and$291 millionand$630 million, respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and$210 millionand$453 million, respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral

The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: 

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	(In millions)
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives:
OTC-bilateral (1)	$	2,550		$	3,165		$	3,384		$	2,929
OTC-cleared (1), (6)	36			7			267			905
Exchange-traded	8			2			47			—
Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets	—			—			—			—
Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6)	2,594			3,174			3,698			3,834
Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets:
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2)
OTC-bilateral	(2,159		)	(2,159		)	(2,231		)	(2,231		)
OTC-cleared	(7		)	(7		)	(165		)	(165		)
Exchange-traded	(1		)	(1		)	—			—
Cash collateral: (3), (4)
OTC-bilateral	(189		)	—			(625		)	—
OTC-cleared	(18		)	—			(92		)	(740		)
Exchange-traded	—			—			—			—
Securities collateral: (5)
OTC-bilateral	(194		)	(958		)	(429		)	(698		)
OTC-cleared	—			—			—			—
Exchange-traded	—			(1		)	—			—
Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral	$	26		$	48		$	156		$	—

__________________

(1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $67 million and $104 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($8) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals.

(3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet.

(4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company received excess cash collateral of $20 million and $3 million, respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $0 and $25 million, respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but atMarch 31, 2017, noneof the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$178 millionand$135 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. AtMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of$41 millionand$108 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and$291 millionand$630 million, respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and$210 millionand$453 million, respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.

(6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)

The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)	$	(1,136	)	$	775
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	427			(780		)
Total net derivative gains (losses)	$	(709	)	$	(5	)

__________________

(1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table.  

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Estimated fair value of derivatives in a net liability position (1)	$	1,006	$	698
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided
Fixed maturity securities	$	999	$	777
Cash	$	—	$	—
Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon
One-notch downgrade in financial strength rating	$	—	$	—
Downgrade in financial strength rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position	$	—	$	—

__________________

(1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)

The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2)	$	427		$	(780	)
Policyholder benefits and claims	$	(15	)	$	45

__________________

(1) The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were($50) millionand $144 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

(2) See Note 10 for discussion of affiliated net derivative gains (losses).

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at:

	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
		(In millions)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	226		$	241
Options embedded in debt or equity securities	Investments	(57		)	(49		)
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts		$	169		$	192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits	Policyholder account balances	$	1,868		$	2,261
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits	Policyholder account balances	821			952
Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance	Other liabilities	312			285
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns	Policyholder account balances	306			192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts		$	3,307		$	3,690

XML

Fair Value (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at:

	March 31, 2017
	Fair Value Hierarchy						Total Estimated Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	17,033	$	1,410	$	18,443
U.S. government and agency	5,403		6,358		—		11,761
RMBS	—		5,455		1,244		6,699
Foreign corporate	—		4,791		842		5,633
State and political subdivision	—		2,910		7		2,917
CMBS	—		2,306		157		2,463
ABS	—		2,050		194		2,244
Foreign government	—		1,083		—		1,083
Total fixed maturity securities	5,403		41,986		3,854		51,243
Equity securities	43		105		142		290
Short-term investments	458		504		1		963
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO	—		129		—		129
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	1		1,107		—		1,108
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		253		—		253
Credit	—		21		9		30
Equity market	7		945		184		1,136
Total derivative assets	8		2,326		193		2,527
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		226		226
Separate account assets (3)	545		102,060		15		102,620
Total assets	$	6,457	$	147,110	$	4,431	$	157,998
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	799	$	503	$	1,302
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		15		—		15
Credit	—		1		—		1
Equity market	2		1,282		580		1,864
Total derivative liabilities	2		2,097		1,083		3,182
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		3,307		3,307
Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO	—		20		—		20
Total liabilities	$	2	$	2,117	$	4,390	$	6,509

	December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Hierarchy						Total Estimated Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Assets
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. corporate	$	—	$	17,107	$	1,399	$	18,506
U.S. government and agency	5,279		6,271		—		11,550
RMBS	—		5,524		1,291		6,815
Foreign corporate	—		4,727		828		5,555
State and political subdivision	—		2,897		17		2,914
CMBS	—		2,676		162		2,838
ABS	—		2,350		211		2,561
Foreign government	—		1,046		—		1,046
Total fixed maturity securities	5,279		42,598		3,908		51,785
Equity securities	39		124		137		300
Short-term investments	459		465		2		926
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO	—		136		—		136
Derivative assets: (1)
Interest rate	9		2,142		—		2,151
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		339		—		339
Credit	—		20		8		28
Equity market	38		859		179		1,076
Total derivative assets	47		3,360		187		3,594
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (2)	—		—		241		241
Separate account assets (3)	720		99,858		10		100,588
Total assets	$	6,544	$	146,541	$	4,485	$	157,570
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities: (1)
Interest rate	$	—	$	1,690	$	611	$	2,301
Foreign currency exchange rate	—		14		—		14
Equity market	—		1,038		530		1,568
Total derivative liabilities	—		2,742		1,141		3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (2)	—		—		3,690		3,690
Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO	—		23		—		23
Total liabilities	$	—	$	2,765	$	4,831	$	7,596

__________________

(1) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.

(2) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($57) million and ($49) million, respectively.

(3) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.

Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:

					March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2)
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Weighted Average (1)	Range			Weighted Average (1)
Fixed maturity securities (3)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate	•	Matrix pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	18	-	144	105	18	-	138	104	Increase
	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	13	-	627	113	13	-	700	99	Increase
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	86	-	86	86	68	-	109	86	Increase
RMBS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	39	-	110	92	38	-	111	91	Increase (5)
ABS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	94	-	106	101	94	-	106	100	Increase (5)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	99	-	101	99	98	-	100	99	Increase (5)
Derivatives
Interest rate	•	Present value techniques	•	Repurchase rates (7)	(14)	-	15		(44)	-	18		Decrease (6)
Credit	•	Present value techniques	•	Credit spreads (8)	97	-	98		97	-	98		Decrease (8)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (9)
Equity market	•	Present value techniques or option pricing models	•	Volatility (10)	9%	-	33%		14%	-	32%		Increase (6)
			•	Correlation (11)	70%	-	70%		40%	-	40%
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates:
				Ages 0 - 40	0%	-	0.09%		0%	-	0.09%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 41 - 60	0.04%	-	0.65%		0.04%	-	0.65%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 61 - 115	0.26%	-	100%		0.26%	-	100%		Decrease (12)
			•	Lapse rates:
				Durations 1 - 10	0.25%	-	100%		0.25%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 11 - 20	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 21 - 116	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
			•	Utilization rates	0%	-	25%		0%	-	25%		Increase (14)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10%		0.25%	-	10%		(15)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	17.40%	-	25%		17.40%	-	25%		Increase (16)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.04%	-	0.55%		0.04%	-	0.57%		Decrease (17)

___________________

(1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities.

(2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions.

(3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.

(4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.

(5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates.

(6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions.

(7) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points.

(8) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps.

(9) At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of 1% and 3%, respectively, of the total net derivative estimated fair value.

(10) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.

(11) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations.

(12) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(13) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(14) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(15) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.

(16) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(17) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information

The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:

					March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				Impact of Increase in Input on Estimated Fair Value (2)
	Valuation Techniques		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range			Weighted Average (1)	Range			Weighted Average (1)
Fixed maturity securities (3)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate	•	Matrix pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	18	-	144	105	18	-	138	104	Increase
	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	13	-	627	113	13	-	700	99	Increase
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	86	-	86	86	68	-	109	86	Increase
RMBS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	39	-	110	92	38	-	111	91	Increase (5)
ABS	•	Market pricing	•	Quoted prices (4)	94	-	106	101	94	-	106	100	Increase (5)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (4)	99	-	101	99	98	-	100	99	Increase (5)
Derivatives
Interest rate	•	Present value techniques	•	Repurchase rates (7)	(14)	-	15		(44)	-	18		Decrease (6)
Credit	•	Present value techniques	•	Credit spreads (8)	97	-	98		97	-	98		Decrease (8)
	•	Consensus pricing	•	Offered quotes (9)
Equity market	•	Present value techniques or option pricing models	•	Volatility (10)	9%	-	33%		14%	-	32%		Increase (6)
			•	Correlation (11)	70%	-	70%		40%	-	40%
Embedded derivatives
Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits	•	Option pricing techniques	•	Mortality rates:
				Ages 0 - 40	0%	-	0.09%		0%	-	0.09%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 41 - 60	0.04%	-	0.65%		0.04%	-	0.65%		Decrease (12)
				Ages 61 - 115	0.26%	-	100%		0.26%	-	100%		Decrease (12)
			•	Lapse rates:
				Durations 1 - 10	0.25%	-	100%		0.25%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 11 - 20	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
				Durations 21 - 116	2%	-	100%		2%	-	100%		Decrease (13)
			•	Utilization rates	0%	-	25%		0%	-	25%		Increase (14)
			•	Withdrawal rates	0.25%	-	10%		0.25%	-	10%		(15)
			•	Long-term equity volatilities	17.40%	-	25%		17.40%	-	25%		Increase (16)
			•	Nonperformance risk spread	0.04%	-	0.55%		0.04%	-	0.57%		Decrease (17)

___________________

(1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities.

(2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions.

(3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.

(4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.

(5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates.

(6) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions.

(7) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points.

(8) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps.

(9) At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of 1% and 3%, respectively, of the total net derivative estimated fair value.

(10) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.

(11) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations.

(12) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(13) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(14) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(15) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.

(16) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

(17) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.

Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Fixed Maturity Securities
	Corporate (1)			U.S. Government and Agency		Structured Securities			State and Political Subdivision			Foreign Government
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,227		$	—	$	1,664		$	17		$	—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(3		)	—		3			—			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	112			—		15			—			—
Purchases (7)	102			—		51			—			—
Sales (7)	(47		)	—		(105		)	—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	—			—		11			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(139		)	—		(44		)	(10		)	—
Balance, end of period	$	2,252		$	—	$	1,595		$	7		$	—
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	2,142		$	—	$	1,838		$	13		$	26
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	(11		)	—		5			—			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	90			1		(12		)	—			—
Purchases (7)	32			—		100			—			—
Sales (7)	(60		)	—		(100		)	—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—		—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	95			19		38			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(153		)	—		(234		)	(5		)	(26		)
Balance, end of period	$	2,135		$	20	$	1,635		$	8		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2017 (9)	$	2		$	—	$	4		$	—		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2016 (9)	$	(9	)	$	—	$	5		$	—		$	—

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Equity Securities			Short-term Investments			Net Derivatives (2)			Net Embedded Derivatives (3)			Separate Account Assets (4)
	(In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Balance, beginning of period	$	137		$	2		$	(954	)	$	(3,449	)	$	10
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			(10		)	420			—
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	2			—			—			—			—
Purchases (7)	3			1			—			—			—
Sales (7)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Issuances (7)	—			—			—			—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			74			(52		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	—			—			—			—			5
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	142		$	1		$	(890	)	$	(3,081	)	$	15
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Balance, beginning of period	$	97		$	47		$	(232	)	$	(1,047	)	$	146
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (5) (6)	—			—			(17		)	(735		)	(1		)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(2		)	—			4			—			—
Purchases (7)	—			50			3			—			2
Sales (7)	—			(47		)	—			—			(4		)
Issuances (7)	—			—			(1		)	—			—
Settlements (7)	—			—			—			(124		)	—
Transfers into Level 3 (8)	129			—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3 (8)	(53		)	—			—			—			—
Balance, end of period	$	171		$	50		$	(243	)	$	(1,906	)	$	143
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2017 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	(12	)	$	432		$	—
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at March 31, 2016 (9)	$	—		$	—		$	(17	)	$	(736	)	$	—

__________________

(1) Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.

(2) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(3) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.

(4) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

(5) Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivatives gains (losses).

(6) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.

(7) Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.

(8) Gains and losses, in net income (loss) and OCI, are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.

(9) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses).

Fair Value Option

The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value.

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(In millions)
Assets (1)
Unpaid principal balance	$	81	$	88
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	48		48
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	129	$	136
Liabilities (1)
Contractual principal balance	$	19	$	22
Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance	1		1
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$	20	$	23

__________________

(1) These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:

	March 31, 2017
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	9,269	$	—	$	—	$	9,463	$	9,463
Policy loans	$	1,090	$	—	$	747	$	429	$	1,176
Real estate joint ventures	$	5	$	—	$	—	$	34	$	34
Other limited partnership interests	$	43	$	—	$	—	$	41	$	41
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	2,027	$	—	$	23	$	2,843	$	2,866
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	14,688	$	—	$	—	$	15,822	$	15,822
Long-term debt	$	781	$	—	$	1,080	$	—	$	1,080
Other liabilities	$	480	$	—	$	113	$	386	$	499
Separate account liabilities	$	1,151	$	—	$	1,151	$	—	$	1,151

	December 31, 2016
			Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Estimated Fair Value
	(In millions)
Assets
Mortgage loans	$	8,748	$	—	$	—	$	8,893	$	8,893
Policy loans	$	1,093	$	—	$	746	$	431	$	1,177
Real estate joint ventures	$	12	$	—	$	—	$	44	$	44
Other limited partnership interests	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	42	$	42
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	2,831	$	—	$	832	$	2,843	$	3,675
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	$	14,829	$	—	$	—	$	15,975	$	15,975
Long-term debt	$	781	$	—	$	1,060	$	—	$	1,060
Other liabilities	$	194	$	—	$	27	$	167	$	194
Separate account liabilities	$	1,110	$	—	$	1,110	$	—	$	1,110

XML

Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2017
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,176		$	255		$	(29	)	$	1,402
OCI before reclassifications	236			(19		)	(7		)	210
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(100		)	7			2			(91		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,312			243			(34		)	1,521
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	84			(10		)	—			74
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(34		)	3			—			(31		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	50			(7		)	—			43
Balance, end of period	$	1,362		$	236		$	(34	)	$	1,564

	Three Months   Ended   March 31, 2016
	Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1)			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,415		$	239		$	(26	)	$	1,628
OCI before reclassifications	1,413			17			(4		)	1,426
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(488		)	(6		)	—			(494		)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	2,340			250			(30		)	2,560
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	49			(6		)	—			43
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(17		)	2			—			(15		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	32			(4		)	—			28
Balance, end of period	$	2,372		$	246		$	(30	)	$	2,588

__________________

(1) See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:

AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI						Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Locations
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$	(42	)	$	(46	)	Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	1			(3		)	Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	(43		)	—			Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax	(84		)	(49		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	34			17
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	(50		)	(32		)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	1			1			Net investment income
Interest rate forwards	—			2			Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards	1			1			Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps	8			2			Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax	10			6
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3		)	(2		)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax	7			4
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$	(43	)	$	(28	)

XML

Other Expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Expenses

Information on other expenses was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Compensation	$	52		$	122
Commissions	170			163
Volume-related costs	30			31
Affiliated expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance	4			63
Capitalization of DAC	(61		)	(93		)
Interest expense on debt	18			17
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	12			16
Professional services	34			5
Rent and related expenses	3			14
Other	103			108
Total other expenses	$	365		$	446

XML

Related Party Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Related Party Transactions

The Company has various existing relationships with MetLife for services necessary to conduct its activities.

Non-Broker-Dealer Transactions

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Income						Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	(167	)	$	(477	)	$	8	$	61

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	9,341	$	9,010	$	8,972	$	9,518

The material arrangements between the Company and MetLife are as follows:

Reinsurance Agreements

The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by affiliated companies. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth.

The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain of MetLife, Inc.’s subsidiaries, including MLIC, MetLife Reinsurance company of South Carolina, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY(“Brighthouse NY”), General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Europe d.a.c., MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”), MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“MRD”), Delaware American Life Insurance Company and American Life Insurance Company, all of which are related parties.

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	3		$	45
Reinsurance ceded	(215		)	(227		)
Net premiums	$	(212	)	$	(182	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	27		$	29
Reinsurance ceded	(75		)	(107		)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	(48	)	$	(78	)
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	—		$	—
Reinsurance ceded	31			51
Net other revenues	$	31		$	51
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	32		$	44
Reinsurance ceded	(238		)	(237		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	(206	)	$	(193	)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
Reinsurance assumed	$	18		$	19
Reinsurance ceded	(36		)	(36		)
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	$	(18	)	$	(17	)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
Reinsurance assumed	$	(3	)	$	4
Reinsurance ceded	$	28		$	(42	)
Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	$	25		$	(38	)
Other expenses
Reinsurance assumed	$	5		$	27
Reinsurance ceded	2			42
Net other expenses	$	7		$	69

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Assumed			Ceded			Assumed		Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	55		$	9,791		$	23	$	9,661
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	65			(841		)	71		(803		)
Total assets	$	120		$	8,950		$	94	$	8,858
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	189		$	(106	)	$	213	$	(117	)
Policyholder account balances	821			—			952		—
Other policy-related balances	1,694			666			1,677		680
Other liabilities	(390		)	5,360			10		5,344
Total liabilities	$	2,314		$	5,920		$	2,852	$	5,907

The Company assumes risks from affiliates related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the affiliates. These assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in their estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with these agreements are included within policyholder account balances and were $821 million and $952 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $57 million and ($136) million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company ceded two blocks of business to two affiliates on a90%coinsurance with funds withheld basis. Certain contractual features of these agreements qualify as embedded derivatives, which are separately accounted for at estimated fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The embedded derivatives related to the funds withheld associated with these reinsurance agreements are included within other liabilities and increased the funds withheld balance by$312 millionand$285 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with these embedded derivatives were($27) millionand ($166) millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

The Company ceded risks to an affiliate related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company. This ceded reinsurance agreement contains embedded derivatives and changes in the estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivative associated with this cession is included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were $3 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivative were less than ($1) million and $1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In January 2017, the Company executed a novation and assignment agreement whereby it will replace MLIC as the reinsurer of certain variable annuities, including guaranteed minimum benefits, issued by Brighthouse NY and NELICO. This novation and assignment resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $34 million, an increase in future policy benefits of $79 million, an increase in policyholder account balances of $387 million and a decrease in other liabilities of $427 million. The Company recognized no gain or loss as a result of this transaction.

In January 2017, MLIC recaptured risks related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees on certain variable annuities being reinsured by the Company. This recapture resulted in a decrease in investments and cash and cash equivalents of $568 million, a decrease in future policy benefits of $106 million, and a decrease in policyholder account balances of $460 million. The Company recognized a loss of $2 million, net of income tax, as a result of this transaction.

In December 2015, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede one block of business to MRD on a 90% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term life policies issued in 2015 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were $93 million and $83 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were $44 million and $34 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement of $1 million and an income of $42 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In December 2014, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede two blocks of business to MRD on a90%coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term and certain universal life policies issued in 2014 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were$139 millionand$136 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were$93 millionand$83 millionatMarch 31, 2017andDecember 31, 2016, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement ofless than$1 million and $52 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2017and2016, respectively.

Financing Arrangements

The Company has financing arrangements with MetLife that are used to support reinsurance obligations arising under affiliated reinsurance agreements. The Company recognized interest expense for affiliated debt of $16 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Investment Transactions

The Company has extended loans to certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from MetLife affiliates. See Note 4 for further discussion of the related party investment transactions.

Shared Services and Overhead Allocations

MetLife provides the Company certain services, which include, but are not limited to, executive oversight, treasury, finance, legal, human resources, tax planning, internal audit, financial reporting, information technology, distribution services and investor relations. The Company is charged for these services based on direct and indirect costs. When specific identification is not practicable, an allocation methodology is used, primarily based on sales, in-force liabilities, or headcount. For certain agreements, charges are based on various performance measures or activity-based costing, such as sales, new policies/contracts issued, reserves, and in-force policy counts. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses under these arrangements are reasonable. Expenses incurred with MetLife related to these arrangements, recorded in other operating expenses, were $184 million and $233 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Broker-Dealer Transactions

The Company accrues related party revenues and expenses arising from transactions with MetLife’s broker-dealers whereby the MetLife broker-dealers sell the Company’s variable annuity and life products. The affiliated revenue for the Company is fee income from trusts and mutual funds whose shares serve as investment options of policyholders of the Company. The affiliated expense for the Company is commissions collected on the sale of variable products by the Company and passed through to the broker-dealer.

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related broker-dealers for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	Fee Income				Commission Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	51	$	49	$	120	$	154

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with affiliated broker-dealers as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes		Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	4	$	—	$	18	$	20

Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016			2017		2016
	Income						Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	(167	)	$	(477	)	$	8	$	61

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with MetLife (excluding broker-dealer transactions) at:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	(In millions)
MetLife	$	9,341	$	9,010	$	8,972	$	9,518

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities from transactions with affiliated broker-dealers as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes		Fee Income Receivables		Secured Demand Notes
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	4	$	—	$	18	$	20

The following table summarizes income and expense from transactions with related broker-dealers for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	Fee Income				Commission Expense
	(In millions)
MetLife broker-dealers	$	51	$	49	$	120	$	154

Effects of reinsurance

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In millions)
Premiums
Reinsurance assumed	$	3		$	45
Reinsurance ceded	(215		)	(227		)
Net premiums	$	(212	)	$	(182	)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Reinsurance assumed	$	27		$	29
Reinsurance ceded	(75		)	(107		)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	$	(48	)	$	(78	)
Other revenues
Reinsurance assumed	$	—		$	—
Reinsurance ceded	31			51
Net other revenues	$	31		$	51
Policyholder benefits and claims
Reinsurance assumed	$	32		$	44
Reinsurance ceded	(238		)	(237		)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	$	(206	)	$	(193	)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
Reinsurance assumed	$	18		$	19
Reinsurance ceded	(36		)	(36		)
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	$	(18	)	$	(17	)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
Reinsurance assumed	$	(3	)	$	4
Reinsurance ceded	$	28		$	(42	)
Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	$	25		$	(38	)
Other expenses
Reinsurance assumed	$	5		$	27
Reinsurance ceded	2			42
Net other expenses	$	7		$	69

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Assumed			Ceded			Assumed		Ceded
	(In millions)
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$	55		$	9,791		$	23	$	9,661
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	65			(841		)	71		(803		)
Total assets	$	120		$	8,950		$	94	$	8,858
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$	189		$	(106	)	$	213	$	(117	)
Policyholder account balances	821			—			952		—
Other policy-related balances	1,694			666			1,677		680
Other liabilities	(390		)	5,360			10		5,344
Total liabilities	$	2,314		$	5,920		$	2,852	$	5,907

XML

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 2,527	$ 2,527	$ 3,594
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,182	3,182	3,883
Accrued Investment Income Receivable	547	547	591
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	19,676	19,676	20,101
Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions	$ 7,152	$ 7,152	$ 7,362
Number of segments	3	3
CME update impact [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 206	$ 206
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	927	927
Accrued Investment Income Receivable	30	30
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	765	765
Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions	$ 74	$ 74

XML

Segment Information (Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	$ (411)	$ 192
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(175)	31
Net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(48)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709)	(5)
Other adjustments to net income	91	109
Net income (loss)	(236)	161
Inter-segment revenues	802	1,636
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	309	330
Interest expense	0	0
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	79	67
Interest expense	0	0
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	307	304
Interest expense	0	0
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest revenue	42	(9)
Interest expense	18	17
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	344	341
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	89	87
Operating earnings	255	254
Inter-segment revenues	1,512	1,618
Operating Segments | Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	255	304
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	64	76
Operating earnings	191	228
Inter-segment revenues	887	1,065
Operating Segments | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(56)	(78)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(20)	(23)
Operating earnings	(36)	(55)
Inter-segment revenues	169	134
Operating Segments | Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	130	130
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	45	44
Operating earnings	85	86
Inter-segment revenues	456	419
Operating Segments | Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	15	(15)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	0	(10)
Operating earnings	15	(5)
Inter-segment revenues	63	70
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	264	56
Net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(48)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709)	(5)
Other adjustments to net income	4	(96)
Inter-segment revenues	(14)	1
Intersegment Eliminations | Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	91	128
Intersegment Eliminations | Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	(195)	(227)
Intersegment Eliminations | Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	(26)	(78)
Intersegment Eliminations | Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment revenues	$ (15)	$ 46

XML

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Operating Revenues to Total Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 802	$ 1,636
Net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(48)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709)	(5)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,512	1,618
Operating Segments | Annuities
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	887	1,065
Operating Segments | Life
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	169	134
Operating Segments | Run-off
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	456	419
Operating Segments | Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	63	70
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	(14)	1
Net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(48)
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ (709)	$ (5)

XML

Segment Information (Total Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 200,016	$ 199,273
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	139,139	141,111
Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	12,822	12,674
Run-off
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	38,810	39,261
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 9,245	$ 6,227

XML

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017	Total	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments	3	3

XML

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Annuity Contracts) (Details) - Variable Annuity Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Guaranteed Death Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 104,487	$ 101,827
Separate account value	99,584	97,237
Net amount at risk	$ 5,989	$ 6,726
Average attained age of contractholders	68 years	67 years
Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 58,406	$ 57,370
Separate account value	57,125	56,048
Net amount at risk	$ 2,622	$ 2,906
Average attained age of contractholders	67 years	67 years

XML

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Universal and Variable Life Contracts) (Details) - Universal and Variable Life Contracts - Secondary Guarantees - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 7,133	$ 7,176
Net amount at risk	$ 90,606	$ 90,973
Average attained age of policyholders	60 years	60 years

XML

Insurance Insurance (Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expense) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance, end of period	$ 1,992	$ 1,872	$ 1,966	$ 1,693
Add: Reinsurance recoverables	1,799	1,618	1,808	1,545
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net	193	254	158	215
Incurred related to:
Prior years (2)	(2)	13
Current year	236	231
Total incurred	234	244
Paid related to:
Total paid	(199)	(205)
Prior years	(75)	(76)
Current year	$ (124)	$ (129)
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net			158	148
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net			$ 0	$ 67

XML

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale by Sector) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 48,385	$ 49,312
Cost or Amortized Cost	259	280
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	3	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	51,243	51,785
Equity securities	290	300
Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	48,385	49,312
Gross Unrealized Gain	3,436	3,227
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	581	755
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(3)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	51,243	51,785
U.S. corporate
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	17,358	17,583
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,248	1,158
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	163	235
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,443	18,506
U.S. government and agency
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	10,648	10,517
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,266	1,221
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	153	188
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	11,761	11,550
Foreign corporate
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	5,523	5,512
Gross Unrealized Gain	234	201
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	124	158
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	5,633	5,555
RMBS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	6,575	6,722
Gross Unrealized Gain	206	194
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	85	101
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(3)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,699	6,815
State and political subdivision
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,627	2,633
Gross Unrealized Gain	310	305
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	19	24
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	1	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,917	2,914
ABS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,235	2,562
Gross Unrealized Gain	16	11
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	7	12
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,244	2,561
CMBS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,458	2,837
Gross Unrealized Gain	29	26
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	25	26
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(1)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,463	2,838
Foreign government
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	961	946
Gross Unrealized Gain	127	111
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	5	11
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,083	1,046
Equity securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	259	280
Gross Unrealized Gain	35	29
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	4	9
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	290	300
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	157	180
Gross Unrealized Gain	9	6
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	4	9
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	162	177
Common stock
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	102	100
Gross Unrealized Gain	26	23
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	0	0
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	$ 128	$ 123

XML

Investments (Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 1,901
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	8,524
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	8,077
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	18,615
Amortized Cost, Structured Securities	11,268
Amortized Cost, Subtotal	48,385	$ 49,312
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	1,910
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	8,896
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	8,238
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	20,793
Estimated Fair Value, Structured Securities	11,406
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 51,243	$ 51,785

XML

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months	1,182	1,388
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months	398	468
Fixed Maturity Securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	$ 11,570	$ 13,462
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	416	519
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	2,025	2,626
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	162	235
U.S. corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	3,135	3,525
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	118	145
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	456	625
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	45	90
Foreign corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	892	1,231
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	40	60
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	508	532
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	84	98
U.S. government and agency
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	3,288	3,548
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	153	188
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	0	0
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
RMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	2,376	2,642
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	59	69
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	623	811
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	23	32
State and political subdivision
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	450	548
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	17	21
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	28	29
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	3	3
CMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	996	1,307
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	21	22
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	130	164
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	3	3
ABS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	291	433
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	4	4
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	276	461
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	3	8
Foreign government
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	142	228
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	4	10
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	4	4
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	1	1
Equity securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	28	57
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	2
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	29	40
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	4	7
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	28	57
Less than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	0	2
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	29	40
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Gross Unrealized Loss	$ 4	$ 7

XML

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Commercial Mortgage Loans	$ 6,445	$ 6,211
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans	68.60%	69.90%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans	$ 1,869	$ 1,708
Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans	19.90%	19.20%
Residential Mortgage Loans	$ 996	$ 867
Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans	10.60%	9.80%
Subtotal (1)	$ 9,310	$ 8,786
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal	99.10%	98.90%
Valuation allowances	$ (41)	$ (38)	$ (37)	$ (36)
Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	$ 9,269	$ 8,748
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net	98.70%	98.50%
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 9,398	$ 8,884
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities - fair value option	1.30%	1.50%
Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net	100.00%	100.00%
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 129	$ 136

XML

Investments (Mortgage Loans and Valuation Allowance by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 4	$ 4
Recorded Investment	3	3
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	2	1
Recorded Investment	2	1
Recorded Investment	9,305	8,782
Valuation Allowances	41	38
Carrying Value	5	4
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Recorded Investment	6,445	6,211
Valuation Allowances	31	30
Carrying Value	0	0
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	4	4
Recorded Investment	3	3
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Recorded Investment	1,866	1,705
Valuation Allowances	6	5
Carrying Value	3	3
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	2	1
Recorded Investment	2	1
Recorded Investment	994	866
Valuation Allowances	4	3
Carrying Value	$ 2	$ 1

XML

Investments (Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 38	$ 36
Provision (release)	3	1
Balance, end of period	41	37
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	30	28
Provision (release)	1	0
Balance, end of period	31	28
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	5	5
Provision (release)	1	0
Balance, end of period	6	5
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	3	3
Provision (release)	1	1
Balance, end of period	$ 4	$ 4

XML

Investments (Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 6,445	$ 6,211
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 6,564	$ 6,286
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 6,055	$ 5,839
% of Total	94.00%	94.00%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 6,180	$ 5,922
% of Total	94.20%	94.20%
65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 343	$ 300
% of Total	5.30%	4.80%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 339	$ 294
% of Total	5.20%	4.70%
76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 9	$ 34
% of Total	0.10%	0.60%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 9	$ 33
% of Total	0.10%	0.50%
Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 38	$ 38
% of Total	0.60%	0.60%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 36	$ 37
% of Total	0.50%	0.60%
Greater than 1.20x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 6,087	$ 5,798
Greater than 1.20x | Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	5,729	5,459
Greater than 1.20x | 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	325	281
Greater than 1.20x | 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	9	34
Greater than 1.20x | Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	24	24
1.00x - 1.20x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	320	228
1.00x - 1.20x | Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	306	214
1.00x - 1.20x | 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	0
1.00x - 1.20x | 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	0
1.00x - 1.20x | Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	14	14
Less than 1.00x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	38	185
Less than 1.00x | Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	20	166
Less than 1.00x | 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	18	19
Less than 1.00x | 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	0
Less than 1.00x | Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Investments (Credit Quality of Agricultural and Residential Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 1,869	$ 1,708
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 996	$ 867
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 1,821	$ 1,669
% of Total	97.40%	97.70%
65% to 75%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded Investment	$ 48	$ 39
% of Total	2.60%	2.30%
Performing
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 985	$ 856
% of Total	98.90%	98.70%
Nonperforming
Residential Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	$ 11	$ 11
% of Total	1.10%	1.30%

XML

Investments (Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fixed maturity securities	$ 2,846	$ 2,464
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	3	1
Total fixed maturity securities	2,849	2,465
Equity securities	50	32
Derivatives	364	393
Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated from short-term investments	0	(42)
Other	(11)	58
Subtotal	3,252	2,906
Future policy benefits	(594)	(550)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(1)	(1)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(199)	(188)
Subtotal	(794)	(739)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(860)	(736)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 1,598	$ 1,431

XML

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,431
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	2
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	344
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	(44)
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(11)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(124)
Balance, end of period	1,598
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 167

XML

Investments (Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 6,925	$ 6,642
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties	11	27
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	6,952	6,571
Amortized cost
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	6,072	5,895
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	$ 6,781	$ 6,555

XML

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 6,925	$ 6,642
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	6,088	5,778
Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	257	274
Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	53	52
Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	58	58
U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	469	480
Maturity Overnight
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	2,175	2,129
Maturity Overnight | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	2,175	2,129
Maturity Overnight | Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Overnight | Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Overnight | Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Overnight | U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity Less than 30 Days
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	2,481	2,496
Maturity Less than 30 Days | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,644	1,906
Maturity Less than 30 Days | Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	257	0
Maturity Less than 30 Days | Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	53	52
Maturity Less than 30 Days | Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	58	58
Maturity Less than 30 Days | U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	469	480
Maturity 30 to 180 Days
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	2,269	2,017
Maturity 30 to 180 Days | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	2,269	1,743
Maturity 30 to 180 Days | Agency RMBS
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	274
Maturity 30 to 180 Days | Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity 30 to 180 Days | Foreign corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Maturity 30 to 180 Days | U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Investments (Invested Assets on Deposit, Held In Trust and Pledged as Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 7,746	$ 7,642
Invested assets held-in-trust (reinsurance agreements)	221	721
Invested assets pledged as collateral	3,818	3,548
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$ 11,785	$ 11,911

XML

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	$ 547	$ 591
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	801	804
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	8,878	10,147
Consolidated securitization entities
Assets:
Mortgage loans (commercial mortgage loans)	129	136
Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities	1	1
Total Assets	130	137
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	20	23
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	0	1
Total Liabilities	$ 20	$ 24

XML

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	$ 11,901	$ 12,863
Carrying Amount Liability	12,681	13,669
Other limited partnership interests
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	1,382	1,491
Carrying Amount Liability	2,155	2,287
Real estate joint ventures
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	26	17
Carrying Amount Liability	27	22
Other investments
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	41	61
Carrying Amount Liability	47	66
Structured securities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	9,923	10,789
Carrying Amount Liability	9,923	10,789
U.S. and foreign corporate
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	529	505
Carrying Amount Liability	$ 529	$ 505

XML

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 659	$ 624
Less: Investment expenses	40	38
Subtotal , net	661	627
Securities Investment
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	699	662
Fixed maturity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	501	515
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	3	5
Mortgage loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	103	88
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	12	14
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	12	13
Other limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	57	21
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	4	4
Operating joint ventures
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	1	2
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	6	0
FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Consolidated Securitization Entities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 2	$ 3

XML

Investments (Components of Net Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	$ (31)	$ (33)
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	0	4
Other net investment gains (losses):
Mortgage loans	(3)	(2)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	2	(1)
Other limited partnership interests	(10)	(4)
Other	(7)	2
Subtotal	(49)	(50)
FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value:
Commercial mortgage loans	(1)	1
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans	1	0
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	(1)	1
Subtotal	(1)	2
Total net investment gains (losses)	(50)	(48)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(15)
Net investment gains (losses)	(31)	(48)
Industrial
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(13)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(13)
RMBS
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(2)
Equity securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(1)
Net investment gains (losses)	0	3
Common Stock
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$ 0	$ (1)

XML

Investments (Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Fixed Maturity Securities
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds	$ 1,753	$ 8,838
Gross investment gains	7	33
Gross investment losses	(38)	(66)
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(15)
Net investment gains (losses)	(31)	(48)
Equity securities
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds	1	4
Gross investment gains	0	4
Gross investment losses	0	0
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(1)
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 0	$ 3

XML

Investments (Credit Loss Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 28	$ 52
Additions:
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired	0	1
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	(17)	(2)
Balance, end of period	$ 11	$ 51

XML

Investments (Related Party Investment Transactions) (Details) - Affiliated Entity - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Invested Assets Transferred To and From Affiliates
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates	$ 292	$ 0
Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates	294	0
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers	(2)	0
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates	$ 0	$ 237

XML

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 51,243	$ 51,785
Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities		5
Maximum | Non-Income Producing Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1
Gross Unrealized Gain loss	$ 1	$ 1

XML

Investments (Evaluation of Available-For-Sale Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) Contracts
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized loss of equal to or greater than stated percentage	20.00%
Fixed Maturity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ (176)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	578
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed Maturity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 25
Number of Securities | Contracts	10
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed Maturity Securities | Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 19
Number of Securities | Contracts	3
Percentage of gross unrealized loss	76.00%
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed Maturity Securities | Below Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 6
Number of Securities | Contracts	7
Percentage of gross unrealized loss	24.00%

XML

Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) Contracts	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Contracts
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases	$ 160,000,000	$ 39,000,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	0	0
Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing	99.00%		99.00%
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due | Contracts	0		0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest | Contracts	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 0
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Financing Receivable Number of Contract of Recorded Investment Past Due | Contracts	0		0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Number of Contract, Nonperforming, Nonaccrual of Interest | Contracts	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	$ 3,000,000	3,000,000
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment	1,900,000,000		$ 1,700,000,000
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Past Due	11,000,000		11,000,000
Nonaccrual Status	11,000,000		11,000,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	1,000,000	$ 0
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment	$ 1,000,000,000		$ 867,000,000

XML

Investments (Cash Equivalents - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 1.8	$ 1.6

XML

Investments (Concentrations of Credit Risk - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity	10.00%
Investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of equity	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor - Narrative) (Details) - Estimated fair value $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 2.1
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of US Treasury And Agency Securities At Estimated Fair Value Of Securities On Loan Relating To Cash Collateral On Open	100.00%
Securities Investment
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	57.00%

XML

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest, maximum exposure to loss in consolidated securitization entities	$ 91	$ 95

XML

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Tax Credits Guaranteed By Third Parties Amount That Reduces Maximum Exposure To Loss Related To Other Invested Assets	$ 0
Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Tax Credits Guaranteed By Third Parties Amount That Reduces Maximum Exposure To Loss Related To Other Invested Assets			$ 1

XML

Investments (Net Investment Gains Losses - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions	$ (7)	$ 3

XML

Investments (Related Party Invesment Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party investment administrative services	$ 23	$ 21
Book value of equity method investment	89
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments	286
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contribution	$ 202	$ 0

XML

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	$ 113,504	$ 131,348
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,527	3,594
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	3,182	3,883
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,682	1,741
Estimated Fair Value Assets	201	229
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	11	10
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Fair Value Hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	265	310
Estimated Fair Value Assets	40	41
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,417	1,431
Estimated Fair Value Assets	161	188
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	11	10
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	45	45
Estimated Fair Value Assets	7	7
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,372	1,386
Estimated Fair Value Assets	154	181
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	11	10
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	111,822	129,607
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,326	3,365
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	3,171	3,873
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	18,644	28,175
Estimated Fair Value Assets	962	1,928
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	798	1,688
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate floors
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,100	2,100
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2	5
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	1	2
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	8,542	12,042
Estimated Fair Value Assets	17	25
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	282	1,288
Estimated Fair Value Assets	1	9
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Interest rate options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	15,520	15,520
Estimated Fair Value Assets	79	136
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Total Return Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,150	3,876
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	503	611
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	845	1,236
Estimated Fair Value Assets	97	149
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	4	4
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	194	158
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2	9
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	34	34
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Credit default swaps — written
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,789	1,891
Estimated Fair Value Assets	30	28
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	1	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	4,682	8,037
Estimated Fair Value Assets	7	38
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	2	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	38,886	37,501
Estimated Fair Value Assets	970	897
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	1,190	934
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity variance swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	14,894	14,894
Estimated Fair Value Assets	159	140
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	568	517
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Equity total return swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,260	2,855
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	1
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	$ 104	$ 117

XML

Derivatives (Net Derivative Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)
Derivatives and hedging gains (losses)	$ (1,136)	$ 775
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	427	(780)
Total net derivative gains (losses)	$ (709)	$ (5)

XML

Derivatives (Earned Income On Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 129	$ 104
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	6	3
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	119	97
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 4	$ 4

XML

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recognized in Income Not Designated or Qualifying) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (2)	$ 12
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(1,221)	681
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses) | Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(269)	817
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses) | Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(19)	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses) | Credit default swaps — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	6	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net derivative gains (losses) | Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(939)	(136)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(3)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net Investment Income | Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net Investment Income | Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net Investment Income | Credit default swaps — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Net Investment Income | Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(3)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(185)	49
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims | Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(1)	19
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims | Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims | Credit default swaps — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: | Policyholder benefits and claims | Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (184)	$ 30

XML

Derivatives (Fair Value Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (2)	$ 12
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(2)	12
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	0	0
Interest rate swaps | Fixed maturity securities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	0	(2)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	0	(2)
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	0	0
Interest rate swaps | Policyholder account balances
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(2)	14
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(2)	14
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Derivatives (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 9	$ 0
Cash Flow Hedges
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	(19)	17
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	0	26
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	0	4
Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	(19)	(13)
Cash Flow Hedges | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	8	4
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net derivative gains (losses) | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	0
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net derivative gains (losses) | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	2
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net derivative gains (losses) | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	8	2
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net derivative gains (losses) | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	0
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Income
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	2	2
Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Income | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	1	1
Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Income | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	1	1
Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Income | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges | Net Investment Income | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 29	$ 28
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,789	$ 1,891
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 7 months	4 years 2 months
Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 9	$ 9
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 468	$ 478
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years 5 months	3 years 7 months
Aaa/Aa/A | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 1
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 35	$ 45
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	2 years 6 months	2 years 2 months
Aaa/Aa/A | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 9	$ 8
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 433	$ 433
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years 6 months	3 years 8 months
Baa
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 20	$ 19
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,276	$ 1,393
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	5 years	4 years 5 months
Baa | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 1	$ 1
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 110	$ 180
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	1 year 8 months	1 year 7 months
Baa | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 19	$ 18
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 1,166	$ 1,213
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	5 years 4 months	4 years 9 months
Ba
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 45	$ 20
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years	2 years 8 months
Ba | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 45	$ 20
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years	2 years 8 months
Ba | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	0 years	0 years

XML

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	$ 2,594	$ 3,698
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	3,174	3,834
Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Assets	0	0
Amounts offset in the consoilidated balance sheets, Liabilities	0	0
Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets	2,594	3,698
Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets	3,174	3,834
Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	26	156
Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	48	0
Over the Counter [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	2,550	3,384
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	3,165	2,929
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(2,159)	(2,231)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(2,159)	(2,231)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(189)	(625)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative assets	(194)	(429)
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	(958)	(698)
OTC-cleared
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	36	267
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	7	905
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(7)	(165)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(7)	(165)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(18)	(92)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	(740)
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	0	0
Exchange-traded
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	8	47
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	2	0
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(1)	0
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(1)	0
Cash collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	$ (1)	$ 0

XML

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in Net Liability Position	$ 1,006	$ 698
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	0	0
Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value	0	0
Fixed Maturity Securities
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	999	777
Cash [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Derivatives (Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ 169	$ 192
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	3,307	3,690
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	226	241
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits | Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	1,868	2,261
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits | Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	821	952
Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance | Other liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	312	285
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns | Policyholder account balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	306	192
Options embedded in debt or equity securities | Investments
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ (57)	$ (49)

XML

Derivatives (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	$ 427	$ (780)
Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	427	(780)
Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	$ (15)	$ 45

XML

Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 2,527		$ 3,594
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,182		3,883
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	1,789		1,891
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	29		28
Cash collateral on derivative assets	20		$ 3
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	9	$ 0
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	30
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	$ 427	(780)
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]
Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time	3 years		3 years
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 364		$ 393
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0		25
Securities collateral received which the company is permitted to sell or repledge, amount that has been sold or repledged	0
Over the Counter [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(189)		(625)
Excess securities collateral received on derivatives	178		135
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	41		108
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(18)		(92)
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	291		630
Exchange Traded [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral on derivative assets	0		0
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	210		453
Direct And Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefit [Member] | Nonperformance Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	(50)	$ 144
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	67		104
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (8)		$ (49)

XML

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 51,243	$ 51,785
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	290	300
Short-term investments	963	926
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	9,398	8,884
Derivative assets	2,527	3,594
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	169	192
Separate account assets	102,620	100,588
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,182	3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	3,307	3,690
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	801	804
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	129	136
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	20	23
Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	51,243	51,785
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	290	300
Short-term investments	963	926
Derivative assets	2,527	3,594
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	226	241
Separate account assets	102,620	100,588
Total assets	157,998	157,570
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,182	3,883
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	3,307	3,690
Total liabilities	6,509	7,596
Recurring | Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	129	136
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	20	23
Recurring | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,108	2,151
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1,302	2,301
Recurring | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	253	339
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	15	14
Recurring | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	30	28
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1
Recurring | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,136	1,076
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1,864	1,568
Recurring | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	18,443	18,506
Recurring | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	11,761	11,550
Recurring | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,699	6,815
Recurring | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	5,633	5,555
Recurring | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,917	2,914
Recurring | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,244	2,561
Recurring | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,463	2,838
Recurring | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,083	1,046
Recurring | Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	5,403	5,279
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	43	39
Short-term investments	458	459
Derivative assets	8	47
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	545	720
Total assets	6,457	6,544
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2	0
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	2	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1	9
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	7	38
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2	0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	5,403	5,279
Recurring | Level 1 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	41,986	42,598
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	105	124
Short-term investments	504	465
Derivative assets	2,326	3,360
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	102,060	99,858
Total assets	147,110	146,541
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,097	2,742
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Total liabilities	2,117	2,765
Recurring | Level 2 | Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	129	136
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	20	23
Recurring | Level 2 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,107	2,142
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	799	1,690
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	253	339
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	15	14
Recurring | Level 2 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	21	20
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1
Recurring | Level 2 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	945	859
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1,282	1,038
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	17,033	17,107
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,358	6,271
Recurring | Level 2 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	5,455	5,524
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	4,791	4,727
Recurring | Level 2 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,910	2,897
Recurring | Level 2 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,050	2,350
Recurring | Level 2 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,306	2,676
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,083	1,046
Recurring | Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,854	3,908
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	142	137
Short-term investments	1	2
Derivative assets	193	187
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	226	241
Separate account assets	15	10
Total assets	4,431	4,485
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	1,083	1,141
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	3,307	3,690
Total liabilities	4,390	4,831
Recurring | Level 3 | Consolidated Securitization Entities
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	503	611
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	9	8
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	184	179
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	580	530
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,410	1,399
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,244	1,291
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	842	828
Recurring | Level 3 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7	17
Recurring | Level 3 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	194	211
Recurring | Level 3 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	157	162
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest rate contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Repurchase Rate	(0.14%)	(0.44%)
Interest rate contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Repurchase Rate	0.15%	0.18%
Credit contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	0.97%	0.97%
Credit contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	0.98%	0.98%
Equity market contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility	9.00%	14.00%
Correlation	70.00%	40.00%
Equity market contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility	33.00%	32.00%
Correlation	70.00%	40.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Utilization rates	0.00%	0.00%
Withdrawal rates	0.25%	0.25%
Long-term equity volatilities	17.40%	17.40%
Nonperformance risk spread	0.04%	0.04%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 1 - 10
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	0.25%	0.25%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 11 - 20
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	2.00%	2.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 21 - 116
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	2.00%	2.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 0 - 40
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 41 - 60
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.04%	0.04%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 61 - 115
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.26%	0.26%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Utilization rates	25.00%	25.00%
Withdrawal rates	10.00%	10.00%
Long-term equity volatilities	25.00%	25.00%
Nonperformance risk spread	0.55%	0.57%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 1 - 10
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 11 - 20
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 21 - 116
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 0 - 40
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.09%	0.09%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 41 - 60
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.65%	0.65%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed, and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 61 - 115
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing	$ 18	$ 18
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Minimum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	86	68
Quoted prices	13	13
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing	144	138
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Maximum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	86	109
Quoted prices	627	700
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes Matrix Pricing	105	104
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Weighted Average | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	86	86
Quoted prices	113	99
RMBS | Minimum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	39	38
RMBS | Maximum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	110	111
RMBS | Weighted Average | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	92	91
ABS | Minimum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	99	98
Quoted prices	94	94
ABS | Maximum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	101	100
Quoted prices	106	106
ABS | Weighted Average | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	99	99
Quoted prices	$ 101	$ 100

XML

Fair Value (Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	$ (12)	$ (17)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(954)	(232)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(10)	(17)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	4
Purchases	0	3
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	(1)
Settlements	74	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, end of period	(890)	(243)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	(12)	(17)
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	432	(736)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(3,449)	(1,047)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	420	(735)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(52)	(124)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, end of period	(3,081)	(1,906)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	432	(736)
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	2,227	2,142
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(3)	(11)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	112	90
Purchases	102	32
Sales	(47)	(60)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	95
Transfers out of Level 3	(139)	(153)
Balance, end of period	2,252	2,135
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	2	(9)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	2	(9)
U.S. Government and Agency
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	1
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	19
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	20
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Structured Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,664	1,838
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	3	5
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	15	(12)
Purchases	51	100
Sales	(105)	(100)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	11	38
Transfers out of Level 3	(44)	(234)
Balance, end of period	1,595	1,635
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	4	5
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	4	5
State and political subdivision
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	17	13
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(10)	(5)
Balance, end of period	7	8
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0	26
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(26)
Balance, end of period	0	0
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	137	97
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	2	(2)
Purchases	3	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	129
Transfers out of Level 3	0	(53)
Balance, end of period	142	171
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	2	47
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	1	50
Sales	(1)	(47)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(1)	0
Balance, end of period	1	50
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Separate Account Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	10	146
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	(1)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	0	2
Sales	0	(4)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	5	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance, end of period	15	143
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Fair Value (Fair Value Option for Certain Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$ 9,398	$ 8,884
Carrying value at estimated fair value	801	804
Consolidated Securitization Entities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Unpaid principal balance	81	88
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	48	48
Carrying value at estimated fair value	129	136
Contractual principal balance	19	22
Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance	1	1
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$ 20	$ 23

XML

Fair Value (Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Policy loans	$ 1,090	$ 1,093
Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	102,620	100,588
Carrying Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	9,269	8,748
Policy loans	1,090	1,093
Real estate joint ventures	5	12
Other limited partnership interests	43	44
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	2,027	2,831
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	14,688	14,829
Long-term debt	781	781
Other liabilities	480	194
Separate account liabilities	1,151	1,110
Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	9,463	8,893
Policy loans	1,176	1,177
Real estate joint ventures	34	44
Other limited partnership interests	41	42
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	2,866	3,675
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,822	15,975
Long-term debt	1,080	1,060
Other liabilities	499	194
Separate account liabilities	1,151	1,110
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Real estate joint ventures	0	0
Other limited partnership interests	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	747	746
Real estate joint ventures	0	0
Other limited partnership interests	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	23	832
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	1,080	1,060
Other liabilities	113	27
Separate account liabilities	1,151	1,110
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3
Assets
Mortgage loans	9,463	8,893
Policy loans	429	431
Real estate joint ventures	34	44
Other limited partnership interests	41	42
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	2,843	2,843
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	15,822	15,975
Long-term debt	0	0
Other liabilities	386	167
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ (57)	$ (49)

XML

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,402	$ 1,628
OCI before reclassifications	210	1,426
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(91)	(494)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,521	2,560
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	74	43
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(31)	(15)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	43	28
Balance, end of period	1,564	2,588
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	1,176	1,415
OCI before reclassifications	236	1,413
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(100)	(488)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,312	2,340
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	84	49
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(34)	(17)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	50	32
Balance, end of period	1,362	2,372
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	255	239
OCI before reclassifications	(19)	17
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	7	(6)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	243	250
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(10)	(6)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	3	2
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(7)	(4)
Balance, end of period	236	246
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(29)	(26)
OCI before reclassifications	(7)	(4)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	2	0
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(34)	(30)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ (34)	$ (30)

XML

Equity (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	$ (50)	$ (48)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(709)	(5)
Net investment income	661	627
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(411)	192
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	175	(31)
Net income (loss)	(236)	161
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	(43)	(28)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	(42)	(46)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(43)	0
Net investment income	1	(3)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	(84)	(49)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	34	17
Net income (loss)	(50)	(32)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	10	6
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(3)	(2)
Net income (loss)	7	4
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	1	1
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	0	2
Net investment income	1	1
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net derivative gains (losses)	$ 8	$ 2

XML

Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 52	$ 122
Commissions	170	163
Volume-related costs	30	31
Affiliated expenses on ceded and assumed reinsurance	4	63
Capitalization of DAC	(61)	(93)
Interest expense on debt	18	17
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	12	16
Professional services	34	5
Rent and related expenses	3	14
Other	103	108
Total other expenses	$ 365	$ 446

XML

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Commitments and Guarantees - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments	$ 2	$ 2
Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation	223
Minimum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	1
Maximum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	217
Mortgage Loan Commitments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	293	335
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	1,200	1,300
Secured Demand Notes | Affiliated Entity
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	0	20
Securities Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	$ 0	$ 25

XML

Related Party Transactions (Related Party Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets	$ 200,016		$ 199,273
Liabilities	190,171		189,556
Affiliated Entity | All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets	9,341		8,972
Liabilities	9,010		$ 9,518
Revenue from Related Parties	(167)	$ (477)
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	8	61
Affiliated Entity | Broker Dealer Activities [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets	4	18
Liabilities	0	20
Revenue from Related Parties	51	49
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 120	$ 154

XML

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Premiums:
Net premiums	$ 111	$ 309
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	698	644
Other revenues:
Other revenues	91	109
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	715	581
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	224	238
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits, Amortization	(91)	179
Other expenses:
Net other expenses	365	446
Affiliated Entity
Other expenses:
Net other expenses	184	233
Affiliated Entity | Assumed
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	3	45
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance assumed	27	29
Other revenues:
Reinsurance assumed	0	0
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	32	44
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Reinsurance assumed	18	19
Assumed Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits Amortization	(3)	4
Other expenses:
Reinsurance assumed	5	27
Affiliated Entity | Ceded
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	(215)	(227)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Reinsurance ceded	(75)	(107)
Other revenues:
Reinsurance ceded	31	51
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	(238)	(237)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Reinsurance ceded	(36)	(36)
Ceded Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits Amortization	28	(42)
Other expenses:
Reinsurance ceded	2	42
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance
Premiums:
Net premiums	(212)	(182)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees	(48)	(78)
Other revenues:
Other revenues	31	51
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	(206)	(193)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances	(18)	(17)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits, Amortization	25	(38)
Other expenses:
Net other expenses	7	69
All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member] | Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	(167)	(477)
Other expenses:
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 8	$ 61

XML

Related Party Transactions (Effects of Affiliated Reinsurance on Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	$ 19,676	$ 20,101
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,418	5,274
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	31,963	31,684
Policyholder account balances	35,409	35,587
Other policy-related balances	3,348	3,384
Other Liabilities	8,878	10,147
Assumed | Affiliated Entity
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	55	23
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	65	71
Total assets	120	94
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	189	213
Policyholder account balances	821	952
Other policy-related balances	1,694	1,677
Other Liabilities	(390)	10
Total liabilities	2,314	2,852
Ceded | Affiliated Entity
Assets:
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	9,791	9,661
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	(841)	(803)
Total assets	8,950	8,858
Liabilities:
Future policy benefits	(106)	(117)
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Other policy-related balances	666	680
Other Liabilities	5,360	5,344
Total liabilities	$ 5,920	$ 5,907

XML

Related Party Transactions (Reinsurance Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 3,307			$ 3,690
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	169			192
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	427	$ (780)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	(411)	192
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	5,418			5,274
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	19,676			20,101
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	31,963			31,684
Policyholder Contract Deposits	35,409			35,587
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	8,878			10,147
Affiliated Entity | Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	821			952
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	57	(136)
Affiliated Entity | Funds Withheld On Ceded Reinsurance [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability	$ 312			285
Coinsurance Funds Withheld Basis, Percent	90.00%
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	$ (27)	(166)
Affiliated Entity | Separate AC Annuities MLIC [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset	3			3
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net		1
Affiliated Entity | Affiliate Recapture Variable Annuities [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	0
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments			$ 34
Liability for Future Policy Benefits			79
Policyholder Contract Deposits			387
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities			427
Affiliated Entity | MLUS Recapture GMIB [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 2
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments			568
Liability for Future Policy Benefits			106
Policyholder Contract Deposits			$ 460
Affiliated Entity | Funds Withheld On Ceded MrD2 [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Coinsurance Funds Withheld Basis, Percent	90.00%
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 93			83
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability	44			34
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1	42
Affiliated Entity | Funds Withheld On Ceded MrD [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Coinsurance Funds Withheld Basis, Percent	90.00%
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 139			136
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability	93			$ 83
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest		$ 52
Maximum | Affiliated Entity | Separate AC Annuities MLIC [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	(1)
Maximum | Affiliated Entity | Funds Withheld On Ceded MrD [Member]
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1

XML

Related Party Transactions (Related Party Transactions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other expenses	$ 365	$ 446
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Debt	16	16
Other expenses	$ 184	$ 233

XML

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Carrying Amount of Assets In Excess of Liabilities	$ 7.0