Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management

Tier-1 Regulated - High Trust
7.8
Trust Score

Pros

  • Regulated by multiple tier-1 authorities including FINRA, SEC, and Canadian provincial regulators providing strong investor protection
  • Long-established financial institution with over 130 years of operational history and strong reputation in wealth management
  • Comprehensive investment product range including mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds and managed portfolios
  • Advanced portfolio management capabilities with institutional-grade research and analysis resources
  • Segregated client funds held in major banks with additional insurance protection
  • Global presence with offices across North America, Asia and Europe providing local market expertise
  • Robust educational resources including research reports, market analysis and investment guides

Cons

  • Higher management fees compared to discount brokers and some competitors
  • Minimum investment requirements can be substantial for certain products and services
  • Complex fee structure varies by product type and account size requiring careful review
  • Limited cryptocurrency and forex trading options compared to specialized brokers
  • Customer service response times can be slow during peak periods according to reviews

Basic Information

Company
Manulife Investment Management
Region
Canada
Established
1887
Email
support@manulife.com
Phone
+1 888 333 3466
Website
www.manulife.com

User Reviews

Michael Thompson
★★★★☆
I've been investing with Manulife for the past 15 months through their managed portfolio service with an initial investment of $100,000. Their global equity portfolio has performed well with a return of 12.8% over this period. My advisor Sarah provides quarterly portfolio reviews and responsive service. The online platform is comprehensive though sometimes slow to update. Management fees are on the higher side at 1.75% annually, but the professional management and personal service justify the cost. Particularly impressed with their research reports and market insights.
Wei Chen
★★★☆☆
Have been using Manulife's mutual fund platform for 8 months. While their fund selection is extensive and research tools are good, the fees are relatively high compared to other providers. MERs on most equity funds exceed 2%. Customer service can be slow during busy periods - waited over 30 minutes several times for phone support. The online portal works well for basic transactions but lacks some advanced features. Appreciate their Chinese language support and educational resources, but they could improve their fee competitiveness.
Jennifer O'Brien
★★★★★
Managing my retirement portfolio with Manulife for over 2 years now with excellent results. Started with $250,000 in their balanced growth portfolio which has returned 15.4% annually net of fees. My advisor Mark provides exceptional service with detailed quarterly reviews and proactive rebalancing recommendations. Their tax planning assistance has been particularly valuable. The higher fees are offset by the comprehensive service and consistent performance. Regular seminars and market updates add significant value. Highly recommend for serious long-term investors.

Regulation Analysis

Manulife Investment Management operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework spanning multiple jurisdictions. In Canada, the firm is registered as a portfolio manager and investment fund manager with provincial securities regulators including the Ontario Securities Commission, British Columbia Securities Commission, and Autorité des marchés financiers (Quebec). Their US operations are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The company’s Singapore entity is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) while their European operations comply with MiFID II requirements. Client assets are held in segregated accounts at major financial institutions with additional protection through the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) up to CAD 1 million. The firm maintains strict compliance with Know Your Client (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations across all jurisdictions. Manulife has maintained a clean regulatory record with no major enforcement actions or fines in recent years, demonstrating their commitment to regulatory compliance and client protection standards.

Trading Products

  • Mutual Funds: Extensive lineup of actively managed and index funds across equity, fixed income, balanced and specialty categories with various share classes available
  • Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Growing suite of ETF products covering major asset classes and investment strategies
  • Stocks & Bonds: Direct access to equities and fixed income securities through full-service brokerage accounts
  • Managed Portfolios: Professionally managed investment solutions with strategic and tactical asset allocation
  • Retirement Products: Comprehensive retirement planning solutions including registered accounts and annuities
  • Insurance-Based Investment Products: Segregated funds and other insurance-linked investment vehicles
  • Alternative Investments: Access to real estate, infrastructure, private equity and other alternative asset classes for qualified investors

Trading Platforms

  • Manulife Online Access: Proprietary web-based platform providing account management, trading capabilities, research tools and portfolio analytics
  • Mobile App: Native iOS and Android applications offering secure account access, trading and market monitoring features
  • Advisor Portal: Dedicated platform for financial advisors to manage client accounts and access research
  • Investment Research Platform: Institutional-grade research and analysis tools covering global markets
  • Portfolio Analytics: Advanced portfolio management and reporting capabilities including risk analysis and performance attribution
  • Document Center: Secure online repository for account statements, tax documents and other important records

Deposit and Withdrawal

  • Account Funding: Electronic funds transfer (EFT), wire transfer, check deposits and account transfers supported
  • Minimum Investments: Starting at $25,000 for managed accounts, lower minimums for mutual fund purchases
  • Processing Times: EFT typically 2-3 business days, wire transfers same or next business day
  • Withdrawal Methods: Electronic transfer to linked bank accounts, wire transfers or check requests
  • Fees: No fees for standard electronic transfers, wire transfer fees may apply
  • Currency Options: Accounts available in CAD, USD and other major currencies
  • Documentation Requirements: Government ID, proof of address and banking information required for account opening

Customer Support

  • Contact Methods: Phone support during business hours, secure messaging through online portal, email support for general inquiries
  • Dedicated Support: Personal financial advisors available for managed accounts and high-net-worth clients
  • Languages: Services available in English, French and Chinese in major markets
  • Educational Resources: Extensive library of investment guides, market research and educational materials
  • Office Locations: Branch offices across Canada with additional locations in major global financial centers
  • Response Times: General inquiries typically answered within 24-48 hours, faster response for urgent matters

FAQ

Q: What investment services does Manulife offer?
A: Manulife provides comprehensive investment management services including mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, managed portfolios and retirement solutions. Services range from self-directed investing to full-service wealth management with dedicated advisors. Investment minimums typically start at $25,000 for managed accounts with lower minimums for individual fund purchases.

Q: How are client assets protected?
A: Client assets are held in segregated accounts at major financial institutions and protected through multiple regulatory frameworks including CIPF coverage up to CAD 1 million. The firm is regulated by provincial securities regulators in Canada, the SEC and FINRA in the US, and maintains strict compliance standards.

Q: What fees can I expect to pay?
A: Fee structures vary by service level and investment type. Managed accounts typically charge an annual management fee ranging from 0.50% to 2.00% depending on account size and services provided. Mutual funds have separate management expense ratios (MERs) ranging from 0.50% for index funds to 2.50% for specialty funds.

Q: How do I open an account?
A: Account opening requires government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and banking information. Applications can be initiated online or through a Manulife advisor. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days once all required documentation is received. Managed accounts require an initial consultation to determine investment objectives and risk tolerance.