331 Aegon’s operations support complex transactions and are highly dependent on the proper functioning of information  technology and communication systems. Any failure of Aegon’s information technology or communications systems may  result in a materially adverse effect on Aegon’s results of operations and corporate reputation. A computer system failure or security breach may disrupt Aegon’s businesses, damage Aegon’s reputation and adversely  affect Aegon’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. II - Risks relating to Aegon’s common shares Judgments of US courts may not be enforceable against Aegon in Dutch courts. Aegon’s share price may be volatile and may drop unexpectedly, making it difficult for investors to resell Aegon’s common  shares at or above the price paid. The price at which Aegon’s common shares trade is influenced by many factors, some of which are specific to Aegon and Aegon’s  operations, and some of which are related to the insurance industry and equity markets in general. As a result of these factors,  investors may not be able to resell their common shares at or above the price paid for them. In particular, the following factors, in  addition to other risk factors described in this section, may have a material impact on the market price of Aegon’s common shares: Aegon retains confidential information on its computer systems, including customer information and proprietary business information.  Any compromise to the security of Aegon’s computer systems that results in the disclosure of personally identifiable customer  information may damage Argon's reputation, expose Aegon to litigation, increase regulatory scrutiny, and require Aegon to incur  significant technical, legal and other expenses. There is no treaty between the United States and the Netherlands providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of  judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. Judgments of US courts, including those predicated on the  civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws, may not be enforceable in Dutch courts. Therefore, Aegon’s investors that  obtain a judgment against Aegon in the United States may not be able to require Aegon to pay the amount of the judgment unless a  competent court in the Netherlands gives binding effect to the judgment. It may, however, be possible for a US investor to bring an  original action in a Dutch court to enforce liabilities against Aegon, Aegon’s affiliates, directors, officers or any expert named therein  who resides outside the United States, based upon the US federal securities laws. Aegon uses computer systems to store, retrieve, evaluate and utilize customer and company data and information. Aegon’s businesses  are highly dependent on its ability to access these systems to perform necessary business functions such as providing customer  support, administering variable products, making changes to existing policies, filing and paying claims, managing Aegon's investment  portfolios and producing financial statements. While Aegon has policies, procedures, automation and backup plans designed to prevent  or limit the effect of failure, Aegon’s computer systems may be vulnerable to disruptions or breaches as a result of natural disasters,  man-made disasters, criminal activity, pandemics or other events beyond Aegon’s control. The failure of Aegon’s computer systems for  any reason may disrupt Aegon’s operations, result in the loss of customers and may adversely affect Aegon’s businesses, results of  operations and financial condition. While systems and processes are designed to support complex transactions and avoid systems failure, fraud, information security  failures, processing errors and breaches of regulation, any failure may lead to a materially adverse effect on Aegon’s results of  operations and corporate reputation. In addition, Aegon must commit significant resources to maintain and enhance its existing  systems in order to keep pace with industry standards and customer preferences. If Aegon fails to keep up-to-date information  systems, Aegon may not be able to rely on information for product pricing, risk management and underwriting decisions. In addition,  even though backup and recovery systems and contingency plans are in place, Aegon cannot assure investors that interruptions,  failures or breaches in security of these processes and systems will not occur, or if they do occur, that they can be adequately  addressed. The occurrence of any of these events may have a materially adverse effect on Aegon’s businesses, results of operations  and financial condition. ■ Investor perception of Aegon as a company; ■ Actual or anticipated fluctuations in Aegon’s revenues or operating results; ■ Announcements of intended acquisitions, disposals or financings, or speculation about such acquisitions, disposals or financings; ■ Changes in Aegon’s dividend policy, which may result from changes in Aegon’s cash flow and capital position; ■ Sales of blocks of Aegon’s shares by significant shareholders, including Vereniging Aegon; ■ A downgrade or rumored downgrade of Aegon’s credit or financial strength ratings, including placement on credit watch;