Manulife 2012 Public Accountability Statement: A Tradition of Making a Difference

• 2012 Statement includes increased reporting detail and year-to-year comparable data

TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC   
SEHK:945 

TORONTO, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Financial has today released its 2012 Public Accountability Statement.  The statement, which reviews Manulife's commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, excellence in business conduct and corporate governance during the previous year, is now available for download at manulife.com. 

The 2012 Statement highlights the Company's continuing efforts in Canada, Asia and the United States to build stronger communities, promote health and wellness, support educational initiatives for young people and tomorrow's leaders, enhance environmental sustainability and harness the power of volunteering in the community.

"Our company has a long, proud tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees, agents and customers live and work," says Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Financial.

New in Manulife's 2012 Public Accountability Statement are increased details, context, and metrics that help quantify the impacts of Manulife's programs and initiatives, whether of an economic, social or environmental nature.

Highlights from the 2012 Statement include:

Economic Impact:

Manulife is proud of the role that it is able to play in facilitating positive economic impacts in the communities where it operates by virtue of its day-to-day operations.  Above and beyond these ongoing business activities, the Company engaged in a broad range of additional initiatives in 2012 which generated positive economic benefits in Canada, Asia and in the United States.

Manulife believes in the importance of partnering with organizations which help to promote active, healthy lifestyles among its global customer base and which give back to the local community. The Company is proud of the significant economic impacts that arose through its sponsorship of events in 2012, such as the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic and the Boston Marathon.

In Vietnam, the Company continued offering micro-insurance policies, which it began offering in 2009.  With premiums of roughly $1 per month, the policies help women (most of whom are farmers) who want to protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with accidents, disease and natural disasters.  The introduction of micro-insurance to this region helps contribute to social welfare, eliminate poverty and create awareness of savings to area residents.

Social Impact:

As in previous years, the Company encouraged its employees in 2012 to volunteer at the local community level. Volunteerism has always been a priority at Manulife and being active participants in improving local communities is a vital part of the organization's culture.  In 2012, Manulife employees and distribution partners volunteered 380,745 hours to a wide range of charities and causes. Employee donation of time is an important contribution and a way to extend the power of our corporate donations.

"We believe every volunteer act helps contribute to better outcomes for everyone," adds Nicole Boivin, Senior Vice President and Chief Branding & Communications Officer.  "At the same time, we think it's a forward-thinking approach toward being an engaged community partner."

Environmental Impact:

Through its ongoing commitment to sustainable investment, demonstrated by the Company's investments in renewable energy, forest land management and volunteer programs, Manulife is helping protect biodiversity and fragile ecosystems around the world.  From recycling and conservation programs to the generation of renewable energy, the Company continued to adopt environmentally friendly practices in its global office locations and throughout its global real estate portfolio during 2012.

Manulife also continued to pursue opportunities to increase the effectiveness of its business operations, while minimizing impact on the environment.  These efforts included the use of property management technologies, the introduction of data server virtualization and initiatives to encourage the reuse and recycling of electronic waste.  Data on the Company's carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, paper use and waste diversion are presented in the 2012 Statement.

Manulife Bank:

During the course of 2012, Manulife Bank surpassed $1 billion in shareholder's equity.  As such, Manulife Bank was required to prepare its first public accountability statement for its public accountability activities in 2012, which can be found on pages 44-46 of the 2012 Statement.

The full Public Accountability Statement is available online at www.manulife.com/governance

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$555 billion (US$547 billion) as at March 31, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation