2006 News Releases

Insurer one of the most financially sound in Hong Kong

Hong Kong - Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services have recently raised the financial-strength rating on Manulife Financial’s rated insurance subsidiaries to ‘AAA’ from ‘AA+,’ including that of Manulife (International) Limited (MIL) of Hong Kong. This upgrade makes Manulife Financial one of only two publicly traded life-insurance companies with ‘AAA’-rated insurance subsidiaries, the highest level among 21 rating categories at Standard & Poor’s.

The highly-coveted ‘AAA’ rating by Standard & Poor’s is a recognition of Manulife Financial’s financial and operational strength and further reflects its position as a global leader in the life insurance industry.

The upgrade reflects the group’s leading and highly diverse business positions in Canada, the U.S., Hong Kong and other locations within the Pacific Rim. It also reflects its high quality and consistent operating performance, very strong and highly diverse investment portfolio, extremely strong capital adequacy, and excellent enterprise risk management framework.

MIL’s AAA rating with a stable outlook reflects the outlook for the group, according to Standard & Poor’s, who say they believe the company can maintain its extremely strong operating performance, business franchise and capital adequacy position.

Michael Huddart, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Manulife in Hong Kong, said he was delighted with the latest upgrade. “This top-of-the-class rating from such an established ratings agency underlines not only our financial strength — which should be a source of great comfort to our customers — but also the operational skills and outstanding service standards that have led to it,” he said.

About Manulife (International) Limited
Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies. Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$381 billion (approximately HK$2,659.8 billion) as at September 30, 2006.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

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For more information please contact:
Helena Lee / Jeanie Ho
Manulife (International) Limited
Tel: (852) 2202 1050 / 2510 3191
Fax: (852) 2234 6875
Email: helena_lee@manulife.com
jeanie_ho@manulife.com