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Manulife Financial receives top ratings in participant services for second year running Boston – For the second consecutive year, Manulife Financial’s U.S. subsidiary, Manulife USA, has been awarded top ratings in participant services by Plan Sponsor’s annual defined contribution survey*. This year’s survey results, published in the magazine’s November 2002 issue, announce that Manulife USA was given a Top Rating in three participant services categories, communication materials, clarity of statements, and range of investment options, up from two Top Ratings the previous year. Manulife USA also received three Commended ratings this year in the areas of accuracy of reporting, timeliness of reporting, and participant call center. According to the Plan Sponsor survey, “Manulife has established itself as a growing force, particularly in the small plan, intermediary-driven market.” This accomplishment is representative of Manulife USA’s focus on the rapidly growing defined contribution plan segment of the market for small- to medium-sized employers. “Manulife has conducted extensive market research on the benefits of true, plain language communications,” states Kendall Kay, Chief Strategy Officer of Manulife USA’s Group Pensions Division. “Based on this research, we seek to demystify complex investment concepts and help participants to understand their 401(k) investment options, develop informed goals, and take control of their financial futures. The survey results from Plan Sponsor are indicative of this dedication to superior communication with our participants.” Manulife USA has emphasized the importance of straightforward, easy-to-use participant communications by delivering timely and well-organized account statements; a convenient, toll-free voice response system for telephone access to account balance information and transactions; and 24/7 Internet access that offers account balance, statements, and planning tools in an easy-to-navigate format. In addition, Manulife USA provides plan sponsors and their participants with significant flexibility and investment option choice through a broad range of brand-name asset managers representing 25 asset classes and styles. About Manulife Financial The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (Manulife USA) is committed to offering the highest quality annuity, life insurance, pension, tax-deferred college savings, and separately managed account products to its clients. Its family of products has been built around a powerful combination of investment options chosen with the goal of providing attractive risk-adjusted returns and broad diversification across asset classes, investment styles, and asset managers. With its extensive product lines, competitive underwriting, excellent ratings, and quality customer service, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (Manulife USA) is dedicated to providing quality products designed to help create and preserve wealth for its clients. Group annuity contracts are issued by Manulife USA. Product features and availability may differ by state. In New York, products are issued by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company of New York (Manulife New York). Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were US$87.8 billion (Cdn$139.2 billion) as at September 30, 2002. 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. * Plan Sponsor magazine’s annual survey of defined contribution providers was conducted in July of 2002. Providers needed a minimum of 25 responses in order to be included in the listings. -30- Media Contact: Wendy W. Smith U.S. Communications 617-854-4348 wendy_smith@manulife.com |
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