SEC Filing | Brighthouse Financial

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S-3ASR

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 5, 2018

Registration Nos. 333-

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

81-3846992

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

11225 North Community House Road

Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

(980) 365-7100

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

Christine M. DeBiase, Esq.

Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

11225 North Community House Road

Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

(980) 365-7100

With a copy to:

Peter J. Loughran

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

(212) 909-6000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒

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

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

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐

(continued on next page)

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

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

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



Title of each class of securities to be registered	Amount to be Registered(1)(2)	Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Unit(3)	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(3)	Amount of Registration Fee(3)
Debt securities(4)
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share(5)
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share(6)
Depositary shares(7)
Warrants(8)
Purchase contracts(9)
Units(10)
Total

(1)

An unspecified aggregate initial offering price and number or amount of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be sold at unspecified prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are represented by depositary shares or issued in units. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder.

(2)

This registration statement also covers an indeterminate number of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units of the registrant that may be reoffered and resold on an ongoing basis after their initial sale in remarketing or other resale transactions by the registrant or affiliates of the registrant.

(3)	The registrant is relying on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to defer payment of all of the registration fee.

(4)

The debt securities issued hereunder may include senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities and junior subordinated debt securities. Includes debt securities issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities, including upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts.

(5)	Includes preferred stock issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible into or exchangeable for preferred stock, including upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts.

(6)	Includes common stock issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, including upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts.

(7)

Includes depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts issuable if the registrant elects to offer fractional interests in senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock registered hereby, including upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts.

(8)

Warrants may represent rights to purchase senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or other securities registered hereunder. Warrants may be sold separately or with debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or other securities registered hereunder.

(9)

Includes purchase contracts issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible into or exchangeable for purchase contracts. Each purchase contract obligates the registrant to sell, and the holder thereof to purchase, an indeterminate number of debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or other securities registered hereunder.

(10)

Each unit may consist of one or more of the securities being registered hereunder or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury Securities, in any combination. Includes units issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible into or exchangeable for units, including upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts.

PROSPECTUS

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

LOGO

Debt Securities

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Purchase Contracts

Units

By this prospectus, we may offer from time to time the securities described in this prospectus separately or together in any combination.

We will provide specific terms of any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. A prospectus supplement may also change, add to, update, supplement or clarify information contained in this prospectus.

We will not use this prospectus to confirm sales of any of our securities unless it is attached to a prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “BHF”. Unless we state otherwise in this prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement, other than our common stock, we will not list any of these securities on any securities exchange.

We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more agents, underwriters, dealers or other third parties or directly to one or more purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 6 of this prospectus and any risk factors described in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is September 5, 2018.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		1
CERTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION		1
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		2
NOTE REGARDING RELIANCE ON STATEMENTS IN OUR CONTRACTS		4
ABOUT BRIGHTHOUSE		5
RISK FACTORS		6
USE OF PROCEEDS		7
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES		8
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		9
DESCRIPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES		23
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK		37
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES		42
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		45
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS		48
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		49
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		50
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES		53
EXPERTS		53
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		53
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE		54

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we are registering an unspecified amount of each class of the securities described in this prospectus, and we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. In addition, we or any of our affiliates may use this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement in a remarketing or other resale transaction involving the securities after their initial sale. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, change, update, supplement or clarify information contained in this prospectus. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement. The rules of the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. This information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. See “Incorporation by Reference.” You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Brighthouse, or any underwriter, agent, dealer or remarketing firm. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Brighthouse since the date hereof or that the information contained or incorporated by reference herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

CERTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We use the following terms in this prospectus:

•

“Brighthouse,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, unless the context refers to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. as a corporate entity (for example, in the descriptions of the securities in this prospectus, such terms refer to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries);

•

“MetLife” refers to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, unless the context refers to MetLife, Inc. as a corporate entity;

•

“Separation” refers to the separation of MetLife’s Brighthouse Financial segment from MetLife’s other businesses and the creation of a separate, publicly traded company, Brighthouse, to hold the assets (including the equity interests of certain former MetLife subsidiaries) and liabilities associated with MetLife’s Brighthouse Financial segment from and after the Distribution; and

•

“Distribution” refers to the distribution of approximately 80.8% of the shares of Brighthouse common stock outstanding immediately prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on August 4, 2017 by MetLife to shareholders of MetLife as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on July 19, 2017.

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, and other oral or written statements that we make from time to time may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intend,” “goal,” “target,” “forecast,” “objective,” “continue,” “aim,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or that are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include, without limitation, statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operating and financial results, as well as statements regarding the expected benefits of the Separation and the recapitalization actions.

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of Brighthouse. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others:

•

differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions and the effectiveness of our actuarial models;

•

higher risk management costs and exposure to increased counterparty risk due to guarantees within certain of our products;

•

the effectiveness of our exposure management strategy and the impact of such strategy on net income volatility and negative effects on our statutory capital;

•

the additional reserves we will be required to hold against our variable annuities as a result of actuarial guidelines;

•

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

•

our degree of leverage due to indebtedness incurred in connection with the Separation;

•

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

•

the impact of changes in regulation and in supervisory and enforcement policies on our insurance business or other operations;

•

the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures;

•

the availability of reinsurance and the ability of our counterparties to our reinsurance or indemnification arrangements to perform their obligations thereunder;

•

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

•

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

•

the ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders;

•

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

•

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

•

any failure of third parties to provide services we need, any failure of the practices and procedures of these third parties and any inability to obtain information or assistance we need from third parties, including MetLife;

•

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

•

whether all or any portion of the Separation tax consequences are not as expected, leading to material additional taxes or material adverse consequences to tax attributes that impact us;

•

the uncertainty of the outcome of any disputes with MetLife over tax-related or other matters and agreements including the potential of outcomes adverse to us that could cause us to owe MetLife material tax reimbursements or payments or disagreements regarding MetLife’s or our obligations under our other agreements;

•

the impact on our business structure, profitability, cost of capital and flexibility due to restrictions we have agreed to that preserve the tax-free treatment of certain parts of the Separation;

•

the potential material negative tax impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other potential future tax legislation that could decrease the value of our tax attributes, lead to increased risk-based capital requirements and cause other cash expenses, such as reserves, to increase materially and make some of our products less attractive to consumers;

•

whether the Distribution will qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes and potential indemnification to MetLife if the Distribution does not so qualify;

•

our ability to attract and retain key personnel; and

•

other factors described in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein.

Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

NOTE REGARDING RELIANCE ON STATEMENTS IN OUR CONTRACTS

In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to any of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about Brighthouse or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

•

should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;

•

have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;

•

may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and

•

were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about Brighthouse and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, as well as Brighthouse’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

ABOUT BRIGHTHOUSE

We are a major provider of annuity products and life insurance in the United States through multiple independent distribution channels and marketing arrangements with a diverse network of distribution partners. Our in-force book of products consists of approximately 2.6 million insurance policies and annuity contracts at June 30, 2018, which are organized into three reporting segments:

(i)

Annuities, which includes variable, fixed, index-linked and income annuities;

(ii)

Life, which includes variable, term, universal and whole life policies; and

(iii)

Run-off, which consists of operations related to products which we are not actively selling and which are separately managed.

In addition, we report certain of our results of operations not included in the segments in Corporate & Other.

At June 30, 2018, we had $216.2 billion of total assets with total stockholders’ equity of $13.4 billion, including accumulated other comprehensive income; approximately $612.1 billion of life insurance face amount in-force ($421.0 billion, net of reinsurance) and $144.7 billion of annuity assets under management (“AUM”), which we define as our general account investments and our separate account assets. At June 30, 2018, we had total AUM of approximately $192.5 billion.

Prior to the Distribution, the companies that became our subsidiaries were wholly owned by MetLife. Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, which is our largest operating subsidiary, was formed in November 2014 through the merger of three affiliated life insurance companies and a former offshore, internal reinsurance subsidiary that mainly reinsured guarantees associated with variable annuity products issued by MetLife affiliates. In order to further our capabilities to market and distribute our products, prior to the Distribution, MetLife contributed to us (i) several entities including Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, New England Life Insurance Company and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY; (ii) a licensed broker-dealer; (iii) a licensed investment advisor; and (iv) other entities necessary for the execution of our strategy.

Our principal executive office is located at 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 and the telephone number is (980) 365-7100.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors incorporated by reference to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K we file after the date of this prospectus, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as the risk factors and other information contained in the applicable prospectus supplement before making a decision to invest in our securities. See “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for, among other things, general corporate purposes. We may include a more detailed description of the use of net proceeds of any specific offering of securities in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth the unaudited consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods shown:


	For the Six Months Ended June 30,		For the Years Ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(a)		—		—		—		2.11		2.02		1.78

(a)

For purposes of this computation, earnings are defined as income before provision for income tax and excluding undistributed income and losses from equity method investments, and fixed charges. Fixed charges are the sum of interest and debt issue costs and interest credited to policy holder account balances. Interest costs include interest related to variable interest entities that did not have a significant effect on the ratios for the periods presented. Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were inadequate to cover fixed charges at a 1:1 ratio by $460 million, $661 million and $4,712 million, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

General

We may offer unsecured senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities together in this prospectus as the “debt securities.”

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, we will issue the senior debt securities in one or more series under a senior indenture, which we refer to as the “senior indenture,” to be entered into between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and we will issue subordinated debt securities in one or more series under a subordinated indenture, which we refer to as the “subordinated indenture” (the senior indenture together with the subordinated indenture, the “indentures”), to be entered into between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, in each case with the same or various maturities, at par or at a discount. We may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable indenture. The indentures do not limit our ability to incur other debt.

The form of senior indenture and the form of subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you. The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indentures and the debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain terms.

Ranking of the Debt Securities

The debt securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of Brighthouse. The senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our present and future “senior indebtedness” (as defined in the subordinated indenture). See “—Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture.”

Brighthouse is a holding company and has no direct operations. We conduct all of our business operations through our subsidiaries, meaning we derive substantially all of our operating income from, and hold substantially all of our assets through, our subsidiaries. We will depend on the cash at the holding company and dividends from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations under the debt securities. As a consequence, our ability to satisfy our obligations under the debt securities depends on our ability to receive distributions from these subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on our debt securities or to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or otherwise. As a result, the debt securities will be structurally subordinated to all debt, other liabilities (including liabilities to policyholders and contract holders) and preferred equity of our subsidiaries, which means that creditors and preferred equity holders of the subsidiaries will be paid from the subsidiaries’ assets before holders of the debt securities would have any claims to those assets. If the cash we receive from our subsidiaries is insufficient to fund obligations under the debt securities, we may be required to raise cash through the incurrence of indebtedness, the issuance of additional equity or the sale of assets.

the payment of dividends or other payments to us by our insurance subsidiaries if they determine that the payment could be adverse to the interests of our policyholders or contract holders. In connection with our affiliated reinsurance company restructuring, the Delaware Department of Insurance approved the payment of a dividend from Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware to its parent, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, which we completed in May 2017. Any dividends by Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware are subject to the approval of the Delaware Department of Insurance. Any requested payment of dividends in excess of their respective annual ordinary dividend capacity by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and New England Life Insurance Company to Brighthouse or by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company would be considered an extraordinary dividend subject to prior approval by the Delaware Department of Insurance, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance or the New York State Department of Financial Services, respectively.

Terms of the Debt Securities

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series through an indenture that supplements the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture or through a resolution of our Board of Directors or an authorized committee thereof (the “Board”).

Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series of debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the following:

•

the title of the debt securities of the series;

•

whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities;

•

any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

•

the price or prices at which Brighthouse will sell the debt securities;

•

the maturity date or dates of the debt securities of the series;

•

the rate or rates at which the debt securities will bear interest or the method of determining such rate or rates, if any;

•

the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable or the method by which such date or dates will be determined;

•

with respect to the subordinated debt securities, the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods for the series, the maximum duration of any such extension period and the terms, conditions and covenants related thereto;

•

whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to any index, formula or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner of determining the amount of such payments;

•

the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest payable on any interest payment date;

•

the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities will be payable;

•

if Brighthouse possesses the option to do so, the periods within which and the prices at which Brighthouse may redeem the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to optional redemption provisions, the other terms and conditions of any such provisions and the manner in which the particular debt securities are to be selected for redemption;

•

Brighthouse’s obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt

securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which Brighthouse will redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and the other terms and conditions of such obligation;

•

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

•

the portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the debt securities which Brighthouse must pay upon the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in connection with an event of default (as described below), if other than the full principal amount;

•

the currency, currencies or currency unit in which Brighthouse will pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities, if not U.S. dollars and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars;

•

provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events;

•

any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or Brighthouse’s covenants with respect to the applicable series of debt securities;

•

the application, if any, of the terms of the indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to the debt securities;

•

the terms, if any, upon which the holders may or are required to convert or exchange such debt securities into or for Brighthouse’s common stock or other securities or property, including the conversion or exchange price (which may be adjusted), or the method of calculating the conversion or exchange price, and the conversion or exchange period;

•

whether any of the debt securities will be issued in global or certificated form and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which global debt securities may be exchanged for certificated debt securities;

•

the depositary or depositaries for global or certificated debt securities;

•

the forms of the debt securities;

•

if applicable, a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to specific debt securities;

•

any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable because of an event of default;

•

any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars, calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt securities;

•

any restrictions on the registration, transfer or exchange of the debt securities;

•

whether the subordination provisions summarized below or different subordination provisions will apply to the subordinated debt securities; and

•

any other terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures, as amended or supplemented.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

Debt securities may also be issued under the indentures upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts. See “Description of Warrants,” “Description of Purchase Contracts” and Description of Units.”

Conversion or Exchange Rights

The prospectus supplement will describe the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for securities described in this prospectus. These terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. These provisions may allow or require the number of shares of Brighthouse’s common stock or other securities to be received by the holders of such series of debt securities to be adjusted.

Special Payment Terms of the Debt Securities

Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such debt securities. The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies or currency units, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any of the particular debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to specific debt securities will also describe any special considerations and certain additional tax considerations applicable to such debt securities.

Denominations, Registration and Transfers

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued in fully registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of a nominee for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). In such case, each holder’s beneficial interest in the global securities will be shown on the records of DTC and transfers of beneficial interests will only be effected through DTC’s records.

A holder of debt securities may only exchange a beneficial interest in a global security for certificated securities registered in the holder’s name if:

•

DTC notifies Brighthouse that it is unwilling or unable to continue serving as the depositary for the relevant global securities, or DTC ceases to maintain certain qualifications under the Exchange Act and no successor depositary has been appointed for 90 days; or

•

Brighthouse determines, in its sole discretion and subject to the procedures of DTC, that the global debt security shall be exchangeable.

A global security may not be transferred except to another nominee of DTC, or to a successor depositary selected or approved by Brighthouse or to a nominee of such successor depositary.

If debt securities are issued in certificated form, they will only be issued in the minimum denomination and integral multiples in excess thereof specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Transfers and exchanges of such debt securities will only be permitted in such minimum denomination and integral multiples in excess thereof. Transfers of debt securities in certificated form may be registered at the trustee’s corporate office or at the offices of any paying agent or trustee appointed by Brighthouse under the indentures. Exchanges of such debt securities for an equal aggregate principal amount of debt securities in different denominations may also be made at such locations. There will be no service charge in connection with any exchange or registration of transfer of such debt securities, but payment may be required of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name a debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, principal, interest and premium on the debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as Brighthouse may designate for such purpose from time to time.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, a paying agent designated by Brighthouse and located in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, will act as paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. Brighthouse may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that Brighthouse will be required to maintain an office or agency in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement and subject to applicable law, any money or governmental obligations deposited with the trustee or any paying agent, or then held by Brighthouse, in trust, for the payment of the principal, interest or premium on any debt security of any series which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to Brighthouse at its option and upon its request or (if then held by Brighthouse) will be discharged from such trust, and the holder of such debt security thereafter may look only to Brighthouse for payment thereof.

Redemption

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may, at our option, redeem any series of debt securities after its issuance date, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may redeem debt securities in denominations larger than $2,000 but only in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities will not be subject to any sinking fund.

Redemption Price

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the redemption price for any debt security which we redeem will equal the applicable redemption price for debt securities of such series, together with interest accrued thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption.

Notice of Redemption

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will transmit, or cause the trustee to transmit, a notice of any redemption of debt securities at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to the registered holders of the debt securities at their addresses as shown on the security register; provided, however, that notice of redemption may be sent more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if such notice is sent in connection with a legal defeasance or a satisfaction and discharge of the relevant indenture. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or the portions called for redemption.

Additional Amounts

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the debt securities such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net payment by us or any paying agent of the principal of and interest on each of the debt securities after withholding or deduction solely with respect to any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge (collectively, “Taxes”) imposed by or on behalf of any jurisdiction other than the United States in which Brighthouse is incorporated, organized or otherwise tax resident or any political subdivision or any authority thereof or therein having power to tax (each, a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”), will not be less

than the amount provided in the debt securities to be then due and payable; provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts will not apply to:

(a)

any Taxes which would not have been so imposed, withheld or deducted but for:

(1)

the existence of any present or former connection between such holder or beneficial owner (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder or other equity owner of, or a person having a power over, such holder or beneficial owner, if such holder or beneficial owner is an estate, a trust, a limited liability company, a partnership, a corporation or other entity) and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such holder or beneficial owner (or such fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or other equity owner or person having such a power) being or having been a citizen or resident or treated as a resident of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or being or having been engaged in a trade or business in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or being or having been present in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or having or having had a permanent establishment in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction; or

(2)

the failure of such holder or beneficial owner to comply with any applicable certification, information, documentation or other reporting requirement concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of such holder or beneficial owner or otherwise to establish entitlement to a partial or complete exemption from such Taxes (including, without limitation, any documentation requirement under an applicable income tax treaty);

(b)

any Taxes which would not have been so imposed, withheld or deducted but for the presentation by the holder or beneficial owner of such debt security for payment on a date more than 10 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment of the debt security is duly provided for and notice is given to holders, whichever occurs later, except to the extent that the holder or beneficial owner would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting such debt security on any date during such 10-day period;

(c)

any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property, excise, wealth or similar Taxes;

(d)

any Taxes which are payable otherwise than by withholding from any payment of principal of or interest on such debt security;

(e)

any Taxes which are payable by a holder that is not the beneficial owner of the debt security or a portion of the debt security, or that is a fiduciary, partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or member of such partnership, limited liability company or similar entity would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had such beneficial owner, settlor, beneficiary or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

(f)

any Taxes required to be withheld by any paying agent from any payment of principal or interest on any debt security, if such payment can be made without such withholding by any other paying agent;

(g)

any Taxes that would not have been imposed, withheld or deducted but for a change in any law, treaty, regulation, or administrative or judicial interpretation that becomes effective after the applicable payment becomes due or is duly provided for, whichever occurs later, to the extent such change in law, treaty, regulation or administrative interpretation would apply retroactively to such payment;

(h)

any Taxes imposed, withheld or deducted under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any amended or successor provisions that are substantively comparable), and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof (“FATCA”), any agreement (including any intergovernmental agreement) entered into in connection therewith, or any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an intergovernmental agreement in respect of FATCA; or

(i)

any combination of items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h).

For purposes of this section, the acquisition, ownership, enforcement or holding of or the receipt of any payment with respect to a debt security will not constitute a connection (1) between the holder or beneficial owner and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or (2) between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder or other equity owner of, or a person having a power over, such holder or beneficial owner if such holder or beneficial owner is an estate, a trust, a limited liability company, a partnership, a corporation or other entity and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.

Any reference in this prospectus, in the indentures or in the debt securities to principal or interest shall be deemed to refer also to additional amounts which may be payable under the provisions of this section.

Except as specifically provided in the debt securities, we will not be required to make any payment with respect to any tax, duty, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

Tax Redemption

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or the official interpretation thereof that is announced or becomes effective on or after the date a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction becomes a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (other than any such change or amendment that is announced before such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction becomes a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction), we become or, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel selected by us, will become obligated to pay additional amounts as described under “—Additional Amounts” with respect to the debt securities of any series, then we may at any time at our option redeem, in whole, but not in part, such debt securities of such series outstanding on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such debt securities to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

Restrictive Covenants

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following restrictive covenants shall apply to each series of senior debt securities:

Limitation on Liens

So long as any senior debt securities are outstanding, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, create, assume, incur, guarantee or permit to exist any debt that is secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance on any capital stock of:

•

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company;

•

any successor to substantially all of the business of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company that is also one of our subsidiaries; or

•

any entity (other than us) having direct or indirect control of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company or any such successor.

However, this restriction will not apply if the senior debt securities then outstanding are secured at least equally and ratably with the otherwise prohibited secured debt so long as it is outstanding.

Limitations on Dispositions of Stock of Certain Subsidiaries

So long as any senior debt securities are outstanding and subject to the provisions of the senior indenture regarding mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of capital stock (other than preferred stock having no voting rights of any kind) of:

•

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company;

•

any successor to substantially all of the business of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, that is also one of our subsidiaries; or

•

any entity (other than us) having direct or indirect control of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company or any such successor;

except for, in each case:

•

a sale or other disposition of any of such stock to one of our wholly owned subsidiaries; or

•

a sale or other disposition of all of such stock for at least fair value (as determined by our Board acting in good faith); or

•

a sale or other disposition required to comply with an order of a court or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction, other than an order issued at our request or the request of any of our subsidiaries.

Reporting Covenant

Unless we have filed the financial statements referred to in (a) and (b) below with the SEC in accordance with the following paragraph, the indentures require us to post on our public website (and to make available to the trustee and holders of the debt securities, without cost to any holder, within 15 days after we post them on our public website):

(a)

within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, our audited annual financial statements, together with the related report of our independent auditors thereon, prepared in accordance with the requirements that would be applicable to such audited annual financial statements if appearing in an Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by us as a non-accelerated filer (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor or comparable form; and

(b)

within 55 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, our unaudited interim financial statements, prepared in accordance with the requirements that would be applicable to such unaudited interim financial statements if appearing in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by us as a non-accelerated filer (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor or comparable form.

For so long as we are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the indentures require us to file with the trustee and make available to holders of the debt securities (without exhibits), without cost to any holder, all documents we file with, or furnish to, the SEC under the Exchange Act, within 15 days after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Any such documents that are publicly available through the SEC’s EDGAR system (or any successor system) shall be deemed to have been filed with the trustee and made available to holders in accordance with our obligations under the indentures.

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following shall constitute “events of default” under the indentures with respect to each series of debt securities:

•

our failure to pay any interest on any debt security of such series when due and payable, continued for 30 days;

•

our failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, on any debt security of such series when due, whether at maturity, redemption, acceleration or otherwise, or is required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to such series; provided, however, that no event of default shall occur if the failure to make payment when due results solely from nonpayment by reason of mistake, oversight or transfer difficulties and does not continue beyond three business days;

•

our failure to observe or perform any other of our covenants or agreements with respect to such series for 90 days after we receive written notice of such failure;

•

certain defaults with respect to our indebtedness for money borrowed which result in a principal amount in excess of $100 million becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable (other than the debt securities issued pursuant to the applicable indenture or non-recourse debt), and such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled or such indebtedness has not been discharged within 15 days after we receive written notice of such default; and

•

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or liquidation of Brighthouse.

If an event of default (other than an event of default involving certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or liquidation of Brighthouse) with respect to any debt securities of any series outstanding under either of the indentures shall occur and be continuing, the trustee under such indenture or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series outstanding may declare, by notice as provided in the applicable indenture, the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the debt securities of that series) of all the debt securities of that series outstanding to be due and payable immediately. In the case of an event of default involving certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or liquidation of Brighthouse, the principal amount of all debt securities of any series outstanding will automatically become due and payable immediately. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived. Upon the acceleration of the maturity of original issue discount debt securities, an amount less than the principal amount thereof will become due and payable. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to any original issue discount debt securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of maturity thereof.

Any past default under either indenture with respect to debt securities of any series, and any event of default arising therefrom, may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of such series outstanding under such indenture, except in the case of (i) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt securities of such series or (ii) default in respect of a covenant or provision which may not be amended or modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of such series affected.

The trustee is required, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default (of which a responsible officer of the trustee has received written notice and which is continuing), with respect to the debt securities of any series (without regard to any grace period or notice requirements), to give to the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of such default; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any debt securities of such series, the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders of the debt securities of such series.

The trustee may require indemnification by the holders of the debt securities of any series with respect to which a default has occurred before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the applicable indenture at the request of the holders of the debt securities of such series. Subject to such right of indemnification and to certain other limitations, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series under the applicable indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of such series.

No holder of a debt security of any series may institute any action against Brighthouse under either of the indentures (except actions for payment of overdue principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt security or for the conversion or exchange of such debt security in accordance with its terms) unless (i) the holder

has given to the trustee written notice of an event of default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the debt securities of such series specifying an event of default, as required under the applicable indenture, (ii) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding under such indenture shall have requested the trustee to institute such action, (iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request, (iv) the trustee shall not have instituted such action within 60 days of such request and (v) during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

Each of the indentures provides that, in the case of a default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any series of debt securities, when the same has become due and payable, and in the case of any payment of interest, such default has continued for 30 calendar days, the trustee or the holder of any debt security may or, if directed by the holders of a majority in principal amount of any series of debt securities, the trustee shall, subject to the provisions of the applicable indenture, demand payment of the amount then due and payable and may institute legal proceedings for the collection of such amount if we fail to make payment thereof upon demand.

Brighthouse is required to furnish annually to the trustee statements as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under each indenture.

Modification and Waiver

Under the indentures, Brighthouse and the applicable trustee may supplement the indentures for certain purposes without the consent of the holders of debt securities of any series, for, among other purposes, one or more of the following:

•

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

•

to add to Brighthouse’s covenants for the benefit of the holders of debt securities of any series or to surrender any right or power conferred upon Brighthouse under the indentures;

•

to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of debt securities, as set forth in the indentures;

•

to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities of any series; provided that any change to the terms of any indenture or supplemental indenture or to any series of debt securities made solely to conform to the description of such series of debt securities in an offering document, prospectus supplement or other similar offering document relating to the initial offering of such series of debt securities shall be deemed to not materially adversely affect the rights of the holders of such series of debt securities;

•

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of any indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities; or

•

to add any additional events of default for the benefit of the holders of any series of debt securities.

Brighthouse and the applicable trustee may modify the indentures or any supplemental indenture in a manner that affects the interests or rights of the holders of debt securities with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each affected series issued under such indenture. However, the indentures require the consent of each holder of debt securities that would be affected by any modification which would:

•

extend the fixed maturity of any debt securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof;

•

reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest on the debt securities of any series;

•

reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security or any other debt security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof;

•

change the obligation of Brighthouse to maintain an office or agency and for the purposes specified in the indentures;

•

change the currency in which any debt security or any premium or interest is payable;

•

impair the right to enforce any payment on or with respect to any debt security;

•

adversely change the right to convert or exchange, including decreasing the conversion rate or increasing the conversion price of, any debt security (if applicable);

•

reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment of the indentures or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the indentures or for waiver of certain defaults; or

•

modify any of the above provisions.

Each indenture permits the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under such indenture which is affected by the modification or amendment to waive Brighthouse’s compliance with certain covenants contained in such indenture.

Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions

The indentures provide that so long as any debt securities are outstanding, (i) we may not merge with or into or consolidate with another entity, (ii) we may not sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any other entity other than one of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, (iii) no entity may merge with or into or consolidate with us or (iv) except for any of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, no other entity may sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of its properties and assets to us, in each case unless:

•

we are the surviving corporation; or the entity formed by or surviving such merger or consolidation or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance has been made (the “Successor”), if other than us, is organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, the District of Columbia, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands or any country or state that is a member of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and has expressly assumed by supplemental indenture all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture;

•

immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event of default or event that, after notice or lapse of time or both would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing; and

•

we deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each to the effect that the supplemental indenture, if applicable, required in connection with the transaction and such merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease or other disposition complies with the indenture.

The Successor will be our successor, and will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, Brighthouse under the indentures and become the obligor on the debt securities with the same effect as if the Successor had been named as the issuer under the indentures, and thereafter we shall be relieved of all of our obligations and covenants under the indentures, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of our properties and assets, we will not be released from our obligations to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Brighthouse may discharge or defease its obligations under each indenture as set forth below.

Brighthouse may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture which have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and which have either become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or, in the case of debt securities payable only in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (as defined in the applicable indenture), without reinvestment, as trust funds in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such debt securities.

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Brighthouse may elect either (i) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of or within any series (except as otherwise provided in the relevant indenture) (“defeasance”) or (ii) to be released from its obligations with respect to certain covenants applicable to the debt securities of or within any series (“covenant defeasance”), upon the irrevocable deposit with the relevant trustee, in trust for such purpose, of money or government obligations which, through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount certified to be sufficient, without reinvestment, to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon. As a condition to defeasance or covenant defeasance, Brighthouse must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the relevant indenture. In addition, in the case of either defeasance or covenant defeasance, Brighthouse shall have delivered to the trustee (i) an officers’ certificate to the effect that the relevant debt securities exchange(s) have informed it that neither such debt securities nor any other debt securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit, and (ii) an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each to the effect that all conditions precedent with respect to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

Brighthouse may exercise its defeasance option with respect to such debt securities notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.

Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture

The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific subordination provisions. However, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus supplement, subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior indebtedness (as described below).

For purposes of subordinated debt securities, “senior indebtedness” means all amounts due on obligations in connection with any of the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the subordinated indenture or thereafter incurred, created or assumed, and any amendments, renewals, extensions or modifications of any such obligations:

•

the principal of and premium, if any, and interest due in respect of indebtedness of Brighthouse for borrowed money and indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, notes, bonds or other written instruments issued by Brighthouse;

•

all obligations of Brighthouse as lessee under leases required to be capitalized on its balance sheet under generally accepted accounting principles and leases of property or assets made as part of any sale and lease-back transaction to which Brighthouse is a party;

•

all obligations of Brighthouse issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, assets or businesses, all conditional sale obligations of Brighthouse and all obligations of Brighthouse under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business);

•

all obligations of Brighthouse for the reimbursement on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction;

•

all obligations of Brighthouse in respect of commodity contracts, interest rate swap, cap, floor, collar or other agreements, interest rate future or options contracts, currency swap agreements, currency future or option contracts and other similar agreements;

•

all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons for the payment of which Brighthouse is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and

•

all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of Brighthouse (whether or not such obligation is assumed by Brighthouse).

“Senior indebtedness” does not include:

•

indebtedness or monetary obligations to trade creditors created or assumed by Brighthouse in the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services; or

•

any obligation or indebtedness that is, by its terms, subordinated in right of payment to, or ranks equally in right of payment with, the subordinated debt securities.

Senior indebtedness shall continue to be senior indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such senior indebtedness.

Unless otherwise noted in the accompanying prospectus supplement, if Brighthouse defaults in the payment of any principal of and premium, if any, or interest or any other payment due on any senior indebtedness, or if the maturity of any senior indebtedness of Brighthouse has been declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, then, unless and until such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or any acceleration is rescinded or annulled, Brighthouse will make no payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, with respect to the principal (including any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any subordinated debt securities) of and premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities or any sinking fund payment, subject to limited exceptions.

If any of the following events occurs, Brighthouse will pay in full all senior indebtedness before it makes under the subordinated debt securities any payment or distribution of assets of Brighthouse of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to any holder of subordinated debt securities:

•

any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of Brighthouse, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership;

•

any general assignment by Brighthouse for the benefit of creditors;

•

any marshaling of Brighthouse’s assets or liabilities for the benefit of creditors;

•

other similar proceedings.

In such event, any payment by Brighthouse or distribution of assets of Brighthouse of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, under the subordinated debt securities, which would otherwise (but for the subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the subordinated debt securities, will be paid or delivered directly to the holders of senior indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all senior indebtedness has been paid in full. If any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities is received by the trustee of any subordinated debt securities in contravention of any of the terms

of the subordinated indenture and before all the senior indebtedness has been paid in full, such payment or distribution or security will be received in trust for the benefit of, and paid over or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the senior indebtedness at the time outstanding in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment of all senior indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such senior indebtedness in full.

Neither of the indentures limits the issuance of additional senior indebtedness.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Information Concerning the Trustee

The trustee will have all the duties and responsibilities of an indenture trustee specified in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee will not be required to exercise any of its powers under the indentures at your request, unless you offer indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which the trustee might incur. The rights, privileges, protections and benefits, including its right to be indemnified, given to the trustee under the indentures will also be extended to each agent, custodian and other person employed to act thereunder.

The trustee may act as depositary for funds of, makes loans to, and perform other services for, us and our subsidiaries in the normal course of business.

DESCRIPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

General

We may offer unsecured junior subordinated debt securities, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “junior subordinated debt securities.” The junior subordinated debt securities will be unsecured, subordinate and junior in right of payment, as described in the junior subordinated indenture, to all of our senior indebtedness (as defined in the junior subordinated indenture), which includes all debt issued under the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, we will issue the junior subordinated debt securities in one or more series under a junior subordinated indenture, which we refer to as the “junior subordinated indenture,” to be entered into between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

The junior subordinated indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debt securities that we may issue and provides that we may issue junior subordinated debt securities from time to time in one or more series, in each case with the same or various maturities, at par or at a discount. We may issue additional junior subordinated debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional junior subordinated debt securities, together with all other outstanding junior subordinated debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of junior subordinated debt securities under the junior subordinated indenture. The junior subordinated indenture does not limit our ability to incur other debt.

The form of junior subordinated indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and you should read the junior subordinated indenture for provisions that may be important to you. The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain terms.

Ranking of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

The junior subordinated debt securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of Brighthouse and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other junior subordinated obligations, including, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series or such securities, all other series of junior subordinated debt securities. The junior subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our present and future “senior indebtedness” (as defined in the junior subordinated indenture). See “—Subordination under the Junior Subordinated Indenture.”

Brighthouse is a holding company and has no direct operations. We conduct all of our business operations through our subsidiaries, meaning we derive substantially all of our operating income from, and hold substantially all of our assets through, our subsidiaries. We will depend on the cash at the holding company and dividends from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities. As a consequence, our ability to satisfy our obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities depends on our ability to receive distributions from these subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on our debt securities or to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or otherwise. As a result, the junior subordinated debt securities will be structurally subordinated to all debt, other liabilities (including liabilities to policyholders and contract holders) and preferred equity of our subsidiaries, which means that creditors and preferred equity holders of the subsidiaries will be paid from the subsidiaries’ assets before holders of the junior subordinated debt securities would have any claims to those assets. If the cash we receive from our subsidiaries is insufficient to fund obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities, we may be required to raise cash through the incurrence of indebtedness, the issuance of additional equity or the sale of assets.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions, which, among other things, regulate their payment of dividends and other distributions to us. In general, dividends in excess of prescribed limits require insurance regulatory approval. In addition, insurance regulators may prohibit the payment of dividends or other payments to us by our insurance subsidiaries if they determine that the payment could be adverse to the interests of our policyholders or contract holders. In connection with our affiliated reinsurance company restructuring, the Delaware Department of Insurance approved the payment of a dividend from Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware to its parent, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, which we completed in May 2017. Any dividends by Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware are subject to the approval of the Delaware Department of Insurance. Any requested payment of dividends in excess of their respective annual ordinary dividend capacity by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and New England Life Insurance Company to Brighthouse or by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company would be considered an extraordinary dividend subject to prior approval by the Delaware Department of Insurance, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance or the New York State Department of Financial Services, respectively.

Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

We may issue the junior subordinated debt securities in one or more series through an indenture that supplements the junior subordinated indenture or through a resolution of our Board.

The prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series of junior subordinated debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the following:

•

the title of the junior subordinated debt securities of the series;

•

any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debt securities;

•

the price or prices at which Brighthouse will sell the junior subordinated debt securities;

•

the maturity date or dates of the junior subordinated debt securities of the series;

•

the rate or rates of interest at which the junior subordinated debt securities will bear interest or the method of determining such rate or rates, if any;

•

the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable or the method by which such date or dates will be determined;

•

the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods for the series, the maximum duration of any such extension period and the terms, conditions and covenants related thereto;

•

whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the junior subordinated debt securities may be determined with reference to any index, formula or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner of determining the amount of such payments;

•

the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest payable on any interest payment date;

•

the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the junior subordinated debt securities will be payable;

•

if Brighthouse possesses the option to do so, the periods within which and the prices at which Brighthouse may redeem the junior subordinated debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to optional redemption provisions, the other terms and conditions of any such provisions and the manner in which the particular junior subordinated debt securities are to be selected for redemption;

•

Brighthouse’s obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase junior subordinated debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous provision or at the option of

holders of the junior subordinated debt securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which Brighthouse will redeem, repay or purchase the junior subordinated debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and the other terms and conditions of such obligation;

•

the denominations in which the junior subordinated debt securities will be issued if other than denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

•

the portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the junior subordinated debt securities which Brighthouse must pay upon the acceleration of the maturity of the junior subordinated debt securities in connection with an event of default (as described below), if other than the full principal amount;

•

the currency, currencies or currency unit in which Brighthouse will pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the junior subordinated debt securities, if not U.S. dollars and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars;

•

provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the junior subordinated debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events;

•

any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or Brighthouse’s covenants with respect to the applicable series of junior subordinated debt securities;

•

the application, if any, of the terms of the junior subordinated indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to the junior subordinated debt securities;

•

the terms, if any, upon which the holders may or are required to convert or exchange such junior subordinated debt securities into or for Brighthouse’s common stock or other securities or property, including the conversion or exchange price (which may be adjusted), or the method of calculating the conversion or exchange price, and the conversion or exchange period;

•

whether any of the junior subordinated debt securities will be issued in global or certificated form and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which global junior subordinated debt securities may be exchanged for certificated junior subordinated debt securities;

•

the depositary or depositaries for global or certificated junior subordinated debt securities;

•

the forms of the junior subordinated debt securities;

•

if applicable, a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to specific junior subordinated debt securities;

•

any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of junior subordinated debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable because of an event of default;

•

any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars, calculation agents or other agents with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities;

•

any restrictions on the registration, transfer or exchange of the junior subordinated debt securities;

•

whether the subordination provisions summarized below or different subordination provisions will apply to the junior subordinated debt securities; and

•

any other terms of the junior subordinated debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the junior subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

Junior subordinated debt securities may also be issued under the junior subordinated indenture upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts. See “Description of Warrants,” “Description of Purchase Contracts” and “Description of Units.”

Option to Defer Payment of Interest

If provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, so long as no event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of such series has occurred and is continuing, we will have the right during the term of any series of junior subordinated debt securities to defer payment of interest otherwise due and payable on the junior subordinated debt securities for a period, including further deferrals of interest during any such period, subject to the terms, conditions and covenants as may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, we may not defer payment of interest beyond the maturity date or earlier redemption or acceleration of such series of junior subordinated debt securities.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

The prospectus supplement will describe the terms, if any, on which a series of the junior subordinated debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for securities described in this prospectus. These terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. These provisions may allow or require the number of shares of Brighthouse’s common stock or other securities to be received by the holders of such series of junior subordinated debt securities to be adjusted.

Special Payment Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

Junior subordinated debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any series of junior subordinated debt securities. The junior subordinated debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies or currency units, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any of the particular junior subordinated debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to specific junior subordinated debt securities will also describe any special considerations and certain additional tax considerations applicable to such junior subordinated debt securities.

Denominations, Registration and Transfers

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated debt securities will be issued in fully registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated debt securities will be represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of a nominee for DTC. In such case, each holder’s beneficial interest in the global securities will be shown on the records of DTC and transfers of beneficial interests will only be effected through DTC’s records.

A holder of junior subordinated debt securities may only exchange a beneficial interest in a global security for certificated securities registered in the holder’s name if:

•

Brighthouse determines, in its sole discretion and subject to the procedures of DTC, that the global debt security shall be exchangeable.

A global security may not be transferred except to another nominee of DTC, or to a successor depositary selected or approved by Brighthouse or to a nominee of such successor depositary.

If junior subordinated debt securities are issued in certificated form, they will only be issued in the minimum denomination and integral multiples in excess thereof specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Transfers and exchanges of such junior subordinated debt securities will only be permitted in such

minimum denomination and integral multiples in excess thereof. Transfers of junior subordinated debt securities in certificated form may be registered at the trustee’s corporate office or at the offices of any paying agent or trustee appointed by Brighthouse under the junior subordinated indenture. Exchanges of such junior subordinated debt securities for an equal aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debt securities in different denominations may also be made at such locations. There will be no service charge in connection with any exchange or registration of transfer of such junior subordinated debt securities, but payment may be required of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of interest on a junior subordinated debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name a junior subordinated debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, principal, interest and premium on the junior subordinated debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as Brighthouse may designate for such purpose from time to time.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, a paying agent designated by Brighthouse and located in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, will act as paying agent for payments with respect to junior subordinated debt securities of each series. Brighthouse may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except that Brighthouse will be required to maintain an office or agency in each place of payment for the junior subordinated debt securities of a particular series.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement and subject to applicable law, any money or governmental obligations deposited with the trustee or any paying agent, or then held by Brighthouse, in trust, for the payment of the principal, interest or premium on any junior subordinated debt security of any series which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to Brighthouse at its option and upon its request or (if then held by Brighthouse) will be discharged from such trust, and the holder of such junior subordinated debt security thereafter may look only to Brighthouse for payment thereof.

Redemption

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may, at our option, redeem any series of junior subordinated debt securities after its issuance date, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may redeem junior subordinated debt securities in denominations larger than $2,000 but only in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, junior subordinated debt securities will not be subject to any sinking fund.

Redemption Price

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the redemption price for any junior subordinated debt security which we redeem will equal the applicable redemption price for junior subordinated debt securities of such series, together with interest accrued thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption.

Notice of Redemption

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will transmit, or cause the trustee to transmit, a notice of any redemption of junior subordinated debt securities at least 30 days but not more than 60

days before the redemption date to the registered holders of the junior subordinated debt securities at their addresses as shown on the security register; provided, however, that notice of redemption may be sent more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if such notice is sent in connection with a legal defeasance or a satisfaction and discharge of the junior subordinated indenture. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the junior subordinated debt securities or the portions called for redemption.

Additional Amounts

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the junior subordinated debt securities such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net payment by us or any paying agent of the principal of and interest on each of the junior subordinated debt securities after withholding or deduction solely with respect to any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge (collectively, “Taxes”) imposed by or on behalf of any jurisdiction other than the United States in which Brighthouse is incorporated, organized or otherwise tax resident or any political subdivision or any authority thereof or therein having power to tax (each, a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”), will not be less than the amount provided in the junior subordinated debt securities to be then due and payable; provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts will not apply to:

(a)

any Taxes which would not have been so imposed, withheld or deducted but for:

(1)

(2)

(b)

any Taxes which would not have been so imposed, withheld or deducted but for the presentation by the holder or beneficial owner of such junior subordinated debt security for payment on a date more than 10 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment of the junior subordinated debt security is duly provided for and notice is given to holders, whichever occurs later, except to the extent that the holder or beneficial owner would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting such junior subordinated debt security on any date during such 10-day period;

(c)

any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property, excise, wealth or similar Taxes;

(d)

any Taxes which are payable otherwise than by withholding from any payment of principal of or interest on such junior subordinated debt security;

(e)

any Taxes which are payable by a holder that is not the beneficial owner of the junior subordinated debt security or a portion of the junior subordinated debt security, or that is a fiduciary, partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner, a

beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or member of such partnership, limited liability company or similar entity would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had such beneficial owner, settlor, beneficiary or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

(f)

any Taxes required to be withheld by any paying agent from any payment of principal or interest on any junior subordinated debt security, if such payment can be made without such withholding by any other paying agent;

(g)

(h)

any Taxes imposed, withheld or deducted under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any amended or successor provisions that are substantively comparable), FATCA, any agreement (including any intergovernmental agreement) entered into in connection therewith, or any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an intergovernmental agreement in respect of FATCA; or

(i)

any combination of items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h).

For purposes of this section, the acquisition, ownership, enforcement or holding of or the receipt of any payment with respect to a junior subordinated debt security will not constitute a connection (1) between the holder or beneficial owner and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or (2) between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder or other equity owner of, or a person having a power over, such holder or beneficial owner if such holder or beneficial owner is an estate, a trust, a limited liability company, a partnership, a corporation or other entity and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.

Any reference in this prospectus, in the junior subordinated indenture or in the junior subordinated debt securities to principal or interest shall be deemed to refer also to additional amounts which may be payable under the provisions of this section.

Except as specifically provided in the junior subordinated debt securities, we will not be required to make any payment with respect to any tax, duty, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

Tax Redemption

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or the official interpretation thereof that is announced or becomes effective on or after the date a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction becomes a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (other than any such change or amendment that is announced before such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction becomes a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction), we become or, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel selected by us, will become obligated to pay additional amounts as described under “—Additional Amounts” with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of any series, then we may at any time at our option redeem, in whole, but not in part, such junior subordinated debt securities of such series outstanding on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including any additional interest) on such junior subordinated debt securities to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

Reporting Covenant

Unless we have filed the financial statements referred to in (a) and (b) below with the SEC in accordance with the following paragraph, the junior subordinated indenture requires us to post on our public website (and to

make available to the trustee and holders of the junior subordinated debt securities, without cost to any holder, within 15 days after we post them on our public website):

(a)

(b)

For so long as we are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the junior subordinated indenture requires us to file with the trustee and make available to holders of the junior subordinated debt securities (without exhibits), without cost to any holder, all documents we file with, or furnish to, the SEC under the Exchange Act, within 15 days after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Any such documents that are publicly available through the SEC’s EDGAR system (or any successor system) shall be deemed to have been filed with the trustee and made available to holders in accordance with our obligations under the junior subordinated indenture.

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following shall constitute “events of default” under the junior subordinated indenture with respect to each series of junior subordinated debt securities:

•

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or liquidation of Brighthouse; and

•

any other event specified in the applicable Board resolution or supplemental indenture under which the series of junior subordinated debt securities is issued.

If an event of default (other than an event of default involving certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or liquidation of Brighthouse) with respect to any junior subordinated debt securities of any series outstanding under the junior subordinated indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debt securities of that series outstanding may declare, by notice as provided in the junior subordinated indenture, the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the junior subordinated debt securities of that series) of all the junior subordinated debt securities of that series outstanding to be due and payable immediately. In the case of an event of default involving certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or liquidation of Brighthouse, the principal amount of all junior subordinated debt securities of any series outstanding will automatically become due and payable immediately. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding junior subordinated debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived. Upon the acceleration of the maturity of original issue discount junior subordinated debt securities, an amount less than the principal amount thereof will become due and payable. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to any original issue discount junior subordinated debt securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of maturity thereof.

Any past default under the junior subordinated indenture with respect to junior subordinated debt securities of any series, and any event of default arising therefrom, may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal

amount of all junior subordinated debt securities of such series outstanding under the junior subordinated indenture, except in the case of (i) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any additional interest) on any junior subordinated debt securities of such series or (ii) default in respect of a covenant or provision which may not be amended or modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding junior subordinated debt security of such series affected.

The trustee is required, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default (of which a responsible officer of the trustee has received written notice and which is continuing), with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of any series (without regard to any grace period or notice requirements), to give to the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities of such series notice of such default; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment, on any junior subordinated debt securities of such series, the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities of such series.

The trustee may require indemnification by the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities of any series with respect to which a default has occurred before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the junior subordinated indenture at the request of the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities of such series. Subject to such right of indemnification and to certain other limitations, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding junior subordinated debt securities of any series under the junior subordinated indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of such series.

No holder of a junior subordinated debt security of any series may institute any action against Brighthouse under the junior subordinated indenture (except actions for payment of overdue principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such junior subordinated debt security or for the conversion or exchange of such junior subordinated debt security in accordance with its terms) unless (i) the holder has given to the trustee written notice of an event of default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the junior subordinated debt securities of such series specifying an event of default, as required under the junior subordinated indenture, (ii) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debt securities of that series then outstanding under the junior subordinated indenture shall have requested the trustee to institute such action, (iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request, (iv) the trustee shall not have instituted such action within 60 days of such request and (v) during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

The junior subordinated indenture provides that, in the case of a default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any series of junior subordinated debt securities, including any additional interest, when the same has become due and payable, and in the case of any payment of interest (other than deferred interest), such default has continued for 30 calendar days (and, in the case of payment of deferred interest, such default has continued for 30 calendar days after the conclusion of any extension period), the trustee or the holder of any junior subordinated debt security may or, if directed by the holders of a majority in principal amount of any series of junior subordinated debt securities, the trustee shall, subject to the provisions of the junior subordinated indenture, demand payment of the amount then due and payable and may institute legal proceedings for the collection of such amount if we fail to make payment thereof upon demand.

Brighthouse is required to furnish annually to the trustee statements as to Brighthouse’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under the junior subordinated indenture.

Modification of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities

Under the junior subordinated indenture, Brighthouse and the trustee may supplement the junior subordinated indenture for certain purposes without the consent of the holders of junior subordinated debt securities of any series, for, among other purposes, one or more of the following:

•

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

•

to add to Brighthouse’s covenants for the benefit of the holders of junior subordinated debt securities of any series or to surrender any right or power conferred upon Brighthouse under the indentures;

•

to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of junior subordinated debt securities, as set forth in the indentures;

•

to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any holder of junior subordinated debt securities of any series; provided that any change to the terms of any indenture or supplemental indenture or to any series of junior subordinated debt securities made solely to conform to the description of such series of junior subordinated debt securities in an offering document, prospectus supplement or other similar offering document relating to the initial offering of such series of junior subordinated debt securities shall be deemed to not materially adversely affect the rights of the holders of such series of junior subordinated debt securities;

•

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the junior subordinated debt securities of any series, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of any indenture or any series of junior subordinated debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of junior subordinated debt securities; or

•

to add any additional events of default for the benefit of the holders of any series of junior subordinated debt securities.

Brighthouse and the trustee may modify the junior subordinated indenture or any supplemental indenture in a manner that affects the interests or rights of the holders of junior subordinated debt securities with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding junior subordinated debt securities of each affected series issued under the junior subordinated indenture. However, the junior subordinated indenture requires the consent of each holder of junior subordinated debt securities that would be affected by any modification which would:

•

except as permitted by the junior subordinated indenture and the terms of such series of junior subordinated debt securities, extend the fixed maturity of any junior subordinated debt securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest (including additional interest) thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof;

•

reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount junior subordinated debt security or any other junior subordinated debt security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof;

•

change the obligation of Brighthouse to maintain an office or agency and for the purposes specified in the junior subordinated indenture;

•

change the currency in which any junior subordinated debt security or any premium or interest is payable;

•

impair the right to enforce any payment on or with respect to any junior subordinated debt security;

•

adversely change the right to convert or exchange, including decreasing the conversion rate or increasing the conversion price of, any junior subordinated debt security (if applicable);

•

reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding junior subordinated debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment of the junior

subordinated indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the junior subordinated indenture or for waiver of certain defaults; or

•

modify any of the above provisions.

In addition, we and the trustee may execute, without your consent, any supplemental indenture for the purpose of creating any new series of junior subordinated debt securities.

Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions

The junior subordinated indenture provides that so long as any junior subordinated debt securities are outstanding, (i) we may not merge with or into or consolidate with another entity, (ii) we may not sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any other entity other than one of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, (iii) no entity may merge with or into or consolidate with us or (iv) except for any of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, no other entity may sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of its properties and assets to us, in each case unless:

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we are the surviving corporation; or the entity formed by or surviving such merger or consolidation or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance has been made, if other than us, is organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, the District of Columbia, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands or any country or state that is a member of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and has expressly assumed by supplemental indenture all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture;

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Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Brighthouse may discharge or defease its obligations under the junior subordinated indenture as set forth below.

Brighthouse may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of junior subordinated debt securities issued under the junior subordinated indenture which have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and which have either become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or, in the case of junior subordinated debt securities payable only in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (as defined in the applicable indenture), without reinvestment, as trust funds in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such junior subordinated debt securities.

The junior subordinated indenture will not be discharged as described above if Brighthouse has defaulted in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any senior indebtedness, as defined in the junior subordinated indenture, and that default is continuing or another event of default on the senior indebtedness then

exists and has resulted in the senior indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date it otherwise would have become due and payable.

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Brighthouse may elect either (i) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of or within any series (except as otherwise provided in the relevant indenture) (“defeasance”) or (ii) to be released from its obligations with respect to certain covenants applicable to the debt securities of or within any series (“covenant defeasance”) upon the irrevocable deposit with the relevant trustee, in trust for such purpose, of money or government obligations which, through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount certified to be sufficient, without reinvestment, to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon. As a condition to defeasance or covenant defeasance, Brighthouse must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such junior subordinated debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of the junior subordinated indenture. In addition, in the case of either defeasance or covenant defeasance, Brighthouse shall have delivered to the trustee (i) an officers’ certificate to the effect that the relevant debt securities exchange(s) have informed it that neither such junior subordinated debt securities nor any other junior subordinated debt securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit, and (ii) an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each to the effect that all conditions precedent with respect to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

Brighthouse may exercise its defeasance option with respect to such junior subordinated debt securities notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.

Subordination under the Junior Subordinated Indenture

The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of junior subordinated debt securities will describe the specific subordination provisions. However, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus supplement, junior subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior indebtedness (as described below).

For purposes of junior subordinated debt securities, “senior indebtedness” means all amounts due on obligations in connection with any of the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the junior subordinated indenture or thereafter incurred, created or assumed, and any amendments, renewals, extensions or modifications of any such obligations:

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all obligations of Brighthouse for the reimbursement on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction;

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all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons for the payment of which Brighthouse is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and

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all obligations of the types referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of Brighthouse (whether or not such obligation is assumed by Brighthouse).

“Senior indebtedness” does not include:

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indebtedness or monetary obligations to trade creditors created or assumed by Brighthouse in the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services; or

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any obligation or indebtedness that is, by its terms, subordinated in right of payment to, or ranks equally in right of payment with, the junior subordinated debt securities.

Unless otherwise noted in the accompanying prospectus supplement, if Brighthouse defaults in the payment of any principal of and premium, if any, or interest or any other payment due on any senior indebtedness, or if the maturity of any senior indebtedness of Brighthouse has been declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, then, unless and until such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or any acceleration is rescinded or annulled, Brighthouse will make no payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, with respect to the principal (including any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any junior subordinated debt securities) of and premium, if any, or interest (including any additional interest) on the junior subordinated debt securities or any sinking fund payment, subject to limited exceptions.

If any of the following events occurs, Brighthouse will pay in full all amounts due on senior indebtedness before it makes under the junior subordinated debt securities any payment or distribution of assets of Brighthouse of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to any holder of junior subordinated debt securities:

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any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of Brighthouse, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership;

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any general assignment by Brighthouse for the benefit of creditors;

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any marshaling of Brighthouse’s assets or liabilities for the benefit of creditors; or

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other similar proceedings.

In such event, any payment by Brighthouse or distribution of assets of Brighthouse of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, under the junior subordinated debt securities, which would otherwise (but for the subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the junior subordinated debt securities, will be paid or delivered directly to the holders of senior indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all senior indebtedness has been paid in full. If any payment or distribution under the junior subordinated debt securities is received by the trustee of any junior subordinated debt securities in contravention of any of the terms of the junior subordinated indenture and before all the senior indebtedness has been paid in full, such payment or distribution or security will be received in trust for the benefit of, and paid over or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the senior indebtedness at the time outstanding in accordance

with the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment of all senior indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such senior indebtedness in full.

The junior subordinated indenture does not limit the issuance of additional senior indebtedness.

Governing Law

The junior subordinated indenture and the junior subordinated debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Information Concerning the Trustee

The trustee will have all the duties and responsibilities of an indenture trustee specified in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee will not be required to exercise any of its powers under the junior subordinated indenture at your request, unless you offer indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which the trustee might incur. The rights, privileges, protections and benefits, including its right to be indemnified, given to the trustee under the junior subordinated indenture will also be extended to each agent, custodian and other person employed to act thereunder.

The trustee may act as depositary for funds of, make loans to, and perform other services for, us and our subsidiaries in the normal course of business.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

We filed our certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 1, 2016, and our Board adopted our bylaws on August 1, 2016. We filed our amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware effective as of August 4, 2017 and the Board adopted our amended and restated bylaws effective as of August 4, 2017. Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws and relevant sections of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) are summarized below. The following description of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws are only summaries of such provisions and instruments and in each case are qualified by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Authorized Capital Stock

Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,100,000,000 shares, which is divided into two classes, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of August 31, 2018, we had 119,782,668 outstanding shares of our common stock, held of record by 2,374,115 holders of record, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

Dividend Rights. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of our preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of any of our funds legally available therefor when, as and if declared by our Board at its discretion.

Voting Rights. Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors, and, subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding series of preferred stock as provided in any preferred stock certificate of designation approved by our Board, the holders of our common stock possess all voting power. Except as required by applicable law or the rules and regulations of any stock exchange applicable to Brighthouse and except with respect to the election of directors, the amendment of certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amendment of our amended and restated bylaws, all matters to be voted on by stockholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon. The election of directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present is determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, meaning that the nominees with the greatest number of votes received, even if less than a majority, will be elected. The amended and restated bylaws provide that in an uncontested election any director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” than votes cast in favor of his or her election shall tender his or her resignation from the Board to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would then recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject such resignation and the Board would publicly disclose its decision in regard to such resignation.

Liquidation. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, holders of our common stock are entitled to share proportionately in the assets available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debt and other liabilities, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of our preferred stock.

Other Rights. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that our Board may designate and issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Board has the authority, without further action by our stockholders, to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix, among other items, the voting powers, designations, preferences and the relative participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each series, including without limitation dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series. No shares of our authorized preferred stock are currently outstanding. Because the Board has the power to establish the preferences and rights of the shares of any additional series of preferred stock, it may afford holders of any preferred stock preferences, powers and rights, including voting and dividend rights, senior to the rights of holders of our common stock, which could delay, discourage or prevent a takeover of us even if a change of control of our company would be beneficial to the interests of our stockholders.

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Applicable Law

Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, as well as certain provisions of Delaware law and insurance regulations applicable to our business, may discourage or make more difficult a takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest. These provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. We believe that the benefits of increased protection give us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us and outweigh the disadvantage of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of the proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Classified Board. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our Board be divided into three classes. For so long as there are three classes of directors, each class shall consist, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the total number of directors. The directors designated as Class II directors have terms expiring at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, and the directors designated as Class I and Class III directors have terms expiring our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. Commencing with the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, the directors were divided into two classes, with the directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms then expired (i.e., the former Class I directors) being elected for a term of office to expire at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders (i.e., as Class III directors). Commencing with the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, there shall be a single class of directors, with directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms then expire (i.e., the former Class II directors) being elected for a term of office to expire at the 2020 annual meeting. Commencing with the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, each director elected to succeed those directors whose terms then expire shall be elected annually and for a term of office to expire at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and our Board will thereafter no longer be divided into classes. Before our Board is declassified, it would take at least two annual elections of directors for any individual or group to gain control of our Board. Accordingly, while the Board is divided into classes, these provisions could discourage a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to control us.

Removal. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that (i) for so long as the Board is divided into classes, the holders of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of the then outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors may remove any director, but only for cause, and that (ii) from and after the time that the Board is no longer divided into classes, stockholders may remove our directors with or without cause by the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

Size of Board and Vacancies. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed exclusively by the Board; provided, however, that in no event shall such number of directors be less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15). Any newly created directorships created on our Board resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or

any vacancies resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause will be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director. Any director appointed to fill a vacancy on our Board shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the class, if any, that such director has been appointed to and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation prohibits our stockholders from acting by written consent. Stockholder action may only take place at a duly called annual or special meeting of our stockholders.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors.

No Cumulative Voting. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.

Undesignated Preferred Stock. The authority that our Board possesses to issue preferred stock could potentially be used to discourage attempts by third parties to obtain control of us through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making such attempts more difficult. Our Board can issue preferred stock with voting rights or conversion rights that, if exercised, could dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock.

Amendments to Bylaws. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that in addition to any other vote of the holders of any particular class or series of our capital stock that may be required, our amended and restated bylaws may only be amended by our Board or by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the issued and outstanding voting stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.

Amendments to Charter. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that in addition to any other vote of the holders of any particular class or series of our capital stock that may be required, certain charter provisions may only be amended by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the issued and outstanding voting stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless one of the following conditions is satisfied:

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before the stockholder became an interested stockholder, the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

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upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding, for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors and officers; or

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at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

This provision would be expected to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our Board, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by our stockholders.

Insurance Regulations

The insurance laws and regulations of the various states in which our insurance subsidiaries are organized may delay or impede a business combination involving us. State insurance laws prohibit an entity from acquiring control of an insurance company without the prior approval of the domestic insurance regulator. Under most states’ statutes, an entity is presumed to have control of an insurance company if it owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting stock of that insurance company or its parent company. These regulatory restrictions may delay, deter or prevent a potential merger or sale of our company, even if the Board decides that it is in the best interests of stockholders for us to merge or be sold. These restrictions also may delay sales by us or acquisitions by third parties of our subsidiaries.

Choice of Forum

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our stockholders by any of our current or former directors, officers or stockholders, (iii) action asserting a claim arising out of or pursuant to the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. By becoming a stockholder in our company, you will be deemed to have notice of and have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation related to choice of forum.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties as directors and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will include such an exculpation provision. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, none of our directors will be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Under the DGCL as it now reads, such limitation of liability is not permitted:

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for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

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for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

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for payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions under Section 174 of the DGCL; or

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for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

These provisions will have no effect on the availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based on a director’s breach of his or her duty of care.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws include provisions that require us to indemnify and advance expenses, to the fullest extent allowable under the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, to our directors or officers for actions taken as a director or officer of us, or for serving at our request as a director or officer at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be.

Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers, as well as other employees and individuals, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, that are incurred in connection with various actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, known as a derivative action, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification if the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation’s bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.

Our amended and restated bylaws require us to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or was otherwise involved in, a legal proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of Brighthouse or is or was serving at our request as a director or officer of another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be, to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, Employee Retirement Income Security Act excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such director or officer in connection with such service. The right to indemnification in our amended and restated bylaws includes the right to be paid by Brighthouse the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding for which indemnification may be sought in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, subject to certain limitations. We carry directors’ and officers’ insurance protecting us, any director, officer, employee or agent of ours or who was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be, against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify the person under the DGCL.

The limitation of liability and indemnification and advancement provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of fiduciary duty. These provisions also may reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. In addition, your investment in our common stock may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards under these indemnification provisions.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Brighthouse pursuant to the foregoing provisions, Brighthouse has been informed that in the SEC’s opinion such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BHF”.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent’s address is 480 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07310.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

General Terms

We may elect to offer depositary shares representing receipts for fractional interests in debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock. In this case, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction of a debt security, junior subordinated debt security or share of common stock or of a particular series of preferred stock, as the case may be.

We will deposit the debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities or shares of common stock or any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares under a deposit agreement between us and a depositary which we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, as an owner of a depositary share you will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a debt security, junior subordinated debt security or share of common stock or preferred stock represented by the depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the debt security, junior subordinated debt security or common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, represented by the depositary share, including, as the case may be, interest, dividend, voting, conversion, redemption, sinking fund, repayment at maturity, subscription and liquidation rights.

The following description of the terms of the deposit agreement is a summary. It summarizes only those terms of the deposit agreement that we believe will be most important to your decision to invest in our depositary shares. You should keep in mind, however, that it is the deposit agreement, and not this summary, which defines your rights as a holder of depositary shares. There may be other provisions in the deposit agreement that are also important to you. You should read the deposit agreement for a full description of the terms of the depositary shares. The form of the deposit agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Interest, Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all payments of interest, cash dividends or other cash distributions received on the debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, to you in proportion to the number of depositary shares that you own.

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to you in an equitable manner, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make a distribution. In that case the depositary may sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to you.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If we redeem a debt security, junior subordinated debt security, share of common stock or series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares, the depositary will redeem your depositary shares from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from the redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per debt security, junior subordinated debt security or share of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, payable in relation to the redeemed series of debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock. Whenever we redeem debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing, as the case may be, the debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock redeemed. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot, proportionately or by any other equitable method as the depositary may determine.

Exercise of Rights under the Indentures or Voting the Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which you, as a holder of fractional interests in deposited common stock or preferred stock, are entitled to vote, or of any request for instructions or directions from you, as a holder

of interests in deposited debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities, the depositary will mail to you the information contained in that notice. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary how to give instructions or directions with respect to the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities represented by that holder’s depositary shares or how to vote the amount of the common stock or preferred stock represented by that holder’s depositary shares. The record date for the depositary shares will be the same date as the record date for the debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be. The depositary will endeavor, to the extent practicable, to give instructions or directions with respect to the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities or to vote the amount of the common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, represented by the depositary shares in accordance with those instructions. We will agree to take all reasonable action which the depositary may deem necessary to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from giving instructions or directions with respect to the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities or voting shares of the common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, if it does not receive specific instructions from you.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

We and the depositary may amend the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of the depositary shares will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding.

The deposit agreement will terminate if:

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all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed, or

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there has been a complete repayment or redemption of the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities or a final distribution in respect of the common stock or preferred stock, including in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and the repayment, redemption or distribution proceeds, as the case may be, have been distributed to you.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so. We also may, at any time, remove the depositary. Any resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. We must appoint the successor depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. The successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, and issuance of depositary receipts, all withdrawals of shares of debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, by you and any repayment or redemption of the debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be. You will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges, as well as the other charges that are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for your account.

Miscellaneous

The depositary will forward all reports and communications from us which are delivered to the depositary and which we are required or otherwise determine to furnish to holders of debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable under the deposit agreement to you other than for the depositary’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceedings relating to any depositary shares, debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by persons presenting debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock for deposit, you or other persons believed to be competent and on documents which we and the depositary believe to be genuine.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants, including warrants to purchase debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or other securities described in this prospectus as well as other types of warrants. We may issue warrants independently or together with any other securities, and they may be attached to or separate from those securities. We will issue the warrants under warrant agreements between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, that we will describe in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants that we offer.

The following description of the terms of the warrants is a summary. It summarizes only those terms of the warrants and the warrant agreement which we believe will be most important to your decision to invest in our warrants. You should keep in mind, however, that it is the warrant agreement and the warrant certificate relating to the warrants, and not this summary, which defines your rights as a warrantholder. There may be other provisions in the warrant agreement and the warrant certificate relating to the warrants which are also important to you. You should read these documents for a full description of the terms of the warrants. Forms of these documents will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Debt Warrants

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of warrants to purchase debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities that we may offer, the warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants and the warrant certificates representing the debt warrants. These terms will include the following:

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the title of the debt warrants;

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the designation and terms of the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities for which the debt warrants are exercisable;

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the aggregate number of the debt warrants;

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the price or prices at which we will issue the debt warrants, the principal amount of debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities that you may purchase upon exercise of each debt warrant and the price or prices at which such principal amount may be purchased upon exercise;

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the currency, currencies or currency units, if other than in U.S. dollars, in which such debt warrants are to be issued or for which the debt warrants may be exercised;

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the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the debt warrants;

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the designation and terms of any related debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities issued with the debt warrants, and the number of debt warrants issued with each debt security;

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the currency, currencies or currency units, if other than in U.S. dollars, in which any principal, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants will be payable;

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the date, if any, from which you may separately transfer the debt warrants and the related securities;

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the date on which your right to exercise the debt warrants commences, and the date on which your right expires;

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the maximum or minimum number of the debt warrants which you may exercise at any time;

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if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations;

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any other terms of the debt warrants and terms, procedures and limitations relating to your exercise of the debt warrants; and

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the terms of the securities you may purchase upon exercise of the debt warrants.

We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any provisions for a change in the exercise price or expiration date of the warrants and the kind, frequency and timing of any notice to be given. You may exchange debt warrant certificates for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations and may exercise debt warrants at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office that we indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to exercise, you will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities purchasable upon that exercise and will not be entitled to payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities purchasable upon the exercise.

Other Warrants

We may issue other warrants. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the following terms of those warrants:

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the title of the warrants;

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the securities, which may include preferred stock, common stock or other securities, for which you may exercise the warrants;

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the aggregate number of the warrants;

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the price or prices at which we will issue the warrants, the number of securities that you may purchase upon exercise of each warrant and the price or prices at which such securities may be purchased;

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currency, currencies, or currency units, if other than in U.S. dollars, in which such debt warrants are to be issued or for which the debt warrants may be exercised;

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the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants;

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the designation and terms of any related securities issued with the warrants, and the number of warrants issued with each security;

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the date, if any, from which you may separately transfer the warrants and the related securities;

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the date on which your right to exercise the warrants commences, and the date on which your right expires;

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the maximum or minimum number of warrants which you may exercise at any time;

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if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations; and

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any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to your exchange and exercise of the warrants.

We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any provisions for a change in the exercise price or the expiration date of the warrants and the kind, frequency and timing of any notice to be given. You may exchange warrant certificates for new warrant certificates of different denominations and may exercise warrants at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office that we indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of your warrants, you will not have any of the rights of holders of the preferred stock, common stock or other securities purchasable upon that exercise and will not be entitled to dividend payments, if any, or voting rights of the preferred stock, common stock or other securities purchasable upon the exercise.

Exercise of Warrants

We will describe in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants the principal amount or the number of the securities that you may purchase for cash upon exercise of a warrant, and the exercise price. You may exercise a warrant as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date stated in the prospectus supplement. Unexercised warrants will become void after the close of business on the expiration date, or any later expiration date that we determine.

We will forward the securities purchasable upon the exercise as soon as practicable after receipt of payment and the properly completed and executed warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or other office stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. If you exercise less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, we will issue you a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

As may be specified in a prospectus supplement, Brighthouse may issue purchase contracts obligating holders to purchase from Brighthouse, and Brighthouse to sell to the holders, a number of debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, shares of common stock or preferred stock, or other securities described in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement at a future date or dates. The purchase contracts may require Brighthouse to make periodic payments to the holders of the purchase contracts. These payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement relating to any purchase contracts will specify the material terms of the purchase contracts and any applicable pledge or depositary arrangements, including one or more of the following:

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The stated amount that a holder will be obligated to pay under the purchase contract in order to purchase debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, or other securities described in this prospectus or the formula by which such amount shall be determined.

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The settlement date or dates on which the holder will be obligated to purchase such securities. The prospectus supplement will specify whether the occurrence of any events may cause the settlement date to occur on an earlier date and the terms on which an early settlement would occur.

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The events, if any, that will cause Brighthouse’s obligations and the obligations of the holder under the purchase contract to terminate.

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The settlement rate, which is a number that, when multiplied by the stated amount of a purchase contract, determines the number of securities that Brighthouse will be obligated to sell and a holder will be obligated to purchase under that purchase contract upon payment of the stated amount of that purchase contract. The settlement rate may be determined by the application of a formula specified in the prospectus supplement. If a formula is specified, it may be based on the market price of such securities over a specified period or it may be based on some other reference statistic.

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Whether the purchase contracts will be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a purchase contract and an underlying security with an aggregate principal amount equal to the stated amount. Any underlying securities will be pledged by the holder to secure its obligations under a purchase contract.

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The type of underlying security, if any, that is pledged by the holder to secure its obligations under a purchase contract. Underlying securities may be debt securities, junior subordinated debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, or other securities described in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement.

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The terms of the pledge arrangement relating to any underlying securities, including the terms on which distributions or payments of interest and principal on any underlying securities will be retained by a collateral agent, delivered to Brighthouse or be distributed to the holder.

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The amount of the contract fee, if any, that may be payable by Brighthouse to the holder or by the holder to Brighthouse, the date or dates on which the contract fee will be payable and the extent to which Brighthouse or the holder, as applicable, may defer payment of the contract fee on those payment dates. The contract fee may be calculated as a percentage of the stated amount of the purchase contract or otherwise.

The descriptions of the purchase contracts and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the purchase contract agreement, pledge agreement and deposit agreement, forms of which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, Brighthouse may issue units comprising one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The prospectus supplement will describe:

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the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be held or transferred separately;

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a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units;

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a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; and

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whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The descriptions of the units and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depositary arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the terms and provisions of the applicable agreements, forms of which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell securities from time to time in one or more transactions separately or as units with other securities. We may sell the securities of or within any series to or through agents, underwriters, dealers, remarketing firms or other third parties or directly to one or more purchasers or through a combination of any of these methods. We may issue securities as a dividend or distribution. In some cases, we or dealers acting with us or on behalf of us may also purchase securities and reoffer them to the public. We may also offer and sell, or agree to deliver, securities pursuant to, or in connection with, any option agreement or other contractual arrangement.

Agents whom we designate may solicit offers to purchase the securities.

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We will name any agent involved in offering or selling securities, and disclose any commissions that we will pay to the agent, in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, agents will act on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.

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Agents may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act of any of the securities that they offer or sell.

We may use an underwriter or underwriters in the offer or sale of the securities.

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If we use an underwriter or underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter or underwriters at the time that we reach an agreement for the sale of the securities.

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We will include the names of the managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as the names of any other underwriters, and the terms of the transactions, including the compensation the underwriters will receive, in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may use a dealer to sell the securities.

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If we use a dealer, we, as principal, will sell the securities to the dealer.

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The dealer will then sell the securities to the public at varying prices that the dealer will determine at the time it sells the securities.

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We will include the name of the dealer and the terms of the transactions with the dealer in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may solicit directly offers to purchase the securities, and we may directly sell the securities to institutional or other investors. We will describe the terms of direct sales in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may engage in at-the-market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act.

We may also offer and sell securities, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms referred to as remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, in connection with the securities they remarket.

We may indemnify agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of their business.

We may authorize agents and underwriters to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts.

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If we use delayed delivery contracts, we will disclose that we are using them in the prospectus supplement and will tell you when we will demand payment and delivery of the securities under the delayed delivery contracts.

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These delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to the conditions that we describe in the prospectus supplement.

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We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the commission that underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of the securities under delayed contracts will be entitled to receive.

Until the distribution of the securities is completed, SEC rules may limit the ability of underwriters and other participants in the offering to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, the underwriters in certain circumstances are permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. In connection with an offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell securities in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of securities than they hold, and must be closed out by purchasing those securities in the open market. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of an offering. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid on certain underwriters. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriting syndicate a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the underwriting syndicate has repurchased securities sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short-covering transactions. These activities by the underwriters, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own account, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities, and may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. As a result, the price of the securities may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected on an exchange or automated quotation system, if the securities are listed on that exchange or admitted for trading on that automated quotation system, or in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

We may loan or pledge securities to third parties that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or, if we default in the case of a pledge, may offer and sell the securities from time to time using this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. Such third parties may transfer their short positions to investors in the securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities offered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or otherwise.

We may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions involving the securities with third parties, or sell securities not covered by the prospectus to third parties in privately-negotiated transactions. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with those derivative transactions, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions, or may lend securities in order to facilitate short sale transactions by others. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivative or hedging transactions to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part).

We may effect sales of securities in connection with forward sale, option or other types of agreements with third parties. Any distribution of securities pursuant to any forward sale agreement may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions that may take place through a stock exchange, including block trades or ordinary

broker’s transactions, or through broker-dealers acting either as principal or agent, or through privately-negotiated transactions, or through an underwritten public offering, or through a combination of any such methods of sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated or fixed prices.

If 5% or more of the net proceeds of any offering of securities made under this prospectus will be received by a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) participating in the offering or affiliates or associated persons of such FINRA member, the offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121 (or any successor rule).

VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of any securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The financial statements, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Brighthouse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. This information may be read and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of this public reference facility. The SEC maintains an Internet site, http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that are subject to the SEC’s reporting requirements.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC relating to the securities to be offered. This prospectus does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, and we refer you to such documents. The statements this prospectus makes pertaining to the content of any contract, agreement or other document that is an exhibit to the registration statement necessarily are summaries of their material provisions and does not describe all exceptions and qualifications contained in those contracts, agreements or documents. You should read those contracts, agreements or documents for information that may be important to you. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules are available at the SEC’s Public Reference Room or through its Internet site.

Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq. You can also inspect reports and other information concerning us at the office of the The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway New York, NY 10006.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The rules of the SEC allow us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below:

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Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018;

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Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the interim periods ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 and August 7, 2018, respectively;

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Our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 10, 2018, as supplemented on May 8, 2018;

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The description of capital stock contained in Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form 10, filed with the SEC on June 30, 2017, as supplemented by the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock” in this prospectus; and

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Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2018, June 4, 2018, June 8, 2018, June 29, 2018, August 6, 2018 (Item 8.01 only) and August 9, 2018.

All documents filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities shall also be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus by reference; provided that information furnished and not filed by us under any item of any current report on Form 8-K, including related exhibits, is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

You can obtain any filing incorporated by reference into this prospectus through us or from the SEC through the SEC’s Internet site or at the address listed above. We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should direct requests for those documents to Office of the Corporate Secretary, Brighthouse Financial, Inc., 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 (Telephone: (980) 365-7100).

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the general categories of expenses, other than underwriting compensation, the registrant anticipates it will incur in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered. Except for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fee, all amounts shown are estimates.


SEC registration fee	$	0*
FINRA filing fee		225,500
Listing fee		**
Trustees’ fees and expenses		**
Printing fees and expenses		**
Accounting fees and expenses		**
Legal fees and expenses		**
Transfer agent fees		**
Rating agency fees		**
Miscellaneous		**

Total	$	**

*	The registrant is relying on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to defer payment of all of the registration fee.

**	Estimated expenses are not presently known.

Information regarding estimated expenses of issuance and distribution of each identified class of securities being registered will be provided at the time information as to such class is included in a prospectus supplement in accordance with Rule 430B.

Item 15.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse”) is incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.

Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the “DGCL,” permits a Delaware corporation to include a provision in its certificate of incorporation eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. This provision, however, may not eliminate or limit a director’s liability (1) for breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Brighthouse contains such a provision.

Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best

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interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145(c) of the DGCL provides that to the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 of the DGCL, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Section 145(e) of the DGCL permits a Delaware corporation to advance litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by present and former directors and officers prior to the final disposition of the relevant proceedings. The advancement of expenses to a present director or officer is conditioned upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay the advancement if it is ultimately determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. Advancement to former officers and directors may be conditioned upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation may deem appropriate.

Section 145(g) of the DGCL specifically allows a Delaware corporation to purchase liability insurance on behalf of its directors and officers and to insure against potential liability of such directors and officers regardless of whether the corporation would have the power to indemnify such directors and officers under Section 145 of the DGCL.

The amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws of Brighthouse authorize the corporation, to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The foregoing summaries are necessarily subject to the complete text of the DGCL and Brighthouse’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws.

Item 16.

Exhibits.


Exhibit No.		Exhibit

1.1		Form of Underwriting Agreement.*

2.1		Master Separation Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2017, by and between MetLife, Inc. and Brighthouse Financial, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 9, 2017 (File No. 001-37905).

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Brighthouse Financial, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on August 15, 2017 (File No. 001-37905).

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Exhibit No.		Exhibit

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Brighthouse Financial, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on August 15, 2017 (File No. 001-37905).

4.1		Form of Senior Indenture to be entered into between Brighthouse Financial, Inc., as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.

4.2		Form of Subordinated Indenture to be entered into between Brighthouse Financial, Inc., as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.

4.3		Form of Junior Subordinated Indenture to be entered into between Brighthouse Financial, Inc., as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.

4.4		Form of Depositary Receipt.*

4.5		Form of Deposit Agreement.*

4.6		Form of Warrant Agreement, including form of Warrant. *

4.7		Form of Purchase Contract Agreement.*

4.8		Form of Global Security (senior debt securities).*

4.9		Form of Global Security (subordinated debt securities).*

4.10		Form of Global Security (junior subordinated debt securities).*

5.1		Opinion of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

12.1		Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23.1		Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

23.2		Consent of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1		Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages of this registration statement).

25.1		Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Form of Senior Indenture, relating to the senior debt securities.

25.2		Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Form of Subordinated Indenture, relating to the subordinated debt securities.

25.3		Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Form of Junior Subordinated Indenture, relating to the junior subordinated debt securities.

*	To be filed by amendment or by a report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

Item 17.

Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrants under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrants pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrants will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrants relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

II-4

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrants or used or referred to by the undersigned registrants;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrants or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrants; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrants to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the applicable prospectus, after the expiration of any subscription period, to set forth the results of any subscription offer, any transactions by any underwriters during such subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by such underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by such underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the applicable prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes (1) to use its best efforts to distribute prior to the opening of bids, to prospective bidders, underwriters, and dealers, a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus which at that time meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the Securities Act, and relating to the securities offered at competitive bidding, as contained in this registration statement, together with any supplements thereto, and (2) to file an amendment to this registration statement reflecting the results of bidding, the terms of the reoffering and related matters to the extent required by the applicable form, not later than the first use, authorized by the issuer after the opening of bids, of a prospectus relating to the securities offered at competitive bidding, unless no further public offering of such securities by the issuer and no reoffering of such securities by the purchasers is proposed to be made.

(e) Insofar as indemnifications for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person, if any, of such registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, such registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the

II-5

securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(g) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

II-6

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant (i) certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and (ii) has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on September 5, 2018.


BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.

By:		/s/ Anant Bhalla
		Name: Anant Bhalla Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Christine M. DeBiase, D. Burt Arrington and Bruce Schindler, jointly and severally, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as such person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Eric T. Steigerwalt Eric T. Steigerwalt	Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	September 5, 2018

/s/ Anant Bhalla Anant Bhalla	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	September 5, 2018

/s/ Lynn A. Dumais Lynn A. Dumais	Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)	September 5, 2018

/s/ Irene Chang Britt Irene Chang Britt	Director	September 5, 2018

/s/ C. Edward Chaplin C. Edward Chaplin	Chairman of the Board of Directors	September 5, 2018

/s/ John D. McCallion John D. McCallion	Director	September 5, 2018

S-1


Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Diane E. Offereins Diane E. Offereins	Director	September 5, 2018

/s/ Patrick J. Shouvlin Patrick J. Shouvlin	Director	September 5, 2018

/s/ William F. Wallace William F. Wallace	Director	September 5, 2018

/s/ Paul M. Wetzel Paul M. Wetzel	Director	September 5, 2018

S-2

EX-4.1

Exhibit 4.1

BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.,

as Issuer

AND

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

SENIOR INDENTURE

DATED AS OF [●]

PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES IN SERIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE⁽¹⁾


TRUST INDENTURE ACT SECTION		SECTION OF INDENTURE
310(a)		7.09
310(b)		7.08
311(a)		7.13
311(b)		7.13
312(a)		5.01; 5.02(a)
312(b)		5.02(c)
312(c)		5.02(d)
313(a)		5.04(a)
313(b)		5.04(b)
313(c)		5.04(b)
313(d)		5.04(c)
314(a)		5.03; 4.05; 14.07
314(b)		Inapplicable
314(c)		14.07
314(d)		Inapplicable
314(e)		14.07(b)
315(a)		7.01
315(b)		6.01(b)
315(c)		7.01(a); 7.02(d)
315(d)		7.01(b)
315(e)		6.08
316(a)		6.07; 6.09
316(b)		6.05
316(c)		8.01
317(a)		6.02
317(b)		4.04
318(a)		14.10

(1)	This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		PAGE
ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01	Definitions of Terms.		1

ARTICLE II

DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES

Section 2.01	Designation and Terms of Securities.		8
Section 2.02	Form of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate.		11
Section 2.03	Denominations; Provisions for Payment.		11
Section 2.04	Execution and Authentication.		13
Section 2.05	Registration of Transfer and Exchange.		14
Section 2.06	Temporary Securities.		15
Section 2.07	Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.		16
Section 2.08	Cancellation.		17
Section 2.09	Benefits of Indenture.		17
Section 2.10	Authenticating Agent.		17
Section 2.11	Global Securities.		18
Section 2.12	CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc.		19

ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS

Section 3.01	Redemption.		20
Section 3.02	Tax Redemption.		20
Section 3.03	Notice of Redemption.		20
Section 3.04	Payment upon Redemption.		22
Section 3.05	Sinking Fund.		22
Section 3.06	Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.		23
Section 3.07	Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.		23



ARTICLE IV

CERTAIN COVENANTS

Section 4.01	Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.	23
Section 4.02	Additional Amounts.	24
Section 4.03	Maintenance of Office or Agency.	26
Section 4.04	Paying Agents.	27
Section 4.05	Statement by Officers as to Default.	28
Section 4.06	Existence.	29
Section 4.07	Limitation on Liens on Stock of Brighthouse Insurance.	29
Section 4.08	Limitations on Disposition of Stock of Brighthouse Insurance.	30
Section 4.09	Waiver of Certain Covenants.	30

ARTICLE V

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE

Section 5.01	Company to Furnish Trustee with Names and Addresses of Securityholders.	31
Section 5.02	Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders.	31
Section 5.03	Reports by the Company.	32
Section 5.04	Reports by the Trustee.	33

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT

Section 6.01	Events of Default.	33
Section 6.02	Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.	36
Section 6.03	Application of Moneys Collected.	38
Section 6.04	Limitation on Suits.	38
Section 6.05	Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Receive Principal and Interest.	39
Section 6.06	Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver.	39
Section 6.07	Control by Securityholders.	39
Section 6.08	Undertaking to Pay Costs.	40
Section 6.09	Waiver of Past Defaults.	40



ARTICLE VII

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

Section 7.01	Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.	41
Section 7.02	Certain Rights of Trustee.	42
Section 7.03	Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities.	44
Section 7.04	May Hold Securities.	44
Section 7.05	Moneys Held in Trust.	45
Section 7.06	Compensation and Reimbursement.	45
Section 7.07	Reliance on Officers’ Certificate.	46
Section 7.08	Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.	46
Section 7.09	Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.	46
Section 7.10	Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.	47
Section 7.11	Acceptance of Appointment By Successor.	48
Section 7.12	Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.	50
Section 7.13	Preferential Collection of Claims against the Company.	50

ARTICLE VIII

CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS

Section 8.01	Evidence of Action by Securityholders.	50
Section 8.02	Proof of Execution by Securityholders.	51
Section 8.03	Who May be Deemed Owners.	51
Section 8.04	Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded.	52
Section 8.05	Actions Binding on Future Securityholders.	52

ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 9.01	Supplemental Indentures without the Consent of Securityholders.	52
Section 9.02	Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Securityholders.	54
Section 9.03	Effect of Supplemental Indentures.	55
Section 9.04	Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures.	56
Section 9.05	Execution of Supplemental Indentures.	56

ARTICLE X

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

Section 10.01	When the Company May Consolidate, Merge, Etc.	56

iii



ARTICLE XI

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01	Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.	57
Section 11.02	Discharge of Obligations.	58
Section 11.03	Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust.	59
Section 11.04	Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents.	59
Section 11.05	Repayment to Company.	59

ARTICLE XII

IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 12.01	No Recourse.	59

ARTICLE XIII

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 13.01	Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.	60
Section 13.02	Defeasance and Discharge.	60
Section 13.03	Covenant Defeasance.	61
Section 13.04	Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.	61
Section 13.05	Deposited Money and Governmental Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.	63
Section 13.06	Reinstatement.	64

ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 14.01	Effect on Successors and Assigns.	64
Section 14.02	Actions by Successor.	64
Section 14.03	Notices.	64
Section 14.04	Governing Law.	66
Section 14.05	Waiver of Jury Trial.	66
Section 14.06	Submission to Jurisdiction.	66
Section 14.07	Compliance Certificates and Opinions.	67
Section 14.08	Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.	67
Section 14.09	Payments on Business Days.	68
Section 14.10	Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.	68
Section 14.11	Counterparts.	68
Section 14.12	Separability.	68
Section 14.13	Assignment.	68
Section 14.14	Headings and Table of Contents.	69

SENIOR INDENTURE, dated as of [●], between Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee.

WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of senior unsecured debt securities, debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness (hereinafter referred to as the “Securities”), in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or more series, as provided in this Indenture;

WHEREAS, to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized the execution of this Indenture; and

WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the holders of Securities, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as follows for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of Securities:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions of Terms.

The terms defined in this Section (except as herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section and shall include the plural as well as the singular. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act or that are by reference in such Act defined in the Securities Act (except as herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument. All accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

“Additional Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. When used with respect to any Person, “control” means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” and “under common control with” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

“Agent” means any Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent or Security Registrar, and each of their successors or assigns duly appointed herein.

“Authenticating Agent” means an authenticating agent with respect to all or any Securities of any series appointed with respect to all or any series of the Securities by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.10.

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal, state or other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law for the relief of debtors.

“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of such Board.

“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

“Brighthouse Insurance” means Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, an insurance operating company domiciled in the State of Delaware, or any of its successors.

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday, legal holiday or a day on which federal or state banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or regulation to close.

“Company” means Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.

“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is located at U.S. Bank National Association, 214 N. Tryon St., 27^th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services – Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

“Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

“Default” means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

“Defeasance” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.02.

“Depositary” means, with respect to Securities of any series, for which the Company shall determine that such Securities will be issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, another clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either Section 2.01 or Section 2.11.

“Event of Default” means, with respect to Securities of a particular series any event specified in Section 6.01, continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“FATCA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(h).

“Global Security” means, with respect to any series of Securities, one or more Securities executed by the Company and delivered by the Trustee or Authenticating Agent to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with the Indenture, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.

“Governmental Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America that, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such Governmental Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Governmental Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

“herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and other words of similar import, refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

“Indebtedness” of any Person means the principal of and premium, if any, and interest due on indebtedness of such Person, whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, which is (a) indebtedness for money borrowed, and (b) any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such indebtedness. For the purposes of this definition, “indebtedness for money borrowed” means (i) any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, such Person for the repayment of borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, (ii) any obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar written instruments, including obligations assumed or incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses (provided, however, that the deferred purchase price of any other business or property or assets shall not be considered Indebtedness if the purchase price thereof is payable in full within 90 days from the date on which such indebtedness was created) and (iii) any obligations of such Person as lessee under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles and leases of property or assets made as part of any sale and lease-back transaction to which such Person is a party.

“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term “Indenture” shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.01.

“Interest Payment Date,” when used with respect to any Security of any series, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on a Security of such series.

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller or an Assistant Controller, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company that is delivered to the Trustee and any Agent (as applicable) in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 14.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing of legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 14.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01(c).

“Outstanding,” when used with reference to Securities of any series, means, as of any particular time, all Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent under this Indenture, except (a) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or delivered to the Trustee or any Paying Agent for cancellation or that have previously been canceled; (b) Securities or portions thereof for the payment or redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent (other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent); provided, however, that if such Securities or portions of such Securities are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as in Article III provided, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; (c) Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.07; and (d) Securities as to which Defeasance (as defined in Section 13.02) has been effected pursuant to Section 13.02; provided, however, that in determining whether the Securityholders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 6.01(c), (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security has not yet been fixed, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 2.01, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 2.01, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to

be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.

“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint-venture, joint-stock company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Place of Payment,” when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 or, if not so specified, New York, New York.

“Predecessor Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or stolen Security.

“Redemption Date,” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

“Redemption Price,” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

“Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

“Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee or any Agent (as applicable), means any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or such Agent (as applicable), including any vice president, assistant vice president, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee or such Agent (as applicable) who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

“Securities” has the meaning stated in the preamble of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“Security Register” has the meaning stated in Section 2.05(b).

“Security Registrar” has the meaning stated in Section 2.05(b).

“Securityholder,” “holder of Securities,” “registered holder,” or other similar term, means the Person or Persons in whose name or names a particular Security shall be registered on the books of the Company kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

“Stated Maturity,” when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation at least a majority of whose outstanding Voting Stock shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more of its Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any general partnership, joint venture or similar entity, at least a majority of whose outstanding partnership or similar interests shall at the time be owned by such Person, or by one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries and (iii) any limited partnership of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner.

“Successor” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a).

“Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

“Trustee” means U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee hereunder, and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, shall also include its successors and assigns and, if at any time there is more than one Person acting in such capacity hereunder, “Trustee” shall mean each such Person. The term “Trustee” as used with respect to a particular series of the Securities shall mean the trustee with respect to that series, which shall be appointed pursuant to a supplemental indenture.

“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect at the date of execution of this Indenture, except as otherwise provided herein.

“Voting Stock,” as applied to stock of any Person, means shares, interests, participations or other equivalents in the equity interest (however designated) in such Person having ordinary voting power for the election of a majority of the directors (or the equivalent) of such Person, other than shares, interests, participations or other equivalents having such power only by reason of the occurrence of a contingency.

“Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity on a series of securities calculated at the time of issuance of such series or, if applicable, of the most recent redetermination of interest on such series, and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.

ARTICLE II

DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,

REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES

Section 2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities.

The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate principal amount of Securities of that series from time to time authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto. Prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate of the Company, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto:

(1) the title of the Security of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities);

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of that series);

(3) the Stated Maturity of the Securities of the series;

(4) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;

(5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue and the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates;

(6) whether the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to any index, formula, or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(7) the regular record date for the determination of holders of Securities of the series to whom interest is payable on any Interest Payment Date;

(8) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable;

(9) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, and the manner in which the particular Securities of such series (if less than all Securities of such series are to be redeemed) are to be selected for redemption;

(10) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions (including payments made in cash in participation of future sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder of Securities and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(11) if other than denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(12) if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion or, methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01;

(13) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 1.01;

(14) provisions granting special rights to holders of the Securities of the series upon the occurrence of specific events;

(15) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or the Company’s covenants provided for with respect to the Securities of the series;

(16) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;

(17) whether the Securities of the series will be convertible or exchangeable into shares of common stock of the Company or other securities or property and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the conversion or exchange price, or the method of calculating the conversion or exchange price, and the conversion or exchange period;

(18) whether the Securities of the series are issuable as a Global Security and, in such case, the identity of the Depositary or Depositaries for such series and the terms and conditions upon which Global Securities may be exchanged for certificated debt securities;

(19) the forms of the Securities of the series;

(20) any special tax implications of the Securities of the series, including any provisions for Original Issue Discount Securities, if offered;

(21) any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Securityholders to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 6.01;

(22) any trustees, authenticating or Paying Agents, transfer agents or registrars, calculation agents or other agents with respect to the Securities of the series;

(23) any restrictions on the registration, transfer or exchange of the Securities of the series; and

(24) any other terms of the Securities of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 9.01(10), but which may modify or delete any provision of this Indenture with respect to such series).

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to any such Board Resolution or in any indentures supplemental hereto.

If any of the terms of the Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate of the Company setting forth the terms of the Securities of such series.

Securities of any particular series may be issued at various times, with different dates on which the principal or any installment of principal is payable, with different rates of interest, if any, or different methods by which rates of interest may be determined, with different dates on which such interest may be payable and with different Redemption Dates.

Section 2.02 Form of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate.

The Securities of any series and the Trustee’s or Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication to be borne by such Securities shall be substantially of the tenor and purport as set forth in one or more indentures supplemental hereto or as provided in a Board Resolution of the Company and as set forth in an Officers’ Certificate of the Company and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which Securities of that series may be listed, or to conform to usage.

Section 2.03 Denominations; Provisions for Payment.

The Securities shall be issuable in fully registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, except as otherwise specified under Section 2.01 for Securities of any series. The Securities of a particular series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rate or rates specified with respect to that series. Unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.01, the principal of and the interest on the Securities of any series, as well as any premium thereon in case of redemption thereof prior to maturity, shall be payable in the coin or currency of the United States of America that at the time is legal tender for public and private debt, at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months, except as otherwise specified under Section 2.01 for Securities of any series.

The interest installment on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of that series shall be paid to the Person in whose name said Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest installment. In the event that any Security of a particular series or portion thereof is called for redemption and the Redemption Date is subsequent to a regular record date with respect to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date, interest on such Security will be paid upon presentation and surrender of such Security as provided in Section 3.04.

Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01, any interest on any Security that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of the same series (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder on the relevant regular record date by virtue of having been such holder of Securities; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the Company, at its election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:

(1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Securities to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner: the Company shall notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee and the Paying Agent for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Company shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 nor less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than five days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Securityholder at his or her address as it appears in the Security Register (as hereinafter defined), not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid, pursuant to clause (2) below, to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such special record date and shall be no longer payable.

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Securities in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee and the Paying Agent of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Paying Agent.

Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution of the Company or one or more indentures supplemental hereto establishing the terms of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term “regular record date” as used in this Section with respect to a series of Securities with respect to any Interest Payment Date for such series shall mean either the fifteenth day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the first day of a month, or the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month, whether or not such date is a Business Day.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security of a series delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security of such series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Security.

Section 2.04 Execution and Authentication.

The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Controller, Secretary or any one of its Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Controllers or Assistant Secretaries. Signatures may be in the form of a manual or facsimile signature. The Company may use the facsimile signature of any Person who shall have been a Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Controller, Secretary, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Controller or Assistant Secretary thereof, notwithstanding the fact that at the time the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered or disposed of such Person shall have ceased to be the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or a Vice President, an Assistant Treasurer, an Assistant Controller or an Assistant Secretary of the Company. The Securities may contain such notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication by the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent.

A Security shall not be valid until authenticated manually by an authorized signatory of the Trustee or by an Authenticating Agent. Such signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the Securityholder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent for authentication, together with a written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, signed by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Controller, Secretary or any one of its Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Controllers or Assistant Secretaries and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent in accordance with such written order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.

In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the form and terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if (i) the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, protections, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee; (ii) the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines in good faith that such action may not be taken lawfully; or (iii) the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines in good faith that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to the Securityholders of any then Outstanding series of Securities or that the terms of such Securities established pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, would adversely affect it.

Section 2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

(a) Securities of any series may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for other Securities of such series of authorized denominations, and for a like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided in this Section. In respect of any Securities so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange therefor the Security or Securities of the same series that the Securityholder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.

(b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or agency designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, or such other location designated by the Company a register or registers (herein referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall register the Securities and the transfers of Securities as in this Article provided and which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars for the purpose of registering Securities and transfer of Securities as herein provided (the “Security Registrar”). The Company initially appoints the Trustee as the Security Registrar.

Upon surrender for the registration of transfer of any Security at the office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose, the Company shall execute, the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Security or Securities of the same series as the Security presented for a like aggregate principal amount.

All Securities presented or surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, as provided in this Section, shall be accompanied (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or the Security Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by such holder’s duly authorized attorney in writing.

(c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities, or issue of new Securities in case of partial redemption of any series, but the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.06, Section 3.04(b) and Section 9.04 not involving any transfer.

(d) The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, exchange or register the transfer of any Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the transmittal of a notice of redemption of less than all the Outstanding Securities of the same series and ending at the close of business on the day of such transmittal or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of any series or portions thereof called for redemption. The provisions of this Section 2.05 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to Section 2.11.

Section 2.06 Temporary Securities.

and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined by the Company. Every temporary Security of any series shall be executed by the Company and be authenticated by the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Securities of such series. Without unnecessary delay the Company will execute and will furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon any or all temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to the Securityholders), at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for such temporary Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of such series, unless the Company advises the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent to the effect that definitive Securities need not be executed and furnished until further notice from the Company. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of such series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series authenticated and delivered hereunder.

Section 2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.

In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company (subject to the next succeeding sentence) shall execute, and upon the Company’s request, the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent (subject as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Security so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Security shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company and the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of the applicant’s Security and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee or an Authenticating Agent may authenticate any such substituted Security and deliver the same upon the written request or authorization of any officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. In case any Security that has matured or is about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as they may require to save them harmless, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof.

Every replacement Security issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Company whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, or be enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of the same series duly issued hereunder. All Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.

Section 2.08 Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of transfer shall, if surrendered to the Company or any Paying Agent, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall, upon receipt of a written order by the Company, be canceled by it, and no Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. On timely written request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the Trustee shall deliver to the Company canceled Securities held by the Trustee. In the absence of such written request the Trustee may dispose of canceled Securities in accordance with its standard procedures and deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.09 Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the holders of Securities, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all such covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the holders of Securities.

Section 2.10 Authenticating Agent.

entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All references in this Indenture to the authentication of Securities by the Trustee shall be deemed to include authentication by an Authenticating Agent for such series. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall be a corporation that has a combined capital and surplus, as most recently reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction under which it is organized or in which it is doing business to conduct a trust business, and that is otherwise authorized under such laws to conduct such business and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities. If at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with these provisions, it shall resign immediately.

Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time (and upon request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon resignation, termination or cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent, the Trustee may appoint an eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested with all the rights, protections, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.

Section 2.11 Global Securities.

(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 2.01 that the Securities of a particular series are to be issued as a Global Security, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall, in accordance with Section 2.04, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.”

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.05, the Global Security of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.05, only to another nominee of the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.

(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of the Securities notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, and a successor Depositary for such series is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be, this Section 2.11 shall no longer be applicable to the Securities of such series and the Company will execute, and subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent will authenticate (or cause to authenticate) and deliver the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, the Company may at any time, in its sole discretion and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determine that the Securities of any series shall no longer be represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such event the Company will execute and subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an Officers’ Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate (or cause to authenticate) and deliver the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee. Such Securities in definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Security Registrar shall deliver such Securities to the Depositary for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

Section 2.12 CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc.

The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers, ISINs and “Common Code” numbers (if then generally in use), and if so, the Trustee may use the CUSIP numbers, ISINs and “Common Code” numbers in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to holders of Securities; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers printed in the notice or on the Securities; that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities; and that any redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Security Registrar in writing of any change in CUSIP numbers.

ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS

Section 3.01 Redemption.

The Company may redeem the Securities of any series issued hereunder on and after the dates and in accordance with this Article III and the terms established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01.

Section 3.02 Tax Redemption.

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or the official interpretation thereof that is announced or becomes effective on or after the date a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction becomes a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (other than any such change or amendment that is announced before such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction becomes a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction), the Company becomes or, based upon an Opinion of Counsel by independent counsel selected by the Company, will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as described in Section 4.02 with respect to the Securities of any series, then the Company may at any time at its option redeem, in whole, but not in part, the Securities of such series Outstanding on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the applicable series of Securities to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.

(a) In case the Company shall desire to exercise such right to redeem all or, as the case may be, a portion of the Securities of any series in accordance with the right reserved so to do, the Company shall, or shall cause the Trustee to (in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense), give notice of such redemption to holders of the Securities of such series to be redeemed by transmitting a notice of such redemption not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption of that series to such holders at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the Security Register unless a shorter period is specified in the Securities to be redeemed; provided, however, that any notice of redemption may be sent more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if such notice is issued in connection with a defeasance pursuant to Article XIII or a satisfaction and discharge pursuant to Article XI. Any notice that is transmitted in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to give such notice to the holder of any Security of any series designated for redemption in whole or in part, or any defect in the notice, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Securities of such series or any other series. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture or pursuant to an election of the Company that is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee and the Paying Agent with an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with any such restriction or condition.

Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption and the Redemption Price (or the formula by which the Redemption Price will be determined) at which Securities of that series are to be redeemed, and shall state that payment of the Redemption Price of such Securities to be redeemed will be made at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest accrued to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that from and after said date interest will cease to accrue and that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case. If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the notice to the holders of Securities of that series to be redeemed in whole or in part shall specify the particular Securities to be so redeemed. In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice that relates to such Security shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed, and shall state that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.

(b) If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Company shall give the Trustee and the Paying Agent at least 35 days’ (or such shorter period as the Trustee and the Paying Agent may agree) notice in advance of the date fixed for redemption as to the aggregate principal amount of Securities of the series to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee shall select, pro rata, by lot or in such other manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair in its discretion and otherwise in accordance with the customary procedures of the Depositary that may provide for the selection of a portion or portions (equal to $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of the principal amount of such Securities of a denomination larger than $2,000 to be redeemed and shall thereafter promptly notify the Company in writing of the numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part, except as specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of any series.

The Company may, if and whenever it shall so elect, instruct the Trustee or any Paying Agent to call all or any part of the Securities of a particular series for redemption and to give notice of redemption in the manner set forth in this Section, such notice to be in the name of the Company. In any case in which notice of redemption is to be given by the Trustee or any such Paying Agent, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to, or permit to remain with, the Trustee or such Paying Agent, as the case may be, such Security Register, transfer books or other records, or suitable copies or extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or such Paying Agent to give any notice that may be required under the provisions of this Section.

If the Company elects to redeem the Securities pursuant to this Section 3.03, the Company shall give the Trustee and the Paying Agent at least 35 days’ (or such shorter period as the Trustee and the Paying Agent may agree) notice in advance of the date fixed for redemption an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the provision or provisions of this Indenture or the Securities pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, the Redemption Date, the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed and the Redemption Price (or the formula by which the Redemption Price will be determined).

Section 3.04 Payment upon Redemption.

(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities of the series to be redeemed specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable Redemption Price, together with interest accrued to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption, and interest on such Securities or portions of Securities shall cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for redemption, unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Redemption Price and accrued interest with respect to any such Security or portion thereof. On presentation and surrender of such Securities on or after the date fixed for redemption at the place of payment specified in the notice, such Securities shall be paid and redeemed at the applicable Redemption Price for such series, together with interest accrued thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption (but if the date fixed for redemption is an interest payment date, the interest installment payable on such date shall be payable to the registered holder at the close of business on the applicable record date pursuant to Section 2.03).

(b) Upon presentation of any Security of such series that is to be redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate, in accordance with the procedures set forth herein, and the office or agency where the Security is presented shall deliver to the Securityholder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security of the same series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.

Section 3.05 Sinking Fund.

The provisions of Sections 3.05, 3.06 and 3.07 shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of such series.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.06. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.

Section 3.06 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

The Company (i) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any Securities previously called for redemption) and (ii) may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by the terms of such series; provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee and the Security Registrar at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

Section 3.07 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 30 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of the series, the portion thereof, if any, that is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 3.06 and the basis for such credit and will, together with such Officers’ Certificate, deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 15 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.03 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 3.03. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.04.

ARTICLE IV

CERTAIN COVENANTS

Section 4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities on or prior to the dates and in the manner provided in such Securities or pursuant to this Indenture. An installment of principal, premium, if any, or interest shall be considered paid on the applicable due date if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds, in accordance with this Indenture, money sufficient to pay all of such installment then due.

Section 4.02 Additional Amounts.

The Company shall, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the Securities such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net payment by the Company or the Paying Agent of the principal of and interest on each of the Securities after withholding or deduction solely with respect to any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge (collectively, “Taxes”) imposed by or on behalf of any jurisdiction other than the United States in which the Company or any successor in accordance with the provisions of Article X hereof is incorporated, organized or otherwise tax resident or any political subdivision or any authority thereof or therein having power to tax (each, a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”), will not be less than the amount provided in the applicable Securities to be then due and payable (“Additional Amounts”); provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay Additional Amounts shall not apply to:

(a) any Taxes which would not have been so imposed, withheld or deducted but for:

(1) the existence of any present or former connection between such Securityholder or beneficial owner (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder or other equity owner of, or a person having a power over, such Securityholder or beneficial owner, if such Securityholder or beneficial owner is an estate, a trust, a limited liability company, a partnership, a corporation or other entity) and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Securityholder or beneficial owner (or such fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or other equity owner or person having such a power) being or having been a citizen or resident or treated as a resident of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or being or having been engaged in a trade or business in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or being or having been present in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or having or having had a permanent establishment in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction; or

(2) the failure of such Securityholder or beneficial owner to comply with any applicable certification, information, documentation or other reporting requirement concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of such Securityholder or beneficial owner or otherwise to establish entitlement to a partial or complete exemption from such Taxes (including, without limitation, any documentation requirement under an applicable income tax treaty);

(b) any Taxes which would not have been so imposed, withheld or deducted but for the presentation by the Securityholder or beneficial owner of such Security for payment on a date more than 10 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment of the Security is duly provided for and notice is given to Securityholders, whichever occurs later, except to the extent that the Securityholder or beneficial owner would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts on presenting such Security on any date during such 10-day period;

(d) any Taxes which are payable otherwise than by withholding from any payment of principal of or interest on such Security;

(e) any Taxes which are payable by a Securityholder that is not the beneficial owner of the Security, or a portion of the Security, or that is a fiduciary, partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or member of such partnership, limited liability company or similar entity would not have been entitled to the payment of an Additional Amount had such beneficial owner, settlor, beneficiary or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

(f) any Taxes required to be withheld by any Paying Agent from any payment of principal or interest on any Security, if such payment can be made without such withholding by any other Paying Agent;

(g) any Taxes that would not have been imposed, withheld or deducted but for a change in any law, treaty, regulation, or administrative or judicial interpretation that becomes effective after the applicable payment becomes due or is duly provided for, whichever occurs later, to the extent such change in law, treaty, regulation or administrative interpretation would apply retroactively to such payment;

(h) any Taxes imposed, withheld or deducted under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (or any amended or successor provisions that are substantively comparable) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof (“FATCA”), any agreement (including any intergovernmental agreement) entered into in connection therewith, or any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an intergovernmental agreement in respect of FATCA; or

(i) any combination of items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h).

For purposes of this Section, the acquisition, ownership, enforcement or holding of or the receipt of any payment with respect to a Security will not constitute a connection (1) between the Securityholder or beneficial owner and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or (2) between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder or other equity owner of, or a person having a power over, such holder or beneficial owner if such holder or beneficial owner is an estate, a trust, a limited liability company, a partnership, a corporation or other entity and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.

Any reference in this Indenture or in the Securities to principal or interest shall be deemed to refer also to Additional Amounts which may be payable under the provisions of this Section 4.02.

Except as specifically provided in the Securities, the Company shall not be required to make any payment with respect to any tax, duty, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

If the Company becomes aware that it will be obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to any payment under or with respect to the Securities, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee on a date that is at least 30 days prior to the date of such payment (unless the obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises after the 30th day prior to such payment date, in which case the Company shall notify the Trustee promptly thereafter) an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that Additional Amounts will be payable and the amount estimated to be so payable.

Section 4.03 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

So long as any series of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Company agrees to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, with respect to each such series at such other location or locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 4.03, where (i) Securities of that series may be presented for payment, (ii) Securities of that series may be presented as hereinabove authorized for registration of transfer and exchange, and (iii) notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be given or served, such designation to continue with respect to such office or agency until the Company shall, by written notice signed by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Controller, Secretary or any one of its Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Controllers or Assistant Secretaries and delivered to the Trustee, designate some other office or agency for such purposes or any of them. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations and notices and demands; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to appoint the Trustee as an agent of the Company for the service of legal process.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

Section 4.04 Paying Agents.

(a) If the Company shall appoint one or more Paying Agents for all or any series of the Securities, other than the Trustee or the initial Paying Agent, the Company will cause each such Paying Agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section:

(1) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any or interest on the Securities of that series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Company or by any other obligor of such Securities) in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto;

(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company (or by any other obligor of such Securities) to make any payment of the principal of and premium, if any or interest on the Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable;

(3) that it will, at any time during the continuance of any failure referred to in the preceding paragraph (a)(2) above, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent; and

(4) that it will perform all other duties of Paying Agent as set forth in this Indenture.

The Company initially appoints U.S. Bank National Association as Paying Agent.

Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or prior to each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal, and premium, if any, or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of this action or failure so to act.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, (i) the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, and (ii) the Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

(d) Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01 and subject to applicable law, any money or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company at its option at the request of the Company, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

(e) Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Securities.

Section 4.05 Statement by Officers as to Default.

The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate, to the effect that to the best knowledge of the signers thereof (on behalf of the Company) the Company is or is not in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture and the Securities (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.

The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are Outstanding, deliver to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, within 10 Business Days upon any officer of the Company becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default.

Section 4.06 Existence.

Subject to Article X, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and its rights and franchises; provided that nothing in this Section 4.06 shall prevent the abandonment or termination of any right or franchise of the Company if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, such abandonment or termination is in the best interests of the Company and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Securityholders.

Section 4.07 Limitation on Liens on Stock of Brighthouse Insurance.

Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01, and for so long as any Securities are Outstanding, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company shall at any time directly or indirectly create, assume, incur, guarantee or permit to exist any Indebtedness secured by a mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, or other encumbrance (any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance being hereinafter in this Section referred to as a “lien”) on the capital stock of Brighthouse Insurance, of any successor to substantially all of the business of Brighthouse Insurance that is also a Subsidiary of the Company, or of any Person (other than the Company) having direct or indirect control of Brighthouse Insurance, without making effective provision whereby the Securities then Outstanding (and, if the Company so elects, any other Indebtedness of the Company that is not subordinate to the Securities and with respect to which the governing instruments require, or pursuant to which the Company is otherwise obligated or required, to provide such security) shall be equally and ratably secured with such secured Indebtedness so long as such other Indebtedness shall be secured. For purposes of this Section 4.07 only, “Indebtedness,” in addition to those items specified in Section 1.01 hereof, shall include any obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, any Person for the payment of amounts due under a swap agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency hedge exchange or similar instrument or agreement.

If the Company shall hereafter be required to secure the Securities equally and ratably with any other Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 4.07, (i) the Company will promptly deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that the foregoing covenant has been complied with, and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that in the opinion of such counsel the foregoing covenant has been complied with and that any instruments executed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in the performance of the foregoing covenant comply with the requirements of the foregoing covenant and (ii) the Trustee is hereby authorized to enter into an indenture or supplemental indenture hereto pursuant to Article IX and to take such action, if any, as it may deem advisable to enable it to enforce the rights of the Securityholders so secured.

Section 4.08 Limitations on Disposition of Stock of Brighthouse Insurance.

(a) Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01 and except in a transaction governed by Article X hereof, so long as Securities of any series are Outstanding, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company shall sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of capital stock (other than preferred stock having no voting rights of any kind) of Brighthouse Insurance, or of any successor to substantially all of the business of Brighthouse Insurance which is also a Subsidiary of the Company, or of any Person (other than the Company) having direct or indirect control of Brighthouse Insurance or any such successor.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 4.08(a), the Company may sell or otherwise dispose of shares of capital stock of Brighthouse Insurance (i) to any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, (ii) for at least fair value (as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in a Board Resolution acting in good faith) or (iii) to comply with an order of a court or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction, other than an order issued at the Company’s request or the request of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries.

Section 4.09 Waiver of Certain Covenants.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Sections 2.01(15) or 9.01(4) for the benefit of the holder of such series or in any of Sections 4.07 and 4.08 if before or after the time for such compliance the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by act of such holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE V

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE

Section 5.01 Company to Furnish Trustee with Names and Addresses of Securityholders.

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee and the Security Registrar (i) on a semi-annual basis not more than 10 days after each regular record date a list, in such form as the Trustee or the Security Registrar may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the holders of each series of Securities as of such regular record date; provided that the Company shall not be obligated to furnish or cause to furnish such list at any time that the list shall not differ in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee and the Security Registrar by the Company; and (ii) at such other times as the Trustee or the Security Registrar may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; provided, however, that, in either case, no such list need be furnished for any series for which the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.

Section 5.02 Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders.

(a) The Trustee and the Security Registrar shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Securityholders contained in the most recent list furnished to them as provided in Section 5.01 and as to the names and addresses of Securityholders received by the Trustee or the Security Registrar.

(b) The Trustee and the Security Registrar may destroy any list furnished to them as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

(c) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities.

(d) Every Securityholder, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company, the Trustee and the Security Registrar that neither the Company, nor the Trustee, nor the Security Registrar, nor any agent of any of them, shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Securityholders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 5.03 Reports by the Company.

(a) Unless the Company has filed the financial statements referred to in (1) and (2) below with the Commission in accordance with Section 5.03(b), the Company shall post on its public website and, within 15 days after the Company posts such financial statements or reports on its public website, make available to the Trustee and Securityholders, without cost to any Securityholder:

(1) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Company’s audited annual financial statements, together with the related report of the Company’s independent auditors thereon, prepared in accordance with the requirements that would be applicable to such audited annual financial statements if appearing in an Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company as a non-accelerated filer (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor or comparable form; and

(2) within 55 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, the Company’s unaudited interim financial statements, prepared in accordance with the requirements that would be applicable to such unaudited interim financial statements if appearing in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Company as a non-accelerated filer (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor or comparable form.

(b) For so long as the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall file with the Trustee and make available to holders of the Securities (without exhibits), without cost to any Securityholder, all documents that the Company files with, or furnishes to, the Commission under the Exchange Act, within 15 days after the Company files them with, or furnishes them to, the Commission. Any such documents that are publicly available through the EDGAR system of the Commission (or any successor system) shall be deemed to have been filed with the Trustee and made available to holders of Securities in accordance with the Company’s obligations under this Section 5.03. The Company shall comply with the provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

(c) Delivery of such reports, documents and information to the Trustee is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

Section 5.04 Reports by the Trustee.

(a) On or before July 15 in each year in which any of the Securities are Outstanding, the Trustee shall transmit to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register, a brief report dated as of the preceding May 15, if and to the extent required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

(b) The Trustee shall comply with Sections 313(b) and 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act.

(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Company, with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed (if so listed) and also with the Commission.

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT

Section 6.01 Events of Default.

(a) Whenever used herein with respect to Securities of a particular series, “Event of Default” means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is continuing, unless such event is specifically deleted or modified in accordance with Section 2.01:

(1) the Company defaults in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the Securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

(2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, on any of the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, because of acceleration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such Securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any; provided further that no Event of Default shall occur if the failure to make payment when due and payable results solely from nonpayment by reason of mistake, oversight or transfer difficulties and does not continue beyond three Business Days;

(3) the Company fails to observe or perform any other of its covenants or agreements with respect to that series contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to that series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof (other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Securities other than such series) for a period of 90 days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and to the effect that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder, shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee, by registered or certified United States mail, or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities of that series at the time Outstanding;

(4) an event of default, as defined in any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced, any Indebtedness for money borrowed of the Company (other than a default under this Indenture with respect to Securities of any series or a default with respect to any non-recourse Indebtedness), whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, shall happen and shall result in a principal amount in excess of $100,000,000 of Indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, and such acceleration shall not have been rescinded or annulled, or such Indebtedness shall not have been discharged, within a period of 15 days after there has been given, by registered or certified United States mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such event of default and requiring the Company to cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled or to cause such Indebtedness to be discharged and to the effect that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;

(5) the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of:

(i) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days;

(ii) a decree or order adjudging the Company to be insolvent, or approving a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of the Company and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

(iii) a final and non-appealable order appointing a Custodian of the Company or of any substantial part of the property of the Company, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of the Company;

(6) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law: (i) commences a voluntary case or proceeding; (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding; (iii) files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief or consents to such filing or to the appointment of or taking possession by a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, and such Custodian is not discharged within 60 days; (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (v) admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; or

(7) any other Event of Default provided for pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to Securities of that series.

(b) The Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a Default (of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice and which is continuing) with respect to the Securities of any series (without regard to any grace period or notice requirements), give to the Securityholders of the Securities of such series notice of such Default; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Securityholders of the Securities of such series.

(c) Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01, if an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(5) or 6.01(a)(6)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the Securityholders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by such Securityholders), may declare the principal of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(5) or 6.01(a)(6) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Securityholder, become immediately due and payable.

(d) At any time after the principal of the Securities of that series shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Securityholders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by written notice to the Company, the Trustee and the Paying Agent may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (i) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee or Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of that series and the principal of, and premium, if any, on any and all Securities of that series that shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent that such payment is enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue installments of interest, at the rate per annum or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) expressed in the Securities of that series (or at the respective rates of interest or Yields to Maturity of all the Securities, as the case may be) to the date of such payment or deposit) and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06, and (ii) any and all Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment of principal on Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series), that shall not have become due by their terms, shall have been remedied or waived as provided in Section 6.09.

No such rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

(e) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with respect to Securities of that series under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission or annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Company, and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, protections, remedies and powers of the Company and the Trustee shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.

Section 6.02 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

(a) The Company covenants that (1) in case it shall default in the payment of any installment of interest on any of the Securities of a series as and when the same shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 30 days, or (2) in case it shall default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any of the Securities of a series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Securities of a series or upon redemption or upon declaration or otherwise (and subject to Section 6.01(a)(2)), then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Securities of that series, the whole amount that then shall have been become due and payable on all such Securities for principal, and premium, if any, or interest, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal, and premium, if any, and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series; and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06.

(b) If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company or other obligor upon the Securities of that series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or other obligor upon the Securities of that series, wherever situated.

(c) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings affecting the Company, or its creditors or property, the Trustee shall have power to intervene in such proceedings and take any action therein that may be permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by law) be entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the holders of Securities of such series allowed for the entire amount due and payable by the Company under the Indenture at the date of institution of such proceedings and for any additional amount that may become due and payable by the Company after such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the deduction of the amount payable to the Trustee and Agents under Section 7.06; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the holders of Securities of such series to make such payments to the Trustee and Agents, and, in the event that the Trustee and Agents shall consent to the making of such payments directly to such Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee and Agents any amount due it under Section 7.06.

(d) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the terms established with respect to Securities of that series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of such Securities, or the production thereof at any trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for payment to the Trustee of any amounts due under Section 7.06, be for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Securities of such series.

In case of an Event of Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of that series or the rights of any holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.03 Application of Moneys Collected.

Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to a particular series of Securities shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal, or premium, if any, or interest, upon presentation of the Securities of that series, and notation thereon the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection and of all amounts payable to the Trustee and the Agents under Section 7.06;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Securities of such series for principal, and premium, if any, and interest, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal, and premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company, its successors or assigns or to whomever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

Section 6.04 Limitation on Suits.

written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as trustee hereunder; (iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such indemnity satisfactory to it as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby; (iv) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and (v) during such 60 day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of that series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

Section 6.05 Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Receive Principal and Interest.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Securityholder to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on such Security, as therein provided, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date), or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Securityholder.

Section 6.06 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07, all powers and remedies given by this Article VI to the Trustee or to the Securityholders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Securityholders, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to such Securities.

(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Securityholder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or on acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04 or Section 6.05, every power and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.

Section 6.07 Control by Securityholders.

Securityholders of any other series at the time Outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04. The Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Section 6.08 Undertaking to Pay Costs.

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of Securities by such holder’s acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or group of Securityholders, holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Security of such series, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security or established pursuant to this Indenture.

Section 6.09 Waiver of Past Defaults.

Subject to Section 6.01(d), the Securityholders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, determined in accordance with Section 8.04, may on behalf of the Securityholders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default:

(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article IX cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Securityholder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

ARTICLE VII

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.

(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series and after the curing of all Events of Default with respect to the Securities of that series that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform with respect to the Securities of such series such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (that has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(1) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to that series that may have occurred:

(a) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of such series be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to the Securities of such series except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(b) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may with respect to the Securities of such series conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture;

(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Securityholders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of that series; and

(4) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it.

Section 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee.

Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:

(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties and it need not investigate any fact or matter stated therein;

(b) any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument signed in the name of the Company, by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller or an Assistant Controller, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically prescribed herein);

(c) the Trustee may consult with counsel, investment bankers, accountants or other professionals and the written advice of such counsel, investment bankers, accountants or other professionals or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(d) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred therein or thereby;

(e) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security, or other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do by the Securityholders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the particular series affected thereby (determined as provided in Section 8.04); provided, however, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding. The expense of every such examination shall be paid by the Company or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon demand;

(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

(h) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts that are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances;

(i) the rights, privileges, protections, and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each Agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder;

(j) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default (and stating the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default) is received by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references this Indenture and the applicable series of Securities;

(k) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture;

(l) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action; and

(m) the permissive right of the Trustee to do things enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty.

Section 7.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities.

(a) The recitals contained herein and in the Securities shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same.

(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities.

(c) Neither the Trustee nor the Paying Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of any of the Securities or of the proceeds of such Securities, or for the use or application of any moneys paid over by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or established pursuant to Section 2.01, or for the use or application of any moneys received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee.

Section 7.04 May Hold Securities.

The Trustee or any Paying Agent or Security Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent or Security Registrar.

Section 7.05 Moneys Held in Trust.

Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may agree with the Company to pay thereon.

Section 7.06 Compensation and Reimbursement.

(a) The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee and the Agents, and the Trustee and the Agents shall be entitled to, such reasonable compensation (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), as the Company, and the Trustee or the Agents may from time to time agree in writing, for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby created and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties hereunder of the Trustee or the Agents, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company will pay or reimburse the Trustee and the Agents upon their request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee or the Agents in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of their counsel and of all Persons not regularly in their employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from their negligence or willful misconduct. The Company also covenants to indemnify the Trustee and the Agents (and their officers, agents, directors and employees) for, and to hold them harmless against, any and all claims, obligation, losses, liabilities, damages, injuries, penalties, stamp or other similar taxes, actions, suits, judgment, reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and agents’ fees and expenses) of whatever kind or nature, incurred without negligence or willful misconduct and regardless of their merit, demanded, asserted, or claimed against the Trustee (whether asserted by any Securityholder, the Company or otherwise) directly or indirectly related to, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against any claim of liability in the premises, reasonable attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses and court costs, enforcing this Indenture (including this Section 7.06) and of defending themselves against any claims except to the extent caused by the Trustee’s or Agents’ negligence or willful misconduct. The obligations of the Company under this Section 7.06(a) shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee or an Agent.

(b) The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and Agents and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and Agents for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder. Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee or Agents as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Securityholders of particular Securities.

(c) Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee or the Agents under applicable law, when the Trustee or the Agents incur expenses or render services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(5) or Section 6.01(a)(6) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws.

(d) This Section 7.06 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if the Company or such Affiliate acts as Agent.

Section 7.07 Reliance on Officers’ Certificate.

Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.

Section 7.08 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of more than one series, or by virtue of being Trustee under this Indenture and a trustee under the Indenture, dated as of June 22, 2017, among the Company, MetLife, Inc., as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

Section 7.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

examination by federal, state, territorial, or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 7.10.

Section 7.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company and by transmitting notice of resignation to the Securityholders of such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to Securities of such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by an authorized officer of the Company, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the transmitting of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may (at the expense of the Company) petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to Securities of such series, or any Securityholder of that series who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor trustee.

(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall occur:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 7.08 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months; or

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.09 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Securityholder; or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;

then, in any such case, (i) the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities and appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by an authorized officer of the Company, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or (ii) unless the Trustee’s duty to resign is stayed as provided herein, any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of that Securityholder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

(c) The Securityholders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee for such series with the consent of the Company.

(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of a series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 7.11.

(e) Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series.

Section 7.11 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor.

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all the rights, powers, and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates, (2) shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust, that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of any other Trustee hereunder; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates have no further responsibility for the exercise of rights and powers or for the performance of the duties and obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture, and each such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee, to the extent contemplated by such supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates.

(c) Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

(d) No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

(e) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section, the Company shall transmit notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. If the Company fails to transmit such notice within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be transmitted at the expense of the Company.

Section 7.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder; provided that such corporation shall be qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.09, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

Section 7.13 Preferential Collection of Claims against the Company.

The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.

ARTICLE VIII

CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS

Section 8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders.

Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of Securities of a majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of Securities of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of substantially similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of that series in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.

If the Company shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Company may, at its option fix in advance a record date for such series for the determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date, but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the record date; provided, however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Securityholders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities on the date such action is taken.

Section 8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders.

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.01, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:

(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.

(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.

Section 8.03 Who May be Deemed Owners.

Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Security Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name such Security shall be registered upon the books of the Company as the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon made by anyone other than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.03) interest on such Security and for all other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor the Paying Agent nor the Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

Section 8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded.

In determining whether the Securityholders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, the Securities of that series that are not Outstanding shall be disregarded for the purpose of any such determination. In case of a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee.

Section 8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders.

At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any holder of a Security of that series that is shown by the evidence to be included in the Securities the holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee, and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of such Security, and of any Security issued in exchange therefor, on registration of transfer thereof or in place thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Security. Any action taken by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the holders of all the Securities of that series.

ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 9.01 Supplemental Indentures without the Consent of Securityholders.

In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized by this Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect), without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency herein or in the Securities of any series;

(2) to comply with Article X;

(3) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;

(4) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, to the effect that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;

(5) to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of Securities, as herein set forth;

(6) to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder; provided that any change to the terms of the Indenture or to a series of Securities made solely to conform to the description of such series of Securities in an offering document, prospectus supplement or other similar offering document relating to the initial offering of such series of Securities shall be deemed to not materially adversely affect the rights of the Securityholders of such series;

(7) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the Securities of any series as provided in Section 2.01, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Securities, or to add to the rights of the Securityholders of any series of Securities;

(8) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Securityholders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, to the effect that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series);

(9) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form;

(10) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities; provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Securityholder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding;

(11) to secure the Securities;

(12) to qualify or maintain qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

(13) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee or a separate Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 7.11.

The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, protections, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.

Section 9.02 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Securityholders.

With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture or indentures at the time Outstanding, the Company and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner not covered by Section 9.01 the rights of the holders of the Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holders of each Security then Outstanding and affected thereby:

(1) extend the fixed maturity of any Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof;

(2) reduce the amount of principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01(c);

(3) change the obligation of the Company to maintain an office or agency and for the purposes specified in this Indenture;

(4) change the currency in which any Security or any premium or interest is payable;

(5) impair the right to enforce any payment on or with respect to any Security;

(6) adversely change the right to convert or exchange, including decreasing the conversion rate or increasing the conversion price of, such Security (if applicable);

(7) reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Securityholders is required for modification or amendment of this Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults; or

(8) modify any of the above provisions.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders of any series affected thereby under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.

Section 9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Article X, this Indenture shall, with respect to such series, be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of Securities of the series affected thereby shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.

Section 9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures.

Securities of any series, affected by a supplemental indenture, authenticated and delivered after the execution of such supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Article X, may bear a notation in form approved by the Company, provided such form meets the requirements of any exchange upon which such series may be listed, as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of that series so modified as to conform to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent and delivered in exchange for the Securities of that series then Outstanding.

Section 9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the request of the Company, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders required to consent thereto as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, protections, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may, in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, shall receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (in addition to the documents required under Section 14.07 hereunder) as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article is authorized or permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Article and that it is proper for the Trustee under the provisions of this Article to join in the execution thereof and, with respect to such Opinion of Counsel, that such supplemental indenture is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; provided, however, that such Opinion of Counsel need not be provided in connection with the execution of a supplemental indenture that establishes the terms of a series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.

Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Company shall transmit a notice, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Securityholders of all series affected thereby as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Any failure of the Company to transmit such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

ARTICLE X

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

Section 10.01 When the Company May Consolidate, Merge, Etc.

other than one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, (iii) no Person shall merge with or into or consolidate with the Company or (iv) except for any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, no Person shall sell, assign, transfer, lease or convey all or substantially all of its properties and assets to the Company, in each case, unless:

(a) the Company is the surviving Person; or the Person formed by or surviving such merger or consolidation or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance shall have been made (the “Successor”), if other than the Company, is organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, the District of Columbia, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands or any country or state that is a member of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and shall expressly assume by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Securities and this Indenture;

(b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(c) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that such supplemental indenture, if applicable, and such merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease or other disposition complies with this Indenture.

The Successor will be the successor to the Company, and will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture and become the obligor on the Securities with the same effect as if the Successor had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter the predecessor Company shall be relieved of all of its obligations and covenants under this Indenture, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the predecessor Company will not be released from its obligations to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities.

ARTICLE XI

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

Obligations have theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company (and thereupon repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.05); or (b) all such Securities of a particular series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and the Company shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in moneys or Governmental Obligations sufficient, without reinvestment, or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal, and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder with respect to such series by the Company then this Indenture shall thereupon cease to be of further effect with respect to such series except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 4.01, 4.03, 4.04 and 7.10, that shall survive until the date of maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be, and Sections 7.06 and 11.05, that shall survive to such date and thereafter, and the Trustee, on demand of the Company and, after delivery of an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent thereto have been complied with (and at the cost and expense of the Company), shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series.

Section 11.02 Discharge of Obligations.

If at any time all such Securities of a particular series not heretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or that have not become due and payable as described in Section 11.01 shall have been paid by the Company by depositing irrevocably with the Trustee as trust funds money in U.S. dollars sufficient or an amount of non-callable Governmental Obligations, the principal of and interest on which when due, will be sufficient, without reinvestment, or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at maturity or upon redemption all such Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal, and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to such series, then after the date such moneys or Governmental Obligations, as the case may be, are deposited with the Trustee, the obligations of the Company under this Indenture with respect to such series shall cease to be of further effect except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 4.01, 4.03, 4.04, 7.06, 7.10 and 11.05 hereof that shall survive until such Securities shall mature and be paid. Thereafter, Sections 7.06 and 11.05 shall survive.

Section 11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust.

All moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 11.01 or 11.02 shall be held in trust and shall be available for payment as due, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent), to the Securityholders of the particular series of Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys or Governmental Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee.

Section 11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents.

In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, all moneys or Governmental Obligations then held by any Paying Agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of the Company, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations.

Section 11.05 Repayment to Company.

Any moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with any Paying Agent or the Trustee, or then held by the Company, in trust for payment of principal of or premium or interest on the Securities of a particular series that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the Securityholders of such Securities for at least two years after the date upon which the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on such Securities shall have respectively become due and payable, shall be repaid to the Company on May 31 of each year or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and thereupon the Paying Agent and the Trustee shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations, and the Securityholder of any of the Securities entitled to receive such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for the payment thereof.

ARTICLE XII

IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 12.01 No Recourse.

present or future as such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any such predecessor or successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors as such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, or any of them, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability of every name and nature, either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims against, every such incorporator, stockholder, officer or director as such, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issuance of such Securities.

ARTICLE XIII

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 13.01 Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 2.01 as being defeasible pursuant to such Sections 13.02 or 13.03, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 2.01 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for such Securities.

Section 13.02 Defeasance and Discharge.

terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Securityholders to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 13.04 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 4.01, 4.03 and 4.04, (3) the rights, protections, powers, trusts, duties, indemnities and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 13.03 applied to such Securities.

Section 13.03 Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under Article X, Sections 4.07 and 4.08, and any covenants provided pursuant to Sections 2.01(15) or 9.01(4) for the benefit of the holders of such Securities and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Section 6.01(a)(3) (with respect to any of Article X, Sections 4.07 and 4.08, and any such covenants provided pursuant to Sections 2.01(15) or 9.01(4)) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Covenant Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to the extent so specified in the case of Section 6.01(a)(3)), whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or by reason of any reference in any such Section to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.

Section 13.04 Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to the application of Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:

amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, without reinvestment, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities.

(2) In the event of an election to have Section 13.02 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.

(3) In the event of an election to have Section 13.03 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.

(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that it has been informed by the relevant securities exchange(s) that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.

(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 6.01(a)(5) and 6.01(a)(6), at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).

(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any indenture or other agreement or instrument for borrowed money, pursuant to which in excess of $100,000,000 principal amount is then outstanding, to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

(7) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

Section 13.05 Deposited Money and Governmental Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to the provisions of Section 4.04(d), all money and Governmental Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 13.06, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 13.04 in respect of any Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any such Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the holders of such Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal and any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee and Paying Agent against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Governmental Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 13.04 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the holders of Outstanding Securities.

Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon request of the Company any money or Governmental Obligations held by it as provided in Section 13.04 with respect to any Securities which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.

Section 13.06 Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Sections 13.02 or 13.03 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 13.05 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.

ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 14.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns.

All the covenants and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on behalf of the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

Section 14.02 Actions by Successor.

Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the Company shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the corresponding board, committee or officer of any corporation that shall at the time be the successor of the Company.

Section 14.03 Notices.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any notice or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the holders of Securities to or on the Company may be given or served by being deposited first class postage prepaid in a post-office letterbox addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Trustee), as follows: Brighthouse Financial, Inc., Gragg Building, 11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277, Attention: Treasurer, with copies of any notice of an Event of Default to the attention of the General Counsel at the same address. Any notice, election, request or demand by the Company or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee. Any notice, election, request or demand by the Company or any Securityholder to or upon the Paying Agent or Security Registrar shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at U.S. Bank National Association, 214 N. Tryon St., 27^th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services – Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

The Trustee shall have the right to accept (and shall confirm its acceptance to the Company by return e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods) and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent in the form of a manually signed document by unsecured e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods; provided, however, that the Company shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing designated persons with the authority to provide such instructions and containing specimen signatures of such designated persons, which incumbency certificate shall be amended whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Company elects to give the Trustee e-mail or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding that such instructions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Trustee, including, without limitation, the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to holders of Securities of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each such holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, within the time prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to holders of Securities, is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other holders of Securities. Any notice mailed to a holder of Securities in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such holder, whether or not such holder actually receives such notice.

If by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice as provided above, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder. If it is impossible or, in the opinion of the Trustee, impracticable to give any notice by publication in the manner herein required, then such publication in lieu thereof as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Security, where this Indenture or any Security provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption) to a holder of a Global Security (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given when delivered to the Depositary for such Security (or its designee) pursuant to the customary procedures of such Depositary.

Section 14.04 Governing Law.

THIS INDENTURE AND EACH SECURITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 14.05 Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, THE SECURITY REGISTRAR, THE PAYING AGENT AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 14.06 Submission to Jurisdiction.

The Company hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any New York State court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York or any federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture and the Securities, and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.

Section 14.07 Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

(a) Upon any application or demand by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company, shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

(b) Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant in this Indenture shall include (1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Section 14.08 Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel.

Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company to the effect that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company.

Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Company or of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to accounting matters, upon a certificate or opinion of or representations by an accountant or firm of accountants in the employ of the Company.

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

Section 14.09 Payments on Business Days.

Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and as set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture, in any case where the date of maturity of interest on or principal of any Security or the date of redemption of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or principal, and premium, if any, may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the nominal date of maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such nominal date.

Section 14.10 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.

Section 14.11 Counterparts.

This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 14.12 Separability.

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Indenture or of such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.

Section 14.13 Assignment.

The Company will have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under this Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company with the prior written consent of the parties hereto; provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company will remain liable for all such obligations. Subject to the foregoing, this Indenture shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties thereto and their respective successors and assigns and may not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.

Section 14.14 Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.


BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.

By:
		Name:
		Title:

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as Trustee

By:
		Name:
		Title:

[Signature Page to Senior Indenture]

EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL, INC.,

as Issuer

AND

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

SUBORDINATED INDENTURE

DATED AS OF [•]

PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE OF

SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES IN SERIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE⁽¹⁾


TRUST INDENTURE ACT SECTION		SECTION OF INDENTURE
310(a)		7.09
310(b)		7.08
311(a)		7.13
311(b)		7.13
312(a)		5.01; 5.02(a)
312(b)		5.02(c)
312(c)		5.02(d)
313(a)		5.04(a)
313(b)		5.04(b)
313(c)		5.04(b)
313(d)		5.04(c)
314(a)		5.03; 4.05; 15.07
314(b)		Inapplicable
314(c)		15.07
314(d)		Inapplicable
314(e)		15.07(b)
315(a)		7.01
315(b)		6.01(b)
315(c)		7.01(a); 7.02(d)
315(d)		7.01(b)
315(e)		6.08
316(a)		6.07; 6.09
316(b)		6.05
316(c)		8.01
317(a)		6.02
317(b)		4.04
318(a)		15.10

(1)	This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		PAGE
ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01	Definitions of Terms		1

ARTICLE II

DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,
REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES

Section 2.01	Designation and Terms of Securities		9
Section 2.02	Form of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate		12
Section 2.03	Denominations; Provisions for Payment		12
Section 2.04	Execution and Authentication		14
Section 2.05	Registration of Transfer and Exchange		15
Section 2.06	Temporary Securities		16
Section 2.07	Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities		17
Section 2.08	Cancellation		18
Section 2.09	Benefits of Indenture		18
Section 2.10	Authenticating Agent		19
Section 2.11	Global Securities		19
Section 2.12	CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc.		20

ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS

Section 3.01	Redemption		21
Section 3.02	Tax Redemption		21
Section 3.03	Notice of Redemption		21
Section 3.04	Payment upon Redemption		23
Section 3.05	Sinking Fund		23
Section 3.06	Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities		24
Section 3.07	Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund		24



ARTICLE IV

CERTAIN COVENANTS

Section 4.01	Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest	24
Section 4.02	Additional Amounts	25
Section 4.03	Maintenance of Office or Agency	27
Section 4.04	Paying Agents	28
Section 4.05	Statement by Officers as to Default	29
Section 4.06	Existence	30
Section 4.07	Waiver of Certain Covenants	30

ARTICLE V

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE

Section 5.01	Company to Furnish Trustee with Names and Addresses of Securityholders	30
Section 5.02	Preservation of Information; Communications with Securityholders	31
Section 5.03	Reports by the Company	31
Section 5.04	Reports by the Trustee	32

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT

Section 6.01	Events of Default	33
Section 6.02	Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee	36
Section 6.03	Application of Moneys Collected	38
Section 6.04	Limitation on Suits	38
Section 6.05	Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Receive Principal and Interest	39
Section 6.06	Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver	39
Section 6.07	Control by Securityholders	39
Section 6.08	Undertaking to Pay Costs	40
Section 6.09	Waiver of Past Defaults	40



ARTICLE VII

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

Section 7.01	Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee	41
Section 7.02	Certain Rights of Trustee	42
Section 7.03	Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities	44
Section 7.04	May Hold Securities	44
Section 7.05	Moneys Held in Trust	45
Section 7.06	Compensation and Reimbursement	45
Section 7.07	Reliance on Officers’ Certificate	46
Section 7.08	Disqualification; Conflicting Interests	46
Section 7.09	Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility	46
Section 7.10	Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor	47
Section 7.11	Acceptance of Appointment By Successor	48
Section 7.12	Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business	50
Section 7.13	Preferential Collection of Claims against the Company	50

ARTICLE VIII

CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS

Section 8.01	Evidence of Action by Securityholders	50
Section 8.02	Proof of Execution by Securityholders	51
Section 8.03	Who May be Deemed Owners	51
Section 8.04	Certain Securities Owned by Company Disregarded	52
Section 8.05	Actions Binding on Future Securityholders	52

ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 9.01	Supplemental Indentures without the Consent of Securityholders	52
Section 9.02	Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Securityholders	54
Section 9.03	Effect of Supplemental Indentures	55
Section 9.04	Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures	56
Section 9.05	Execution of Supplemental Indentures	56

ARTICLE X

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

Section 10.01	When the Company May Consolidate, Merge, Etc.	57

iii



ARTICLE XI

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01	Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture	58
Section 11.02	Discharge of Obligations	58
Section 11.03	Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust	59
Section 11.04	Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents	59
Section 11.05	Repayment to Company	59

ARTICLE XII

IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 12.01	No Recourse	60

ARTICLE XIII

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 13.01	Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance	60
Section 13.02	Defeasance and Discharge	61
Section 13.03	Covenant Defeasance	61
Section 13.04	Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance	62
Section 13.05	Deposited Money and Governmental Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions	63
Section 13.06	Reinstatement	64

ARTICLE XIV

SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

Section 14.01	Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness of the Company	64
Section 14.02	No Payment When Senior Indebtedness of the Company in Default	65
Section 14.03	Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.	65
Section 14.04	Payment Permitted If No Default	67
Section 14.05	Subrogation to the Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company	68
Section 14.06	Trustee to Effectuate Subordination	68
Section 14.07	Notice by the Company	69


Section 14.08	Rights of the Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness; Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness	70
Section 14.09	Subordination May Not Be Impaired	70
Section 14.10	Article Applicable to Paying Agents	71

ARTICLE XV

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 15.01	Effect on Successors and Assigns	71
Section 15.02	Actions by Successor	71
Section 15.03	Notices	71
Section 15.04	Governing Law	73
Section 15.05	Waiver of Jury Trial	73
Section 15.06	Submission to Jurisdiction	73
Section 15.07	Compliance Certificates and Opinions	73
Section 15.08	Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee	74
Section 15.09	Payments on Business Days	75
Section 15.10	Conflict with Trust Indenture Act	75
Section 15.11	Counterparts	75
Section 15.12	Separability	75
Section 15.13	Assignment	75
Section 15.14	Headings and Table of Contents	76

SUBORDINATED INDENTURE, dated as of [•], between Brighthouse Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee.

WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of subordinated unsecured debt securities, debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness (hereinafter referred to as the “Securities”), in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or more series, as provided in this Indenture;

WHEREAS, to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized the execution of this Indenture; and

WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions of Terms.

“Additional Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

“Additional Provisions” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.01.

“Agent” means any Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent or Security Registrar, and each of their successors or assigns duly appointed herein.

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal, state or other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law for the relief of debtors.

“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of such Board.

“Brighthouse Insurance” means Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, an insurance operating company domiciled in the State of Delaware, or any of its successors.

“Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

“Default” means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

“Defeasance” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.02.

“Event of Default” means, with respect to Securities of a particular series any event specified in Section 6.01, continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“FATCA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(h).

specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Governmental Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

“herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and other words of similar import, refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

“Indebtedness” of any Person means the principal of and premium, if any, and interest due on indebtedness of such Person, whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, which is (a) indebtedness for money borrowed and (b) any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such indebtedness. For the purposes of this definition, “indebtedness for money borrowed” means (i) any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, such Person for the repayment of borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, (ii) any obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar written instruments, including obligations assumed or incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses (provided, however, that the deferred purchase price of any other business or property or assets shall not be considered Indebtedness if the purchase price thereof is payable in full within 90 days from the date on which such indebtedness was created) and (iii) any obligations of such Person as lessee under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles and leases of property or assets made as part of any sale and lease-back transaction to which such Person is a party.

“Interest Payment Date,” when used with respect to any Security of any series, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on a Security of such series.

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller or an Assistant Controller, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company that is delivered to the Trustee and any Agent (as applicable) in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 15.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing of legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 15.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.