Steven Wevodau - Life Insurance

TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC; SEHK: 945

WATERLOO, ON, Feb. 5 /CNW/ - Manulife Financial is the leader in providing Canadians with statements to help them understand their universal life insurance plans, according to an industry survey by DALBAR Inc. 

Manulife Financial’s universal life statement was the only one designated as “excellent” in a cross-country review of five industry statements that explain Canadians’ universal life insurance policies. Manulife’s universal life statement scored 81.29 compared to an industry average of 68.1.

“Manulife continually strives to be a leader helping Canadians understand their finances and to make better financial decisions,” said Paul Rooney, President and CEO of Manulife Canada. “We’re very proud once again to be recognized by DALBAR.”

“DALBAR congratulates Manulife, which earned the industry-leading ‘Excellent’ designation,” added Jody Bullen, Director of Strategy and Public Relations for DALBAR Inc. in Toronto. “Its statement stood out for its clear presentation of information, as well as providing the investor with critical updates and issues concerning their investments.”

DALBAR is a recognized leader for its reports on how statements measure up to standards for investor communications in Canada and the United States. The company grades customer statements based on how well companies meet various needs and preferences.

	    Key strengths
	          Manulife's Universal Life statements:
	    -     Variable, customized information based on product options
	    -     Enhanced rate of return details, including 1, 3, 5 & 10-year policy
	          returns
	    -     Effective use of graphics to enhance understandability
	    -     Personalized messaging, including information about upcoming policy
	          changes

“This is the second time that we’ve received DALBAR’s top rating for our universal life statements. It confirms our belief that our statements lead the industry as an important tool for helping clients understand their policy and get the maximum benefit from it,” said Michael Doughty, Executive Vice President, Individual Insurance for Manulife. “These statements give our clients a customized picture of their policy so they can work with their advisor to manage the policy, gauge their progress and explore opportunities.” 

	    DALBAR Inc.
	    -----------

DALBAR, Inc. is a leading financial services research firm with offices in Toronto and Boston, specializing in measuring the performance of institutions and financial professionals in areas such as communications effectiveness, client satisfaction, and service quality. DALBAR can be found on the Internet at www.dalbar.ca. 

	    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$385.3 billion (US$363.5 billion) as at September 30, 2008. 

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 further information

Media contacts: Tom Nunn, Manulife Financial, (519) 594-8578, tom_nunn@manulife.com
Jody Bullen, DALBAR Inc., (416) 777-1103 ext. 225, jbullen@dalbar.ca