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Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]    
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

On April 10, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized 1,000,000,000 shares, of which 900,000,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share, are designated as common stock and 100,000,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share, are designated as preferred stock. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a 2,295.248835-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock. These actions were subsequently approved by the Company’s sole stockholder on April 10, 2013 and effected on April 11, 2013, resulting in 230,079,120 shares of common stock issued, including 79,120 shares of Treasury stock, and 230,000,000 shares of common stock outstanding and held by ING International, prior to the IPO. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented. There are no preferred shares issued or outstanding.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and are unaudited.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ING U.S., Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships (voting interest entities (“VOEs”)) in which the Company has control and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. See the Consolidated Investment Entities note to these Consolidated Financial Statements. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Certain revisions have been made to conform Future policy benefits and Contract owner balances for the year ended December 31, 2011 to current year classifications. Future policy benefits decreased by $10.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011, with a corresponding increase of the same amount to Contract owner account balances. These revisions had no impact on Total Liabilities, Total Assets, Shareholder’s Equity, or the Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, or Cash Flows. Certain other reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to conform to the current year classifications.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company has identified the following accounts and policies as the most significant in that they involve a higher degree of judgment, are subject to a significant degree of variability, and/or contain significant accounting estimates:

Reserves for future policy benefits, valuation and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), valuation of investments and derivatives, impairments, income taxes, contingencies, and employee benefit plans.

Fair Value Measurement  

Fair Value Measurement

The Company measures the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset, or nonperformance risk, which is the risk that the issuing subsidiary will not fulfill its obligation. The estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability. The Company utilizes a number of valuation sources to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities, including quoted market prices, third-party commercial pricing services, third-party brokers, industry-standard, vendor-provided software that models the value based on market observable inputs, and other internal modeling techniques based on projected cash flows.

Investments  

Investments

The accounting policies for the Company’s principal investments are as follows:

Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities: The Company’s fixed maturities and equity securities are currently designated as available-for-sale, except those accounted for using the fair value option (“FVO”). Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized capital gains (losses) on these securities are recorded directly in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), and presented net of related changes in DAC, VOBA, and deferred income taxes. In addition, certain fixed maturities have embedded derivatives, which are reported with the host contract on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has elected the FVO for certain of its fixed maturities to better match the measurement of assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Certain collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), primarily interest-only and principal-only strips, are accounted for as hybrid instruments and valued at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Purchases and sales of fixed maturities and equity securities, excluding private placements, are recorded on the trade date. Purchases and sales of private placements and mortgage loans are recorded on the closing date. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are generally determined on a first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) basis.

 

Interest income on fixed maturities is recorded when earned using an effective yield method, giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividends on equity securities are recorded when declared. Such dividends and interest income are recorded in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Included within fixed maturities are loan-backed securities, including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and asset-backed securities (“ABS”). Amortization of the premium or discount from the purchase of these securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. Prepayment assumptions for single class and multi-class mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and ABS are estimated by management using inputs obtained from third-party specialists, including broker-dealers, and based on management’s knowledge of the current market. For prepayment-sensitive securities such as interest-only, principal-only strips, inverse floaters and credit-sensitive MBS and ABS securities, which represent beneficial interests in securitized financial assets that are not of high credit quality or that have been credit impaired, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. For all other MBS and ABS, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis.

Short-term Investments: Short-term investments include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase. These investments are stated at fair value.

Assets Held in Separate Accounts: Assets held in separate accounts are reported at the fair values of the underlying investments in the separate accounts. The underlying investments include mutual funds, short-term investments, cash, and fixed maturities.

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate: The Company’s mortgage loans on real estate are all commercial mortgage loans, which are reported at amortized cost, less impairment write-downs and allowance for losses. If a mortgage loan is determined to be impaired (i.e., when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to the lower of either the present value of expected cash flows from the loan discounted at the loan’s original purchase yield or fair value of the collateral. For those mortgages that are determined to require foreclosure, the carrying value is reduced to the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to obtain and sell at the point of foreclosure. The carrying value of the impaired loans is reduced by establishing a permanent write-down recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Property obtained from foreclosed mortgage loans is recorded in Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Mortgage loans are evaluated by the Company’s investment professionals, including an appraisal of loan-specific credit quality, property characteristics, and market trends. Loan performance is continuously monitored on a loan-specific basis throughout the year. The Company’s review includes submitted appraisals, operating statements, rent revenues, and annual inspection reports, among other items. This review evaluates whether the properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the debt.

Mortgages are rated for the purpose of quantifying the level of risk. Those loans with higher risk are placed on a watch list and are closely monitored for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice as 60 days past due.

 

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest income until a loan becomes 90 days delinquent or foreclosure proceedings are commenced, at which point interest accrual is discontinued. Interest accrual is not resumed until the loan is brought current.

The Company records an allowance for probable losses incurred on non-impaired loans on an aggregate basis, rather than specifically identified probable losses incurred by individual loan.

Loan – Dutch State Obligation: The reported value of The State of the Netherlands (the “Dutch State”) loan obligation was based on the outstanding loan balance, plus any unamortized premium. This loan obligation was sold to a related party in November 2012.

Policy Loans: Policy loans are carried at an amount equal to the unpaid balance. Interest income on such loans is recorded as earned in Net investment income using the contractually agreed upon interest rate. Generally, interest is capitalized on the policy’s anniversary date. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as these loans are collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance contracts. Any unpaid principal or interest on the loan is deducted from the account value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the policy.

Limited Partnerships/Corporations: The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnership interests that are not consolidated, which consists primarily of private equities, hedge funds, and VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company records its share of earnings using a lag methodology, relying upon the most recent financial information available, generally not to exceed three months. The Company’s earnings from limited partnership interests accounted for under the equity method are recorded in Net investment income.

Other Investments: Other investments are comprised primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock and property obtained from foreclosed mortgage loans, as well as other miscellaneous investments. The Company is a member of the FHLB system and is required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, the Company may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security within Other Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.

Securities Lending: The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain domestic securities from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time. Initial collateral, primarily cash, is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities. For portions of the program, the lending agent retains 5% of the collateral deposited by the borrower and transfers the remaining 95% to the Company. For other portions of the program, the lending agent retains the cash collateral. Collateral retained by the agent is invested in liquid assets on behalf of the Company. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value of the loaned securities fluctuates.

Corporate Loans: Corporate loans held by consolidated collateralized loan obligations (“CLO” or “CLO entities”) are reported in Corporate loans, at fair value using the fair value option, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the loans are recorded in Changes in fair value related to collateralized loan obligations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair values for corporate loans are determined using independent commercial pricing services. In the event that the third-party pricing source is unable to price an investment (which occurs in less than 2% of the loans), other relevant factors are considered including:

 

  i. Information relating to the market for the asset, including price quotations for and trading in the asset or in similar investments and the market environment and investor attitudes towards the asset and interests in similar investments;

 

  ii. The characteristics of and fundamental analytical data relating to the investment, including the cost, current interest rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity and base lending rate, the terms and conditions of the corporate loan and any related agreements and the position of the corporate loan in the borrower’s debt structure;

 

  iii. The nature, adequacy, and value of the corporate loan’s collateral, including the CLO’s rights, remedies and interests with respect to the collateral;

 

  iv. The creditworthiness of the borrower, based on an evaluation of its financial condition, financial statements and information about the business, cash flows, capital structure and future prospects;

 

  v. The reputation and financial condition of the agent and any intermediate participants in the corporate loan; and

 

  vi. General economic and market conditions affecting the fair value of the corporate loan.

Other-than-temporary Impairments

The Company periodically evaluates its available-for-sale investments to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Factors considered in this analysis include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, the issuer’s financial condition and near-term prospects, future economic conditions and market forecasts, interest rate changes, and changes in ratings of the security. An extended and severe unrealized loss position on a fixed maturity may not have any impact on: (a) the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled interest and principal payments, and (b) the evaluation of recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to its amortized cost based on the present value of the expected future cash flows to be collected. In contrast, for certain equity securities, the Company gives greater weight and consideration to a decline in market value and the likelihood such market value decline will recover.

When assessing the Company’s intent to sell a security or if it is more likely than not it will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, management evaluates facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to rebalance the investment portfolio and sales of investments to meet cash flow or capital needs.

When the Company has determined it has the intent to sell or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value has declined below amortized cost (“intent impairment”), the individual security is written down from amortized cost to fair value, and a corresponding charge is recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the Company has determined that there has been an other-than-temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis, the OTTI is bifurcated into the amount representing the present value of the decrease in cash flows expected to be collected (“credit impairment”) and the amount related to other factors (“noncredit impairment”). The credit impairment is recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses) and in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The noncredit impairment is recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The Company uses the following methodology and significant inputs to determine the amount of the OTTI credit loss:

 

   

The Company performs a discounted cash flow analysis comparing the current amortized cost of a security to the present value of future cash flows expected to be received including estimated defaults and prepayments. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the fixed maturity prior to impairment.

 

   

When determining collectability and the period over which the value is expected to recover, the Company applies the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process, which incorporates information regarding the specific security, the industry and geographic area in which the issuer operates, and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from the Company’s best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes, after giving consideration to a variety of variables that includes, but is not limited to: general payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the scheduled interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies.

 

   

Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain structured securities such as subprime, Alt-A, non-agency, RMBS, CMBS, and ABS. These additional factors for structured securities include, but are not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral; expected prepayment speeds; loan-to-value ratios; debt service coverage ratios; current and forecasted loss severity; and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security.

 

   

When determining the amount of the credit loss for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities, and state and political subdivision securities, the Company considers the estimated fair value as the recovery value when available information does not indicate that another value is more appropriate. When information is identified that indicates a recovery value other than estimated fair value, the Company considers in the determination of recovery value the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process, which incorporates available information and the Company’s best estimate of scenarios-based outcomes regarding the specific security and issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer; fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates, and the overall macroeconomic conditions.

In periods subsequent to the recognition of the credit related impairment components of OTTI on a fixed maturity, the Company accounts for the impaired security as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. Accordingly, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis is accreted into net investment income over the remaining term of the fixed maturity in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows.

Derivatives  

Derivatives

The Company’s use of derivatives is limited mainly to economic hedging to reduce the Company’s exposure to cash flow variability of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, credit risk, exchange rate risk, and market risk. It is the Company’s policy not to offset amounts recognized for derivative instruments and amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

The Company enters into interest rate, equity market, credit default, and currency contracts, including swaps, futures, forwards, caps, floors and options, to reduce and manage various risks associated with changes in value, yield, price, cash flow, or exchange rates of assets or liabilities held or intended to be held, or to assume or reduce credit exposure associated with a referenced asset, index, or pool. The Company also utilizes options and futures on equity indices to reduce and manage risks associated with its annuity products. Open derivative contracts are reported as Derivatives assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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 as either (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk (“fair value hedge”) or (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows that is attributable to interest rate risk to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”). In this 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 periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship.

 

   

Fair Value Hedge: For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the hedged item, to the extent of the risk being hedged, are recognized in Other net realized capital gains (losses).

 

   

Cash Flow Hedge: For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction. The ineffective portion of the derivative’s change in value, if any, along with any of the derivative’s change in value that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses).

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is no longer expected to be 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets at its estimated fair value, with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized immediately in Other net realized capital gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged 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 Other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the Consolidated Statements 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in Other net realized capital gains (losses). Derivative gains and losses recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in Other net realized capital gains (losses).

 

If the Company’s current debt and claims paying ratings were downgraded in the future, the terms in the Company’s derivative agreements may be triggered, which could negatively impact overall liquidity. For the majority of the Company’s counterparties, there is a termination event should the Company’s long-term debt ratings drop below BBB+/Baal.

The Company also has investments in certain fixed maturities, and has issued certain annuity products, that contain embedded derivatives whose fair value is at least partially determined by levels of or changes in domestic and/or foreign interest rates (short-term or long-term), exchange rates, prepayment rates, equity markets, or credit ratings/spreads. Embedded derivatives within fixed maturities are included with the host contract on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Embedded derivatives within certain annuity products are included in Future policy benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In addition, the Company has entered into a coinsurance with funds withheld arrangement that contains an embedded derivative, the fair value of which is based on the change in the fair value of the underlying assets held in trust. The embedded derivative within the coinsurance arrangement is included in Funds held under reinsurance arrangements on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents  

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and other highly liquid investments, such as money market instruments and debt instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents of VIEs and VOEs are not available for general use by the Company.

Property and Equipment  

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Expenditures for replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repair expenditures are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, total cost basis was $463.5 and $501.7, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, total accumulated depreciation was $305.1 and $316.1, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, depreciation expense was $36.9, $36.2 and $34.2, respectively, and included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Depreciation on property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets with the exception of land and artwork, which are not depreciated.

The Company’s property and equipment are depreciated using the following estimated useful lives:

 

    

Estimated Useful Lives

Buildings

   40 years

Furniture and fixtures

   5 years

Leasehold improvements

   10 years, or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter

Equipment

   3 years
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired  

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired

DAC represents policy acquisition costs that have been capitalized and are subject to amortization and interest. Capitalized costs are incremental, direct costs of contract acquisition, as well as certain costs related directly to successful acquisition activities. Such costs consist principally of certain commissions, underwriting, sales, and contract issuance and processing expenses directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal business. Indirect or unsuccessful acquisition costs, maintenance, product development and overhead expenses are charged to expense as incurred. VOBA represents the outstanding value of in force business acquired and is subject to amortization and interest. The value is based on the present value of estimated net cash flows embedded in the insurance contracts at the time of the acquisition and increased for subsequent deferrable expenses on purchased policies.

Sales Inducements  

Sales Inducements

Sales inducements represent benefits paid to contract owners for a specified period that are incremental to the amounts the Company credits on similar contracts and are higher than the contract’s expected ongoing crediting rates for periods after the inducement. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. The amortization of sales inducements is included in Interest credited to contract owner account balances in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potentially significant recoverability issue exists, the Company reviews deferred sales inducements to determine the recoverability of these balances.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company capitalized $35.1, $39.9 and $55.0, respectively, of sales inducements. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company amortized $62.6, $14.0 and $102.1, respectively, of deferred sales inducements.

Future Policy Benefits and Contract Owner Accounts  

Future Policy Benefits and Contract Owner Accounts

Future Policy Benefits

The Company establishes and carries actuarially-determined reserves that are calculated to meet its future obligations under insurance policies, including individual and group life insurance, guaranteed benefits on annuity contracts, payout contracts with life contingencies, and certain accident and health insurance. Reserves also include estimates of unpaid claims as well as claims that the Company believes have been incurred but have not yet been reported as of the balance sheet date. The principal assumptions used to establish liabilities for future policy benefits are based upon Company experience and periodically reviewed against industry standards. These assumptions include mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, contract renewal, payment of subsequent premiums or deposits by the contract owner, retirement, investment returns, inflation, benefit utilization and expenses. Changes in, or deviations from, the assumptions used can significantly affect the Company’s reserve levels and related results of operations.

Reserves for individual and group life insurance contracts (mainly term insurance, non-participating whole life insurance, and traditional group life insurance) and accident and health insurance represent the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of contract owners and related expenses, less the present value of future net premiums. Assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, expenses, and persistency are based upon the Company’s estimates of anticipated experience at the period the policy is sold or acquired, including a provision for adverse deviation. Interest rates used to calculate the present value of these reserves ranged from 2.5% to 7.7%.

Reserves for payout contracts with life contingencies are equal to the present value of expected future payments. Assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, and expenses are based upon the Company’s experience at the period the policy is sold or acquired, including a provision for adverse deviation. Such assumptions generally vary by annuity plan type, year of issue, and policy duration. Interest rates used to calculate the present value of future benefits ranged from 3.0% to 7.75%.

Although assumptions are “locked-in” upon the issuance of individual and group life insurance, payout contracts with life contingencies, and certain accident and health insurance, significant changes in experience or assumptions may require the Company to provide for expected future losses on a product by establishing premium deficiency reserves. Premium deficiency reserves are determined based on best estimate assumptions that exist at the time the premium deficiency reserve is established and do not include a provision for adverse deviation.

Contract Owner Accounts

Contract owner account balances relate to investment-type contracts, such as guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements, universal life-type contracts, fixed annuities and payout contracts without life contingencies, and fixed-indexed annuity (“FIA”) contracts.

 

   

Account balances for guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements are calculated using the amount deposited with the Company, less withdrawals, plus interest accrued to the ending valuation date. Interest on these contracts is accrued by a predetermined index, plus a spread or a fixed rate, established at the issue date of the contract.

 

   

Account balances for universal life-type contracts, including variable universal life and indexed universal life contracts, are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges and withdrawals and account values released upon death, plus credited interest thereon.

 

   

Account balances for fixed annuities and payout contracts without life contingencies are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges and withdrawals, plus credited interest thereon. Credited interest rates vary by product and ranged up to 8.0% for the years 2012, 2011, and 2010. Account balances for group immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are equal to the discounted value of the payment at the implied break-even rate.

 

   

For FIAs, the aggregate initial liability is equal to the deposit received, plus a bonus, if applicable, and is split into a host component and an embedded derivative component. Thereafter, the host liability accumulates at a set interest rate, and the embedded derivative liability is recognized at fair value.

Short-term and Long-term Debt  

Short-term and Long-term Debt

Short-term and long-term debt are carried at an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance, net of any remaining unamortized discount or premium attributable to issuance. Direct and incremental costs to issue the debt are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are recognized as a component of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the life of the debt, using the effective interest method of amortization.

Repurchase Agreements  

Repurchase Agreements

The Company engages in dollar repurchase agreements with MBS (“dollar rolls”) and repurchase agreements with other collateral types to increase its return on investments and improve liquidity. Such arrangements meet the requirements to be accounted for as financing arrangements.

The Company enters into dollar roll transactions by selling existing MBS and concurrently entering into an agreement to repurchase similar securities within a short time frame at a lower price. Under repurchase agreements, the Company borrows cash from a counterparty at an agreed upon interest rate for an agreed upon time frame and pledges collateral in the form of securities. At the end of the agreement, the counterparty returns the collateral to the Company, and the Company, in turn, repays the loan amount along with the additional agreed upon interest.

Company policy requires that at all times during the term of the dollar roll and repurchase agreements that cash or other collateral types obtained is sufficient to allow the Company to fund substantially all of the cost of purchasing replacement assets. Cash received is invested in Short-term investments, with the offsetting obligation to repay the loan included as an Other liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value of the securities pledged in dollar rolls and repurchase agreement transactions and the related repurchase obligation are included in Securities pledged and Short-term debt, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. The Company’s exposure is limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments. The Company believes the counterparties to the dollar rolls and repurchase agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal.

Recognition of Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits  

Recognition of Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits

Premiums related to traditional individual and group life policies are recognized in Premiums in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when due from the contract owner. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any gross premium in excess of the net premium (i.e., the portion of the gross premium required to provide for all expected future benefits and expenses) is deferred and recognized into revenue in a constant relationship to insurance in force. Benefits are recorded in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when incurred.

Revenues from investment-type, universal life-type, fixed annuities and payout contracts without life contingencies, and FIA consist primarily of fees assessed against the contract owner account balance for mortality and policy administration and are reported in Fee income. In addition, the Company earns investment income from the investment of contract deposits in the Company’s general account portfolio which is reported in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fees assessed that represent compensation to the Company for services to be provided in future periods and certain other fees are established as a URR liability and amortized into revenue over the expected life of the related contracts in proportion to estimated gross profits in a manner consistent with DAC for these contracts. URR is reported in Future policy benefits and amortized into Fee income. Benefits and expenses for these products include claims in excess of related account balances, expenses of contract administration, and interest credited to contract owner account balances.

Income Taxes  

Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes many of its subsidiaries, in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

Deferred tax assets represent the tax benefit of future deductible temporary differences and, operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company evaluates and tests the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Considerable judgment and the use of estimates are required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers many factors, including:

 

   

The nature and character of the deferred tax assets and liabilities;

 

   

The nature and character of income by life and non-life subgroups;

 

   

Income in non-U.S. companies;

 

   

Taxable income in prior carryback years;

 

   

Projected future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;

 

   

Projected future reversals of existing temporary differences;

 

   

The length of time carryforwards can be utilized;

 

   

Any prudent and feasible tax planning strategies the Company would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused.

 

   

The nature, frequency, and severity of cumulative losses in recent years; and

 

   

Any tax rules that would impact the utilization of the deferred tax assets.

In establishing unrecognized tax benefits, the Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the appropriate taxing authority. The Company also considers positions that have been reviewed and agreed to as part of an examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not standard are not recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Tax positions that meet this standard are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company measures the tax position as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with the tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.

Reinsurance  

Reinsurance

The Company utilizes reinsurance agreements in most aspects of its insurance business to reduce its exposure to large losses. Such reinsurance permits recovery of a portion of losses from reinsurers, although it does not discharge the primary liability of the Company as direct insurer of the risks reinsured.

 

For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk. The Company reviews all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims.

For reinsurance of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the amounts paid and benefits received related to the underlying contracts is included in the expected net cost of reinsurance which is recorded as a component of the reinsurance asset or liability. Any difference between actual and expected net cost of reinsurance is recognized in the current period and included as a component of profits used to amortize DAC.

For prospective reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid are recorded as ceded premiums and ceded unearned premiums and are reflected as a component of Premiums in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. Ceded unearned premiums are amortized through premiums over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of protection provided.

For retroactive reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid in excess of the related insurance liabilities ceded are recognized immediately as a loss. Any gains on such retroactive agreements are deferred and recorded in Other liabilities. The gains are amortized over the remaining life of the underlying contracts.

The assumptions used to account for both long and short-duration reinsurance agreements are consistent with those used for the underlying contracts. Ceded future policy benefits and contract owner liabilities are reported gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Only those reinsurance recoverable balances deemed probable of recovery are recognized as assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance. Amounts currently recoverable under reinsurance agreements are included in Reinsurance recoverable and amounts currently payable are included in Other liabilities. Such assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer are recorded net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement.

Premiums, Fee income, and Policyholder benefits are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts received from reinsurers for policy administration are reported in Other revenue.

Accounting for reinsurance requires extensive use of assumptions and estimates, particularly related to the future performance of the underlying business and the potential impact of counterparty credit risks. The Company periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the assumptions used to establish assets and liabilities relating to ceded and assumed reinsurance. The Company also evaluates the financial strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial condition of reinsurers. The S&P ratings for the Company’s reinsurers with the largest reinsurance recoverable balances are all A rated or better. These reinsurers are: Lincoln National Corporation (“Lincoln”), Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America and Hannover Re (Ireland) Plc (collectively, “Hannover Re”), and various subsidiaries of Reinsurance Group of America Incorporated (collectively, “RGA”).

Employee Benefits Plans  

Employee Benefits Plans

Certain subsidiaries of the Company sponsor and/or administer various plans that provide defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits covering eligible employees, sales representatives, and other individuals. The plans are generally funded through payments, determined by periodic actuarial calculations, to trustee-administered funds.

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service, and compensation. The liability recognized in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the projected pension benefit obligation (“PBO”) at the balance sheet date, less the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for unrecognized past service costs. This liability is included in Pension and other post-employment provisions on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The PBO is defined as the actuarially calculated present value of vested and non-vested pension benefits accrued based on future salary levels. The Company recognizes the funded status of the PBO for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net periodic benefit cost is determined using management estimates and actuarial assumptions to derive service cost, interest cost, and expected return on plan assets for a particular year. The obligations and expenses associated with these plans require use of assumptions, such as discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increases, and healthcare cost trend rates, as well as assumptions regarding participant demographics such as age of retirements, withdrawal rates, and mortality. Management determines these assumptions based upon a variety of factors such as historical performance of the plan and its assets, currently available market and industry data, and expected benefit payout streams. The assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to, among other factors, changing market and economic conditions and changes in participant demographics. These differences may have a significant effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and liquidity. Differences between the expected return and the actual return on plan assets and actuarial gain/loss changes are immediately recognized in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For post-retirement healthcare and other benefits to retirees, the entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued in Other liabilities over the period of employment using an accounting methodology similar to that for defined benefit pension plans. Actuarial gain/loss changes are immediately recognized in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Share-based Compensation  

Share-based Compensation

Employees of the Company participate in various ING share-based compensation plans. The Company records compensation expense associated with stock options and other forms of equity compensation based on their fair values over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense includes direct costs of employees of the Company.

Consolidation, Business Combinations, and Noncontrolling Interests  

Consolidation, Business Combinations, and Noncontrolling Interests

The Company consolidates entities in which it, directly or indirectly, is determined to have a controlling financial interest.

VIEs: The Company consolidates VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. An entity is a VIE if it has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or it does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its expected activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The primary beneficiary (i) has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity.

VOEs: For entities determined not to be VIEs, the Company consolidates entities in which it has an equity investment of greater than 50% and has control over significant operating, financial and investing decisions of the entity. Additionally, the Company consolidates entities in which the Company is a substantive, controlling general partner, and the limited partners have no substantive rights to impact ongoing governance and operating activities of the partnership.

The Company provides investment management services to, and has transactions with, various CLO entities, private equity funds, real estate funds, fund-of-hedge funds, single strategy hedge funds, insurance entities, securitizations, and other investment entities in the normal course of business. In certain instances, the Company serves as the investment manager, making day-to-day investment decisions concerning the assets of these entities. These entities are considered to be either VIEs or VOEs, and the Company evaluates its involvement with each entity to determine whether consolidation is required.

For certain investment funds after January 1, 2010, and all entities prior to January 1, 2010, the determination is based on previous consolidation guidelines that require an analysis to determine whether (a) an entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) the Company’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses or receive a majority of residual returns in the entity, or both.

The determination of whether an entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE requires judgments, which include (1) determining whether the equity investment at risk is sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (2) evaluating whether the equity holders, as a group, can make decisions that have a significant effect on the success of the entity; (3) determining whether two or more parties’ equity interests should be aggregated; and (4) determining whether the equity investors have proportionate voting rights to their obligations to absorb losses or rights to receive returns from an entity. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a VIE. Consolidation conclusions are reviewed quarterly to identify whether any reconsideration events have occurred, which would require detailed reassessment of the VIE status.

The Company has elected to apply the FVO for financial assets and financial liabilities held by consolidated CLO entities and continues to measure these assets (primarily senior bank and corporate loans) and liabilities (debt obligations issued by CLO entities) at fair value in subsequent periods. The Company has elected the FVO to more closely align its accounting with the economics of its transactions. This election allows the Company to more effectively align changes in the fair value of CLO assets with a commensurate change in the fair value of CLO liabilities.

The Company recognizes the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests acquired in a business combination. The Company did not have any business combinations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Noncontrolling interest represents the interests of shareholders, other than the Company, in consolidated entities. In the Consolidated Statements of Operations, net earnings and losses attributable to noncontrolling interest represents such shareholders’ interests in the earnings and losses of those entities, or the attribution of results from consolidated VIEs or VOEs to which the Company is not economically entitled.

Contingencies  

Contingencies

A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Examples of loss contingencies include pending or threatened adverse litigation, threat of expropriation of assets, and actual or possible claims and assessments. Amounts related to loss contingencies are accrued and recorded in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets if it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated, based on the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate outcome. If determined to meet the criteria for a reserve, the Company also evaluates whether there are external legal or other costs directly associated with the resolution of the matter and accrues such costs if estimable.

Adoption of New Pronouncements

Adoption of New Pronouncements

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2011-11”), which requires an entity to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position, as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements.

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (ASC Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-01”), which clarifies that the scope of ASU 2011-11 applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with ASU Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement.

The provisions of ASU 2013-01 and ASU 2011-11 were adopted retrospectively by the Company on January 1, 2013. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the pronouncement only pertains to additional disclosure. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-11 and ASU 2013-01 are included in the Derivative Financial Instruments Note to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Disclosures about Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”)

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”), which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts.

The provisions of ASU 2013-02 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2013. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the pronouncement only pertains to additional disclosure. The disclosures required by ASU 2013-02, including comparative period disclosures, are included in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Note to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

Joint and Several Liability Arrangements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities (ASC Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date” (“ASU 2013-04”), which requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liable arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of (1) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (2) any additional amount it expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations.

The provisions of ASU 2013-04 are effective for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements that exist at the beginning of an entity’s year of adoption. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption of the provisions of ASU 2013-04.

 

Investment Companies

In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, “Financial Services-Investment Companies (ASC Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements” (“ASU 2013-08”), which provides comprehensive guidance for assessing whether an entity is an investment company and requires an investment company to measure noncontrolling ownership interests in other investment companies at fair value. ASU 2013-08 also requires an entity to disclose that it is an investment company and any changes to that status, as well as information about financial support provided or required to be provided to investees.

The provisions of ASU 2013-08 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods in years beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be applied prospectively for entities that are investment companies upon the effective date of the amendments. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption of the provisions of ASU 2013-08.

Derivatives and Hedging

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (ASC Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes” (“ASU 2013-10”), which permits an entity to use the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (“OIS”) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. In addition, the guidance removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges.

The provisions of ASU 2013-10 are effective for qualifying new or redesigned hedges entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company does not expect ASU 2013-10 to have an impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Income Taxes

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (ASC Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”), which clarifies that:

 

   

An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, except,

   

An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and not be combined with a deferred tax asset (i) to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or (ii) the tax law does not require the entity to use, or the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such a purpose.

   

The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date.

The provisions of ASU 2013-11 are effective for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. The Company does not expect ASU 2013-11 to have an impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the guidance is consistent with that currently applied.

Adoption of New Pronouncements

Financial Instruments

Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03, “Transfers and Servicing (ASC Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements” (“ASU 2011-03”), which removes from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion.

The provisions of ASU 2011-03 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2012. The Company determined that there was no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the guidance is consistent with that previously applied by the Company.

A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-02, “Receivables (Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring” (“ASU 2011-02”), which clarifies the guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties, as follows:

 

   

If a debtor does not have access to funds at a market rate for similar debt, the restructuring would be considered to be at a below-market rate;

 

   

An increase in the contractual interest rate does not preclude the restructuring from being considered a concession, as the new rate could still be below the market interest rate;

 

   

A restructuring that results in a delay in payment that is insignificant is not a concession;

 

   

A creditor should evaluate whether it is probable that the debtor would be in payment default on any of its debt without the modification to determine if the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties; and

 

   

A creditor is precluded from using the effective interest rate test.

Also, ASU 2011-02 requires disclosure of certain information about troubled debt restructuring, which was previously deferred by ASU 2011-01, “Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20” (“ASU 2011-01”).

 

The provisions of ASU 2011-02 were adopted by the Company on July 1, 2011, and applied retrospectively to January 1, 2011. The Company determined, however, that there was no effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption, as there were no troubled debt restructurings between January 1, 2011 and July 1, 2011. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-02 are included in the Investments (excluding Consolidated Investment Entities) note to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, “Receivables (ASC Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses” (“ASU 2010-20”), which requires certain existing disclosures to be disaggregated by class of financing receivable, including the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses, with the ending balance further disaggregated on the basis of impairment method. For each disaggregated ending balance, an entity also is required to disclose the related recorded investment in financing receivables, the nonaccrual status of financing receivables, and impaired financing receivables.

ASU 2010-20 also requires new disclosures by class of financing receivable, including credit quality indicators, aging of past due amounts, the nature and extent of troubled debt restructurings and related defaults, and significant purchases and sales of financing receivables disaggregated by portfolio segment.

In January 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-01, which temporarily delayed the effective date of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings in ASU 2010-20.

The provisions of ASU 2010-20 were adopted by the Company on December 31, 2010, and are included in the Investments (excluding Consolidated Investment Entities) note to these Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the “Reinsurance” section above, except for the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings included in ASU 2011-02 that were adopted by the Company on July 1, 2011 (see above). The disclosures that include information for activity that occurs during a reporting period were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011 and are included in the Investment note to these Consolidated Financial Statements. As this pronouncement only pertains to additional disclosure, the adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives

In March 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-11, “Derivatives and Hedging (ASC Topic 815): Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives” (“ASU 2010-11”), which clarifies that the only type of embedded credit derivatives that are exempt from bifurcation requirements are those that relate to the subordination of one financial instrument to another.

The provisions of ASU 2010-11 were adopted by the Company on July 1, 2010. The Company determined, however, that there was no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows upon adoption, as the guidance is consistent with that previously applied by the Company.

Consolidation and Business Combinations

Consolidation Analysis of Investments Held through Separate Accounts

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-15, “Financial Services-Insurance (ASC Topic 944): How Investments Held through Separate Accounts Affect an Insurer’s Consolidation Analysis of Those Investments” (“ASU 2010-15”), which clarifies that an insurance entity generally should not consider any separate account interests in an investment held for the benefit of policy holders to be the insurer’s interests, and should not combine those separate account interests with its general account interest in the same investment when assessing the investment for consolidation.

The provisions of ASU 2010-15 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011; however, the Company determined that there was no effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption, as the guidance is consistent with that previously applied by the Company.

Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved in Variable Interest Entities

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, “Consolidations (ASC Topic 810): Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved in Variable Interest Entities” (“ASU 2009-17”), which amends the consolidation guidance for VIEs, as follows:

 

   

Eliminates the quantitative-based assessment for consolidation of VIEs and, instead, requires a qualitative assessment of whether an entity has the power to direct the VIEs activities and whether the entity has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE;

 

   

Requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE; and

 

   

Requires enhanced disclosures, including (i) presentation on the balance sheet of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs that meet the separate presentation criteria and disclosure of assets and liabilities recognized on the balance sheet and (ii) the maximum exposure to loss for those VIEs in which a reporting entity is determined to not be the primary beneficiary but in which it has a variable interest.

In addition, in February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-10, “Consolidations (ASC Topic 810): Amendments for Certain Investment Funds” (“ASU 2010-10”), which defers to ASU 2009-17 for a reporting entity’s interests in certain investment funds that have attributes of investment companies, for which the reporting entity does not have an obligation to fund losses and that are not structured as securitization entities. The Company has determined that all of its managed funds, with the exception of certain CLOs, qualify for the deferral.

The provisions of ASU 2009-17 and ASU 2010-10 were adopted, prospectively, by the Company on January 1, 2010. As a result of adoption, the Company consolidated certain CLO entities managed by the Company on January 1, 2010, which increased total assets and total liabilities by $1.7 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The CLO assets cannot be used by the Company, nor is the Company obligated for the CLO debt. The difference in the fair value of assets and liabilities on January 1, 2010 of $297.2 was recorded in Appropriated retained earnings, which reflects elimination of the fair value of interests held by the Company. See the Consolidated Investment Entities note for additional disclosures relating to the Company’s involvement with VIEs and the impact of the consolidation to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (ASC Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS” (“ASU 2011-04”), which includes the following amendments:

 

   

The concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise are relevant only when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets;

 

   

The requirements for measuring the fair value of equity instruments are consistent with those for measuring liabilities;

 

   

An entity is permitted to measure the fair value of financial instruments managed within a portfolio at the price that would be received to sell or transfer a net position for a particular risk; and

 

   

The application of premiums and discounts in a fair value measurement is related to the unit of account for the asset or liability.

ASU 2011-04 also requires additional disclosures, including use of a nonfinancial asset in a way that differs from its highest and best use, categorization by level for items in which fair value is required to be disclosed and further information regarding Level 3 fair value measurements.

The provisions of ASU 2011-04 were adopted, prospectively, by the Company on January 1, 2012. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as the pronouncement only pertains to additional disclosure. The disclosures required by ASU 2011-04 are included in the Fair Value Measurements note to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (ASC Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (“ASU 2010-06”), which requires several new disclosures, as well as clarification to existing disclosures, as follows:

 

   

Significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the reason for the transfers;

 

   

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlement, in the Level 3 fair value measurements reconciliation on a gross basis;

 

   

Fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities (i.e., disaggregated); and

 

   

Valuation techniques and inputs for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements.

The provisions of ASU 2010-06 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures related to the Level 3 reconciliation that were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows as the pronouncement only pertains to additional disclosure. The disclosures required by ASU 2010-06 are included in the Fair Value Measurements note to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts

In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26, “Financial Services – Insurance (ASC Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts” (“ASU 2010-26”), which provides new guidance related to acquisition costs of new or renewal insurance contracts that qualify for deferral. Costs that should be capitalized include (1) incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisition and (2) certain costs related directly to successful acquisition activities (underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, and sales force contract selling) performed by the insurer for the contract. Advertising costs should be included in DAC only if the capitalization criteria for direct-response advertising guidance is met. All other acquisition-related costs should be charged to expense as incurred.

 

The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-26 on January 1, 2011, and applied the provisions retrospectively. If the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2010 had been issued prior to implementation, the impact to the Company’s January 1, 2011 Retained earnings, as a result of implementation, would have been a decrease of $1.2 billion, net of income taxes of $300.8.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Testing Goodwill for Impairment

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASC Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the reporting unit is impaired, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If, however, an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to perform the two-step impairment test.

The provisions of ASU 2011-08 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2012; however, there was no effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, as there were no impairments.

When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASC Topic 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts” (“ASU 2010-28”), which modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the test if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists.

The provisions of ASU 2010-28 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011; however, there was no effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, as the goodwill reporting unit did not have a zero or negative carrying amount at the October 1 testing date.

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”), which states that an entity has the option to present total comprehensive income and the components of net income and other comprehensive income either in a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, consecutive statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which defers the ASU 2011-05 requirements to present, on the face of the financial statements, the effects of reclassification out of AOCI on the components of net income and other comprehensive income.

The Company early adopted provisions of ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2010-12 on December 31, 2011, and applied the provisions retrospectively. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, with corresponding revisions to the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity, is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, the required disclosures are included in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) note to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (ASC Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2011-11”), which requires an entity to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position, as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements.

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-01”), which clarifies that the scope of ASU 2011-11 applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with ASU Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement.

The provisions of ASU 2013-01 and ASU 2011-11 are effective retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company will adopt the provisions of these ASUs in the first quarter of 2013 which will include additional disclosure of the gross and net information instruments deemed in scope, including any related collateral received or posted.

Disclosures about Amounts Reclassified out of AOCI

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”), which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts.

The provisions of ASU 2013-02 are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU 2013-02 in the first quarter of 2013 to provide additional information about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component.

Consolidations

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ING U.S., Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships (voting interest entities (“VOEs”)) in which the Company has control and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. See the Consolidated Investment Entities Note to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (including normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2013, its results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s prospectus dated May 1, 2013, filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on May 3, 2013 (the “IPO Prospectus”)

 
Reclassifications

Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to conform to the current year classifications. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.