Manulife Financial Corporation reports developments across its international insurance, financial advice, health solutions, and wealth and asset management businesses. The company operates as Manulife in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, with news commonly covering insurance distribution, retirement services, investment solutions, customer health and longevity initiatives, and community programs.
Recurring updates also include quarterly and annual results, dividend announcements, annual meeting materials, management information circulars, shareholder voting matters, executive conference participation, and capital actions involving common and preferred shares. News from John Hancock adds detail on U.S. insurance sales, executive benefits, the John Hancock Vitality program, and longevity-focused research and planning tools.
Manulife Investment Management announced enhancements to its emerging market fixed-income team, appointing Endre Pedersen as CIO, overseeing a team of 66 and managing over US$46 billion in assets. This reorganization aims to align global capabilities, improve efficiency, and strengthen investment strategies in response to demand. Additional promotions include Fiona Cheung as head of global EM fixed-income research. The firm emphasizes its century-long presence in emerging markets, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for income opportunities.
John Hancock Investment Management has filed for an exemptive order to utilize Fidelity's proprietary active equity ETF methodology to launch new ETFs. This partnership aims to enhance investment offerings while leveraging Fidelity's expertise in semi-transparent ETF structures. With 16 ETFs and over $4.5 billion in assets under management, the firm is focusing on innovation to meet evolving investor needs. CEO Andrew G. Arnott stresses the benefits of active management, while Fidelity's Greg Friedman believes their methodology offers a leading approach for the ETF market.
John Hancock Retirement has appointed Sue Reibel as the new CEO for its U.S. retirement plan and recordkeeping business, effective June 2, 2021. Reibel succeeds Patrick Murphy, who is stepping down due to health reasons after leading the company since 2018. With over 50,000 retirement plans and 3 million participants, Reibel aims to strengthen the firm's growth strategy. She brings extensive experience from Manulife Investment Management and previously led various senior roles within the organization. John Hancock Retirement manages over $212 billion in assets under management.
Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) announced dividend rates for its Series 3 and Series 4 Preferred Shares. For Series 3, starting June 20, 2021, the fixed rate is set at 2.34800% per annum, translating to $0.146750 per share quarterly. The Series 4 shares will have a floating rate of 0.38363% for the quarter ending September 19, 2021, equating to $0.095908 per share. Shareholders can convert their shares before June 4, 2021. The dividends, subject to approval, reflect Manulife's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
Manulife Investment Management has appointed Christoph Schumacher as the global head of real assets, private markets, effective immediately. This newly established position aims to drive the firm's private real assets strategy and oversee investment solutions globally. Schumacher will manage $42.9 billion in assets under management, uniting real asset capabilities across various sectors. The move reflects the growing demand for real asset investments and is expected to enhance Manulife's offerings in alternative asset classes.
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Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) announced the successful election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting held on May 6, 2021. Key results include Nicole S. Arnaboldi receiving 99.67% of votes, while the lowest approval was for Joseph P. Caron at 98.97%. The detailed voting results demonstrate a strong endorsement from shareholders, reflecting confidence in the board's leadership. Final voting results will soon be available on the company's website and with securities regulators.
Manulife has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, alongside a 35% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035. The initiative involves leveraging its substantial resources, including over C$1 trillion in assets and a large workforce, to support climate solutions. Key areas of focus include emission reductions in operations, sustainable investments, and the development of climate-smart products. Manulife is also aligning executive performance goals with climate action, emphasizing sustainable growth and resilience in its offerings.
Manulife is donating $250,000 (CAD) to Project HOPE to provide essential medical supplies in Asia, particularly in India, amidst a resurgence of COVID-19. This contribution aims to support healthcare facilities by supplying oxygen, ICU beds, and PPE kits. Additionally, Manulife is activating an employee matching program to encourage further contributions from its global team. Over the past year, the company has donated nearly $5 million for various COVID-19 relief efforts, focusing on food security, mental health support, and healthcare worker well-being.