John Hancock Retirement Plan Services Receives Top Marks from Advisors, Plan Sponsors and Industry Associations

BOSTON, Feb. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Retirement Plan Services (JH RPS) is starting 2014 strong, having earned top rankings and awards from advisors, plan sponsors and industry associations throughout the past year. Among the recognition was:

• #1 ranking by advisors for best overall service for plans under $5 million (for the 6^th year in a row),
• 92 percent of JH RPS clients surveyed would recommend the company to other plan sponsors and
• more than 20 awards for excellence in communications materials and programs from industry organizations.

"This recognition formally acknowledges what we've been seeing for a while now – we're on a roll," said Bob Carroll, National Sales Manager. "This validates all our hard work and we continue to be a provider of choice for advisors who sell our plans, our plan sponsor clients and their employees who rely on us to help prepare them for retirement. It's a great platform to kick off an exciting year ahead."

What advisors said

In the 2013 PLANADVISER magazine survey, retirement plan advisers ranked 34 defined contribution providers across 16 different categories. JH RPS was voted #1 for best overall service for plans under $5 million, the sixth consecutive ranking at #1 in the annual survey. JH RPS also received the top ranking in adviser sales/marketing support, adviser support post-sale, participant education materials and supporting materials.

What plan sponsors said

Chatham Partners, which works with the industry to develop a benchmark as well as with individual retirement plan providers to develop specific rankings, found that 92 percent of JH RPS clients surveyed would recommend the company to other plan sponsors^*. In addition, John Hancock outperformed the industry benchmark in 19 of 23 categories and was the top performer⁺ in the following: "helps participants reach retirement goals" and "treats me as a valued client" in overall impression and "plan sponsor administrative services," in the products and services category.

What national industry associations said

In November, JH RPS received 17 awards for multi-media, print and web communications from the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP) including 3 platinum, 5 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze awards. Covering all audiences from advisors to plan sponsors and third party administrators (TPAs), most of the JH RPS communications honors were focused on helping our participants better prepare for retirement. LACP was established in 2001 in order to create a forum within the public relations industry that facilitates discussion of best-in-class practices within the profession while also recognizing those who demonstrate exemplary communications capabilities.

In its 81^st awards program, the Insurance and Financial Communicators Association (IFCA) recognized JH RPS communications with a Best in Show, 5 Awards for Excellence and 2 Honorable Mentions.  These awards recognize marketing and communications creativity, design and writing. The IFCA Awards recognize marketing and communication programs from among 75 different companies with an opportunity to have their work judged by a jury of their peers.

"It's gratifying to have received recognition in all aspects of our business, but we're not slowing down – we have even more exciting plans in the year ahead and will continue to grow on this momentum," said Andrew Ross, senior vice president, Marketing and Product Development, JH RPS. "We're focused on helping participants first – a philosophy driving everything we do."

^* Based on respondents who indicated they were "Very Likely" (67%) or "Likely" (25%) to recommend John Hancock's products or services to others.

⁺ "Top performer" refers to the highest scoring firm in the 2013 Chatham proprietary DC benchmark.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as 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 C$599 billion (US$563 billion) as at December 31, 2013.  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.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

Both John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York do business under certain instances using the John Hancock Retirement Plan Services name. Group annuity contracts and recordkeeping agreements are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02210 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.  Product features and availability may differ by state.  John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser, provides investment information relating to the contracts.   Plan administrative services may be provided by John Hancock Retirement Plan Services LLC or a plan consultant selected by the Plan.  

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SOURCE John Hancock Financial