<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-20-069873.txt : 20200604
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-20-069873.hdr.sgml : 20200604
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20200604170734
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-20-069873
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	S-8
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
FILED AS OF DATE:		20200604
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20200604
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20200604

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001039828
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	LIFE INSURANCE [6311]
		IRS NUMBER:				421447959
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			IA
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		S-8
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-238940
		FILM NUMBER:		20943639

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		6000 WESTOWN PARKWAY
		CITY:			WEST DEMOINES
		STATE:			IA
		ZIP:			50266
		BUSINESS PHONE:		5152210002

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		6000 WESTOWN PARKWAY
		CITY:			WEST DES MOINES
		STATE:			IA
		ZIP:			50266
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>tm2021801d1_s8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM S-8
<TEXT>
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<P STYLE="margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 4, 2020</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>Registration
No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"></P>

<!-- Field: Rule-Page --><DIV STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; width: 100%"><DIV STYLE="font-size: 1pt; border-top: Black 2pt solid; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV><!-- Field: /Rule-Page -->

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>UNITED STATES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
Washington, DC 20549</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 14pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>FORM S-8</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 14pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 14pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 14pt"><B>American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company</B></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 14pt"><BR>
</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>Iowa</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>42-1447959</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>6000 Westown Parkway</B></P>
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>West Des Moines, Iowa</B></P></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>&nbsp;</B></P>
        <P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>50266</B></P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Zip Code)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif"><B>American
Equity Investment Life Holding Company Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan</B></FONT><B><BR>
</B>(Full title of the plan)</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif"><B>Anant
Bhalla<BR>
Chief Executive Officer and President<BR>
6000 Westown Parkway<BR>
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266<BR>
</B></FONT>(Name and address of agent for service)</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif"><B>(515)
221-0002<BR>
</B></FONT>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Copies to:</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Shilpi Gupta<BR>
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp; Flom LLP<BR>
155 North Wacker Drive<BR>
Chicago, Illinois 60606<BR>
(312) 407-0700</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="text-align: justify; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">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 &ldquo;large accelerated filer,&rdquo; &ldquo;accelerated filer,&rdquo; &ldquo;smaller reporting company,&rdquo; and &ldquo;emerging
growth company&rdquo; in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 64%"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Large accelerated filer <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#120;</FONT></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 36%"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Accelerated filer <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Non-accelerated filer <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Smaller reporting company <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Emerging growth company <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: right">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="text-align: justify; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if
the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial
accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">Title of securities<BR> to be registered</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; padding-bottom: 1pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">Amount to be<BR> registered (1)(2)(3)</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 1pt; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; padding-bottom: 1pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">Proposed<BR> maximum offering<BR> price per share (4)</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 1pt; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; padding-bottom: 1pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">Proposed<BR> maximum<BR> aggregate offering<BR> price (4)</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 1pt; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; padding-bottom: 1pt; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">Amount of<BR> registration fee (5)</TD><TD STYLE="border-top: Black 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 1pt; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-bottom: Black 1pt solid">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 32%; padding-bottom: 1pt">Common Stock, par value $1 per share</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 15%; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">5,038,088 shares</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 15%; text-align: left">$21.54</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 15%; text-align: left">$108,520,415.52</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 15%; text-align: left">$14,085.95</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 1%; padding-bottom: 1pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">(1)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">This registration statement registers the issuance of 5,038,088 shares of Common Stock, par value
$1 per share, of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the &ldquo;Registrant&rdquo;) that are issuable pursuant to the
Registrant&rsquo;s Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the &ldquo;Plan&rdquo;), which is an amendment and restatement of
the American Equity Investment Life Holding Company 2016 Employee Incentive Plan.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">(2)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Consists of (a) 4,351,178 shares available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the Plan
plus (b) a number of shares equal to the number of shares underlying or constituting outstanding awards held by participants under
the Plan that would become available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the Plan to the extent that (i) such outstanding
awards expire, are terminated or are canceled without having been exercised or settled in full or (ii) such shares constituting
outstanding awards are forfeited or repurchased by the Registrant for an amount not greater than the participant&rsquo;s purchase
price.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">(3)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &ldquo;Securities Act&rdquo;),
this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of additional securities as may result from anti-dilution adjustments
under the Plan and which may hereafter be offered or issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations
or certain other capital adjustments.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">(4)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rules 457(c)
and 457(h) under the Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices per share of the Registrant&rsquo;s Common
Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 2, 2020.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">(5)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Calculated pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Securities Act by multiplying 0.0001298 by the proposed
maximum aggregate offering price.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 6.5in"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Part I</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a)
PROSPECTUS</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The information required by Part I is omitted
from this registration statement in accordance with Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &ldquo;Securities
Act&rdquo;), and the Note to Part I of Form S-8. The documents containing the information required by Part I will be delivered
to the participants in the American Equity Investment Life Holding Company Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the &ldquo;Plan&rdquo;)
as required by Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Part II</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 3.</B></TD><TD><B>Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The following documents previously filed
by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the &ldquo;Registrant&rdquo;) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
 &ldquo;Commission&rdquo;) are incorporated by reference in this registration statement:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt">&middot;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000103982820000013/a2019-12x31ael10k.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit">the Registrant&rsquo;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed on February 25, 2020 (File No. 001-31911);</A></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt">&middot;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000103982820000041/a2020-03x31ael10q.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit">the Registrant&rsquo;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, filed on May 11, 2020 (File No. 001-31911);</A></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt">&middot;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">the Registrant&rsquo;s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000103982820000016/a2020-02x28ael8k.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit">March 2, 2020</A> and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000110465920002695/tm201628-1_8k.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit">January&nbsp;9, 2020</A>
(File No. 001-31911); and</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt">&middot;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">the description of the Registrant&rsquo;s Common Stock contained in the Registrant&rsquo;s registration
statement on Form S-3 filed on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746919004907/a2239541zs-3asr.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit">August 30, 2019</A> (File No. 333-233544) and any amendment or report (including the Registrant&rsquo;s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000110465919066262/tm1923573-1_8k.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit">November 21, 2019</A> (File No. 001-31911)) filed for the purpose of updating such description.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">In addition, all documents subsequently
filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
 &ldquo;Exchange Act&rdquo;), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have
been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold (other than documents or information deemed to have been furnished
and not filed in accordance with Commission rules), shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement
and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. The most recent information that the Registrant files with the
Commission automatically updates and supersedes older information. Nothing in this registration statement shall be deemed to incorporate
by reference information furnished to, but not filed with, the Commission.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 4.</B></TD><TD><B>Description of Securities.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Not applicable.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 5.</B></TD><TD><B>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The validity of the issuance of the shares
of the Registrant&rsquo;s Common Stock, par value $1 per share, offered hereby will be passed upon for the Registrant by Renee
D. Montz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Registrant. Ms. Montz owns shares of the Registrant&rsquo;s
Common Stock, beneficially and as a participant in various employee benefit plans, holds shares of restricted stock and restricted
stock units, and is eligible to participate in the Plan.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 6.</B></TD><TD><B>Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Section 490.202 of the Iowa Business Corporation
Act (the &ldquo;IBCA&rdquo;) provides that a corporation&rsquo;s articles of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating
or limiting the liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for money damages for any action taken, or failure
to take action, as a director, provided that the provision does not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for: (1) the
amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled; (2) an intentional infliction of harm
on the corporation or its shareholders; (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA, which relates to liability for unlawful
distributions; or (4) an intentional violation of criminal law. Further, Section 490.851 of the IBCA provides that a corporation
may indemnify its directors party to a proceeding against liability incurred in the proceeding by reason of such person serving
in the capacity of director, subject to specified standards being met and subject to certain exclusions. In addition, Section 490.852
of the IBCA provides mandatory indemnification of reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is wholly successful in defending
any action in which the director was a party because the director is or was a director of the corporation. A director who is a
party to a proceeding because the person is a director may also apply for court-ordered indemnification and advance of expenses
under Section 490.854 of the IBCA.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Section 490.853 of the IBCA provides that
a corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding, advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred
by a director who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director if the director meets certain conditions.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Under Section 490.856 of the IBCA, a corporation
may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he is an officer to
the same extent as to a director. In addition, if the person is an officer but not a director, further indemnification may be provided
by the corporation&rsquo;s articles of incorporation, the bylaws, a resolution of the board of directors or contract, subject to
certain exclusions. Such indemnification is also available to an officer who is also a director if the basis on which the officer
is made a party to a proceeding is an action taken or a failure to take an action solely as an officer.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The Registrant&rsquo;s amended articles
of incorporation provide that its directors will not be liable to the Registrant or its shareholders for money damages for any
action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for: (1) the amount of a financial benefit received
by a director to which the director is not entitled; (2) intentional infliction of harm on the Registrant or its shareholders;
(3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA, which relates to liability for unlawful distributions; and (4) an intentional violation
of criminal law.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The Registrant&rsquo;s amended articles
of incorporation also provide that each of its current and former directors who was or is made a party to, or is involved in any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of the fact that such person is or was a director of the Registrant or is or was serving at its request as a director, officer,
partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise,
shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Registrant to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, except liability for:
(1) a financial benefit received by a director to which the director is not entitled; (2) an intentional infliction of harm on
the Registrant or its shareholders; (3) a violation of Section 490.833 of the IBCA, which relates to liability for unlawful distributions;
and (4) an intentional violation of criminal law. In addition to such indemnification, any such director and any officer are entitled
to have any expenses reasonably incurred in defending any such proceeding or any similar proceeding against any officer in advance
of its final disposition paid directly by the Registrant to the fullest extent authorized by applicable law.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The Registrant&rsquo;s bylaws also provide
indemnification to its directors on the same terms as the indemnification provided in the Registrant&rsquo;s amended articles of
incorporation. The Registrant&rsquo;s bylaws also provide for the direct payment by the Registrant of expenses to its directors
and officers on the same terms as provided in the Registrant&rsquo;s amended articles of incorporation. The indemnification provisions
of the Registrant&rsquo;s bylaws are not exclusive of any other right which any person seeking indemnification may have or acquire
under any statute, the Registrant&rsquo;s amended articles of incorporation or any agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">As permitted by and in accordance with
Section 490.857 of the IBCA, the Registrant maintains insurance coverage for its officers and directors as well as insurance coverage
to reimburse the Registrant for potential costs for indemnification of directors and officers.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">The Plan provides that, in addition to
such other rights of indemnification as they may have as directors or as members of the Compensation Committee of the Registrant&rsquo;s
Board of Directors, directors must be indemnified by the Registrant against reasonable expenses, including attorneys&rsquo; fees,
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal
therein, to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with
the Plan or any award granted thereunder, and against all amounts reasonably paid by them in settlement thereof or in satisfaction
of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, provided certain conditions are met. This right of indemnification is not
exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled pursuant to the Registrant&rsquo;s amended
articles of incorporation or bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Registrant may have to indemnify them
or hold them harmless.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 7.</B></TD><TD><B>Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Not applicable.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 8.</B></TD><TD><B>Exhibits.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 10%; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B><U>Exhibit No.</U></B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 90%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B><U>Description</U></B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/0001045969-99-000551-index.html" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.1</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/0001045969-99-000551-index.html" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Articles of Incorporation, including Articles of Amendment (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on July 22, 1999 (File No. 000-25985))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000091205700037273/ex-3_1.txt" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.2</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000091205700037273/ex-3_1.txt" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000, filed on August 14, 2000 (File No. 000-25985))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746903033633/a2120484zex-3_2.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.3</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746903033633/a2120484zex-3_2.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on October 20, 2003 (File No. 333-108794))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746908000328/a2182067zex-3_3.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.4</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746908000328/a2182067zex-3_3.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on January 15, 2008 (File No. 333-148681))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000103982811000043/ael_exhibit35x063011.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.5</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000103982811000043/ael_exhibit35x063011.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011, filed on August 5, 2011 (File No. 001-31911))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000110465919065922/a19-23462_1ex3d2.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.6</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000110465919065922/a19-23462_1ex3d2.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on November 20, 2019 (File No. 001-31911))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000115752308007221/a5768415ex3_1.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">4.7</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000115752308007221/a5768415ex3_1.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant&rsquo;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2008 (File No. 001-31911))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="tm2021801d1_ex5-1.htm"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">5.1</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="tm2021801d1_ex5-1.htm"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Opinion of Renee D. Montz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Registrant<B>*</B></FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="tm2021801d1_ex23-1.htm"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">23.1</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD><A HREF="tm2021801d1_ex23-1.htm"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Consent of KPMG LLP<B>*</B></FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="tm2021801d1_ex5-1.htm"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">23.2</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD><A HREF="tm2021801d1_ex5-1.htm"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Consent of Renee D. Montz (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)<B>*</B></FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="#a_001"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">24.1</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="#a_001"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Powers of attorney of certain officers and directors (included on the signature page of this registration statement)<B>*</B></FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746920002567/a2241352zdef14a.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">99.1</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: justify"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1039828/000104746920002567/a2241352zdef14a.htm" STYLE="-sec-extract: exhibit"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">American
    Equity Investment Life Holding Company Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to
    the Registrant&rsquo;s proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 24, 2020 (File No. 001-31911))</FONT></A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">* Filed herewith.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.75in"><B>Item 9.</B></TD><TD><B>Undertakings.</B></TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in">(a)</TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(1)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment
to this registration statement:</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 1in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(i)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 1in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(ii)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration
statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with
the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change
in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the &ldquo;Calculation of Registration Fee&rdquo; table in the effective registration
statement;</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 1in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(iii)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed
in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 1.5in; text-align: justify"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><I>provided</I></FONT>,
<I>however</I>, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included
in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant
pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration
statement.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 1.5in; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(2)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(3)</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in">(b)</TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&rsquo;s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&rsquo;s annual report pursuant
to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
<TD STYLE="width: 0"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in">(c)</TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted
to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>SIGNATURES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized,
in the City of West Des Moines, State of Iowa, on June 4, 2020.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt; text-transform: uppercase"><B>American Equity Investment Life Holding Company</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 5%"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">By:</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; width: 45%"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Anant Bhalla</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Name:</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Anant Bhalla</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Title:</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Chief Executive Officer and President</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center; border-bottom-width: 0in; border-bottom-color: Black"><A NAME="a_001"></A><B>POWERS
OF ATTORNEY</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center; border-bottom-width: 0in; border-bottom-color: Black"><B>&nbsp;</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that
each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Anant Bhalla, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Renee
D. Montz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact, for him or her and in
his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, so long as such individual remains an executive officer of the registrant,
to sign (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and (ii) any registration
statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b)
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 4, 2020.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 49%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B><U>Signature</U></B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 49%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B><U>Title</U></B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Anant Bhalla</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Chief Executive Officer, President and Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Anant Bhalla</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Ted M. Johnson</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Ted M. Johnson</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Principal Financial Officer)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Scott A. Samuelson</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Scott A. Samuelson</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Principal Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ John M. Matovina</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Chairman and Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">John M. Matovina</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Joyce A. Chapman</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Joyce A. Chapman</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Brenda J. Cushing</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Brenda J. Cushing</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ James M. Gerlach</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">James M. Gerlach</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Robert L. Howe</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Robert L. Howe</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Michelle M. Keeley</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Michelle M. Keeley</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ William R. Kunkel</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">William R. Kunkel</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Alan D. Matula</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Alan D. Matula</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ David S. Mulcahy</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">David S. Mulcahy</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Gerard D. Neugent</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Gerard D. Neugent</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ A. J. Strickland, III</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Director</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">A. J. Strickland, III</FONT></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
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<TYPE>EX-5.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>tm2021801d1_ex5-1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5.1
<TEXT>
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<P STYLE="margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: right"><B>Exhibit 5.1</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center">[Letterhead
of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company]</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">June 4, 2020</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">American Equity Investment Life Holding Company<BR>
6000 Westown Parkway<BR>
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; width: 100%"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.5in; text-align: left">Re:</TD><TD STYLE="text-align: justify">American Equity Investment Life Holding Company<BR>
Registration Statement on Form S-8</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Ladies and Gentlemen:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">I am the Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, an Iowa corporation (the &ldquo;Company&rdquo;), and
have acted in such capacity in connection with the registration statement on Form S-8 (the &ldquo;Registration Statement&rdquo;)
to be filed on the date hereof by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the &ldquo;Commission&rdquo;) under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &ldquo;Act&rdquo;). The Registration Statement relates to the registration of 5,038,088
shares (the &ldquo;Shares&rdquo;) of the Company&rsquo;s Common Stock, par value $1 per Share (the &ldquo;Common Stock&rdquo;),
issuable under the American Equity Investment Life Holding Company Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the &ldquo;Plan&rdquo;).</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">This opinion is being furnished in accordance
with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">In rendering the opinion stated herein,
I have examined and relied upon the following: (i) the Registration Statement; (ii) a specimen certificate representing the Common
Stock; (iii) the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date and in effect on the date hereof; (iv) the Third
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as in effect on the date hereof; (v) the Plan; (vi) the approval of the Plan by the
shareholders of the Company at the annual meeting of the Company held on June 4, 2020; and (vii) certain resolutions of the Board
of Directors of the Company relating to the Plan and the filing of the Registration Statement. I have also examined originals or
copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates
and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents
as I have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion stated below.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">In my examination, I have assumed the genuineness
of all signatures, including endorsements, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to me as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to me as facsimile, electronic, certified
or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. In making my examination of executed documents or
documents to be executed, I have assumed that the parties thereto, other than the Company, had or will have the power, corporate
or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action,
corporate or other, and the execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the validity and binding effect thereof
on such parties. As to any facts relevant to the opinion stated herein that I did not independently establish or verify, I have
relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">In rendering the opinion stated herein,
I have also assumed that (i) an appropriate account statement evidencing the Shares credited to the recipient&rsquo;s account maintained
with the Company&rsquo;s transfer agent has been issued by the Company&rsquo;s transfer agent; (ii) the issuance of the Shares
will be duly recorded in the books and records of the Company; and (iii) each award agreement and the issuance of any Shares will
be consistent with the Plan and will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">I am a member of the Bar in the State of
Iowa and my opinion set forth herein is limited to the Iowa Business Corporation Act and, to the extent that judicial or regulatory
orders or decrees or consents, approvals, licenses, authorizations, validations, filings, recordings or registrations with governmental
authorities are relevant, to those required under such laws (all of the foregoing being referred to as &ldquo;Opined on Law&rdquo;).
I do not express any opinion with respect to the law of any jurisdiction other than Opined on Law or as to the effect of any non-Opined
on Law on the opinion herein stated. The Shares may be issued from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis, and this opinion
is limited to the laws, including the rules and regulations, as in effect on the date hereof, which laws are subject to change
with possible retroactive effect.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">Based upon the foregoing and subject to
the qualifications and assumptions stated herein, I am of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized for issuance by
the Company and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan and any applicable
award agreement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">I hereby consent to the filing of this
opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, I do not thereby admit that I
am within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.
This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and I disclaim any undertaking to advise you
of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

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<TR STYLE="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; width: 50%; text-align: left">Very truly yours,</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">/s/ Renee D. Montz</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">Renee D. Montz</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary</TD></TR>
</TABLE>


<P STYLE="margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="margin: 0"></P>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>tm2021801d1_ex23-1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
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<P STYLE="margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: right"><B>Exhibit 23.1</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: right">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>Consent of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">The Board of Directors<BR>
American Equity Investment Life Holding Company:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">We consent to the incorporation by reference
in the registration statement on Form S-8 of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company of our report dated February 25, 2020,
with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December
31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders&rsquo;
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial
statement schedules I to V, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, which report
appears in the December 31, 2019 annual report on Form 10-K of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">/s/ KPMG LLP</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Des Moines, Iowa<BR>
June 4, 2020</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="margin: 0"></P>

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