Manulife Financial Corporation
Annual Information Form
February 19, 2025
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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS | Annual Information Form | Management's Discussion & Analysis Reference |
13-18 | ||
BUSINESS OPERATIONS | 3-37 | |
41-78 | ||
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS | ||
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS | ||
AUDIT COMMITTEE | ||
SCHEDULE 1 - AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER |
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Presentation of Information
In this annual information form (“AIF”), unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires:
•all references to “MFC” and “MLI” refer to Manulife Financial Corporation and The Manufacturers Life
Insurance Company, respectively, not including their subsidiaries;
•MFC and its subsidiaries, including MLI, are collectively referred to as “Manulife”;
•references to “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Manulife;
•references to “$” or “C$” are to Canadian dollars; and
•information is as at December 31, 2024.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference in and form part of this AIF:
•MFC’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 (our “2024 MD&A”);
and
•MFC’s audited annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as at and for the year
ended December 31, 2024 (our “2024 Consolidated Financial Statements”).
These documents have been filed with securities regulators in Canada and may be accessed at the System for
Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval + (“SEDAR+”), found at www.sedarplus.ca. They have also been filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and may be found at www.sec.gov.
Any website address included in this AIF is an inactive textual reference only and information appearing on such
website is not part of, and is not incorporated by reference in, this AIF.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
From time to time, the Company makes written and/or oral forward-looking statements, including in this document and
the documents incorporated by reference in this document. In addition, the Company’s representatives may make
forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant
to the “safe harbour” provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.
The forward-looking statements in this document and the documents incorporated by reference in this document
include, but are not limited to, the Company's possible or assumed future results set out under "General Development
of the Business, "Business Operations" and "Government Regulation", statements with respect to possible share
buybacks under our normal course issuer bid, the Company’s strategic priorities and targets, its medium-term
financial and operating targets and ability to achieve them, potential future premium increases for long-term care, the
impact of changes in tax laws, the capital release associated with reinsurance transactions, exposure limit estimates
for our property and casualty reinsurance business, and the probability and impact of LICAT scenario switches, and
also relate to, among other things, our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and
estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “likely”,
“suspect”, “outlook”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “forecast”, “objective”, “seek”, “aim”,
“continue”, “goal”, “restore”, “embark” and “endeavour” (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar
import, and include statements concerning possible or assumed future results. Although we believe that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and
uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and they should not be interpreted as
confirming market or analysts’ expectations in any way.
Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may
differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors identified under “Caution regarding
forward-looking statements” in our 2024 MD&A. Additional information about material risk factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making
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forward-looking statements may be found under “Risk Management and Risk Factors” and “Critical Actuarial and
Accounting Policies” in our 2024 MD&A, in the “Risk Management” note to our 2024 Consolidated Financial
Statements and elsewhere in MFC’s filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.
The forward-looking statements in this document or in the documents incorporated by reference in this document are,
unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof or the date of the document incorporated by reference, as the
case may be, and are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding the Company’s
financial position and results of operations, our future operations, as well as the Company’s objectives and strategic
priorities, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-
looking statements, except as required by law.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Name, Address and Incorporation
Manulife Financial Corporation is a life insurance company incorporated under the Insurance Companies Act (Canada)
(the “ICA”) on April 26, 1999 for the purpose of becoming the holding company of MLI following its demutualization.
MLI was incorporated on June 23, 1887, by a Special Act of Parliament of the Dominion of Canada and was converted
into a mutual life insurance company in 1968. Pursuant to Letters Patent of Conversion, effective September 23, 1999,
MLI implemented a plan of demutualization under the ICA and converted to a life insurance company with common
shares and became the wholly owned subsidiary of MFC.
MFC’s head office and registered office is located at 200 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Canada, M4W 1E5.
Intercorporate Relationships
The major operating subsidiaries of MFC, including direct and indirect subsidiaries, and MFC’s direct and indirect
voting interest therein, are listed in Note 21 (Subsidiaries) to our 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements. These
companies are incorporated in the jurisdiction in which their head office or registered office is located.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Three Year History
In 2024, we continued our momentum with disciplined execution against our strategic priorities and delivered strong
results across the business despite a persistently uncertain economic and geopolitical environment. We achieved
further milestones with the execution of two more reinsurance transactions, made significant progress against our
digital agenda, and raised the bar with bold new targets announced at our Investor Day in June 2024. Further
highlights with respect to our five strategic priorities and financial targets are outlined in our 2024 MD&A. The following
changes were made or announced in 2024 to the executive leadership team: Roy Gori, President and Chief Executive
Officer, announced his retirement effective May 2025, with Phil Witherington appointed as his successor, Pam
Kimmet, Chief Human Resources Officer, announced her retirement effective May 2025, and will be succeeded by
Pragashini Fox, Chief People Officer, and Trevor Kreel was appointed Chief Investment Officer, effective August 2024,
succeeding Scott Hartz after his retirement.
In 2023, despite a challenging operating environment with persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, our
business proved resilient, and we stayed committed to our strategic priorities. We successfully closed a milestone
reinsurance transaction, reported our first full year of financial results prepared under IFRS 17, gained momentum on
our post-pandemic recovery in Asia and tracked well on our digital transformation journey. Further highlights with
respect to our five strategic priorities are outlined in our 2023 MD&A. The following changes were made in 2023 to the
executive leadership team: Colin Simpson was appointed Chief Financial Officer succeeding Phil Witherington who
was appointed CEO, Asia Segment, Halina von dem Hagen was appointed Chief Risk Officer, Rahim Hirji was
appointed Chief Auditor and Head of Advisory Services, and Brooks Tingle was appointed CEO, US Segment.
In 2022, we navigated an increasingly complex macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Our all-weather strategy
allowed us to capitalize on opportunities rooted in longer-term trends and deliver against our strategic priorities amidst
short-term headwinds. We remained committed to executing against our strategic priorities to fulfill our commitments
to customers and unlock value for our shareholders. Further highlights with respect to our five strategic priorities are
1 This represents our International High Net Worth business.
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outlined in our 2022 MD&A. We successfully delivered on our global Return-to-Office mandate after over two years of
remote work, welcoming back our colleagues in a hybrid work environment. The following changes were made in 2022
to the executive leadership team: Naveed Irshad was appointed CEO, Canada Segment, succeeding Mike Doughty
after his retirement, Marc Costantini joined as Global Head of Inforce Management, and Damien Green was appointed
CEO, Asia Segment.
Additional information about our business can be found in the “Business Operations” section below, and in MFC’s
2024 MD&A, on pages 3 to 37 inclusive.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Information about our business and operating segments, our strategy, products, and investment activities, is included
in MFC’s 2024 MD&A, on pages 3 to 37 inclusive.
DISTRIBUTION METHODS
The Company has a multi-channel distribution network in all the segments in which it operates, with different emphasis
depending on the product line and geography. Our four operating segments are: Asia, Canada, U.S., and Global
Wealth and Asset Management.
Asia We have insurance operations in 12 markets across Asia. We are a leading provider of insurance and
insurance-based wealth accumulation products, driven by a customer-centric strategy, and we leverage the asset
management expertise and products managed by our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment. Our portfolio
includes a broad array of health, protection, savings, medical, term and whole life products.
Our diversified multi-channel distribution network in Asia includes contracted agents, bank partnerships and
independent agents, financial advisors, and brokers. We have exclusive bancassurance partnerships that give us
access to over 35 million bank customers, including a long-term, regional partnership with DBS Bank Ltd. in
Singapore, Hong Kong, mainland China and Indonesia.
In Hong Kong and Macau, our insurance products are marketed and sold through the Company’s agency,
bancassurance partnerships, and independent broker channels. In Japan, product offerings are marketed through
proprietary sales agents, independent agencies or managing general agents and bancassurance partners. In
Bermuda1, Singapore, mainland China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar,
products are primarily marketed and sold through agents, bank channels (including exclusive partnerships), brokers,
and independent financial advisors.
Canada We are a leading financial services provider, offering insurance products, insurance-based wealth
accumulation products and banking services, have a variable annuity business, and we leverage the asset
management expertise and products managed by our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment.
We offer financial protection solutions to individuals, families, and business owners through a combination of
competitive products, professional advice and quality customer service. We provide life, health, disability and specialty
products, such as mortgage creditor and travel insurance, through advisors, sponsor groups and associations, as well
as direct-to-customer.
We provide group life, health and disability insurance solutions to Canadian sponsors (these include traditional
employers as well as other forms of groups such as government programs, unions, and associations) and these
products are distributed through various distribution channels, including a national network of regional offices that
provide support to plan sponsors.
Manulife Bank offers flexible debt and cash flow management solutions as part of a customer’s overall financial plan.
Products include savings and chequing accounts, guaranteed interest certificates, lines of credit, investment loans,
mortgages and other specialized lending programs, offered through brokers and financial advisors supported by a
broad distribution network.
2 United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, England, Ireland,
Switzerland, Germany, and mainland China. In addition, we have timberland/farmland operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Chile.
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U.S. Our U.S. segment is committed to helping our customers live longer, healthier, better lives by providing an array
of life insurance and insurance-based wealth accumulation solutions to meet a variety of their needs, and making
behavioural insurance a standard component on all our life insurance solutions through John Hancock Vitality
Program.
We operate under the John Hancock brand and have more than 160 years of history in the U.S. We have built lifelong
customer relationships and created a vast distribution network of licensed financial advisors, who help us bring the
benefits of life insurance, wellness, and wealth planning to more individuals and their families. Our life insurance
solutions are designed to meet customers' estate, business, income-protection, and wealth accumulation needs; they
also leverage the expertise and solutions provided by our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment.
Over the past decade, we have transitioned from being a passive claims payer to actively rewarding our customers for
taking small, everyday steps toward better long-term health. To that end, we have integrated behavioural insurance
across our suite of solutions, offering our customers tools, technology, education, and rewards through the John
Hancock Vitality Program — in collaboration with partners including GRAIL, Verily, Apple, Prenuvo, and
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (“MIT”) AgeLab — to help them make more informed decisions about their
overall health.
We also have in-force long-term care and annuity businesses. Our management of our long-term care blocks as well
as our long-term care, variable and fixed annuity reinsurance transactions over the last few years have been
significant contributors to the Company’s efforts to transform the business portfolio to one of higher returns and lower
risk.
Global Wealth and Asset Management Our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, branded Manulife
Wealth & Asset Management, is defined by our purpose: to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering
investors for a better tomorrow. We operate across 19 geographies2, including 10 in Asia, distributing innovative
investment solutions to both individual and institutional investors through three integrated and complementary
business lines. We offer capabilities across a wide spectrum of public and private asset classes, leveraging the
expertise of our team of over 600 investment professionals worldwide.
At our core, we believe in good stewardship and incorporating sustainable asset management into our business
practices. We prioritize engagement with companies and investors to address systemic risks, allowing us to develop
and provide resilient investment solutions to our customers.
Our Retirement business serves more than 9 million investors in North America and Asia through retirement plan
solutions, with investments managed by our internal teams and third-party managers. We offer financial guidance and
advice to investors to help improve financial preparedness and also provide solutions for investors when they retire or
leave their employer plan.
Our Retail business serves individual investors primarily through third-party intermediaries, and, in select markets,
through a direct-to-customer network. Our fund platform consists predominantly of internally managed solutions. We
also supplement our solutions by partnering with third-party managers through sub-advisory agreements.
Our Institutional Asset Management business serves pension plans, foundations, endowments, financial institutions,
and other institutional investors worldwide including our own insurance business. Our solutions span all major asset
classes, and we believe evaluating material sustainability factors helps us better manage risks and unlock additional
opportunities for investors.
Together, our global footprint, investment expertise, and channel breadth position us strongly to capitalize on high-
growth opportunities in the most attractive markets globally.
Sustainable asset management is integral to our investment approach. Through the lens of financial materiality, we
focus our sustainability expertise on helping clients identify and manage systemic risks and take advantage of related
opportunities. We endeavor to enhance the resiliency of our clients’ assets through our robust program of stewardship,
which includes one-on-one company engagement, responsible asset operations, the development of global
3 Based on annualized premium equivalent ("APE") sales. For more information about APE sales, see "Non-GAAP and other financial
measures" in our 2024 MD&A.
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sustainability standards, and efforts to encourage positive change through a wide range of regulatory and industry
engagements.
COMPETITION
We operate in highly competitive markets and compete for customers with other insurance companies, securities
firms, investment advisors, asset managers, banks and other financial institutions. We also compete with emerging
fintechs, as well as non-traditional technology players entering the financial services industry. Customer loyalty and
retention, and access to distributors, are important to the Company’s success and are influenced by many factors,
including our distribution practices, regulations, product features, service levels, prices, and our financial strength
ratings and reputation.
Key trends that are increasing competitive pressures in all our markets include (i) digital solutions to enhance the
customer experience, (ii) simplified and innovative product offerings, and (iii) an accelerated use of artificial
intelligence across all areas of business operations. Both traditional and non-traditional competitors are evolving their
strategies to respond to these trends.
Asia With over 125 years of continuous operations in Asia, we are a top three pan-Asian life insurer3 and one of the
few foreign insurance companies with scale, diversified distribution and a broad Asian footprint across developed and
emerging insurance markets. We believe that the Company is well positioned to benefit from the potential of the
region.
Canada The financial protection market remains dominated by three large Canadian insurance providers, of which we
are one, while certain regional or smaller carriers focused on specialty products or niche segments are extremely
competitive in some markets.
U.S. Competition in the U.S. is primarily with other large insurance firms, as well as mutual insurance companies, that
distribute comparable products through similar channels.
Global Wealth and Asset Management In North America, the wealth and asset management market is increasingly
dominated by large firms. Across our Asian markets, we operate in very competitive and fragmented markets
comprised of global, pan-Asian, and regional wealth and asset managers.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
We report on the environmental, social and governance dimensions of our operations, products and services, as well
as our community partnerships, in Manulife’s annual Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement. These
reports provide information on priorities and performance and can be found on the Sustainability section of the
Company’s website at www.manulife.com/sustainability.
Our Impact Agenda outlines our key focus areas to drive social and environmental impact through our business and
our interactions with customers and communities in which we operate. There are three, often interconnected pillars,
that comprise our Impact Agenda: empowering sustained health and well-being, driving inclusive economic opportunity
and accelerating a sustainable future.
In connection with our sustainability efforts, we actively engage with various internationally recognized initiatives and
frameworks. Since 2017, Manulife has been a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
(“TCFD”) recommendations, now the responsibility of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Foundation. Our 2024 MD&A includes disclosures in the “Strategic Risk – Environmental, Social and Governance
Risks” section on our ESG framework, including Manulife’s approach to climate risk. Please also refer to our
Sustainability Report, published in the second quarter of each year, for detailed climate risk disclosure and our
sustainability performance.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
A categorization and explanation of the broad risks facing the Company, Manulife’s risk management strategies for
each category, and a discussion of the specific risks and uncertainties to which our business operations and financial
condition are subject can be found in the section entitled “Risk Management and Risk Factors” in our 2024 MD&A.
As noted under “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”, forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Strategic
risk, market & liquidity risk, credit & investment risk, product & insurance risk and operational risk are the five principal
categories of risk described in our 2024 MD&A. These risk factors should be considered in conjunction with the other
information in this AIF and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
As an insurance company, Manulife is subject to regulation and supervision by governmental authorities in the
jurisdictions in which it does business. In Canada, the Company is subject to both federal and provincial regulation. In
the United States, the Company is primarily regulated by each of the states in which it conducts business and by
federal securities laws. The Company’s Asia operations are similarly subject to a variety of regulatory and supervisory
regimes in each of the Asian jurisdictions in which the Company operates, which vary in degree of regulation and
supervision.
CANADA
Manulife is governed by the ICA. The ICA is administered by, and activities of the Company are supervised by, the
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) (“OSFI”), the primary regulator of federal financial
institutions. The ICA permits insurance companies to offer, directly or through subsidiaries or through networking
arrangements, a broad range of financial services, including banking, investment counseling and portfolio
management, mutual funds, trust services, real property brokerage and appraisal, information processing and
merchant banking services.
The ICA requires the filing of annual and other reports on the financial condition of the Company, provides for periodic
examinations of the Company’s affairs, imposes restrictions on transactions with related parties, and sets forth
requirements governing reserves for actuarial liabilities and the safekeeping of assets and other matters. OSFI
supervises Manulife on a consolidated basis (including capital adequacy) to ensure that OSFI has an overview of the
group’s activities. This includes the ability to review both insurance and non-insurance activities conducted by
subsidiaries of Manulife with supervisory power to bring about corrective action.
Capital Requirements
The ICA requires Canadian insurance companies to maintain adequate levels of capital at all times.
Capital requirements for MFC and MLI are governed by the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (“LICAT”) guideline,
with LICAT ratios prepared on a consolidated basis. LICAT uses a risk-based approach to measure and aggregate
specified risks to calculate the amount of regulatory capital required to support these risks. It measures the capital
adequacy of a life insurer and is one of several indicators used by OSFI to assess a life insurer’s financial condition.
The LICAT ratio compares capital resources to the Base Solvency Buffer, the latter being the risk-based capital
requirement determined in accordance with the guideline.
Capital resources include Available Capital, as well as a Surplus Allowance (equal to the net risk adjustment reported
in the financial statements in respect of all insurance contracts other than risk adjustments arising from segregated
fund contracts with guarantee risks) and Eligible Deposits (collateral and letters of credit from unregistered reinsurers).
Available Capital includes common equity, qualifying preferred shares, qualifying innovative tier 1 instruments, limited
recourse capital notes, subordinated debt, contributed surplus, adjusted retained earnings, adjusted Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) and the participating account. Under LICAT, certain deductions are made from
Available Capital, including, but not limited to, goodwill, intangible assets, a portion of deferred tax assets, and
controlling interests in non-life financial corporations.
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The Base Solvency Buffer is equal to the aggregated capital requirements, net of credits for diversification and
qualifying participating and adjustable products. The capital requirements cover the following five risk components:
market risk, credit risk, insurance risk, operational risk and segregated funds guarantee risk.
A segregated fund guarantee (SFG) capital framework came into effect on January 1, 2025. The new framework
includes adjustments to the available capital calculation, adjustments to the Base Solvency Buffer and the inclusion of
transition measures.
The minimum regulatory LICAT ratio is 90% for MFC and MLI; in addition, MLI is subject to an industry-wide
supervisory target of 100%. OSFI expects each insurance company to establish an internal target capital level that
provides a cushion above the regulatory requirements. This cushion allows for coping with volatility in markets and
economic conditions, and enhances flexibility in capital management to consider aspects such as innovations in the
industry, consolidation trends and international developments. OSFI may require that a higher amount of capital be
available, taking into account such factors as operating experience and diversification of asset or insurance portfolios.
MFC endeavours to manage its business such that LICAT ratios for both MFC and MLI are above their internal
targets. See the section entitled “Capital Management Framework – Regulatory Capital Position” in our 2024 MD&A
for our LICAT ratios.
The ICA provides a wide range of discretionary intervention powers that allow OSFI to intervene to address concerns
that may arise with companies. Capital requirements may be adjusted by OSFI as experience develops, the risk
profile of Canadian life insurers changes, or to reflect other risks.
See the section entitled “Risk Management and Risk Factors” in our 2024 MD&A for information about regulatory
initiatives and other developments that could impact MFC’s capital position.
Regulated subsidiaries of MFC must maintain minimum levels of capital, which are based on the local capital regime
and the statutory accounting basis in each jurisdiction. The Company seeks to maintain capital in excess of the
minimum required in all foreign jurisdictions in which the Company does business.
Investment Powers
Under the ICA, Manulife must maintain a prudent portfolio of investments and loans, subject to certain overall
limitations on the amount it may invest in certain classes of investments, such as commercial loans. Additional
restrictions (and in some cases, the need for regulatory approvals) limit the types of investments that the Company
can make in excess of 10% of the voting rights or 25% of the equity of a body corporate, or in excess of 25% of the
ownership interests of an unincorporated entity.
Restrictions on Shareholder Dividends and Capital Transactions
The ICA prohibits the declaration or payment of any dividend on shares of an insurance company if there are
reasonable grounds for believing an insurance company does not have adequate capital and adequate and
appropriate forms of liquidity, or the declaration or the payment of the dividend would cause the insurance company to
be in contravention of any regulation made under the ICA respecting the maintenance of adequate capital and
adequate and appropriate forms of liquidity, or any direction made to the company by the Superintendent of Financial
Institutions (Canada) (the “Superintendent”). The ICA also requires an insurance company to notify the Superintendent
of the declaration of a dividend at least 15 days prior to the date fixed for its payment. Similarly, the ICA prohibits the
purchase for cancellation of any shares issued by an insurance company, or the redemption of any redeemable
shares or other similar capital transactions, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company does not
have adequate capital and adequate and appropriate forms of liquidity, or the purchase or the payment would cause
the company to be, in contravention of any regulation made under the ICA respecting the maintenance of adequate
capital and adequate and appropriate forms of liquidity, or any direction made to the company by the Superintendent.
These latter transactions would require the prior approval of the Superintendent. There is currently no direction against
MFC or MLI paying a dividend or redeeming or purchasing their shares for cancellation.
Chief Actuary
In accordance with the ICA, the Board of Directors of MFC (the “Board”) has appointed the Chief Actuary who must be
a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. The Chief Actuary is required to value the policy liabilities of Manulife
4 Accepted actuarial practices means Canadian accepted actuarial practices as established by the Actuarial Standards Board.
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as at the end of each financial year in accordance with accepted actuarial practices4 with such changes as may be
determined by the Superintendent and any direction that may be made by the Superintendent, including selection of
appropriate assumptions and methods. The Chief Actuary must make a report in the prescribed form on the valuation
including providing an opinion as to whether the consolidated financial statements fairly present the results of the
valuation. At least once in each financial year, the Chief Actuary must meet with the Board, or the Audit Committee, to
report, in accordance with accepted actuarial practice and any direction that may be made by the Superintendent, on
the current and expected future financial condition of the Company. The Chief Actuary is also required to report to the
President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company if the Chief Actuary identifies
any matters that, in the Chief Actuary’s opinion, have material adverse effects on the financial condition of the
Company and require rectification.
Prescribed Supervisory Information
The Supervisory Information (Insurance Companies) Regulations made under the ICA prohibit regulated insurance
companies, such as MFC and MLI, from disclosing, directly or indirectly, “prescribed supervisory information”, as
defined in those regulations. Prescribed supervisory information includes assessments, recommendations, ratings and
reports concerning the Company made by or at the request of the Superintendent, orders of the Superintendent with
respect to capital and liquidity, certain regulatory actions taken with respect to the Company, prudential agreements
between the Company and the Superintendent, and directions of the Superintendent that we cease or refrain from
committing, or remedy, unsafe or unsound practices in conducting our business.
Provincial Insurance Regulation
The Company is also subject to provincial regulation and supervision in each province and territory of Canada in which
it carries on business. While mainly subject to direct governance by provincial insurance regulation, which is
concerned primarily with the form of insurance contracts and the sale and marketing of insurance and annuity
products, including the licensing and supervision of insurance agents, the Company is also subject to other provincial
regulatory regimes governing general commercial conduct, such as consumer protection and privacy. Insurance sales
and agent compensation are also subject to guidelines established by the Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory
Organization, which have been incorporated into the criteria by which provincial insurance regulators undertake
supervision. Individual variable insurance contracts and the underlying segregated funds to which they relate are also
subject to guidelines established by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. which have been
incorporated into regulation in Ontario, are consistent with guidelines in Quebec adopted under the authority of
Québec insurance legislation, and are generally followed by the regulators of all other provinces. These guidelines
govern a number of matters relating to the sale of these products and the administration of the underlying segregated
funds. MLI is licensed to transact business in all provinces and territories of Canada.
Provincial/Territorial Securities Laws
The Company’s Canadian investment fund, dealer and asset management businesses are subject to Canadian
provincial and territorial securities laws. Manulife Investment Management Limited (“MIML”) is registered as a portfolio
manager with the securities commissions in all Canadian provinces and territories, as an investment fund manager in
the provinces of Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec, as a commodity trading manager in Ontario, and
as a derivatives portfolio manager in Québec. Manulife Investment Management Distributors Inc. (“MIMDI”) is
registered as an exempt market dealer with the securities commissions in all Canadian provinces and territories.
MIML and MIMDI are subject to regulation by the applicable provincial securities regulators. Manulife Wealth Inc.
(“MWI”) is registered under provincial and territorial securities laws to sell investments across Canada and is subject to
regulation by the applicable provincial and territorial securities regulators. MWI is regulated by the Canadian
Investment Regulatory Organization. MWI is also registered as a derivatives dealer in Québec.
Consumer Protection for Financial Institution Failure
Assuris was created by the life and health insurance industry in Canada in 1990 to provide Canadian policyholders
with protection in the event of the insolvency of their insurance company. Assuris is funded by its member insurance
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companies, including MLI and Manulife Assurance Company of Canada. Member companies of Assuris are assessed
to build and maintain a liquidity fund at a minimum level of $100 million. Members are then primarily subject to
assessment on an “as needed” basis. The assessment base for member companies is calculated using each
member’s solvency buffer, subject to adjustments where the member operates in foreign jurisdictions.
The Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) has been created to provide clients with protection, within defined
limits, in the event of the insolvency of their investment dealer or their mutual fund dealer. The CIPF is funded by its
member investment dealers and mutual fund dealers, including MWI.
The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”) is a federal crown corporation created by parliament in 1967 to
protect deposits made with member financial institutions in case of their failure. CDIC member institutions, including
Manulife Bank and its subsidiary Manulife Trust Company, fund deposit insurance through premiums paid on the
insured deposits that they hold.
UNITED STATES
General Regulation at the State Level
The various states in the United States have laws regulating transactions between insurers and other members of
insurance holding company systems. Transactions between the Company’s U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries and
their affiliates are subject to regulation by the states in which such insurance subsidiaries are domiciled and, for certain
limited matters, states in which they transact business. Most states have enacted legislation that requires each
insurance holding company and each insurance subsidiary in an insurance holding company system to register with,
and be subject to regulation by, the insurance regulatory authority of the insurance subsidiary’s state of domicile. The
Company’s principal U.S. life insurance subsidiaries are John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (“JHUSA”),
John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York (“JHNY”) and John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company
(“JHLH”). They are domiciled in Michigan, New York and Massachusetts, respectively. Under such laws, the
insurance subsidiaries are required to annually furnish financial and related information concerning the operations of
companies within the holding company system that may materially affect the operations, management or financial
condition of insurers within the system. These reports are also filed with other insurance departments on request. In
addition, such laws provide that all transactions within an insurance holding company system must be fair and
equitable, and following any such transactions, each insurer’s policyholder surplus must be both reasonable in relation
to its outstanding liabilities and adequate for its needs.
The laws of the various states also establish regulatory agencies with broad administrative powers, such as the power
to approve policy forms, grant and revoke licenses to transact business, regulate trade practices, license agents,
require financial statements and prescribe the type and amount of investment permitted. State insurance regulatory
authorities regularly make inquiries, hold investigations and administer market conduct examinations with respect to
an insurer’s compliance with applicable insurance laws and regulations.
Insurance companies are required to file detailed annual statements with state insurance regulators in each of the
states in which they do business and their business and accounts are subject to examination by such regulators at any
time. Quarterly statements must also be filed with the state insurance regulator in the insurer’s state of domicile and
with the insurance departments of many of the states in which the insurer does business. Insurance regulators may
periodically examine an insurer’s financial condition, adherence to statutory accounting practices and compliance with
insurance department rules and regulations.
State insurance departments, as part of their routine oversight process, conduct detailed examinations of the books,
records and accounts of insurance companies domiciled in their states. These examinations are generally conducted
in accordance with the examining state’s laws and the guidelines promulgated by the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”), an association of the chief insurance supervisory officials of each state,
territory or possession of the United States. Each of the Company’s principal U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries is
subject to periodic examinations by its respective domiciliary state insurance regulators. The latest published
examination reports issued by each such insurance department did not raise any material issues or adjustments.
Page | 12 |
Investment Powers
The Company’s U.S. domiciled insurance subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations that require diversification of
their investment portfolios and limit the amount of investments in certain investment categories such as below
investment grade bonds and real estate. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may cause investments
exceeding regulatory limitations to be treated as non-admitted assets for the purposes of measuring statutory surplus
and in some circumstances would require divestiture of the non-qualifying assets.
Minimum Statutory Surplus and Capital
The Company’s U.S. domiciled life insurance subsidiaries are required to have minimum statutory surplus and capital
of various amounts depending on the state in which they are licensed and the types of business they transact.
NAIC IRIS Ratios
The NAIC uses a set of financial relationships or “tests,” known as the Insurance Regulatory Information System
(“IRIS”), which are designed for the early identification of insurance companies which might warrant special attention
by insurance regulatory authorities. Insurance companies submit data annually to the NAIC, which in turn analyzes the
data utilizing 12 ratios, each with defined “usual ranges.” Having ratios that fall outside the usual range does not
necessarily indicate that a company experienced unfavourable results. An insurance company may fall out of the usual
range for one or more ratios because of transactions that are favourable (such as large increases in surplus) or are
immaterial or eliminated at the consolidated level. Each company’s ratios are reviewed annually and are assigned a
ranking by a team of examiners and financial analysts at the NAIC for the purpose of identifying companies that
require immediate regulatory attention. The rankings are not reported to the companies and are only available to
regulators.
Risk-Based Capital Requirements
In order to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, state regulators have adopted the NAIC model law
implementing Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements for life insurance companies. The requirements are designed
to monitor capital adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for policyholders. The
model law measures four major areas of risk facing life insurers: (i) the risk of loss from asset defaults and asset
fluctuation; (ii) the risk of loss from adverse mortality and morbidity experience; (iii) the risk of loss from mismatching of
asset and liability cash flows due to changing interest rates; and (iv) general business risk. Insurers having less
statutory surplus than required by the RBC model formula are subject to varying degrees of regulatory action
depending on the level of capital inadequacy. Based on the formula adopted by the NAIC, each of the Company’s U.S.
domiciled insurance company subsidiaries exceeded the RBC capital requirements as at December 31, 2024.
Regulation of Shareholder Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries
Manulife’s ability to meet debt service obligations and pay operating expenses and shareholder dividends depends on
the receipt of sufficient funds from its operating subsidiaries. Our U.S. operating subsidiaries are indirectly owned by
MLI. The payment of dividends by JHUSA is subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of Michigan, its
domiciliary state. Similarly, the payment of dividends by JHNY and JHLH is regulated by New York and
Massachusetts insurance laws, respectively. In all three states, regulatory approval is required if proposed shareholder
dividend distributions exceed certain thresholds. In addition, general regulations relating to an insurer’s financial
condition and solvency may also preclude or restrict the amount of dividends that may be paid by the Company’s U.S.
domiciled insurance subsidiaries.
Federal Securities and Commodity Laws
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and certain investment funds, policies and contracts offered by them are
subject to regulation under federal securities laws administered by the SEC and under certain state securities laws.
Certain segregated funds of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are registered as investment companies under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as are certain other funds managed by subsidiaries of the Company. Interests in
segregated funds under certain variable annuity contracts and variable insurance policies issued by the Company’s
insurance subsidiaries are also registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. Each of John Hancock Distributors
Page | 13 |
LLC, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC and Manulife John Hancock Brokerage Services LLC
is registered as a broker-dealer under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each is a member of, and subject
to regulation by, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Each of John Hancock Investment Management LLC, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, Manulife
Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture Inc., Manulife Investment Management Private Markets (US)
LLC, John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC, Manulife Investment Management (North America) Limited and John
Hancock Personal Financial Services, LLC is an investment adviser registered under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act
of 1940. Certain investment companies advised or managed by these subsidiaries are registered with the SEC under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the shares of certain of these entities are qualified for sale in certain states
in the United States and the District of Columbia. All aspects of the investment advisory activities of the Company’s
subsidiaries are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations in jurisdictions in which they conduct
business. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to benefit investment advisory clients and investment
company shareholders and generally grant supervisory agencies broad administrative powers, including the power to
limit or restrict the carrying on of business for failure to comply with such laws and regulations. In such event, the
possible sanctions that may be imposed include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on the activities in
which the investment advisor may engage, suspension or revocation of the investment advisor’s registration as an
advisor, censure and fines.
The Commodity Exchange Act may regulate certain of the Company’s segregated funds and registered funds as a
“commodity pool”, and certain of the Company’s registered advisers as a “commodity pool operator” or a “commodity
trading advisor”.
State Guaranty Funds
All states of the United States have insurance guaranty fund laws requiring life insurance companies doing business in
the state to participate in a guaranty association which, like Assuris in Canada, is organized to protect policyholders
against loss of benefits in the event of an insolvency or wind-up of a member insurer. These associations levy
assessments (up to prescribed limits) on the basis of the proportionate share of premiums written by member insurers
in the lines of business in which the impaired or insolvent insurer is engaged. Assessments levied against the
Company in each of the past five years have not been material.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) Considerations
Employee benefit plans are governed by ERISA and are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Labor. As
service providers to employee benefit plans, the Company and its subsidiaries may be “parties in interest”, as such
term is defined in ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), with respect to such
plans. Certain transactions between parties in interest and those plans are prohibited by ERISA and the Code. If it is
determined that the Company or subsidiary is not in compliance with an applicable statutory or administrative
exemption, severe penalties and excise taxes could be imposed under ERISA and the Code.
In addition, ERISA imposes duties on fiduciaries to employee benefit plans covered by that law. The Company’s
subsidiaries that provide investment management or investment advisory services with respect to plan assets may be
deemed to be fiduciaries under ERISA. Accordingly, the applicable subsidiary must comply with both the fiduciary
duty and prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and the Code. If it is determined that the Company subsidiary has
breached its fiduciary duties in providing investment management or advice to a plan, then the Company subsidiary
could be liable for restoring any losses to the applicable plan(s).
ASIA
In Asia, local insurance authorities supervise and monitor the Company’s business and financial condition in each of
the markets in which the Company operates. The Company is also required to meet specific minimum working and
regulatory capital requirements and is subject to regulations governing the investment of such capital in each of these
jurisdictions. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“Hong Kong”) and Japan are the regulatory jurisdictions
governing Manulife’s most significant operations in Asia.
Page | 14 |
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the authority and responsibility for supervision of the insurance industry is vested in the Insurance
Authority (“IA”) under the Insurance Ordinance, Cap. 41 (the “Insurance Ordinance”).
The Chief Executive of the Government of Hong Kong appoints the members of the IA pursuant to the Insurance
Ordinance. The Insurance Ordinance provides that no person shall carry on any insurance business in or from Hong
Kong except a company authorized to do so by the IA, Lloyd’s of the United Kingdom or an association of underwriters
approved by the IA. The Insurance Ordinance stipulates certain requirements for authorized insurers, including robust
corporate governance, enhanced “fit and proper person” requirements for directors, controllers and several key
persons in control functions such as financial control, compliance, risk management, intermediary management,
actuary and internal audit, minimum capital and solvency margin requirements, adequate reinsurance arrangement
requirements and statutory reporting requirements. The Insurance Ordinance also confers powers of inspection,
investigation and intervention on the IA for the protection of policyholders and potential policyholders.
The IA has residual power to appoint an advisor or a manager to any authorized insurer if the IA considers such
appointment to be desirable for the protection of policyholders or potential policyholders against the risk that the
insurer may be unable to meet its liabilities or to fulfill the reasonable expectations of policyholders or potential
policyholders and that, in the IA’s opinion, the exercise of other interventionary powers conferred by the Insurance
Ordinance would not be appropriate to safeguard the interests of policyholders or potential policyholders. In such
circumstances, the advisor or manager appointed by the IA will have management control of the insurer.
In Hong Kong, the Company’s life insurance business is conducted through a branch of a wholly owned Bermuda
subsidiary, Manulife (International) Limited, which is licensed to carry on the business of “long-term” insurance by the
IA and the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
Long-term insurance companies are required under the Insurance Ordinance to maintain certain capital requirements.
The prescribed capital amount is based on the risk capital amounts for its risk exposures to market risk, life insurance
risk, counterparty default risk, operational risk and other risk(s) if applicable, as prescribed under the Insurance
(Valuation and Capital) Rules (Cap.41R), enacted pursuant to the Insurance Ordinance. For a long-term insurance
company, the value of its assets must not be less than the amount of its liabilities by the prescribed capital amount,
subject to a minimum of Hong Kong $20 million. Compliance with the capital requirements is reported quarterly to the
IA. Currently, all capital requirements are being met.
Investment managers and distributors in Hong Kong, including Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited
(entity and staff)(“MIMHK”), and the sale of mutual funds and the issuance of advertisements, invitations or documents
in relation to collective investment schemes which contain an invitation to acquire an interest (products and selling) are
highly regulated and are subject to Hong Kong securities laws as administered by the Securities and Futures
Commission (“SFC”). The promotion and sale of pension schemes fund products is undertaken by Manulife
(International) Limited as the scheme sponsor, with Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited as the MPF
approved trustee, and all such activities are subject to the supervision of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes
Authority (“MPFA”) and the IA. Management of the relevant pension funds is undertaken by MIMHK as investment
manager, which is subject to the supervision of the MPFA and the SFC. The sales of long term insurance
policies, investment-linked assurance, group life and health products and Qualifying Deferred Annuity Products are
subject to the supervision of the IA. Investment-linked assurance is also subject to supervision by the SFC. The sale of
Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme products is subject to the regulatory scrutiny of the Food and Health Bureau of
the Hong Kong Government. Manulife (International) Limited also conducts long term insurance business in the Macau
Special Administrative Region and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Macau.
Japan
Life insurance companies in Japan, including Manulife Life Insurance Company (“Manulife Japan”), are governed by
the Insurance Business Law and the regulations issued thereunder (the “IB Law”). The IB Law sets out a
comprehensive regulatory regime for Japanese life insurers, including such matters as capital and solvency
requirements, powers of regulatory intervention, new insurance products and restrictions on shareholder dividends
Page | 15 |
and distributions. The administration and application of the IB Law is supervised by the Financial Services Agency
(“FSA”). The IB Law provides for certain rules with respect to the approval of new insurance products and the setting
of premium levels.
The IB Law includes obligations relating to sales of insurance products such as understanding customers’ intentions
and provision of relevant information to customers, as well as agencies’ obligation to develop their own control
frameworks including the non-exclusive agencies’ obligation to recommend a product based on a comparison with
similar products.
The FSA published Principles for Customer-Oriented Business Operations that recommend financial institutions,
including insurers, among others, take the following actions:
(i) develop and make public a policy for a customer-oriented business; (ii) provide thorough disclosure of detailed fees
and expenses of financial products to customers; (iii) provide important information in an easy to understand manner;
and (iv) provide services suited to each customer. Manulife Japan established a policy known as a “Customer
Promise” and made it public on its website.
Investment managers in Japan, including Manulife Investment Management (Japan) Limited, are governed by the
Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (Japan), and the regulations issued thereunder (the “FIEA”). The FIEA sets
out a comprehensive regulatory regime for investment managers that do business in Japan, including the registration
requirement for investment managers, filing requirements for public offerings of investment trusts, behaviour
regulations and other matters. Persons who conduct investment management business in Japan (management of
investment trusts and/or discretionary investment management business) must be registered with the FSA under the
FIEA. The registered investment managers are supervised by the FSA or local financial bureaus. The Investment
Trust and Investment Corporation Act (Japan) provides structural requirements for investment trust funds organized
within Japan and also governs managers of such domestic investment trusts.
Restrictions on Shareholder Dividends
In Asia, insurance and company laws in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates provide for specific
restrictions on the payment of shareholder dividends and other distributions by the Company’s subsidiaries, or impose
solvency or other financial tests, which could affect the ability of these subsidiaries to pay dividends in certain
circumstances.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The following summarizes certain provisions of MFC’s common shares, preferred shares and limited recourse capital
notes. This summary is qualified in its entirety by MFC’s by-laws and the actual terms and conditions of such
securities.
MFC has authorized share capital consisting of an unlimited number of common shares (“Common Shares”), an
unlimited number of Class A Shares (“Class A Shares”), an unlimited number of Class B Shares (“Class B Shares”)
and an unlimited number of Class 1 Shares (“Class 1 Shares”) (collectively, the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and
Class 1 Shares are “Preferred Shares”).
5On February 17, 2021, 2,000,000 Non-Cumulative Fixed Rate Reset Class 1 Shares Series 27 were issued to the Limited Recourse Trustee,
Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in connection with MFC’s Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 1. These shares are not listed
on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”).
6 On November 10, 2021, 1,200,000 Non-Cumulative Fixed Rate Reset Class 1 Shares Series 28 were issued to the Limited Recourse
Trustee, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in connection with MFC’s Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 2. These shares are
not listed on the TSX.
7 On June 14, 2022, 1,000,000 Non-Cumulative Fixed Rate Reset Class 1 Shares Series 29 were issued to the Limited Recourse Trustee,
Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in connection with MFC’s Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 3. These shares are not listed
on the TSX.
Page | 16 |
As of December 31, 2024, MFC had the following Common Shares, Class A Shares and Class 1 Shares issued:
Common Shares | 1,728,734,607 |
Class A Shares Series 2 | 14,000,000 |
Class A Shares Series 3 | 12,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 3 | 6,537,903 |
Class 1 Shares Series 4 | 1,462,097 |
Class 1 Shares Series 9 | 10,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 11 | 8,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 13 | 8,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 15 | 8,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 17 | 14,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 19 | 10,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 25 | 10,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 275 | 2,000,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 286 | 1,200,000 |
Class 1 Shares Series 297 | 1,000,000 |
MFC has authorized but not issued Class 1 Shares Series 10, Class 1 Shares Series 12, Class 1 Shares Series 14,
Class 1 Shares Series 16, Class 1 Shares Series 18, Class 1 Shares Series 20, and Class 1 Shares Series 26.
Certain Provisions of the Class A Shares as a Class
The following is a summary of certain provisions attaching to the Class A Shares as a class.
Priority
Each series of Class A Shares ranks on a parity with every other series of Class A Shares and every series of Class 1
Shares with respect to dividends and return of capital. The Class A Shares shall be entitled to a preference over the
Class B Shares, the Common Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class A Shares with respect to
priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of MFC, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of MFC among its shareholders for the
specific purpose of winding up its affairs.
Certain Provisions of the Class B Shares as a Class
The following is a summary of certain provisions attaching to the Class B Shares as a class.
Priority
Each series of Class B Shares ranks on a parity with every other series of Class B Shares with respect to dividends
and return of capital. The Class B Shares shall rank junior to the Class A Shares and the Class 1 Shares with respect
to priority in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-
up of MFC, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of MFC among its shareholders for
the specific purpose of winding up its affairs, but the Class B Shares shall be entitled to a preference over the
Common Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class B Shares with respect to priority in payment of
Page | 17 |
dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of MFC, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of MFC among its shareholders for the specific purpose
of winding up its affairs.
Certain Provisions of the Class 1 Shares as a Class
The following is a summary of certain provisions attaching to the Class 1 Shares as a class.
Priority
Each series of Class 1 Shares ranks on a parity with every other series of Class 1 Shares and every series of Class A
Shares with respect to dividends and return of capital. The Class 1 Shares shall be entitled to a preference over the
Class B Shares, the Common Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class 1 Shares with respect to priority
in payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
MFC, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of MFC among its shareholders for the
specific purpose of winding up its affairs.
Certain Provisions Common to the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class 1 Shares
The following is a summary of certain provisions attaching to the Class A Shares as a class, to the Class B Shares as
a class and to the Class 1 Shares as a class.
Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series
The Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class 1 Shares may be issued at any time and from time to time in one or
more series. Before any shares of a series are issued, the Board shall fix the number of shares that will form such
series, if any, and shall, subject to any limitations set out in the by-laws of MFC or in the ICA, determine the
designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions to be attached to the Class A Shares, Class B Shares or
Class 1 Shares as the case may be, of such series, the whole subject to the filing with OSFI of the particulars of such
series, including the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions determined by the Board.
Summaries of the terms for each series of the Class A Shares and Class 1 Shares that have been issued or
authorized for issuance are contained in the prospectuses relating to such shares, which are available on SEDAR+.
Voting Rights of Preferred Shares
Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by law or as specified in the rights, privileges, restrictions and
conditions attached from time to time to any series of Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class 1 Shares, the holders
of such Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class 1 Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of,
to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of MFC.
Amendment with Approval of Holders of Preferred Shares
The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to each of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class 1
Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of such class of
Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.
Approval of Holders of Preferred Shares
The approval of the holders of a class of Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction
or condition attaching to such class of Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the
consent of the holders of such class of Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by
law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of such
class of Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at a meeting of
the holders of such class of Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. Notwithstanding any other condition or
Page | 18 |
provision of any class of Preferred Shares, the approval of the holders of any class, voting separately as a class or
series, is not required on a proposal to amend the by-laws of MFC to:
(i)increase or decrease the maximum number of authorized Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class 1
Shares, as the case may be, or increase the maximum number of authorized shares of a class of shares
having rights or privileges equal or superior to such class of Preferred Shares;
(ii)effect the exchange, reclassification or cancellation of all or any part of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares
or Class 1 Shares, as the case may be; or
(iii)create a new class of shares equal to or superior to the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares or the Class 1
Shares, as the case may be.
The formalities to be observed with respect to the giving of notice of any such meeting or any adjourned meeting, the
quorum required therefor and the conduct thereof shall be those from time to time required by the ICA as in force at
the time of the meeting and those, if any, prescribed by the by-laws or the administrative resolutions of MFC with
respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of a class of Preferred
Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of a class of Preferred Shares, each
holder of such class of Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each relevant
Preferred Share held.
Certain Provisions of the Common Shares as a Class
The authorized common share capital of MFC consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares without nominal or
par value. Each holder of Common Shares is entitled to receive notice of and to attend all meetings of the
shareholders of MFC and is entitled to one vote for each share held except for meetings at which only holders of
another specified class or series of shares of MFC are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. The holders of
Common Shares are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the Board, subject to the preference of the
holders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class 1 Shares and any other shares ranking senior to the Common
Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends. After payment to the holders of Class A Shares, Class B
Shares, Class 1 Shares and any other shares ranking senior to Common Shares with respect to priority in the
distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of MFC, the holders of Common Shares
shall be entitled to receive prorated the net assets of MFC remaining, after the payment of all creditors and liquidation
preferences, if any, that pertain to shareholders.
Description of the Limited Recourse Capital Notes
MFC has outstanding $2,000,000,000 of 3.375% Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 1 (Subordinated
Indebtedness) due June 19, 2081 (the “Series 1 Notes”); $1,200,000,000 of 4.10% Limited Recourse Capital Notes
Series 2 (Subordinated Indebtedness) due March 19, 2082 (the “Series 2 Notes”); and $1,000,000,000 of 7.117%
Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 3 (Subordinated Indebtedness) due June 19, 2082 (the “Series 3 Notes” and
collectively with the Series 1 Notes and the Series 2 Notes, the “Notes”) which are classified as equity in our 2024
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain Provisions of the Limited Recourse Capital Notes
The following is a summary of certain provisions attaching to the Notes as a class.
Priority
The Notes are direct, subordinated, unsecured indebtedness of MFC and will rank subordinate to all of MFC’s policy
liabilities and all other indebtedness (including all of MFC’s other unsecured and subordinated indebtedness) from time
to time issued and outstanding, except for such indebtedness which by its terms ranks equally in right of payment with,
or is subordinate to, the Notes.
Limited Recourse
In the event of non-payment by MFC of the principal amount of, interest on, or redemption price for, the Notes when
due, the sole recourse of each holder of the Notes shall be limited to the assets held in respect of the Notes by
Page | 19 |
Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as trustee (the “Limited Recourse Trustee”) of Manulife LRCN Limited
Recourse Trust (the “Limited Recourse Trust”) from time to time (“Corresponding Trust Assets”). As of the date
hereof, the Corresponding Trust Assets in respect of the Series 1 Notes consist of 2,000,000 Class 1 Shares Series
27, the Corresponding Trust Assets in respect of the Series 2 Notes consist of 1,200,000 Class 1 Shares Series 28
and the Corresponding Trust Assets in respect of the Series 3 Notes consist of 1,000,000 Class 1 Shares Series 29.
DIVIDENDS
The declaration and payment of dividends and the amount thereof is subject to the discretion of the Board and is
dependent upon the results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and future prospects of, and
regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by, the Company and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
Since MFC is a holding company that conducts all of its operations through regulated insurance subsidiaries (or
companies owned directly or indirectly by these subsidiaries), its ability to pay future dividends will depend on the
receipt of sufficient funds from its regulated insurance subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are also subject to certain
regulatory restrictions under laws in Canada, the United States and certain other countries that may limit their ability to
pay dividends or make other upstream distributions. MFC has paid the following cash dividends in the period from
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024:
Type of Shares | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
Common Shares | $1.6000 | $1.4600 | $1.3200 |
Preferred Shares | |||
Class A Shares Series 2 | $1.1625 | $1.1625 | $1.1625 |
Class A Shares Series 3 | $1.1250 | $1.1250 | $1.1250 |
Class 1 Shares Series 3 | $0.5870 | $0.5870 | $0.5870 |
Class 1 Shares Series 4 | $1.5578 | $1.4946 | $0.6814 |
Class 1 Shares Series 7 | - | - | $0.2695 |
Class 1 Shares Series 9 | $1.4945 | $1.4945 | $1.1894 |
Class 1 Shares Series 11 | $1.5398 | $1.4505 | $1.1827 |
Class 1 Shares Series 13 | $1.5875 | $1.2245 | $1.1035 |
Class 1 Shares Series 15 | $1.1951 | $0.9465 | $0.9465 |
Class 1 Shares Series 17 | $0.9500 | $0.9500 | $0.9500 |
Class 1 Shares Series 19 | $0.9188 | $0.9188 | $0.9188 |
Class 1 Shares Series 23 | - | - | $0.3031 |
Class 1 Shares Series 25 | $1.4855 | $1.3303 | $1.1750 |
Class 1 Shares Series 27 | - | - | - |
Class 1 Shares Series 28 | - | - | - |
Class 1 Shares Series 29 | - | - | - |
With reference to the information in the table above:
Class 1 Shares Series 7 and Series 23 were redeemed and delisted from the TSX, effective March 19, 2022.
Until revoked, the Limited Recourse Trustee of the Limited Recourse Trust has waived its right to receive any and all
dividends on the Class 1 Shares Series 27, the Class 1 Shares Series 28, and the Class 1 Shares Series 29. Until
such waiver is revoked by the Limited Recourse Trustee of the Limited Recourse Trust, no dividends are expected to
be declared or paid on the Class 1 Shares Series 27, the Class 1 Shares Series 28 or the Class 1 Shares Series 29.
The 2024, 2023 and 2022 dividends on the Common Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class 1 Shares were paid
quarterly in March, June, September and December.
Page | 20 |
CONSTRAINTS ON OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
The ICA contains restrictions on the purchase or other acquisition, issue, transfer and voting of the shares of MFC.
Pursuant to these restrictions, no person is permitted to acquire any shares of MFC if the acquisition would cause the
person to have a “significant interest” in any class of shares of MFC, unless the prior approval of the Minister of
Finance (Canada) is obtained. The restrictions also prohibit any person from becoming a “major shareholder” of MFC.
In addition, MFC is not permitted to record in its securities register any transfer or issue of shares if the transfer or
issue would cause the person to breach the ownership restrictions. For these purposes, a person has a significant
interest in a class of shares of MFC where the aggregate of any shares of that class beneficially owned by that person,
any entity controlled by that person and by any person associated or acting jointly or in concert with that person
exceeds 10% of all the outstanding shares of that class of shares of MFC. A person is a major shareholder if the
aggregate of any shares in a class of voting shares held by that person and by any entity controlled by that person
exceeds 20% of the outstanding shares of that class, or, for a class of non-voting shares, a holding exceeds 30% of
that class. If a person contravenes any of these restrictions, the Minister of Finance (Canada) may, by order, direct
such person to dispose of all or any portion of those shares. In addition, the ICA prohibits life insurance companies,
including MFC, from recording in their securities register a transfer or issue of any share to His Majesty in right of
Canada or of a province, an agent or agency of His Majesty, a foreign government or an agent or agency of a foreign
government and provides further that no person may exercise the voting rights attached to those shares of an
insurance company. The ICA exempts from such constraints certain foreign financial institutions which are controlled
by foreign governments and eligible agents provided certain conditions are satisfied.
Under applicable insurance laws and regulations in Michigan, New York and Massachusetts, no person may acquire
control of any of the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in any such state without obtaining prior
approval of such state’s insurance regulatory authority. Under applicable laws and regulations, any person acquiring,
directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting securities of any other person is presumed to have acquired “control” of
such person. Thus, any person seeking to acquire 10% or more of the voting securities of MFC must obtain the prior
approval of the insurance regulatory authorities in certain states including Michigan, Massachusetts and New York, or
must demonstrate to the relevant insurance regulator’s satisfaction that the acquisition of such securities will not give
them control of MFC. Under state law, the failure to obtain such prior approval would entitle MFC or the insurance
regulatory authorities to seek judicial injunctive relief, including enjoining the proposed acquisition or the voting of the
acquired securities at any meeting of shareholders.
RATINGS
Credit rating agencies publish credit ratings, which are indicators of an issuer’s ability to meet the terms of its
obligations in a timely manner and are important factors in a company’s overall funding profile and ability to access
external capital.
Ratings are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies, maintaining public
confidence in products being offered, and determining the cost of capital. A ratings downgrade, or the potential for
such a downgrade, could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Some effects of a downgrade
include an increase in our cost of capital and limit in our access to the capital markets, causing some of our existing
liabilities to be subject to acceleration, additional collateral support, changes in terms or additional financial obligations,
the termination of our relationships with broker-dealers, banks, agents, wholesalers and other distributors of our
products and services, an unfavourable impact on our ability to execute on our hedging strategy, a material increase in
the number of surrenders, for all or a portion of the net cash values, by the owners of policies and contracts we have
issued, and a material increase in the number of withdrawals by policyholders of cash values from their policies, and a
reduction in new sales.
The following table summarizes, by type of securities, the ratings and ranking that MFC has received from select
independent rating organizations as at February 13, 2025. Note that some of the rating organizations may not have
assigned ratings to all classes or series of instruments under each security type.
Page | 21 |
AM Best Company (“AM Best”) | DBRS Limited & affiliated entities (“Morningstar DBRS”) | Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”) | S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) | ||||||
Securities | Rating | Rank | Rating | Rank | Rating/ | Rank | Rating | Rank | |
Preferred Shares | bbb | 9 of 21 | Pfd-2 (high) | 4 of 16 | BBB | 9 of 21 | P-2 (high), BBB+ | 4 of 18, 6 of 20 | |
Medium Term Notes and Senior Debt | a- | 7 of 21 | A (high) | 5 of 26 | A | 6 of 21 | A | 6 of 22 | |
Subordinated Debt | bbb+ | 8 of 21 | A | 6 of 26 | A- | 7 of 21 | A- | 7 of 22 | |
Limited Recourse Capital Notes | bbb+ | 8 of 21 | A (low) | 7 of 26 | BBB | 9 of 21 | BBB+ | 8 of 22 | |
The security ratings accorded by the rating organizations are not a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell these
securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating organizations. Security ratings are
intended to provide investors with an independent measure of the credit quality of an issue of securities. The Company
provides certain rating agencies with confidential, in-depth information in support of the rating process.
The Company has paid customary rating fees to Morningstar DBRS, Fitch and S&P in connection with some or all of
the above-mentioned ratings. In addition, the Company has made customary payments in respect of certain other
services provided to MFC by each of AM Best, Morningstar DBRS, Fitch, and S&P during the last two years.
The descriptions of the ratings below are sourced from public information as disclosed by each rating agency.
AM Best Ratings
AM Best assigns ratings for preferred shares and debt in a range from “aaa” to “c”. These ratings provide an opinion of
an entity’s ability to meet ongoing financial obligations to security holders when due, and reflects the risk that an issuer
may not meet its contractual obligations. The modifiers plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote a
gradation within the category to indicate whether credit quality is near the top or bottom of a particular rating category.
The company’s rating outlooks may be positive, stable, or negative, indicating the potential future direction a rating
may move over a 36-month period. The Company’s current rating outlook is stable.
MFC’s Class A Shares and Class 1 Shares have been assigned a “bbb” rating, which denotes a good ability to meet
the terms of the obligation; however, the issue is more susceptible to changes in economic or other conditions.
MFC’s Medium Term Notes and Senior Debt have been assigned an “a-” rating, which denotes an excellent ability to
meet the terms of the obligation.
MFC’s Subordinated Debt and Limited Recourse Capital Notes have been assigned a “bbb+” rating, which denotes a
good ability to meet the terms of the obligation; however, the issue is more susceptible to changes in economic or
other conditions.
Morningstar DBRS Ratings
Morningstar DBRS assigns ratings for preferred shares in a range from “Pfd-1” to “D”. The Morningstar DBRS
preferred share rating scale is used in the Canadian securities market and is meant to give an indication of the risk
that a borrower will not fulfill its full obligations in a timely manner with respect to both dividend and principal
commitments. Morningstar DBRS assigns ratings for long-term obligations in a range from “AAA” to “D”. The scale
provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms
under which an obligation has been issued. Every Morningstar DBRS rating is based on quantitative and qualitative
considerations relevant to the borrowing entity. Some rating categories are denoted by the subcategories “high” and
“low”. The absence of either a “high” or “low” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The
Page | 22 |
company’s rating is appended with one of three rating trends: “Positive”, “Stable”, or “Negative”. The Company’s
current rating trend is stable.
MFC’s Class A Shares and Class 1 Shares have been assigned a “Pfd-2 (high)” rating as they are considered to be of
good credit quality. Protection of dividends and principal is still substantial, but earnings, the balance sheet and
coverage ratios are not as strong as “Pfd-1” rated companies.
MFC’s Medium Term Notes and Senior Debt have been assigned an “A (high)” rating, while MFC’s Subordinated Debt
has been assigned an “A” rating and MFC’s Limited Recourse Capital Notes have been assigned an “A (low)” rating.
An obligation rated “A (high)”, “A” or “A (low)” is of good credit quality, where the capacity for the payment of financial
obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA”. The Company may be vulnerable to future events, but
qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
Fitch Ratings
Fitch assigns ratings for preferred shares and debt in a range from “AAA” to “C” and these ratings provide an opinion
on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of
principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. These ratings are used by investors as indications of the
likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. These ratings do
not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss
on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. The modifiers “+” or “-”
may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. The company’s rating outlook
indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period. Rating outlooks may be positive, stable,
negative or evolving. The Company’s current rating outlook is stable.
MFC’s Class A Shares and Class 1 Shares and MFC’s Limited Recourse Capital Notes have been assigned a “BBB”
rating. This rating indicates that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this
capacity.
MFC’s Medium Term Notes and Senior Debt have been assigned an “A” rating, while MFC's Subordinated Debt has
been assigned an "A-" rating. These ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of
financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business
or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
S&P Ratings
S&P assigns ratings for Canadian preferred shares in a range from “P-1” to “D” and these ratings are a forward-
looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific preferred share obligation issued in
the Canadian market, relative to preferred shares issued by other issuers in the Canadian market. There is a direct
correspondence between the specific ratings assigned on the Canadian preferred share scale and the various rating
levels on the global debt rating scale of S&P. It is the practice of S&P to present an issuer’s preferred share ratings on
both the global ratings scale and the Canadian national scale when listing the ratings for a particular issuer. S&P’s
Canadian scale preferred share ratings may be modified by the addition of “High” or “Low” to show relative standing
within the major rating categories. S&P’s global scale preferred share ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus
(+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
S&P assigns ratings for long-term obligations in a range from “AAA” to “D”. These ratings provide a forward-looking
opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of
financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial
paper programs). S&P’s long-term issue credit ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to
show relative standing within the major rating categories.
The company’s rating outlook may be positive, negative, stable, developing or not meaningful. The Company’s current
rating outlook is stable.
Page | 23 |
MFC’s Class A Shares and Class 1 Shares have been assigned a “P-2 (High)” rating on the Canadian scale (which
corresponds to a “BBB+” rating on the global scale), while MFC’s Limited Recourse Capital Notes have been assigned
a “BBB+” rating. Obligations rated “P-2 (High)” or “BBB+” exhibit adequate protection parameters; however, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation.
MFC’s Medium Term Notes and Senior Debt have been assigned an “A” rating, while its Subordinated Debt has been
assigned an “A-” rating. An obligation rated “A” or “A-” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories, however, the obligor’s capacity
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
MFC’s Common Shares are listed for trading under the symbol “MFC” on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), the
New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and the Philippine Stock Exchange and under “0945” on The Stock Exchange of
Hong Kong Limited. The Class A Shares Series 2 and Class A Shares Series 3 preferred shares are listed for trading
on the TSX under the symbols “MFC.PR.B” and “MFC.PR.C”, respectively. The Class 1 Shares Series 3, Class 1
Shares Series 4, Class 1 Shares Series 9, Class 1 Shares Series 11, Class 1 Shares Series 13, Class 1 Shares
Series 15, Class 1 Shares Series 17, Class 1 Shares Series 19 and Class 1 Shares Series 25 preferred shares are
listed for trading on the TSX under the symbols “MFC.PR.F”, “MFC.PR.P”, “MFC.PR.I”, “MFC.PR.J”, “MFC.PR.K”,
“MFC.PR.L”, “MFC.PR.M”, “MFC.PR.N” and “MFC.PR.Q”, respectively.
Trading Price and Volume
The following table sets out the intra-day price range and trading volume of the Common Shares on the TSX and the
NYSE for the period indicated.
2024 | TSX | NYSE | ||||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | High (U.S.$) | Low (U.S. $) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 29.98 | 28.06 | 107,004 | 22.39 | 20.78 | 11,435 |
February | 33.59 | 28.95 | 168,935 | 24.89 | 21.55 | 25,611 |
March | 34.05 | 31.84 | 139,898 | 25.14 | 23.57 | 19,712 |
April | 34.04 | 31.24 | 92,212 | 25.05 | 22.62 | 10,489 |
May | 36.61 | 32.00 | 183,955 | 26.81 | 23.29 | 12,888 |
June | 36.62 | 34.05 | 131,437 | 26.77 | 24.73 | 9,356 |
July | 37.46 | 35.40 | 105,813 | 27.50 | 25.64 | 9,108 |
August | 37.34 | 32.87 | 202,168 | 27.74 | 23.31 | 9,343 |
September | 40.27 | 36.57 | 120,380 | 29.87 | 26.93 | 6,428 |
October | 42.52 | 39.46 | 97,293 | 30.86 | 29.07 | 8,096 |
November | 46.42 | 40.80 | 159,388 | 33.05 | 29.29 | 8,922 |
December | 46.13 | 42.73 | 120,372 | 32.86 | 29.59 | 8,149 |
Page | 24 |
The following tables set out the intra-day price range and trading volume of the Class A Shares Series 2 and Series 3
preferred shares and the Class 1 Shares Series 3, Series 4, Series 9, Series 11, Series 13, Series 15, Series 17,
Series 19, and Series 25 preferred shares on the TSX for the period indicated.
2024 | TSX – Class A Shares Series 2 | TSX – Class A Shares Series 3 | ||||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 19.47 | 18.91 | 157 | 19.13 | 18.30 | 159 |
February | 19.84 | 19.00 | 113 | 19.44 | 18.75 | 70 |
March | 19.49 | 18.92 | 145 | 19.07 | 18.33 | 51 |
April | 19.25 | 18.12 | 89 | 18.96 | 17.50 | 115 |
May | 19.72 | 18.53 | 119 | 19.12 | 17.95 | 90 |
June | 19.77 | 18.87 | 116 | 19.22 | 18.31 | 400 |
July | 20.19 | 19.25 | 165 | 19.76 | 18.77 | 149 |
August | 20.90 | 20.10 | 99 | 20.52 | 19.53 | 123 |
September | 21.02 | 20.46 | 754 | 20.64 | 20.07 | 296 |
October | 21.00 | 20.06 | 209 | 20.29 | 19.70 | 95 |
November | 20.36 | 19.41 | 280 | 19.97 | 19.00 | 92 |
December | 20.77 | 19.77 | 103 | 20.19 | 19.40 | 92 |
2024 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 3 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 4 | ||||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 15.28 | 14.30 | 295 | 16.70 | 15.51 | 12 |
February | 15.35 | 14.65 | 197 | 16.90 | 16.32 | 11 |
March | 15.35 | 14.43 | 227 | 16.50 | 16.00 | 30 |
April | 16.75 | 15.08 | 337 | 17.00 | 16.25 | 16 |
May | 18.15 | 16.67 | 544 | 19.43 | 17.55 | 26 |
June | 17.20 | 15.04 | 102 | 18.50 | 16.72 | 16 |
July | 18.00 | 16.19 | 459 | 18.20 | 17.15 | 17 |
August | 17.06 | 16.03 | 173 | 18.20 | 17.00 | 25 |
September | 16.97 | 16.30 | 84 | 17.05 | 16.00 | 9 |
October | 16.45 | 16.05 | 35 | 17.28 | 16.50 | 21 |
November | 16.70 | 16.00 | 91 | 17.10 | 16.51 | 18 |
December | 17.04 | 16.60 | 174 | 17.32 | 16.65 | 11 |
2024 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 9 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 11 | ||||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 23.05 | 22.50 | 209 | 23.28 | 22.57 | 151 |
February | 23.20 | 21.97 | 148 | 23.33 | 22.00 | 59 |
March | 22.76 | 21.95 | 144 | 22.79 | 22.01 | 145 |
April | 23.51 | 22.32 | 70 | 23.48 | 22.30 | 55 |
May | 25.00 | 23.21 | 184 | 24.75 | 23.40 | 98 |
June | 24.55 | 22.41 | 76 | 24.50 | 22.40 | 139 |
July | 24.79 | 23.69 | 89 | 24.68 | 23.49 | 106 |
August | 24.93 | 24.15 | 193 | 24.80 | 24.01 | 79 |
September | 24.75 | 24.35 | 197 | 24.85 | 24.30 | 67 |
October | 24.62 | 24.03 | 69 | 24.42 | 24.05 | 104 |
November | 24.43 | 23.85 | 680 | 24.28 | 23.73 | 75 |
December | 24.73 | 24.01 | 88 | 24.85 | 23.95 | 59 |
Page | 25 |
2024 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 13 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 15 | ||||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 23.05 | 22.40 | 362 | 19.86 | 18.90 | 122 |
February | 23.11 | 21.94 | 195 | 19.92 | 19.34 | 68 |
March | 22.66 | 21.78 | 107 | 20.21 | 19.49 | 94 |
April | 22.95 | 22.21 | 145 | 22.18 | 19.50 | 198 |
May | 23.97 | 22.90 | 109 | 22.53 | 21.22 | 156 |
June | 23.90 | 22.00 | 372 | 22.06 | 19.09 | 158 |
July | 24.35 | 23.41 | 219 | 22.50 | 21.80 | 116 |
August | 24.69 | 23.77 | 128 | 23.45 | 22.02 | 600 |
September | 24.74 | 24.06 | 129 | 23.41 | 23.10 | 183 |
October | 24.60 | 24.15 | 178 | 23.70 | 23.00 | 165 |
November | 24.60 | 23.88 | 216 | 23.36 | 22.82 | 257 |
December | 24.47 | 23.89 | 168 | 23.00 | 22.61 | 67 |
2024 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 17 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 19 | ||||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 20.00 | 18.48 | 237 | 19.43 | 18.15 | 212 |
February | 19.67 | 19.09 | 97 | 19.44 | 18.93 | 119 |
March | 20.51 | 19.14 | 91 | 20.19 | 18.95 | 59 |
April | 21.35 | 19.98 | 303 | 20.82 | 19.70 | 142 |
May | 22.05 | 21.08 | 245 | 21.60 | 20.88 | 150 |
June | 21.85 | 19.57 | 195 | 21.32 | 19.05 | 184 |
July | 22.41 | 21.54 | 324 | 22.31 | 21.25 | 201 |
August | 22.13 | 21.06 | 339 | 22.22 | 21.20 | 294 |
September | 22.21 | 20.99 | 312 | 22.01 | 20.80 | 111 |
October | 22.23 | 21.30 | 394 | 21.58 | 20.72 | 221 |
November | 22.21 | 21.70 | 789 | 21.58 | 20.87 | 79 |
December | 22.80 | 22.00 | 278 | 21.68 | 20.69 | 199 |
2024 | TSX – Class 1 Shares Series 25 | ||
High (C$) | Low (C$) | Volume (000s) | |
January | 22.79 | 22.20 | 167 |
February | 22.75 | 21.40 | 56 |
March | 22.19 | 21.42 | 49 |
April | 22.41 | 21.54 | 69 |
May | 24.60 | 22.33 | 250 |
June | 24.14 | 21.87 | 220 |
July | 24.34 | 23.16 | 204 |
August | 24.90 | 23.79 | 98 |
September | 24.65 | 24.00 | 171 |
October | 24.44 | 23.84 | 237 |
November | 24.28 | 23.81 | 90 |
December | 24.41 | 23.70 | 200 |
Page | 26 |
ESCROWED SECURITIES AND SECURITIES SUBJECT TO CONTRACTUAL RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER
In connection with the issuances of the Series 1 Notes, Series 2 Notes and the Series 3 Notes, the Class 1 Shares
Series 27, Class 1 Shares Series 28 and the Class 1 Shares Series 29, respectively, were issued to and are held in
the Limited Recourse Trust and are restricted from being transferred, except to holders of the Series 1 Notes, the
Series 2 Notes or the Series 3 Notes, respectively, in respect of certain events. See “General Description of Capital
Structure – Certain Provisions of the Limited Recourse Capital Notes” above.
Designation of class | Number of securities held in escrow or that are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer | Percentage of class |
Class 1 Shares Series 27 | 2,000,000 | 2.49% |
Class 1 Shares Series 28 | 1,200,000 | 1.50% |
Class 1 Shares Series 29 | 1,000,000 | 1.25% |
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
The by-laws of MFC provide that the Board shall consist of a minimum of seven and a maximum of 30 Directors, with
the exact number of Directors to be elected at any annual meeting of MFC to be fixed by the Directors prior to such
annual meeting.
The following table sets forth the Directors of MFC, as of the date of this AIF, and for each Director, their place of
residence, principal occupation, years as a director and membership on Board committees.
Each Director is elected for a term of one year, expiring at the close of the next annual meeting of the Company. The
next annual meeting will occur on May 8, 2025.
Page | 27 |
Name and Residence | Principal Occupation | Director Since | Board Committee Membership (1) |
Donald R. Lindsay British Columbia, Canada | Chair of the Board, MFC and MLI (2) | August 2010 | CGNC(3) |
Roy Gori Ontario, Canada | President and Chief Executive Officer, MFC and MLI (4) | October 2017 | N/A (4) |
Nicole S. Arnaboldi Connecticut, United States | Partner, Oak Hill Capital Management, LLC (private equity company) (5) | June 2020 | MRCC (Chair) Risk |
Guy L.T. Bainbridge Edinburgh, UK | Corporate Director | August 2019 | Audit (Chair) CGNC |
Susan F. Dabarno Ontario, Canada | Corporate Director | March 2013 | MRCC Risk |
Julie E. Dickson Ontario, Canada | Corporate Director | August 2019 | Audit CGNC |
J. Michael Durland Ontario, Canada | Chief Executive Officer, Melancthon Capital Corporation (venture capital firm) | March 2024 | Audit CGNC |
Donald P. Kanak Washington, United States | Corporate Director (6) | March 2024 | MRCC Risk |
Anna Manning Ontario, Canada | Corporate Director (7) | August 2024 | MRCC Risk |
C. James Prieur Illinois, United States | Corporate Director | January 2013 | MRCC Risk (Chair) |
May Tan Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China | Corporate Director | December 2021 | Audit CGNC (Chair) |
Leagh E. Turner Ontario, Canada | CEO, Coupa Software Inc. (software company) (8) | November 2020 | MRCC Risk |
John W. P-K Wong Hong Kong, People's Republic of China | Corporate Director (9) | May 2024 | Audit CGNC |
Notes
(1)In this table, Audit means Audit Committee, CGNC means Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, MRCC means Management
Resources and Compensation Committee, and Risk means Risk Committee.
(2)Don Lindsay was appointed Chair of the Board effective February 15, 2023. Mr. Lindsay held the position of Vice-Chair of the Board from
November 9, 2022 to February 15, 2023. Prior to October 2022, Mr. Lindsay was President and Chief Executive Officer, Teck Resources
Limited.
(3)Mr. Lindsay is a member of the CGNC; however, in his capacity as Chair of the Board, Mr. Lindsay attends the meetings of all committees
whenever possible.
(4)Roy Gori is not a member of any committee but attends committee meetings at the invitation of the Chair.
(5)From June 2020 to May 2021, Nicole Arnaboldi was a corporate director and from February 2019 to June 2020 she was Senior Advisor at
Credit Suisse (USA).
(6)From April 2022 to December 2022, Don Kanak was a private equity business advisor at Hillhouse Investment Management Ltd.From
November 2020 to October 2022 he was the Chairman, Insurance Growth Markets at Prudential Holdings Ltd. From June 2015 to October
2022 he was the Chairman, Prudence Foundation at Prudential Holdings Ltd. From February 2012 to October 2020 he was the Chairman,
Eastspring Investments at Prudential Holdings Ltd.
(7)Prior to December 2023, Anna Manning was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Reinsurance Group of America.
(8)From February 2022 to November 2023, Leagh Turner was Co-Chief Executive Officer, Ceridian HCM, Inc. From August 2018 to February
2022, Ms.Turner was President and Chief Operating Officer at Ceridian HCM, Inc.
(9)Prior to June 2023, John Wong was a Senior Partner and Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group.
Page | 28 |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The name, place of residence, and position of each of the executive officers of Manulife are set forth in the following
table as of January 1, 2025.
Name and Residence | Position with Manulife |
Roy Gori Ontario, Canada | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Marc M. Costantini Massachusetts, United States | Global Head of Strategy and Inforce Management (1) |
Steven A. Finch Massachusetts, United States | Chief Actuary |
James D. Gallagher Massachusetts, United States | General Counsel |
Rahim Hirji Ontario, Canada | Chief Auditor and Head of Advisory Services(2) |
Naveed Irshad Ontario, Canada | President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Canada(3) |
Rahul M. Joshi Texas, United States | Chief Operations Officer |
Pamela O. Kimmet Florida, United States | Chief Human Resources Officer |
Trevor Kreel Ontario, Canada | Chief Investment Officer(4) |
Karen A. Leggett Ontario, Canada | Chief Marketing Officer(5) |
Paul R. Lorentz Ontario, Canada | President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Wealth and Asset Management |
Colin L. Simpson Ontario, Canada | Chief Financial Officer(6) |
Brooks E. Tingle Massachusetts, United States | President and Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock(7) |
Halina K. von dem Hagen Ontario, Canada | Chief Risk Officer(8) |
Shamus E. Weiland New York, United States | Chief Information Officer |
Philip J. Witherington Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China | President & Chief Executive Officer, Asia(9) |
Notes
(1)From April 2020 to June 2022, Marc Costantini was President and Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Development Strategy and Digital
Solutions at Munich Re, North America Life and Health. From January 2020 to April 2020, Mr. Costantini was a consultant at Munich Re,
North America Life and Health. Prior to January 2020, Mr. Costantini was Executive Vice President Commercial and Government Markets
at Guardian Life Insurance Company.
(2)Prior to June 2023, Rahim Hirji was Chief Risk Officer.
(3)From November 3, 2021 to June 1, 2022, Naveed Irshad was Global Head of Inforce Management. From January 1, 2018 to November 3,
2021, Mr. Irshad was Head of North American Legacy Business.
(4)Prior to August 1, 2024, Trevor Kreel was Global Head of Portfolio Management.
(5)From July 2019 to February 17, 2020, Karen Leggett was a Partner at Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services.
(6)From November 2022 to July 2023, Colin Simpson was Chief Financial Officer, US Segment. Prior to November 2022, Mr. Simpson was
Chief Financial Officer, Aviva Canada.
(7)Prior to April 2023, Brooks Tingle was President and Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock Insurance.
(8)Prior to June 2023, Halina von dem Hagen was Global Treasurer and Head of Capital Management.
(9)From June 2017 to July 2023 Philip Witherington was Chief Financial Officer.
Page | 29 |
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The number of Common Shares held by the Directors and executive officers of MFC as at December 31, 2024 was
1,576,165, which represented less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
A description of certain legal proceedings to which the Company is a party can be found in the section entitled “Legal
proceedings” in Note 18 to our 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Since January 1, 2024, (i) there have been no penalties or sanctions imposed against us by a Canadian securities
regulatory authority, other than nominal late filing fees, or by a court relating to Canadian securities legislation, (ii)
there have been no other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against us that would likely be
considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision, and (iii) we have not entered into any
settlement agreements before a court relating to Canadian securities legislation or with a Canadian securities
regulatory authority.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
TSX Trust Company is the principal transfer agent and registrar for MFC’s Common and Preferred shares. MFC’s
transfer agents and co-transfer agents are as follows (opposite their applicable jurisdictions):
Transfer Agent | |
Canada: | TSX Trust Company 301-100 Adelaide Street West Toronto, ON M5H 4H1 Toll Free: 1-800-783-9495 www.tsxtrust.com www.tsxtrust.com/fr |
Co-Transfer Agents | |
United States: | Equiniti Trust Company, LLC P.O. Box 27756 Newark, NJ 07101 Toll Free: 1-800-249-7702 https://equiniti.com/us/ast-access |
Philippines: | RCBC Stock Transfer Ground Floor, West Wing GPL (Grepalife) Building 221 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue Makati City, Philippines Telephone: 632 5318 8567 or 632 8894 9909 www.rcbc.com |
Hong Kong: | Tricor Investor Services Limited 17/F, Far East Finance Centre 16 Harcourt Road Hong Kong Telephone: 852 2980-1333 www.vistra.com |
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INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants, Toronto, Canada, is the
external auditor who prepared the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Shareholders and
Board of Directors on the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, and the Report of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Shareholders and Board of Directors on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting under Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Ernst & Young LLP is
independent with respect to the Company within the meaning of the CPA Code of Professional Conduct of the
Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations
thereunder, including the independence rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(“SOX”) and is in compliance with Rule 3520 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Under Hong Kong’s Financial Reporting Council Ordinance, Ernst & Young LLP is a Recognised Public Interest Entity
Auditor.
Steven Finch is the Appointed Actuary of the Company who prepared the Appointed Actuary’s Report to the
Shareholders of the Company. The number of Common Shares of MFC held by Steven Finch as at December 31,
2024 represented less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Audit Committee Charter
The Audit Committee has adopted a formal Charter that describes the Audit Committee’s role and responsibilities. The
Charter is set out in the attached Schedule 1.
The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in its oversight role with respect to the quality and integrity
of financial information, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the effectiveness
of the Company’s risk management and compliance practices, the performance, qualifications and independence of
the independent auditor, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the performance of the
Company’s finance, actuarial, internal audit and global compliance functions, and the procedures relating to conflicts
of interest, confidential information, related party transactions, and customer complaints.
Composition of the Audit Committee
MFC’s Audit Committee was composed of the following members as at December 31, 2024: Guy Bainbridge (Chair of
the Audit Committee), Julie Dickson, Michael Durland, May Tan and John Wong. The Board has reviewed the
committee membership and determined that all members are financially literate as required by the NYSE Listed
Company Manual and the applicable instruments of the Canadian Securities Administrators. All committee members
are independent, pursuant to applicable regulatory and stock exchange requirements. The Board has also determined
that Guy Bainbridge and May Tan have the necessary qualifications to be designated as audit committee financial
experts under SOX.
Relevant Education and Experience
In addition to the general business experience of each member of MFC’s Audit Committee, each member of the Audit
Committee in 2024 had relevant education and experience. Guy Bainbridge is a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales and holds an MA from the University of Cambridge. Mr. Bainbridge is a former
partner of KPMG LLP. Julie Dickson holds a M. Econ. from Queen's University, is the former Superintendent of
Financial Institutions, Canada, and is a member of the boards of the Canadian Public Accountability Board and the
Dubai Financial Services Authority. Michael Durland holds a Ph.D. in Management from Queen's University and a B.
Comm. from Saint Mary's University, and is the former Group Head and CEO, Global Banking and Markets, The Bank
of Nova Scotia. May Tan holds a B.A. in Economics and Accounting from the University of Sheffield, is a member of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and is a Certified Public Accountant in Hong Kong. John
Wong holds an MBA from Harvard University and is a former Senior Partner and Chairman of Greater China, Boston
Consulting Group.
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Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our auditor independence policy requires the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit and permitted non-audit
services (including the fees and conditions) the external auditor provides. If a new service is proposed during the year
that is outside the pre-approved categories or budget, it must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee Chair.
All audit and permitted non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP have been pre-approved by the Audit
Committee.
External Auditor Service Fees
The table below lists the services Ernst & Young LLP provided to Manulife and its subsidiaries in the last two fiscal
years and the fees they charged each year.
Fees | 2024 | 2023 |
($ in millions) | ($ in millions) | |
Audit Fees: | 39.5 | 51.4 |
Includes the audit of our financial statements as well as the financial statements of our subsidiaries, segregated funds, audits of statutory filings, prospectus services, report on internal controls, reviews of quarterly reports and regulatory filings. | ||
Audit-Related Fees: | 3.1 | 4.0 |
Includes consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards not classified as audit, due diligence in connection with proposed or consummated transactions and assurance services to report on internal controls for third parties. | ||
Tax Fees: | 0.4 | 0.4 |
Includes tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice services. | ||
All Other Fees: | 0.2 | 0.2 |
Includes other advisory services. | ||
Total | 43.2 | 56.0 |
Note: Total fees above exclude fees of $17.7 million in 2024 and $13.1 million in 2023 for professional services provided by Ernst & Young LLP
to certain investment funds managed by subsidiaries of MFC. For certain funds, these fees are paid directly by the funds. For other funds, in
addition to other administrative costs, the subsidiaries are responsible for the auditor’s fees for professional services, in return for a fixed
administration fee. Audit fees above also include one-time fees for special projects related to the implementation of IFRS 17 and 9 of $12.8
million for 2023.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information with respect to the Company, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness,
principal holders of MFC’s securities, and securities authorized for issuance under MFC’s equity compensation plans,
where applicable, is contained in MFC’s Management Information Circular for its most recent annual meeting of
security holders that involved the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in our 2024
Consolidated Financial Statements and our 2024 MD&A. Copies of these documents and additional information
relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and is accessible at the Company’s website,
www.manulife.com.
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Schedule 1
Manulife Financial Corporation (the “Company”)
Audit Committee Charter
1.Overall Role and Responsibility
1.1The Audit Committee (“Committee”) shall:
(a)assist the Board of Directors in its oversight role with respect to:
(i)the quality and integrity of financial information;
(ii)the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting;
(iii)the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and compliance practices;
(iv)the independent auditor’s performance, qualifications and independence;
(v)the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
(vi)the Finance, Actuarial, Internal Audit and Global Compliance functions;
(vii)conflicts of interest and confidential information;
(viii)related party transactions; and
(ix)complaints of customers relating to obligations under the Insurance Companies Act (Canada)
(the “Act”), and accounting, internal accounting controls and audit matters.
(b)prepare such reports of the Committee required to be included in the Proxy Circular in accordance with
applicable laws or the rules of applicable securities regulatory authorities.
1.2The Committee will also act as the conduct review committee of the Company.
2.Structure and Composition
2.1The Committee shall consist of five or more Directors appointed by the Board of Directors on the
recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
2.2No member of the Committee shall be an officer or employee of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Members of the Committee will not be affiliated with the Company as such term is defined in the Act.
2.3Each member of the Committee shall satisfy the applicable independence and experience requirements of
the laws governing the Company, the applicable stock exchanges on which the Company’s securities are
listed and applicable securities regulatory authorities.
2.4The Board of Directors shall designate one member of the Committee as the Committee Chair.
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2.5Members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors for such term or terms as the
Board of Directors may determine.
2.6Each member of the Committee shall be financially literate as such qualification is defined by applicable law
and interpreted by the Board of Directors in its business judgment.
2.7The Board of Directors shall determine whether and how many members of the Committee qualify as a
financial expert as defined by applicable law. At least one member must be an audit committee financial
expert, as defined in applicable laws and regulations.
2.8The Committee shall annually determine whether any of its members serve on the audit committee of more
than three public companies (including the Committee). If any of the Committee members fall into this
category, the Committee shall consider the ability of such members to effectively serve on the Committee
and, if it is determined that such members are able to continue serving, the Committee shall record the
reasons for such a decision.
3.Structure, Operations and Assessment
3.1The Committee shall meet quarterly or more frequently as the Committee may determine. The Committee
shall report to the Board of Directors on its activities after each of its meetings.
3.2The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Committee participating in any meeting of the
Committee is necessary for the adoption of any resolution.
3.3The Committee may create one or more subcommittees and may delegate, in its discretion, all or a portion of
its duties and responsibilities to such subcommittees.
3.4The Committee shall, on an annual basis:
(a)review and assess the adequacy of this Charter and, where necessary, recommend changes to the
Board of Directors for its approval;
(b)undertake a performance evaluation of the Committee comparing the performance of the Committee
with the requirements of this Charter; and
(c)report the results of the performance evaluation to the Board of Directors.
The performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems
appropriate. The report to the Board of Directors may take the form of an oral report by the chair of the
Committee or any other member of the Committee designated by the Committee to make this report.
3.5The Committee is expected to establish and maintain free and open communication with management, the
independent auditor, the Chief Auditor and the Chief Actuary and shall periodically meet separately with each
of them.
4.Specific Duties
The Committee will carry out the following specific duties:
4.1Oversight of the Independent Auditor
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(a)Recommend to the Board for approval the appointment and, when considered appropriate, the
dismissal or removal of the independent auditor for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor’s
report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company (subject to shareholder
ratification).
(b)Review and approve the scope and terms of all audit engagements and recommend to the Board the
compensation of the independent auditor.
(c)Oversee the work of the independent auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit
report or performing other audit, review or attest services (including resolution of disagreements
between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting). The independent
auditor shall report directly to the Committee.
(d)Pre-approve all audit services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees, terms and
conditions for the performance of such services) to be provided by the independent auditor.
(e)When appropriate, the Committee may delegate to one or more members the authority to grant
preapprovals of audit and permitted non-audit services and the full Committee shall be informed of
each non-audit service.
(f)Review the decisions of such delegates under subsection (e) above, which shall be presented to the
full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
(g)Evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor, including:
(i)reviewing and evaluating the lead partner on the independent auditor’s engagement with the
Company;
(ii)considering whether the auditor’s quality controls are adequate and the provision of permitted
non-audit services are compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence; and
(iii)addressing any concerns raised by regulatory authorities or other stakeholders regarding the
auditor’s independence.
(h)Present its conclusions with respect to the independent auditor to the Board of Directors and, if so
determined by the Committee, recommend that the Board of Directors take additional action to satisfy
itself of the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor.
(i)Obtain and review a report from the independent auditor at least annually regarding:
(i)the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures;
(ii)any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of
the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the
preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm;
(iii)any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and
(iv)all relationships between the independent auditor and the Company.
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(j)At least annually, review and approve the audit plan (including any significant changes to the audit
plan) and, as part of this review, satisfy itself that the audit plan is risk-based and addresses all the
relevant activities over a measurable cycle and that the work of the independent auditor and
Internal Audit is coordinated.
(k)Ensure the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit
and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law.
(l)Review and approve policies for the Company’s hiring of partners and employees or former partners
and employees of the independent auditor.
4.2Financial Reporting
(a)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial
statements, the results of the audit, any changes to the audit scope or strategy, the annual report of
the auditors on the statements and any other returns or transactions required to be reviewed by the
Committee and report to the Board of Directors prior to approval by the Board of Directors and the
publication of earnings.
(b)Review such returns of the Company as the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) (the
“Superintendent”) may specify.
(c)Review and discuss with the independent auditor and with management the Company’s annual and
quarterly financial disclosures, including management’s discussion and analysis. The Committee shall
approve any reports for inclusion in the Company’s Annual Report, as required by applicable
legislation and make a recommendation thereon to the Board.
(d)Review the Company’s disclosure policy, which governs the release of information about the Company
and requires timely, accurate and fair disclosure of such information in compliance with all legal and
regulatory requirements, and periodically assess the adequacy of procedures regarding disclosure of
financial information.
(e)Require management to implement and maintain appropriate internal control procedures.
(f)Oversee systems of internal control and meet with the heads of the oversight functions, management
and the independent auditors to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of these systems and to
obtain reasonable assurance that the controls are effective.
(g)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor management’s report on its
assessment of internal controls over financial reporting and the independent auditor’s attestation report
on management’s assessment.
(h)Review, evaluate and approve the procedures established under s. 4.2(e).
(i)Review such investments and transactions that could adversely affect the well-being of the Company
as the auditor or any officer of the Company may bring to the attention of the Committee.
(j)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor the Company’s quarterly financial
statements prior to the publication of earnings, including:
(i)the results of the independent auditor’s review of the quarterly financial statements; and
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(ii)any matters required to be communicated by the independent auditor under applicable review
standards.
(k)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor at least annually significant
financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s
financial statements, including:
(i)key areas of risk for material misstatement of the financial statements, including critical
accounting estimates or areas of measurement uncertainty;
(ii)whether the auditor considers estimates to be within an acceptable range and the rationale for
the final valuation decision and whether it is consistent with industry practice;
(iii)any significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting or actuarial
principles;
(iv)any major issues as to the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls;
(v)any special steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies, if any; and
(vi)the role of any other audit firms.
(l)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor at least annually reports from the
independent auditor on:
(i)critical accounting policies and practices to be used;
(ii)significant financial reporting issues, estimates and judgments made in connection with the
preparation of the financial statements;
(iii)alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles
that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative
disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditor; and
(iv)other material written communications between the independent auditor and management, such
as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.
(m)Meet with the independent auditor to discuss the annual financial statements and any investments or
transactions that may adversely affect the well-being of the Company.
(n)Discuss with the independent auditor at least annually any “management” or “internal control” letters
issued or proposed to be issued by the independent auditor to the Company and review all material
correspondence between the independent auditor and management related to audit findings.
(o)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor at least annually any significant
changes to the Company’s accounting and actuarial principles and practices suggested by the
independent auditor, internal audit personnel or management and assess whether the Company’s
accounting and actuarial practices are appropriate and within the boundaries of acceptable practice.
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(p)Discuss with management and approve the Company’s earnings press releases, the release of
earnings projections, forecast or guidance and the use of non-GAAP financial measures (if any), and
the financial information provided to analysts and rating agencies.
(q)Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor at least annually the effect of
regulatory and accounting initiatives as well as off-balance-sheet structures on the Company’s
financial statements.
(r)Discuss with the independent auditor matters required to be discussed by American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to the conduct of the
audit, including any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work, any restrictions on the
scope of activities or access to requested information and any significant disagreements with
management.
(s)Review and discuss with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer the procedures
undertaken in connection with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications for
the annual and interim filings with applicable securities regulatory authorities.
(t)Review disclosures made by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during
their certification process for the annual and interim filing with applicable securities regulatory
authorities about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could
adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or any
material weaknesses in the internal controls, and any fraud involving management or other employees
who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls.
(u)Meet with the Chief Actuary of the Company at least annually to receive and review reports, opinions
and recommendations prepared by the Chief Actuary in accordance with the Act, including the parts of
the annual financial statement and the annual return filed under s. 665 of the Act, prepared by the
Chief Actuary, and such other matters as the Committee may direct, including the report on the
Financial Condition Testing (formerly the Dynamic Capital Adequacy Testing), which is also reviewed
by the Risk Committee.
(v)Receive reports from the Chief Actuary regarding material capital model modifications and new capital
model applications.
(w)Discuss with the Company’s General Counsel at least annually any legal matters that may have a
material impact on the financial statements, operations, assets or compliance policies and any
material reports or inquiries received by the Company or any of its subsidiaries from regulators or
governmental agencies.
(x)Meet with the Chief Auditor and with management to discuss the effectiveness of the internal control
procedure established pursuant to s. 4.2(e).
4.3Oversight of the Finance Function
(a)At least annually review and approve the mandate of the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance
function.
(b)At least annually, review and approve the budget, structure, skills and resources of the Finance
function.
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(c)At least annually, review the performance evaluation of the Chief Financial Officer, with the input of the
Management Resources and Compensation Committee, and assess the effectiveness of the Chief
Financial Officer and the Finance function.
(d)Recommend to the Board for approval the appointment and, when considered appropriate, the
dismissal of the Chief Financial Officer, who shall have direct access to the Committee.
(e)Review the results of periodic independent reviews of the Finance function.
4.4Oversight of the Actuarial Function
(a)At least annually, review and approve the mandate for the Chief Actuary and the Actuarial function.
(b)At least annually, review and approve the budget, structure, skills and resources of the Actuarial
function.
(c)At least annually, review the performance evaluation of the Chief Actuary, with the input of the
Management Resources and Compensation Committee, and assess the effectiveness of the Chief
Actuary and the Actuarial function.
(d)Recommend to the Board for approval the appointment and, when considered appropriate, the
dismissal of the Chief Actuary, who shall have direct access to the Committee.
(e)Review the results of periodic independent reviews of the Actuarial function.
4.5Oversight of the Internal Audit Function
(a)At least annually, review and approve the Internal Audit Charter, which includes the Mandate of the
Chief Audit Executive and the Internal Audit Function and the scope and types of internal audit
services.
(b)At least annually, review and approve the Internal Audit budget, structure, skills, resources,
independence and qualifications of the function.
(c)At least annually, review and approve the audit plan of the Internal Audit function (including any
significant changes to the audit plan) and, as part of this review, satisfy itself that the audit plan is risk-
based and addresses all the relevant activities over a measurable cycle.
(d)Review the periodic reports of the internal audit department on internal audit activities, including audit
issues, recommendations and progress in meeting the annual audit plan (including the impact of any
access, authority, scope resource limitations).
(e)Determine the qualifications and competencies the Company expects in a Chief Audit Executive. At
least annually, review the performance evaluation and compensation of the Chief Audit Executive, with
the input of the Management Resources and Compensation Committee.
(f)Recommend to the Board for approval the appointment and, when considered appropriate, the
dismissal of the Chief Audit Executive, who shall have unrestricted and direct access to the
Committee, including private meetings without Executive Leadership Team present.
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(g)Ensure that a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including both internal and
external assessments, has been established. Periodically review the Internal Audit Strategy and
approve the performance objectives for the Internal Audit Function at least annually.
(h)At least annually, assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the Internal Audit Function. Review the
QAIP results, including Internal Audit function's conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards,
achievement of performance objectives, alignment to the expectations of the internal audit function
with OSFI's Supervisory Framework, and action plans to address any deficiencies and opportunities
for improvement, if applicable.
(i)Review and approve the Chief Audit Executive's External Quality Assessment (EQA) plan (at least
once every 5 years) ensuring satisfaction with the scope, frequency, competency and independence of
the external assessor or assessment team. Additionally, approve the action plans, including timelines
to address any identified deficiencies or opportunities for improvement, if applicable, and monitor
progress.
4.6Risk Management Oversight
(a)Review reports from the Risk Committee respecting the Company’s processes for assessing and
managing risk.
(b)The Committee will receive reports that highlight key areas of disclosure judgement considered by the
Disclosure Committee.
4.7Oversight of Regulatory Compliance and Complaint Handling
(a)Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company
egarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous
submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
(b)Discuss with management and the independent auditor at least annually any correspondence with
regulators or governmental agencies and any published reports which raise material issues regarding
the Company’s financial statements or accounting.
(c)Review at least annually with the Global Compliance Chief the Company’s compliance with applicable
laws and regulations, and correspondence from regulators.
4.8Oversight of the Global Compliance Function
(a)At least annually, review and approve the mandate for the Global Compliance Chief and the Global
Compliance function.
(b)At least annually, review and approve the budget, structure, skills and resources of the Global
Compliance function.
(c)At least annually, review the performance evaluation of the Global Compliance Chief, with the input
of the Management Resources and Compensation Committee, and assess the effectiveness of the
Global Compliance Chief and the Global Compliance function.
(d)Recommend to the Board for approval, the appointment and, when considered appropriate, the
dismissal of the Global Compliance Chief, who shall have direct access to the Committee.
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(e)Review the results of periodic independent reviews of the Global Compliance function.
4.9Oversight of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Program
(a)The Committee shall review the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing
Policy.
(b)The Committee shall meet with the Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer as necessary to review
the AML/ATF Program.
(c)The Committee shall meet with the Chief Auditor as necessary to review results of testing of the
effectiveness of the AML/ATF Program.
4.10Review of Ethical Standards
(a)Annual review of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
(b)Establish procedures to receive and process any request from executive officer(s) and Director(s)
for waiver of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
(c)Grant any waiver of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to executive officer(s)
and Director(s) as the Committee may in its sole discretion deem appropriate and arrange for any
such waiver to be promptly disclosed to the shareholders in accordance with applicable laws or the
rules of applicable securities regulatory authorities.
(d)Annual review and assessment of procedures established by the Board of Directors to resolve
conflicts of interest, including techniques for identification of potential conflict situations.
(e)Review and assessment of procedures established by the Board of Directors for restricting the use
of confidential information.
4.11Self Dealing and Disclosure Requirements
(a)Require management to establish procedures for complying with Part XI (Self-Dealing) of the Act
(the “Related Party Standards”).
(b)Establish criteria for the determination of materiality of a transaction with a related party.
(c)Annual review of the Related Party Standards and their effectiveness in ensuring that the
Company is complying with Part XI of the Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(d)Review the practices of the Company to ensure that any transactions with related parties of the
Company that may have a material effect on the stability or solvency of the Company are
identified.
(e)Ensure that, within 90 days after the end of each financial year of the Company, the Committee will
report to the Superintendent on its activities of the previous year respecting conduct review,
undertaken in carrying out its responsibilities under the Act (and, in particular, in respect of (a), (c),
and (d) above).
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(f)The Committee shall report to the Superintendent on its mandate respecting conduct review and
responsibilities of the Committee and the procedures referred to in (a) above.
(g)Review and assessment of the procedures established by the Board of Directors to disclose
information to customers of the Company under the Act, if applicable, and of the procedures for
dealing with complaints of customers of the Company to satisfy itself that the applicable
procedures are being followed.
4.12Proxy Circular
(a)The Committee shall prepare a report on its activities on an annual basis to be included in the
Proxy Circular, as may be required by applicable laws or rules of applicable securities regulatory
authorities.
4.13Duties and Responsibilities Delegated by the Board
(a)Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and responsibilities as are incidental to
the purposes, duties and responsibilities specified herein and as may from time to time be delegated
to the Committee by the Board of Directors.
5.Funding for the Independent Auditor and Retention of External Advisors
The Company shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of compensation to
the independent auditor for the purpose of issuing an audit report and to any advisors retained by the Committee. The
Committee shall have the authority to retain such external advisors as it may from time to time deem necessary or
advisable for its purposes and to set the terms of the retainer. The expenses related to any such engagement shall
also be funded by the Company.