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2009 News Releases

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2009

John Hancock Expands Fixed Annuity Portfolio With New JH Signature Product

  • New Product Provides Safety and Security With Guaranteed Interest Rates

Boston – John Hancock Financial’s Fixed Products Group today announced the launch of its latest fixed annuity product: JH Signature.
JH Signature is a modified guaranteed annuity which is designed to provide a transparent combination of ‘rate for term’ choices, competitive guaranteed interest rates, and support services to help manage challenging eldercare situations.

“We believe the JH Signature fixed annuity is an excellent addition to the strong, highly competitive John Hancock product portfolio in the marketplace,” said Ron McHugh, Senior Vice President and General Manager, John Hancock Fixed Products. “JH Signature Fixed Annuity offers safety and security to clients as well as competitive rates and tax deferred growth backed by the financial strength of one of the most highly rated insurance companies in the industry.”

Investors will have a choice of guarantee¹ periods,either 3-, 5-, 7-or 10-years with a matching withdrawal charge schedule. The minimum premium is $25,000, with higher interest rates for premiums above $50,000 and $100,000, respectively.

Clients will have the ability to take withdrawals or even surrender the contract during the guarantee period; however withdrawals greater than the interest credited over the previous 12 months would be subject to a withdrawal charge and a market value adjustment (MVA). The MVA is based on a formula which responds to interest rate movements and can be positive or negative. Additional information on the MVA and when it is applicable can be found in the prospectus.

JH Signature also offers the Family Resource Benefits, which offers professional health and lifestyle information at no additional charge. This includes discounts, referral services and programs to help clients and their families better understand and manage challenging eldercare situations.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation
John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of 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 Cdn$421 billion (US$362 billion) as at June 30, 2009.

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 www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable 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 www.johnhancock.com.


¹Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

JH Signature is distributed by John Hancock Distributors LLC, member of FINRA.

John Hancock Fixed Annuities are issued and administered by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595. Products and features may not be permitted in all states.

Policy and Rider Form Series: 09MVA; 09MVAGRP; 00NHCI; 01NHCIG, 07NHCI, 09NHCIG

Contact 1-800-334-4437 or visit www.jhannuities.com for more information, including the prospectus that contains complete details on investments, as well as other information about the insurance company, which should be carefully considered. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to purchasing. The prospectus contains this and other information on the product.

Typically, MVA fixed annuities do not have upfront sales loads or ongoing expenses. The insurance company’s costs are built into the interest rate paid on the contract. Additionally, your contract may be subject to an early withdrawal charge (also called a contingent deferred sales charge). You should consult the prospectus for the MVA fixed annuity that you are considering for the specific early withdrawal charge schedule and the market value adjustment calculation. To invest safely in a market value adjusted annuity, you should fully evaluate the financial strength of the issuing insurance company and carefully read the annuity product disclosure.

PR 2009—52
0809: FA0210

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Contact:
Melissa Berczuk
Phone: (617) 663-4750
E-mail: mberczuk@jhancock.com