WATERLOO, ON, Dec. 1, 2005 – Manulife Investments was named winner of a 2005 Canadian Investment Marketing Award for its program to support its Simplicity(TM) product, at the 11th Annual Canadian Investment Awards announced in Toronto.
The marketing campaign for Simplicity, a sophisticated asset allocation wrap program available for either mutual fund or segregated funds, was recognized for its innovative approach to help advisors market both segregated and mutual funds.
“Simplicity combines three critical and broadly accepted aspects of wealth management,” said Roy Firth, Executive Vice President, Canadian Individual Wealth Management, Manulife Financial. “Canadian investors, regardless of their risk profile, benefit from comprehensive diversification, access to best-in-class sub-advisors and a highly disciplined selection and monitoring process.”
Manulife Investments launched Simplicity earlier this year to help advisors across Canada bring a higher level of service to clients while finding new business efficiencies. A comprehensive wealth management solution, Simplicity enables advisors to save time without compromising on the quality of the investments he or she recommends to clients.
Simplicity portfolios are strategic asset allocation programs based on an individual’s financial goals. They are available in both segregated and mutual fund versions, allowing advisors comprehensive wealth management solutions for their clients.
“Our clients have told us they want products that offer access to a wide variety of funds and managers. They also want features such as enhanced reporting and flexibility to choose from a range of product and tax types,” added Firth. Those who invest at least $25,000 receive personalized, quarterly reports complete with commentary from fund managers.
Simplicity portfolios include a wide range of funds managed by some of the top fund managers in the business, including AllianceBernstein, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Howson Tattersall Investment Counsel Limited, McLean Budden, MFC Global Investment Management, TAL Global Asset Management and Templeton Investment Management.
All selected sub-advisors have undergone extensive reviews through Manulife Financial’s Investment Watch (i-Watch) process. i-Watch is Manulife’s proprietary process to ensure funds adhere to their investment mandates over time, through comprehensive selection, monitoring and review.
Fund companies and other financial firms were honoured in 48 categories at an awards gala held Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Toronto. The Canadian Investment Awards recognize leading investment products and firms illustrating an enduring commitment to excellence within the Canadian financial services industry. For a complete list of awards categories, please visit their website at www.investmentawards.com
About Simplicity
Simplicity is a trademark of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife Financial) identifying the Manulife Simplicity Portfolios offered by Manulife Mutual Funds (a division of Elliott & Page Limited) and the Manulife Simplicity Portfolios GIF and GIF encore offered by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.
About Manulife Investments
Manulife Investments is the brand name identifying the personal wealth management lines of business offered by Manulife Financial (The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company) and its subsidiaries in Canada. As one of Canada’s largest integrated financial services providers, Manulife Investments offers a variety of products and services including: segregated funds, mutual funds, annuities and guaranteed interest contracts.
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$360 billion (US$310 billion) as at September 30, 2005.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.
For more information about Manulife Mutual Funds, visit www.manulife.ca.
