2005 News Releases

Hong Kong— Manulife Financial (stock code: 0945), a Canadian-based leading financial-services provider, has announced the appointment of two senior executives in its Asian Division, while Manulife (International) Limited (MIL), a member of the Manulife Financial group, has also announced one senior executive appointment.

Colin Startup has been appointed Assistant Vice President and Senior Regional Actuary, Financial Management, Asia, responsible for product development and providing actuarial advisory services for Manulife’s operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Mr. Startup’s key role also includes pricing for bancassurance business and actuarial support for reinsurance dealings. An actuary by profession, Mr. Startup has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining Manulife, he was Vice President with a renowned US-based insurer where he helped lead its bancassurance expansion in Asia. Mr. Startup holds a first class honour degree in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries.

Lawrence Soo has been appointed Assistant Vice President, Regional Wealth Management, Asia, responsible for developing Manulife’s Wealth Management business in Asia. In this role, Mr. Soo will focus on developing product and infrastructure platforms for Manulife across Asia, as well as assisting territories in the region in their wealth management initiatives. Prior to joining Manulife, he was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of an established international fund house for the Asia region. He also had finance, accounting and management experience in several financial institutions and accounting firms in Australia. Mr. Soo holds a Master degree of Business Administration from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Economics degree from Monash University in Australia. He is also a Chartered Secretary and qualified accountant.

Robert Elliott has been appointed Assistant Vice President, Distribution, Hong Kong, MIL, responsible for spearheading a number of key strategic projects to help build an effective management, supervision and support model for the agency in Hong Kong. Mr. Elliott is also to assist in developing an effective financial planning sales process for the agency, and to oversee the brokerage operation of Manulife in Hong Kong, with a focus to enhance its effectiveness and profitability. He has extensive experience in the financial services industry where he spent 13 years with Manulife in the United Kingdom, with roles ranging from sales management to head of agency. Mr. Elliott was a member of the UK Executive Management Group.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$364 billion (approximately HK$2,308.3 billion) as at June 30, 2005.

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

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For press inquiries, please contact:
In Hong Kong
Helena Lee / Jeanie Ho
Manulife (International) Limited
Tel: 2202 1050 / 2510 3191
Fax: 2234 6875
Email: helena_lee@manulife.com
jeanie_ho@manulife.com