WEST OF THE MONKS, Iowa – (COMMERCIAL THREAD) – American Equity Investment Life Holding Company^® (NYSE: AEL) (American Equity) today announced its partnership with BlackRock and Conning, two world-class leaders in core fixed income and syndicated private placements. The transitions to these two managers will be initiated in the fourth quarter.

“We look forward to partnering with BlackRock and Conning to manage virtually all of our core fixed income assets as over time we are migrating to a 30-40% allocation to private asset strategies,” said Jim Hamalainen, chief investment officer (CIO) for US Equities. “Along with the successful migration of core fixed income investments to these companies over the coming months, we will continue to transform American Equity’s approach to investment management through nuanced allocation expertise. assets and management of investments in private assets.

Last year, the company launched a new business strategy, dubbed AEL 2.0. This development is part of the continued execution of this strategy. With the eventual migration of its primary fixed income management to BlackRock and Conning by early 2022, AEL’s in-house investment management capabilities will focus on private assets, cash and derivatives trading. , single asset allocation for insured client solutions and asset-liability management with team offices located in Des Moines (IA), New York and Charlotte (NC).

ABOUT US EQUITIES

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a leading issuer of fixed index annuities through independent agents, banks and brokers. American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AEL), is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, please visit www.american-equity.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release, such as potential, expectations, outlook, overtime and will, are based on assumptions and expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including “risk factors” described by American Equity in its US Securities and Exchange. Commission deposits. American Equity’s future results may differ and it has no obligation to correct or update any such statements.

ABOUT BLACKROCK

BlackRock’s goal is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As an investor trustee and a leading fintech provider, we help millions of people build savings for their lifetimes by making investing easier and more affordable. For more information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

ABOUT CONNING

Conning (www.conning.com) is a leading investment management company with more than $ 207 billion in global assets under management as of June 30, 2021. * With a long history of serving the insurance industry, Conning supports institutional investors, including insurers and pension plans, with investment solutions, risk modeling software and industry research. Founded in 1912, Conning has investment centers in Asia, Europe and North America.

^{* As of June 30, 2021, represents combined global assets under management for affiliates under Conning Holdings Limited and Cathay Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd. (“SITE”). SITE reports internally to Conning Asia Pacific Limited, but is a separate legal entity under Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd. which is the ultimate controlling parent company of all entities controlled by Conning Holdings Limited.}