Business

ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company ("ILIAC") is a stock life insurance company domiciled in the State of Connecticut. ILIAC and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, "the Company") provide financial products and services in the United States. ILIAC is authorized to conduct its insurance business in all states and in the District of Columbia.

In 2009, ING Groep N.V. ("ING Group" or "ING"), a global financial services holding company based in The Netherlands, with American Depository Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, announced the anticipated separation of its global banking and insurance businesses, including the divestiture of ING U.S., Inc., which together with its subsidiaries, including the Company, constituted ING's U.S.-based retirement, investment management and insurance operations. On May 2, 2013, the common stock of ING U.S., Inc. began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "VOYA." On May 7, 2013 and May 31, 2013, ING U.S., Inc. completed its initial public offering of common stock, including the issuance and sale by ING U.S., Inc. of 30,769,230 shares of common stock and the sale by ING Insurance International B.V. ("ING International"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of ING Group and previously the sole stockholder of ING U.S., Inc., of 44,201,773 shares of outstanding common stock of ING U.S., Inc. (collectively, "the IPO"). On September 30, 2013, ING International transferred all of its shares of ING U.S., Inc. common stock to ING Group.

On October 29, 2013, ING Group completed a sale of 37,950,000 shares of common stock of ING U.S., Inc. in a registered public offering, reducing ING Group's ownership of ING U.S., Inc. to 57%.

On March 25, 2014, ING Group completed a sale of 30,475,000 shares of common stock of ING U.S., Inc. in a registered public offering. On March 25, 2014, pursuant to the terms of a share repurchase agreement between ING Group and ING U.S., Inc., ING U.S., Inc. acquired 7,255,853 shares of its common stock from ING Group (the "Direct Share Buyback") (the offering and the Direct Share Buyback collectively, the "Transactions"). Upon completion of the Transactions, ING Group's ownership of ING U.S., Inc. was reduced to approximately 43%.

ILIAC is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Lion Connecticut Holdings Inc. ("Lion" or "the Parent"), which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of ING U.S., Inc.

On April 11, 2013, ING U.S., Inc. announced plans to rebrand as Voya Financial, and in January 2014, ING U.S., Inc. announced additional details regarding the operational and legal work associated with the rebranding. Based on current expectations, ING U.S., Inc. will change its legal name to Voya Financial, Inc. in April 2014; and in May 2014 its Investment Management and Employee Benefits businesses will begin using the Voya Financial brand. In September 2014, ING U.S.’s remaining businesses will begin using the Voya Financial brand and all remaining ING U.S. legal entities that currently have names incorporating the “ING” brand, including the Company, will change their names to reflect the Voya brand. ING U.S., Inc. anticipates that the process of changing all marketing materials, operating materials and legal entity names containing the word “ING” or “Lion” to the new brand name will take approximately 24 months.

The Company offers qualified and nonqualified annuity contracts and funding agreements that include a variety of funding and payout options for individuals and employer-sponsored retirement plans qualified under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401, 403, 408, 457 and 501, as well as nonqualified deferred compensation plans and related services. The Company's products are offered primarily to individuals, pension plans, small businesses and employer-sponsored groups in the health care, government and education markets (collectively "tax exempt markets") and corporate markets. The Company's products are generally distributed through pension professionals, independent agents and brokers, third-party administrators, banks, dedicated career agents and financial planners.

Products offered by the Company include deferred and immediate (i.e., payout) annuity contracts and funding agreements. Company products also include programs offered to qualified retirement plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans that package administrative and record-keeping services along with a variety of investment options, including affiliated and nonaffiliated mutual funds and variable and fixed investment options. In addition, the Company offers wrapper agreements entered into with retirement plans, which contain certain benefit responsive guarantees (i.e., guarantees of principal and previously accrued interest for benefits paid under the terms of the plan) with respect to portfolios of plan-owned assets not invested with the Company. The Company also offers pension and retirement savings plan administrative services.

The Company has one operating segment.

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 ILIAC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, ING Financial Advisers, LLC ("IFA") and Directed Services LLC ("DSL"). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to conform to the current year classifications.

Significant Accounting Policies

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, deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC") and value of business acquired ("VOBA"), valuation of investments and derivatives, impairments, income taxes and contingencies.

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 the Company 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

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 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 and 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.

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, which consists primarily of private equities and hedge funds. Generally, 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.

Securities Lending: The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain 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 certain transactions, a lending agent may be used and the agent may retain some or all of the collateral deposited by the borrower and transfer the remaining collateral to the Company. 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.

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) 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:

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When determining collectability and the period over which the value is expected to recover for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, 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.

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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; consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security; and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security.

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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 scenario-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.


•	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.

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

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).

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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 immediately 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).

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 and contract owner account balances 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 reinsurance agreement, accounted for under the deposit method, 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 is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative are recorded in Interest credited and other benefit to contract owners/policyholders in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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.

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. 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 as follows:



	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

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 and certain costs related directly to successful acquisition activities. Such costs consist principally of 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.

Amortization Methodologies

The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits. Assumptions as to mortality, persistency, interest crediting rates, fee income, returns associated with separate account performance, impact of hedge performance, expenses to administer the business and certain economic variables, such as inflation, are based on the Company's experience and overall capital markets. At each valuation date, estimated gross profits, are updated with actual gross profits and the assumptions underlying future estimated gross profits are evaluated for continued reasonableness. Adjustments to estimated gross profits require that amortization rates be revised retroactively to the date of the contract issuance ("unlocking").

Recoverability testing is performed for current issue year products to determine if gross revenues are sufficient to cover DAC and VOBA estimated benefits and expenses. In subsequent years, the Company performs testing to assess the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential loss recognition issue exists. If DAC or VOBA are not deemed recoverable from future gross profits, changes will be applied against DAC or VOBA balances before an additional reserve is established.

Internal Replacements

Contract owners may periodically exchange one contract for another, or make modifications to an existing contract. These transactions are identified as internal replacements. Internal replacements that are determined to result in substantially unchanged contracts are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Any costs associated with the issuance of the new contracts are considered maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Unamortized DAC and VOBA related to the replaced contracts continue to be deferred and amortized in connection with the new contracts. Internal replacements that are determined to result in contracts that are substantially changed are accounted for as extinguishments of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC and VOBA related to the replaced contracts are written off to Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Assumptions

Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on DAC and VOBA balances, amortization rates and results of operations. Assumptions are management's best estimate of future outcome.

Several assumptions are considered significant in the estimation of gross profits associated with the Company's variable products. One significant assumption is the assumed return associated with the variable account performance. To reflect the volatility in the equity markets, this assumption involves a combination of near-term expectations and long-term assumptions regarding market performance. The overall return on the variable account is dependent on multiple factors, including the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among bond funds and equity funds, as well as equity sector weightings. The Company's practice assumes that intermediate-term appreciation in equity markets reverts to the long-term appreciation in equity markets ("reversion to the mean"). The Company monitors market events and only changes the assumption when sustained deviations are expected. This methodology incorporates a 9% long-term equity return assumption, a 14% cap and a five-year look-forward period.

Other significant assumptions used in the estimation of gross profits for products with credited rates include interest spreads and credit losses. Estimated gross profits of variable annuity contracts are sensitive to estimated policyholder behavior assumptions, such as surrender, lapse and annuitization rates.

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. 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 on 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 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 on 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 8.3%.

Although assumptions are "locked-in" upon the issuance of payout contracts with life contingencies, 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 Account Balances

Contract owner account balances relate to investment-type contracts and certain annuity product guarantees, as follows:

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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 2013, 2012 and 2011. 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 fixed-indexed annuity contracts ("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.

Product Guarantees and Additional Reserves

The Company calculates additional reserve liabilities for certain variable annuity guaranteed benefits and variable funding agreements. The Company periodically evaluates its estimates and adjusts the additional liability balance, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. Changes in, or deviations from, the assumptions used can significantly affect the Company's reserve levels and related results of operations.

GMDB: Reserves for annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits ("GMDB") are determined by estimating the value of expected benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. Expected experience is based on a range of scenarios. Assumptions used, such as the long-term equity market return, lapse rate and mortality, are consistent with assumptions used in estimating gross profits for purposes of amortizing DAC. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility are consistent with the historical experience of the appropriate underlying equity index, such as the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 500 Index. Reserves for GMDB are recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in reserves for GMDB are reported in Interest credited and other benefits to contract owner/policyholders in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

FIA: FIAs contain embedded derivatives that are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host contracts. Such embedded derivatives are recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances, with changes in estimated fair value, along with attributed fees collected or payments made, are reported in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations.

The estimated fair value of the FIA contracts is based on the present value of the excess of interest payments to the contract owners over the growth in the minimum guaranteed contract value. The excess interest payments are determined as the excess of projected index driven benefits over the projected guaranteed benefits. The projection horizon is over the anticipated life of the related contracts, which takes into account best estimate actuarial assumptions, such as partial withdrawals, full surrenders, deaths, annuitizations and maturities.

Stabilizer and MCG: Products with guaranteed credited rates treat the guarantee as an embedded derivative for Stabilizer products and a stand-alone derivative for managed custody guarantee products ("MCG"). These derivatives are measured at estimated fair value and recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in estimated fair value along with attributed fees collected are reported in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The estimated fair value of the Stabilizer and MCG contracts is determined based on the present value of projected future claims, minus the present value of future guaranteed premiums. At inception of the contract the Company projects a guaranteed premium to be equal to the present value of the projected future claims. The income associated with the contracts is projected using actuarial and capital market assumptions, including benefits and related contract charges, over the anticipated life of the related contracts. The cash flow estimates are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk-free rates and other best estimate assumptions.

The FIA and Stabilizer embedded derivative liabilities and the stand-alone derivative for MCG include a risk margin to capture uncertainties related to policyholder behavior assumptions. The margin represents additional compensation a market participant would require to assume these risks.

The discount rate used to determine the fair value of FIA and Stabilizer embedded derivative liabilities and the stand-alone derivative for MCG includes an adjustment to reflect the risk that these obligations will not be fulfilled ("nonperformance risk").

Separate Accounts

Separate account assets and liabilities generally represent funds maintained to meet specific investment objectives of contract owners or participants who bear the investment risk, subject, in limited cases, to minimum guaranteed rates. Investment income and investment gains and losses generally accrue directly to such contract owners. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company or its affiliates.

Separate account assets supporting variable options under variable annuity contracts are invested, as designated by the contract owner or participant under a contract, in shares of mutual funds that are managed by the Company or its affiliates, or in other selected mutual funds not managed by the Company or its affiliates.

The Company reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in the separate accounts and liabilities of separate accounts if:


•	Such separate accounts are legally recognized;


•	Assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company's general account liabilities;


•	Investments are directed by the contract owner or participant; and


•	All investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contract owner.

The Company reports separate account assets that meet the above criteria at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the fair value of the underlying investments. Separate account liabilities equal separate account assets. Investment income and net realized and unrealized capital gains (losses) of the separate accounts, however, are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the separate accounts.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt 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

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

Premiums related to payouts contracts with life contingencies 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 Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when incurred.

Amounts received as payment for investment-type, fixed annuities, payout contracts without life contingencies and FIA contracts are reported as deposits to contract owner account balances. Revenues from these contracts consist primarily of fees assessed against the contract owner account balance for mortality and policy administration charges and are reported in Fee income. Surrender charges are reported in Other revenue. 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 deferred 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. 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

The Company uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining the income taxes payable or refundable to/from ING U.S., Inc. for the current year, the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for items recognized differently in its financial statements from amounts shown on its income tax returns and the federal income tax expense. Determining these amounts requires analysis and interpretation of current tax laws and regulations, including the loss limitation rules associated with change in control. Management exercises considerable judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting income tax liabilities and assets. These judgments and estimates are reevaluated on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.

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;


•	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;


•	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 U.S. GAAP losses in recent years; and


•	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. 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.

Certain changes or future events, such as changes in tax legislation, completion of tax audits, planning opportunities and expectations about future outcome could have an impact on the Company's estimates of valuation allowances, deferred taxes, tax provisions and effective tax rates.

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

Long-duration: 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.

If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. Interest is recorded as Other revenues or Other expenses, as appropriate.

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. Only those reinsurance recoverable balances deemed probable of recovery are reflected as assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance. Amounts currently recoverable and payable under reinsurance agreements are included in Reinsurance recoverable and Other liabilities, respectively. 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.

The Company utilizes a reinsurance agreement, accounted for under the deposit method, to manage reserve and capital requirements in connection with a portion of its deferred annuities business. The agreement contains and embedded derivative whose carrying value is estimated based on the change in the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld under the agreement.

The Company currently has a significant concentration of ceded reinsurance with a subsidiary of Lincoln National Corporation ("Lincoln") arising from the disposition of its individual life insurance business.

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

Financial Instruments

Derivatives and Hedging

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-10, "Derivatives and Hedging (Accounting Standards Codification ("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 were adopted by the Company on July 17, 2013 for qualifying new or redesigned hedges entered into on or after that date. The adoption had no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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 clarifies what costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts 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 deferred acquisition costs only if the capitalization criteria in the U.S. GAAP direct-response advertising guidance are met. All other acquisition-related costs should be charged to expense as incurred.

The provisions of ASU 2010-26 were adopted retrospectively by the Company on January 1, 2012. As a result of implementing ASU 2010-26, the Company recognized a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $375.9, net of income taxes of $202.4, as a reduction to January 1, 2010 Retained earnings (deficit). In addition, the Company recognized a $13.9 increase to AOCI.

Presentation and Disclosure

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 (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 "Note 3. Derivative Financial Instruments."

Disclosures about Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

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 "Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)."

Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

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.

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 does not expect ASU 2013-04 to have an impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the Company does not have any fixed obligations under joint and several liable arrangements as of December 31, 2013.

Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurers

In July 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-06, "Other Expenses (Topic 720): Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurers" ("ASU 2011-06"), which specifies how health insurers should recognize and classify the annual fee imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care Education Reconciliation Act (the "Acts"). The liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full at the time the entity provides qualifying health insurance in the year in which the fee is payable, with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense.

The provisions of ASU 2011-06 are effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013, when the fee initially becomes effective. The Company does not expect ASU 2011-06 to have an impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the amount of net premium written for qualifying health insurance by the Company is expected to be below the $25.0 threshold as defined by the Acts and, thus, not subject to the fee.