1933 Act File No. 333-~~XXXXXX~~______

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form S-1

Registration Statement

Under

The Securities Act of 1933

Nationwide Life Insurance Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

OHIO	6311	31-4156830
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215

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

Denise L. Skingle
Senior Vice President and Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone: (614) 249-7111

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

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: AsMay ~~soon~~1, ~~as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.~~2023

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.☒

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

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

☒

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

~~The~~Guaranteed ~~information~~Term ~~in this~~Options prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Nationwide may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

~~Nationwide~~(In ~~DefenderSM~~a ~~Annuity~~limited number of states, Guaranteed Term Options are referred to as Target Term Options)

Individual Single Purchase Payment Deferred Annuity Contract with Index-Linked Strategies

Issued by

NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

~~Prospectus~~The ~~Dated~~date ~~________________~~of this prospectus is May 1, 2023.

~~This prospectus~~Certain ~~describes~~state ~~the~~insurance laws applicable to these investment options may preclude, or be interpreted to preclude, Nationwide ~~DefenderSM~~Life ~~Annuity~~Insurance ~~Contract~~Company (~~the~~ "~~Contract~~Nationwide"), ~~including~~from ~~all~~providing ~~material~~a ~~rights~~contractual ~~and~~guarantee ~~obligations~~in ~~under~~conjunction with the ~~Contract~~Specified Interest Rate. ~~Please~~In ~~read this~~such ~~prospectus~~jurisdictions, ~~carefully~~the ~~and~~investment ~~keep~~options itare ~~for~~referred ~~future~~to ~~reference~~as "Target Term Options" as opposed to "Guaranteed Term Options." ~~Special~~Despite ~~terms~~this ~~used~~distinction ~~throughout~~in terminology, Nationwide will administer all obligations described in this prospectus, ~~are defined~~regardless ~~under~~of ~~"Defined~~the ~~Terms~~jurisdiction, in precisely the same manner. Thus, there will be no difference between the calculation, crediting, and administration of Specified Interest Rates in "Guaranteed Term Options" issued in states permitting a contractual guarantee, and the calculation, crediting, and administration of Specified Interest Rates in "Target Term Options" issued in states not permitting a contractual guarantee.

~~The~~This ~~Contract~~Prospectus ismust ~~issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company. The Contract is intended to~~ be aread ~~long-term~~along ~~investment~~with ~~vehicle~~the toappropriate ~~assist~~variable ~~investors~~contract inprospectus ~~saving for~~ and ~~living~~the inprospectuses describing ~~retirement. Nationwide has designed~~ the ~~Contract~~underlying tomutual ~~offer~~fund ~~features, pricing, and~~ investment options ~~that encourage long-term ownership~~. ~~The~~All ~~Contract offers as investment options a Fixed Strategy providing principal protection and a guaranteed fixed rate~~ of ~~interest,~~these ~~and~~prospectuses ~~Index~~should ~~Strategies~~be ~~each~~read ~~linking~~carefully ~~to the performance of a specific market index~~ and ~~including~~maintained afor ~~level~~future ~~of protection against loss~~reference.

~~Currently,~~This ~~each~~Prospectus ~~Index~~describes ~~Strategy~~investment isoptions ~~linked~~referred to ~~one~~as Guaranteed Term Options ("GTOs"), offered by Nationwide. The GTOs are available under certain variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies (collectively, "variable contracts") issued by Nationwide. Generally, the variable contracts offered by Nationwide provide an array of underlying mutual fund investment options to which the ~~following~~contract ~~indexes:~~ owner allocates his or her purchase payments. The GTOs are separate, guaranteed interest investment options available under variable contracts.

~~MSCI~~GTOs ~~EAFE~~will ~~Nasdaq-100~~produce ~~Index®~~a ~~Russell~~guaranteed ~~2000~~annual ~~Index®~~effective ~~S&P~~yield ~~400®~~at ~~Index~~the ~~S&P~~Specified ~~500®~~Interest ~~Index~~Rate so long as amounts invested are not withdrawn prior to the end of the guaranteed term. In the event of a withdraw from the GTO for any reason prior to the expiration of the Guaranteed Term, the amount withdrawn may be subject to a market value adjustment. Please refer to the variable contract prospectus for specific information regarding variable contract transactions that may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

AnVariable ~~investment~~contract inprospectuses contain animportant ~~Index~~disclosures ~~Strategy~~about ~~does~~the ~~not~~variable ~~represent~~contract anand ~~investment~~the inGTO, ~~the~~including ~~linked~~information ~~index~~regarding orvariable ~~any~~contract ~~securities~~charges orand ~~other~~deductions ~~assets~~that apply to the GTO, availability ~~included~~of inGTO terms, and the ~~linked~~applicability ~~index~~of the Market Value Adjustment. The prospectus for the variable contract must be read along with this prospectus.

~~Index Strategies may gain or lose value based on the performance of the linked index.~~ The ~~Index~~minimum ~~Strategies’~~amount ~~gains~~that ~~and losses~~may ~~also~~be ~~depend~~allocated ~~on the application of important factors referred~~ to ~~as "Crediting Factors" that make up the Index Strategy. Index-linked annuity contracts are complicated investments. Prospective purchasers should consult with~~ a ~~financial professional~~GTO ~~to determine whether this contract~~ is ~~appropriate~~$1,000 ~~based~~per ~~upon their financial situation and objectives~~allocation.

~~While~~Nationwide established the ~~Contract~~Nationwide ~~provides~~Multiple ~~some~~Maturity ~~protection~~Separate ~~against loss~~Account, ~~there~~pursuant isto aOhio ~~risk~~law, ofto ~~substantial~~aid ~~loss~~in ofreserving ~~your~~and accounting ~~principal~~for ~~investment~~GTO obligations. ~~The~~However, ~~risk~~all of ~~loss~~the ~~may~~general beassets ~~greater~~of inNationwide are available for the ~~case~~purpose of anmeeting ~~early~~the ~~withdrawal~~guarantees ~~due~~of tothe ~~any~~GTOs. ~~contingent~~Amounts ~~deferred~~allocated ~~sales~~to ~~charge~~the ~~and~~GTOs ~~market~~are ~~value~~generally ~~adjustment~~invested ~~that~~in ~~may~~fixed ~~apply~~income toinvestments ~~the~~purchased ~~withdrawal~~by Nationwide. AVariable ~~prospective~~contract ~~purchaser~~owners ~~should~~allocating ~~not~~amounts ~~buy~~to ~~the~~a ~~Contract~~GTO ifhave ~~they~~no ~~are~~claim ~~not~~against ~~willing~~any toassets ~~assume~~of ~~the~~Nationwide, ~~risks~~including ~~associated~~assets ~~with~~held in the ~~Contract.~~Nationwide ~~See~~Multiple ~~"Risk~~Maturity ~~Factors" beginning on page 13~~Separate Account.

~~Prospective~~GTOs ~~purchasers~~are ~~may~~subject ~~obtain an application~~ to ~~purchase~~certain ~~the~~risks ~~Contract through broker-dealers that have been appointed by Nationwide as insurance agents and that have selling agreements with Nationwide Investment Services Corporation~~ (~~"NISC"),~~see ~~the~~Risk ~~principal~~Factors ~~underwriter~~on ~~for~~page ~~the Contracts~~6). ~~NISC will use its best efforts to sell the Contracts, but is not required to sell any number or dollar amount of Contracts. Nationwide may stop offering the Contracts at any time.~~

~~This~~Neither ~~prospectus~~the ~~does~~Securities ~~not~~and ~~constitute~~Exchange anCommission ~~offering~~nor in any state securities commission has approved or ~~jurisdiction~~disapproved inof ~~which~~these securities or passed upon the ~~Contract~~accuracy ~~may~~or ~~not~~adequacy ~~lawfully~~of bethis ~~sold~~Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

~~All~~The ~~guarantees~~GTOs ~~under~~described ~~the Contract~~in ~~are~~this ~~subject~~Prospectus tomay ~~Nationwide’s~~not ~~creditworthiness~~be available in all state jurisdictions and, ~~claims-paying~~accordingly, ~~ability~~representations made in this Prospectus do not constitute an offering in such jurisdictions.

~~The Contract~~For isinformation ~~not~~on ahow ~~bank~~to ~~deposit,~~contact ~~is not FDIC insured~~Nationwide, ~~and~~see isNationwide ~~not~~Life ~~insured~~Insurance ~~or endorsed by any bank or government agency~~Company. ~~The Contract may not be available in every state.~~

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

For information on how to contact Nationwide, see Contacting the Service Center.

Table of Contents

Page DEFINED TERMS 1 SUMMARY 5 RISK FACTORS 13 RISK OF LOSS 13 LIQUIDITY RISK 13 INVESTMENT RISK 13 RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INDEXES 14 DAILY INDEX STRATEGY EARNINGS PERCENTAGE (DAILY ISE PERCENTAGE) RISK 15 LIMITATION ON GROWTH POTENTIAL RISK (CAP RATE AND PARTICIPATION RATE RISK) 15 REINVESTMENT RISK 15 PERFORMANCE LOCK RISK 15 INDEX SUBSTITUTION RISK 16 INVESTMENT RISK DURING THE RIGHT TO EXAMINE PERIOD 16 NATIONWIDE’S FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND CLAIMS PAYING ABILITY RISK 17 CYBER SECURITY RISK 17 BUSINESS CONTINUITY RISK 17 FEES AND DEDUCTIONS 18 PRODUCT FEE 18 CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC) 18 MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENTS (MVA) 19 WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF THE CDSC OR MVA 20 INCREASE IN REMAINING FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT AFTER A LONG-TERM CARE AND TERMINAL ILLNESS OR INJURY (CDSC AND MVA WAIVER) 20 PERFORMANCE LOCK FEE 21 PREMIUM TAXES 21 RETURN OF PREMIUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 22 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONTRACT 22 THE CONTRACT 22 STATE VARIATIONS 22 CONTESTABILITY 22 NON-PARTICIPATING 22 MONEY LAUNDERING 23 PAYMENTS TO MINORS 23 ASSIGNMENT 23 BENEFICIALLY OWNED CONTRACTS 23 PURCHASING THE CONTRACT 24 PURCHASE PAYMENT 24 ALLOCATING THE PURCHASE PAYMENT 24 DATE OF ISSUE 24 RIGHT TO EXAMINE AND CANCEL 24 PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT AND RELATED PERSONS 25 CONTRACT OWNER 25 JOINT OWNER 25 ANNUITANT 25 CONTINGENT ANNUITANT 25 CO-ANNUITANT 25 JOINT ANNUITANT 26 BENEFICIARIES AND CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES 26 CHANGES TO PERSONS NAMED UNDER THE CONTRACT 26 FIXED STRATEGY 27 INDEX STRATEGIES 27 GENERAL 27 INDEX 27 STRATEGY TERM 28 BUFFER 28 PARTICIPATION RATE 28 INDEX STRATEGIES WITH CAP RATES 29

Table of Contents ~~(continued)~~

	Page
INDEX STRATEGIES WITH CAP+ RATES	30
CURRENT INDEX STRATEGIES	31
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION	32
DESCRIPTION OF INDEXES	32
UNAVAILABLE INDEX VALUES	33
INDEX SUBSTITUTION DURING A STRATEGY TERM	33
ACTIONS ON STRATEGY TERM END DATES	34
GENERAL	34
TRANSFERS BETWEEN STRATEGIES	34
PERFORMANCE LOCK	34
GENERAL	34
PERFORMANCE LOCKS EXERCISED WITHIN 45 DAYS OF A CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY	35
VALUING THE CONTRACT	35
CONTRACT VALUE AND STRATEGY VALUES	35
INDEX STRATEGY BASIS	36
SURRENDER VALUE	36
INDEX STRATEGY EARNINGS	36
TERM END INDEX STRATEGY EARNINGS PERCENTAGE (TERM END ISE PERCENTAGE)	36
DAILY INDEX STRATEGY EARNINGS PERCENTAGE (DAILY ISE PERCENTAGE)	37
WITHDRAWALS	37
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL TREATED AS A FULL SURRENDER	38
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS	38
DEATH BENEFIT AND SUCCESSION RIGHTS	38
DEATH PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION	38
DEATH AFTER ANNUITIZATION	39
PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT	39
CALCULATION OF THE DEATH BENEFIT	40
SPOUSAL PROTECTION FEATURE	41
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE	42
ANNUITIZING THE CONTRACT	43
ANNUITIZATION	43
ANNUITIZATION OF AMOUNTS GREATER THAN $5,000,000	44
CONTRACT TYPES AND FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS	45
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS	53
OTHER INFORMATION	56
APPENDIX A: ADDITIONAL INDEX DISCLOSURES	59
APPENDIX B: STATE VARIATIONS	63
APPENDIX C: MVA EXAMPLES	64
APPENDIX D: DAILY INDEX STRATEGY EARNINGS PERCENTAGE	66
Examples	67
APPENDIX E: NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS AND STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES	70

	Page
Glossary	1
Information about the GTOs	2
General	2
The Specified Interest Rate	3
The Investment Period	3
Guaranteed Terms	3
GTOs at Maturity	4
Withdrawals Prior to the Maturity Date	4
Variable Contract Charges	6
GTOs at Annuitization	6
Risk Factors	6
Withdrawals prior to the Maturity Date will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.	6
Suspension of allocations to or from the GTOs.	6
Guarantees subject to the claims paying ability of Nationwide.	6
Variable Annuity contract charges will reduce the credited guaranteed interest rate.	6
Business Continuity Risk.	6
Cyber Security Risk.	7
Nationwide Life Insurance Company	7
Investments	7
Contracts and the Distribution (Marketing) of the GTOs	7
Legal Opinion	8
Experts	8
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification	8
Legal Proceedings	8
Nationwide Life Insurance Company	8
Appendix A	A-1
APPENDIX B	B-1

Available Information

The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains the prospectus and other information.

~~DEFINED TERMS~~Glossary

~~Provided~~Guaranteed ~~below~~Term is– The period corresponding to a ~~list~~1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 year GTO. Amounts allocated to a GTO will be credited with a Specified Interest Rate over the corresponding Guaranteed Term, so long as such amounts are not withdrawn from the GTO prior to the Maturity Date. Because every Guaranteed Term will end on the final day of ~~special~~a ~~terms~~calendar ~~used~~quarter, ~~throughout~~the ~~this~~Guaranteed ~~prospectus~~Term may last for up to three months beyond the 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 year anniversary of the allocation to the GTO. ~~Certain~~Guaranteed ~~other~~Term ~~special~~Option ~~terms~~or GTO – An investment option offered under variable contracts that provides a Specified Interest Rate over Guaranteed Terms, so long as certain conditions are ~~defined~~met. In some jurisdictions the GTO is referred to as a Target Term Option or TTO. Market Value Adjustment – The upward or downward adjustment in ~~context~~ ~~where~~value ~~they~~of amounts allocated to a GTO that are withdrawn from the GTO for any reason prior to the Maturity Date. Maturity Date – The date on which a GTO matures. The date will be the last day of the calendar quarter during or within 30 days after the first, ~~appear~~third, fifth, seventh or tenth anniversary on which amounts are allocated to a 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 year GTO, respectively. Maturity Period – The period during which the value of amounts allocated under a GTO may be withdrawn without any Market Value Adjustment. The Maturity Period will begin on the day following the Maturity Date and will end on the 30th day after the Maturity Date. MVA Interest Rate – The rate of interest used in ~~this~~the ~~prospectus~~Market Value Adjustment formula. Depending on the variable contracts under which the GTO is offered, the interest rate will be the Constant Maturity Treasury ("CMT") rates, or interest rate swaps, for maturity durations of 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years, as published, on a regular basis, by a commercially reasonable and publicly available source based on treasury bond yields. Specified Interest Rate – The interest rate guaranteed to be credited to amounts allocated to a GTO as long as the allocations are not withdrawn prior to the Maturity Date. The Specified Interest Rate will not be less than the minimum required by applicable state law. Specified Value – The amount of a GTO allocation, plus interest accrued at the Specified Interest Rate, minus any other amounts withdrawn. The Specified Value is subject to a Market Value Adjustment at all times other than during the Maturity Period.

Annuitant - The person upon whose life any life-contingent annuity payments depend and the person whose death triggers payment of the Death Benefit. The Annuitant is also the person to whom annuity payments are made during Annuitization. Annuitization - The period during which annuity payments are received by the Annuitant. Annuitization Date - The date on which annuity payments begin. Annuity Commencement Date - The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to begin. Beneficiary - A person designated by the Contract Owner who may receive certain benefits under the Contract, including the Death Benefit. Buffer - the maximum percentage of loss that Nationwide will absorb when calculating the Term End ISE Percentage that may be applied for an Index Strategy on a Strategy Term End Date. Negative Index Performance beyond the Buffer results in a negative Term End ISE Percentage which will reduce the Index Strategy’s Strategy Value. Business Day - Each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. A Business Day ends at the same time that regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange closes (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Cap Rate – for Index Strategies with Cap Rates, the maximum positive Term End ISE Percentage that may be applied on an Index Strategy Term End Date. An Index Strategy’s Cap Rate is declared prior to each Strategy Term and may be different each Strategy Term. Cap+ Rate – for Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, the declared percentage of Index Performance that determines when a Participation Rate begins applying in the calculation of the Term End ISE Percentage. An Index Strategy’s Cap+ Rate is declared prior to each Strategy Term and may be different each Strategy Term. Charitable Remainder Trust - A trust meeting the requirements of Section 664 of the Code. Co-Annuitants – The persons designated by the Contract Owner to receive the benefit associated with the Spousal Protection Feature. If there is a Co-Annuitant, references to Co-Annuitants will apply to both the Annuitant and Co- Annuitant, and references to a Co-Annuitant will apply to either of them, unless the context requires otherwise. Code - The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Contingent Annuitant - The person who becomes the Annuitant if the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date. Contingent Beneficiary - The person or entity designated by the Contract Owner to receive any benefits accorded the Beneficiary if the Beneficiary is not living when the Annuitant dies. Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) - A charge that may be assessed if a partial withdrawal or full surrender is taken during the first six Contract Years. Contract - The Nationwide Defender Annuity Contract, the individual single purchase payment deferred annuity contract with index-linked strategies described in this prospectus. Contract Anniversary - Beginning with the Date of Issue, each recurring twelve month anniversary of the Date of Issue while the Contract remains in force. Contract Owner - The person who owns all rights under the Contract prior to the Annuitization Date, along with any Joint Owner. As the context requires, "you" refers to a potential or existing Contract Owner. Contract Value - The sum of the Fixed Strategy Value and Index Strategy Values for each of the Index Strategies. Contract Year - The twelve month period starting on the Date of Issue and each Contract Anniversary. Crediting Factors – For the Fixed Strategy, the Fixed Strategy Rate and Strategy Term. For Index Strategies with Cap Rates, the Index, Strategy Term, Buffer, Participation Rate, and Cap Rate. For Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, the Index, Strategy Term, Buffer, Participation Rate, and Cap+ Rate. See "Crediting Factors" for a description of each Crediting Factor.

~~Daily~~Information ~~Index~~about ~~Strategy Earnings Percentage (Daily ISE Percentage) – a percentage used to calculate Index Strategy Earnings on any day during a Strategy Term other than~~ the ~~Strategy~~GTOs Term End Date. The Daily ISE Percentage does not apply to the Fixed Strategy. Date of Issue - The date the Purchase Payment is applied to the Contract. Death Benefit - The benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant (or Co-Annuitant, if applicable) provided such death occurs before the Annuitization Date while the Contract is in force and there is no Contingent Annuitant. Fixed Strategy - An investment option under the Contract offering guaranteed interest rates funded by the General Account of Nationwide. Fixed Strategy Rate - The annualized interest rate credited daily to amounts allocated to the Fixed Strategy during a Strategy Term. Fixed Strategy Value - The value of the Fixed Strategy calculated at the end of each Business Day. The Fixed Strategy’s Strategy Value is equal to the amount allocated to the Fixed Strategy plus any interest credited. Free Withdrawal - Any portion of the Free Withdrawal Amount that is withdrawn from the Contract during the CDSC and MVA Period. Free Withdrawal Amount - While the CDSC and MVA are in effect, the amount that the Contract Owner can withdraw from the Contract each Contract Year without incurring a CDSC or an MVA. It is described in the "Waiver or Reduction of the CDSC or MVA" section. General Account - All assets of Nationwide other than those of the Separate Account or in other separate accounts of Nationwide. Home Office - Nationwide's main office located in Columbus, Ohio. Index - The third party market index associated with an Index Strategy. Index Performance - The change in an Index Value, expressed as a percentage, between the first day of a Strategy Term (or another date for a substitute Index) and a specific future day during that Strategy Term. The Index Performance may be positive, negative, or equal to zero. Index Value - On a Business Day, the closing value of the Index as provided to Nationwide by the Index provider. If for any reason, the closing value of an Index on a Business Day is not provided to Nationwide by the Index provider, the Index Value on that Business Day will be the most recent closing value provided to Nationwide by the Index provider on a previous Business Day. On a day other than a Business Day, the Index Value for an Index will be the closing value of the Index for the previous Business Day. Index Strategy - An investment option under the Contract that is linked to the performance of an index. Index Strategy Basis – a value used to calculate the Index Strategy Value and the Index Strategy Earnings. On the first day of a Strategy Term, the Index Strategy Basis equals the amount allocated to the Index Strategy. During a Strategy Term the Index Strategy Basis is adjusted for withdrawals (including applicable CDSC and MVA), applicable premium taxes, fees, transfers out due to a Performance Lock, and the application of any applicable Term End ISE Percentage. Index Strategy Earnings – the amount applied to the Index Strategy Basis to determine an Index Strategy’s Index Strategy Value. Index Strategy Earnings are represented as a dollar amount and can be positive, negative, or equal to zero. On the Strategy Term End Date, the Index Strategy Earnings are equal to the Term End ISE Percentage multiplied by the Index Strategy Basis. On any other day during a Strategy Term, Index Strategy Earnings are equal to the Daily ISE Percentage multiplied by the Index Strategy Basis. Index Strategy Value – the value of an Index Strategy calculated at the end of each Business Day. The Index Strategy Value is equal to the Index Strategy’s Index Strategy Basis plus Index Strategy Earnings (which may be positive, negative, or equal to zero). Individual Retirement Account - An account that qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408(a) of the Code but does not include Roth IRAs. Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA) - An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408(b) of the Code but does not include Roth IRAs or Simple IRAs.

General

GTOs are guaranteed interest rate investment options available under certain variable contracts issued by Nationwide. There are five different Guaranteed Terms: 1 year; 3 years; 5 years; 7 years; and 10 years. Not all Guaranteed Terms may be available in all states.

A GTO may be purchased using purchase payments made to the variable contracts or by using funds transferred from other investment options available in the variable contracts. The minimum allocation to a GTO is $1,000 per allocation. Not all of the variable contracts issued by Nationwide offer GTOs. If GTOs are available under a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, the prospectus for the variable contract and this prospectus must be read together.

The guarantees associated with the GTOs are the exclusive obligation of Nationwide. The Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account, authorized and created in accordance with Ohio law, was established for the sole purpose of reserving and accounting for assets associated with the GTOs. Its assets are owned by Nationwide. Contract owners with GTOs have no claim against, and maintain no interest in, the assets. Also, contract owners do not participate in the investment experience.

Amounts allocated to a GTO will be credited interest at the Specified Interest Rate for the duration of the Guaranteed Term at a rate no less than the minimum required by applicable state law. Specified Interest Rates are declared periodically at Nationwide's sole discretion and available for new allocations typically for one month. They may be available for longer or shorter periods depending on interest rate fluctuations in financial markets. During this time, any transfer allocation or new purchase payment allocation to a GTO will earn the Specified Interest Rate effective for that Investment Period for the duration of the Guaranteed Term. Guaranteed Terms may extend up to three months beyond the 1-, 3-, 5-, 7- or 10-year term since GTO terms will always end on the final day of a calendar quarter (see The Specified Interest Rate, The Investment Period, and Guaranteed Terms).

The Specified Interest Rate will be credited daily to amounts allocated to a GTO to provide an annual effective yield. The Specified Interest Rate will continue to be credited as long as allocations remain in the GTO until the Maturity Date. Any withdrawal prior to the Maturity Date will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

Nationwide applies the Market Value Adjustment by using the Market Value Adjustment factor, which is derived from the Market Value Adjustment formula. The Market Value Adjustment factor is multiplied by the part of the Specified Value being withdrawn, resulting in either an increase or decrease in the amount of the withdrawal. The Market Value Adjustment formula reflects the relationship between three components:

(1)

the MVA Interest Rate for the period coinciding with the Guaranteed Term of the GTO at investment;

(2)

the MVA Interest Rate for the number of years remaining in a Guaranteed Term when the withdrawal from the GTO occurs; and

(3)

the number of days remaining in the Guaranteed Term of the GTO.

Generally, the Market Value Adjustment formula approximates the relationship between prevailing interest rates at the time of the GTO allocation, prevailing interest rates at the time of the withdrawal, and the amount of time remaining in a Guaranteed Term (see The Market Value Adjustment).

Contract owners having GTOs with Maturity Dates coinciding with the end of the calendar quarter will be notified of the impending expiration of the Guaranteed Term at least 15 days and at most 30 days prior to the end of each calendar quarter. Contract owners will then have the option of directing the withdrawal of any amount in the GTO during the Maturity Period without any Market Value Adjustment. However, any amount withdrawn from the GTO during this period may be subject to a surrender charge assessed by the variable contract. Please refer to the prospectus for the variable contract for more information about surrender charges.

If no direction is received by the 30th day following the Maturity Date, amounts in the GTO will be automatically transferred (with no Market Value Adjustment) to the money market sub-account available in the variable contract. For the period commencing with the first day after the Maturity Date and ending on the 30th day following the Maturity Date, the GTO will be credited with the same Specified Interest Rate in effect before the Maturity Date (see GTOs at Maturity).

The minimum amount of any allocation to a GTO is $1,000.

~~Investment-Only~~Under ~~Contract~~certain -rare ~~A Contract purchased by a qualified pension~~circumstances, ~~profit-sharing,~~when orvolatility ~~stock bonus plan as defined by Section 401(a) of the Code. Joint Owner - The person designated as a second person (~~in ~~addition~~financial tomarkets ~~the~~compromises ~~Contract Owner) to possess an undivided interest in~~ the ~~Contract.~~ability Ifof ~~there~~Nationwide ~~is a Joint Owner, references~~ to ~~Contract~~process allocations ~~Owner and Joint Owner will apply~~ to ~~both of them,~~ or ~~either~~from ~~of them, unless~~ the ~~context~~GTOs ~~requires~~in ~~otherwise. Market Value Adjustment (MVA) –~~ an ~~adjustment~~orderly ~~that~~manner, Nationwide may betemporarily ~~applied~~suspend ~~if a partial withdrawal or full surrender is taken during~~ the ~~first~~right ~~six~~to ~~Contract~~make ~~Years.~~additional ~~Nationwide~~allocations -to ~~Nationwide Life Insurance Company. As~~ the ~~context~~GTOs ~~requires, "we"~~ and/or ~~"our" refers~~ to ~~Nationwide.~~effect ~~Non-Qualified~~transfers ~~Contract - A Contract which does not qualify for favorable tax treatment as a Qualified Plan, IRA, Roth IRAs, SEP IRA,~~ or ~~Simple~~withdrawals ~~IRA.~~from ~~Participation Rate - a percentage that represents~~ the ~~proportion of the Index Performance used in the calculation of the Term End ISE Percentage~~GTOs. AnNationwide ~~Index~~anticipates ~~Strategy’s~~invoking ~~Participation~~this suspension ~~Rate is declared prior to each Strategy Term and may be different each Strategy Term. Participation Rates~~ only ~~apply~~ when ~~the~~these ~~Index~~transactions ~~Performance~~cannot isbe ~~positive.~~executed ~~Performance~~by ~~Lock – a feature that allows the Contract Owner to transfer Index Strategy Value to the Fixed Strategy on a date other than a Strategy Term End Date.~~ Nationwide ~~assesses~~in a ~~Performance~~manner ~~Lock~~consistent ~~Fee~~with ~~for~~its ~~Performance~~obligations Locks. Purchase Payment - Money paid into the Contract by the Contract Owner. Qualified Plan - A retirement plan that receives favorable tax treatment under Section 401 of the Code, including Investment-Only Contracts. In this prospectus, all provisions applicable to ~~Qualified~~contract ~~Plans~~owners ~~also apply to Investment- Only Contracts unless specifically stated otherwise. Quarterversary – Beginning~~ with ~~the~~existing ~~Date~~or ofprospective ~~Issue,~~interests ~~each recurring quarterly date during which the Contract remains~~ in ~~force.~~one ~~Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount - the amount that the Contract Owner can withdraw from the Contract during the remainder of that Contract Year without incurring a CDSC~~ or anmore ~~MVA, based on the Free Withdrawals already taken that Contract Year~~GTOs. ~~Roth~~Under ~~IRA~~no -circumstances, An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408A of the Code. Separate Account – the Index-Linked Annuity Separate Account. Service Center - The department of Nationwide responsible for receiving all service and transaction requests relating to the Contract. For service and transaction requests submitted other than by telephone (including fax requests)however, ~~the~~will ~~Service Center is~~ Nationwide’s limit ~~mail~~a ~~and~~contract ~~document processing facility. For service and transaction requests communicated by telephone, the Service Center is Nationwide’~~owner's ~~operations~~right ~~processing facility. Information on how~~ to ~~contact~~make ~~the~~at ~~Service~~least ~~Center~~one ~~may~~allocation beto ~~found~~a ~~under~~GTO ~~Contacting~~and ~~the~~one ~~Service~~withdrawal ~~Center.~~from ~~Simple~~a ~~IRA~~GTO -in Anany ~~annuity~~calendar ~~contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 408(p) of the Code~~year. ~~Simplified~~All ~~Employee Pension IRA (SEP IRA) - An annuity~~ contract ~~which~~owners ~~qualifies~~will ~~for~~be ~~favorable~~promptly ~~tax~~notified ~~treatment under Section 408(k)~~ of Nationwide's ~~the~~determination ~~Code. Strategies - Investment options under the Contract. Unless otherwise specified, the term Strategies refers~~ to ~~the~~invoke ~~Fixed~~any ~~Strategy~~suspension and Index Strategies collectively. Strategy Term – For the Fixed Strategy, the initial Strategy Term begins on the Date of Issue and ends on the first Contract Anniversary, and each subsequent Strategy Term begins on each Contract Anniversary and ends on the following Contract Anniversary. For an Index Strategy, the Strategy Term is the total maturity time of the Index Strategy, expressed in ~~years. Strategy Term End Date – The last day of a Strategy Term. A Strategy Term End Date is~~ the ~~same~~right ~~calendar~~to ~~day~~make asallocations ~~the~~to ~~Date~~or ofto ~~Issue.~~effect ~~Surrender~~withdrawals ~~Value~~from ~~- The amount available upon full surrender of~~ the ~~Contract~~GTOs. ~~It is equal to the Contract Value less any applicable CDSC and premium taxes, plus any applicable MVA.~~

In addition, the variable contracts that offer GTOs may impose certain restrictions on the transferability of invested assets within the variable contract. The variable product prospectus should be reviewed with regard to specific transfer limitation provisions.

The Specified Interest Rate

The Specified Interest Rate is the rate of interest guaranteed by Nationwide to be credited to amounts allocated to the GTOs for the Guaranteed Term. Different Specified Interest Rates may be established for the five available GTO terms. Amounts withdrawn from a GTO prior to the maturity date will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

Generally, Nationwide will declare new Specified Interest Rates monthly. However, depending on interest rate fluctuations, Nationwide may declare new Specified Interest Rates more or less frequently.

Nationwide observes no specific method in establishing the Specified Interest Rates. However, Nationwide will attempt to declare Specified Interest Rates that are related to interest rates associated with fixed-income investments available at the time and having durations and cash flow attributes compatible with the Guaranteed Terms of the GTOs. In addition, the establishment of Specified Interest Rates may be influenced by other factors, including competitive considerations, administrative costs and general economic trends. Nationwide has no way of precisely predicting what Specified Interest Rates may be declared in the future, however, the Specified Interest Rate will not be less than the minimum rate required by applicable state law.

The Investment Period

The Investment Period is the period of time during which a particular Specified Interest Rate is in effect for new allocations to the available GTOs. All allocations made to a GTO during an Investment Period are credited with the Specified Interest Rate in effect at the time of allocation. An Investment Period ends when a new Specified Interest Rate relative to the applicable GTO is declared. Subsequent declarations of new Specified Interest Rates have no effect on allocations made to GTOs during prior Investment Periods. Prior allocations to the GTO will be credited with the Specified Interest Rate in effect when the allocation was made.

Interest at the Specified Interest Rate is credited to allocations made to GTOs on a daily basis, resulting in an annual effective yield guaranteed by Nationwide, unless amounts are withdrawn from the GTO for any reason prior to the Maturity Date. Interest at the Specified Interest Rate will be credited for the entire Guaranteed Term. If amounts are withdrawn from the GTO for any reason prior to the Maturity Date, a Market Value Adjustment will be applied to that amount.

Information concerning the Specified Interest Rates in effect for the various GTOs can be obtained by contacting Nationwide.

Guaranteed Terms

The Guaranteed Term is the period of time corresponding to the selected GTO for which the Specified Interest Rate is guaranteed to be in effect. A Guaranteed Term always expires on a Maturity Date which will be the last day of a calendar quarter. Consequently, a Guaranteed Term may last up to three months longer than the anniversary date of the allocation to the GTO.

For example, if an allocation is made to a 10-year GTO on August 1, 2015, the Specified Interest Rate for that GTO will be credited until September 30, 2025; the Guaranteed Term will begin on August 1, 2015, and end on September 30, 2025.

Guaranteed Terms will be exactly 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 years only when an allocation to a GTO occurs on the last day of a calendar quarter.

~~Term~~GTOs ~~End~~at ~~Index~~Maturity Strategy Earnings Percentage (Term End ISE Percentage) – a percentage used to calculate Index Strategy Earnings on the Strategy Term End Date. How the Term End ISE Percentage is calculated depends on whether the Index Strategy is an Index Strategy with Cap Rate or an Index Strategy with Cap+ Rate. See, "Term End Index Strategy Earnings Percentage" for a description of how the Term End ISE Percentage is calculated for each type of Index Strategy.

Nationwide will send notice to contract owners of impending Maturity Dates (always the last day of a calendar quarter) at least 15 days and at most 30 days prior to the end of a Guaranteed Term. The notice will include the projected value of the GTO on the Maturity Date, and will also specify options that contract owners have with respect to the maturing GTO.

Once the GTO matures, contract owners may:

(1)

surrender the GTO, in part or in whole, without a Market Value Adjustment during the Maturity Period; however, any surrender charges that may be applicable under the variable contract will be assessed;

(2)

transfer (all or part) of the GTO, without a Market Value Adjustment, to any other permitted investment option under the variable contract, including any permitted underlying mutual fund sub-accounts, or another GTO of the same or different duration during the Maturity Period. A confirmation of any such transfer will be sent immediately after the transfer is processed; or

(3)

elect not to transfer or surrender all or a portion of the GTO, in which case the GTO will be automatically transferred to the available money market sub-account of the contract at the end of the Maturity Period. A confirmation will be sent immediately after the automatic transfer is executed.

If no direction is received by Nationwide prior to the Maturity Date, all amounts in that GTO will be transferred to the available money market sub-account of the variable contract.

The GTO will continue to be credited with the Specified Interest Rate in effect before the Maturity Date during the Maturity Period, and prior to any of the transactions set forth in (1), (2), or (3) above.

Withdrawals Prior to the Maturity Date

Anytime value is removed from the GTO it will be referred to in this prospectus as a withdrawal. However, under the variable contract, withdrawals of value from the GTO may be considered a transfer among investment options of the variable contract or a surrender. Depending upon the transaction and the terms of the variable contract, additional conditions or charges may apply to withdrawals from the GTO. Please refer to the variable contract prospectus for information regarding transferring assets among investment options or taking surrenders from the variable contract.

Withdrawals from the GTOs prior to the Maturity Date will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

The Market Value Adjustment

The Market Value Adjustment is determined by multiplying a Market Value Adjustment factor (arrived at by using the Market Value Adjustment formula) by the Specified Value, or the portion of the Specified Value being withdrawn. The Specified Value is the amount allocated to the GTO, plus interest accrued at the Specified Interest Rate, minus prior withdrawals. The Market Value Adjustment may either increase or decrease the amount of the withdrawal.

The Market Value Adjustment is intended to approximate, without duplicating, Nationwide's experience when it liquidates assets in order to satisfy contractual obligations. Such obligations arise when contract owners make withdrawals, or when the operation of the variable contract requires a distribution. Nationwide does not make the adjustment on distributions to pay death benefits in certain jurisdictions. When liquidating assets, Nationwide may realize either a gain or a loss.

MVA Interest Rates

The Market Value Adjustment formula used to determine the Market Value Adjustment factor is based on either the Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rates or interest rate swaps, depending on the variable contracts under which the GTO is offered. CMT rates and interest rate swaps are published on a regular basis. Nationwide either uses CMT rates or interest rate swaps in its Market Value Adjustment formula because they represent a readily available and consistently reliable interest rate benchmark in financial markets, which can be relied upon to reflect the relationship between Specified Interest Rates declared by Nationwide and the prospective interest rate fluctuations.

CMT rates and interest rate swaps for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years are published on a regular basis. To the extent that the Market Value Adjustment formula shown below requires a rate associated with a maturity not published (such as a 4, 6, 8 or 9 year maturity), Nationwide will calculate such rates based on the relationship of the published rates. For example, if the published 3-year rate is 6% and the published 5-year rate is 6.50%, the 4-year rate will be calculated as 6.25%.

~~SUMMARY~~The Market Value Adjustment Formula

This summary provides a brief overview of the Contract. You should carefully read the entire prospectus before you decide whether to purchase the Contract. This prospectus describes all Strategies, features, and benefits that Nationwide makes available under the Contract. The ~~Contract~~Market ~~may~~Value ~~not~~Adjustment ~~be currently~~formula ~~available~~is inused ~~all~~when ~~states,~~a ~~may~~withdrawal ~~vary~~is inmade ~~your state, or may not be available~~ from ~~all selling firms or from all financial professionals. In addition,~~ a ~~selling~~GTO ~~firm~~during may elect to make available only certain Strategies, features, or benefits to its clients. A selling firm’s marketing materials may describe only those Strategies, features, and benefits available through the ~~firm.~~Guaranteed ~~A selling firm may limit the Strategies available through~~Term. ~~the~~The ~~firm~~Market ~~when~~Value ~~the~~Adjustment ~~Contract~~ is ~~purchased.~~a ~~For~~calculation ~~additional~~expressing ~~information on all Strategies that are available under~~ the ~~Contract,~~relationship ~~please~~between ~~contact~~three factors: ~~your financial professional or the Service Center.~~

~~Who is Nationwide?~~(1)

~~Nationwide is~~ the ~~issuer~~ ofMVA ~~the~~Interest ~~Contract.~~Rate ~~Nationwide~~for isthe aperiod ~~stock~~of ~~life~~time ~~insurance~~coinciding ~~company organized under Ohio law,~~ with ~~its~~the ~~home~~Guaranteed ~~office~~Term ~~located at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Nationwide is a provider~~ of ~~life insurance, annuities, and retirement products. It is admitted to do business in all states,~~ the GTO; ~~District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.~~

~~What is the purpose of the Contract?~~(2)

~~The~~the ~~Contract~~MVA isInterest ~~intended~~Rate tofor be a ~~long-term~~period ~~investment~~coinciding ~~vehicle to assist investors in saving for and living in retirement. It provides the Contract Owner~~ with ~~a stream of periodic income payments upon retirement. During~~ the ~~years~~time ~~leading~~remaining ~~up to those income payments, the Contract Owner manages his/her assets~~ in the ~~Contract~~Guaranteed ~~according~~Term ~~to their specific goals and risk~~of ~~preferences~~a byGTO ~~directing~~when ~~the~~a ~~allocation~~withdrawal ~~and~~giving ~~reallocation~~rise ~~among~~to a ~~variety~~Market ofValue ~~investment~~Adjustment ~~options.~~occurs; ~~Contract~~and growth is tax-deferred, meaning that gains in the Contract are not taxable until withdrawn from the Contract. Finally, in the event that the Annuitant dies before beginning income payments, the Contract offers a Death Benefit.

Nationwide assesses an annual Product Fee of […]%, charged quarterly on the Contract Value allocated to Index Strategies. The Product Fee is not assessed on Contract Value allocated to the Fixed Strategy. (3)

~~Prior to~~ the ~~Annuitization~~number ~~Date,~~of ~~the Contact offers a Fixed Strategy and Index Strategies as investment~~days ~~options.~~remaining ~~The~~in ~~Fixed Strategy provides principal protection and credits interest daily at a specified rate called~~ the ~~Fixed~~Guaranteed ~~Strategy Rate that is guaranteed for each 1-year Strategy~~ Term ~~for which it is declared. Each Index Strategy offered is linked to an Index, has a Strategy Term~~ of 1,the ~~3, or 6 years, and a Buffer of 10% or 20%~~GTO. Each Index Strategy also has a Participation Rate and either a Cap Rate or a Cap+ Rate that is declared prior to each Strategy Term. The Participation Rate, Cap Rate, and Cap+ Rate may be different each Strategy Term.

OnThe ~~each~~formula ~~Business Day~~ for ~~each~~determining ~~Index Strategy,~~ the ~~Contract~~Market ~~calculates Index Strategy Earnings which are then added to the Index Strategy Basis to determine the Index Strategy~~ Value. ~~Index~~Adjustment ~~Strategy~~factor Earnings may be positive, negative, or equal to zero. On the Strategy Term End Date for an Index Strategy, Index Strategy Earnings are calculated using the Term End ISE Percentage. On any other day during the Strategy Term, Index Strategy Earnings are calculated using the Daily ISE Percentage. is:

The Contract Owner may take partial withdrawals or fully surrender the Contract at any time prior to the Annuitization Date. Partial withdrawals or a full surrender taken in the first six years of the Contract may be subject to a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and may also be subject to a negative Market Value Adjustment, both of which will reduce the amount of the withdrawal that the Contract Owner receives. All or a portion of any withdrawal may be subject to federal income taxes, and Contract Owners taking withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty tax.

[		]	t
	1 + a
	1 + b + .0025

The Contract provides a Death Benefit that may be triggered prior to the Annuitization Date upon the death of the Annuitant (or Co-Annuitant, if applicable). The standard Death Benefit is equal to the Contract Value, or, for an additional fee, the Contract Owner can elect the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option. In general, the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option provides a Death Benefit equal to the greater of 1) the Contract Value; or 2) the Purchase Payment made to the Contract reduced by any partial withdrawals in the proportion that such partial withdrawal reduced the Contract Value on the date of the partial withdrawal. Where:

Upon the Annuitization Date, Nationwide pays guaranteed income in the form of annuity payments. The duration and dollar amount of the annuity payments will depend on the dollar amount annuitized and the annuity payment option selected.

a	=	the MVA Interest Rate for a period equal to the Guaranteed Term at the time of deposit in the GTO;
b	=	the MVA Interest Rate at the time of withdrawal for a period of time equal to the time remaining in the Guaranteed Term. In determining the number of years to maturity, any partial year will be counted as a full year, unless it would cause the number of years to exceed the Guaranteed Term; and
t	=	the number of days until the Maturity Date, divided by 365.25.

~~All~~In ~~payments~~certain ~~under~~jurisdictions the ~~Contract~~denominator ~~are~~is ~~subject~~1+b towithout ~~Nationwide’s financial strength and claims-paying ability, as well as~~ the ~~terms~~addition ~~and~~of ~~conditions described in this prospectus~~.0025.

In the case of "a" above, the MVA Interest Rate used will either be the CMT rate or interest rate swap, depending on the variable contract. For variable contracts using CMT rates, "a" will be the CMT rate published on Fridays and placed in effect by Nationwide for allocations made to the GTO on the following Wednesday through Tuesday. For variable contracts using interest rate swaps, "a" is the interest rate swap published two days before the date the allocation to the GTO was made.

In the case of "b" above, the MVA Interest Rate used will either be the CMT rate or interest rate swap, depending on the variable contract. For variable contracts using CMT rates, "b" will be the CMT rate published on Fridays and placed in effect by Nationwide for withdrawals giving rise to a Market Value Adjustment on the following Wednesday through Tuesday. For variable contracts using interest rate swaps, "b" is the interest rate swap published two days before the date of withdrawal giving rise to a Market Value Adjustment.

The Market Value Adjustment factor will be equal to one during the Investment Period.

The Market Value Adjustment formula shown above also accounts for some of the administrative and processing expenses incurred when fixed-interest investments are liquidated. This is represented by the addition of .0025 in the Market Value Adjustment formula.

The result of the Market Value Adjustment formula shown above is the Market Value Adjustment factor. The Market Value Adjustment factor is multiplied by the Specified Value, or that portion of the Specified Value being distributed from a GTO, in order to effect a Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment factor will either be greater than, less than, or equal to one and will be multiplied by the Specified Value (or a portion of the Specified Value) being withdrawn from the GTO for any reason. If the Market Value Adjustment factor is greater than one, a gain will be realized by the contract owner. If the Market Value Adjustment factor is less than one, a loss will be realized. If the Market Value Adjustment factor is exactly one, no gain or loss will be realized.

If CMT rates or interest rate swaps are no longer published by a commercially reasonable and publicly available source, or if, for any other reason, they are not available, Nationwide will use appropriate rates based on U.S. Treasury Bond yields.

Examples of how to calculate Market Value Adjustments based on CMT rates are provided in Appendix A.

~~While~~Variable ~~the~~ Contract ~~provides~~Charges some protection against loss, you can lose money under the Contract. It is possible to lose a substantial amount of your principal investment. You should not buy the Contract if you are not willing to assume the risks associated with the Contract. See "Risk Factors."

~~How~~The ~~can~~variable ~~the~~contracts ~~Contract~~under which GTOs are made available have various fees and charges, some of which may be ~~categorized~~assessed ~~under~~against allocations made to GTOs. Contract charges assessed against allocations made to the ~~Code?~~GTOs will reduce the credited guaranteed interest rate by the amount of the applicable charge. The variable contract prospectuses fully describe these fees and charges and any impact such charges may have on the credited guaranteed interest rate of the GTOs.

The ~~Contract~~variable ~~can~~contracts that offer the GTOs may also have surrender charges. If a variable contract owner takes a withdrawal from the GTO (prior to the Maturity Date) that is also considered a surrender from the variable contract, the amount will be ~~categorized~~subject ~~under~~to a Market Value Adjustment in addition to any surrender charge assessed pursuant to the ~~Code~~terms asof the variable contract. Please refer to the variable contract prospectus for more information about variable contract transactions that may incur surrender charges and/or a: Market Value Adjustment.

•GTOs at Annuitization

~~Charitable~~GTOs ~~Remainder~~are ~~Trust~~not available as investment options for variable annuity contracts that are annuitized. If a variable annuity contract is annuitized prior to the Maturity Date of the GTO, a Market Value Adjustment will apply to amounts transferred from the GTO to other investment options under the variable annuity contract (unless such an adjustment is not permitted in your jurisdiction).

•Risk Factors

~~Individual~~Withdrawals ~~Retirement~~prior ~~Annuity~~to ~~(IRA)~~the Maturity Date will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

•Withdrawals for any reason prior to the Maturity Date, including for the purpose of annuitizing the variable annuity contract that the GTO is offered through, will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment may decrease the value of the withdrawal.

~~Investment-Only~~Suspension ~~Contract~~of ~~(Qualified~~allocations ~~Plans)~~to or from the GTOs.

•If volatility in financial markets compromises the ability of Nationwide to process allocations to or from the GTOs in an orderly manner, Nationwide may temporarily suspend the right to make additional allocations to the GTOs and/or to effect transfers or withdrawals from the GTOs.

~~Non-Qualified~~Guarantees ~~Contract~~subject to the claims paying ability of Nationwide.

•The guarantees associated with the GTOs are the sole responsibility of Nationwide. The guarantees associated with the GTOs are paid from Nationwide's general account and, therefore, are subject to the rights of Nationwide's creditors and ultimately, its overall claims paying ability.

~~Roth~~Variable ~~IRA~~Annuity contract charges will reduce the credited guaranteed interest rate.

•GTOs are available as investment options under variable annuity contracts. The variable annuity contracts have fees and charges, some of which may be assessed against allocations made to the GTO. The variable annuity contract's fees and charges assessed against allocations made to the GTO will reduce the credited guaranteed interest rate by the amount of the applicable fee or charge.

~~Simplified~~Business ~~Employee~~Continuity ~~Pension~~Risk. ~~IRA ("SEP IRA")~~

•Nationwide is exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters, such as storms, fires, earthquakes, public health crises, geopolitical disputes, military actions, and terrorist acts, which could adversely affect Nationwide’s ability to administer the contracts. Nationwide has adopted business continuity policies and procedures that may be implemented in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, but such business continuity plans may not operate as intended or fully mitigate the operational risks associated with such disasters.

~~Simple~~Nationwide ~~IRA~~outsources certain critical business functions to third parties and, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, relies upon the successful implementation and execution of the business continuity planning of such entities. While Nationwide closely monitors the business continuity activities of these third parties, successful implementation and

If the Contract is purchased as an Individual Retirement Account or Roth IRA, the Contract will not provide any additional tax deferral benefits.

See "Contract Types and Federal Tax Considerations" for additional detail.

How does a prospective purchaser purchase the Contract?

The Contract may be purchased by completing an application and submitting a Purchase Payment of at least $25,000 to the Service Center. Only one Purchase Payment is allowed under the Contract. Nationwide may agree to accept multiple payments as part of a single Purchase Payment.

What fees are assessed when buying or owning the Contract?

Product Fee

Nationwide assesses an annual Product Fee of [...]%, charged quarterly on the Contract Value allocated to Index Strategies. On each Quarterversary, the Product Fee is calculated as follows:

Total of all Index Strategy Values on a Quarterversary	X	[….]%
		4

The Product Fee is deducted proportionally from the Index Strategies based on the Contract Value in the Index Strategies at the time the Product Fee is assessed. The Product Fee is not assessed on the Fixed Strategy Value.

Return of Premium Death Benefit Option

If the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option is elected, Nationwide assesses an annual fee of [...]%, charged quarterly on the Contract Value allocated to Index Strategies. On each Quarterversary, the fee for the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option is calculated as follows:

Total of all Index Strategy Values on a Quarterversary	X	[….]%
		4

The fee is deducted proportionally from the Index Strategies based on the Contract Value in the Index Strategies at the time the fee is assessed. The fee for the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option is not assessed on the Fixed Strategy Value.

See "Calculation of the Death Benefit" for additional detail.

Performance Lock Fee

~~Nationwide~~execution ~~assesses~~of atheir ~~Performance~~business ~~Lock~~continuity ~~Fee~~strategies ~~when~~are ~~the~~largely ~~Contact~~beyond ~~Owner~~Nationwide’s ~~requests a Performance Lock~~control. ~~The~~If ~~Performance~~one ~~Lock~~or ~~Fee~~more ~~is assessed~~of on the ~~Index~~third ~~Strategy~~parties ~~Value that is subject~~ to ~~the~~whom ~~Performance~~Nationwide ~~Lock~~outsources ~~request~~such ~~and~~critical isbusiness ~~[...]%~~functions ~~for~~experience ~~every~~operational ~~year remaining in the Strategy Term as of the date of the Performance Lock request~~failures, ~~with~~Nationwide’s ~~partial~~ability ~~years rounded up~~ to administer the ~~next~~contract ~~full~~could ~~year~~be impaired. ~~It is calculated as follows:~~

~~Locked-in~~Cyber ~~Index~~Security ~~Strategy Value X [~~Risk.~~..]%~~ ~~X Number of years remaining in the Strategy Term (partial years are rounded up to the next full year)~~

Nationwide’s businesses are highly dependent upon its computer systems and those of its business partners. This ~~means~~makes Nationwide ~~that~~potentially ifsusceptible ato ~~Contract~~operational ~~Owner~~and ~~requested~~information security risks resulting from a ~~Performance~~cyber-attack. ~~Lock~~These inrisks ~~the~~include ~~first~~direct ~~year~~risks, such as theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of adata ~~six~~maintained by Nationwide, and indirect risks, such as denial of service, attacks on service provider websites and other operational disruptions that impede Nationwide’s ability to electronically interact with service providers. Cyber-~~year~~attacks ~~Strategy~~affecting ~~Term~~Nationwide, ~~the~~intermediaries, and other ~~Performance~~service ~~Lock~~providers ~~Fee~~may ~~would~~adversely beaffect ~~[…]%~~Nationwide ofand ~~the~~Contract ~~Index~~Values. ~~Strategy~~In ~~Value~~connection with any such cyber-attack, Nationwide and/or its service providers and intermediaries may be subject to ~~the~~regulatory ~~Performance~~fines ~~Lock~~and ~~request~~financial ~~(Locked~~losses and/or reputational damage. There may be an increased risk of cyber-inattacks ~~Index~~during ~~Strategy~~periods ~~Value~~of Xgeopolitical [or military conflict.~~..]%~~ Although XNationwide 6undertakes ~~years)~~substantial efforts to protect its computer systems from cyber-attacks, including internal processes and technological defenses that are preventative or detective, and other controls designed to provide multiple layers of security assurance, there can be no guarantee that Nationwide or its service providers will avoid losses affecting contracts due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.

~~See~~In the event that Contract Values are adversely affected as a result of the failure of Nationwide’s cyber-security ~~"Performance~~controls, ~~Lock"~~Nationwide ~~for~~will ~~additional~~take ~~detail~~reasonable steps to restore Contract Values to the levels that they would have been had the cyber-attack not occurred. Nationwide will not, however, be responsible for any adverse impact to Contract Values that result from the contract owner or its designee’s negligent acts or failure to use reasonably appropriate safeguards to protect against cyber-attacks.

~~What~~Nationwide ~~fees~~Life orInsurance ~~adjustments~~Company ~~are assessed if a Contract Owner takes a partial withdrawal or a full surrender of the Contract?~~

~~Partial~~Nationwide ~~withdrawals~~is or a ~~full~~stock ~~surrender~~life ~~during~~insurance ~~the~~company ~~first~~organized ~~six~~under ~~Contract~~Ohio ~~years~~law ~~that~~in ~~are~~March, in1929, ~~excess~~with its home office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Nationwide is a provider of ~~the~~life insurance, ~~Free~~annuities ~~Withdrawal~~and ~~Amount~~retirement ~~are~~products. ~~subject~~It is admitted to ado ~~Contingent~~business ~~Deferred~~in ~~Sales~~all ~~Charge~~states, ~~(CDSC)~~the ~~and~~District aof ~~Market~~Columbia, ~~Value Adjustment~~Guam, ~~(MVA)~~the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

~~Contingent~~Nationwide ~~Deferred~~is ~~Sales~~a ~~Charges~~member of the Nationwide group of companies. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (~~CDSC~~the "Companies") are the ultimate controlling persons of the Nationwide group of companies. The Companies were organized under Ohio law in December of 1925 and 1933 respectively. The Companies engage in a general insurance and reinsurance business, except life insurance.

~~Partial~~Nationwide ~~withdrawals~~is orrelying aon ~~full~~the ~~surrender~~exemption ~~during~~provided ~~the~~by ~~first~~Rule ~~six~~12h-7 ~~Contract~~under ~~Years~~the ~~may~~Securities beExchange ~~subject~~Act toof a1934 ~~CDSC~~("1934 Act"). ~~After~~In reliance ~~the~~on ~~sixth Contract~~that ~~Year~~exemption, noNationwide ~~withdrawals,~~does ~~including~~not afile ~~full~~periodic ~~surrender,~~reports ~~are~~that ~~subject~~would tobe ~~CDSCs~~otherwise required under the 1934 Act.

~~When~~You acan ~~CDSC~~request isadditional information ~~imposed,~~about ~~the~~Nationwide ~~charge will equal the applicable "CDSC Percentage" multiplied~~ by ~~the~~contacting ~~dollar~~us: ~~amount of the withdrawal. The CDSC Percentage will depend on the number of Contract Years you have completed when you take a withdrawal. The CDSC Percentage schedule is set forth below.~~

Number of Completed Contract Years	CDSC Percentage
0	8%
1	8%
2	7%
3	6%
4	5%
5	4%
6+	0%

Market Value Adjustments (MVA)

When an MVA is imposed, the MVA will equal the calculated "MVA Factor" multiplied by the dollar amount of the withdrawal less the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount. See "Market Value Adjustment (MVA)" for an explanation of how the MVA Factor is calculated, as well as "Appendix C: MVA Examples" for example MVA calculations.

Example Impact of CDSC and Negative MVA

If applicable, a CDSC and negative MVA will reduce a withdrawal (perhaps significantly). For example, assume a Contract Owner takes a $1,000 withdrawal. Further, assume an 8% CDSC and a 3% negative MVA. As a result of the CDSC and MVA, $110 would be deducted from the $1,000 withdrawal (i.e., (8% x $1,000) + (3% x $1,000) = $110).

When do CDSCs and MVAs not apply to partial withdrawals or a full surrender?

After the sixth Contract Year, no withdrawals, including a full surrender, are subject to a CDSC or MVA. In addition, during the first six Contract Years, Nationwide will waive CDSC and MVA for withdrawals up to each Contract Year’s Free Withdrawal Amount. At the beginning of each Contract Year the Free Withdrawal Amount is calculated as the greater of (1) 10% of the Contract Value on the first day of that Contract Year (immediately prior to any partial withdrawal or full surrender on that date); or (2) the amount required to meet minimum distribution requirements for this Contract under the Code.

In addition, no CDSC or MVA is assessed:

•

~~upon~~In ~~the~~writing: P.O. ~~payment~~Box of182021, ~~the~~Columbus, ~~Death~~Ohio ~~Benefit~~43218-2021 ~~or on any partial withdrawal or full surrender taken after the Death Benefit is paid;~~

•

~~upon~~By ~~Annuitization~~telephone: 1-800-848-6331, ofTDD ~~the~~1-800-238-3035 ~~Contract if it has been in force for at least two years;~~

•

ifBy the ~~withdrawal qualifies as a Long~~internet: http://www.nationwide.com/nw/investor-Term Care or Terminal Illness or Injury Event as described in the "Increase in Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount after a Long-Term Care and Terminal Illness or Injury (CDSC And MVA Waiver)" section; andrelations/index.htm

•Investments

ifNationwide intends to invest amounts allocated to GTOs in high quality, ~~under~~fixed ~~certain~~interest ~~contract~~investments ~~exchanges~~(investment grade bonds, mortgages, and collateralized mortgage obligations) in the same manner as Nationwide ~~decides~~invests ~~not~~its togeneral ~~charge~~account aassets. ~~CDSC~~Nationwide ortakes ~~MVA~~into ifaccount the ~~Contract~~ various maturity durations of the GTOs (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years) and anticipated cash-flow requirements when making investments. Nationwide is ~~surrendered~~not obligated to invest GTO allocations in ~~exchange~~accordance ~~for~~with ~~another~~any particular ~~contract~~investment ~~issued~~objective, but will generally adhere to Nationwide's overall investment philosophy. The Specified Interest Rates declared by Nationwide orfor ~~one~~the various GTOs will not necessarily correspond to the performance of ~~its~~the ~~affiliated~~non-unitized ~~insurance~~separate ~~companies~~account.

~~What~~Contracts ~~are~~and the ~~investment~~Distribution ~~options~~(Marketing) ~~under~~of the ~~Contract?~~ GTOs

~~Prior~~The toGTOs ~~the Annuitization~~are ~~Date,~~available ~~the~~only ~~Contract~~as ~~Owner~~investment ~~may~~options ~~allocate~~under ~~money~~certain tovariable ~~the~~contracts ~~Fixed~~issued ~~Strategy~~by Nationwide. The appropriate variable contract prospectus and~~/or~~, toif ~~one~~applicable, orthe ~~more~~Statement of Additional Information should be consulted for information regarding the ~~available~~distribution ~~Index~~of ~~Strategies.~~the variable contracts.

•7

~~Fixed~~Legal ~~Strategy~~Opinion - the Fixed Strategy credits interest daily at a Fixed Strategy Rate. The Fixed Strategy Rate is declared by Nationwide prior to each Strategy Term and is guaranteed for that Strategy Term only. The Fixed Strategy Rate may be different for each Strategy Term but is guaranteed to be at least 0.25%.

•Legal matters in connection with federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the GTOs described in this Prospectus and the organization of Nationwide, its authority to issue GTOs under Ohio law, and the validity of the endorsement to the variable annuity contracts under Ohio law have been passed on by Nationwide's Office of General Counsel.

~~Index~~Experts Strategies with Cap Rates – each Index Strategy with Cap Rate is linked to the performance of an Index and provides downside protection for negative Index Performance through a Buffer while limiting positive Index Performance to a Cap Rate. An Index Strategy with Cap Rate may be offered as "uncapped" for a Strategy Term, meaning there is no Cap Rate declared for that Strategy Term (even if Nationwide does not declare a Cap Rate for a particular Strategy Term it does not mean that Nationwide will not declare a Cap Rate for future Strategy Terms). When Nationwide offers an Index Strategy with Cap Rate as uncapped it will also declare a Participation Rate that will be applied to any positive Index Performance. A Participation Rate when declared for an Index Strategy with Cap Rate will always be at least 100%.

~~Each~~The statutory ~~Index~~financial ~~Strategy~~statements ~~with~~and ~~Cap~~financial ~~Rate~~statement ~~has~~schedules aof ~~Strategy~~Nationwide ~~Term~~Life Insurance Company as of December 131, 3,2022 orand ~~6 years~~2021, and afor ~~Buffer~~ each of ~~10%~~the oryears ~~20%.~~in ~~An Index~~the ~~Strategy~~three-year ~~with~~period ~~Cap~~ended ~~Rate’s~~December ~~Index~~31, ~~Strategy Term~~2022, ~~and~~have ~~Buffer~~been ~~will~~included ~~not~~herein ~~change~~in ~~for~~reliance asupon ~~long~~the asreport ~~Nationwide~~of ~~offers~~KPMG ~~the~~LLP, ~~Index~~independent ~~Strategy.~~registered ~~Nationwide~~public ~~declares~~accounting afirm, ~~Participation Rate~~ and ~~Cap~~upon ~~Rate~~the authority ~~prior~~of tosaid ~~each~~firm ~~Strategy~~as ~~Term.~~experts ~~The~~in ~~Participation Rate~~accounting and ~~Cap Rate may be different each Strategy Term~~auditing.

The ~~Buffer~~KPMG LLP report dated March 17, ~~Cap~~2023 ~~Rate~~of ~~and~~Nationwide ~~Participation~~Life ~~Rate~~Insurance doCompany ~~not~~includes explanatory ~~apply~~language tothat states that the ~~same~~financial ~~extent~~statements ~~when calculating~~are ~~earnings~~prepared ~~during~~by Nationwide Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a ~~Strategy~~basis ~~Term~~of ~~that~~accounting ~~they~~other dothan ~~when~~U.S. generally ~~calculating~~accepted ~~earnings~~accounting onprinciples. Accordingly, the ~~Strategy~~KPMG ~~Term~~LLP ~~End~~audit ~~Date~~report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. ~~See~~generally ~~"Daily~~accepted ~~Index~~accounting ~~Strategy~~principles ~~Earnings~~and ~~Percentage~~further ~~(Daily~~states ~~ISE~~that ~~Percentage)~~those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance."

•Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification

~~Index~~Insofar ~~Strategies~~as ~~with~~indemnification ~~Cap+~~for ~~Rates~~liabilities –arising ~~each~~under ~~Index~~the ~~Strategy~~Securities ~~with~~Act ~~Cap+~~of ~~Rate~~1933 is(the ~~linked~~"1933 Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Nationwide pursuant to the ~~performance~~foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Nationwide has been advised that in the opinion of anthe ~~Index~~Securities and ~~provides~~Exchange ~~downside~~Commission ~~protection~~such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of ~~negative~~expenses ~~Index~~incurred ~~Performance~~or ~~through~~paid by a ~~Buffer.~~director, ~~When~~officer ~~Index~~or ~~Performance~~controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is ~~positive~~asserted by such director, officer anor ~~Index~~controlling ~~Strategy~~person in connection with ~~Cap+~~the ~~Rate~~securities ~~applies~~being registered, Nationwide will, unless in the ~~Index~~opinion ~~Performance~~of upits tocounsel the ~~Cap+~~matter ~~Rate~~has ~~and~~been ~~then~~settled ~~adds~~by controlling precedent, submit to ~~that~~a ~~any~~court ~~Index~~of ~~Performance~~appropriate injurisdiction ~~excess~~the ofquestion whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the ~~Cap+~~1933 ~~Rate~~Act ~~multiplied~~and will be governed by the ~~Participation Rate.~~final adjudication of such issue.

~~Each~~Legal ~~Index~~Proceedings Strategy with Cap+ Rate has a Strategy Term of 1, 3, or 6 years, and a Buffer of 10% or 20%. An Index Strategy with Cap+ Rate’s Index, Strategy Term, and Buffer will not change for as long as Nationwide offers the Index Strategy. Nationwide declares a Participation Rate and Cap+ Rate prior to each Strategy Term. The Participation Rate and Cap+ Rate may be different each Strategy Term.

~~The~~Nationwide ~~Buffer,~~Life ~~Cap+~~Insurance ~~Rate~~Company and Participation Rate do not apply to the same extent when calculating earnings during a Strategy Term that they do when calculating earnings on the Strategy Term End Date. See "Daily Index Strategy Earnings Percentage (Daily ISE Percentage)."

~~The~~Nationwide Financial ~~currently~~Services, ~~offered~~Inc. ~~Index~~(NFS, ~~Strategies~~or ~~are:~~ collectively with its subsidiaries, (the "Company") was formed in November 1996. NFS is the holding company for Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC) and other companies that comprise the life insurance and retirement savings operations of the Nationwide group of companies (Nationwide). This group includes Nationwide Financial Network (NFN), an affiliated distribution network that markets directly to its customer base. NFS is incorporated in Delaware and maintains its principal executive offices in Columbus, Ohio.

1The ~~Year~~Company ~~Strategy~~is ~~Term~~subject ~~Options~~to legal and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. These include proceedings specific to the Company and proceedings generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which the Company operates. The outcomes of these proceedings cannot be predicted due to their complexity, scope, and many uncertainties. The Company believes, however, that based on currently known information, the ultimate outcome of all pending legal and regulatory proceedings is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

The various businesses conducted by the Company are subject to oversight by numerous federal and state regulatory entities, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and state insurance authorities. Such regulatory entities may, in the normal course of business, be engaged in general or targeted inquiries, examinations and investigations of the Company and/or its affiliates. With respect to all such scrutiny directed at the Company or its affiliates, the Company is cooperating with regulators.

~~Cap~~Appendix ~~Rate~~A Russell 2000 Index® 1 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer Nasdaq-100 Index® 1 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer MSCI EAFE Index 1 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 400® Index 1 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 1 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 1 Year with Cap Rate & 20% Buffer Cap+ Rate Russell 2000 Index® 1 Year with Cap+ Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 1 Year with Cap+ Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 1 Year with Cap+ Rate & 20% Buffer 3 Year Strategy Term Options Cap Rate Russell 2000 Index® 3 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 3 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 3 Year with Cap Rate & 20% Buffer 6 Year Strategy Term Options Cap Rate Russell 2000 Index® 6 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 6 Year with Cap Rate & 10% Buffer S&P 500® Index 6 Year with Cap Rate & 20% Buffer

~~Nationwide~~Example ~~reserves~~A the right to add or remove any Index Strategies at any time, but any such changes will not affect Strategy Terms already in effect and will become effective on the first day of a new Strategy Term. The Index Strategies available for election may be different for newly issued Contracts than for existing Contracts or for Contracts with different issue dates.

~~What~~Assume ~~are~~that a variable annuity contract owner made a $10,000 allocation on the ~~Crediting~~last ~~Factors~~day ~~for~~of a calendar quarter into a 5-year Guaranteed Term Option. The Specified Interest Rate at the ~~Index~~time ~~Strategies?~~is 8.5% and the 5-year CMT rate in effect is 8%. The variable annuity contract owner decides to surrender the GTO 985 days from maturity. The Specified Value of the GTO is $12,067.96. At this time, the 3-year CMT rate is 7%. (985/365.25 is 2.69, which rounds up to 3, so the 3-year CMT Rate is used.)

Below is a brief description of the Crediting Factors for the Index Strategies offered under the Contract. There is no guarantee that Nationwide will offer all combinations of Crediting Factors at all times.

		[		]	d
			1 + a		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + b + 0.0025

		[		]	985
			1 + 0.08		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + 0.07 + 0.0025

MVA Factor	=		1.01897
Surrender Value	=	Specified Value	x	MVA Factor
Surrender Value	=	$12,067.96	x	1.01897
*Surrender Value	=		$12,296.89

~~Indexes – the third-party market index linked to an Index Strategy. The currently offered Indexes are:~~*

Assumes no variable annuity contract contingent deferred sales charges are applicable. In jurisdictions where the .0025 is not permitted in the denominator, the Surrender Value is $12,374.52.

Specified Value (for purposes of this Example) = the amount of the GTO allocation ($10,000), plus interest accrued at the Specified Interest Rate (8.5%).

a	=	The CMT rate published on Friday, and placed in effect by Nationwide for allocations made to the GTO on the following Wednesday through Tuesday.
b	=	The CMT rate published on Friday, and placed in effect by Nationwide for withdrawals, transfers or other distributions giving rise to a Market Value Adjustment on the following Wednesday through Tuesday.
d	=	The number of days remaining in the Guaranteed Term.

A-1

Example B

Assume that a variable annuity contract owner made a $10,000 allocation on the last day of a calendar quarter into a 5-year Guaranteed Term Option. The Specified Interest Rate at the time is 8.5% and the 5-year CMT rate in effect is 8%. The variable annuity contract owner decides to surrender his money 985 days from maturity. The Specified Value of the GTO is $12,067.96. At this time, the 3-year CMT rate is 9%. (985/365.25 is 2.69, which rounds up to 3, so the 3-year CMT Rate is used.)

		[		]	d
			1 + a		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + b + 0.0025

		[		]	985
			1 + 0.08		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + 0.09 + 0.0025

MVA Factor	=		0.96944
Surrender Value	=	Specified Value	x	MVA Factor
Surrender Value	=	$12,067.96	x	0.96944
*Surrender Value	=		$11,699.17

Assumes no variable annuity contract contingent deferred sales charges are applicable. In jurisdictions where the .0025 is not permitted in the denominator, the Surrender Value is $11,771.69.

Specified Value (for purposes of this Example) = the amount of the GTO allocation ($10,000), plus interest accrued at the Specified Interest Rate (8.5%).

a	=	The CMT rate published on Friday, and placed in effect by Nationwide for allocations made to the GTO on the following Wednesday through Tuesday.
b	=	The CMT rate published on Friday, and placed in effect by Nationwide for withdrawals, transfers or other distributions giving rise to a Market Value Adjustment on the following Wednesday through Tuesday.
d	=	The number of days remaining in the Guaranteed Term.

A-2

Example C

Assume that a variable annuity contract owner made a $10,000 allocation on the last day of a calendar quarter into a 5-year Guaranteed Term Option. The Specified Interest Rate at the time is 8.5% and the 5-year interest rate swap in effect is 8%. The variable annuity contract owner decides to surrender the GTO 985 days from maturity. The Specified Value of the GTO is $12,067.96. At this time, the 3-year interest rate swap is 7%. (985/365.25 is 2.69, which rounds up to 3, so the 3-year interest rate swap is used.)

		[		]	d
			1 + a		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + b + 0.0025

		[		]	985
			1 + 0.08		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + 0.07 + 0.0025

MVA Factor	=		1.01897
Surrender Value	=	Specified Value	x	MVA Factor
Surrender Value	=	$12,067.96	x	1.01897
*Surrender Value	=		$12,296.89

Assumes no variable annuity contract contingent deferred sales charges are applicable. In jurisdictions where the .0025 is not permitted in the denominator, the Surrender Value is $12,374.52.

Specified Value (for purposes of this Example) = the amount of the GTO allocation ($10,000), plus interest accrued at the Specified Interest Rate (8.5%).

a	=	The interest rate swap published two days before the date the allocation to the GTO was made. If no interest rate swap is available for this date, then the most recent available rate prior to that date will be used.
b	=	The interest rate swap published two days before the date of withdrawal, transfer or other distribution giving rise to a Market Value Adjustment. If no interest rate swap is available for this date, then the most recent available rate prior to that date will be used.
d	=	The number of days remaining in the Guaranteed Term.

A-3

Example D

Assume that a variable annuity contract owner made a $10,000 allocation on the last day of a calendar quarter into a 5-year Guaranteed Term Option. The Specified Interest Rate at the time is 8.5% and the 5-year interest rate swap in effect is 8%. The variable annuity contract owner decides to surrender the GTO 985 days from maturity. The Specified Value of the GTO is $12,067.96. At this time, the 3-year interest rate swap is 9%. (985/365.25 is 2.69, which rounds up to 3, so the 3-year interest rate swap is used.)

		[		]	d
			1 + a		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + b + 0.0025

		[		]	985
			1 + 0.08		365.25
MVA Factor	=		1 + 0.09 + 0.0025

MVA Factor	=		0.96944
Surrender Value	=	Specified Value	x	MVA Factor
Surrender Value	=	$12,067.96	x	0.96944
*Surrender Value	=		$11,699.17

Assumes no variable annuity contract contingent deferred sales charges are applicable. In jurisdictions where the .0025 is not permitted in the denominator, the Surrender Value is $11,771.69.

Specified Value (for purposes of this Example) = the amount of the GTO allocation ($10,000), plus interest accrued at the Specified Interest Rate (8.5%).

a	=	The interest rate swap published two days before the date the allocation to the GTO was made. If no interest rate swap is available for this date, then the most recent available rate prior to that date will be used.
b	=	The interest rate swap published two days before the date of the withdrawal, transfer or other distribution giving rise to a Market Value Adjustment. If no interest rate swap is available for this date, then the most recent available rate prior to that date will be used.
d	=	The number of days remaining in the Guaranteed Term.

A-4

The table set forth below illustrates the impact of a Market Value Adjustment applied upon a full surrender of a 10-year GTO allocation, at various stages of the corresponding Guaranteed Term. These figures assume a $10,000 allocation to the 10-year GTO on the last day of a calendar quarter. These figures assume a Specified Interest Rate of 8.5% on the date the allocation to the GTO was made. These figures are based on a 10-year CMT rate of 8% in effect on the date the allocation to the GTO was made (a in the Market Value Adjustment Formula) and varying current yield CMT rates shown in the first column (b in the Market Value Adjustment Formula).

Current Yield	Time Remaining to the End of the Guaranteed Term	Specified Value	Market Value Adjustment	Market Value
12.00%	9 Years	$10,850	-29.35%	$7,665
	7 Years	$12,776	-23.68%	$9,751
	5 Years	$15,040	-17.56%	$12,399
	2 Years	$19,215	-7.43%	$17,786
	180 Days	$21,733	-1.88%	$21,323
10.00%	9 Years	$10,850	-16.94%	$9,012
	7 Years	$12,776	-13.44%	$11,059
	5 Years	$15,040	-9.80%	$13,566
	2 Years	$19,215	-4.04%	$18,438
	180 Days	$21,733	-1.01%	$21,513
9.00%	9 Years	$10,850	-9.84%	$9,782
	7 Years	$12,776	-7.74%	$11,787
	5 Years	$15,040	-5.59%	$14,199
	2 Years	$19,215	-2.28%	$18,777
	180 Days	$21,733	-0.57%	$21,610
8.00%	9 Years	$10,850	-2.06%	$10,627
	7 Years	$12,776	-1.61%	$12,571
	5 Years	$15,040	-1.15%	$14,867
	2 Years	$19,215	-0.46%	$19,126
	180 Days	$21,733	-0.11%	$21,708
7.00%	9 Years	$10,850	6.47%	$11,552
	7 Years	$12,776	5.00%	$13,414
	5 Years	$15,040	3.55%	$15,573
	2 Years	$19,215	1.40%	$19,484
	180 Days	$21,733	0.34%	$21,808
6.00%	9 Years	$10,850	15.84%	$12,569
	7 Years	$12,776	12.11%	$14,324
	5 Years	$15,040	8.51%	$16,321
	2 Years	$19,215	3.32%	$19,853
	180 Days	$21,733	0.81%	$21,909
4.00%	9 Years	$10,850	37.45%	$14,914
	7 Years	$12,776	28.07%	$16,362
	5 Years	$15,040	19.33%	$17,948
	2 Years	$19,215	7.32%	$20,623
	180 Days	$21,733	1.76%	$22,115

A-5

APPENDIX B

NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

2022 Form S-1 MD&A, Statutory Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedules

B-1

BUSINESS

Overview

Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("NLIC" or "the Company") is an Ohio domiciled stock life insurance company. The Company is a member of the Nationwide group of companies ("Nationwide"), which is comprised of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company ("NMIC") and all of its affiliates and subsidiaries.

All of the outstanding shares of NLIC’s common stock are owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), a holding company formed by Nationwide Corporation ("Nationwide Corp."), a majority-owned subsidiary of NMIC.

The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement products in the United States of America ("U.S."). The Company develops and sells a wide range of products and services, which include fixed and variable individual annuities, private and public sector group retirement plans, life insurance, investment advisory services, pension risk transfer ("PRT") contracts and other investment products. The Company is licensed to conduct business in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Wholly-owned subsidiaries of NLIC as of December 31, 2022 include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("NLAIC") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Olentangy Reinsurance, LLC ("Olentangy") and Nationwide SBL, LLC ("NWSBL"), Jefferson National Financial Corporation ("JNF") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jefferson National Life Insurance Company ("JNL"), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of New York ("JNLNY"), Eagle Captive Reinsurance, LLC ("Eagle"), Nationwide Investment Services Corporation ("NISC") and Nationwide Investment Advisors, LLC ("NIA"). NLAIC primarily offers individual annuity contracts including fixed annuity contracts, group annuity contracts including PRT contracts, universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, term life insurance and corporate-owned life insurance on a non-participating basis. Olentangy is a Vermont domiciled special purpose financial insurance company. NWSBL offers a securities-based lending product and is an Ohio limited liability company and nonadmitted subsidiary. JNF is a holding company for subsidiaries that offer tax-advantaged investing solutions for registered investment advisors, fee-based advisors and the clients they serve. JNL and JNLNY are licensed to underwrite both fixed and variable annuity products. Eagle is an Ohio domiciled special purpose financial captive insurance company. NISC is a registered broker-dealer. NIA is a registered investment advisor.

Business Segments

Management views the Company’s business primarily based on its underlying products and uses this basis to define its four reportable segments: Life Insurance, Annuities, Retirement Solutions and Corporate Solutions and Other.

"Pre-tax operating earnings (losses)" used below is defined as income before federal income tax expense and net realized capital gains and losses on investments.

Life Insurance

The Life Insurance segment consists of life insurance products, including individual variable universal life insurance products, traditional life insurance products, fixed universal life insurance products and indexed universal life insurance products. Life insurance products provide a death benefit and, for certain products, allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-advantaged basis.

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Life Insurance segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	2020
Total revenues	$876	$877	$834
Pre-tax operating earnings (losses)	$110	$(24)	$(12)

Annuities

The Annuities segment consists of individual deferred annuity products and immediate annuities. Individual deferred annuity contracts consist of deferred variable annuity contracts, deferred fixed annuity contracts, deferred registered index-linked annuity contracts, and deferred fixed indexed annuity contracts. Deferred annuity contracts provide the customer with tax-deferred accumulation of savings and flexible payout options including lump sum, systematic withdrawal or a stream of payments for life. In addition, deferred variable annuity contracts provide the customer with access to a wide range of investment options and asset protection features. Deferred fixed annuity contracts offered by the Company generate a return for the customer at a specified interest rate fixed for prescribed periods. Deferred registered index-linked annuity contracts and deferred fixed indexed annuity contracts are linked to the performance of an external index and

B-2

subject to other factors that determine the performance of the contract. Immediate annuities differ from deferred annuities in that the initial premium is exchanged for a stream of income for a certain period and/or for the owner’s lifetime without future access to the original investment.

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Annuities segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	2020
Total revenues	$8,442	$8,693	$5,247
Pre-tax operating earnings	$204	$610	$355

Retirement Solutions

The Retirement Solutions segment is comprised of the private and public sector retirement plans businesses. The private sector business primarily includes Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 401-qualified plans funded through fixed and variable group annuity contracts. The public sector business primarily includes IRC Section 457(b) and Section 401(a) governmental plans, both in the form of full-service arrangements that provide plan administration along with fixed and variable group annuities, as well as in the form of administration-only business. The Retirement Solutions segment also includes stable value wrap products and solutions.

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Retirement Solutions segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	2020
Total revenues	$5,439	$5,467	$7,132
Pre-tax operating earnings	$160	$161	$115

Corporate Solutions and Other

The Corporate Solutions and Other segment includes: corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") and bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") products, PRT, small business group life insurance, spread income on Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati ("FHLB") funding agreements and net investment income on invested assets not assigned to other reportable segments. Certain COLI and BOLI products include stable value wrap products and solutions.

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Corporate Solutions and Other segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	2020
Total revenues	$4,143	$2,312	$1,903
Pre-tax operating earnings	$360	$737	$608

Marketing and Distribution

The Company sells its products through a diverse distribution network. Unaffiliated entities that sell the Company’s products to their own customer bases include independent broker-dealers, financial institutions, wirehouses and regional firms, pension plan administrators, life insurance agencies, life insurance specialists and registered investment advisors. Representatives of affiliates that market products directly to a customer base include Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. ("NRS"), Nationwide Securities, LLC ("NSLLC") and Nationwide Financial General Agency, Inc. ("NFGA"). The Company believes its broad range of competitive products, strong distributor relationships and diverse distribution network position it to compete effectively under various economic conditions.

Unaffiliated Distribution

Independent Broker-Dealers, Registered Investment Advisors, Regional Firms and Life Insurance Agencies. The Company sells individual annuities, mutual funds, group retirement plans, PRT and life insurance products through independent broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and agencies (including brokerage general agencies in the Life Insurance and Annuities segments) and regional firms in each state and the District of Columbia. The Company believes that it has

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developed strong relationships based on its diverse product mix, large selection of fund options and administrative technology. In addition to such relationships, the Company believes its financial strength and the Nationwide brand name are competitive advantages in these distribution channels. The Company regularly seeks to expand this distribution network.

Financial Institutions and Wirehouses. The Company markets individual annuities, mutual funds, private sector retirement plans and life insurance products through financial institutions and wirehouses, consisting primarily of banks and their subsidiaries. The Company markets individual annuities and life insurance products under its brand name and on a private-label basis. The Company believes that it has competitive advantages in this distribution channel, including its expertise in training financial institution personnel to sell annuities, life insurance and pension products, its breadth of product offerings, its financial strength, the Nationwide brand name and the ability to offer private-label products.

Pension Plan Administrators. The Company markets group retirement plans organized pursuant to IRC Section 401 and sponsored by employers as part of employee retirement programs through regional pension plan administrators. The Company also has linked pension plan administrators to the financial planning community to sell group pension products. The Company targets employers with 25 to 2,000 employees because it believes that these plan sponsors tend to require extensive record-keeping services from pension plan administrators, and therefore are more likely to become long-term customers.

Life Insurance Specialists. The Company markets COLI and BOLI through life insurance specialists, which are firms that specialize in the design, implementation and administration of executive benefit plans.

Affiliated Distribution

NRS. NRS markets various products and services to the public sector, primarily on a retail basis, through several sales organizations. NRS markets group variable annuities and fixed annuities, as well as administration and record-keeping services to state and local governments for use in their IRC Section 457 and Section 401(a) retirement programs. NRS maintains endorsement arrangements with state and local government entities, including the National Association of Counties and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Affiliated Producers. The Company has affiliated producers that are authorized to distribute life insurance, annuity, mutual fund and group annuity products, as well as individual securities and investment advisory services. Producers licensed and appointed through NFGA sell fixed life insurance and fixed annuities on a direct basis. Producers licensed and registered with NSLLC, a registered broker-dealer and federally registered investment advisor, offer variable life insurance and variable annuities, as well as various other securities and investment advisory services, on a direct basis.

Reinsurance

The Company follows the industry practice of reinsuring with other companies a portion of its life insurance, annuity and accident and health risks in order to reduce the net liability on individual risks, to provide protection against large losses, achieve greater diversification of risks and obtain statutory capital relief. The maximum net amount at risk of individual ordinary life insurance retained by the Company on any one life is $10 million. The Company cedes insurance on both an automatic basis, whereby risks are ceded to a reinsurer on specific blocks of business where the underlying risks meet certain predetermined criteria, and on a facultative basis, whereby the reinsurer’s prior approval is required for each risk reinsured.

The Company has entered into reinsurance contracts with certain unaffiliated reinsurers to cede a portion of its general account life, annuity and accident and health business. Total amounts recoverable under these unaffiliated reinsurance contracts totaled $9 million and $14 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Under the terms of certain contracts, specified assets are generally placed in trusts as collateral for the recoveries. The trust assets are invested in investment-grade securities, the fair value of which must at all times be greater than or equal to 100% or 102% of the reinsured reserves, as outlined in each of the underlying contracts. Certain portions of the Company’s variable annuity guaranteed benefit risks are also reinsured. These treaties reduce the Company’s exposure to death benefit and income benefit guarantee risk in the Life Insurance and Annuities segments. The Company has no other material reinsurance arrangements with unaffiliated reinsurers.

The Company’s material reinsurance agreements with affiliates are the modified coinsurance agreement, pursuant to which NLIC cedes to NMIC nearly all of its accident and health insurance business not ceded to unaffiliated reinsurers, the 100% coinsurance agreement with funds withheld with Eagle to cede specified guaranteed minimum death benefits ("GMDB") and guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits ("GLWB") obligations provided under substantially all of the variable annuity contracts and certain fixed indexed annuity contracts issued and to be issued by NLIC, the modified coinsurance

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agreement with NLAIC, pursuant to which NLIC assumes certain inforce and subsequently issued fixed individual deferred annuity contracts, the modified coinsurance agreement with NLAIC, pursuant to which NLIC assumes certain variable universal life insurance, whole life insurance and universal life insurance policies, and the 100% coinsurance agreement with NLAIC, pursuant to which NLIC assumes a certain life insurance contract, as described in Note 11 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report.

Ratings

Ratings with respect to claims-paying ability and financial strength are one factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. These ratings represent each agency’s opinion of an insurance company’s financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. Such factors are important to policyholders, agents and intermediaries. They are not evaluations directed toward the protection of investors and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. Rating agencies utilize quantitative and qualitative analysis, including the use of key performance indicators, financial and operating ratios and proprietary capital models to establish ratings for the Company and certain subsidiaries. Ratings are continually evaluated relative to performance, as measured using these metrics and the impact that changes in the underlying business in which it is engaged can have on such measures. In an effort to minimize the adverse impact of this risk, the Company maintains regular communications with the rating agencies, performs evaluations utilizing its own calculations of these key metrics and considers such evaluation in the way it conducts its business.

Ratings are important to maintaining public confidence in the Company and its ability to market annuity and life insurance products. Rating agencies continually review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company. Any lowering of the Company’s ratings could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to market its products and could increase the rate of surrender of the Company’s products. Both of these consequences could have an adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and, under certain circumstances, net income. As of December 31, 2022, NLIC has a financial strength rating of "A+" (Superior) from A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") and its claims-paying ability/financial strength is rated "A1" (Good) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody’s") and "A+" (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services ("S&P").

Competition

The Company competes with many other insurers, as well as non-insurance financial services companies, some of which offer alternative products and, with respect to other insurers, have higher ratings than the Company. While no single company dominates the marketplace, many of the Company’s competitors have greater financial resources and larger market share than the Company. Competition in the Company’s lines of business is primarily based on price, product features, commission structure, perceived financial strength, claims-paying ability, customer and producer service and name recognition.

See also "Risk Factors – The Company operates in a highly competitive industry, which can significantly impact operating results."

Regulation

Regulation at State Level

NLIC and NLAIC are each domiciled and licensed in the State of Ohio as life insurers. The Ohio Department of Insurance ("ODI") serves as their domiciliary regulator. NLIC is licensed and regulated as a life insurer in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. NLAIC is licensed and regulated as a life insurer in 49 states (excluding New York) and the District of Columbia. JNL is domiciled in the State of Texas, with the Texas Department of Insurance serving as its domiciliary regulator. JNL is licensed as a life insurer in 49 states (excluding New York) and the District of Columbia. JNLNY is domiciled and licensed as a life insurer in the state of New York with the New York State Department of Financial Services ("NY DFS") serving as its domiciliary regulator. Eagle is domiciled in Ohio and is licensed in Ohio as a special purpose financial captive insurance company regulated by ODI. Olentangy is domiciled in Vermont and is licensed in Vermont as a special purpose financial insurance company regulated by the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation.

State insurance authorities have broad administrative powers with respect to various aspects of the insurance business. Among other areas, these authorities regulate advertising and marketing; privacy; acquisitions; payment of dividends; the form and content of insurance policies (including pricing); operating and agent licenses; regulation of premium rates; premium tax increases; rating and underwriting restrictions and limitations; asset and reserve valuation requirements; enterprise risk management; surplus requirements; accounting standards; Risk Based Capital ("RBC") requirements;

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statutory reserve and capital requirements; assessments by guaranty associations; affiliate transactions; unfair trade and claims practices; admittance of assets to statutory surplus; maximum interest rates on life insurance policy loans and minimum accumulation or surrender values; the type, amounts and valuations of investments permitted; reinsurance transactions, including the role of captive reinsurers; and other matters.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") is the U.S. standard setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulatory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. A primary mandate of the NAIC is to benefit state insurance regulatory authorities and consumers by promulgating model insurance laws and regulations for adoption by the states. The NAIC also provides standardized insurance industry accounting and reporting guidance through the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual ("the Accounting Manual"). However, model insurance laws and regulations are only effective when adopted by the states, and statutory accounting and reporting principles continue to be established by individual state laws, regulations and permitted practices. Changes to the Accounting Manual or modifications by the various state insurance departments may affect the statutory capital and surplus of NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, JNLNY, Olentangy and Eagle.

Insurance Holding Company Regulation

NLIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFS, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corp., a majority-owned subsidiary of NMIC. NMIC is the ultimate controlling entity of the Nationwide group of companies. As such, Nationwide is subject to certain insurance laws of each of the states of domicile of its insurance subsidiaries and affiliates. All states have enacted legislation that requires each insurance holding company and each insurance company in an insurance holding company system to register with the insurance regulatory authority of the insurance company’s state of domicile and to furnish annually financial and other information concerning the operations of companies within the holding company system that materially affect the operations, management or financial condition of the insurers within such system (generally referred to as "insurance holding company acts"). Generally, under such laws, among other requirements, transactions within the insurance holding company system to which the Company’s operating insurance companies are a party must be fair and reasonable, and, if material or of a specified category, they require prior notice and approval or non-disapproval by the state of domicile and, in some cases, the state of commercial domicile of each insurance company that is party to the transaction. In addition, under such laws, a state insurance authority usually must approve in advance the direct or indirect acquisition of 10% or more of the voting securities of an insurance company domiciled in its state.

Group-Wide Supervision

The NAIC has promulgated model laws for adoption in the U.S. that would provide for "group-wide" supervision of certain insurance holding companies in addition to the current regulation of insurance subsidiaries. While the timing of their adoption and content will vary by jurisdiction, the following generally represent the areas of focus in these model laws: (1) uniform standards for insurer corporate governance; (2) group-wide supervision of insurance holding companies; (3) adjustments to risk-based capital calculations to account for group-wide risks; and (4) additional regulatory and disclosure requirements for insurance holding companies.

Some laws which facilitate group-wide supervision have already been enacted in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, such as Own Risk and Solvency Assessment ("ORSA") reporting, which requires larger insurers to assess the adequacy of its and its group’s risk management and current and future solvency position, and Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure reporting, which requires insurance groups to report on their governance structure, policies and practices. In December 2020, the NAIC adopted a U.S. group capital calculation ("GCC") using an RBC aggregation methodology. The GCC is intended to be a financial tool to assist regulators in identifying risks that may emanate from a holding company system and to holistically understand the financial condition of non-insurance entities and how capital is distributed across an entire group. It is a quantitative measure used to complement the view of group-specific risks provided in the ORSA. In addition, the GCC is intended to comply with the requirements under the Covered Agreements with the European Union ("EU") and the United Kingdom ("UK"). The GCC met the requirement that the States have a "worldwide group capital calculation" in place by November 7, 2022 in order to avoid the EU or UK from imposing a group capital assessment or requirement at the level of the worldwide parent. The NAIC encouraged states with groups impacted by the Covered Agreements to adopt the revisions to the NAIC Insurance Holding Company System Model Act (#440) and Insurance Holding Company System Model Regulation (#450) which implements the GCC effective November 7, 2022. For other states the effective date is anticipated to be January 1, 2026. In April 2022, Ohio adopted the revisions to the NAIC Insurance Holding Company System Model Act (#440) and Insurance Holding Company System Model Regulation (#450) to implement the GCC. As such, Nationwide anticipates filing its first GCC with ODI, the Company’s lead state regulator in 2023. At this time, the Company cannot predict what, if any, compliance costs or other impacts the GCC will impose on the Company.

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Principles-Based Reserving

In June 2016, the NAIC adopted a recommendation that activated a principles-based reserving approach for life insurance products. Principles-based reserving replaces the reserving methods for life insurance products for which the current formulaic basis for reserves may not fully reflect the risks or costs of the liability or obligations of the insurer. The principles-based reserving approach had a three-year phase in period. At the Company’s discretion, it could be applied to new individual life business beginning as early as January 1, 2017 and was required to be applied for all new individual life business issued January 1, 2020 and later. The Company started the application of the principles-based reserving approach on all new individual life business on January 1, 2020. The principles-based reserving approach did not affect reserves for policies in force prior to January 1, 2020 and had no material impact on the Company’s statutory financial statements.

In 2019, the NAIC adopted revisions to the Valuation Manual Requirements for Principle-Based Reserves for Variable Annuities ("VM-21"), which provided comprehensive updates to the Commissioners Annuity Reserve Valuation Method of reserving for variable annuities. VM-21 provided the choice of (1) full adoption beginning January 1, 2020, (2) an election to grade in over 3 years, or (3) an election to grade in over 7 years, subject to commissioner discretion. The Company elected to fully adopt the change in reserving valuation basis, as of January 1, 2020, and recorded an increase to statutory capital and surplus of $78 million.

Captive Reinsurance Regulation

The NAIC continues to consider changes that would regulate more strictly captive reinsurance companies that assume business directly written in more than one state.

The NAIC Model Regulation entitled "Valuation of Life Insurance Policies," commonly known as "Regulation XXX," establishes statutory reserve requirements for term life insurance policies and universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees, such as those issued by NLAIC and reinsured by its captive, Olentangy. Actuarial Guideline 38 ("AG 38") clarifies the application of Regulation XXX with respect to certain universal life insurance products with secondary guarantees. As the result of an NAIC study on the use of captives and special purpose vehicles to transfer insurance risk-related products subject to Regulation XXX and AG 38, Actuarial Guideline 48 ("AG 48") was created. The purpose and intent of AG48 is to establish uniform, national standards governing Regulation XXX and AG 38 reserve financing arrangements. The provisions of AG 48 apply to new policies that were issued on or after January 1, 2015. The NAIC adopted a revised Credit for Reinsurance Model Law in January 2016 and the Term and Universal Life Insurance Reserving Financing Model Regulation in December 2016 to replace AG 48. The model regulation is consistent with AG 48 and will replace AG 48 in a state upon the state’s adoption of the model law and regulation. AG 48 and the model laws and regulations currently have no effect on the Company as policies issued by NLAIC and reinsured by its captive, Olentangy, were issued and ceded prior to January 1, 2015.

In 2018, the NAIC adopted a framework for proposed revisions to the current Actuarial Guideline No. 43 ("AG 43") and RBC "C-3 Phase II" system applicable to variable annuities reserve and capital requirements. Changes included: (i) aligning economically-focused hedge assets with liability valuations; (ii) reforming standard scenarios for AG 43 and C-3 Phase II; (iii) revising asset admissibility for derivatives and deferred tax assets; and (iv) standardizing capital market assumptions and aligning total asset requirements and reserves. The revised framework was effective January 1, 2020 and includes an optional three-year phase in. The impact to the Company was minimal due to its continued utilization of a captive which will not be impacted by AG 43 and resulted in a reduction of AG 43-related reserves that were not ceded to the captive. See also "Risk Factors - The Company may be unable to mitigate the impact of Regulation XXX and Actuarial Guideline 38, potentially resulting in a negative impact to its capital position".

Macro-Prudential Supervision

The NAIC has been focused on a Macro-Prudential Initiative ("MPI") to improve state macro-prudential supervisory tools. The MPI focuses on four areas for potential enhancement: (1) liquidity, (2) recovery and resolution, (3) capital stress testing and (4) identifying exposure concentrations. The NAIC explained that the key objectives of the MPI are to better monitor and respond to the impact of external financial and economic risk to supervised firms; better monitor and respond to risks emanating from or amplified by the supervised firms that might be transmitted externally and which may result in significant market impacts or financial, reputational, litigation or regulatory risks for the firm; and increase public awareness of NAIC/state monitoring capabilities regarding macro-prudential trends within the U.S. insurance sector and their implications. In December 2020, the NAIC adopted amendments to the Model Holding Company Act and Regulation that implements requirements related to their proposed stress-testing framework for qualifying life insurers which will have to be adopted by state legislatures to become effective. Given the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome of this initiative, at this time the Company is unable to estimate the expected impact on the Company.

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Regulation of Dividends and Other Distributions

See Note 14 to the audited statutory financial statements in the F pages of this report for a discussion of dividend restrictions.

Annual and Quarterly Reports and Statutory Examinations

Insurance companies are required to file detailed annual and quarterly statutory financial statements with state insurance regulators in each of the states in which they do business, in accordance with accounting practices and procedures prescribed or permitted by state insurance regulatory authorities, and their business and accounts are subject to examination by such regulators at any time.

In addition, insurance regulators periodically examine an insurer’s financial condition, adherence to statutory accounting practices, and compliance with insurance department rules and regulations. NLIC, NLAIC, JNL and Eagle each file reports with state insurance departments regarding management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the Annual Financial Reporting Model Regulation, as adopted in the states in which they do business.

As part of their routine regulatory oversight process, state insurance regulatory authorities periodically conduct detailed examinations, generally once every three to five years, of the books, records and accounts of insurance companies domiciled in their states. Such examinations generally are conducted in coordination with the insurance departments of other domestic states under guidelines promulgated by the NAIC. The ODI’s most recently completed financial examination of NLIC and NLAIC concluded in 2018 and was for the five-year period ended December 31, 2016. Additionally, the ODI’s most recently completed financial examination of Eagle was as of December 31, 2016 and concluded in 2018.

The most recently completed financial examination of JNL and JNLNY by the Texas Department of Insurance and NY DFS, respectively, was as of December 31, 2016 and concluded in 2018.

Vermont, in coordination with the timing of the ODI exams above, completed an examination of Olentangy in 2018 for the two-year period ended December 31, 2016. The examinations for NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, JNLNY, Eagle and Olentangy were completed during the second quarter of 2018 and did not result in any significant issues or adjustments. The examination reports are available to the public. The ODI, in coordination with other impacted domiciliary insurance regulators, is currently conducting the financial examination of NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, JNLNY, Eagle and Olentangy for the five-year period ended December 31, 2021.

Market Conduct

State insurance regulatory authorities regularly make inquiries, hold investigations and administer market conduct examinations with respect to insurers’ compliance with applicable insurance laws and regulations, including among other things, the form and content of disclosure to consumers, advertising, sales practices and complaint handling. State regulators have imposed significant fines on various insurers for improper market conduct. NLIC, NLAIC, JNL and JNLNY continually monitor sales, marketing and advertising practices and related activities of agents and personnel and provide continuing education and training in an effort to ensure compliance with applicable insurance laws and regulations. There can be no guarantee that any non-compliance with such applicable laws and regulations would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Guaranty Associations and Similar Arrangements

Each of the 50 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia have laws requiring insurance companies doing business within its jurisdiction to participate in various types of guaranty associations or other similar arrangements. These arrangements provide certain levels of protection to policy owners from losses arising from insurance policies or annuity contracts issued by insurance companies that become impaired or insolvent. Typically, assessments are levied (up to prescribed limits) on member insurers on a basis which is related to the member insurer’s proportionate share of the business written by all member insurers, in the lines of business in which the impaired or insolvent member insurer was writing. Some jurisdictions permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets, usually over a period of years.

Assessments levied against the Company and subsidiaries during the past three years have not been material. The amount and timing of any future assessment on or refund to NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, or JNLNY under these laws are beyond the control of NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, and JNLNY. A portion of the assessments paid by NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, or JNLNY pursuant to these laws may be used as credits for a portion of NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, or JNLNY’s premium taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, credits received by the Company have not been material.

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Statutory Surplus

As licensed insurers, NLIC, NLAIC, JNL and JNLNY are subject to the supervision of the regulators of each state, and each state has the discretionary authority, in connection with the ongoing licensing of such entity, to limit or prohibit writing new business within its jurisdiction when, in the state’s judgment, such entity is not maintaining adequate statutory surplus or capital or is operating in a hazardous financial condition. The Company does not currently anticipate that any regulator would limit the amount of new business that NLIC, NLAIC, JNL and JNLNY may write due to an inability to meet the levels of statutory surplus required by the regulators. Olentangy is subject to the specific requirements and restrictions of its Licensing Order, as issued by the State of Vermont, and Eagle is subject to the specific requirements and restrictions of its Licensing Order, as issued by the State of Ohio.

Risk-Based Capital

NLIC, NLAIC, JNL, JNLNY, Olentangy and Eagle are subject to the RBC requirements for life insurance companies. All states have adopted the NAIC RBC model law or a substantially similar law. The RBC calculation, which regulators use to assess the sufficiency of an insurer’s statutory surplus, measures the risk characteristics of a company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items. In general, RBC is calculated by applying factors to various asset, premium, claim, expense and reserve items. The requirements result in insurers maintaining, for the protection of policyholders, capital in excess of statutory surplus requirements. Insurers having less statutory surplus than required by the RBC model formula will be subject to varying degrees of regulatory action depending on the level of capital inadequacy. See Note 14 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for additional discussion of RBC requirements. Olentangy is subject to the separate requirements and restrictions of its Licensing Order, as issued by the State of Vermont. Eagle is subject to the separate requirements and restrictions of its Licensing Order, as issued by the State of Ohio.

Annuity Sales Practices

The Company’s annuity sales practices are subject to strict regulation. State insurance and certain federal regulators are becoming more active in adopting and enforcing suitability standards that create additional responsibilities with respect to sales of annuities, both fixed and variable. Such regulations and responsibilities could increase the Company’s operational costs or compliance costs or burdens or expose the Company to increased liability for any violation of such regulations and responsibilities.

On February 13, 2020, the NAIC adopted revisions to the model annuity suitability rule to incorporate a heightened standard of care. The adoption of amendments by the NAIC has resulted in subsequent adoption by individual states, which may result in additional activities necessary to comply. Additionally, some state insurance and securities regulators are actively engaged in the development and adoption of rulemaking in this space independent from the NAIC.

Regulation of Investments

The Company is subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of its investment portfolios and limit the amount of investments in certain investment categories such as below-investment grade fixed income securities, real estate-related equity and common stocks. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause investments exceeding regulatory limitations to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus, and, in some instances, could require divestiture of such non-qualifying investments. The Company believes that its investments comply, in all material respects, with such laws and regulations as of December 31, 2022.

Federal Initiatives

Although the U.S. federal government generally has not directly regulated the insurance business, federal legislation and administrative policies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 ("the Dodd-Frank Act") expand the federal presence in insurance oversight.

The Dodd-Frank Act established the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel ("FSOC"), which has authority to designate non-bank financial companies as systemically important financial institutions ("non-bank SIFIs"), thereby subjecting them to enhanced prudential standards and supervision by the Federal Reserve. The prudential standards for non-bank SIFIs include enhanced RBC requirements, leverage limits, liquidity requirements, single counterparty exposure limits, governance requirements for risk management, stress test requirements, special debt-to-equity limits for certain companies, early remediation procedures and recovery and resolution planning. It is possible, although not likely, that the Company could be designated as a non-bank SIFI by the FSOC. Being so designated would subject the Company to enhanced oversight and prudential standards by the Federal Reserve, beyond those applicable to our competitors not so designated.

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On December 4, 2019, the FSOC approved a proposal that would significantly alter its process for making such non-bank SIFI designations. Among other things, the new guidance will: require the FSOC to focus on regulating activities that pose systemic risk, allowing for the involvement of primary regulators, rather than designations of individual firms (also known as an "activities-based approach"); shorten the designation process by removing the first step from what is currently a three-step process; invite participation from firms under consideration for designation earlier in the designation process to provide greater transparency; require a cost-benefit analysis prior to making a designation, which must include a determination of the likelihood of the potential systemic impact actually occurring; and clarify the "off ramp" process for firms who have been designated as SIFIs.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established the Federal Insurance Office ("FIO") within the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("Treasury"), which has the authority to participate on behalf of the U.S. in the negotiations of international insurance agreements with foreign regulators, as well as to collect information about the insurance industry and recommend prudential standards, and, along with the U.S. Trade Representative ("USTR"), to enter into covered agreements with one or more foreign governments which have the ability to preempt inconsistent state insurance measures. While not having general supervisory or regulatory authority over the business of insurance, the director of the FIO will perform various functions with respect to insurance (other than health insurance), including serving as a non-voting member of FSOC and making recommendations to FSOC regarding insurers to be designated for more stringent regulation.

Further, Dodd-Frank Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") as an independent agency within the Federal Reserve to supervise and regulate institutions that provide certain financial products and services to consumers. Although consumer financial products and services generally exclude the business of insurance, the CFPB does have authority to regulate non-insurance consumer financial products and services.

Securities Laws

Certain of NLIC and its subsidiaries’ products, policies and contracts are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and under certain state securities laws. Certain separate accounts of NLIC, NLAIC, JNL and JNLNY are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Separate account interests under certain variable annuity contracts and variable insurance policies issued by NLIC, NLAIC, JNL and JNLNY are also registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). NISC, a subsidiary of the Company, is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is a member of, and subject to regulation by, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and is also subject to the SEC’s net capital rules.

NIA, a subsidiary of the Company, is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended, and under the Securities Act.

All aspects of investment advisory activities are subject to applicable federal and state laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they conduct business. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to benefit investment advisory clients and investment company shareholders and generally grant supervisory agencies broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict the transaction of business for failure to comply with such laws and regulations. In such events, the possible sanctions which may be imposed include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on the activities in which the investment advisor may engage, suspension or revocation of the investment advisor’s registration as an advisor, censure and fines.

The SEC adopted a package of rulemaking and interpretive guidance regarding the standards of conducts for broker-dealers and investment advisors. Of particular note was the adoption of a new "best interest" standard for broker-dealers when making recommendations to retail customers of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities. Also adopted as part of the package was a new "relationship summary" disclosure requirement for broker-dealers and investment advisors that must be provided to "retail investors." Generally, compliance with the SEC’s adopted package of rulemaking and interpretive guidance was required by June 30, 2020.

Derivatives Regulation

The Company’s derivatives use is subject to statutory and regulatory requirements of the states of Ohio, the Company’s domiciliary state, and New York, where the Company is licensed to sell certain products. Each state requires the Company to follow a board-approved derivatives’ use plan. The Company’s derivatives’ use plan meets the requirements of both states. While the statutory constructs and regulatory oversight of Ohio and New York are historically consistent, there is a possibility the two states could diverge in their respective regulation of the Company’s derivatives use creating additional expense or lost opportunity to the Company.

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Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act is a framework to regulate the over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives markets through the required clearing of certain types of OTC transactions and the posting of collateral, each of which results in additional risk mitigation costs to the Company. NLIC and NLAIC, currently required to clear specified OTC derivatives products, are subject to the posting and collection of initial margin on its non-cleared OTC derivatives portfolios with certain of their counterparties as of September 1, 2022. These initial margin requirements, in conjunction with variation margin requirements, may require the Company to hold more cash and highly liquid securities with lower yields than it might otherwise hold in the absence of the margin requirements; potentially resulting in a reduction of investment income. Furthermore, U.S. and global regulation of the derivatives markets continues to evolve, potentially creating unexpected costs as well as opportunities.

Environmental, Social and Governance Regulation

The Company is exposed to risks relating to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors. Customers, regulators and other market participants may evaluate the Company’s business or other practices according to a variety of ESG standards, expectations, or metrics, all of which may evolve, may be subjective or underdeveloped in nature, and may reflect contrasting or conflicting values. Standard-setting organizations and regulators including, but not limited to, the NAIC, SEC and state insurance regulators, have proposed or adopted, or may propose or adopt, ESG rules or standards applicable to the Company. For example, the NAIC (led by the California Department of Insurance) has generally modified the Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey to align with aspects of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD") framework, a recognized framework of recommendations that were developed to enhance climate-related disclosures. In addition, the SEC has proposed new disclosure rules that, if adopted, would generally require a wide range of registered companies, including Nationwide, to prepare extensive disclosures and financial information on climate-related risk. Final SEC rules have not yet been adopted. Some regulators are taking opposing positions on financial services companies’ consideration of ESG factors in carrying out their businesses. For instance, some states are prohibiting entities with state contracts from considering certain ESG factors, while others are encouraging consideration of such factors and promoting divestment from certain industries, especially carbon-based industries. Such opposing regulatory positions present potential difficulties for Nationwide’s Investment and Retirement Security businesses, which have extensive state contracts. Due to the sometimes conflicting, uncertain, and subjective ESG regulatory and market environment, the Company may be seen as acting inconsistently with ESG standards or values from the perspective of certain customers, regulators or other constituents. As a result, the Company could face adverse regulatory, customer, media or public scrutiny related to ESG that potentially could have a negative impact on our business or reputation or lead to legal challenges. More specifically, climate risk has the potential for negative impacts resulting from damage to physical property insured or held as investments due to increase extreme weather events, financial losses or decreased revenues resulting from the transition to a low carbon economy and legal and regulatory losses attributable to climate change or failing to manage climate risk factors.

Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation

The Company is regulated by the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ("GLBA") and subject to federal and state regulations promulgated thereunder that require financial institutions and other businesses to ensure the privacy, security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information, including laws that regulate the use and disclosure of, among others, Social Security numbers and health information. Federal and state laws require notice to affected individuals, law enforcement, regulators and others if there is a breach of the security of certain personal information, including Social Security numbers and health information. Federal regulations require financial institutions and creditors to implement effective programs to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft. Federal and state laws and regulations regulate the ability of financial institutions to make telemarketing calls and to send unsolicited commercial e-mail, text or fax messages to consumers and customers. Federal laws and regulations regulate the permissible uses of certain personal information, including consumer report information. Federal and state legislatures and regulatory bodies continue to expand regulation regarding these subjects and the privacy and security of personal information. Despite functionally similar laws and regulations, there is ongoing risk of non-uniform regulatory interpretation and application due to the multiplicity of state and federal regulators examining the Company.

The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 ("CCPA") grants all California residents the right to know the information a business has collected from them and the sourcing and sharing of that information, as well as a right to have a business delete their personal information (with some exceptions). The CCPA’s definition of "personal information" is more expansive than those found in other privacy laws applicable to the Company in the U.S. Failure to comply with CCPA could result in regulatory fines, further, the law grants a right of action for any unauthorized disclosure of personal information as a result of failure to maintain reasonable security procedures. The CCPA became effective on January 1, 2020 and enforcement by California’s Attorney General began July 1, 2020. Final regulations were promulgated shortly thereafter. In

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November 2020, the CCPA was amended by the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA"), which we expect to become effective in most material respects in early 2023. The CPRA provides expanded rights for California consumers (e.g., the right to correct inaccurate personal information) and created a new regulatory agency, the California Privacy Protection Agency, dedicated to enforcing Californians’ consumer privacy rights.

New York’s cybersecurity regulation for financial services institutions, including insurance entities under its jurisdiction, requires entities to establish and maintain a cybersecurity program designed to protect consumer’s private data. The regulation specifically provides for: (i) senior leader and Board oversight of the covered entity’s cybersecurity program; (ii) controls relating to the governance framework for a cybersecurity program; (iii) risk-based minimum standards for technology systems for data protection; (iv) requirements for cyber breach responses, including notice to the NY DFS of material events; and (v) identification and documentation of material deficiencies, remediation plans and annual certification of regulatory compliance with the NY DFS.

In 2017, the NAIC adopted the Insurance Data Security Model Law ("the Cybersecurity Model Law"), which established standards for data security and notification of cybersecurity events in states where adopted. The Cybersecurity Model Law has been adopted in Ohio and several other states. Additional states may follow. The Cybersecurity Model Law could impose significant new regulatory burdens intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information systems. The NAIC model law is functionally similar to the NY DFS rule. The NAIC has also established a Big Data working group devoted to ensuring that regulations and regulatory activities appropriately protect consumers from harm which could result from technological developments in the insurance sector. During 2020, the working group was charged with (i) reviewing current regulatory frameworks used to oversee insurers’ use of consumer and non-insurance data; (ii) proposing a mechanism to provide resources and allow states to share resources to facilitate their ability to conduct technical analysis of, and data collection related to, the review of complex models used by insurers for underwriting, rating and claims; and (iii) assess data needs and required tools for state insurance regulators to appropriately monitor the marketplace and evaluate underwriting, rating, claims and marketing practices.

In February 2022, the SEC proposed new cybersecurity risk management rules and amendments to enhance cybersecurity preparedness and improve the resilience of investment advisers and investment companies against cybersecurity threats and attacks. Specifically, the proposal would: require advisers and funds to adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to address cybersecurity risks; require advisers to report significant cybersecurity incidents to the SEC on proposed Form ADV-C; enhance adviser and fund disclosures related to cybersecurity risks and incidents; and require advisers and funds to maintain, make, and retain certain cybersecurity-related books and records.

Compliance with existing and emerging privacy and cybersecurity regulations could result in increased compliance costs and/or lead to changes in business practices and policies, and any failure to protect the confidentiality of client information could adversely affect our reputation and have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA")

On June 21, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the Department of Labor’s ("DOL") 2016 Fiduciary Rule. As a result, the fiduciary standards under ERISA revert to those in place before the issuance of the regulations, e.g., the "Five Part Test". On June 29, 2020, the DOL released technical amendments that reinstated the Five Part Test for fiduciary status and reverted the DOL fiduciary framework back to the framework prior to the now-defunct 2016 Fiduciary Rule. On December 18, 2020, the DOL adopted a new Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption ("PTE"), "Improving Investment Advice for Workers & Retirees." The new PTE took effect on February 16, 2021.

In addition, ERISA fiduciary obligations are imposed on certain assets in excess of amounts necessary to satisfy guaranteed obligations held by an insurance company in its general account under a participating group annuity contract to the extent that the insurer’s general account is not reserved to pay benefits under guaranteed benefit policies (i.e., benefits whose value would not fluctuate in accordance with the insurer’s investment experience). ERISA requires that fiduciaries perform their duties solely in the interest of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries and with the care, skill, prudence and diligence that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims.

See also "Risk Factors—Changes to regulations under ERISA could adversely affect the Company’s distribution model by restricting the Company’s ability to provide customers with advice."

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Tax Matters

Life insurance products may be used to provide income tax deferral and income tax free death benefits. Annuity contracts may be used to provide income tax deferral. The value of these benefits is related to the level of income tax rates and capital gains tax rates. Changes to the income tax rates and the capital gains tax rates can affect the value of these benefits, and therefore the desirability of those products.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act ("Act") was signed into law. The Act includes a new Federal corporate alternative minimum tax, effective in 2023, that is based on the adjusted financial statement income set forth on the applicable financial statement of an applicable corporation. See Note 8 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for additional discussion of the Act.

Additional changes to the IRC to address the fiscal challenges currently faced by the federal government may also be made. These changes could include changes to the taxation of life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, retirement savings plans, and other investment alternatives offered by the Company. Such changes to the IRC could have an adverse impact on the desirability of the products offered by the Company.

Employees

The Company does not have any employees of its own, but rather is provided personnel by NMIC pursuant to a Cost Sharing Agreement.

Risk Factors

Risks Related to Economic and Financial Market Conditions

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect the Company’s ability to meet liquidity needs and access the capital required to operate its business, most significantly its insurance operations.

The Company’s insurance, annuity and investment products, as well as its investment returns and access to and cost of financing, are sensitive to disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets, thereby ultimately impacting the Company’s profitability and ability to support or grow its businesses. In the insurance industry, liquidity refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate adequate amounts of cash from its normal operations in order to meet its financial commitments. The principal sources of the Company’s liquidity are insurance premiums, annuity considerations, deposit funds and cash, including from its investment portfolio and assets. Sources of liquidity also include surplus notes and a variety of short-term debt instruments, including intercompany borrowings and FHLB programs.

In the event current resources do not satisfy the Company’s needs, the Company may have to seek additional financing. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the availability of credit generally and specifically to the financial services industry, market liquidity, the Company’s credit ratings, as well as the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of the Company’s long- or short-term financial prospects if it incurs large investment losses or if its level of business activity decreases. Similarly, the Company’s access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against it. The Company’s internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and in such a case, it may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.

As such, the Company may be forced to issue debt with terms and conditions that may be unfavorable to it, bear an unattractive cost of capital or sell certain assets, any of which could decrease the Company’s profitability and significantly reduce its financial flexibility. The Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by disruptions in the capital and credit market.

Difficult conditions in the global economy and capital markets could adversely affect the Company’s business and operating results and these conditions may not improve in the near future.

At times throughout the past few years, volatile conditions have characterized financial markets. Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets or financial asset classes could adversely affect the Company’s investment portfolio. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes.

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General economic conditions could also adversely affect the Company by impacting consumer behavior and pressuring investment results. Consumer behavior changes could include decreased demand for the Company’s products. For example, holders of interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products may engage in an elevated level of discretionary withdrawals of contractholder funds. Investment results could be adversely affected as deteriorating financial and business conditions affect the issuers of the securities in the investment portfolio.

The impact on distributors, vendors and customers of sustained or significant deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect the Company’s business.

The Company is exposed to risks associated with the potential financial instability of its customers and distributors, many of whom may be adversely affected by volatile conditions in the financial markets or an economic slowdown. As a result of uncertainties with respect to financial institutions and the global credit markets, changes in energy costs, and other macroeconomic challenges currently or potentially affecting the economy of the U.S. and other parts of the world, customers and distributors may experience serious cash flow problems and other financial difficulties. In addition, events in the U.S. or foreign markets and political and social unrest in various countries around the world can impact the global economy and capital markets. The impact of such events is difficult to predict. Protectionist trade policy actions, such as tariffs and quotas could adversely affect the Company’s investment results, as an increase in the scope and size of tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and increase inflationary pressures which may have an adverse effect on economic activity. As a result, they may modify, delay, or cancel plans to buy or sell the Company’s products, or make changes in the mix of products bought or sold, that are unfavorable to the Company.

In addition, the Company is susceptible to risks associated with the potential financial instability of the vendors on which the Company relies to provide services or to whom the Company delegates certain functions. The same conditions that may affect the Company’s distributors could also adversely affect the Company’s vendors, causing them to significantly and quickly increase their prices or reduce their output. The Company’s business depends on its ability to perform, in an efficient and uninterrupted fashion, its necessary business functions, and any interruption in the services provided by third parties could also adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Potential changes to the manner in which the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") is determined and the replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate may affect the Company’s cost of capital and net investment income.

LIBOR is an interest rate benchmark which historically underpinned hundreds of trillions of dollars of financial contracts around the world; it was available in five currencies and a range of tenors. On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") announced that it would no longer persuade or compel LIBOR panel banks to submit LIBOR quotes after 2021. Intercontinental Exchange ("ICE") Benchmark Administration Limited ("IBA"), the administrator of LIBOR engaged in a published consultation with market participants, panel banks, and official sector bodies regarding the potential to continue publication of certain widely used LIBOR settings after December 31, 2021. Subsequently, IBA published a consultation on its intention to cease publication of all LIBOR settings in all currencies and tenors, except overnight, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month USD LIBOR, after the publication of LIBOR on December 31, 2021 (with the remaining USD LIBOR settings to cease publication after June 30, 2023), and the FCA announced the future cessation or loss of representativeness of the 35 LIBOR benchmark settings published by IBA. This announcement triggered the fixing of the fallback spread adjustment, administered by Bloomberg Index Services Limited, for each of the affected LIBOR benchmark settings. It remains unclear if, how and in what form, LIBOR may continue to exist after that date, however, public statements by the FCA suggest any new LIBOR settings beyond the 2021 and 2023 dates will be temporary and limited in scope. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (constituted of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR") which is intended, but not mandated, to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR, and SOFR-based cash and derivative products have been issued in the U.S. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (the "LIBOR ACT"), the federal legislation to address the potential disruption of contractual continuity and litigation risk posed by financial instruments that incorporate U.S. Dollar LIBOR as a reference rate, was signed into law. Cash and derivatives markets continue to develop in response to SOFR and other benchmark rates and questions around liquidity in these rates and how to mitigate or eliminate any economic value transfer at the time of transition remain a significant concern for the Company and others in the marketplace. The effect of any changes or reforms to LIBOR or discontinuation of LIBOR on new or existing financial instruments to which the Company has exposure or the activities in the Company’s businesses will vary depending on a variety of factors. Accordingly, it is difficult to predict the full impact of

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the transition away from LIBOR on certain derivatives and floating rate securities the Company holds, and any other assets, liabilities, models, assumptions, and the cost of capital, as well as contractual rights and obligations, whose value is tied to LIBOR. The value or profitability of these products and instruments may be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Investments

The Company is exposed to significant financial market risk, which may adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition, and may cause the Company’s net investment income to vary from period to period.

The Company is exposed to significant financial market risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, real estate values, foreign currency exchange rates, domestic and foreign market volatility, the performance of the economy in general, the performance of specific obligors included in its portfolio and other factors outside the Company’s control. Adverse changes in these rates, spreads and prices may occur due to changes in monetary policy and the economic climate, the liquidity of a market or market segment, investor return expectations and/or risk tolerance, insolvency or financial distress of key market makers or participants, or changes in market perceptions of credit worthiness.

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. The Company’s investment portfolio contains interest rate sensitive instruments, such as bonds and derivatives, which may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond its control. U.S. long-term interest rates remain at relatively low levels by historical standards. During periods of low or declining interest rates, as cash becomes available from premiums on insurance and annuity policies and from the maturity, redemption or sale of existing securities or from other sources or as securities are realized prior to maturity, the yield on new investments will be lower than that on existing investments, thus lowering the average yield that the Company earns on its investment portfolio. Although the Company seeks to carefully measure and manage its interest rate risk positions, the Company’s estimate of the liability cash flow profile may be inaccurate, and it might need to sell assets in order to cover the liability, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The Company’s insurance and investment products are also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and expose the Company to the risk that falling interest rates or credit spreads will reduce the Company’s margin, or the difference between the returns earned on the investments that support the obligations under these products and the amounts that must be paid to policyholders and contractholders. Because the Company may reduce the interest rates credited on most of these products only at limited, pre-established intervals, and because some contracts have guaranteed minimum interest crediting rates, or may be subject to regulatory minimum rates, declines in interest rates may adversely affect the profitability of these products.

There may be economic scenarios, including periods of rising interest rates, that increase the attractiveness of other investments to the Company’s customers, which could increase life insurance policy loan, surrender, and withdrawal activity in a given period. Such situations could result in cash outflows requiring that the Company sell investments at a time when the prices of those investments are adversely affected, which may result in realized investment losses. Unanticipated withdrawals and terminations may also cause the Company to accelerate other expenses, which reduces net income in the period of the acceleration.

The Company’s exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads. A widening of credit spreads would increase unrealized losses or decrease unrealized gains in the investment portfolio and, if issuer credit spreads increase as a result of fundamental credit deterioration, would likely result in higher other-than-temporary impairments. Credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed securities.

The Company invests a portion of its portfolio in alternative investments, such as private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds and tax credit funds. The capital and surplus of the Company can be affected by changes in the underlying value of the investments. In addition, the timing and amount of distributions from such funds, which depend on particular events relating to the underlying investments, as well as the funds’ schedules for making distributions, can be inherently difficult to predict and can impact the Company’s net realized capital gains and losses.

The Company’s exposure to equity risk relates primarily to the potential for lower earnings associated with certain of the Company’s insurance businesses, such as variable annuities and investment advisory business, in each case where fee income is generally earned based upon the fair value of the assets under management. In addition, certain of the

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Company’s annuity products offer guaranteed benefits, which increase its potential benefit exposure. Statutory reserve and capital requirements for these products are sensitive to market movements, which could deplete capital. Increased reserve and capital requirements could lead to rating agency downgrades.

The Company is exposed to many different industries, issuers, and counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds and other investment funds and institutions. Many of these transactions expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of the counterparty. While counterparty risk is generally secured, the Company’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Company cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to it. The Company may have further exposure to these issuers in the form of holdings in unsecured debt instruments, derivative transactions and stock investments of these issuers. Realized losses or impairments to the carrying value of these assets may materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

For additional information on market risk, see Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures and mitigate risks. See Note 2 and Note 6 to the audited statutory financial statements in the F pages of this report for additional information regarding the Company’s use of derivatives instruments.

The Company maintains an Asset Valuation Reserve ("AVR") as established in accordance with the NAIC Annual Statement Instructions for Life and Accident and Health Insurance Companies for the purpose of offsetting potential credit related investment losses on each invested asset category, excluding cash, policy loans and income receivable. The Company records an Interest Maintenance Reserve ("IMR") established in accordance with the NAIC Annual Statement Instructions for Life and Accident and Health Insurance Companies, which represents the net deferral for interest-related gains or losses arising from the sale of certain investments, such as bonds, mortgage loans and loan-backed and structured securities sold. See Note 2 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for additional information regarding the Company’s use of an AVR and IMR.

Some of the Company’s investments are relatively illiquid.

The Company holds certain investments that may lack liquidity, such as privately placed bonds and structured securities based upon residential or commercial mortgage loans or trust preferred securities, commercial mortgage loans, policy loans, consumer loans secured by securities portfolios, equity real estate, including real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests.

If the Company requires significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of normal cash requirements or is required to post or return collateral in connection with the investment portfolio, derivatives transactions or securities lending activities, the Company may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner, be forced to sell them for less than the Company otherwise would have been able to realize, or both.

The Company does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell, bonds and stocks in an unrealized loss position. Investment losses, however, may be realized to the extent liquidity needs require the disposition of bonds and stocks in unfavorable interest rate, liquidity or credit spread environments.

The Company has exposure to mortgage-backed securities, which could cause declines in the value of its investment portfolio.

Securities and other capital markets products connected to residential mortgage lending, particularly those backed by non-agency loans, may become less liquid. The value of the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed securities may be negatively impacted by an unfavorable change in or increased uncertainty regarding delinquency rates, foreclosures, home prices, and refinancing opportunities. In addition, securities backed by commercial mortgages are sensitive to the strength of the related underlying mortgage loans, the U.S. economy, and the supply and demand for commercial real estate. Deterioration in the performance of the residential and commercial mortgage sector could cause declines in the value of that portion of the Company’s investment portfolios.

Defaults on commercial mortgage loans and volatility in performance may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

A decline in the commercial real estate market within the U.S. resulting from changes in interest rates, real estate market conditions or an economic downturn may have a negative impact on the value of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio. The Company has a broadly diversified commercial mortgage loan portfolio (i.e., property type or geographic location), but negative developments across a certain property type or the occurrence of a negative event

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within a geographic region may have a significant negative impact, if the Company has some concentration risk within that property type or geographic region. The Company’s operations and financial conditions may be adversely affected from an increase in borrower defaults within the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio.

The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on the Company’s investments is judgmental and could materially impact its results of operations or financial position.

The Company’s determination of the amount of allowances and impairments varies by investment type and is based on its periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the relevant asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. The Company updates its evaluations regularly and reflects changes in allowances and impairments in operations as such evaluations are revised. Market volatility can make it more difficult to value the Company’s securities if trading in such securities becomes less frequent. In addition, a forced sale by holders of large amounts of a security, whether due to insolvency, liquidity, or other issues with respect to such holders, could result in declines in the price of a security. Furthermore, additional impairments may need to be taken or allowances provided for in the future. Historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments or allowances.

For additional information on the Company’s allowance and impairment review process, see Note 2 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report.

The Company’s valuation of investments is based on amortized cost, fair value, and the equity method of accounting in the Company’s statutory financial statements, which may be significantly different than the values at which the investments may ultimately be realized.

The Company’s investments primarily consist of bonds, stocks, investments in subsidiaries, mortgage loans, policy loans, cash equivalents, short-term investments and alternative investments. On the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted, as applicable, by the ODI the carrying value of such investments is as follows:

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~~MSCI~~Bonds ~~EAFE~~are generally stated at amortized cost, except those with an NAIC designation of "6", which are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Changes in fair value of bonds stated at fair value are charged to capital and surplus.

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~~Nasdaq~~Loan-~~100~~backed ~~Index®~~and structured securities, which are included in bonds in the statutory financial statements, are stated in a manner consistent with the bond guidelines, but with additional consideration given to the special valuation rules implemented by the NAIC applicable to residential mortgage-backed securities that are not backed by U.S. government agencies, commercial mortgage-backed securities and certain other structured securities. Under these guidelines, an initial and adjusted NAIC designation is determined for each security. The initial NAIC designation, which takes into consideration the security’s amortized cost relative to an NAIC-prescribed valuation matrix, is used to determine the reporting basis (i.e., amortized cost or lower of amortized cost or fair value).

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~~Russell~~Preferred ~~2000~~stocks ~~Index®~~are generally stated at amortized cost, except those with an NAIC designation of "4" through "6", which are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Common stocks are stated at fair value. Changes in fair value of stocks stated at fair value are charged to capital and surplus.

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~~S&P~~The ~~400®~~investment ~~Index~~in the Company’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, NLAIC and Eagle, and wholly-owned noninsurance subsidiaries, NISC and NIA, are carried using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in JNF, an unaudited downstream noninsurance holding company, is based on the individual audited subsidiary, controlled and affiliated entities owned by the holding company in accordance with the "look through" provisions of Statements of Statutory Accounting Principles ("SSAP") No. 97, Investments in Subsidiary, Controlled and Affiliated Entities. Investments in NLAIC, JNF and NISC are included in stocks, and the investment in Eagle is included in other invested assets on the statutory statements of admitted assets, liabilities, capital and surplus.

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~~S&P~~Commercial ~~500®~~mortgage ~~Index~~loans are recorded at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for premiums and discounts, less a valuation allowance.

Strategy Terms – the total maturity time of the Strategy, expressed in years. The currently offered Strategy Terms for the Index Strategies are 1, 3, and 6 years.

Buffer – the maximum percentage of loss that Nationwide will absorb when calculating the Term End ISE Percentage. Negative Index Performance beyond the Buffer results in a negative Term ISE Percentage which will reduce the Index Strategy Value. The currently offered Buffers are 10% and 20%.

For example, if an Index Strategy has a Buffer of 10% and the Index Performance on the Strategy Term End Date is -5%, the Term End ISE Percentage would be 0% because the Buffer absorbs the negative Index Performance up to 10%. If an Index Strategy has a Buffer of 10% and the Index Performance on the Strategy Term End Date is -15%, the Term End ISE Percentage would be -5% because the Buffer absorbs 10% of the negative Index Performance.

The Buffer does not provide the same level of protection when calculating the Daily ISE Percentage. See "Daily Index Strategy Earnings Percentage (Daily ISE Percentage)."

Participation Rate – a percentage that represents the proportion of the Index Performance used in the calculation of Term End ISE Percentage. Nationwide declares an Index Strategy’s Participation Rate prior to each Strategy Term. The Participation Rate for an Index Strategy will not change for the duration of a Strategy Term. However, the Participation Rate may change for future Strategy Terms. The Participation Rate only applies when the Index Performance is positive. For Index Strategies with Cap Rates, the Participation Rate will always be at least 100%. For Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, the Participation Rate may be greater than, less than, or equal to 100%.

Cap Rate – the maximum positive Term End ISE Percentage that may be applied for an Index Strategy with Cap Rate.

For example, if an Index Strategy has a Cap Rate of 10% and the Index Performance on the Strategy Term End Date is 15%, the Term End ISE Percentage would be 10% because the Cap Rate limits the Index Performance to 10%.

Nationwide declares an Index Strategy’s Cap Rate prior to each Strategy Term. The Cap Rate for an Index Strategy will not change for the duration of a Strategy Term. However, the Cap Rate may change for future Strategy Terms.

Nationwide may offer Index Strategies with Cap Rates as "uncapped" for a Strategy Term, meaning there is no declared Cap Rate for that Strategy Term. When Nationwide offers an Index Strategy as uncapped it does not mean that the Index Strategy will remain uncapped for future Strategy Terms as Nationwide may declare a Cap Rate for future Strategy Terms.

Cap+ Rate – the percentage of Index Performance that determines when the Participation Rate begins applying in the calculation of the Term End ISE Percentage for an Index Strategy with Cap+ Rate. The Cap+ Rate does not cap or limit Index Performance, instead, it sets the level of Index Performance needed before the Participation Rate will have any effect. For Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, the Participation Rate has no impact if the Index Performance does not exceed the Cap+ Rate.

For example, if an Index Strategy has a Cap+ Rate of 10% and a Participation Rate of 120%, and the Index Performance on the Strategy Term End Date is 15%, the Term End ISE Percentage would be 16% because the Participation Rate is multiplied by the Index Performance in excess of the Cap+ Rate and then added to the Index Performance below the Cap+ Rate (120% x 5% + 10%).

Nationwide declares an Index Strategy’s Cap+ Rate prior to each Strategy Term. The Cap+ Rate for an Index Strategy will not change for the duration of a Strategy Term. However, the Cap+ Rate may change for future Strategy Terms.

What is the maximum number of Strategies in which the Contract Owner can invest?

The Contract Owner may invest in no more than ten Index Strategies at any given time (the Fixed Strategy does not count towards the maximum number of Index Strategies). If the Contract Owner is simultaneously invested in the same Index Strategy for Strategy Terms that began on different dates, those investments will be considered separate Index Strategies. There is no minimum dollar amount that can be allocated to a Strategy. Allocations to Strategies must be in whole percentages.

The Strategies are not available for investment after the Annuitization Date.

What are the different values under the Contract?

Nationwide calculates the Contract Value at the end of each Business Day. The Contract Value is equal to the sum of the Fixed Strategy Value and Index Strategy Value for each of the Index Strategies.

The Fixed Strategy Value is equal to the amount allocated to the Fixed Strategy plus any interest credited.

An Index Strategy’s Index Strategy Value is equal to its Index Strategy Basis plus Index Strategy Earnings (which may be positive, negative, or equal to zero).

Index Strategy Earnings are calculated differently on a Strategy Term End Date than they are on any other day during the Strategy Term. See "How are Strategy Earnings calculated for an Index Strategy at the end of a Strategy Term?" and "How are Strategy Earnings calculated for an Index Strategy during a Strategy Term?".

The Index Strategy Basis is used to calculate both the Index Strategy Earnings and Index Strategy Value for an Index Strategy. On the first day of a Strategy Term, the Index Strategy Basis equals the amount allocated to the Index Strategy. On any day during a Strategy Term other than the Strategy Term End Date, the Index Strategy Basis is equal to the Index Strategy Basis on the first day of the Strategy Term minus any partial withdrawals (including adjustments for any applicable CDSC and MVA), fees, and premium taxes that occurred during the Strategy Term. The Index Strategy Basis is not a cash value under the Contract and cannot be surrendered.

How are earnings calculated for an Index Strategy at the end of a Strategy Term?

On the Strategy Term End Date, Nationwide uses the Term End ISE Percentage to calculate Index Strategy Earnings. A Term End ISE Percentage is calculated separately for each Index Strategy in which Contract Value is allocated. A Term End ISE Percentage can be positive, negative, or equal to zero. The Term End ISE Percentage is multiplied by the Index Strategy Basis to determine the Index Strategy Earnings for that Index Strategy. The Index Strategy Earnings are then added to the Index Strategy Basis to determine the Index Strategy Value on the Strategy Term End Date.

How a Term End ISE Percentage is calculated depends on whether the Index Strategy is an Index Strategy with Cap Rate or an Index Strategy with Cap+ Rate.

See "Term End Index Strategy Earnings Percentage (Term End ISE Percentage)" for more information and examples of the calculations.

How are earnings calculated for an Index Strategy during a Strategy Term?

On any day other than the Strategy Term End Date, Nationwide uses the Daily ISE Percentage to calculate Index Strategy Earnings. A Daily ISE Percentage is calculated separately for each Index Strategy in which Contract Value is allocated. A Daily ISE Percentage can be positive, negative, or equal to zero. The Daily ISE Percentage is multiplied by the Index Strategy Basis to determine the Index Strategy Earnings for that Index Strategy. The Index Strategy Earnings are then added to the Index Strategy Basis to determine the Index Strategy Value for that day.

The Daily ISE Percentage uses a proxy fair market value methodology to value hypothetical investments in derivatives that provide an estimated present value of what the Term End ISE Percentage will be on the Strategy Term End Date.

The estimated present value takes into account the impact of the applicable Buffer, Cap Rate, Cap+ Rate, and Participation Rate, but they do not apply to the same extent that they do when used in the calculation of the Term End ISE Percentage. Most notably, this means that the Buffer does not provide the same level of protection when calculating the Daily ISE Percentage that it does when calculating the Term End ISE Percentage. Prior to the Strategy Term End Date, the Index Strategy Value may reflect losses that are within or that exceed the Buffer and those losses may be realized if a Death Benefit is calculated or if the Contract Owner takes a withdrawal, exercises a Performance Lock or the Right to Examine and Cancel provision, or begins Annuitization.

The Daily ISE Percentage is not directly related to the Index Performance (although Index Performance impacts the Daily ISE Percentage calculation). The Daily ISE Percentage may be negative even when the Index Performance is positive due to market factors that impact the inputs that Nationwide uses to value the hypothetical investment in the derivatives. In addition, the Daily ISE Percentage may be less than the Index Performance when the Index Performance is positive, particularly earlier in a Strategy Term.

See "Daily Index Strategy Earnings Percentage (Daily ISE Percentage)" and "Appendix D: Daily Index Strategy Earnings Percentage."

How can I access my Contract Value?

Prior to the Annuitization Date or death of the Annuitant, the Contract Owner may access the Contract Value by taking a partial withdrawal or full surrender of the Contract. Withdrawals taken during the first six Contract Years may be assessed a CDSC and MVA. Unless otherwise specified by the Contract Owner, partial withdrawals will be taken proportionally from the Strategies in which the Contract Owner is allocated based on the Contract Value in the Strategies at the time of the request.

Partial withdrawals reduce an Index Strategy’s Index Strategy Basis in the same proportion that the partial withdrawal reduced the Index Strategy’s Index Strategy Value on the date of the withdrawal.

What options does a Contract Owner have at the end of a Strategy Term?

A Strategy Term begins on the first day of the Strategy Term and ends on its Strategy Term End Date. Prior to the close of business on the Strategy Term End Date, the Contract Owner may:

•

~~Reinvest~~Policy ~~some~~loans, orwhich ~~all~~are ofcollateralized by the ~~Contract~~related ~~Value~~insurance inpolicy, ~~the~~are ~~same~~carried ~~Strategy~~at ~~for~~the outstanding ~~another~~principal ~~Strategy~~balance ~~Term (with~~and ~~the~~do ~~Crediting~~not ~~Factors~~exceed ~~that~~the wecash ~~declare~~surrender ~~for~~value of the ~~upcoming~~policy. ~~Strategy~~As ~~Term)~~such, ~~assuming~~no ~~that~~valuation ~~the~~allowance ~~Strategy~~for ispolicy ~~available~~loans ~~for~~is ~~investment~~required.

•

~~Transfer~~Cash ~~free~~equivalents ofinclude ~~charge~~highly ~~some~~liquid orinvestments ~~all~~with original maturities of ~~the~~less ~~Contract~~than ~~Value~~three months toand ~~another~~amounts ~~Strategy~~on ~~that~~deposit isin ~~available~~internal ~~for~~qualified ~~investment~~cash pools.

•

~~Take~~Short-term ainvestments ~~partial~~consist ~~withdrawal~~primarily orof ~~fully~~government ~~surrender~~agency ~~the~~discount ~~Contract,~~notes ~~which~~with ~~may~~maturities of betwelve ~~assessed~~months ~~a CDSC~~ or ~~MVA,~~ ~~depending~~less onat ~~the~~acquisition ~~Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount~~ and ~~whether~~are ~~the~~carried ~~withdrawal~~at isamortized ~~taken~~cost, ~~within~~which ~~the~~approximates ~~first~~fair ~~six Contract Years~~value.

If Nationwide does not receive a transfer request prior to the close of business on a Strategy Term End Date, the Contract Value will be reinvested in the same Strategy or Strategies, but with the Crediting Factors that Nationwide declares for the upcoming Strategy Term. If the same Strategy is no longer available for investment, the Contract Value allocated to the Strategy will be transferred to the Fixed Strategy for the upcoming Strategy Term. B-17

What death benefit does the Contract provide?

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Death Benefit is triggered on the death of the Annuitant (or Co-Annuitant, if applicable), provided that (i) the death occurs prior to the Annuitization Date; (ii) the Contract is in force at the time of the death; and (iii) there is no Contingent Annuitant.

As described in "Calculation of the Death Benefit", except as otherwise provided, the standard Death Benefit will equal the Contract Value. The standard Death Benefit includes the Spousal Protection Feature for no additional charge.

For an additional annual fee of [...]%, charged quarterly on Contract Value allocated to Index Strategies, the applicant can elect the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option. The Return of Premium Death Benefit Option, which includes the Spousal Protection Feature, is equal to the greater of the following on the date the Death Benefit is payable:

Contract Value; or

the Purchase Payment made to the Contract reduced by any partial withdrawals in the proportion that such partial withdrawal reduced the Contract Value on the date of the partial withdrawal.

See "Calculation of the Death Benefit."

What annuity payment options are available on the Annuitization Date?

Subject to certain restrictions described in this prospectus, you may select from the following three annuity payment options under the Contract:

•

~~Single~~Alternative ~~life~~investments ~~annuity;~~are generally reported based on the equity method of accounting.

Investments not carried at fair value in the Company’s statutory financial statements (certain bonds and stocks and commercial mortgage loans) may have fair values which are substantially higher or lower than the carrying value reflected in the Company’s statutory financial statements. Each such asset class is regularly evaluated for impairment under the accounting guidance appropriate to the respective asset class.

The Company’s valuation of certain bonds and stocks held at fair value may include methodologies, estimates and assumptions which are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

See Note 2 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report, for a discussion of the Company’s fair value categories and valuation methodologies.

The determination of fair values in the absence of quoted market prices is based on valuation methodologies, values of securities the Company deems to be comparable, and assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within the Company’s statutory financial statements, and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Risks Related to the Legal and Regulatory Environment of the Insurance Industry

Certain changes in accounting and/or financial reporting standards issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, state insurance departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission or other standard-setting bodies could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company’s insurance entities are required to comply with the Statutory Accounting Principles ("SAP") established by the NAIC and adopted and administered by state departments of insurance. The various components of SAP (such as actuarial reserve methodologies) are currently subject to review by the NAIC and its task forces and committees, as well as by state insurance departments, in an effort to address emerging issues and otherwise improve or alter financial reporting. Calculations made in accordance with SAP also govern the ability of the Company’s insurance entities to pay dividends to their respective parent companies. The NAIC is working to reform state regulation in various areas, including comprehensive reforms relating to life insurance reserves and the accounting for such reserves. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form reforms will be enacted and, if so, whether the enacted reforms will positively or negatively affect the Company’s insurance entities.

The Accounting Manual provides that state insurance departments may permit insurance companies domiciled therein to depart from SAP through prescribed practices or by granting them permitted practices.

Olentangy was granted a permitted practice from the State of Vermont, allowing Olentangy to carry assets placed in a trust account by Union Hamilton Reinsurance Ltd. and held for the benefit of the ceding insurer, under a reinsurance agreement that increased NLIC and NLAIC’s valuation of Olentangy by $67 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Eagle applies one prescribed practice with multiple applications as provided under the State of Ohio’s captive law that allows an alternative reserve basis on assumed obligations, with respect to specified GMDB and GLWB contract riders provided under substantially all of the variable annuity contracts issued and to be issued by NLIC and an alternative reserve basis on assumed obligations with respect to specified GLWB contract riders provided under certain fixed indexed annuity contracts issued and to be issued by NLIC and NLAIC. The prescribed practice related to risks ceded by NLIC decreased NLIC’s valuation of this subsidiary by $1,071 million and $791 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The prescribed practice related to risks ceded by NLAIC increased NLIC’s valuation of this subsidiary by $953 million and $810 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Beginning in 2021, NLIC and NLAIC apply a prescribed practice from the state of Ohio, Ohio Administrative Code Section 3901-1-67, Alternative Derivative and Reserve Accounting Practices ("OAC 3901-1-67"), to their derivative instruments hedging indexed annuity products and indexed annuity reserve liabilities in order to better align the measurement of indexed product reserves and the derivatives that hedge them. Under the prescribed practice, derivative instruments are carried at amortized cost with the initial hedge cost amortized over the term and asset payoffs realized at the end of the

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term being reported through net investment income, rather than the derivative instruments being carried at fair value with asset payoffs realized over the term through net realized capital gains and losses. Additionally, the cash surrender value reserves for indexed annuity products only reflect index interest credits at the end of the crediting term as compared to partial index interest credits accumulating throughout the crediting term in increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims. The application of this prescribed practice on NLIC’s eligible derivative instruments and indexed products resulted in an increase of NLIC’s statutory surplus by an immaterial amount as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The application of this prescribed practice on NLAIC’s eligible derivative instruments and indexed products resulted in an increase of NLIC’s subsidiary valuation of NLAIC by $232 million as of December 31, 2022 and a decrease of NLIC’s subsidiary valuation of NLAIC by $274 million as of December 31, 2021.

However, the Company cannot predict what permitted and prescribed practices any applicable state insurance department may allow or mandate in the future, nor can the Company predict whether or when the insurance departments of states of domicile of the Company’s competitors may permit them to utilize advantageous accounting practices that depart from SAP. Moreover, although states generally defer to the interpretations of the insurance department of the state of domicile with respect to the application of regulations and guidelines, neither the action of the domiciliary state nor the action of the NAIC is binding on a non-domiciliary state. Accordingly, a state could choose to follow a different interpretation. The Company can give no guarantees that future changes to SAP or components of SAP, or the ability to apply a prescribed practice or the granting of permitted practices to the Company’s competitors, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company’s insurance entities are subject to extensive regulation.

The Company’s insurance entities are subject to extensive state regulatory oversight in the jurisdictions in which each does business, as well as to federal oversight with respect to certain portions of their business. Insurance companies are regulated by the insurance departments of the states in which they are domiciled or licensed. The primary purpose of such regulatory supervision is to protect policyholders, rather than the Company. State insurance authorities have broad administrative powers with respect to various aspects of the insurance business. Accordingly, the Company could be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in state law relating to advertising and marketing; privacy; climate change; acquisitions; payment of dividends; the form and content of insurance policies (including pricing); operating and agent licenses; regulation of premium rates; premium tax increases; rating and underwriting restrictions and limitations; asset and reserve valuation requirements; enterprise risk management; surplus requirements; accounting standards; RBC requirements, statutory reserve and capital requirements; assessments by guaranty associations; affiliate transactions; unfair trade and claims practices; admittance of assets to statutory surplus; maximum interest rates on life insurance policy loans and minimum accumulation or surrender values; the type, amounts and valuations of investments permitted; reinsurance transactions, including the role of captive reinsurance; and other matters. Changes in state regulations, or in the interpretation or application of existing state laws or regulations may adversely impact the Company’s pricing, capital requirements, reserve adequacy or exposure to litigation and could increase the costs of regulatory compliance.

Changes are often implemented by state regulators in order to benefit policyholders to the detriment of insurers. State insurance regulators and the NAIC continually re-examine existing laws and regulations and may impose changes in the future that put further regulatory burdens on the Company, and thus, could have an adverse effect on its results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, state insurance laws, rather than federal bankruptcy laws, govern the liquidation or restructuring of insurance companies. Virtually all states in which the Company operates require the Company bear a portion of the loss suffered by some insureds as a result of impaired or insolvent insurance companies via participation in state guaranty associations.

From time to time, increased scrutiny has been placed upon the U.S. insurance regulatory framework, and a number of state legislatures have considered or enacted legislative measures that alter, and in many cases increase, state authority to regulate insurance and reinsurance companies. In addition to legislative initiatives of this type, the NAIC and insurance regulators are regularly involved in a process of re-examining existing laws and regulations and their application to insurance and reinsurance companies.

At the federal level, the Company could be affected by laws and regulations that may affect certain aspects of the insurance industry. While the federal government in most contexts currently does not directly regulate the insurance business, federal legislation and administrative policies in a number of areas, including limitations on antitrust immunity, minimum solvency requirements, systemic risk regulation, grant of resolution authority to a federal agency, uniform market conduct standards, credit for reinsurance initiatives, other proposals at the federal level to replace or streamline state regulatory processes, employment and employee benefits regulation, financial services regulation, and federal taxation, can significantly affect the insurance business.

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This state regulatory oversight and various proposals at the federal level could in the future adversely affect the Company’s ability to sustain adequate returns in certain lines of business. The Company cannot predict the effect any proposed or future legislation or change in the interpretation or application of existing laws or regulations may have on its financial condition or results of operations.

A failure to comply with rules and regulations in a jurisdiction could lead to disciplinary action, the imposition of fines or the revocation of the license, permission or authorization necessary to conduct the Company’s business in that jurisdiction, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the continued conduct of business in a particular jurisdiction.

The Company could be adversely affected if its controls designed to ensure compliance with guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards are not effective.

The Company’s business is highly dependent on the ability to engage on a daily basis in a large number of insurance underwriting, claims processing and investment activities, many of which are highly complex. These activities often are subject to internal guidelines and policies, as well as to legal and regulatory standards. A control system, no matter how well-designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Ineffective controls could lead to financial loss, unanticipated risk exposure (including underwriting, credit and investment risk) or damage to the Company’s reputation.

Litigation or regulatory actions could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Current and future litigation or regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating the Company’s business, including class action lawsuits, may negatively affect the Company by resulting in the payment of substantial awards or settlements, increasing legal and compliance costs, requiring the Company to change certain aspects of its business operations, diverting management attention from other business issues, harming the Company’s reputation with customers or making it more difficult to retain current customers and to recruit and retain agents or Nationwide employees. See Note 13 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for a description of litigation and regulatory actions.

The amount of statutory capital and surplus that the Company and its insurance subsidiaries have and the amount of statutory capital and surplus they must hold can vary significantly from time to time and is sensitive to a number of factors outside of the Company’s control, including equity market and credit market conditions and the regulatory environment and rules.

The Company conducts the vast majority of its business through its licensed insurance entities. Insurance regulators and the NAIC prescribe accounting standards and statutory capital and reserve requirements for the Company and its U.S. insurance entities. The NAIC has established regulations that provide minimum capitalization requirements based on RBC formulas for life insurance companies. The RBC formula for life companies establishes capital requirements relating to insurance, business, asset and interest rate risk, including equity, interest rate, operational and management and expense recovery risks associated with life and annuity products that contain death benefits and/or certain living benefits.

In any particular year, statutory surplus amounts and RBC ratios may increase or decrease depending on a variety of factors, including the amount of statutory income or losses generated by the Company’s insurance entities (which itself is sensitive to equity market and credit market conditions), the amount of additional capital they must hold to support their business growth, changes in equity market levels, changes in reserve requirements, credit market volatility, changes in consumer behavior, the value of certain bonds in their investment portfolios, the value of certain derivative instruments that do not get hedge accounting treatment, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and changes to the NAIC RBC formulas. Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") may also implement changes to their internal models, which differ from the NAIC RBC model, that have the effect of increasing or decreasing the amount of statutory capital that the Company’s insurance entities must hold in order to maintain their current ratings. Increases in the amount of required statutory reserves reduce the statutory surplus used in calculating the Company’s insurance entities’ RBC ratios.

Effective for 2021, the Company reflected the NAIC implemented adjustments to various investment factors and longevity risk.

The Company’s insurance entities’ statutory surplus and RBC ratios have a significant influence on their financial strength ratings, which, in turn, are important to their ability to compete effectively. To the extent that any of the Company’s insurance entities’ statutory capital resources are deemed to be insufficient to maintain a particular rating by one or more rating agencies, capital may need to be raised. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital in such a scenario, any

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ratings downgrade that followed could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. See Note 14 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for a further discussion of RBC.

Changes in tax laws could adversely affect the Company.

Congress has periodically considered legislation that, if enacted, could materially reduce or eliminate many of the tax advantages of purchasing and owning annuity and life insurance products, such as disallowing a portion of the income tax interest deduction for many businesses that own life insurance. In addition, Congress has considered proposals to further limit contributions to retirement plans and accelerate the distributions from such plans after the death of the participant. If these proposals or other changes affecting the taxation of life insurance and/or annuity contracts, or the qualification requirements for retirement plans, were to be enacted, the Company’s sale of COLI, BOLI, variable annuities, variable life products and other retirement plan products could be adversely affected.

Congress and various state legislatures also have considered proposals to reduce the taxation of certain products or investments that may compete with life insurance. Legislation that increases the taxation on insurance products or reduces the taxation on competing products could lessen the advantage or create a disadvantage for certain of the Company’s products, making them less competitive. Such proposals, if adopted, could have a material effect on the Company’s profitability and financial condition or ability to sell such products, and could result in the surrender of some existing contracts and policies.

The products that the Company sells have different tax characteristics, in some cases generating tax deductions for the Company. The level of profitability of certain products is significantly dependent on these characteristics and the Company’s ability to continue to generate taxable income, which is taken into consideration when pricing products and is a component of the Company’s capital management strategies. Accordingly, changes in tax law, the Company’s ability to generate taxable income, or other factors impacting the availability or value of the tax characteristics generated by the Company’s products, could impact product pricing and returns or require the Company to reduce its sales of these products or implement other actions that could be disruptive to the Company’s businesses. In addition, the adoption of "principles-based" approaches for statutory reserves may lead to significant changes to the way tax reserves are determined and thus reduce future tax deductions.

See "Business—Tax Matters" for further discussion of other changes in federal tax laws and regulations that may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes to regulations under ERISA could adversely affect the Company’s distribution model, by restricting the Company’s ability to provide customers with advice.

The prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and the IRC generally restrict the provision of investment advice to ERISA plans and participants and Individual Retirement Account ("IRAs") owners, if the investment recommendation results in fees paid to the individual advisor, his or her firm, or their affiliates, that vary according to the investment recommendation chosen. Although the DOL issued final regulations which provide limited relief from these investment advice restrictions, the investment advice restrictions could restrict the ability of the Company’s affiliated broker-dealers and their registered representatives to provide investment advice to ERISA plans and participants and with respect to IRAs. Also, the investment advice restrictions may require the fee and revenue arrangements of certain advisory programs to be revenue neutral, resulting in potential lost revenues for these broker-dealers and their affiliates. However, the DOL’s new proposed 2020 PTE may provide further relief from existing investment advice limitations under ERISA. A final PTE was adopted on December 18, 2020 and took effect on February 16, 2021.

In addition, the DOL has issued a number of regulations that increase the level of disclosure that must be provided to plan sponsors and participants. These ERISA disclosure requirements will increase the Company’s regulatory and compliance burden, resulting in increased costs. See "Business – The Company’s insurance entities are subject to extensive regulation" for further information on the impact of regulations issued by the DOL.

Changes in state insurance laws regarding the suitability of product sales and fiduciary/best interest standards may affect the Company’s operations and profitability.

The Company’s annuity sales practices are currently subject to strict regulation. State insurance regulators are becoming more active in adopting and enforcing suitability standards with respect to sales of annuities, both fixed and variable. Following the NAIC’s February 2020 adoption of amendments to its model annuity suitability rule incorporating a best interest standard, multiple states have adopted or proposed amendments incorporating the updated NAIC model. Some states have already enacted or proposed legislation to impose new or expanded fiduciary/best interest standards on broker-dealers, investment advisors and/or insurance agents providing services to retail investors. Additionally, some state

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regulators have adopted or signaled they will be pursuing rule-making in this space. For example, and subject to an appeal, on August 1, 2018 the NY DFS adopted "best interest" amendments to its existing annuity suitability regulation and expanded its scope to include "in-force" recommendations and life insurance policies. Any material changes to the standards governing the Company’s sales practices, including applicable state laws and regulations, could affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. See "Business—Regulation—Annuity Sales Practices."

The Company may be unable to mitigate the impact of Regulation XXX and Actuarial Guideline 38, potentially resulting in a negative impact to NLAIC’s capital position and/or a reduction in sales of NLAIC’S term and universal life insurance products.

NLAIC has implemented reinsurance and capital management transactions to mitigate the capital impact of Regulation XXX and AG 38 for certain term life insurance and universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees. These arrangements are subject to review by state insurance regulators and rating agencies and, for any new transactions entered into in the future, are subject to AG 48 as well. For those insurance policies where NLAIC has not implemented reinsurance and capital management transactions to mitigate the capital impact of Regulation XXX and AG 38, NLAIC has experienced a negative impact on its financial condition and results of operations. If NLAIC is unable to implement solutions to mitigate the impact of in force Regulation XXX and AG 38 business, this may continue to have a negative impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

See "Business – Regulation - Captive Reinsurance Regulation" for further discussion of Regulation XXX and Actuarial Guideline 38.

Risks Related to the Business and Operations of the Company

The Company is rated by S&P, Moody’s, and A.M. Best, and a decline in ratings could adversely affect the Company’s operations.

Financial strength and claims-paying ability ratings, which various NRSROs publish as indicators of an insurance company’s ability to meet contractholder and policyholder obligations, are important to maintaining public confidence, competitive position, and ability to market products. Such factors are important to policyholders, agents and intermediaries; however, they are not evaluations directed towards the protection of investors and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. Downgrades in NLIC and its subsidiaries’ financial strength ratings could have an adverse effect on their financial condition and certain of their results of operations in many ways, including reducing new sales and renewals of insurance products, annuities, and other investment products, adversely affecting their relationships with their sales force and independent sales intermediaries, materially increasing the number or amount of policy surrenders and withdrawals by contractholders and policyholders, requiring a reduction in prices to remain competitive, and adversely affecting their ability to obtain reinsurance at reasonable prices or at all.

Additionally, various NRSROs also publish credit ratings for NFS and several of its subsidiaries. Credit ratings are indicators of a debt issuer’s ability to meet the terms of debt obligations in a timely manner and are important factors in the Company’s overall funding profile and ability to access certain types of liquidity. Downgrades in the credit ratings for NFS and its subsidiaries could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including adversely limiting access to capital markets, potentially increasing the cost of debt and requiring the posting of collateral.

Ratings are subject to ongoing review by A.M. Best, Moody’s, and S&P, and the maintenance of such ratings cannot be assured. If any rating is reduced from its current level, the Company’s financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected. The Company cannot predict what actions rating agencies may take, or what actions it may take in response to the actions of rating agencies, which could adversely affect its business. As with other companies in the financial services industry, the Company’s ratings could be downgraded at any time and without any notice by any NRSRO.

See "Business—Ratings" for further information on current financial strength, claims-paying ability and credit ratings.

Guarantees within certain of the Company’s and its insurance entities’ products may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company offers guarantees which can include a return of no less than the total deposits made on the contract less any customer withdrawals, total deposits made on the contract less any customer withdrawals plus a minimum return, or the highest contract value on a specified anniversary date minus any customer withdrawals following the contract anniversary. These guarantees can also include benefits payable in the event of death, upon annuitization, upon periodic withdrawal or at specified dates during the accumulation period.

B-22

NLIC remains ultimately liable for the specific guaranteed benefits and is subject to the risk that reinsurers are unable or unwilling to pay. In addition, NLIC is subject to the risk that hedging and other risk management procedures prove ineffective, or the estimates and assumptions made in connection with their use fail to reflect or correspond to the actual liability exposure, or that unanticipated policyholder behavior or mortality, combined with adverse market events, produces economic losses beyond the scope of the risk management techniques employed. These risks, individually or collectively, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

An inability to access the Company’s credit facilities could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company maintains committed unsecured revolving credit facilities. The Company relies on these facilities as a potential source of liquidity, which could be critical in enabling it to meet its obligations as they come due, particularly during periods when alternative sources of liquidity are limited. The Company’s ability to borrow under these facilities is conditioned on the Company’s satisfaction of covenants and other requirements contained in the facilities. The Company’s failure to satisfy the requirements contained in the facilities would, among other things, restrict the Company’s access to the facilities when needed and, consequently, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Deviations from assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality, morbidity, and interest rates used in calculating reserve amounts could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s earnings significantly depend upon the extent to which the actual experience is consistent with the assumptions the Company uses in setting prices for its products and establishing liabilities for some future policy benefits and claims. Such amounts are established based on estimates by actuaries of how much the Company will need to pay for future benefits and claims. The process of calculating reserve amounts for some products within a life insurance organization involves the use of a number of assumptions, including those related to persistency (how long a contract stays with a company), mortality (the likelihood of death or the likelihood of survival), morbidity (likelihood of sickness or disability) and interest rates (the rates expected to be paid or received on financial instruments, including insurance or investment contracts). In addition, significant changes in mortality or morbidity could emerge gradually over time, due to changes in the natural environment, including climate change, the health habits of the insured population, treatment patterns and technologies for disease or disability, the economic environment, or other factors. Actual results could differ significantly from those assumed. Although the Company may be permitted to increase premiums or adjust other charges and credits during the life of certain policies or contracts, the adjustments permitted under the terms of the policies or contracts may not be sufficient to maintain profitability or may cause the policies or contracts to lapse. As such, significant deviations from one or more of these assumptions could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s life insurance entities’ results of operations or financial condition.

Pricing of the Company’s insurance and deferred annuity products are also based in part upon expected persistency of these products, which is the probability that a policy or contract will remain in force from one period to the next. Persistency within the Company’s annuities business may be significantly impacted by the value of guaranteed minimum benefits contained in many of the Company’s annuity products being higher than current account values, in light of poor equity market performance or extended periods of low interest rates, as well as other factors. Persistency could be adversely affected generally by developments affecting client perceptions of the Company, including perceptions arising from adverse publicity. Many of the Company’s products also provide the Company’s customers with wide flexibility with respect to the amount and timing of premium deposits and the amount and timing of withdrawals from the policy’s value. Results may vary based on differences between actual and expected premium deposits and withdrawals for these products, especially if these product features are relatively new to the marketplace. The pricing of certain of the Company’s annuity products that contain certain living benefit guarantees is also based on assumptions about utilization rates, or the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, including the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Results may vary based on differences between actual and expected benefit utilization. The development of a secondary market for life insurance, including life settlements or "viaticals" and investor-owned life insurance, and third-party investor strategies in the annuities business, could adversely affect the profitability of existing business and the Company’s pricing assumptions for new business.

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The Company’s risk management policies, practices and procedures could leave it exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks, which could negatively affect its business or result in losses.

The Company has developed an enterprise-wide risk management framework to mitigate risk and loss to the Company, and maintains policies, procedures and controls intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and analyze the risks to which the Company is exposed. Many of the Company’s risk management strategies or techniques are based upon historical customer and market behavior, and all such strategies and techniques are based to some degree on management’s subjective judgment. The Company cannot provide assurance that its risk management framework, including the underlying assumptions or strategies, will be accurate and effective.

The risk management policies and procedures, including hedge programs at NLIC and NLAIC, utilize derivative financial instruments, and expect to do so in the future. Nonetheless, the Company’s policies and procedures to identify, monitor, and manage both internal and external risks may not effectively mitigate these risks or predict future exposures, which could be different or significantly greater than expected. As the Company’s businesses change and the markets in which the Company operates evolve, the Company’s risk management framework may not evolve at the same pace as those changes. As a result, there is a risk that new products or new business strategies may present risks that are not appropriately identified, monitored or managed. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company, or that it currently deems to be immaterial, may adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.

A large-scale pandemic or epidemic, natural and man-made catastrophes, climate change, the continued threat or acts of terrorism, or ongoing military and other actions may result in decreases in the Company’s net income, revenue, and assets under management and may adversely impact its investment portfolio.

A large-scale pandemic or epidemic, natural and man-made catastrophes, climate change, the continued threat or acts of terrorism within the U.S. and abroad, ongoing military and other actions, and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats may cause significant volatility and declines in the U.S., European, and other securities markets, loss of life, property damage, additional disruptions to commerce and reduced economic activity. As a result, the Company’s net income and/or revenue, and some of the assets in the Company’s investment portfolio, may be adversely affected by declines in the securities markets and economic activity.

The Company cannot predict whether or the extent to which industry sectors in which it maintains investments may suffer losses as a result of potential decreased commercial and economic activity, how any such decrease might impact the ability of companies within the affected industry sectors to pay the interest or principal on their securities, or how the value of any underlying collateral might be affected.

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry, which can significantly impact operating results.

The Company’s ability to compete is based on a number of factors including scale, service, product features, price, investment performance, commission structure, distribution capacity, financial strength ratings and name recognition. The Company competes with a large number of financial services companies such as banks, mutual funds, broker-dealers, insurers and asset managers, many of which have advantages over the Company in one or more of the above competitive factors. The Company’s revenues and profitability could be impacted negatively due to such competition. The competitive landscape in which the Company operates may be further affected by government-sponsored programs and longer-term fiscal policies. Competitors that receive governmental financing or other assistance or subsidies, including governmental guarantees of their obligations, may have or obtain pricing or other competitive advantages. Competitors that are not subject to the same regulatory framework may also have a pricing advantage as a result of lower capital requirements.

See "Business—Competition" for a further description of competitive factors affecting the Company.

The Company’s products and services are complex and are frequently sold through intermediaries, and a failure of such intermediaries to properly perform services, or their misrepresentation of the Company’s products or services, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Many of the Company’s products and services are complex and are frequently sold through intermediaries. In particular, the Company is reliant on intermediaries in its unaffiliated distribution channels to describe and explain its products to potential customers. The intentional or unintentional misrepresentation of the Company’s products and services in advertising materials or other external communications, or inappropriate activities by the Company’s personnel or an intermediary, could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and business prospects, as well as lead to potential regulatory actions or litigation.

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The Company’s business success depends, in part, on effective information technology systems and on continuing to develop and implement improvements in technology.

The Company depends in large part on technology systems for conducting business and processing claims, as well as for providing the data and analytics it utilizes to manage its business, and thus the Company’s business success is dependent on maintaining the effectiveness of existing technology systems and on continuing to develop and enhance technology systems that support its business processes and strategic initiatives in a cost- and resource- efficient manner. Some system development projects that are long-term in nature, may negatively impact the Company’s expense ratios as it invests in the projects, and may cost more to complete than the Company expects. In addition, system development projects may not deliver the benefits the Company expects once they are complete, or may be replaced or become obsolete more quickly than expected, which could result in accelerated recognition of expenses. If the Company does not effectively and efficiently manage and upgrade its technology portfolio, including with respect to the technology portfolio of its recently acquired businesses, or if the costs of doing so are higher than it expects, the Company’s ability to provide competitive services to new and existing customers in a cost-effective manner and its ability to implement its strategic initiatives could be adversely impacted.

The Company faces a risk of non-availability and increased cost of reinsurance.

Market conditions beyond the Company’s control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection it purchases. The Company can offer no guarantees that reinsurance will remain continuously available to it to the same extent, and with the same terms and rates, as are currently available. If the Company is unable to maintain its current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that it considers sufficient and at prices that it considers acceptable, the Company would either have to be willing to accept an increase in its net exposures or reduce its insurance writings. A significant reinsurer’s insolvency or inability to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty could subject the Company to credit risk with respect to its ability to recover amounts due from reinsurers. Because of the risks set forth above, the Company may not be able to collect all amounts due to it from reinsurers, and reinsurance coverage may not be available to it in the future at commercially reasonable rates or at all. These risks could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

A breach of information security or other unauthorized data access could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and reputation.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company collects, processes, transmits, and stores large quantities of personally identifiable information, customer financial and health information, and proprietary business information (collectively referred to herein as "Sensitive Information"). The secure processing, storage, maintenance, and transmission of this Sensitive Information are vital to the Company’s operations and business strategy. Although the Company undertakes substantial efforts to reasonably protect Sensitive Information, including internal processes and technological defenses that are preventative or detective, and other commercially reasonable controls designed to provide multiple layers of security, Sensitive Information maintained by the Company may be vulnerable to attacks by computer hackers, to physical theft by other third-party criminals, or to other compromise due to error or malfeasance by an individual providing services. Attacks may include both sophisticated cyber-attacks perpetrated by organized crime groups, "hactivists," or state-sponsored groups, as well as non-technical attacks ranging from sophisticated social engineering to simple extortion or threats, which can lead to access, disclosure, disruption or further attacks. Such events may expose the Company to civil and criminal liability or regulatory action, require consumer and regulatory notification of the unauthorized data access harming its reputation among customers, deter people from purchasing the Company’s products, cause system interruptions, require significant technical, legal and other remediation expenses, and otherwise have an adverse impact on its business. Third parties to whom the Company outsources certain functions are also subject to the risks outlined above, and if such a third party suffers a breach of information security involving the Company’s Sensitive Information, such breach may result in the Company incurring substantial costs and other negative consequences, including a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. The Company offers no guarantees that it will be able to implement information security measures to prevent all breaches of information security.

Losses due to system failures or physical locations being unavailable to conduct business could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and reputation.

Network, utility, telecommunications, business systems, hardware and/or software failures due to a computer virus or cyber-attack, such as a distributed denial of service attack, could prevent the Company from conducting its business for a sustained period of time. The Company’s facilities could be inaccessible due to a disaster, natural or man-made catastrophe, blackout, terrorist attack, pandemic or war. Even if the personnel providing services to the Company are able to report to work, they may be unable to perform their duties for an extended period of time if the Company’s data or

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systems are disabled or destroyed. There can be no assurance that the Company’s business continuation plans and insurance coverages would be effective in mitigating any negative effects on the Company’s operations or profitability, and the Company could be adversely impacted by any disruption of its ability to conduct business.

Nationwide employee error, misconduct, or excessive risks may be difficult to detect and prevent and could adversely affect the Company.

As an insurance enterprise, the Company is in the business of accepting certain risks. The associates who conduct the Company’s business, including executive officers and other members of management, sales managers, investment professionals, product managers, sales agents, and other personnel, do so in part by making decisions and choices that involve exposing the Company to risk. These include decisions such as setting underwriting guidelines and standards, product design and pricing, determining what assets to purchase for investment and when to sell them, deciding which business opportunities to pursue, and other decisions. Losses may result from, among other things, excessive risk, fraud, errors, failure to document transactions properly, failure to obtain proper internal authorization or failure to comply with regulatory requirements. Although the Company employs controls and procedures designed to monitor individual business decisions and prevent the Company from taking excessive risks, it is not always possible to deter or prevent individual misconduct, and the precautions the Company takes to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. The impact of those losses and excessive risks could harm the Company’s reputation and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and business operations.

The Company’s business may be adversely affected if Nationwide is unable to hire and retain qualified employees.

There is significant competition from within the financial services and life insurance industries, and from businesses outside those industries, for qualified employees, especially those in key positions and those possessing highly specialized underwriting knowledge. The Company’s performance is largely dependent on the talents, efforts and proper conduct of highly-skilled individuals, including the Company’s senior executives. For many of the Company’s senior positions, it competes for talent not just with insurance or financial service companies, but with other large companies and other businesses. The Company’s continued ability to compete effectively in its business and to expand into new business areas depends on its ability to attract new personnel and to retain and motivate its existing personnel. If the Company is not able to successfully attract, retain, and motivate the personnel that provide services to it, its business, financial results and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.

The Company may be subject to intellectual property risk.

The Company relies on copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, as well as various contractual rights and obligations, to protect its intellectual property. Although the Company uses a broad range of measures to protect its intellectual property rights, third parties may infringe or misappropriate its intellectual property. The Company may resort to litigation in order to enforce its intellectual property rights. Such litigation would represent a diversion of resources that may be significant in amount, and the final outcome of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company’s inability to successfully secure or enforce the protection of the Company’s intellectual property assets, despite the Company’s best efforts, could have a material adverse effect on its business and ability to compete.

The Company also may be subject to costly litigation in the event that another party alleges that its operations or activities infringe upon that party’s intellectual property rights. The Company may be subject to claims by third parties for alleged infringement of third-party patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or breach of any license. If the Company were found to have infringed any third-party intellectual property rights, it could incur substantial liability, and in limited circumstances could be enjoined from providing certain products or services to its customers. Alternatively, the Company could be required to enter into costly licensing arrangements with third parties to resolve any alleged intellectual property infringement claims brought by third parties.

Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses and dispositions or other structural changes may result in operating difficulties, unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments, and other unintended consequences.

From time to time, the Company may investigate and pursue acquisition or disposition opportunities if it believes that such opportunities are consistent with its long-term objectives and that the potential rewards of an acquisition or disposition justify the risks.

The Company’s ability to achieve certain financial benefits it anticipates from its acquisitions will depend in part upon its ability to successfully grow the businesses consistent with its anticipated acquisition economics. The Company’s financial results could be adversely affected by unanticipated performance issues, unforeseen liabilities, transaction-related

B-26

charges, diversion of management time and resources to acquisition integration challenges or growth strategies, loss of key Nationwide employees, amortization of expenses related to intangibles, charges for impairment of long-term assets or goodwill and indemnifications.

The process of integrating an acquired company or business can be complex and costly and may create unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. Acquired businesses may not perform as projected, any cost savings and other synergies anticipated from the acquisition may not materialize and costs associated with the integration may be greater than anticipated. Acquired businesses may not be successfully integrated, resulting in substantial costs or delays and adversely affecting the Company’s ability to compete. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations might be materially and adversely affected.

The Company faces a risk of noncompliance with and enforcement action under the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering, and sanctions statutes and regulations.

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the "PATRIOT Act") substantially broadened the scope of U.S. anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., and by expanding the categories of financial institutions to which such laws and regulations apply to include some categories of insurance companies. Certain financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must use enhanced due diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk clients and implement a written client identification program. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions without notifying the affected clients. Similarly, the U.S. government has been escalating the obligations and requirements associated with sanctions laws including those enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"). Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions to ensure that they have policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable requirements and for compliance with the policies and procedures and these substantive obligations. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs, including policies and procedures, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including causing applicable regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required. Regulatory authorities have imposed cease and desist orders and civil money penalties against institutions found to be violating these obligations. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to OFAC, and anti-money laundering statutes and certain regulations, and its compliance obligations under these rules result in increased costs and allocation of internal resources

Consolidation of distributors of insurance products may adversely affect the insurance industry and the profitability of the Company’s business.

The Company distributes many of its individual products through other financial institutions such as banks and broker−dealers. An increase in bank and broker−dealer consolidation activity could increase competition for access to distributors, result in greater distribution expenses and impair the Company’s ability to expand its customer base. Consolidation of distributors and/or other industry changes may also increase the likelihood that distributors will try to renegotiate the terms of any existing selling agreements to terms less favorable to the Company

PROPERTIES

Pursuant to an arrangement between NMIC and certain of its subsidiaries, during 2022 the Company occupied on average approximately 123,071 square feet of office space in the five-building home office complex and in other offices in central Ohio. The Company believes that its present and planned facilities are adequate for the anticipated needs of the Company.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 13 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for a discussion of legal proceedings.

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MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

There is no established public trading market for NLIC’s shares of common stock. All 3,814,779 issued and outstanding shares of NLIC’s common stock are owned by NFS. NLIC did not repurchase any shares of its common stock or sell any unregistered shares of its common stock during 2022.

There were no dividends paid in 2022. During March 2021, the Company paid an ordinary dividend of $550 million to NFS. There were no dividends paid in 2020.

NLIC currently does not have a formal dividend policy.

See Business – Regulation – Regulation of Dividends and Other Distributions and Risk-Based Capital for information regarding dividend restrictions.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Forward-Looking Information

The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations, businesses and financial condition of the Company made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Whenever used in this report, words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "target," "will," "shall," "could," "may" and other words of similar meaning are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and certain important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities:

(a)

fluctuations in the results of operations or financial condition;

(b)

actual claims losses exceeding reserves for claims;

(c)

difficult economic and business conditions, including financial, capital and credit market conditions as a result of changes in interest rates or prolonged periods of low interest rates, equity prices, volatility, yields and liquidity in the equity and credit markets, as well as geopolitical conditions and the impact of political, regulatory, judicial, economic or financial events, including terrorism, epidemics or pandemics, impacting financial markets generally and companies in the Company’s investment portfolio specifically;

(d)

the degree to which the Company chooses not to hedge risks, or the potential ineffectiveness or insufficiency of hedging or risk management strategies the Company does implement;

(e)

changes in certain accounting and/or financial reporting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), SEC, NAIC or other standard-setting bodies;

(f)

the inability to maintain the availability of systems and facilities in the event of a disaster, natural or man-made catastrophe, blackout, terrorist attack or war;

(g)

heightened competition that affects the cost of, and demand for, the Company’s products, specifically including the intensification of price competition, the entry of new competitors, consolidation, technological innovation and the development of new products by new and existing competitors;

(h)

adverse state and federal legislation and regulation, with respect to, among other things, tax law changes impacting the federal estate tax and tax treatment of life insurance and investment products; limitations on premium levels; restrictions on product approval and policy issuance; increases in minimum capital and reserves and other financial viability requirements; restrictions on mutual fund service fee payments; changes affecting sales practices, including investigations and/or claims handling and escheat investigations; and regulatory actions of the DOL under ERISA, in particular proposed rule-making with respect to fiduciary obligations, rule-making adopted by regulatory authorities under the Dodd-Frank Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, including SEC comprehensive rulemaking and guidance regarding standards of conduct for broker dealers and investment advisers;

(i)

the inability to mitigate the capital impact associated with statutory reserving and capital requirements;

(j)

failure to maintain or expand distribution channels;

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(k)

possible difficulties in executing, integrating and realizing projected results of acquisitions, divestitures and restructurings;

(l)

loss of key vendor relationships or failure of a vendor to protect confidential and proprietary information or otherwise perform;

(m)

changes in interest rates and the equity markets causing a reduction in the market value of the Company’s investment portfolio, investment income and/or asset fees; an acceleration of other expenses; a reduction in separate account assets or a reduction in the demand for the Company’s products; increased liabilities related to living benefits and death benefit guarantees; or an impact on ultimate realizability of deferred tax assets;

(n)

outlook changes and downgrades in the financial strength and claims-paying ability ratings of the Company assigned by NRSROs;

(o)

competitive, regulatory or tax changes that affect the cost of, or demand for, products;

(p)

fluctuations in RBC levels;

(q)

settlement of tax liabilities for amounts that differ significantly from those recorded on the balance sheets;

(r)

deviations from assumptions regarding future persistency, mortality and morbidity rates (including as a result of natural and man-made catastrophes, pandemics, epidemics, malicious acts, terrorist acts and climate change), and interest rates used in calculating reserve amounts and in pricing products;

(s)

adverse results and/or resolution of litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigation and/or inquiry;

(t)

the availability, pricing and effectiveness of reinsurance;

(u)

the effectiveness of policies and procedures for managing risk;

(v)

interruption in telecommunication, information technology or other operational systems or failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data on such systems;

(w)

adverse consequences, including financial and reputational costs, regulatory problems and potential loss of customers resulting from a breach of information security, a failure to meet privacy regulations, or inability to secure and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary or customers’ personal information;

(x)

the inability to protect intellectual property and defend against claims of infringement;

(y)

realized losses with respect to impairments of assets in the investment portfolio of the Company;

(z)

exposure to losses related to variable annuity guarantee benefits, including from downturns and volatility in equity markets;

(aa)

statutory reserve requirements associated with term and universal life insurance policies under Regulation XXX, Guideline AXXX and principles-based reserving requirements;

(ab)

lack of liquidity in certain investments, access to credit facilities, or other inability to access capital; and

(ac)

defaults on commercial mortgages and volatility in their performance.

The Company undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or development, except as required by law. For a more complete description of the various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could affect future results, see Risk Factors.

Overview

The following discussion provides an assessment of the financial position and results of operations of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2022. This discussion and analysis is based on and should be read in conjunction with the audited statutory financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-1 of this report.

See Business – Overview for a description of the Company and its ownership structure.

See Business – Business Segments for a description of the components of each segment and a description of management’s primary profitability measure.

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Revenues and Expenses

The Company earns revenues and generates cash primarily from life insurance premiums, annuity considerations, policy charges, accident and health insurance premiums and net investment income. Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the premium paying period of the related policies. Annuity considerations are recognized as revenue when received. Policy charges are comprised of several components including asset fees, which are earned primarily from separate account values generated from the sale of individual and group variable annuities and life insurance products and cost of insurance charges earned on all life insurance products except traditional, which are assessed on the amount of insurance in force in excess of the related policyholder account value. Policy charges also include administrative fees, which include fees charged per contract on a variety of the Company's products and premium loads on universal life insurance products and surrender fees which are charged as a percentage of premiums/deposits withdrawn during a specified period for annuity and certain life insurance contracts. Accident and health insurance premiums are earned ratably over the terms of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts or policies. Net investment income includes earnings on investments supporting fixed annuities, FHLB funding agreements, certain life insurance products and earnings on invested assets not allocated to product segments, all net of related investment expenses.

Management makes decisions concerning the sale of invested assets based on a variety of market, business, tax and other factors. All realized gains and losses generated by these sales are reported in net realized capital gains and losses. Also included in net realized investment gains and losses are the impact of exercised, matured or terminated derivatives, with the exception of derivatives applying the prescribed practice under OAC 3901-1-67 which are recognized in net investment income. All charges related to other-than-temporary impairments of bonds, specific commercial mortgage loans, other investments, and changes in the valuation allowance not related to specific commercial mortgage loans are reported in net realized capital gains and losses.

The Company’s primary expenses include benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries, commissions and other business expenses. Policy benefits and claims that are expensed include interest credited to policy account balances, benefits and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy reserves and other changes in future policy benefits. Commissions include commissions paid by the Company to affiliates and non-affiliates on sales of products. See Business – Marketing and Distribution for a description of the Company’s unaffiliated and affiliated distribution channels.

Profitability

The Company’s profitability largely depends on its ability to effectively price and manage risk on its various products, administer customer funds and control operating expenses. Lapse rates on existing contracts also impact profitability. The lapse rate and distribution of lapses affect surrender charges.

In particular, the Company’s profitability is driven by premiums and annuity considerations for life and accident and health contracts, fee income on separate account products, general and separate account asset levels and management’s ability to manage interest spread income. Premiums and annuity considerations for life and accident and health contracts can vary based on a variety of market, business and other factors. While asset fees are largely at guaranteed annual rates, amounts earned vary directly with the underlying performance of the separate accounts. Interest spread income is comprised of net investment income, excluding any applicable allocated charges for invested capital, less interest credited to policyholder accounts. Interest spread income can vary depending on crediting rates offered by the Company, performance of the investment portfolio, including the rate of prepayments, changes in market interest rates and the level of invested assets, the competitive environment and other factors.

In addition, life insurance profits are significantly impacted by mortality, morbidity and persistency experience. Asset impairments and the tax position of the Company also impact profitability.

Fair Value Measurements

See Note 2 and Note 7 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for details regarding the Company’s policies for fair value measurements of certain assets and liabilities.

Credit Risk Associated with Derivatives

See Note 6 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for details regarding the Company’s evaluation of credit risk associated with derivatives.

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Significant Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of the statutory financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the statutory financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates include certain investment and derivative valuations and future policy benefits and claims. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Note 2 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report provide a summary of significant accounting policies.

Results of Operations

2022 Compared to 2021

The following table summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	Change
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$14,535	$12,664	15%
Net investment income	2,019	2,231	(10%)
Other revenues	2,346	2,455	(4%)
Total revenues	$18,900	$17,350	9%
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$15,963	$16,884	(5%)
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	2,525	807	213%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,635)	(3,002)	46%
Commissions	810	858	(6%)
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance assumed	(161)	(151)	(7%)
Other expenses	564	469	20%
Total benefits and expenses	$18,066	$15,865	14%
Income before federal income tax expense (benefit) and net realized capital gains (losses) on investments	$834	$1,485	(44%)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	100	(9)	1211%
Income before net realized capital gains (losses) on investments	$734	$1,494	(51%)
Net realized capital gains (losses) on investments, net of tax and transfers to the interest maintenance reserve	240	(683)	135%
Net income	$974	$811	20%

The Company recorded higher net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021, primarily due to increases in premiums and annuity considerations and net realized capital gains (losses) on investments, net of tax and transfers and decreases in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries. These were partially offset by increases in reserves for future policy benefits and claims and lower net transfers from separate accounts.

The increase in premiums and annuity considerations was primarily attributable to COLI and BOLI products, individual fixed annuity products and PRT products, partially offset by a decrease in individual variable annuity products.

Net realized capital gains on investments, net of tax and transfers during 2022 compared to losses in 2021 were primarily driven by gains on derivative instruments period over period.

Lower benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries were principally related to surrender benefits in individual variable annuity products and private and public sector retirement plans.

The increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims were principally related to larger reserve increases in the Annuities segment and Corporate Solutions and Other segment products, partially offset by a larger reserve decrease in public sector retirement plans.

The lower net transfers from separate accounts were primarily driven by larger net transfers to separate accounts for variable COLI and BOLI products and lower net transfers from separate accounts for public sector retirement plans, partially offset by an increase in net transfers from separate accounts for individual variable annuity products.

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2021 Compared to 2020

The following table summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2021	2020	Change
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$12,664	$10,637	19%
Net investment income	2,231	2,107	6%
Other revenues	2,455	2,372	3%
Total revenues	$17,350	$15,116	15%
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$16,884	$15,013	12%
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	807	1,627	(50%)
Net transfers from separate accounts	(3,002)	(3,544)	15%
Commissions	858	646	33%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance assumed	(151)	(172)	12%
Other expenses	469	480	(2%)
Total benefits and expenses	$15,865	$14,050	13%
Income before federal income tax (benefit) expense and net realized capital losses on investments	$1,485	$1,066	39%
Federal income tax (benefit) expense	(9)	4	(325%)
Income before net realized capital losses on investments	$1,494	$1,062	41%
Net realized capital losses on investments, net of tax and transfers to the interest maintenance reserve	(683)	(575)	(19%)
Net income	$811	$487	67%

The Company recorded higher net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to increases in premiums and annuity considerations and net investment income and a smaller increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims, partially offset by higher benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries, increased net realized capital losses on investments, net of tax and transfers, and lower net transfers from separate accounts.

The increase in premiums and annuity considerations was primarily related to individual variable annuities and COLI and BOLI products, partially offset by declines in private sector and public sector retirement plans.

The increase in net investment income was principally due to an increase in invested assets not assigned to other reportable segments.

The smaller increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims were principally related to larger reserve decreases in private sector and public sector retirement plans that were partially offset by larger increases in reserves for COLI and BOLI products and individual annuity products.

Higher benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries were primarily related to surrender benefits in individual variable annuities and annuity death benefits and surrender benefits in public sector retirement plans.

Net realized capital losses on investments, net of tax and transfers were primarily driven by higher losses in the derivative hedging program period over period.

The decrease in net transfers from separate accounts is primarily related to individual variable annuity products, partially offset by an increase in net transfers from separate accounts for private sector retirement plans and a decrease in net transfers to separate accounts for variable COLI and BOLI products.

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Business Segments

Life Insurance

2022 Compared to 2021

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Life Insurance segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$415	$425	(2%)
Net investment income	261	254	3%
Other revenues	200	198	1%
Total revenues	$876	$877	(0%)
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$659	$748	(12%)
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	45	86	(48%)
Net transfers from separate accounts	(98)	(97)	(1%)
Commissions	26	27	(4%)
Other expenses	134	137	(2%)
Total benefits and expenses	$766	$901	(15%)
Pre-tax operating earnings (losses)	$110	$(24)	558%

Pre-tax operating earnings (losses) increased for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to lower benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries and smaller increases in reserves for future policy benefits and claims.

The decrease in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries were primarily related to individual variable life, traditional life and universal life insurance product death benefits.

The decrease in change in reserves for future policy benefits and claims was driven by a smaller increase year over year for individual universal life insurance products that was partially offset by a larger increase year over year for individual variable life insurance products.

2021 Compared to 2020

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Life Insurance segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2021	2020	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$425	$394	8%
Net investment income	254	247	3%
Other revenues	198	193	3%
Total revenues	$877	$834	5%
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$748	$689	9%
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	86	62	39%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(97)	(85)	(14%)
Commissions	27	21	29%
Other expenses	137	159	(14%)
Total benefits and expenses	$901	$846	7%
Pre-tax operating losses	$(24)	$(12)	(100%)

B-33

Pre-tax operating losses increased for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to higher benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries and increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims, partially offset by increased net premiums and net transfers from separate accounts.

The increase in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries were primarily related to individual variable life insurance product death benefits.

The larger increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims was driven by individual universal life insurance products, partially offset by a decrease in individual variable life insurance product general account reserves.

Higher net premiums were principally associated with the Company’s individual universal life insurance products.

The increase in net transfers from separate accounts reflects an increase in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries and fewer transfers into fixed option funds for individual variable life insurance products.

Annuities

2022 Compared to 2021

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Annuities segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$6,457	$6,686	(3%)
Net investment income	346	337	3%
Other revenues	1,639	1,670	(2%)
Total revenues	$8,442	$8,693	(3%)
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$8,255	$8,776	(6%)
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	2,353	84	2701%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(2,891)	(1,296)	(123%)
Commissions	546	629	(13%)
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance assumed	(161)	(151)	(7%)
Other expenses	136	41	232%
Total benefits and expenses	$8,238	$8,083	2%
Pre-tax operating earnings	$204	$610	(67%)

Pre-tax operating earnings decreased for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily driven by increases in reserves for future policy benefits and claims and decreases in annuity considerations, partially offset by higher net transfers from separate accounts and lower benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries.

The increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims was driven by a larger increase in individual fixed annuity products, individual immediate annuity products and individual registered indexed linked annuity products.

Annuity considerations decreased due to lower sales of individual variable annuity products, partially offset by an increase in sales of individual fixed annuity products.

The increase in net transfers from separate accounts primarily reflects a decrease in annuity considerations, partially offset by lower benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries, for individual variable annuity products.

The decrease in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries was principally driven by reduced individual variable annuity product surrender benefits.

B-34

2021 Compared to 2020

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Annuities segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2021	2020	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$6,686	$3,407	96%
Net investment income	337	338	0%
Other revenues	1,670	1,502	11%
Total revenues	$8,693	$5,247	66%
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$8,776	$7,140	23%
Increase (decrease) in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	84	(78)	208%
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,296)	(2,490)	48%
Commissions	629	437	44%
Reserve adjustment on reinsurance assumed	(151)	(172)	12%
Other expenses	41	55	(25%)
Total benefits and expenses	$8,083	$4,892	65%
Pre-tax operating earnings	$610	$355	72%

Pre-tax operating earnings increased for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by increased revenues due to higher annuity considerations and asset fee income outpacing increases in benefits and expenses associated with benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries, net transfers from separate accounts, commissions and increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims.

Annuity considerations increased due to higher sales of individual variable annuities, principally those with living benefit guarantees.

Asset fee income growth was driven by higher average separate account asset values and favorable market returns.

The increase in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries was principally driven by surrender benefits in individual variable annuities due to higher lapse rates.

The decrease in net transfers from separate accounts primarily reflect annuity considerations in excess of benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries for individual variable annuity products.

Higher commission expense is the result of the increase in individual variable annuity considerations.

The increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims was driven by a larger increase in individual variable annuity product guaranteed benefit reserves, partially offset by larger decreases in reserves for individual immediate annuity products.

Retirement Solutions

2022 Compared to 2021

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Retirement Solutions segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$4,398	$4,377	0%
Net investment income	860	861	0%
Other revenues	181	229	(21%)
Total revenues	$5,439	$5,467	(1%)
Benefits and expenses

B-35

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	Change
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$6,385	$6,702	(5%)
(Decrease) increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	(628)	89	(806%)
Net transfers from separate accounts	(736)	(1,711)	57%
Commissions	138	104	33%
Other expenses	120	122	(2%)
Total benefits and expenses	$5,279	$5,306	(1%)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$160	$161	(1%)

Pre-tax operating earnings was consistent for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Lower net transfers from separate accounts were offset by a decrease in reserves for future policy benefits and claims and smaller benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries.

The decrease in net transfers from separate accounts was principally related to transfers to fixed option funds in private and public sector retirement plan separate accounts.

The larger decrease in reserves for future policy benefits and claims primarily reflects a decrease in public sector retirement plan reserves due to large case withdrawals.

Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries decreased primarily due to surrender benefits in private and public sector retirement plans.

2021 Compared to 2020

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Retirement Solutions segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2021	2020	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$4,377	$5,939	(26%)
Net investment income	861	843	2%
Other revenues	229	350	(35%)
Total revenues	$5,467	$7,132	(23%)
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$6,702	$6,582	2%
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	89	1,582	(94%)
Net transfers from separate accounts	(1,711)	(1,372)	25%
Commissions	104	94	11%
Other expenses	122	131	(7%)
Total benefits and expenses	$5,306	$7,017	(24%)
Pre-tax operating earnings	$161	$115	40%

Pre-tax operating earnings increased for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a smaller increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims and increases in net transfers from separate accounts, partially offset by lower annuity considerations and higher benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries.

The smaller increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims reflects a decrease in private sector retirement plan reserves and a lower increase in public sector retirement plan reserves during 2021 as compared to their respective significant reserve increases during 2020.

The increase in net transfers from separate accounts was principally related to higher benefits and lower considerations in private sector retirement plan separate accounts.

B-36

Annuity consideration decreases in private and public sector retirement plans reflect a return to normal levels following significant increases in 2020 which included transfers into public sector retirement plans from Nationwide Trust Company, FSB, an affiliate.

Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries increased primarily due to annuity death benefits and surrender benefits in public sector retirement plans, partially offset by a decline in surrender benefits for private sector retirement plans.

Corporate Solutions and Other

2022 Compared to 2021

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Corporate Solutions and Other segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$3,265	$1,176	178%
Net investment income	552	779	(29%)
Other revenues	326	357	(9%)
Total revenues	$4,143	$2,312	79%
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$664	$658	1%
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	755	548	38%
Net transfers to separate accounts	2,090	102	1949%
Commissions	100	98	2%
Other expenses	174	169	3%
Total benefits and expenses	$3,783	$1,575	140%
Pre-tax operating earnings	$360	$737	(51%)

Pre-tax operating earnings decreased for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in net transfers to separate accounts, a decrease in net investment income and an increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims, partially offset by an increase in premiums and annuity considerations.

The net transfers to separate accounts increase was primarily attributable to large case acquisitions in variable COLI and BOLI products.

The decrease in net investment income was principally due to a decrease in invested assets not assigned to other reportable segments.

The increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims was primarily associated with new case acquisitions in PRT products and COLI and BOLI products.

Large case acquisitions drove the increase in COLI and BOLI product premiums and PRT product annuity considerations increased due to new case acquisitions.

2021 Compared to 2020

The following table summarizes selected financial data for the Company’s Corporate Solutions and Other segment for the years ended:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2021	2020	Change
Results of Operations
Revenues
Premiums and annuity considerations	$1,176	$897	31%
Net investment income	779	679	15%
Other revenues	357	327	9%
Total revenues	$2,312	$1,903	21%

B-37

	December 31,
(in millions)	2021	2020	Change
Benefits and expenses
Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries	$658	$602	9%
Increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims	548	61	798%
Net transfers to separate accounts	102	403	(75%)
Commissions	98	94	4%
Other expenses	169	135	25%
Total benefits and expenses	$1,575	$1,295	22%
Pre-tax operating earnings	$737	$608	21%

Pre-tax operating earnings increased for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to higher premiums and net investment income as well as a decrease in net transfers to separate accounts, partially offset by a larger increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims and higher benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries.

The increase in premiums was driven by higher first year case acquisitions in fixed COLI and BOLI products, partially offset by a decline in first year case acquisitions in variable COLI and BOLI products.

The increase in net investment income was principally due to an increase in invested assets not assigned to other reportable segments.

Net transfers to separate accounts decreased due to variable COLI and BOLI products which was driven by a decline in premiums received and an increase in surrender benefits paid.

The larger increase in reserves for future policy benefits and claims was primarily driven by fixed COLI and BOLI products due to higher premiums.

The increase in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries was driven by higher COLI and BOLI product surrender benefits paid, partially offset by lower paid death benefits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and capital resources demonstrate the overall financial strength of the Company and its ability to generate cash flows from its operations and borrow funds at competitive rates to meet operating and growth needs. The Company’s operations have historically provided substantial cash flow. The Company has sufficient cash resources to meet all current obligations for policyholder benefits, withdrawals, surrenders, dividends and policy loans. The Company also participates in inter-company repurchase agreements or other borrowing arrangements with affiliates to satisfy short-term cash needs.

The most significant long-term contractual obligations of the Company relate to the future policy benefits and claims for its annuity and life insurance products. The Company purchases investments with durations to match the expected durations of the liabilities they support.

To mitigate the risks that actual withdrawals may exceed anticipated amounts or that rising interest rates may cause a decline in the value of the Company’s bond investments, the Company imposes market value adjustments or surrender charges on the majority of its products and offers products where the investment risk is transferred to the contractholder. Liabilities related to separate accounts, where the investment risk is typically borne by the contractholder, comprised 68.0% of total liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 73.9% as of December 31, 2021.

A primary liquidity concern with respect to annuity and life insurance products is the risk of early policyholder withdrawal. The Company attempts to mitigate this risk by offering variable products where the investment risk is transferred to the policyholder, charging surrender fees at the time of withdrawal for certain products, applying a market value adjustment to withdrawals for certain products in the Company’s general account and monitoring and matching anticipated cash inflows and outflows.

For individual annuity products, surrender charges generally are calculated as a percentage of deposits and are assessed at declining rates during the first seven years after a deposit is made.

For group annuity products, surrender charge amounts and periods can vary significantly depending on the terms of each contract and the compensation structure for the producer. Generally, surrender charge percentages for group products are less than individual products because the Company incurs lower expenses at contract origination for group products. In addition, the majority of general account group annuity reserves are subject to a market value adjustment at withdrawal.

B-38

Life insurance policies are less susceptible to withdrawal than annuity products, because policyholders generally must undergo a new underwriting process and may incur a surrender fee in order to obtain a new insurance policy.

The short-term and long-term liquidity requirements of the Company are monitored regularly to match cash inflows with cash requirements. The Company reviews its short-term and long-term projected sources and uses of funds, investment and cash flow assumptions underlying these projections. The Company periodically adjusts to its investment policies to reflect changes in short-term and long-term cash needs and changing business and economic conditions.

Given the Company’s historical cash flows from operating and investing activities and current financial results, the Company believes that cash flows from activities over the next year will provide sufficient liquidity for the operations of the Company and sufficient funds for interest payments.

Borrowed Money

The Company is a party of a $750 million revolving variable rate credit facility agreement. The Company had no amounts outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

The Company has entered into an agreement with its custodial bank to borrow against the cash collateral that is posted in connection with its securities lending program. The maximum amount available under the agreement is $350 million. The borrowing rate on this program is equal to Effective Federal Funds Rate plus 0.18%. The Company had no amounts outstanding under this agreement as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

The Company has agreements with the FHLB to provide financing for operations. These agreements, which were renewed in February 2023 and expire February 2, 2024, allow the Company access to borrow up to $1.1 billion. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no amounts outstanding under these agreements.

In 2021, the Company terminated its commercial paper program, which had a limit of $750 million.

See Note 9 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for details regarding the Company’s usage of short-term debt and FHLB funding agreements.

Surplus Notes

The surplus notes below were issued in accordance with Section 3901.72 of the Ohio Revised Code. The principal and interest on these surplus notes shall not be a liability or claim against the Company, or any of its assets, except as provided in Section 3901.72 of the Ohio Revised Code. ODI must approve interest and principal payments before they are paid.

On December 19, 2001, the Company issued a $300 million surplus note to NFS, with an interest rate of 7.5%, and a maturity date of December 31, 2031. Interest on the note is subject to prior approval of the ODI and is payable semi-annually on June 17 and December 17. The Company received approval from the ODI and made all scheduled interest payments.

On June 27, 2002, the Company issued an additional $300 million surplus note to NFS, with an interest rate of 8.15%, and a maturity date of June 27, 2032. Interest on the note is subject to prior approval of the ODI and is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. The Company received approval from the ODI and made all scheduled interest payments.

On December 23, 2003, the Company issued an additional $100 million surplus note to NFS, with an interest rate of 6.75%, and a maturity date of December 23, 2033. Interest on the note is subject to prior approval of the ODI and is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15. The Company received approval from the ODI and made all scheduled interest payments.

On December 20, 2019, the Company issued an additional $400 million surplus note to NFS, with an interest rate of 4.21%, and a maturity date of December 19, 2059. Interest on the note is subject to prior approval of the ODI and is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. The Company received approval from the ODI and made all scheduled interest payments.

See Note 10 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for details regarding the Company’s usage of surplus notes.

Regulatory Risk-based Capital

Each insurance company’s state of domicile imposes minimum RBC requirements that were developed by the NAIC. RBC is used to evaluate the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus in relation to the risks inherent in the insurer’s business related to asset quality, asset and liability matching, mortality and morbidity, and other business factors.

B-39

Regulatory compliance is determined annually based on a ratio of a company’s regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC. Companies with a ratio below 200% (or below 250% with negative trends) are required to take corrective action steps. The Company exceeded the minimum RBC requirements for all periods presented. See Note 14 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for details regarding the Company’s regulatory RBC.

Investments

General

The Company’s assets are divided into separate account and general account assets. Of the Company’s total assets, $102.8 billion (64%) and $125.4 billion (70%) were held in separate accounts as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company held assets of $58.6 billion (36%) and $53.5 billion (30%) in general accounts, respectively, including $57.0 billion of general account invested assets as of December 31, 2022 compared to $52.1 billion as of December 31, 2021.

Separate account assets primarily consist of investments made with deposits from the Company’s variable annuity and variable life insurance business. Most separate account assets are invested in various mutual funds. After deducting fees or expense charges, investment performance is generally passed into the Company’s separate account assets through to the Company’s customers.

The following table summarizes the Company’s general account investments by asset category, as of the dates indicated:

	December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
(in millions)	Carrying value	% of total	Carrying value	% of total
Invested assets:
Bonds	$40,208	71%	$37,931	73%
Stocks	3,700	6%	3,016	6%
Mortgage loans, net of allowance	8,363	15%	8,185	16%
Policy loans	933	2%	913	2%
Derivative assets	143	0%	64	0%
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	1,621	3%	636	1%
Securities lending collateral assets	232	0%	170	0%
Other invested assets	1,848	3%	1,225	2%
Total invested assets	$57,048	100%	$52,140	100%

See Note 5 to the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages for further information regarding the Company’s investments.

Bonds

The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations (called NAIC designations), which are used by insurers when preparing their annual statements. For most securities, NAIC ratings are derived from ratings received from nationally recognized rating agencies. The NAIC also assigns ratings to securities that do not receive public ratings. The designations assigned by the NAIC range from class 1 (highest quality) to class 6 (lowest quality). Of the Company’s bonds, 96% and 94% were in the two highest NAIC designations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Bonds are generally stated at amortized cost, except those with an NAIC designation of "6", which are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Changes in the fair value of bonds stated at fair value are charged to surplus.

The following table displays the NAIC designation of the Company’s investment in bonds, as of the dates indicated:

(in millions)	December 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
NAIC designation	Carrying value	Fair value	% of total statement value	Carrying value	Fair value	% of total statement value
1	$21,073	$19,210	53%	$19,868	$21,733	52%
2	17,241	15,489	43%	15,907	17,267	42%
3	1,291	1,146	3%	1,610	1,689	5%
4	512	471	1%	458	451	1%

B-40

(in millions)	December 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
NAIC designation	Carrying value	Fair value	% of total statement value	Carrying value	Fair value	% of total statement value
5	78	75	0%	78	77	0%
6	13	19	0%	10	25	0%
	$40,208	$36,410	100%	$37,931	$41,242	100%

See Note 2 to the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages for the policy for valuation of bonds.

Loan-backed structured securities

Loan-backed and structured securities include residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and certain other asset-backed securities.

The following table displays the NAIC designation of the Company’s investment in loan-backed structured securities, as of the dates indicated:

(in millions)	December 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
NAIC designation	Statement Value	Fair Value	% of total statement value	Statement Value	Fair Value	% of total statement value
1	$6,410	$6,022	96%	$5,635	$5,768	95%
2	173	160	2%	180	190	3%
3	64	53	1%	81	83	1%
4	46	41	1%	48	44	1%
5	9	11	0%	14	11	0%
6	-	7	0%	7	21	0%
	$6,702	$6,294	100%	$5,965	$6,117	100%

Stocks

Stocks are largely comprised of investments in affiliated entities. Refer to Note 2 and Note 5 to the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages for information on the valuation methodology and investment in subsidiaries.

Other Invested Assets

The Company’s other invested assets consist of primarily of alternative investments in private equity funds, tax credit funds, real estate partnership, investment in Eagle accounted for under the equity method, and derivatives collateral and receivables.

The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s carrying value of other invested assets, as of the dates indicated:

	December 31,
(in millions)	2022	2021
Alternative investments:
Private equity funds	$797	$536
Real estate partnerships	730	463
Tax credit funds	117	147
Investment in Eagle	53	53
Total alternative investments	$1,697	$1,199
Derivatives collateral and receivables	151	26
Total other invested assets	$1,848	$1,225

B-41

Mortgage Loans, Net of Allowance

As of December 31, 2022, commercial mortgage loans were $8.4 billion (15% of the statement value of investments), compared to $8.2 billion (16%) as of December 31, 2021. There were $291 million of outstanding commitments to fund commercial mortgage loans as of December 31, 2022. There were no outstanding commitments to fund commercial mortgage loans as of December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company has a diversified mortgage loan portfolio with no more than 23% and 24%, respectively, in a geographic region in the U.S., no more than 44% and 43%, respectively, in a property type and no more than 1% with any one borrower.

See Note 5 to the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages for the additional information on the mortgage loan portfolio.

Other Investment Information

See Note 5 to the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages for the additional information on the Company’s investment in subsidiaries, real estate, and securities lending agreements. See Note 6 to the Company’s audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages for the additional information on the Company’s derivative instruments.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Sensitive Financial Instruments

The Company is subject to potential fluctuations in earnings and the fair value of some of its assets and liabilities, as well as variations in expected cash flows due to changes in interest rates and equity markets. The following discussion focuses on specific interest rate, foreign currency and equity market risks to which the Company is exposed and describes strategies used to manage these risks. This discussion is limited to financial instruments subject to market risks and is not intended to be a complete discussion of all of the risks to which the Company is exposed.

Interest Rate Risk

Fluctuations in interest rates can impact the Company’s earnings, cash flows and the fair value of some of its assets and liabilities. In a declining interest rate environment, the Company may be required to reinvest the proceeds from maturing and prepaying investments at rates lower than the overall portfolio yield, which could reduce future interest spread income. In addition, minimum guaranteed crediting rates on certain life and annuity contracts could prevent the Company from lowering its interest crediting rates to levels commensurate with prevailing market interest rates, resulting in a reduction to the Company’s interest spread income.

The following table presents account values by range of minimum guaranteed crediting rates and the current weighted average crediting rates for certain of the Company’s products, as of the dates indicated:

	Life Insurance1		Annuities2		Retirement Solutions3		Corporate Solutions and Other
(in millions)	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate
December 31, 2022
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 3.51% or greater	$554	4.00%	$-	-%	$-	-%	$-	-%
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 3.01% to 3.50%	$-	-%	$207	3.63%	$2,433	3.45%	$-	-%
Mnimum guaranteed crediting rate of 2.01% to 3.00%	$598	3.06%	$1,364	2.98%	$2,307	2.65%	$2,260	3.02%
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 0.01% to 2.00%	$100	2.26%	$515	1.34%	$15,530	2.49%	$2,015	3.02%
No minimum guaranteed crediting rate4	$-	-%	$1,417	0.01%	$1,538	2.12%	$-	-%

December 31, 2021
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 3.51% or greater	$571	4.00%	$-	-%	$-	-%	$-	-%

B-42

	Life Insurance1		Annuities2		Retirement Solutions3		Corporate Solutions and Other
(in millions)	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate	Account value	Weighted average crediting rate
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 3.01% to 3.50%	$-	-%	$206	3.54%	$2,635	3.48%	$-	-%
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 2.01% to 3.00%	$589	3.06%	$1,427	3.02%	$2,202	2.80%	$2,326	3.13%
Minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 0.01% to 2.00%	$72	2.34%	$543	1.08%	$16,492	2.57%	$1,426	3.01%
No minimum guaranteed crediting rate4	$-	-%	$541	0.03%	$1,107	2.13%	$-	-%

Includes universal life insurance products and the fixed investment options selected within variable life insurance products.

Includes individual fixed annuity products and the fixed investment options selected within individual variable annuity and indexed products.

Includes group fixed annuity products.

Includes certain products with a stated minimum guaranteed crediting rate of 0%.

The Company attempts to mitigate this risk by managing the maturity and interest-rate sensitivities of certain of its assets to be consistent with those of liabilities. In recent years, management has taken actions to address low interest rate environments and the resulting impact on interest spread margins, including reducing commissions on fixed annuity sales, launching new products with new guaranteed rates, issuing contract amendments with new guaranteed rates on certain group fixed annuity products, discontinuing the sale of its annual reset fixed annuities and invoking contractual provisions that limit the amount of variable annuity deposits allocated to the guaranteed fixed option. In addition, the Company adheres to a strict discipline of setting interest crediting rates on new business at levels believed to be adequate to provide returns consistent with management expectations.

A rising interest rate environment could also result in a reduction of interest spread income or an increase in policyholder surrenders. Existing general account investments supporting annuity liabilities had a weighted average maturity of approximately nine years as of December 31, 2022. Therefore, a change in portfolio yield will lag changes in market interest rates. This lag increases if the rate of prepayments of securities slows. To the extent the Company sets renewal rates based on current market rates, this will result in reduced interest spreads. Alternatively, if the Company sets renewal crediting rates while attempting to maintain a desired spread from the portfolio yield, the rates offered by the Company may be less than new money rates offered by competitors. This difference could result in an increase in surrender activity by policyholders. If unable to fund surrenders with cash flow from its operations, the Company might need to sell assets. The Company mitigates this risk by offering products that assess surrender charges and/or market value adjustments at the time of surrender, and by managing the maturity and interest-rate sensitivities of assets to approximate those of liabilities.

Asset/Liability Management Strategies to Manage Interest Rate Risk

The Company employs an asset/liability management approach tailored to the specific requirements of each of its products. Each line of business has an investment policy based on its specific characteristics. The policy establishes asset maturity and duration, quality and other relevant guidelines.

An underlying pool or pools of investments support each general account line of business. These pools consist of whole assets purchased specifically for the underlying line of business. In general, assets placed in any given portfolio remain there until they mature (or are called), but active management of specific securities and sectors may result in portfolio turnover or transfers among the various portfolios.

Investment strategies are executed by dedicated investment professionals based on the investment policies established for the various pools. To assist them in this regard, they receive periodic projections of investment needs from each line’s management team. Line of business management teams, investment portfolio managers and finance professionals periodically evaluate how well assets purchased and the underlying portfolio match the underlying liabilities for each line. In addition, sophisticated Asset/Liability Management models are employed to project the assets and liabilities over a wide range of interest rate scenarios to evaluate the efficacy of the strategy for a line of business.

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Using this information, in conjunction with each line’s investment strategy, actual asset purchases or commitments are made. In addition, plans for future asset purchases are formulated when appropriate. This process is repeated frequently so that invested assets for each line match its investment needs as closely as possible. The primary objectives are to ensure that each line’s liabilities are invested in accordance with its investment strategy and that over- or under- investment is minimized.

As part of this process, the investment portfolio managers provide each line’s management team with forecasts of anticipated rates that the line’s future investments are expected to produce. This information, in combination with yields attributable to the line’s current investments and its investment "rollovers," gives the line management team data to use in computing and declaring interest crediting rates for their lines of business.

The Company’s risk management process includes modeling both the assets and liabilities over multiple stochastic scenarios, as well as certain deterministic scenarios. The Company considers a range of potential policyholder behavior as well as the specific liability crediting strategy. This analysis, combined with appropriate risk tolerances, drives the Company’s investment policy.

Use of Derivatives to Manage Interest Rate Risk

See Note 6 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for a discussion of the Company’s use of derivatives to manage interest rate risk.

Characteristics of Interest Rate Sensitive Financial Instruments

In accordance with SAP and as noted above, the majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities are carried at amortized cost and not at fair value. As a result, the elements of market risk discussed above do not generally have a significant direct impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. See Note 7 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for a summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities held at fair value.

Foreign Currency Risk

As part of its regular investing activities, the Company may purchase foreign currency denominated investments. These investments and the associated income expose the Company to volatility associated with movements in foreign exchange rates. In an effort to mitigate this risk, the Company uses cross-currency swaps. As foreign exchange rates change, the increase or decrease in the cash flows of the derivative instrument generally offsets the changes in the functional-currency equivalent cash flows of the hedged item.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk the Company assumes if its debtors, customers, reinsurers, or other counterparties and intermediaries may be unable or unwilling to pay their contractual obligations when they come due and may manifest itself through the downgrading of credit ratings of counterparties. It is the Company’s policy to monitor credit exposure within the investment portfolio to enable it to provide for future policy obligations and to minimize undue concentrations of assets in any single geographic area, industry, or entity.

See Note 6 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for details regarding the Company’s evaluation of credit risk associated with derivatives.

Equity Market Risk

Asset fees calculated as a percentage of separate account assets are a significant source of revenue to the Company. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, approximately 87% and 88% of separate account assets were invested in equity mutual funds, respectively. Gains and losses in the equity markets result in corresponding increases and decreases in the Company’s separate account assets and asset fee revenue.

The Company issues variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts, for which investment income and gains and losses on investments accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholder. The Company also provides various forms of guarantees to benefit the related contractholders. The Company’s primary guarantees for variable annuity contracts include GMDB and GLWB.

Many of the Company’s individual variable annuity contracts offer GMDB features. A GMDB generally provides a benefit if the annuitant dies and the contract value is less than a specified amount, which may be based on premiums paid less amounts withdrawn or contract value on a specified anniversary date. A decline in the stock market causing the contract

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value to fall below this specified amount, which varies from contract to contract based on the date the contract was entered into as well as the GMDB feature elected, will increase the net amount at risk, which is the GMDB in excess of the contract value. This could result in additional GMDB claims.

The Company offers certain indexed life insurance and annuity products for which the policyholders’ interest credits are based on market performance with caps and floors, and which may also include GMDB and GLWB. See Note 2 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for further information regarding these indexed features and guarantees.

Use of Derivatives to Manage Equity Market Risk

To mitigate these risks, the Company enters into a variety of derivatives including futures, options, index options and total return swaps. See Note 6 to the audited statutory financial statements included in the F pages of this report for a discussion of the Company’s use of derivatives to manage these risks.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors of the Registrant

Name	Age	Date Service Began
John L. Carter	60	February 2013
Timothy G. Frommeyer	58	January 2009
Steven A. Ginnan	55	June 2018
Eric S. Henderson	60	March 2012
Holly R. Snyder	55	October 2021
Kirt A. Walker	59	November 2009

For biographical information on Mmes. Snyder and Messrs. Carter, Frommeyer, Ginnan, Henderson, and Walker, please see the information provided below in Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name	Age	Position with NLIC
John L. Carter	60	President and Chief Operating Officer
Vinita Clements	58	Executive Vice President-Chief Human Resources Officer
James R. Fowler	50	Executive Vice President-Chief Technology Officer
Timothy G. Frommeyer	58	Executive Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
Mark S. Howard	59	Executive Vice President-Chief Legal Officer
Ramon Jones	53	Executive Vice President-Chief Marketing Officer
Michael W. Mahaffey	50	Executive Vice President-Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer
Amy T. Shore	59	Executive Vice President-Chief Customer Officer
Tina Ambrozy	52	Senior Vice President-NF Strategic Customer Solutions
Ann S. Bair	60	Senior Vice President-Marketing Management-Financial Services
Joel L. Coleman	58	Senior Vice President-Chief Investment Officer
Rae Ann Dankovic	55	Senior Vice President-Chief Compliance Officer
Steven A. Ginnan	55	Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer-Nationwide Financial
Rona Guymon	48	Senior Vice President-Annuity Distribution
Craig A. Hawley	55	Senior Vice President-Retirement Solutions Sales
Eric S. Henderson	60	Senior Vice President-Nationwide Annuity
Kevin T. Jestice	42	Senior Vice President-Investment Management Group
David LaPaul	57	Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Juan J. Perez	42	Senior Vice President-Corporate Solutions
Denise L. Skingle	52	Senior Vice President-Finance & Strategy Legal and Corporate Secretary
Holly R. Snyder	55	Senior Vice President-Nationwide Life
Eric Stevenson	59	Senior Vice President-Retirement Solutions

Business experience for each of the individuals listed in the previous table is set forth below:

Kirt A. Walker has been a Director of NLIC since November 2009 and has been Chief Executive Officer of NMIC since October 2019. Immediately prior to that, Mr. Walker was President and Chief Operating Officer of NLIC from December 2009 to October 2019 and President and Chief Operating Officer-Nationwide Financial for NMIC from October 2009 to

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October 2019. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer-Nationwide Insurance for NMIC from February 2009 through October 2009, Division President-NI Eastern Operations for NMIC from March 2006 to February 2009, and President-Allied Insurance Operations from August 2003 through March 2006. Mr. Walker has been with Nationwide since 1986.

John L. Carter has been President and Chief Operating Officer of NLIC since October 2019. Previously, Mr. Carter was Senior Vice President–Nationwide Retirement Plans of NLIC from April 2013 to October 2019, President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. from July 2015 to October 2019 and President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. from July 2013 to July 2015. He has also served as a Director of NLIC since February 2013. Prior to that time, Mr. Carter served as Senior Vice President of other Nationwide companies from November 2005 to April 2013.

Vinita J. Clements has been Executive Vice President-Chief Human Resources Officer of NLIC since July 2021. Previously, Ms. Clements was Senior Vice President-Human Resources – P&C from November 2018-March 2021. She also served as Senior Vice President-Human Resources – NF from October 2017 to November 2018 and Vice President-Human Resources from January 2016 to October 2017 and Associate Vice President-Human Resources from January 2008 to January 2016.

James R. Fowler has been Executive Vice President-Chief Technology Officer of NLIC since September 2021. Previously, Mr. Fowler was Executive Vice President-Chief Information Officer from August 2018 to September 2021. Prior to joining Nationwide, Mr. Fowler was Chief Information Officer for General Electric.

Timothy G. Frommeyer has been Executive Vice President of NLIC and several other Nationwide companies since October 1, 2021 and has served as a Director of NLIC since January 2009. Mr. Frommeyer is currently the CFO of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Previously, Mr. Frommeyer was Senior Vice President–Chief Financial Officer since November 2005.

Mark S. Howard has been Executive Vice President-Chief Legal Officer of NLIC and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company since December 2022. Mr. Howard is also Executive Vice President-Chief Legal Officer of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company since April 2016. Prior to joining Nationwide, Mr. Howard served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of USAA.

Ramon Jones has been Executive Vice President-Chief Marketing Officer of NLIC and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company since December 2022. Previously, Mr. Jones served as Senior Vice President-Marketing – Financial Services. Mr. Jones has been with Nationwide since 2009.

Michael W. Mahaffey has been Executive Vice President-Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer of NLIC and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company since December 2022. Previously, Mr. Mahaffey served as Senior Vice President-Chief Risk Officer, and Associate Vice President-Enterprise Risk Management. Mr. Mahaffey has been with Nationwide since 2005.

Amy T. Shore has been Executive Vice President-Chief Customer Officer of NLIC and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company since December 2022. Previously, Ms. Shore served as Senior Vice President-Field Operations EC, Vice President-Field Operations EC, Regional Vice President-Ohio/West Virginia, Vice President-Ohio/West Virginia, and Associate Vice President-Administrative Assistant – Office of the President.

Tina Ambrozy has been Senior Vice President-NF Strategic Customer Solutions since October 2019. Currently, Ms. Ambrozy serves as President of NFS Distributors, Inc. and Nationwide Financial Assignment Company since December 2016 and President of Nationwide Investment Services Corporation since April 2017. Previously, Ms. Ambrozy was Senior Vice President-NF Sales and Distribution of NLIC from December 2016 to October 2019. Ms. Ambrozy has been with Nationwide since 1996.

Ann Bair has been Senior Vice President-Marketing Management - Financial Services since October 2020. Ms. Bair has been with Nationwide since 2006 in various marketing roles.

Joel L. Coleman has been Senior Vice President-Chief Investment Officer of NLIC since August 2020. Currently Mr. Coleman is President of Nationwide Asset Management, LLC since July 2020. Prior to joining Nationwide, Mr. Coleman was Chief Investment Officer of Transamerica.

Rae Ann Dankovic has been Senior Vice President-Chief Compliance Officer of NLIC since August 2021. Previously, Ms. Dankovic was Senior Vice President-Nationwide Financial Services Legal of NLIC from February 2013 to August 2021. Ms. Dankovic has been with Nationwide since 1993.

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Steven A. Ginnan has been Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer-Nationwide Financial of NLIC and several other Nationwide companies since 2018 and has served as Director of NLIC since June 2018. Mr. Ginnan is also President of 525 Cleveland Avenue, LLC since June 2021. Previously Mr. Ginnan served as VP-NF Chief Actuary from August 2006 to September 2012; and VP-Nationwide Financial Services Chief Actuary.

Rona Guymon has been Senior Vice President-Annuity Distribution for NLIC and several other companies within Nationwide since February 2022. Previously, Ms. Guymon was Vice President, Annuity Distribution - Broker Dealer.

Craig Hawley has been Senior Vice President-Retirement Solutions Sales since January 2022. Previously, Mr. Hawley was Senior Vice President-Annuity Distribution since October 2019. Mr. Hawley has been with Nationwide since March 2017 and was previously with Jefferson National Life Insurance Company in a legal role.

Eric S. Henderson has been Senior Vice President–Nationwide Annuity of NLIC and several other companies within Nationwide since November 2019. He has also served as a Director of NLIC since March 2012. Mr. Henderson is currently President of Olentangy Reinsurance, LLC since September 2012, Eagle Captive Reinsurance, LLC since September 2015, President of Jefferson National Life Insurance Company, Jefferson Financial Corp. and Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of New York since January 2022. Previously, Mr. Henderson served as Senior Vice President–Individual Products & Solutions from October 2011 to November 2019, Senior Vice President-Individual Investments Business Head from August 2007 to October 2011 and as Vice President-CFO-Individual Investments from August 2004 to August 2007.

Kevin T. Jestice has been Senior Vice President–Investment Management Group of NLIC since February 2023. Previously, Mr. Jestice was Vice President-Internal Sales Services – Institutional Investments Distribution. Prior to joining Nationwide, Kevin was Principal, Head of Enterprise Advice with Vanguard.

David LaPaul has been Senior Vice President and Treasurer of NLIC as well as other Nationwide companies since November 2010. Mr. LaPaul is also a Director for several Nationwide companies. Mr. LaPaul has been with Nationwide since 2010.

Juan J. Perez has been Senior Vice President-Corporate Solutions of NLIC since February 2021 and several other companies within Nationwide. Mr. Perez has been with Nationwide since 2009 in various product, financial, business development roles.

Denise Skingle has been Senior Vice President-Finance & Strategy Legal and Corporate Secretary of NLIC and several other companies within Nationwide since June 2020. Ms. Skingle has been with Nationwide since September 2005.

Holly Snyder has been Senior Vice President-Nationwide Life since October 2019. Ms. Snyder also serves as Director for NLIC since October 2019. Ms. Snyder has been with Nationwide since 2003 in various product, financial, business development roles.

Eric Stevenson has been Senior Vice President-Retirement Solutions of NLIC and several other companies within Nationwide since February 2021. Mr. Stevenson also serves as Director for several companies within Nationwide. Previously, he was Senior Vice President-Workplace Solutions from November 2020 to February 2021 and Senior Vice President-Retirement Plan Sales from January 2019 to November 2020.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides a detailed description of our executive compensation philosophy and programs, the compensation decisions the NMIC Human Resources Committee has made under those programs, and the factors considered in making those decisions. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis focuses on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (NEOs):

2022 Named Executive Officers

John L. Carter – President and Chief Operating Officer ("PEO" of NLIC)

Steven A. Ginnan – Chief Financial Officer – Nationwide Financial ("PFO" of NLIC)

Kirt A. Walker – NMIC Chief Executive Officer

Eric S. Henderson – Senior Vice President – Nationwide Annuity

Mark S. Howard – Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

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Executive Summary

Our mission is to protect people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care. We exist to create value for members and businesses by protecting what is important to them, helping them build a secure financial future, and providing the best personalized customer experience through competitively priced, high-quality products. We motivate our executives to achieve these goals, in part, by delivering direct rewards including base salary, annual and long-term incentives, and other benefits and perquisites. Consistent with our pay for performance philosophy, we focus our compensation programs on sustained financial performance. Compensation levels will increase or decrease to the extent we meet our pre-established performance expectations.

The discussion below is intended to show how:

•

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Other annuity payment options may be available. If no annuity payment option is selected prior to the latest possible Annuitization Date, a single life annuity with a 20-year term annuity payment option will be assumed as the automatic form of payment upon Annuitization. Once an annuity payment option is selected, whether by the Annuitant or automatically by Nationwide, it may not be changed. All annuity payments are paid on a fixed basis.

How do you contact Nationwide?

All inquiries, paperwork, information requests, service requests, and transaction requests should be made to the Service Center:

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bywe ~~telephone~~incorporate atfinancial ~~1-800-848-6331~~and ~~(TDD~~individual ~~1-800-238-3035)~~objectives into our incentive programs;

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bywe ~~Internet~~consider atboth ~~www~~the level and form of these rewards, which we believe help us to attract and retain the executive talent that is necessary to create and maintain stakeholder value.~~nationwide.com.~~

12Compensation Process and Roles

~~RISK~~Organizational ~~FACTORS~~Structure with Respect to Compensation Decisions

~~RISK~~Our OFNamed ~~LOSS~~Executive Officers provide services to other Nationwide companies in addition to NLIC. Decisions regarding the total compensation levels of our Named Executive Officers are made by the NMIC Human Resources Committee based on their roles within NFS and NMIC, as applicable. The NMIC Human Resources Committee does not directly consider the roles of Named Executive Officers with respect to NLIC in determining total compensation. Instead, NLIC pays an allocable portion of total compensation for its Named Executive Officers, which is determined pursuant to a cost-sharing agreement among several Nationwide companies. The remainder of the compensation of NLIC’s executive officers was allocated to and paid by other Nationwide companies according to the terms of the cost-sharing agreement.

~~When~~Amounts ~~calculating~~we ~~Index~~disclose in this prospectus reflect only compensation allocated to and paid by NLIC or its subsidiaries; however, ~~Strategy~~performance ~~Earnings~~is onmeasured at the ~~Strategy~~NFS ~~Term~~and/or ~~End~~NMIC ~~Date~~level, ~~the~~which ~~Buffer~~includes isNLIC ~~the~~performance, ~~amount~~when ofdetermining ~~negative~~compensation ~~Index~~for ~~Performance~~our ~~that~~Named ~~Nationwide~~Executive ~~absorbs~~Officers. ~~The~~As ~~Contract~~a ~~Owner~~result, ~~absorbs~~metrics ~~any~~and results ~~negative~~discussed ~~Index Performance~~herein inwill ~~excess~~refer ofto ~~the~~NFS ~~Buffer~~or NMIC metrics and results, as applicable. ~~There~~The ismethods awe ~~risk~~use offor ~~substantial~~the ~~loss~~allocation of ~~your~~compensation ~~principal~~paid ~~and~~to ~~previously~~our ~~earned~~Named ~~Index~~Executive ~~Strategy~~Officers ~~Earnings~~varies ~~because~~by ~~all~~officer ~~losses~~and ~~that~~the ~~exceed~~type ~~the~~of ~~Buffer~~compensation ~~are~~and ~~absorbed~~is bydiscussed ~~the~~in ~~Contract~~more ~~Owner~~detail in "2022 Compensation Program Design and Implementation."

~~During~~NMIC aBoard ~~Strategy Term the Buffer does not provide the same level~~ of ~~protection~~Directors that is does on the Strategy Term End Date. This means that during the Strategy Term there is a risk of loss within or in excess of the Buffer which could result in a substantial loss of your principal and ~~previously~~NMIC ~~earned~~Human ~~Index~~Resources ~~Strategy~~Committee ~~Earnings.~~

~~LIQUIDITY~~As ~~RISK~~delegated by our Board of Directors, the NMIC Human Resources Committee's primary purpose is to discharge the responsibilities of the board as to the compensation of our executive officers. The NMIC Human Resources Committee also carries out the Board of Directors' oversight responsibilities by reviewing our human resources, compensation, and benefits practices.

The ~~Contract~~operation isof ~~designed~~the toNMIC beHuman Resources aCommittee ~~long-term~~is ~~investment,~~outlined ~~not~~in a ~~short-term~~charter ~~investment.~~that ~~Partial~~has ~~withdrawals~~been oradopted aby ~~full surrender may be taken at any time prior to~~ the ~~Annuitization~~NMIC ~~Date~~Board ~~or death~~ of ~~the~~Directors. ~~Annuitant,~~The ~~but~~charter ~~there~~provides ~~may~~that ~~be negative consequences for doing so if~~ the ~~withdrawal~~committee's ~~amount~~duties ~~exceeds the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount. Withdrawals in excess of the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount may be subject to a CDSC and a negative MVA~~include, ~~which~~among ~~will negatively~~other ~~impact~~things: ~~the amount of your withdrawal.~~

In addition, any partial withdrawal or full surrender may also be subject to a 10% additional federal tax if taken before age 59½. This Contract may not be appropriate if you plan on taking partial withdrawals or a full surrender prior to age 59½.

Nationwide may defer payment for a partial withdrawal or full surrender under this Contract for up to six months if the insurance regulatory authority of the state in which the Contract is issued approves such deferral. There are other circumstances under which Nationwide may delay the payment of partial withdrawals or full surrenders, as described in this prospectus. See "Withdrawals."

It is not possible to take withdrawals or surrender the Contract on or after the Annuitization Date.

INVESTMENT RISK

The following describe various investment risks associated with the Contract:

•

~~Allocations~~establishment ~~to an Index Strategy are not directly participating in the performance~~ of ~~any stocks or other assets. Instead, the performance of the Index Strategy depends (in part) on the performance of its Index. The performance of~~ an ~~Index~~overall iscompensation ~~based~~philosophy; on changes in the values of the securities or other assets that comprise or define the Index. The securities comprising or defining the Indexes are subject to a variety of investment risks, many of which are complicated and interrelated. These risks may affect capital markets generally, specific market segments, or specific issuers. The performance of the Indexes may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Negative Index performance may cause you to realize investment losses. Your investment losses may be significant.

•

~~The~~oversight ~~historical~~and ~~performance~~review of anhuman ~~Index~~resources orprograms anfor ~~Index~~directors, ~~Strategy~~executive ~~does~~officers, ~~not guarantee future results.~~and Itassociates; ~~is impossible to predict whether an Index or an Index Strategy will perform positively or negatively over the course of a Strategy Term.~~

•

~~While~~approval itof issalaries, ~~not~~incentive ~~possible~~compensation toplans, ~~invest~~and ~~directly~~awards ~~in an Index~~ under ~~the~~such ~~Contract~~plans orfor ~~otherwise,~~certain ~~allocations~~executive toofficers, anincluding ~~Index Strategy are indirectly exposed to~~ the ~~investment~~NEOs; ~~risks~~and ~~associated with its Index. An Index Strategy that has an Index with higher investment risks indirectly exposes you to those higher investment risks.~~

•

~~Because~~oversight ~~the Indexes under the Contract are all comprised or defined (at least in part) by a collection~~ of ~~equity~~people ~~securities, each Index is exposed to market risk~~ and ~~issuer~~culture risk. ~~Market~~practices, ~~risk~~including ispolicy, ~~the~~strategy, ~~risk that market fluctuations may cause the value of a security or asset to fluctuate~~tolerance, ~~sometimes rapidly~~ and ~~unpredictably~~control. ~~Issuer~~Key ~~risk~~areas isof ~~the~~ risk oversight ~~that~~include ~~the~~key ~~value~~person ofrisk anand ~~issuer’s~~succession ~~securities~~planning, ~~may~~employment ~~decline~~practices, ~~for~~workplace ~~reasons~~safety, organizational ~~directly related to the issuer~~culture, asand ~~opposed~~compensation ~~to the market generally~~design.

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The NMIC Human Resources Committee is actively engaged throughout the year and met six times during 2022, including executive sessions without management present. The graphic below summarizes the activities performed during a typical compensation cycle.

Compensation Consultants

The NMIC Human Resources Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate any consultant assisting in the evaluation of compensation and has the power to retain and terminate independent counsel, auditors or others to assist in the conduct of any investigation into matters within the NMIC Human Resources Committee's scope of responsibilities. Compensation Advisory Partners LLC (CAP), the NMIC Human Resources Committee’s external consultant, attended NMIC Human Resources Committee meetings to provide information and perspective on competitive compensation practices, the competitiveness of executive pay levels, and the alignment of executive pay with company performance, and to raise issues to be addressed by management and/or the NMIC Human Resources Committee. With committee concurrence, management at times directed CAP to collect and analyze data and develop needed background material. CAP has also recommended changes to pay programs and compensation. Management representatives and CAP consultants attend executive sessions of committee meetings as required.

The NMIC Human Resources Committee annually reviews CAP’s independence, considering, among other factors, that CAP provides no other services for us other than those related to its engagement by the NMIC Human Resources Committee as described above. Based on this review, the NMIC Human Resources Committee has determined CAP’s work for the committee to be free from conflicts of interest.

Compensation Governance

Under the guidance of the NMIC Human Resources Committee, Nationwide’s executive compensation programs align with industry best practices including:

WHAT WE DO	WHAT WE DON’T DO
Pay for Performance. A significant percentage of total compensation is pay-at-risk that is connected to performance.	No guaranteed annual salary increases. Annual salary increases are based on evaluations of individual performance and market data.
Independent Compensation Consultant. The NMIC Human Resources Committee retains an independent consultant to avoid conflicts of interest with the business and management. Other consulting services provided to management are subject to approval by the NMIC Human Resources Committee.	No Incentive for Short-term Results to the Detriment of Long-term Goals and Results. NEOs’ pay mix is heavily weighted toward long-term incentives.

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WHAT WE DO	WHAT WE DON’T DO
Generally, Target Pay at the Median of Market Comparator Groups. We benchmark compensation at the median of companies comparable to us in size. We review the peer group annually to ensure alignment of the industry, companies with whom we compete for talent, business complexity, and company size based on revenue.	No Excessive Perquisites. We provide limited perquisites and personal benefits.
Maximum Payout Caps for Broad-based Annual and Long- term Incentive Plans. The maximum payment prior to the exercise of discretion is two times the target amount.	No Excessive Severance Benefits. Severance benefits for the CEO are limited to two times base salary and annual incentives; and for Named Executive Officers other than the CEO, severance benefits are limited to one times base salary and annual incentive.
Clawback of Incentive Compensation. Incentive compensation is subject to clawback if a material financial accounting restatement occurs or if we must materially adjust the results of a metric used for funding incentive compensation plans. Additional events that would trigger the clawback policy include detrimental conduct and solicitation of employees.	No Above Market Target Pay Philosophy. We generally do not target above market compensation for our Named Executive Officers.
Meaningful Stretch Goals. We establish clear and measurable performance goals at the beginning of performance cycles.	No Plans That Encourage Excessive Risk Taking. Risk mitigation is included in sales, broad-based annual, and long- term plan design, and a risk assessment and mitigation plan is reviewed annually.

Role of Executives in Establishing the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers

Upon request of the NMIC Human Resources Committee, members of management may also attend meetings to provide information and answer questions regarding our strategic objectives, financial performance, and legal and regulatory issues impacting the committee's functions. Mr. Walker attends a portion of the meetings of the NMIC Human Resources Committee and assists the Committee by providing recommendations regarding compensation for Mr. Howard and Mr. Carter. Messrs. Walker, Carter, and Howard assist the NMIC Human Resources Committee by providing recommendations regarding the compensation of Messrs. Ginnan and Henderson. The NMIC Human Resources Committee and the entire NMIC Board of Directors, as applicable, as described in "Benchmarking and Compensation Target-Setting Process" and "Determination of the Final Annual Incentive Payments", exercise their discretion to modify or accept these recommendations. The NMIC Human Resources Committee also meets in executive session without management when discussing compensation matters and on other occasions as determined by the NMIC Human Resources Committee.

Compensation Objectives and Philosophy

The objectives of our compensation programs are to:

•

~~Index~~align ~~Performance is calculated by comparing~~ the ~~value~~interests of ~~the~~executives ~~Index~~with ~~between two specific points in time which means Index Performance may be negative or flat even if the Index performed positively for certain time periods between~~ those ~~two~~of ~~specific~~stakeholders; ~~points in time.~~

•

~~Certain~~maintain ~~Indexes~~a ~~available~~strong ~~under~~link ~~this~~between ~~Contract~~pay doand ~~not~~both ~~include~~individual ~~income~~and ~~from~~company ~~any~~performance; dividends paid by component companies. The exclusion of dividends from an Index will lower the Index Performance, particularly over the course of time. Additionally, certain Indexes are comprised of foreign issuers and ~~include~~ ~~exchange rate methodologies that may lower an Index Strategy’s returns.~~

•

Inattract, ~~March 2020~~retain, ~~the~~and ~~World~~motivate ~~Health Organization declared the COVID~~top-19caliber ~~outbreak~~executive aofficers ~~pandemic,~~with ~~which~~compensation ~~has~~that ~~resulted~~is competitive in ~~market volatility~~level and ~~general economic uncertainty~~form. Significant market volatility and negative investment returns in the market resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative impact on the performance of the Indexes to which the Index Strategies are linked.

Compensation Element	Description	Purpose
Base Salary	Cash compensation that is a fixed element of total compensation.	• attract and retain top-caliber executive talent • recognize executive officers' skills, competencies, experience, and job responsibilities
Annual Incentives	Cash payments awarded after the completion of a one-year performance period.	• reward executives for achieving annual performance goals

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Compensation Element	Description	Purpose
Long-term Incentives	Cash awards based on performance over multiple years and subject to forfeiture.	• reward executives for sustained long-term performance • retain and motivate executives to ensure business stability and success • recognize the achievement of performance objectives that drive long-term success, financial stability, and create value for our customers • align the interests of executives with long-term value of our members
Executive Benefits and Perquisites	Includes pension plans, deferred compensation plans, and limited personal perquisites.	• attract and retain top-caliber executive talent • provide income after retirement and enable saving of income for retirement

Benchmarking and Compensation Decision Process

The NMIC Human Resources Committee uses competitive market analysis to compare our compensation practices to those of companies that compete with us for customers, capital and/or executive-level talent and are similar to us in size, scope, and/or business focus. Our market data sources include publicly disclosed compensation information from companies in two peer groups (described below) that the NMIC Human Resources Committee has identified to provide a holistic view of the competitive market, together with commercially available financial services industry and general industry compensation surveys. For certain Named Executive Officers, we average peer group and survey market data specific to the financial services industry because the NMIC Human Resources Committee believes it is appropriate to compare our positions to others in our market for talent that require similar skills, knowledge, and experience. We also review general industry data to supplement the industry-specific view. We use data sources we believe have the best matches for our positions.

Annually, CAP reviews the Insurance/Financial Services Peer Group and recommends changes, as needed, based on the following criteria:

•

~~Nationwide~~Peer ~~relies~~group onmedian ~~the~~revenue ~~third-parties~~should ~~who~~approximate ~~sponsor and administer the Indexes to provide~~ Nationwide’s ~~with Index Values which are used to calculate the performance of the Index Strategies. In general~~revenue, ~~Index~~and ~~Values~~peer ~~are to be provided to Nationwide each Business Day. However, there may be short or extended periods of time when Nationwide is not~~companies ~~provided~~should ~~Index~~generally ~~Values~~have ~~for~~revenue anbetween ~~Index.~~one-third ~~This~~and ~~may~~three-times ~~occur for a variety of reasons that are not within~~ Nationwide’s ~~control, including severe market disruptions. If Nationwide is~~revenue; not provided with an Index Value, it will use the most recent Index Value provided to Nationwide when calculating the performance of the Index Strategies linked to the applicable Index. If Nationwide is provided an Index Value for a prior Business Day for which Nationwide was not originally provided an Index Value, Nationwide will take reasonable steps to recalculate impacted Contract Values and Contract transactions.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INDEXES

MSCI EAFE Index

The MSCI EAFE Index is designed to represent the performance of common stocks of large- and mid-capitalization companies across 21 developed markets, including countries in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East, excluding the U.S. and Canada. Securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to the risks associated with investing in those non-U.S. markets, such as heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. Non-U.S. securities may decline in value due to political, economic, and geographic events affecting issuers of non-U.S. securities or non-U.S. markets. In addition, non-U.S. securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to changes in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.

Nasdaq-100 Index®

The Nasdaq-100 Index® is a large-cap growth index, which includes 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. To the extent that the Nasdaq-100 Index® is comprised of securities issued by companies in a particular sector, the company’s securities may not perform as well as companies in other sectors or the market as a whole. Also, any component securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to the risks associated with investing in those non-U.S. markets, such as heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. Non-U.S. securities may decline in value due to political, economic, and geographic events affecting issuers of non-U.S. securities or non-U.S. markets. In addition, non-U.S. securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to changes in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.

Russell 2000 Index®

The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the US equity universe. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. Compared to large- and mid-capitalization companies, small-capitalization companies may be less stable and more susceptible to adverse developments. In addition, the securities of small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and less liquid than those of large- and mid-capitalization companies.

S&P 400® Index

The S&P 400® Index provides investors with a benchmark for mid-sized companies. The index is designed to measure the performance of 400 mid-sized companies, reflecting the distinctive risk and return characteristics of this market segment. Compared to large-capitalization companies, mid-capitalization companies may be less stable and more susceptible to adverse developments. In addition, the securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and less liquid than those of large-capitalization companies.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is comprised of equity securities issued by large-capitalization U.S. companies. In general, large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller-capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large-capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

DAILY INDEX STRATEGY EARNINGS PERCENTAGE (DAILY ISE PERCENTAGE) RISK

To calculate the Daily ISE Percentage, Nationwide uses a proxy fair market value methodology to value hypothetical investments in derivatives that provide an estimated present value of what the Term End ISE Percentage will be on the Strategy Term End Date. The Daily ISE Percentage is not directly related to the Index Performance (although Index Performance impacts the Daily ISE Percentage calculation) and the Daily ISE Percentage may be negative even when the Index Performance is positive due to market factors that impact the inputs used to value the hypothetical investment in the derivatives.

The valuation of the hypothetical investments is based on standard methods for valuing derivatives and based on inputs from third party vendors. The methodology used to value these hypothetical investments is determined solely by Nationwide and may vary from other estimated valuations or the actual selling price of identical investments.

LIMITATION ON GROWTH POTENTIAL RISK (CAP RATE AND PARTICIPATION RATE RISK)

An Index Strategy with a Cap Rate’s Strategy Earnings are limited by any applicable Cap Rate, which means that Strategy Earnings could be lower than if the Contract Owner had invested directly in a fund based on the applicable Index.

In addition, for Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, if the Participation Rate is less than 100%, the Participation Rate will dampen the upside potential of your investment which means Strategy Earnings could be lower than if the Contract Owner had invested directly in a fund based on the applicable Index.

REINVESTMENT RISK

Except in the limited circumstances under which Nationwide may substitute an Index, the Index, Strategy Term and Buffer will not change for as long as Nationwide offers an Index Strategy. However, an Index Strategy’s Cap Rates, Cap+ Rates, and Participation Rates may change from Strategy Term to Strategy Term. Additionally, the Fixed Strategy’s Fixed Strategy Rate may change from Strategy Term to Strategy Term.

Other than the guaranteed minimum Cap Rate, Cap+ Rate, Participation Rate, and Fixed Strategy Rate, there is no guarantee that the Fixed Strategy’s current Fixed Strategy Rate or an Index Strategy’s current Cap Rate, Cap+ Rate, or Participation Rate will remain the same. A Contract Owner does not have the right to reject any Cap Rate, Cap+ Rate, Participation Rate, or Fixed Strategy Rate that Nationwide declares for a future Strategy Term. If a Contract Owner does not wish to invest in any of the Strategies at some point in the future, the only option will be to fully surrender the Contract or annuitize the Contract (subject to limitations). A full surrender may be subject to a CDSC and an MVA and may also have negative tax consequences.

The ability to transfer Contract Value among the Strategies is restricted. Except when exercising a Performance Lock, Contract Value allocated to a Strategy cannot be transferred until the end of the Strategy Term, even if Nationwide substitutes an Index during the Strategy Term, and Contract Value cannot be transferred into a Strategy while its Strategy Term is ongoing. This restricts the ability to react to changes in market conditions during a Strategy Term other than through withdrawals and by exercising the Performance Lock feature, which also has risks. You should consider whether the inability to reallocate Contract Value at any time is consistent with your financial needs.

PERFORMANCE LOCK RISK

Under the Performance Lock feature, the Contract Owner may transfer Index Strategy Value from an Index Strategy to the Fixed Strategy prior to the Strategy Term End Date for a Performance Lock Fee. If a Contract Owner exercises the Performance Lock feature, the Index Strategy Value that is next calculated after Nationwide receives the request will be transferred to the Fixed Strategy, less the Performance Lock Fee. Once the money is transferred to the Fixed Strategy it cannot be transferred out of the Fixed Strategy until the end of the Fixed Strategy’s Strategy Term (which would be the next Contract Anniversary). A Contract Owner should consider the following risks related to the Performance Lock feature:

•

~~The~~Peer ~~Performance~~group ~~Lock~~industry ~~feature~~representation ~~can~~should ~~only~~ be ~~used~~balanced, ~~once~~reflecting ~~during~~ an ~~Index~~appropriate ~~Strategy’s~~mix ~~Strategy Term and only the full Index Strategy Value can be transferred. Performance Lock requests for partial amounts~~ of ~~Index~~insurance ~~Strategy~~and ~~Value~~other ~~will~~related industries; ~~not~~and ~~be accepted. Once a Performance Lock is exercised for an Index Strategy, it may not be revoked.~~

•

~~While~~Peer agroup ~~Contract~~business ~~Owner~~mix ~~will~~(i.e., ~~earn~~Property ~~interest~~& inCasualty ~~the~~insurance ~~Fixed~~vs. ~~Strategy~~other atinsurance ~~the Fixed Strategy Rate,~~and ~~once~~financial aservices) ~~Performance~~and ~~Lock~~geographic ~~for~~footprint ~~an Index Strategy is exercised~~(i.e., ~~the~~U.S. ~~Contract~~vs. ~~Owner~~non-U.S. ~~will~~operations) noshould ~~longer~~be, ~~participate~~on inaverage, ~~the~~comparable ~~Index~~to ~~Strategy’s performance even if the Index Strategy performs positively~~Nationwide.

The review that CAP performed in 2021 resulted in the following companies in the Insurance/Financial Services Peer Group to be used to inform 2022 target compensation recommendations:

•

~~The Performance Lock Fee assessed on the Index Strategy Value increases for each year remaining in the Strategy Term as of the date of the Performance Lock request~~AFLAC, ~~with~~Incorporated partial years rounded up to the next full year. This means that for Strategy Terms of 3 and 6 years, the Performance Lock Fee will be higher if the Performance Lock is requested earlier in the Strategy Term than it will be if the Performance Lock is requested later in the Strategy Term.

Additionally, because Nationwide rounds partial years up to the next full year when calculating the Performance Lock Fee, Contract Owners should carefully consider the timing of a request and the impact the rounding will have on the Performance Lock Fee. For example, for Strategy Terms greater than 1 year, if a Performance Lock request is made on the day before a Contract Anniversary, the Performance Lock Fee would be [...]% more than if the request was made on or after the Contract Anniversary.

•

~~Nationwide~~American ~~does~~Express ~~not~~Company provide advice or notify Contract Owners regarding whether they should exercise the Performance Lock feature or the optimal time for doing so, if one exists. Contract Owners bear the risk that they will fail to exercise the Performance Lock at the optimal time during a Strategy Term. Contract Owners also bear the risk that they will exercise the Performance Lock at a sub-optimal time during a Strategy Term. Nationwide will not warn Contract Owners if they exercise the Performance Lock at a sub-optimal time. Nationwide is not responsible for any losses related to a decision whether or not to exercise a Performance Lock. It is impossible to know with certainty whether or not a Performance Lock should be exercised.

INDEX SUBSTITUTION RISK

The Index for an Index Strategy generally will not change for the duration of an ongoing Strategy Term. However, Nationwide may substitute the Index during a Strategy Term in limited circumstances. Subject to any applicable regulatory approval, Nationwide may substitute the Index if (a) the Index is discontinued or (b) there is a substantial change to the calculation of the Index. If Nationwide substitutes an Index, the new Index will be similar in composition to the old Index. Nationwide will seek to notify Contract Owners at least 30 days prior to substituting an Index for any Index Strategy in which they are invested. However, in the event that it is necessary to substitute on less than 30 days’ notice due to circumstances outside of Nationwide’s control, Nationwide will provide notice of the substitution as soon as practicable.

A Contract Owner will have no right to reject the substitution of an Index. If Nationwide substitutes the Index for an Index Strategy in which a Contract Owner is invested, unless a Performance Lock is requested, the Contract Owner will not be permitted to transfer the Index Strategy Value until the end of the Strategy Term. See "Reinvestment Risk" above.

If Nationwide substitutes the Index for an Index Strategy, the performance of the new Index may differ significantly from the performance of the old Index. This may negatively affect the Index Strategy Earnings applied to an Index Strategy.

INVESTMENT RISK DURING THE RIGHT TO EXAMINE PERIOD

Under state insurance laws, a Contract Owner has the right, during a limited period of time, to examine the Contract and decide to keep it or cancel it. This right is referred to as a "free look" right. The length of this time period depends on state law and may vary depending on whether the purchase is a replacement of another annuity contract. For ease of administration, Nationwide will honor any free look cancellation request that is in good order and received at the Service Center or postmarked within 30 days after the Date of Issue.

Where state law requires the return of purchase payments for free look cancellations, Nationwide will return the Purchase Payment applied to the Contract, less any withdrawals from the Contract and any applicable federal and state income tax withholding. Where state law requires the return of Contract Value for free look cancellations, Nationwide will return the Contract Value as of the date of the cancellation, less any withdrawals from the Contract and any applicable federal and state income tax withholding. It is possible that the Contract Value may be less than the Purchase Payment.

NATIONWIDE’S FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND CLAIMS PAYING ABILITY RISK

Nationwide’s general account assets support its guarantees under the Contract and are subject to claims by its creditors. As such, guarantees under the Contract are subject to Nationwide’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. There is a risk that Nationwide may default on those guarantees. Contract Owners need to consider Nationwide’s financial strength and claims-paying ability in meeting its guarantees under the Contract. Contract Owners may obtain information on Nationwide’s financial condition by reviewing its financial statements included in this prospectus. Additionally, information concerning Nationwide’s business and operations is set forth under "Appendix E: Nationwide Life Insurance Company Management’s Discussion & Analysis and Statutory Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedules."

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, which has resulted in operational disruptions, as well as market volatility and general economic uncertainty. While Nationwide has implemented risk management and contingency plans and taken preventative measures and other precautions so it can continue to provide products and services to its customers, even as many of its employees and the employees of its service providers continue to work remotely, it is not currently possible to accurately estimate the full impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on Nationwide’s businesses as Nationwide continues to be subject to certain risks that could negatively impact its operations.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has at times resulted in negative economic conditions, changes in consumer behavior, economic shutdowns, state and federal legislation intended to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers and voluntary hardship assistance that Nationwide provides to its customers. These factors, among other factors related to COVID-19, could affect the amount of sales and profitability of Nationwide’s businesses and could have a negative impact on its financial condition and operations.

While Nationwide is confident in its ability to manage the financial risks related to COVID-19, the extent and duration or the risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be fully known. It is possible these risks could impact Nationwide’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. There are many factors beyond Nationwide’s control that cannot be mitigated or foreseen that could have a negative impact on Nationwide and the operation of the Contract. Nationwide continues to monitor the economic situation and assess its impact on its business operations closely.

To request additional information about Nationwide, contact the Service Center.

CYBER SECURITY RISK

Nationwide’s businesses are highly dependent upon its computer systems and those of its business partners. This makes Nationwide potentially susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from a cyber-attack. These risks include direct risks, such as theft, misuse, corruption and destruction of data maintained by Nationwide, and indirect risks, such as denial of service, attacks on service provider websites and other operational disruptions that impede Nationwide’s ability to electronically interact with service providers. Cyber-attacks affecting Nationwide, intermediaries, and other service providers may adversely affect Nationwide and Contract Values. In connection with any such cyber-attack, Nationwide and/or its service providers and intermediaries may be subject to regulatory fines and financial losses and/or reputational damage. There may be an increased risk of cyber-attacks during periods of geopolitical or military conflict (such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting response by the United States and other countries). Although Nationwide undertakes substantial efforts to protect its computer systems from cyber-attacks, including internal processes and technological defenses that are preventative or detective, and other controls designed to provide multiple layers of security assurance, there can be no guarantee that Nationwide or its service providers will avoid losses affecting contracts due to cyber-attacks or information security breaches in the future.

In the event that Contract Values are adversely affected as a result of the failure of Nationwide’s cyber-security controls, Nationwide will take reasonable steps to restore Contract Values to the levels that they would have been had the cyber-attack not occurred. Nationwide will not, however, be responsible for any adverse impact to Contract Values that result from the Contract Owner or its designee’s negligent acts or failure to use reasonably appropriate safeguards to protect against cyber-attacks.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY RISK

Nationwide is exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters, such as storms, fires, earthquakes, public health crises, geopolitical disputes, military actions, and terrorist acts, which could adversely affect Nationwide’s ability to administer the contracts. Natural and man-made disasters may require a significant contingent of Nationwide’s employees to work from remote locations. During these periods, Nationwide could experience decreased productivity, and a significant

number of Nationwide’s workforce or certain key personnel may be unable to fulfill their duties if Nationwide’s data or systems are disabled or destroyed. In addition, an extended period of remote work arrangements could introduce operational risk and impair Nationwide’s ability to administer the contract.

Nationwide outsources certain critical business functions to third parties and, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, relies upon the successful implementation and execution of the business continuity planning of such entities. While Nationwide closely monitors the business continuity activities of these third parties, successful implementation and execution of their business continuity strategies are largely beyond Nationwide’s control. If one or more of the third parties to whom Nationwide outsources such critical business functions experience operational failures, Nationwide’s ability to administer the contract could be impaired.

FEES AND DEDUCTIONS

PRODUCT FEE

Nationwide assesses an annual Product Fee of [...]%, charged quarterly on the Contract Value allocated to Index Strategies. On each Quarterversary, the Product Fee is calculated as follows:

Total of all Index Strategy Values on a Quarterversary		[...]%
	X
		4

The Product Fee is deducted proportionally from the Index Strategies in which the Contract Owner is allocated based on the Contract Value in the Index Strategies at the time the Product Fee is assessed. The Product Fee is not assessed on the Fixed Strategy Value.

The Product Fee compensates Nationwide for providing the insurance benefits under the contract, including Nationwide’s obligation to credit earnings under the Contract and to pay annuity payments upon Annuitization. It also compensates Nationwide for assuming the risk that Annuitants will live longer than assumed and for guaranteeing that charges will not increase regardless of actual expenses. It also reimburses Nationwide for administrative costs it incurs resulting from providing contract benefits, including preparation of the contract and prospectus, confirmation statements, annual account statements and annual reports, legal and accounting fees, as well as various related expenses. Nationwide may realize a profit from this charge.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES (CDSC)

Partial withdrawals or a full surrender during the first six Contract Years may be subject to a CDSC. After the sixth Contract Year, no withdrawals, including a full surrender, are subject to CDSCs.

When a CDSC is imposed, the charge will equal the applicable "CDSC Percentage" multiplied by the dollar amount of the withdrawal. The CDSC Percentage will depend on the number of Contract Years you have completed when you take a withdrawal. The CDSC Percentage schedule starts at 8% for the first two Contract Years and then declines with each completed Contract Year thereafter until it reaches 0% after six completed Contract Years. The CDSC Percentage schedule is as follows:

Number of Completed Contract Years	CDSC Percentage
0	8%
1	8%
2	7%
3	6%
4	5%
5	4%
6+	0%

CDSCs are intended to reimburse Nationwide for expenses that we incur in connection with the sale of the Contract.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENTS (MVA)

Partial withdrawals or a full surrender during the first six Contract Years may be subject to an MVA. After the sixth Contract Year, no withdrawals, including a full surrender, are subject to an MVA. An MVA, when applied, may be positive, negative, or equal to zero. If an MVA is negative, it will decrease the withdrawal. If an MVA is positive, it will increase the withdrawal. If an MVA is equal to zero, it will have no effect on withdrawal. MVAs are in addition to any applicable CDSC.

The Contract is designed to be a long-term investment. When a Contract Owner takes a withdrawal, Nationwide may be required to liquidate interest rate sensitive fixed-income assets that it holds in order to satisfy its payment obligations under the Contract. The MVA is intended to approximate, without duplicating, Nationwide’s investment experience when it liquidates those assets. Nationwide utilizes a market value reference rate to determine this approximation. When liquidating assets, Nationwide may realize either a gain or a loss. If the market value reference rate has increased relative to the market value reference rate on the Date of Issue, the MVA will be negative. Conversely, if the market value reference rate has decreased relative to the market value reference rate on the Date of Issue, the MVA will be positive.

When an MVA is imposed, the MVA will equal the MVA Base x MVA Factor.

In the formula above, the MVA Base equals the dollar amount of the withdrawal minus the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount. If the dollar amount of the withdrawal minus the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount is less than or equal to zero, then an MVA is not applicable to the withdrawal.

We calculate the MVA Factor using the following formula:

MVA Factor = MVA Scaling Factor x (A – B) x N/12, where:

A = Initial Market Value Reference Rate

B = Market Value Reference Rate on the date we process the withdrawal

N = Number of whole (partial months will be rounded up to the next whole month) remaining in the MVA Period, calculated from the date that we process the withdrawal

In the formula above, the MVA Scaling Factor will be greater or less than, or equal to, 1.0. The MVA Scaling Factor is declared by Nationwide and is stated in your Contract. Within the formula, the MVA Scaling Factor serves to amplify or dampen the MVA Factor for purposes of the MVA calculation. An MVA Scaling Factor greater than 1.0 increases the magnitude of the MVA, an MVA Scaling Factor less than 1.0 dampens the magnitude of the MVA. An MVA Scaling Factor equal to 1 has no effect on the MVA.

The Market Value Reference Rate refers to the yield of the MVA Index, which is the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Index. The Market Value Reference Rate of the MVA Index as of the Date of Issue (the Initial Market Value Reference Rate) is included in your Contract. The daily Market Value Reference Rate may be obtained thereafter by contacting the Service Center.

If the daily Market Value Reference Rate is not available on any day on which the value is needed, Nationwide will use the Market Value Reference Rate for the previous Business Day. If the MVA Index provider later publishes a yield for the MVA Index for a Business Day when the yield was not provided to Nationwide or was otherwise not available, Nationwide will recalculate the impacted transactions and Contract Values according to the yield provided to Nationwide by the MVA Index provider. This recalculation could result in changes to transactions and Contract Values that occurred when the yield was not published by the MVA Index provider.

If the Market Value Reference Rate is no longer available, or if Nationwide at its sole discretion determines that the Market Value Reference Rate is no longer appropriate for purposes of calculating the MVA, Nationwide will substitute another method for determining the MVA, subject to any required regulatory approval. Nationwide will notify the Contract Owner of any such change.

MVA Limitation for Amounts Withdrawn from the Fixed Strategy

The Contract limits the MVA amount that can apply to withdrawals from the Fixed Strategy. The MVA limitation may or may not be beneficial to the Contract Owner since it limits both positive and negative MVAs. For any MVA applicable to a withdrawal from the Fixed Strategy, the MVA amount attributable to the Fixed Strategy will never be more than (either positive or negative) the following, which is calculated immediately prior to the partial withdrawal or full surrender from the Fixed Strategy:

M x A, where

M = MVA Base attributable to the Fixed Strategy / (Fixed Strategy Value – Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount attributable to the Fixed Strategy)

A = Fixed Strategy Value minus the CDSC applicable to the Fixed Strategy that would apply on full surrender, minus minimum amount required by state law, but not less than zero

When determining the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount in "M" above, if the withdrawal is taken from the Fixed Strategy and one or more Index Strategies, the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount is allocated proportionally to the withdrawal between the Fixed Strategy and Index Strategies immediately prior to a partial withdrawal or full surrender.

See "Appendix C: MVA Examples" for examples of the MVA calculation.

WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF THE CDSC OR MVA

During the first six Contract Years, the Contract Owner may withdraw an amount up to that Contract Year’s Free Withdrawal Amount without incurring a CDSC or MVA. The Free Withdrawal Amount is the greater of:

•

~~10%~~American ofInternational ~~the~~Group, ~~Contract~~Inc. ~~Value on the first day of that Contract Year (immediately prior to any partial withdrawal or full surrender on that date); or~~

•

~~the~~Athene ~~amount~~Holding ~~required to meet minimum distribution requirements for this Contract under the Code~~Ltd.

At the start of each Contract Year, the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount is set equal to the Free Withdrawal Amount. Each Free Withdrawal during the Contract Year decreases the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount by the Free Withdrawal, but not to less than zero.

Each Contract Year’s Free Withdrawal Amount is non-cumulative. This means any portion of the Free Withdrawal Amount not taken by the Contract Owner in a given Contract Year cannot be added to the Free Withdrawal Amount in any later Contract Year.

In addition, no CDSC or MVA will be assessed:

•

~~upon~~Capital ~~the~~One ~~payment~~Financial ofCorporation ~~the Death Benefit or on any partial withdrawal or full surrender after the Death Benefit is paid;~~

•

~~upon the Annuitization of the Contract if it has been in force for at least two~~Chubb ~~years;~~Ltd.

•

onEquitable ~~any~~Holdings, ~~partial~~Inc. ~~withdrawal or full surrender taken after the sixth Contract Year; or~~

•

ifLincoln ~~the~~National ~~Contract~~Corporation is surrendered in exchange for another contract issued by Nationwide or one of its affiliated insurance companies, Nationwide may decide not to charge a CDSC and/or apply an MVA. If another contract issued by Nationwide or one of its affiliates is exchanged for the Contract, Nationwide may reduce the CDSC and/or waive part of the MVA on the Contract. A CDSC and/or MVA may apply to the contract received in exchange for the Contract.

INCREASE IN REMAINING FREE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT AFTER A LONG-TERM CARE AND TERMINAL ILLNESS OR INJURY (CDSC AND MVA WAIVER)

General

After the occurrence of a Long-Term Care Event ("LTC Event") or Terminal Illness or Injury Event ("TI Event"), Nationwide will increase the Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount for the current and all subsequent Contract Years so that all partial withdrawals or a full surrender after the occurrence of the event are Free Withdrawals. This CDSC and MVA waiver is only available if the Contract Owner and Annuitant are the same person, and as of the Date of Issue that person is no older than 80 years old. If the Contract has a Joint Owner, either the Contract Owner or Joint Owner must be named as Annuitant and the age of the older of the Contract Owner and Joint Owner must be no older than 80 years old as of the Date of Issue.

In addition, for purposes of this CDSC and MVA waiver, for Contracts that have a non-natural person as Contract Owner as an agent for a natural person, the Annuitant may exercise the right of the Contract Owner. However, if the non-natural Contract Owner does not own the Contract as an agent for a natural person (e.g., the Contract Owner is a corporation or a trust for the benefit of an entity), the Annuitant may not exercise the right of the Contract Owner.

There are no charges associated with these waivers.

Long-Term Care Event

An LTC Event occurs if at any time after the first Contract Anniversary, the Contract Owner (or Annuitant if the Contract Owner is not a natural person) is confined to a Long-Term Care Facility or Hospital beginning after the Date of Issue and is confined for a continuous period of 90 days or more. If there is a Joint Owner, the confinement of the Contract Owner or Joint Owner may qualify as an LTC Event. An LTC Event waiver claim (including written proof of confinement) must be received by Nationwide while the confinement is ongoing or within 90 days after the confinement ends. If it was not reasonably possible to give written proof of confinement in the time required, Nationwide will not reduce or deny the increase in Remaining Free Withdrawal Amount if such proof is given as soon as reasonably possible. In any event, the written proof required must be given no later than one year from after the confinement ends unless the Contract Owner was legally incapacitated.

A "Hospital" is defined as a state licensed facility which is operated as a hospital according to the law of the jurisdiction in which it is located; operates primarily for the care and treatment of sick or injured persons as inpatients; provides continuous 24 hours a day nursing service by or under the supervision of a registered graduate professional nurse (R.N.) or a licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.); is supervised by a staff of physicians; and has medical and diagnostic facilities.

A "Long-Term Care Facility" is defined as a state licensed skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility that does not include: a home for the aged or mentally ill, a community living center, or a place that primarily provides domiciliary, residency, or retirement care; or a place owned or operated by a member of the Contract Owner's immediate family.

Terminal Illness or Injury Event

A TI Event occurs if at any time after the first Contract Anniversary, the Contract Owner (or Annuitant if the Contract Owner is not a natural person) is diagnosed by a physician (who is not a party to the Contract nor an immediate family member of a party to the Contract) as having a Terminal Illness or Injury beginning after the Date of Issue. If there is a Joint Owner, the Terminal Illness or Injury of the Contract Owner or Joint Owner may qualify as a TI Event.

A "Terminal Illness or Injury" is defined as an illness or injury diagnosed after the Date of Issue by a physician that is expected to result in death within 12 months of diagnosis.

PERFORMANCE LOCK FEE

Nationwide assesses a Performance Lock Fee any time it processes a Performance Lock request. The Performance Lock Fee is assessed on the Index Strategy Value that is subject to the Performance Lock request and is [...]% for every year remaining in the Strategy Term as of the date of the Performance Lock request, with partial years rounded up to the next full year. It is calculated as follows:

Index Strategy Value subject to Performance Lock Request X [...]% X Number of years remaining in the Strategy Term (partial years are rounded up to the next full year)

This means that the Performance Lock Fee increases for every year remaining in a Strategy Term. The maximum Performance Lock Fee percentage that can be assessed on the Index Strategy Value as a result of a Performance Lock request is […]%. This occurs if a Contract Owner requests a Performance Lock in the first year of a six-year Strategy Term (Index Strategy Value subject to Performance Lock request X [...]% X 6 years).

Additionally, because Nationwide rounds partial years up to the next full year when calculating the Performance Lock Fee, Contract Owners should carefully consider the timing of their request and the impact the rounding will have on a Performance Lock Fee. For example, for Strategy Terms greater than 1 year, if a Performance Lock request is made on the day before a Contract Anniversary, the Performance Lock Fee would be [...]% more than if the request was made on or after the Contract Anniversary.

See "Performance Lock" for additional detail.

PREMIUM TAXES

Certain states or other governmental entities charge premium tax on purchase payments. Nationwide will charge against the Contract Value any premium taxes levied by a state or other government entity. Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to 3.5% and vary from state to state. The range is subject to change. Nationwide will assess premium taxes to the Contract at the time Nationwide is assessed the premium taxes by the state. Premium taxes may be deducted from Death Benefit proceeds.

RETURN OF PREMIUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION

If the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option is elected, Nationwide assesses an annual fee of [...]%, charged quarterly on the Contract Value allocated to Index Strategies. On each Quarterversary, the Return of Premium Death Benefit Option fee is calculated as follows:

Total of all Index Strategy Values on a Quarterversary		[...]%
	X
		4

The fee is deducted proportionally from the Index Strategies in which the Contract Owner is allocated based on the Contract Value in the Index Strategies at the time the fee is assessed. The Return of Premium Death Benefit Option fee is not assessed on the Fixed Strategy Value.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONTRACT

THE CONTRACT

This prospectus describes the Contract. The Contract is an agreement between Nationwide and the Contract Owner or Joint Owner. The Contract exists in two separate phases: accumulation (savings) and Annuitization (income). During the accumulation phase, the Contract offers a Fixed Strategy and Index Strategies to which the Contract Owner can allocate and reallocate his/her Contract Value. The Fixed Strategy offers a fixed rate of return while the Index Strategies vary with the performance of an Index and are subject to Crediting Factors that also impact the performance of the Index Strategies. During the Annuitization phase, Nationwide makes periodic income payments to the Annuitant.

At the time of Annuitization, the Annuitant elects the duration of the annuity payments – either for a fixed period of time or for the duration of the Annuitant’s (and possibly the Annuitant’s spouse’s) life. After Annuitization begins, the only value associated with the Contract is the stream of annuity payments. Unless otherwise specified in the annuity option, the Annuitant cannot withdraw value from the Contract over and above the annuity payments. Additionally, once Annuitization has begun, there is no Death Benefit, which means that upon the death of the Annuitant (and the Annuitant’s spouse if a joint annuity option was elected), all payments stop and the Contract terminates, unless the particular Annuitization option provides otherwise. The Contract is available as a Non-Qualified Contract, which will provide certain tax deferral features under the Code. On the other hand, if the Contract is purchased as an Individual Retirement Account or Roth IRA, the Contract will not provide any additional tax deferral benefits.

STATE VARIATIONS

This prospectus describes the material rights and obligations under the Contract. Certain provisions of the Contract may be different from the general description in this prospectus due to variations required by state law. For example, state law may require different right to examine and cancel periods. The state in which the Contract is issued also governs whether certain features will vary under the Contract. All material rights and obligations under the Contract will be included in the Contract or in riders or endorsements attached to the Contract. To review a copy of your Contract and any riders or endorsements, contact the Service Center. For more detailed information regarding provisions that vary by state, please see "Appendix B: State Variations" later in this prospectus.

CONTESTABILITY

Except in certain circumstances involving fraud and where permitted by state law, Nationwide will not contest the contract after it has been in force during the lifetime of the Annuitant for two years after the Date of Issue or effective date of certain contract changes, as defined in the contract.

NON-PARTICIPATING

The Contract is non-participating, meaning that the Contract will not share in Nationwide’s profits or surplus.

MONEY LAUNDERING

In order to comply with the USA PATRIOT Act and rules promulgated thereunder, Nationwide has implemented procedures designed to prevent contracts described in this prospectus from being used to facilitate money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. If mandated under applicable law, Nationwide may be required to reject a purchase payment and/or block a Contract Owner’s account and thereby refuse to process any request for transfers, withdrawals, surrenders, or death benefits until instructions are received from the appropriate regulators. Nationwide may also be required to provide additional information about a Contract Owner or a Contract Owner’s account to governmental regulators.

PAYMENTS TO MINORS

Nationwide will not pay insurance proceeds directly to minors. Contact a legal advisor for options to facilitate the timely availability of monies intended for a minor’s benefit.

ASSIGNMENT

To the extent allowed by state law, Nationwide reserves the right to refuse its consent to any assignment at any time on a non-discriminatory basis if the assignment would violate or result in noncompliance with any applicable state or federal law or regulation. The Contract Owner may request to assign or transfer rights under the Contract by sending Nationwide a signed and dated request. Nationwide will not be bound by an assignment until it acknowledges the assignment.

If Nationwide consents to an assignment, the assignment takes effect on the date it is signed, unless otherwise specified by the request. Nationwide is not responsible for the validity of an assignment, any tax consequences of any assignment, or for any payment or other settlement made prior to our receipt and consent of and assignment.

Upon assignment or a change in ownership of the Contract, the Death Benefit under the Contract will be the Surrender Value unless the requirements specified under "Calculation of the Death Benefit" are satisfied.

BENEFICIALLY OWNED CONTRACTS

A beneficially owned contract is a contract that is inherited or purchased by a beneficiary and the beneficiary holds the contract as a beneficiary (as opposed to treating the contract as his/her own) to facilitate the distribution of a Death Benefit or Contract Value in accordance with the applicable federal tax laws (see "Required Distributions"). An owner of a beneficially owned contract is referred to as a "beneficial owner."

There are two types of beneficially owned contracts, a "continued beneficially owned contract" and a "purchased beneficially owned contract." A continued beneficially owned contract is when a beneficiary inherits a contract and continues that contract as a beneficial owner. A "purchased beneficially owned contract" is when a beneficiary purchases a new contract using a death benefit or contract value that the beneficiary inherited under a different annuity contract.

Not all options and features described in this prospectus are available to beneficially owned contracts:

•

~~Withdrawals~~Manulife ~~under~~Financial ~~beneficially~~Corporation owned contracts are subject to applicable CDSC and MVA except when the withdrawals are made from a continued beneficially owned contract that is inherited as death benefit proceeds (as opposed to inherited contract value).

•

AMet ~~beneficial owner must be both the Contract Owner and the Annuitant of a beneficially owned contract~~Life, ~~and no additional parties may be named, except that a purchased beneficially owned contract may name a Co-Annuitant, if applicable~~Inc.

•

NoPrincipal ~~changes~~Financial ~~to the parties will be permitted on any beneficially owned contract~~Group, ~~except that a beneficial owner may request changes to their successor beneficiary(ies)~~Inc.

•

~~Beneficially~~The ~~owned~~Progressive ~~contracts~~Corporation ~~cannot be assigned, except that a beneficial owner may assign rights to the distribution payments.~~

•

~~There~~Prudential ~~is no death benefit payable on a on a continued beneficially owned contract. After the death of the beneficial owner~~Financial, ~~any remaining death benefit or contract value to be distributed will be payable to a successor beneficiary in accordance with applicable federal tax laws~~Inc.

A beneficiary who is the surviving spouse of a contract owner has the option under the tax laws to continue the contract as the sole contract owner and treat the contract as the spouse’s own. If a spouse continues the contract as the sole contract owner, the spouse will not be treated as a beneficial owner and this section will not apply.

PURCHASING THE CONTRACT

PURCHASE PAYMENT

The Contract is issued in consideration of the single Purchase Payment paid by the Contract Owner. Only one Purchase Payment is allowed under the Contract. A Purchase Payment should be made payable to Nationwide Life Insurance Company and submitted to the Service Center. All purchase payments must be paid in the currency of the United States of America. The minimum Purchase Payment is $25,000.

Nationwide reserves the right to reject a Purchase Payment that is comprised of multiple payments paid to Nationwide over a period of time. If Nationwide permits multiple payments as part of a Purchase Payment, the Contract will not be issued until all such payments are received. Nationwide reserves the right to hold such multiple payments in a non-interest bearing account until the Date of Issue.

Nationwide reserves the right to refuse any purchase payment that would result in the cumulative total for all contracts issued by Nationwide or its affiliates or subsidiaries on the life of any one Annuitant or owned by any one Contract Owner to exceed $1,000,000. Its decision as to whether or not to accept a purchase payment in excess of that amount will be based on one or more factors, including, but not limited to: age, spouse age (if applicable), Annuitant age, state of issue, total purchase payments, optional benefits elected, current market conditions, and current hedging costs. All such decisions will be based on internally established actuarial guidelines and will be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner. In the event that Nationwide does not accept a purchase payment under these guidelines, the purchase payment will be immediately returned in its entirety in the same manner as it was received. Any references in this prospectus to purchase payment amounts in excess of $1,000,000 are assumed to have been approved by Nationwide.

Nationwide reserves the right to refuse any application for the Contract. If Nationwide refuses an application, it will return the Purchase Payment.

ALLOCATING THE PURCHASE PAYMENT

The Purchase Payment is allocated according to Contract Owner instructions on the application. The Purchase Payment may be allocated to the Fixed Strategy and up to ten Index Strategies. There is no minimum dollar amount that can be allocated to a Strategy. Allocations to Strategies must be in whole percentages.

DATE OF ISSUE

The Date of Issue is the date Nationwide issues the Contract. The Purchase Payment is applied to the Contract on the Date of Issue. The Date of Issue will be the date as of which Nationwide has both received the Purchase Payment and approved the Contract application.

RIGHT TO EXAMINE AND CANCEL

The Contract Owner has the right to examine and cancel the Contract. If the Contract Owner elects to cancel the Contract, he/she may return it to the Service Center within a certain period of time known as the "free look" period. Depending on the state in which the Contract was purchased (and, in some states, if the Contract is purchased as a replacement for another annuity contract), the free look period may be 10 days or longer. For ease of administration, Nationwide will honor any free look cancellation request that is in good order and received at the Service Center or postmarked within 30 days after the Date of Issue regardless of the state in which your Contract was issued.

Where state law requires the return of purchase payments for free look cancellations, Nationwide will return the Purchase Payment applied to the Contract, less any withdrawals from the Contract and any applicable federal and state income tax withholding. Where state law requires the return of contract value for free look cancellations, Nationwide will return the Contract Value as of the date of the cancellation, less any withdrawals from the Contract and any applicable federal and state income tax withholding.

PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT AND RELATED PERSONS

CONTRACT OWNER

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner has all rights under the Contract, unless a Joint Owner is named. If a Joint Owner is named, each Joint Owner has all rights under the Contract. Purchasers who name someone other than themselves as the Contract Owner will have no rights under the contract.

On the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner cedes all ownership rights to the Annuitant and the Annuitant becomes the Contract Owner, unless the Contract Owner is a Charitable Remainder Trust. If the Contract Owner is a Charitable Remainder Trust, the Charitable Remainder Trust continues to be the Contract Owner after Annuitization.

JOINT OWNER

Prior to Annuitization, Joint Owners each own an undivided interest in the Contract.

Non-Qualified Contract Owners can name a Joint Owner at any time before the Annuitization Date. However, Joint Owners must be spouses at the time joint ownership is requested, unless state law requires Nationwide to allow non-spousal Joint Owners. Joint ownership is not permitted for Contracts owned by a non-natural Contract Owner.

Generally, the exercise of any ownership rights under the Contract must be in writing and signed by both Joint Owners. However, if a written election, signed by both Contract Owners, authorizing Nationwide to allow the exercise of ownership rights independently by either Joint Owner is submitted, Nationwide will permit Joint Owners to act independently. If such an authorization is submitted, Nationwide will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost, or expense for acting in accordance with the instructions of either Joint Owner.

If either Joint Owner dies before the Annuitization Date, the Contract continues with the surviving Joint Owner as the remaining Contract Owner.

On the Annuitization Date, both Joint Owners cede all ownership rights to the Annuitant and the Annuitant becomes the Contract Owner.

ANNUITANT

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant has no interest in the contract, but must be named in the application. Only Non-Qualified Contract Owners may name someone other than himself/herself as the Annuitant. This Annuitant must be age 85 or younger on the date the application is signed, unless Nationwide approves a request for an Annuitant of greater age.

On the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant becomes the new owner and has all ownership rights in the contract. The Annuitant is the person who receives annuity payments and the person upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.

CONTINGENT ANNUITANT

Prior to the Annuitization Date, if the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date, the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and all provisions of the Contract that are based on the Annuitant’s death prior to the Annuitization Date will be based on the death of the Contingent Annuitant. Only Non-Qualified Contract Owners may name a Contingent Annuitant. Once the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant, a new Contingent Annuitant cannot be named.

On the date the application is signed, the Contingent Annuitant must be age 85 or younger unless Nationwide approves a request to name an older Contingent Annuitant.

CO-ANNUITANT

Prior to the Annuitization Date, a Co-Annuitant is entitled to receive the benefit of the Spousal Protection Feature, provided all of the requirements set forth in the "Spousal Protection Feature" section are met. A Co-Annuitant, if named, must be the Annuitant’s spouse. If either Co-Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date, the surviving Co-Annuitant may continue the Contract and will receive the benefit of the Spousal Protection Feature.

After the Annuitization Date, the Co-Annuitant has no interest in the Contract.

JOINT ANNUITANT

Prior to Annuitization, there is no joint annuitant.

At Annuitization, if applicable, a joint annuitant is named. The joint annuitant is designated as a second person (in addition to the Annuitant) upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.

BENEFICIARIES AND CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES

Prior to Annuitization, the Beneficiary is the person who is entitled to the Death Benefit if the Annuitant (and Contingent Annuitant, if applicable) dies before the Annuitization Date and there is no Joint Owner. The Contract Owner can name more than one Beneficiary. Multiple Beneficiaries will share the death benefit equally, unless otherwise specified.

A Contingent Beneficiary will succeed to the rights of the Beneficiary if no Beneficiary is alive when a Death Benefit is paid. The Contract Owner can name more than one Contingent Beneficiary. Multiple Contingent Beneficiaries will share the Death Benefit equally, unless otherwise specified.

After Annuitization, the Beneficiaries and Contingent Beneficiaries have no interest in the Contract.

CHANGES TO PERSONS NAMED UNDER THE CONTRACT

To the extent allowed by state law, we reserve the right to refuse our consent to any request to change the Contract Owner at any time on a non-discriminatory basis if the change would violate or result in noncompliance with any applicable state or federal law or regulation. Prior to the Annuitization Date (and subject to any existing assignments), the Contract Owner may request to change the following:

•

~~Contract~~The ~~Owner~~Allstate ~~(Non-Qualified~~Corporation ~~Contracts only);~~

•

~~Joint~~The ~~Owner~~Hartford ~~(must~~Financial beServices ~~the~~Group, ~~Contract~~Inc. ~~Owner’s spouse);~~

•

~~Annuitant~~The ~~(subject~~PNC toFinancial ~~Nationwide’s~~Services ~~underwriting~~Group, ~~and~~Inc. ~~approval);~~

•

~~Contingent~~The ~~Annuitant~~Travelers ~~(subject~~Cos, toInc. ~~Nationwide’s underwriting and approval);~~

•

~~Co-Annuitant~~U.S. ~~(subject~~Bancorp ~~to the conditions of the Spousal Protection Feature; must be the Annuitant’s spouse);~~

•

~~Beneficiary;~~Unum Group or

•

~~Contingent~~Wells ~~Beneficiary.~~Fargo & Company

The Contract Owner must submit the request to Nationwide in writing and Nationwide must receive the request at the Service Center before the Annuitization Date. Once Nationwide receives and records the change request, the change will be effective as of the date the written request was signed (unless otherwise specified by the Contract Owner), whether or not the Contract Owner or Annuitant is living at the time it was recorded. The change will not affect any action taken by Nationwide before the change was recorded. Nationwide reserves the right to reject any change request that would alter the nature of the risk that Nationwide assumed when it originally issued the Contract. B-51

IfThe ~~the~~NMIC ~~Contract~~Human ~~Owner~~Resources isCommittee did not amake ~~natural~~any ~~person~~changes ~~and~~to ~~there is a change of~~ the ~~Annuitant,~~peer ~~distributions~~group ~~will be made as if the~~in ~~Contract Owner died at the time of the change, regardless of whether the Contract Owner named a Contingent Annuitant~~2021.

Any request to change the Contract Owner must be signed by the existing Contract Owner and the person designated as the new Contract Owner. Nationwide may require a signature guarantee. Changes in contract ownership may result in federal income taxation and may be subject to state and federal gift taxes. Certain features under the Contract may have specific requirements as to who can be named as the Contract Owner, Annuitant, Co-Annuitant, and/or Beneficiary in order to receive the benefit of the feature. Changes to the parties to the Contract may result in the termination or loss of benefit of these features.

Public Company Peer Group Proxy Data	Priority	Number of Companies	Revenue (Median)	Assets (Median)
Insurance/Financial Services Peer Group1	Primary Reference Point	20	$ 26.8 billion	$ 286.0 billion
General Industry Peer Group2 (includes the 50 companies closest to Nationwide in the Fortune rankings that publicly disclose executive compensation)	Supplemental Reference Point	50	$42.2 billion	n/a
Nationwide			$ 25.5 billion	$ 274.0 billion

If Nationwide permits an assignment or a change in ownership of the Contract, the Death Benefit under the Contract will be the Surrender Value unless the requirements specified under "Calculation of the Death Benefit" are satisfied. 1

262022 insurance/financial services peer group determination

~~FIXED STRATEGY~~2

~~The Fixed~~Fortune ~~Strategy~~500 isrank an investment option under the Contract that credits interest daily at a Fixed Strategy Rate. Nationwide declares Fixed Strategy Rates prior to each Strategy Term and the Fixed Strategy Rate is guaranteed for ~~the~~2022 ~~Strategy~~general ~~Term~~industry inpeer ~~which~~group itdetermination is declared. Fixed Strategy Rates are determined at the sole discretion of Nationwide, but Fixed Strategy Rates are guaranteed to be at least 0.25%. Fixed Strategy Rates may be different for newly issued Contracts than for existing Contracts or for Contracts with different issue dates.

~~The~~We ~~Fixed~~generally ~~Strategy~~target ~~has~~pay ~~one-year~~at ~~Strategy~~the market median because we believe this is a competitive and responsible pay position, ~~Terms.~~necessary ~~The~~to ~~initial~~compete ~~Strategy~~for ~~Term~~talent; ~~begins~~however, onwhen ~~the~~necessary ~~Date~~to ofattract ~~Issue~~or ~~and~~retain ~~ends~~exceptional ontalent ~~the~~or ~~first~~a ~~Contract~~unique ~~Anniversary.~~skill ~~Thereafter~~set, ~~each~~we ~~subsequent~~may ~~Strategy~~target ~~Term~~total ~~begins~~compensation onor ~~each~~an ~~Contract Anniversary~~individual ~~and~~element ~~ends~~of oncompensation above the ~~following~~median. ~~Contract~~Annually, ~~Anniversary.~~we engage in a talent planning process to:

If there is no Contract Value allocated to the Fixed Strategy and Index Strategy Value is transferred into the Fixed Strategy under the Performance Lock feature, the date the Index Strategy Value is transferred into the Fixed Strategy is considered the first day of the Fixed Strategy’s Strategy Term and the Strategy Term End Date will be the next Contract Anniversary. See "Performance Lock."

A full surrender of the Fixed Strategy Value or a full transfer out of the Fixed Strategy Value to an Index Strategy is subject to minimum amounts required by state law. Nationwide guarantees that any full surrender or full transfer out of the Fixed Strategy Value will be at least equal to the minimums required by state law.

INDEX STRATEGIES

GENERAL

An Index Strategy is an investment option under the Contract that varies with the performance of an Index and is subject to certain Crediting Factors that impact the gains and losses under the Index Strategy. Nationwide calculates a separate Index Strategy Value for each Index Strategy that has Contract Value allocated to it.

The Contract Owner may allocate Contract Value to no more than ten Index Strategies. The Fixed Strategy is not considered an Index Strategy for purposes of the maximum number of Index Strategies. If the Contract Owner is simultaneously invested in the same Index Strategy for Strategy Terms that began on different dates, those investments are considered separate Index Strategies for purposes of determining the maximum number of Index Strategies.

Nationwide reserves the right to add or remove any Index Strategies at any time, but any such changes will not affect Strategy Terms already in effect and will become effective on the first day of a new Strategy Term. The Index Strategies available for election may be different for newly issued Contracts than for existing Contracts or for Contracts with different issue dates.

The Contract currently offers two different types of Index Strategies, Index Strategies with Cap Rates and Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, which are described in more detail below.

INDEX

The Index Performance is determined by the Index linked to each Index Strategy. The performance of an Index Strategy will therefore depend on the performance of a particular market index over the course of a Strategy Term.

The Indexes under the Contract provide exposure to different markets and asset classes, all of which may perform differently compared to each other and during different time periods. If the Index Performance at the end of a Strategy Term is negative, the Index Strategy will experience a loss if the negative Index Performance exceeds the protection provided by the Buffer. If the Index Performance at the end of a Strategy Term is positive, the Index Strategy will experience a gain but the gain may be limited by a Cap Rate or Participation Rate.

The Index Performance is calculated on a point-to-point basis, which is done by comparing the Index Value of the Index on the first day of the Strategy Term to the Index Value of the Index on a specific future date during the Strategy Term.

The Contract currently offers Index Strategies with the following Indexes:

•

~~MSCI~~anticipate ~~EAFE~~talent ~~Index~~demands and identify implications;

•

~~Nasdaq-100~~identify ~~Index®~~critical roles;

•

~~Russell~~conduct ~~2000~~talent ~~Index®~~assessments; and

•

~~S&P~~identify ~~400®~~successors ~~Index~~for critical roles.

The NMIC Human Resources Committee determines the total compensation levels for the Named Executive Officers (which are benchmarked to the competitive external market) as well as the individual elements distributed among base salary and annual and long-term incentives. Annually, we review and may adjust targets for company and individual performance to recognize competitive market compensation and performance in determining the final compensation we deliver to executive officers. The following is an overview of these review procedures.

John L. Carter and Mark S. Howard

In November 2021, CAP also conducted an analysis of competitive market data for Messrs. Carter’s and Howard’s roles to inform 2022 compensation recommendations. CAP summarized the 25th, median (50th), and 75th percentile market data for each position and explained any adjustments necessary to attain appropriately competitive compensation. The NMIC Human Resources Committee approved the 2022 executive compensation structure and insurance and financial services peer group used to inform executive compensation decisions. The compensation elements included in the analysis were: base salary, target annual incentive opportunity and target total cash compensation, and target long-term incentive opportunity and target total direct compensation. The analysis considered the size and complexity of their roles, as measured by assets or direct written premiums, compared to the market data. CAP also considered factors such as:

•

~~S&P~~the ~~500®~~comparability ~~Index~~of job responsibilities to benchmark job responsibilities;

See "Additional Index Information" for more information on the Indexes.

Nationwide reserves the right to add or remove any Index in the future. There is no guarantee that an Index Strategy using any of the Indexes listed above will always be available for investment. The Index for an Index Strategy generally will not change for the duration of an ongoing Strategy Term. However, if the Index associated with a particular Index Strategy is discontinued or calculation of the Index is substantially changed, Nationwide may substitute a comparable index during a Strategy Term subject to applicable regulatory approval. Before a substitute index is used, Nationwide will notify Contract Owners (and any assignee) of the substitution. See "Index Substitution During a Strategy Term."

STRATEGY TERM

Each Index Strategy has a Strategy Term which is the total maturity time of the Index Strategy, expressed in years. The Contract currently offers Index Strategies with Strategy Terms of 1, 3, and 6 years. A Strategy Term begins on the date Contract Value is allocated to the Index Strategy and ends on the Strategy Term End Date, which will always be a Contract Anniversary. The Strategy Term for an Index Strategy will not change for as long as that Index Strategy is offered. Strategy Terms for newly-created Index Strategies that are made available for investment after the Date of Issue will be no shorter than 1 year and will be no longer than 6 years.

BUFFER

Each Index Strategy has a Buffer which is the maximum percentage of loss that Nationwide will absorb when calculating the Term End ISE Percentage that may be applied for an Index Strategy on a Strategy Term End Date. The Contract currently offers Index Strategies with Buffers of 10% and 20%.

A higher percentage Buffer provides more protection against loss than a Buffer with a lower percentage. For example, an Index Strategy with a 10% Buffer begins to experience a negative Term End ISE Percentage once the Index Performance is less than -10%, while an Index Strategy with a 20% Buffer begins to experience a negative Term End ISE Percentage once the Index Performance is less than -20%.

The Buffer does not apply to the same extent and does not provide the same level of protection when calculating the Daily ISE Percentage that it does when calculating the Term End ISE Percentage. Prior to the Strategy Term End Date, the Index Strategy Value may reflect losses that are within or that exceed the Buffer and those losses may be realized if a Death Benefit is calculated or if the Contract Owner takes a withdrawal, exercises a Performance Lock or the Right to Examine and Cancel provision, or begins Annuitization. See "Daily Index Strategy Earnings Percentage (Daily ISE Percentage)."

The Buffer for an Index Strategy will not change for as long the Index Strategy is offered. Buffers for newly-created Index Strategies that are made available for investment after the Date of Issue will never be less than 5%.

PARTICIPATION RATE

Each Index Strategy has a Participation Rate which is a percentage that represents the proportion of the Index Performance used in the calculation of the Term End ISE Percentage. The Participation Rate only applies when the Index Performance is positive. For Index Strategies with Cap Rates, the Participation Rate will always be at least 100%. For Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, the Participation Rate may be greater than, less than, or equal to 100%, but is guaranteed to always be at least 0.05%.

If the Participation Rate is greater than 100%, it will increase the upside potential when the Index Performance is positive. For example, if the Participation Rate is 150%, it will multiply any positive Index Performance by 150%. For Index Strategies with Cap+ Rates, if the Participation Rate is less than 100%, it will decrease the upside potential when the Index Performance is positive. For example, if the Participation Rate is 90%, only 90% of the positive Index Performance in excess of the Cap+ Rate will be applied. If the Participation Rate is equal to 100%, it will have no effect on the Index Performance.

The Participation Rate for an Index Strategy will not change for the duration of a Strategy Term. However, the Participation Rate may change for future Strategy Terms. The Participation Rate for a particular Strategy Term may be different for newly issued Contracts than for existing Contracts.

INDEX STRATEGIES WITH CAP RATES

The Cap Rate is the maximum positive Term End ISE Percentage that may be applied for an Index Strategy on a Strategy Term End Date. The Cap Rate for an Index Strategy will not change for the duration of a Strategy Term. However, the Cap Rate may change for future Strategy Terms. For any Index Strategy, the Cap Rate is guaranteed to never be less than 0.05%. The Cap Rate for a particular Strategy Term may be different for newly issued Contracts than for existing Contracts.

Prior to each Strategy Term Nationwide declares the Cap Rate, if any, for each available Index Strategy with Cap Rate. Nationwide may offer an Index Strategy with Cap Rate as "uncapped," which means no Cap Rate is declared by Nationwide for a Strategy Term. When Nationwide offers an Index Strategy as uncapped it does not mean that the Index Strategy will remain uncapped for future Strategy Terms as Nationwide may declare a Cap Rate for future Strategy Terms.

On the Strategy Term End Date, Index Strategy Earnings for an Index Strategy with Cap Rate are equal to the Index Strategy Basis on the Strategy Term End Date multiplied by the Term End ISE Percentage.

An Index Strategy with Cap Rate’s Term End ISE Percentage is calculated as follows:

•

ifexperience, ~~the~~tenure, ~~Index~~and ~~Performance~~performance ~~multiplied~~of byeach ~~the~~executive; ~~Participation Rate is positive~~ and ~~greater than or equal to the Index Strategy’s Cap Rate, the Term End ISE Percentage is equal to the Cap Rate;~~

•

if the ~~Index~~responsibilities, ~~Performance~~internal ~~multiplied by the Participation Rate is positive but less than the Index Strategy’s Cap Rate~~equity, ~~the~~and ~~Term~~strategic ~~End~~importance ~~ISE~~of ~~Percentage is equal to~~ the ~~Index~~positions. ~~Performance multiplied by the Participation Rate;~~

Kirt A. Walker

CAP provided recommendations for Mr. Walker's 2022 compensation program and met with the NMIC Human Resources Committee, which determined a recommendation for Mr. Walker's compensation targets. CAP conducted an analysis of competitive market data in November 2021 to inform 2022 compensation decisions for Mr. Walker. The NMIC Human Resources Committee reviewed and approved 2022 compensation targets for Mr. Walker. The NMIC Human Resources Committee's final decision on target compensation was subject to the NMIC Board of Directors’ assessment of Mr. Walker’s 2021 performance. The NMIC Human Resources Committee met with the NMIC Board to review and approve the target compensation for Mr. Walker.

B-52

Steven A. Ginnan and Eric S. Henderson

In November 2021, Nationwide management conducted an analysis of competitive market data for Messrs. Ginnan’s and Henderson’s roles to inform 2022 compensation recommendations. As a delegate of the NMIC Human Resources Committee, Mr. Walker approved the target compensation for Messrs. Ginnan and Henderson of behalf of the Committee.

2022 Target Compensation Levels and Mix

We compensate executive officers through a mix of base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives, benefit plans, perquisites, and deferred compensation plans. The plans and the target opportunities for base salary and annual and long-term incentives are reviewed annually by the NMIC Human Resources Committee to ensure total compensation and the mix of pay elements are competitive and changes reflect both the competitive market data and company needs. This ensures we continue to retain talent in key areas and provides a framework for recruiting new talent.

We determine an appropriate mix of pay elements by using the market data as a guideline. In practice, we may adjust individual elements above or below the mix represented in the market data while maintaining the recommended target total compensation range. Some of the reasons we may deviate from the mix of elements represented in market data include:

•

ifrecruiting ~~the~~needs ~~Index~~based ~~Performance~~on iscompensation ~~zero~~received orby ~~negative~~a ~~but~~candidate ~~within~~in ~~the~~previous ~~Buffer, the Term End ISE Percentage is equal to zero~~positions; ~~and~~

•

~~if the Index Performance is negative and exceeds the Buffer, the Term End ISE Percentage is equal~~ year-to-year ~~the~~variation ~~Index~~in ~~Performance plus~~ the ~~Buffer.~~market ~~This~~data, ~~results~~indicating ~~in a negative Term End ISE Percentage which means~~ the ~~Contract~~market data may ~~experience a loss of principal and/or previous earnings. These losses could~~ be ~~significant.~~volatile;

Participation Rates for Index Strategies with Cap Rates will always be at least 100%.

The following are hypothetical examples to show how the Term End ISE Percentage would be calculated for an Index Strategy with Cap Rate under different market conditions.

•

~~Positive~~differences ~~Index~~between ~~Performance~~the ~~this~~specific isresponsibilities ~~less~~of ~~than~~our ~~Cap~~executives' ~~Rate~~positions and the positions represented in the market data; and

Index Performance = 10% Participation Rate = 100% Cap Rate = 20% Buffer = 10%

Step 1: Index Performance is multiplied by the Participation Rate = 10% (10% x 100%) Step 2: Compare Step 1 value to Cap Rate (10% is less than 20% Cap Rate) Term End ISE Percentage = 10%

•

~~Positive~~a ~~Index~~desire ~~Performance~~to ~~that~~change isthe ~~greater~~alignment ~~than~~of ~~Cap~~our ~~Rate~~incentives between annual and long-term goals for certain positions.

~~Index~~For ~~Performance~~2022, =the ~~30% Participation~~analysis ~~Rate~~resulted =in ~~100%~~the ~~Cap~~following ~~Rate~~compensation =levels ~~20%~~and ~~Buffer~~mix =at ~~10%~~target for the Named Executive Officers:

~~Step~~2022 1:Target ~~Index Performance~~Total isDirect ~~multiplied~~Compensation ~~by the Participation Rate = 30% (30% x 100%) Step 2: Compare Step 1 value to Cap Rate (30% is greater than 20% Cap Rate) Term End ISE Percentage = 20%~~

Executive	Base Salary (percentage of target total compensation)	Target Annual Incentive Percent of Base Salary (percentage of target total compensation)	Target Annual Incentive	Target Long-Term Incentive for 2022-2024 Performance Period (percentage of target total compensation)	Target Total Direct Compensation (percentage of target total compensation)	Percentage of Target Total Compensation Attributed to Target Incentives
Carter, John L.	427,881	160%	684,609	1,312,236	2,424,727

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