Category Archives: Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Since 1887 providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services. These products and services include individual life insurance, group life and health insurance, long-term care services, pension products, annuities, mutual funds and banking products.

Manulife Establishes Mental Health Specialist Team

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On April 24th, 2014 Manulife announced that a Mental Health Specialist team is to guide the management of disability claims.

A unique offering delivering faster and appropriate care for those with mental health conditions

Waterloo – Manulife Financial announced today the establishment of a national Mental Health Specialist team that will work with Disability Case Managers to guide the management of all mental health disability claims and help ensure appropriate treatment and support is in place. This is the first team of its kind in the Canadian insurance industry and all of the team members have extensive backgrounds in mental health. The team will be led by Dr. Georgia Pomaki, who has a Ph.D. in occupational mental health and a Masters in Clinical Psychology.

“According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 500,000 Canadians will miss work every day due to mental illness, costing the Canadian economy $51B annually,” said Kathy McIlwham, Vice-President, Group Life and Disability,  Manulife. “To address this significant concern and support our clients, we developed a Mental Health Specialist team that will guide and support our Disability Case Managers in the management of mental health disability claims – the leading cause of our long term disability claims.”

Mental health claims are a leading concern for Canadian employers as they account for an average of 30 per cent* of short and long term disability claims. Manulife embarked on a yearlong mental health pilot that saw a decrease in claim durations and recurrences. Focused oversight, coaching and expertise provided in the pilot lead to improved outcomes for claimants and employers. These are early indicators of the positive affect the team could have nationally for Manulife’s clients.

“I am proud to lead a specialized and committed team that is delivering excellent outcomes for our clients and their employees,” said Dr. Georgia Pomaki.  “As a mental health professional with over 10 years of experience in workplace mental health, I am very impressed with Manulife’s commitment to improving the mental health of Canadians by developing a national Mental Health Specialist team.”

This initiative aligns with Manulife’s strong commitment to mental health as part of a comprehensive health, wellness and disability strategy that covers the entire health continuum. This commitment to positive mental health has been recognized by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), who recently accepted Manulife into a three-year pilot as an early adopter of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – Prevention, Promotion, and Guidance to Staged Implementation.

Biography Dr. Georgia Pomaki, Vancouver
Dr. Georgia Pomaki received her Ph.D. in Occupational Mental Health in 2003 and her Clinical Psychology Master’s in 1998. Dr. Pomaki also received the designation of Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) in 2011. She has clinical experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and family therapy. She has taught clinical courses extensively at universities at the graduate and undergraduate levels and is currently teaching a course on Mental Health in Disability Management at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Pomaki is also a lead author of the Best Practices for Return-to-Work/Stay-at-Work Interventions for Workers with Mental Health Conditions. Dr. Pomaki joined Manulife in 2011 and her current role involves leading the mental health specialists, implementing best practices and providing guidance and coaching to case managers on the management of psychological health claims.

*According to Mental Health Commission of Canada and the World Health Organization.

Media Contact:

Rebecca Freiburger
Manulife Financial

Manulife Vietnam’s Unit-linked Policies Achieved Outstanding Investment Returns in 2013

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Ho Chi Minh City – Manulife Vietnam has reported high investment returns for 2013 for its Regular Premium Unit-Linked (RPUL) product thanks to the outstanding performance of the Aggressive Fund, the Growth Fund and the Balance Fund, which achieved investment returnsi of 28.6 per cent, 23.2 per cent and 19.2 per cent for the calendar year, respectively. Both the Aggressive and Growth Funds achieved higher returns than that of the benchmark, VN Index (22 per cent) over the same period despite these Funds having lower risk profiles than direct investments in the VN Index. This is the second consecutive that year all RPUL funds generated double-digit returns. RPUL is one of Manulife Vietnam’s investment-linked insurance products which combine protection and savings through investments in three unit-linked funds which are professionally managed by Manulife Asset Management (Vietnam) Company Limited (ManulifeAM VN).

At the end of 2013, after over five years of operations, the Funds’ Net Asset Value achieved significant growth with the returnsii of the Aggressive, Growth, and Balance fund respectively at 59 per cent, 68 per cent and 85 per cent, significantly exceeding the performance of the VN Index (35 per cent) over the same period. This outstanding performance is the result of ManulifeAM VN’s dedication and expertise in fund management. ManulifeAM VN focused on stock selection and asset allocation between equities and cash in addition to effective fixed income investments.

“I’m very proud to share this good news as the continued success of ManulifeAM VN’s investment funds in 2013 has helped the RPUL product maximize its insurance benefits and asset values for our clients,” said Mr. Indren S. Naidoo, Regional Chief Executive Officer for Manulife Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. “I am confident that with the recovery of the market in 2014, this RPUL will continue to be one of the suitable plans in our comprehensive product portfolio that can well meet Vietnamese clients’ diversified financial needs through its comprehensive protection benefits and investment opportunities.”

About Manulife Vietnam
Manulife Vietnam is a member of Manulife Financial and its vision is to be the most professional financial services organization in Vietnam. Established in June 1999, Manulife Vietnam is proud to be the first 100 per cent foreign-owned life insurer in Vietnam. The Company has a network of close to 30 sales offices in 23 major cities, serving over 420,000 policies through more than 13,000 professional agents.

As one of the top players in the market, Manulife Vietnam offers a wide range of innovative life insurance products which are supported by the most effective and value-added services in the market today. Whatever their stage in life, Manulife Vietnam can help its clients feel more financially secure with a life insurance plan that meets their specific needs – whether it’s family protection, education, retirement or investment solutions. An advantage of Manulife Vietnam is Manulife Asset Management (Vietnam) Company Ltd (ManulifeAM VN), which is one of the first fund management companies established in Vietnam and professionally operates funds, portfolio management and investments, further expanding Manulife Vietnam’s product offerings for its customers.

Besides its professional agency force, Manulife Vietnam is the market leader in bancassurance through the partnership with leading foreign and local banks. It is also the only life insurer in the market that has developed a micro-insurance program for poor women in the rural areas in partnership with Vietnam Women’s Union. This meaningful program supports the government in universalizing insurance knowledge, contributing to the social welfare, decreasing poverty and instilling the habit of savings to the Vietnamese people.

About ManulifeAM VN
Manulife Asset Management (Vietnam) Company Limited (ManulifeAM VN) is an affiliate of Manulife Asset Management™ – the institutional asset management arm of Manulife Financial. Our clients benefit from the in-depth local market expertise of empowered, inter-connected investment professionals across Asia, North America and Europe, underpinned by world-class investment and risk management processes and the backing of a global leader in financial services, Manulife Financial Corporation.

ManulifeAM VN was licensed by the Ho Chi Minh City Planning and Investment Department under Business Registration Certificate No. 4104000117 on 10 June 2005 and received the Fund Management License No. 04/UBCK-GPHDQLQ from the State Securities Commission (SSC) of Vietnam on 14 June 2005; Decision No. 413/Q?-UBCK dated 12 July 2007; Amendment Licenses No. 06/UBCK-GPHDQLQ dated 11 October 2007; 80/UBCK-GP?C dated 16 November 2010; 23/GP?C – UBCK dated 24 November 2011; 39/GP?C-UBCK dated 29 June 2012; 5/GP?C-UBCK dated 07 Feb 2014.

ManulifeAM VN is an independently managed asset management company, which reports to the SSC.

ManulifeAM VN is fully staffed by licensed investment professionals and provides a full range of products and services commensurate with a top tier investment management company. Assets under Management as of 31 December 2013 amounted to US$390 million equivalent.

For more information, please contact:

 

In Vietnam:
Tran Phu Anh Tuan
Head of Marketing
Manulife (Vietnam) Limited
Tel: (84-8) 5416 6888
Fax: (84-8) 5416 1818

In Asia:

David Norris
Regional Communications
Manulife Financial,
Tel: (852) 2202 1749
Fax: (852) 2510 5889

Manulife Appoints Senior Executives in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong — Manulife has announced the appointment of three senior executives in Hong Kong.

Ivan Chan, in his new role as Assistant Vice-President, Business Development, Individual Financial Products for Manulife Hong Kong, has a prime focus of expanding the company’s individual insurance business in Hong Kong, and marketing its wide range of insurance products through agency and other distribution channels.

Mr. Chan was most recently Assistant Vice-President, Field Management with Manulife Hong Kong, responsible for managing the sales and recruitment of its agency force and developing strategic directions for the team. Prior to that, he was transferred to Manulife Insurance Berhad, Malaysia as Chief Agency Development Officer in 2011, responsible for agency development, product development and related marketing functions. He joined Manulife in 1999 as a management trainee and took up several roles in individual product marketing and agency operations in both Hong Kong and Macau. He holds a Master in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute.

Kenneth Luk has been appointed as Assistant Vice-President, Marketing and Customer Service for Manulife Hong Kong, responsible for formulating strategies and strengthening communications for customer-centric marketing programmes in relation to customer marketing, digital marketing and customer call centres, with a view to further enhancing customer experiences.

Mr. Luk has extensive experience in consumer banking, primarily in the areas of segment marketing and e-business. Before joining Manulife, he worked in several major banks with responsibilities spanning from customer touchpoint management to consumer marketing. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, both from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Martin Lau, in the newly created role as Assistant Vice-President, Greater China Development at Manulife Asia, is based in Hong Kong, responsible for supporting the company’s strategic initiatives for its Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan business units, and closely monitoring emerging business opportunities in the region.

Since joining in 2007, Mr. Lau has served in various roles and business units within Manulife, including Investments, Corporate, Asia Division Regional Office, and Manulife-Sinochem Life. His most recent position was Assistant Vice-President, Asia Corporate Development, where he worked on a number of inorganic growth opportunities. He holds a Master in Business Administration and a Bachelor in Engineering Science, both from the University of Toronto.

Photos:

Ivan Chan

Ivan Chan
Assistant Vice-President
Business Development, Individual Financial Products
Manulife (International) Limited

Kenneth Luk

Kenneth Luk

Assistant Vice-President
Marketing and Customer Service
Manulife (International) Limited

Martin Lau

Martin Lau

Assistant Vice-President
Greater China Development
Manulife Financial Asia Limited

About Manulife (International) Limited

Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were approximately C$599 billion (HK$4,367 billion) as at December 31, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

About Manulife Financial Asia Limited
Manulife Financial Asia Limited is one of the three constituent divisions of Manulife Financial Corporation.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were approximately C$599 billion (HK$4,367 billion) as at December 31, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

Media Contact:
Jacqueline Kam / Irina Kwan
Manulife (International) Limited

Manulife Launches Micro-films to Promote Early Retirement Planning in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong — Manulife has launched micro-films entitled “80.80 Seeing the World” on its retirement campaign website. By featuring conversations about life goals and plans between the post-80s generation and people heading towards their eighties, the company aims for the micro-films to help young people understand the importance of early retirement planning.

Last year, Manulife rolled out the “RetireSimple” advertising campaign, which aimed to draw public attention to the cost-realities of retirement. The campaign’s interactive website – www.retiresimple.hk – has clocked more than 150,000 visits so far. Building on the campaign’s momentum, the new micro-films are targeted specifically to young people.

“Our customer research shows that some people start to plan for their retirement a few years after they join the workforce. We hope that the ‘80.80 Seeing the World’ micro-film series can strike an emotional chord with these young people, triggering more of them to think about and take actions for future planning,” said Isabella Lau, Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Manulife Hong Kong.

Available on the campaign website and YouTube, two micro-films have been released. The first features local music artist Eman Lam and professional musician, Nancy Loo, who exchange stories about how they have tried to fulfil their ambitions and prepare for the future.

The second features conversations between two vocal talents — a young disc jockey, Jane Li, and a professional voice-over actor, Lam Pou Chuen, who has been the voice of the popular Japanese cartoon character Doraemon for several decades.

In addition to the micro-films, the campaign website also has regularly updated, independently authored articles on disparate retirement-related issues under its “Are you Prepared” section. Tailored to help people understand the varied requirements of adequate retirement planning, the articles cover topics such as getting the right protection, the hidden costs of falling ill later in life, and the most common mistakes people make when planning for their future.

Entitled “80.80 Seeing the World”, the micro-films feature local music artist Eman Lam (top right), professional musician Nancy Loo (top left), a young disc jockey, Jane Li (bottom left), and a professional voice actor, Lam Pou Chuen (bottom right), talking about their life goals and plans. The micro-films aim to advocate the importance of early retirement planning.

Media Contact:

Jacqueline Kam / Crystal Tse
Manulife (International) Limited

Manulife Financial Corporation dividends for December 19, 2013

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TORONTO – Manulife Financial Corporation’s Board of Directors today announced a quarterly shareholders’ dividend of $0.13 per share on the common shares of Manulife Financial Corporation (the “Company”), payable on and after December 19, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 19, 2013.

The Board also declared dividends on the following non-cumulative preferred shares, payable on or after December 19, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 19, 2013.

• Class A Shares Series 1 – $0.25625 per share
• Class A Shares Series 2 – $0.29063 per share
• Class A Shares Series 3 – $0.28125 per share
• Class A Shares Series 4 – $0.4125 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 1 – $0.35 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 3 – $0.2625 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 5 – $0.275 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 7 – $0.2875 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 9 – $0.275 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 11 – $0.25 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 13 – $0.2375 per share

In respect of the Company’s December 19, 2013 common share dividend payment date, the Board has decided that the Company will issue common shares in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and optional cash purchases pursuant to the Company’s Canadian Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan and its U.S. Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan. The price of common shares purchased with reinvested dividends will be reduced by a two (2%) per cent discount from the market price, as determined pursuant to the applicable plan.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$574.6 billion (US$558.7 billion) as at September 30, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK.

Media inquiries: Sean B. Pasternak
Investor Relations: Steven Moore

Manulife Sponsors Breast-Cancer Awareness in Hong Kong

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Manulife proud to be pink to boost breast-cancer awareness

Hong Kong — Once again, Manulife showed its solid support for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s awareness-raising “Dress Pink Day”, with many of its employees turning up to work in something pink — either a complete clothing item or an accessory — and making a donation to the charity.

“At Manulife, we encourage everyone to join us in being proud to be pink and wave the flag for breast-cancer awareness every October. This is a cause that has touched many of us one way or another and we are all committed to giving something back and supporting the free breast-cancer services that will continue to change lives now and in the future,” remarked Helena Lee, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications, Manulife (International) Limited.

She went on to say: “We pride ourselves on having been officially designated a ‘Caring Company’ title from the Hong Kong Council of Social Service since 2002; it recognizes the caring spirit that comes so naturally to all who work here.”

Manulife has been an active supporter of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund for 16 years and has backed the “Pink Revolution” since 2008. The idea behind it is that wearing something in such a striking colour will be a conversation-starter that will lead people to talk about the disease, and show how determined the campaign’s supporters are to the fight against it.

Founded in 1987, the Hong Kong Cancer Fund is one of Hong Kong’s leading cancer-care organizations. The “Pink Revolution” is its annual breast-cancer awareness and fund-raising campaign to promote the importance of early detection and raise money towards its free breast-cancer support services.

About Manulife (International) Limited
Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$567 billion (HK$4,183 billion) as at June 30, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

Media Contact:
Jacqueline Kam / Irina Kwan
Manulife (International) Limited
Tel: (852) 2202 1284 / 2510 5760
Fax: (852) 2234 6875

Manulife Japan New Executive Appointments

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Manulife Japan Announces Appointment of New Executive

Tokyo – Manulife Life Insurance Company (“Manulife Japan”; President & CEO: Gavin Robinson) announced the appointment of Sumiko Asai as Vice President, Corporate Officer and Chief Marketing Officer (“CMO”) effective November 11, 2013.

Ms. Asai has more than fifteen years of extensive experience in marketing and communications accumulated through assuming various roles in the area at both domestic and foreign companies including PCA Life Insurance Company and J. Walter Thompson Japan. Asai-san joins Manulife Japan from Zurich Insurance Company (Tokyo) where she headed the public relations area. As the head of the Branding, Marketing & Communications team of Manulife Japan, she will focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its function to support the business of the company.

As of November 11, 2013

New Title Name
Vice President, Corporate Officer and Chief Marketing Officer (“CMO”) Sumiko Asai

About Manulife
Manulife Life Insurance Company (“Manulife Japan”) is a member of the Manulife Financial Group.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$567 billion (US$539 billion) as at June 30, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com. Manulife Japan can be found on the Internet atwww.manulife.co.jp.

Media Contact
Saeko Yoshioka
Communications Department
Manulife Life Insurance Company (www.manulife.co.jp)
Tel: 042-442-7180

Manulife to Present at Barclays Americas Select Franchise Conference 2013

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Manulife Financial Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steve Roder to Present at the Barclays Americas Select Franchise Conference 2013

Toronto – Steve Roder, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Manulife Financial, is scheduled to present at the Barclays Americas Select Franchise Conference 2013 in London on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 1:45 pm BST.

Interested parties may access the live audio webcast through manulife.com/presentations. An archived version of the replay audio will be available the day after the live event at the same location for six months.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$555 billion (US$547 billion) as at March 31, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

SOURCE: Manulife Financial Corporation

For further information:
Media inquiries:
Laurie Lupton – (416) 852-7792
Sean B. Pasternak – (416) 852-2745

Investor Relations:
Steven Moore – (416) 926-6495
Anique Asher – (416) 852-9580

 

Manulife Financial Makes 2012 Public Accountability Statement

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2012 Statement includes increased reporting detail and year-to-year comparable data

Toronto – Manulife Financial has today released its 2012 Public Accountability Statement. The statement, which reviews Manulife’s commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, excellence in business conduct and corporate governance during the previous year, is now available for download at manulife.com.

The 2012 Statement highlights the Company’s continuing efforts in Canada, Asia and the United States to build stronger communities, promote health and wellness, support educational initiatives for young people and tomorrow’s leaders, enhance environmental sustainability and harness the power of volunteering in the community.

“Our company has a long, proud tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees, agents and customers live and work,” says Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Financial.

New in Manulife’s 2012 Public Accountability Statement are increased details, context, and metrics  that help quantify the impacts of Manulife’s programs and initiatives, whether of an economic, social or environmental nature.

Highlights from the 2012 Statement include:

Economic Impact:
Manulife is proud of the role that it is able to play in facilitating positive economic impacts in the communities where it operates by virtue of its day-to-day operations. Above and beyond these ongoing business activities, the Company engaged in a broad range of additional initiatives in 2012 which generated positive economic benefits in Canada, Asia and in the United States.

Manulife believes in the importance of partnering with organizations which help to promote active, healthy lifestyles among its global customer base and which give back to the local community. The Company is proud of the significant economic impacts that arose through its sponsorship of events in 2012, such as the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic and the Boston Marathon.

In Vietnam, the Company continued offering micro-insurance policies, which it began offering in 2009. With premiums of roughly $1 per month, the policies help women (most of whom are farmers) who want to protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with accidents, disease and natural disasters. The introduction of micro-insurance to this region helps contribute to social welfare, eliminate poverty and create awareness of savings to area residents.

Social Impact:
As in previous years, the Company encouraged its employees in 2012 to volunteer at the local community level. Volunteerism has always been a priority at Manulife and being active participants in improving local communities is a vital part of the organization’s culture. In 2012, Manulife employees and distribution partners volunteered 380,745 hours to a wide range of charities and causes. Employee donation of time is an important contribution and a way to extend the power of our corporate donations.

“We believe every volunteer act helps contribute to better outcomes for everyone,” adds Nicole Boivin, Senior Vice President and Chief Branding & Communications Officer. “At the same time, we think it’s a forward-thinking approach toward being an engaged community partner.”

Environmental Impact:
Through its ongoing commitment to sustainable investment, demonstrated by the Company’s investments in renewable energy, forest land management and volunteer programs, Manulife is helping protect biodiversity and fragile ecosystems around the world. From recycling and conservation programs to the generation of renewable energy, the Company continued to adopt environmentally friendly practices in its global office locations and throughout its global real estate portfolio during 2012.

Manulife also continued to pursue opportunities to increase the effectiveness of its business operations, while minimizing impact on the environment.  These efforts included the use of property management technologies, the introduction of data server virtualization and initiatives to encourage the reuse and recycling of electronic waste. Data on the Company’s carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, paper use and waste diversion are presented in the 2012 Statement.

Manulife Bank:
During the course of 2012, Manulife Bank surpassed $1 billion in shareholder’s equity. As such, Manulife Bank was required to prepare its first public accountability statement for its public accountability activities in 2012, which can be found on pages 44-46 of the 2012 Statement.

The full Public Accountability Statement is available online at www.manulife.com/governance

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$555 billion (US$547 billion) as at March 31, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

Media inquiries:
Laurie Lupton – (416) 852-7792

Sean B. Pasternak – (416) 852-2745

Manulife Japan Announces FY2011 Financial Results – Record Sales at Expense of Profits

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Tokyo – Manulife Life Insurance Company (“Manulife Japan”; Head Office: Chofu-shi, Tokyo; President and CEO: Craig Bromley) announces its financial results for the 2011 Japanese fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

During the period in review, Manulife Japan achieved record sales growth by continuing to focus on its core strategy of diversifying its sales channels and product lineup. The Company increased the number of agency partnerships of its Managing General Agents (MGA) channel to 329, and increased the number of distribution partnerships of its Financial Institutions channel to 42 as of the end of March 2012. During the period the Company also launched four new products through multiple distributors and channels.

Annualized new business premium for individual insurance and individual annuity insurance combined grew to 61.8 billion yen, up 27.2% from the previous year, reaching a record high since the start of the Company’s business operations in 1999. Annualized new business premium for individual insurance for the period also stood at a record level of 51.5 billion yen, with a 24.5% increase compared to the previous year. The strong new business growth during the period also contributed to an increase in total annualized inforce premium for individual insurance and individual annuity insurance to 326.3 billion yen, up 11.9% compared to the end of the prior fiscal year.

In terms of profit-related indicators, Manulife Japan posted a loss of 6.3 billion in Basic Earnings for the period in review, with Operating Income and Net Income showing losses of 5.5 billion yen and 3.4 billion yen, respectively. This was due to increased new business expenses attributable to the strong sales growth during the period, as well as a decision to make a provision to policy reserves, using the opportunity provided by the Company’s successful steady sales growth over the past several years. The Company’s solvency margin ratio stood at 973.2% as of March 31, 2012, a continuing high level indicating the Company’s solid financial strength.

Craig Bromley, President and CEO of Manulife Japan, made the following statement regarding the FY2011 financial results:

“Manulife Japan continues to focus on the strategic diversification of its sales channels and the offering of a wide range of products that meet customers’ needs. During the period, these efforts enabled us to achieve a leap forward in sales performance and to further expand our business operations. Going forward, as a strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking company, we will continue to take a customer-centric approach in providing quality products and services.”

About Manulife
Manulife Life Insurance Company (“Manulife Japan”) is a member of the Manulife Financial Group.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients with strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were $512 billion (US$512 billion) as at March 31, 2012. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com. Manulife Japan can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.co.jp.

Media Contact
Saeko Yoshioka
Communications Department
Manulife Life Insurance Company
Tel: 042-442-7180