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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash inflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives" xlink:label="loc_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73" xlink:to="lab_bhf_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_FCDA86947F8078140F249CF2621DDA73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash Paid In Connection With Freestanding Derivatives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow provided by derivative instruments during the period, which are classified as investing activities, including both hedging and non-hedging instruments.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC" xlink:to="lab_bhf_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_E6523B42E0F7133527E89CF2621E0EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Receipts on loans to MetLife, Inc.</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Collection of Advance to Affiliate</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate_D3FDBC41787E63181CF29CF2621E6AFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_8EDC40B43F56D2ABA29B9CF2621E49A4_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_8EDC40B43F56D2ABA29B9CF2621E49A4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in policy loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_8EDC40B43F56D2ABA29B9CF2621E49A4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_8EDC40B43F56D2ABA29B9CF2621E49A4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for (Proceeds from) Policy Loans</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_8EDC40B43F56D2ABA29B9CF2621E49A4" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_B2DF02D41AD0A0D37CEF9CF2621E6B09_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_B2DF02D41AD0A0D37CEF9CF2621E6B09" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in short-term investments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_B2DF02D41AD0A0D37CEF9CF2621E6B09_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_B2DF02D41AD0A0D37CEF9CF2621E6B09" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_B2DF02D41AD0A0D37CEF9CF2621E6B09" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in other invested assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Change In Other Invested Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities including derivative instruments, leveraged leases and other invested assets.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A" xlink:to="lab_bhf_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0A120029BB38330615C29CF2621E5D8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_92BC5F85B5BF856493119CF2621EB1AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3723BAAA7C610114D1B09CF2621E6897_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3723BAAA7C610114D1B09CF2621E6897" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3723BAAA7C610114D1B09CF2621E6897_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3723BAAA7C610114D1B09CF2621E6897" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3723BAAA7C610114D1B09CF2621E6897" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash flows from financing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_5CA9BFDECC8E6CD10BFF9CF2621E131A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Policyholder account balances: Deposits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Annuities and Investment Certificates</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_C4218F1841002B2889B39CF2621E1A15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Annuities and Investment Certificates</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_1D26AAEF05F0B8364B319CF2621FC448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_E1D8B910B9A2C32A71169CF2621F66C2" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_57C05AA0B17E19906AF09CF2621FE3A8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_57C05AA0B17E19906AF09CF2621FE3A8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term debt issued</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_57C05AA0B17E19906AF09CF2621FE3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_DC1770EB6076D8528E84E28399D6756D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_752C267D9E9550EFAC3283D4000D55C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_752C267D9E9550EFAC3283D4000D55C2" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_50D7852D88839E012188E28399D63646_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_A7E21D8909CB5B4380B19DF57F933CBF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_50D7852D88839E012188E28399D63646_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_A7E21D8909CB5B4380B19DF57F933CBF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock_A7E21D8909CB5B4380B19DF57F933CBF" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_24B9DC7CAAEBF4368DFDE28399D729BF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_A3969159AD87565A956DA5BD4732C3F2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_24B9DC7CAAEBF4368DFDE28399D729BF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_A3969159AD87565A956DA5BD4732C3F2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_A3969159AD87565A956DA5BD4732C3F2" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_9AC10307EF020D59E230E28399D7C45A_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_2C44324A3461567B903FF6AB308E501C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Option</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_9AC10307EF020D59E230E28399D7C45A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_2C44324A3461567B903FF6AB308E501C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_9A3AC6663C516947FF14E28399D7A2A3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_BD854DC3EB8F504FAE25642CEBBEBC80" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_9A3AC6663C516947FF14E28399D7A2A3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_BD854DC3EB8F504FAE25642CEBBEBC80" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_BD854DC3EB8F504FAE25642CEBBEBC80" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_9F3ACD3D780A74381732C24CC3B68927_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_87844644C22458B1807CF817F1CB47C8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAbstract_87844644C22458B1807CF817F1CB47C8" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_204C56408F4338EC55B4C24CC3B60F82_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_44B9608357735E6F80A81D9A6097AC9A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_204C56408F4338EC55B4C24CC3B60F82_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_44B9608357735E6F80A81D9A6097AC9A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_44B9608357735E6F80A81D9A6097AC9A" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_7200D271C83A57BFA909C24CC3B6AEFA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_CBD80A96016A56ECB29AD742049576B2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_7200D271C83A57BFA909C24CC3B6AEFA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_CBD80A96016A56ECB29AD742049576B2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_7200D271C83A57BFA909C24CC3B6AEFA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_CBD80A96016A56ECB29AD742049576B2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Axis.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_CBD80A96016A56ECB29AD742049576B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_CBD80A96016A56ECB29AD742049576B2" xlink:to="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_CBD80A96016A56ECB29AD742049576B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_4523DB4A27E15870BF51C24CC3B6DDBC_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_DC2D0B1BF1A0577881204A2EE736A312" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio by Range [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_4523DB4A27E15870BF51C24CC3B6DDBC_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_DC2D0B1BF1A0577881204A2EE736A312" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio By Range Domain.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_DC2D0B1BF1A0577881204A2EE736A312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_DC2D0B1BF1A0577881204A2EE736A312" xlink:to="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_DC2D0B1BF1A0577881204A2EE736A312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_E693CBBEF764956B3C87C24CC3B6B2B2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_B7A61ABF1C4A5E409B1933E4825AFD53" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Greater than 1.20x</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_E693CBBEF764956B3C87C24CC3B6B2B2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_B7A61ABF1C4A5E409B1933E4825AFD53" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range One [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_E693CBBEF764956B3C87C24CC3B6B2B2_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_B7A61ABF1C4A5E409B1933E4825AFD53" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of more than 1.20x.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_B7A61ABF1C4A5E409B1933E4825AFD53" xlink:to="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_B7A61ABF1C4A5E409B1933E4825AFD53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_8A0FBFCC6B1BC86C58AFC24CC3B6FA8C_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_9B6C54CACD475B44BB7820DA4F9152A2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">1.00x - 1.20x</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_8A0FBFCC6B1BC86C58AFC24CC3B6FA8C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_9B6C54CACD475B44BB7820DA4F9152A2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_8A0FBFCC6B1BC86C58AFC24CC3B6FA8C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_9B6C54CACD475B44BB7820DA4F9152A2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of 1.00x - 1.20x.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_9B6C54CACD475B44BB7820DA4F9152A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_9B6C54CACD475B44BB7820DA4F9152A2" xlink:to="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_9B6C54CACD475B44BB7820DA4F9152A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_8D9DEDF803791BA5B76EC24CC3B7FCB4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_CBAC56CBE9075B9FB94BDF625C90D071" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Less than 1.00x</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_8D9DEDF803791BA5B76EC24CC3B7FCB4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_CBAC56CBE9075B9FB94BDF625C90D071" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Service Coverage Ratio Range Three [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_8D9DEDF803791BA5B76EC24CC3B7FCB4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_CBAC56CBE9075B9FB94BDF625C90D071" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.00x.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_CBAC56CBE9075B9FB94BDF625C90D071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_CBAC56CBE9075B9FB94BDF625C90D071" xlink:to="lab_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_CBAC56CBE9075B9FB94BDF625C90D071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_245A2FCF687034CB790AC24CC3B76D67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_1A3A59BFB3775FCF85E0FBC26443C028" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_245A2FCF687034CB790AC24CC3B76D67_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_1A3A59BFB3775FCF85E0FBC26443C028" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_1A3A59BFB3775FCF85E0FBC26443C028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_1A3A59BFB3775FCF85E0FBC26443C028" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_1A3A59BFB3775FCF85E0FBC26443C028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_889E6A98C0EE97BC6A17C24CC3B77800_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_387E694CB0255A448CDC2958603DC605" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_889E6A98C0EE97BC6A17C24CC3B77800_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_387E694CB0255A448CDC2958603DC605" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Internal Credit Assessment [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_387E694CB0255A448CDC2958603DC605" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_387E694CB0255A448CDC2958603DC605" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_387E694CB0255A448CDC2958603DC605" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_EF2C9A802C715B32DA6CC24CC3B7C2E1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_D933784B184952158CD408389A9D1D6F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Less than 65%</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_EF2C9A802C715B32DA6CC24CC3B7C2E1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_D933784B184952158CD408389A9D1D6F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range One [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_EF2C9A802C715B32DA6CC24CC3B7C2E1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_D933784B184952158CD408389A9D1D6F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of less than 65%.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_D933784B184952158CD408389A9D1D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_D933784B184952158CD408389A9D1D6F" xlink:to="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_D933784B184952158CD408389A9D1D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_452ED8366CF0B6A80597C24CC3B77907_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_0137230F8EB95D3CB1D1FE54D1FFFEAA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">65% to 75%</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_452ED8366CF0B6A80597C24CC3B77907_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_0137230F8EB95D3CB1D1FE54D1FFFEAA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_452ED8366CF0B6A80597C24CC3B77907_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_0137230F8EB95D3CB1D1FE54D1FFFEAA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 65% to 75%.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_0137230F8EB95D3CB1D1FE54D1FFFEAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_0137230F8EB95D3CB1D1FE54D1FFFEAA" xlink:to="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_0137230F8EB95D3CB1D1FE54D1FFFEAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_2A93214C43230846574FC24CC3B729AD_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_50DDBE614F735FF39CEA9F8E67508CB1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">76% to 80%</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_2A93214C43230846574FC24CC3B729AD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_50DDBE614F735FF39CEA9F8E67508CB1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Three [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_2A93214C43230846574FC24CC3B729AD_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_50DDBE614F735FF39CEA9F8E67508CB1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of 76% to 80%.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_50DDBE614F735FF39CEA9F8E67508CB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_50DDBE614F735FF39CEA9F8E67508CB1" xlink:to="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_50DDBE614F735FF39CEA9F8E67508CB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_E915C00FCF640A60D7D7C24CC3B7AF62_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_08B1A219E4CD52B19DE4256ABBF9CD47" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Greater than 80%</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_E915C00FCF640A60D7D7C24CC3B7AF62_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_08B1A219E4CD52B19DE4256ABBF9CD47" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans By Credit Quality Indicator Range Four [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_E915C00FCF640A60D7D7C24CC3B7AF62_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_08B1A219E4CD52B19DE4256ABBF9CD47" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_08B1A219E4CD52B19DE4256ABBF9CD47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_08B1A219E4CD52B19DE4256ABBF9CD47" xlink:to="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_08B1A219E4CD52B19DE4256ABBF9CD47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_F960D78AE2D0BB33AB4FC24CC3B77F70_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_C32A836C852E5F30A55C99A57E16D3E5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_F960D78AE2D0BB33AB4FC24CC3B77F70_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_C32A836C852E5F30A55C99A57E16D3E5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_C32A836C852E5F30A55C99A57E16D3E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_C32A836C852E5F30A55C99A57E16D3E5" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_C32A836C852E5F30A55C99A57E16D3E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_F72BC861B86B0B5D138AC24CC3B7FEFD_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_3E0EA297237C5C01975EF5F868CC7141" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial mortgage loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_F72BC861B86B0B5D138AC24CC3B7FEFD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_3E0EA297237C5C01975EF5F868CC7141" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_3E0EA297237C5C01975EF5F868CC7141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_3E0EA297237C5C01975EF5F868CC7141" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_3E0EA297237C5C01975EF5F868CC7141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_882746460EEAC848A914C24CC3B78331_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_E998B6626DEE52EEADAF8623F8F77E55" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">% of Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_882746460EEAC848A914C24CC3B78331_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_E998B6626DEE52EEADAF8623F8F77E55" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans Receivable Commercial Mortgage Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_882746460EEAC848A914C24CC3B78331_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_E998B6626DEE52EEADAF8623F8F77E55" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reflects the percentage of the gross carrying amount of unpaid loans issued to businesses to provide financing on existing land or a building, which, pursuant to terms of the underlying debt instrument, are secured at a minimum but possibly exclusively by that real property to the total for all commercial mortgage loans. Mortgages represent permanent financing, and are issued to replace previously existing mortgages or pay off acquisition, development and construction loans, or to provide cash to the borrower.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_E998B6626DEE52EEADAF8623F8F77E55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_E998B6626DEE52EEADAF8623F8F77E55" xlink:to="lab_bhf_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_E998B6626DEE52EEADAF8623F8F77E55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_A8CC710E827CC016BF36C24CC3B7C5D3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_7E78F92C23FD5460821B6794A3E0B633" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_A8CC710E827CC016BF36C24CC3B7C5D3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_7E78F92C23FD5460821B6794A3E0B633" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_A8CC710E827CC016BF36C24CC3B7C5D3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_7E78F92C23FD5460821B6794A3E0B633" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This represents the total estimated fair value for commercial mortgage loans by credit quality indicator by class of receivable.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage" xlink:label="loc_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_7E78F92C23FD5460821B6794A3E0B633" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_7E78F92C23FD5460821B6794A3E0B633" xlink:to="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_7E78F92C23FD5460821B6794A3E0B633" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_E33D04B311926DE3CE46C24CC3B72543_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_0C0A14A3A43B5EE68AF8CA73E1AC1A82" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">% of Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_E33D04B311926DE3CE46C24CC3B72543_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_0C0A14A3A43B5EE68AF8CA73E1AC1A82" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated Fair Value Commercial Mortgage Percentage</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_E33D04B311926DE3CE46C24CC3B72543_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_0C0A14A3A43B5EE68AF8CA73E1AC1A82" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This represents the total estimated fair value amount for mortgage loans by credit quality indicator to the total for all mortgage loans.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_0C0A14A3A43B5EE68AF8CA73E1AC1A82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_0C0A14A3A43B5EE68AF8CA73E1AC1A82" xlink:to="lab_bhf_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_0C0A14A3A43B5EE68AF8CA73E1AC1A82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_DFD3B83BD326D97730BFE283999A893D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_46641AA2F6095002825BFA7A08E77527" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_46641AA2F6095002825BFA7A08E77527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_46641AA2F6095002825BFA7A08E77527" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_46641AA2F6095002825BFA7A08E77527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_88977C745B6C92C61E70E283999AABF0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_0376F888CF545755891D6522E66CDC50" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Measurement Frequency [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_0376F888CF545755891D6522E66CDC50" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0B8775896165BCB5E71593CE61DE00E7_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0B8775896165BCB5E71593CE61DE00E7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Related Party Transaction [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0B8775896165BCB5E71593CE61DE00E7" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All Services and Transactions Except Broker Dealer Activities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All services and transactions except Broker Dealer activities.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393" xlink:to="lab_bhf_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_B823F7A553F2BED1B3C293CE61DEB393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Broker Dealer Activities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Broker Dealer Activities [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Broker Dealer Activities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F" xlink:to="lab_bhf_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_7457BFF720DD55D12C6393CE61DF475F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DFD200E6BFB7709AD99A93CE61DFA82B_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DFD200E6BFB7709AD99A93CE61DFA82B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Axis]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DFD200E6BFB7709AD99A93CE61DFA82B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7B1A16AD24F87C72B0A093CE61E05EC4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7B1A16AD24F87C72B0A093CE61E05EC4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_7B1A16AD24F87C72B0A093CE61E05EC4" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2558D14C6064B0CE727593CE61E0D30E_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2558D14C6064B0CE727593CE61E0D30E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assumed</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2558D14C6064B0CE727593CE61E0D30E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2558D14C6064B0CE727593CE61E0D30E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assumed Reinsurance [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2558D14C6064B0CE727593CE61E0D30E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2558D14C6064B0CE727593CE61E0D30E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">All or part of a ceding company's insurance or reinsurance on a risk or exposure that is accepted.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Ceded</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Ceded Reinsurance [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amounts passed on to another insurer (the reinsurer) that are all or part of the financial interests of insurance policies written by an insurer (the ceding insurer) or assumed by an insurer/reinsurer with the object of reducing the cedent's possible liability by sharing with the reinsurer the insurance liability, premiums, and losses from the reinsured business.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_CededReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_CededReinsuranceMember_F980BE5ECAC0114BF41C93CE61E00C75" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_1E4E079894040131E8FF93CE61E65246_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_1E4E079894040131E8FF93CE61E65246" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_1E4E079894040131E8FF93CE61E65246_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_1E4E079894040131E8FF93CE61E65246" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_1E4E079894040131E8FF93CE61E65246" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Assets_D96B476D664445A87B2893CE61E7DA86_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Assets_D96B476D664445A87B2893CE61E7DA86" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_D96B476D664445A87B2893CE61E7DA86" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities_F463C4ED0FE2462EBECD93CE61E7B288_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities_F463C4ED0FE2462EBECD93CE61E7B288" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities_F463C4ED0FE2462EBECD93CE61E7B288_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Liabilities_F463C4ED0FE2462EBECD93CE61E7B288" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_F463C4ED0FE2462EBECD93CE61E7B288" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_527E786EC29A0743CFF693CE61E7A1BA_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_527E786EC29A0743CFF693CE61E7A1BA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_527E786EC29A0743CFF693CE61E7A1BA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_527E786EC29A0743CFF693CE61E7A1BA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Assets [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_527E786EC29A0743CFF693CE61E7A1BA" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_A0DC4219C4208DED594F93CE61E7FF92_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_A0DC4219C4208DED594F93CE61E7FF92" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_A0DC4219C4208DED594F93CE61E7FF92" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_025203AF2BF33101DBB293CE61E7DA66_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_025203AF2BF33101DBB293CE61E7DA66" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_025203AF2BF33101DBB293CE61E7DA66" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reinsurance Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all reinsurance assets.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_ReinsuranceAssets" xlink:label="loc_bhf_ReinsuranceAssets_AA515AE39AC09D4A1A3393CE61E7C501" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_8A01CCC72B0BF9E3E28093CE61E8C559_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_8A01CCC72B0BF9E3E28093CE61E8C559" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_8A01CCC72B0BF9E3E28093CE61E8C559_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_8A01CCC72B0BF9E3E28093CE61E8C559" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liabilities [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_AAB3576808C0B466976893CE61E86703_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_AAB3576808C0B466976893CE61E86703" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Future policy benefits</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_AAB3576808C0B466976893CE61E86703" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_95DA1FCF1A630E381C32796A405616E7_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_95DA1FCF1A630E381C32796A405616E7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Short-term Investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_ADDAC2AA59E8C5FF61A2796A4057EFA5_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_ADDAC2AA59E8C5FF61A2796A4057EFA5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Investments</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_75477FB89463AB84D417796A405777C3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_75477FB89463AB84D417796A405777C3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_0D028810EB7B99D967A9796A4057A973_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_0D028810EB7B99D967A9796A4057A973" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_683A409B6852AAFC5EFB796A4058BCE9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_683A409B6852AAFC5EFB796A4058BCE9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_24F5AB16B27B48DE66E0790F9FC22E21_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_24F5AB16B27B48DE66E0790F9FC22E21" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleTable_CB05135FFFC7247CB656C24CC37BCD8C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleTable_C816B8D0FBCF5E5BBEB13AEEC029D379" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_9F6D61054192CE0716C5C24CC37BDE50_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_0AC09589370056A4BF01286D367C9A8E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Invested Assets Transferred To and From Affiliates</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_55F2B1808993FC9E6FF9C24CC37BE76F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_20BCF27C96705B268F629675BB806EA3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_20BCF27C96705B268F629675BB806EA3" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds_53CF496A92FD495289E6C24CC37B8FAD_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds_84FD68E826EC5929A4AAC9C8EB753F66" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds_53CF496A92FD495289E6C24CC37B8FAD_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds_84FD68E826EC5929A4AAC9C8EB753F66" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the amortized cost of assets received on transfer of financial assets in a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or a similar transfer which transaction is recognized as a sale of the transferred financial assets.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleGainLossOnSale_44D0E7C19962F696958DC24CC37B1B66_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleGainLossOnSale_4F7226EF7B725CDAA15B6B4F95056C7E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers_3CB8FCF82B43EDBE95A9C24CC37B1CC4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers_2483415E1341591E904D50E77C9DEFD1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change Additional Paid In Capital Recognized On Transfers</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers_3CB8FCF82B43EDBE95A9C24CC37B1CC4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers_2483415E1341591E904D50E77C9DEFD1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reflect the change of additional paid in capital on equity type investments such as real estate and real estate joint ventures.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AssetsTransferredFromAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_E4B5BF8ABB93DC864957C24CC37B1B0B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AssetsTransferredFromAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_13D1BFBB442D5A14BAC16F5B517F33A8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B8CAE798E405C58E1A299D3A1A1291BC_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B8CAE798E405C58E1A299D3A1A1291BC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lapse Rates Duration Range</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B8CAE798E405C58E1A299D3A1A1291BC" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_LapseRatesDurationRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LapseRatesDurationRangeThreeMember_C6407E0A78A4A20A77499D3A1A12AA33" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotesMatrixPricing_2ECC97992D2143E16AE19D3A1A1221CF_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotesMatrixPricing_2ECC97992D2143E16AE19D3A1A1221CF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Matrix Pricing - Price at which a dealer is willing to buy an instrument, used as an input to measure fair value.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_FairValueInputsQuotedPrices_9709BA1F25448C43F91A9D3A1A128045_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_FairValueInputsQuotedPrices_9709BA1F25448C43F91A9D3A1A128045" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Quoted prices</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate_C2030CA47B81E54C07889D3A1A12D874_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate_C2030CA47B81E54C07889D3A1A12D874" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The rate of return obtained by  simultaneously selling a bond futures or forward contract, and then buying an actual bond of equal amount in the cash market using borrowed money. The bond is held until it is delivered into the futures or forward contract and the loan is repaid.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate_C2030CA47B81E54C07889D3A1A12D874" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk_9DD7289B09C391CAA32D9D3A1A1253FF_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk_9DD7289B09C391CAA32D9D3A1A1253FF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Credit spreads</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk_9DD7289B09C391CAA32D9D3A1A1253FF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk_9DD7289B09C391CAA32D9D3A1A1253FF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_C319F0D3DA4C643F2BC89D3A1A124AFB_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_C319F0D3DA4C643F2BC89D3A1A124AFB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Volatility</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_10F2360C7C3345E3E2E791BA7C55945F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_10F2360C7C3345E3E2E791BA7C55945F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Accrued investment income relating to variable interest entities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F7D638FE3D958D728B3291BA7C55020E_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F7D638FE3D958D728B3291BA7C55020E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F7D638FE3D958D728B3291BA7C55020E" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A64698E592B846E58CC291BA7C566EB0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A64698E592B846E58CC291BA7C566EB0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A64698E592B846E58CC291BA7C566EB0" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F1CC36D699996C13C97491BA7C56CDBF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F1CC36D699996C13C97491BA7C56CDBF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Shares Authorized</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember_874820246BBBBEA45218C24CC3A0D11D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember_1F115246981B5160A825720F59D7449C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities Financing Transaction, Cost [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember_1F115246981B5160A825720F59D7449C" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned_B9FEC43546585091BF3B5244E6105018" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_EB197BCC9ECE540A8CB9C36E148E694D" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_F4BDAE052FA728FD907AC24CC3A0EBE0_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_6390A095601F5DB1861F9ACBF6E59622" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Security collateral on deposit from counterparties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_F4BDAE052FA728FD907AC24CC3A0EBE0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_6390A095601F5DB1861F9ACBF6E59622" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Securities Received as Collateral</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_6390A095601F5DB1861F9ACBF6E59622" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_6390A095601F5DB1861F9ACBF6E59622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue_811B13D2D5D0D58685DEC24CC3A0C052_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue_F2688337D71C5BA5B8C9B315C98D0FA5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reinvestment portfolio &#8212; estimated fair value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_11901E0D4ED33F04A470D2ED5EEA0C5E_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_136F39F69D135FCA9DF8CEB3876AEB07" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Foreign corporate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRelatedToOtherInvestments_03BDB3CE820DBC10CB2FC38BD6946960_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRelatedToOtherInvestments_08BE23662926575899326B614D6EAF7E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSubtotalOfInvestmentGainsLossesComponents_BE22F69F087DC1EF420BC38BD694A8D4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSubtotalOfInvestmentGainsLossesComponents_00A8D8F015425FC89622716A29C2FE76" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Subtotal</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSubtotalOfInvestmentGainsLossesComponents_BE22F69F087DC1EF420BC38BD694A8D4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossSubtotalOfInvestmentGainsLossesComponents_00A8D8F015425FC89622716A29C2FE76" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This item presents the subtotal of net unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives and other investments.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromInsuranceLiabilityLossRecognition_01F0A22E7ADF46997548C38BD6946AB3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromInsuranceLiabilityLossRecognition_67C7B93A9CD952B19FE649502F778C74" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Future policy benefits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromInsuranceLiabilityLossRecognition_01F0A22E7ADF46997548C38BD6946AB3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromInsuranceLiabilityLossRecognition_67C7B93A9CD952B19FE649502F778C74" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Allocated From Insurance Liability Loss Recognition</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromDacAndVobaOnWhichNonCreditOttiLossesHaveBeenRecognized_6EF077944EC65C518295C38BD6944E73_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromDacAndVobaOnWhichNonCreditOttiLossesHaveBeenRecognized_A4DE2450DD4A5E63B83933EC2EA6B29C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromDacAndVobaOnWhichNonCreditOttiLossesHaveBeenRecognized_6EF077944EC65C518295C38BD6944E73_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_NetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAllocatedFromDacAndVobaOnWhichNonCreditOttiLossesHaveBeenRecognized_A4DE2450DD4A5E63B83933EC2EA6B29C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This item presents net unrealized investment gains (losses) allocated from DAC and VOBA on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherLimitedPartnerships_3C02BAF40E6558BE16F073823412D0E0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherLimitedPartnerships_3C02BAF40E6558BE16F073823412D0E0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other limited partnership interests</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses_04A669F44F6C7109994073823413A742_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses_04A669F44F6C7109994073823413A742" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Subtotal</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses_04A669F44F6C7109994073823413A742_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses_04A669F44F6C7109994073823413A742" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This item represents the subtotal of gains (losses)on the investment portfolio.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_2A050AB2DBEC0F7CD025738234131D6C_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_2A050AB2DBEC0F7CD025738234131D6C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value:</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption_B6040C917266F0E3AB0B73823413718C_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption_B6040C917266F0E3AB0B73823413718C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial mortgage loans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption_B6040C917266F0E3AB0B73823413718C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption_B6040C917266F0E3AB0B73823413718C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The net gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value of commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities not required to be reported separately in the statement of income for which the Company has elected the fair value option.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnLongTermDebtOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesRelatedToMortgageLoansFairValueOption_4C903D2F85AE4F059DE573823413A02B_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_GainsLossesOnLongTermDebtOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesRelatedToMortgageLoansFairValueOption_4C903D2F85AE4F059DE573823413A02B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Long-term debt &#8212; related to commercial mortgage loans</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_SurplusNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhf_SurplusNotesMember_128F5D7CAA15F5AC7D2DA18AB83FD2DF" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage Of Loans And Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of Consumer Mortgage Loans and Leases Receivable to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3" xlink:to="lab_bhf_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_40EC57B9ACB3DE2F65ED9CF2619D86C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_9825046EC64E21F415539CF2619D053C_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_9825046EC64E21F415539CF2619D053C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Subtotal (1)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_9825046EC64E21F415539CF2619D053C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_9825046EC64E21F415539CF2619D053C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loans Held For Investment</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_9825046EC64E21F415539CF2619D053C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_9825046EC64E21F415539CF2619D053C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_326101296E9CCF47B0AA9CF2619DFD12" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_22C88E98AE8B883247E09CF2619D872D_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_22C88E98AE8B883247E09CF2619D872D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Valuation allowances</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_22C88E98AE8B883247E09CF2619D872D" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage Of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses on Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724" xlink:to="lab_bhf_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_18635F87139FE06CDBFD9CF2619D9724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Subtotal mortgage loans, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_8458A976C2474B3152789CF2619D8BED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage Of Mortgage Loans Held For Investment Net To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of Mortgage Loans Held-for-investment, net to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320" xlink:to="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_47BA59143368912408A69CF2619DA320" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities - fair value option</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage Of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held By Consolidated Securitization Entities Fair Value Option to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2D2E048E93133662A8129CF2619EB33A" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage Of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate To Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Commercial And Consumer Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Percentage of Mortgage Loans On Real Estate to total Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_917AEBB237461497C8AD9CF2619E7B19" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_5F8A59E1169C8657ED32C26CC32B2EF9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_400D2F2AD4A95F7F8C4A69A9CDB7FA16" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Variable Annuity Guarantees</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_C46F7745EAEE655D8F3A93C9F524A5D0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_C46F7745EAEE655D8F3A93C9F524A5D0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Component of Operating Income [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_OtherIncomeCeded_F3EEDF0D6B75D023831993C9F525986F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_OtherIncomeCeded_F3EEDF0D6B75D023831993C9F525986F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Income Ceded</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract_0B441E7499F818CBFC5293C9F525DEF6" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountAssumed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountAssumed_C8E90237C47C664033EA93C9F5252480" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_46EC59E3107AEF4728DA93C9F5258E06" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_bhf_AssumedInterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_51E22335558D896CA2BC93C9F525E09B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_bhf_AssumedInterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_51E22335558D896CA2BC93C9F525E09B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest credited to policyholder account balances that have been assumed from other insurers as a result of reinsurance agreements.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhf-20170930.xsd#bhf_AssumedInterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AssumedInterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_51E22335558D896CA2BC93C9F525E09B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_6F420B2232CEB187B67193C9F52617F9" xlink:type="locator" />
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