John Hancock Financial Network Rebrands to Use “Signator Investors, Inc.” with Advisors

BOSTON, July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) President, Brian Heapps, announced today his organization would market itself to advisors using its registered broker-dealer name, Signator Investors, Inc., as it seeks to reinforce its commitment to grow as an independent broker-dealer.

Because Signator has offered its advisors the ability to brand using John Hancock Financial Network, or any unique DBA, and because of the strong brand John Hancock connotes to consumers, the John Hancock name will still be used in various ways.

"One of our independent broker-dealer's differentiators," explained Heapps,"is that we are able to offer a rich array of technology platforms and professional development resources because we are backed by the financial strength and stability of John Hancock, a highly rated financial services company."

As of today, JHFN's advisor website, http://www.signatorinvestors.com, and related marketing materials will be branded with "Signator Investors, Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial Network."

JHFN introduced multiple affiliation options about five years ago and will continue to do so under the Signator brand.. The multiple affiliation model continues to attract a broader audience of experienced producers by offering choice in how they affiliate to best support their practice.  

Additionally, in what the firm considers the mark of a true independent, Signator offers an open product platform including a comprehensive range of top-quality investment, advisory and protection products from a variety of leading providers – while supporting the advisors autonomy and independent brand. 

As the transition to independence has taken place, JHFN has seen its sales grow and shift toward wealth product sales. "Overall, despite the continuing challenging market, our sales were up four percent, with wealth sales growing by double digits," reported Heapps. To illustrate the shift, he explained that in 2007, before the transition, JHFN's insurance to wealth product ratio was roughly 80 percent to 20 percent. Currently it's about 60 percent wealth to 40 percent insurance.

"The transition, increased sales, and growth are providing us the scale necessary for further expansion," said Heapps. JHFN last month announced its plan to acquire Symetra Investment Services, Inc., a dual registered broker-dealer with approximately 280 Independent Producers.

About Signator Investors, Inc.
Signator Investors, Inc. dual registered broker dealer of John Hancock Financial Network, offers financial professionals a wealth of resources and support for business and professional development. To help advisors best meet their clients' needs, Signator provides an open product platform including a comprehensive range of top-quality investment advisory and protection products from leading carriers.

Advisors affiliated with Signator have access to support for financial planning; an integrated technology platform; defined contribution resources; a dedicated practice management team; a marketing portal providing turn-key programs with compliance-ready, customizable templates; an annual practice advancement conference; a top producer program and an industry-leading equity and succession program.

About John Hancock Financial Network and Signator Investors, Inc.
John Hancock Financial Network is a national network of independent firms with approximately 1,600 financial professionals across the U.S. A leader in the financial services industry having the stability and scale to offer an innovative business model, John Hancock Financial Network gives entrepreneurial financial professionals the power to effectively build unique businesses, based on their own vision and market opportunity.

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$555 billion (US$547 billion) as at March 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, 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

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment advisor. 197 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116.   5145-20130226-134194

SOURCE John Hancock Financial