Manulife Financial : Singapore expands distribution capabilities with launch of financial advisory firm

Manulife Financial Advisers (Manulife FA) aims to raise standards and professionalism in Singapore's financial advisory industry, in line with the outcomes of the Financial Advisory Industry Review (FAIR)

Singapore - Manulife Singapore has launched Manulife Financial Advisers (Manulife FA), which provides a wide range of offerings for customers' life insurance, savings and retirement needs from Manulife as well as other trusted providers.

The move will strengthen Manulife Singapore's distribution network and provide an additional avenue for consumers to access its financial solutions.

Majority-owned by Manulife Singapore, Manulife FA will come under its prescribed governance and oversight. Leveraging the expertise of Manulife Singapore, Manulife FA will align its business with the FAIR requirements.

Manulife FA is led by industry veteran Koh Hoe Shin as CEO and supported by three Vice Presidents of Sales with decades of experience in the financial services industry.

"The launch of Manulife FA marks an important move for Manulife Singapore's multi-distribution strategy. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to Singapore as we expand our distribution capabilities to better serve consumers here. We will continue to focus our efforts to deliver real value to clients with quality advice and financial solutions that cater to their needs," said Naveed Irshad, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore.

Koh said: "Manulife FA will offer the combined benefits of the flexibility of a financial advisory firm backed by the financial strength and expertise of a leading international financial services group. As a dedicated financial advisory firm, Manulife FA focuses on providing clients quality advice with utmost professionalism through trusted representatives who put their interests first."

"We aim to become one of the most trusted financial advisory firms in Singapore by setting high standards in business conduct, client education, service, and training of our representatives."

Manulife FA will initially have around 250 experienced and professional representatives from three of Manulife Singapore's agency groups.

Appendix: Management Team Profiles

As the President and CEO of MFA, Koh Hoe Shin is responsible for overseeing the firm's full operations and charting its strategic direction.

Hoe Shin has spent close to 20 years in the life and general insurance industry. He has held management positions in many leading insurance companies in Singapore, Philippines and Brunei, with his most recent appointment as the VP of Distribution Development for Manulife Singapore. In this capacity, he oversaw major strategic projects and managed the development of all the firm's distribution channels. His other areas of expertise include training and development, sales management, profit centre management, as well as strategic planning and Marketing.

Hoe Shin is a graduate of the National University of Singapore and holds a Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance.

Stephen Chew
Vice President, Sales, Manulife Financial Advisers

Stephen Chew has a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, particularly in the areas of advising business owners on wealth preservation, business succession planning and corporate risk management, as well as advising high net worth clients on global estate planning, wealth transfer and distribution, and trust planning.

Stephen is a highly sought-after industry expert who has frequently been invited to speak at insurance talks and seminars. He is also the author of five books - two books that cater to students undertaking professional accountancy examinations, and three books on personal and corporate financial planning topics.

Vice President, Sales, Manulife Financial Advisers
Tan Sia Keng is a veteran in the financial services industry in Singapore with wide-ranging expertise in the marketing and distribution of insurance and investment products. Prior to joining Manulife Financial Advisers, Sia Keng successfully led an insurance agency team for 24 years and also served as the financial controller for a major life insurer in Singapore.

Sia Keng is a Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner. He is also a qualified accountant and a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.

Tony Cheng
Vice President, Sales, Manulife Financial Advisers

Tony Cheng has over 22 years of experience in financial planning and management. He possesses deep knowledge about a wide range of financial products and services, and has a proven track record in leading and managing high-performing sales teams.

As one of the leading practitioners in the industry, Tony has received numerous insurance company awards in recognition of his outstanding performance in sales and management. He is a Certified Financial Planner and Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner.

About Manulife
Manulife is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. We operate as John Hancock in the US and as Manulife in other parts of the world. We provide strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for our customers' 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 and its subsidiaries were approximately US$596 billion as at 31 December 2014.

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

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