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Code of

Business
Conduct
and Ethics

Global Compliance Office


As amended August 7, 2019

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


Table of 4 Overview 10 Ethics in the Workplace

Contents Our Values


Reward Performance and Ability
Treat Others with Respect
5 Main Sections of the Keep Your Workplace Safe
Code Keep Your Workplace Secure

Why Ethics Matter Behave Professionally at All


Times
Ethics in The Workplace
Freedom of Association
Ethics in Your Business
Relationships Human Trafficking and Slavery

Conflicts of Interest Expectations Relating to


Business Partners
Handling Information
Ethics and The Law
A Final Word

12 Ethics in Your Business


Relationships
Protect and Enhance the
6 Why Ethics Matter
Company’s Reputation
Why Ethics Matter to You and the Treat Others Honestly and Fairly
Company
Take Care in Government and
The Purpose of this Code Political Dealings
Application of the Code Share Information Responsibly
What if Someone Violates this with Industry Groups and Others
Code? Refer Media Questions to
Where to Go for Help Communications Departments
Choose Suppliers Through Fair
Competition

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2 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
16 Conflicts of Interest 21 Handling Information: 26 A Final Word
Deal at Arm’s Length with Protect Personal and Other Policies
Suppliers and other Confidential Further Helpful Information
Counterparties Information
Bribery and Kickbacks are
Follow Disclosure Requirements
Prohibited
Respect Copyrighted Materials
Be Careful about Gifts
Keep Full and Accurate Records
Be Careful about Personal
Benefits Use Communications System
and Services for Business
Follow Company Policy about
Family Members Social Media
Invest in an Ethical Manner
Working for Competitors May
Jeopardize the Company
External Directorships
24 Ethics and the Law
Use Caution Regarding Outside
Positions Know and Comply with the Law

Protect Corporate Opportunities Manage Assets Properly

Protect the Company’s Name, Identify and Report Fraud and


Reputation and Assets Theft
Reminder: Reporting Any Illegal
or Unethical Behaviour

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 3


Overview

The Manulife Financial Corporation (Manulife) Code


of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) affirms
the Company’s commitment to ethical conduct and
its practice of complying with all applicable laws and
avoiding potential or actual conflicts of interest.

We must all be thoroughly familiar with The Code is meant to provide principles-
its provisions and conduct ourselves based guidance for our daily conduct at
according to both the letter and the work. It is not meant to be a compendium
spirit of the Code. With a long tradition of all rules or of all Manulife policies that
of uncompromising dedication to govern our behaviour. Nevertheless,
the highest standards of business specific provisions are included to
conduct, Manulife enjoys a reputation of help illustrate certain principles and to
unquestioned integrity and honesty. This address general governance needs where
reputation is among our most valuable necessary.
assets and we must protect it. For purposes of this Code, the
“Company” or “Manulife” means Manulife
Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries.

4 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


Main Sections of the Code
Why Ethics Matter Conflicts of Interest Ethics and The Law
This section outlines the Code’s purpose, One of the main issues dealt with in the The need to know and comply with all
its application, and the way to handle Code is how to scrupulously avoid applicable laws, rules and regulations,
specific questions and concerns under actual conflicts of interest. This section including the obligation to fully and
the Code, including those relating to addresses potential conflicts which truthfully cooperate with internal and
accounting and auditing matters. may arise in a variety of situations, external investigations, is discussed in
including the giving and receiving this section. The duty to report fraud,
Ethics in The Workplace of gifts; participating in Company theft and other dishonest conduct is also
This section explains how Manulife’s transactions that could potentially benefit stressed.
values guide every aspect of the an employee, officer, director, agent,
Company’s operations. It is the obligation representative or their family; and the A Final Word
of every individual to whom this Code hiring of family members and outside This section reinforces the importance of
applies to be familiar with, and vigilant employment. The section also addresses appropriate conduct and good judgment
about, the application of the Code to our the treatment of inside information, in maintaining Manulife’s good reputation.
day-to-day operations. the prohibition on insider trading, the Company policies related to ethics are
protection of Company opportunities and also listed here.
Ethics in Your Business the proper use of the Company name.
Relationships
The critical issues addressed in this Handling Information
section include fairness and honesty This section discusses the need to avoid
in our interactions with customers, inappropriate or otherwise unauthorized
compliance with applicable laws and the disclosure of Company information or
special concerns that can arise when information received by the Company
giving gifts or other things of value to to ensure that our interests and the
government officials. In addition, lobbying privacy of our applicants, policyholders,
and campaign finance issues, certain claimants, borrowers, employees,
antitrust concerns, and the manner in representatives and investors are
which media inquiries should be handled protected. The section also addresses
are also included in this section. our duty to maintain accurate records
and to comply with disclosure and
intellectual property laws. Finally, there
is a discussion on the use of Company
communications systems, including
email, telephone, and Internet access,
as well as the prohibition on the
unauthorized disclosure of Company
information via Internet chat rooms and
other electronic means.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 5


Why Ethics Matter

At Manulife, we value our good name and strive to


maintain high standards of integrity in everything we do.

Why Ethics Matter to You and the principles and values set out in the Code
Company when representing Manulife to the public
First and foremost, acting ethically is or performing services for, or on behalf
always the right thing to do. Second, of, Manulife. This Code is available on the
operating in an ethical manner is essential Company’s website, on MFCentral and is
to our success. Our customers, investors also available in print upon request.
and other stakeholders rely on us to be Manulife does not waive actual conflicts
honest and fair. We must behave ethically of interest under any circumstances. Any
in the communities where we operate in potential conflicts of interest, including
order to maintain the confidence of all of but not limited to the appearance of a
our stakeholders and ultimately to keep conflict of interest, must be managed to
their business. It is in our best interest preclude the potential conflict of interest
to set high standards for ourselves at all from becoming an actual conflict of
times and to align ourselves with agents, interest. Typical controls include clear
representatives, suppliers and business and complete disclosure of the potential
associates who have similar high conflict of interest and recusal from any
standards of business conduct. decision-making relating to the situation
giving rise to the potential conflict of
The Purpose of this Code interest.
This Code provides standards for At the end of each section is a list of
ethical behaviour when representing related Company policies you should refer
the Company and when dealing with to for more information. These Company
customers, investors, employees, field policies should be consulted to determine
representatives, external suppliers, their applicability to any given Segment,
competitors, government authorities and subsidiary or affiliate.
the public. Like the prohibition on actual conflicts
of interest, certain additional provisions
Application of the Code of this Code may never be waived; for
Manulife’s Code of Business Conduct example, the duty to always act in an
and Ethics applies to directors, officers ethical manner. Although very unusual,
and employees of Manulife and its certain sections of the Code not relating
subsidiaries. Sales representatives, third to the prohibition of actual conflicts of
party business associates, contractors interest may only be waived in exceptional
and others with certain duties and circumstances. For employees below the
obligations to the Company are also level of Vice President, such waivers may
expected to abide by all applicable only be granted with the explicit written
provisions of the Code and adhere to the approval of the Global Compliance Chief.

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6 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
For directors and employees at the level of You may report suspected or potential
Vice President and above, any such waiver illegal or unethical behaviour without fear
will be granted only upon approval by of retaliation. The Company absolutely
the Manulife Board of Directors or Board prohibits retaliation of any kind for
Committee and will be disclosed promptly good faith reports of illegal or unethical
as required by law or stock exchange behaviour.
regulation. All reports are presumed to be made in
good faith. No report will be found to have
What if Someone Violates this Code? been made in bad faith without clear and
All our activities must be able to withstand convincing evidence of bad faith.
close scrutiny. To protect Manulife’s good Speak to your manager, your Segment
name, the Company may discipline and/ Chief Compliance Officer, a member of
or terminate its relationship or affiliation the Law Department or a member of the
with any director, officer, employee, Human Resources Department if you
representative, associate or supplier have:
who breaches this Code or any related • doubts about a particular situation;
Company policy. If violating the Code also • questions or concerns about a business
violates the law, you may also be subject practice;
to prosecution. • questions about potential conflicts of
Unless prohibited under local law, interest or the appearance thereof; or
where the Company has reason to believe • concerns about potential or suspected
that an employee’s violation of the Code illegal, unprofessional, fraudulent or
constitutes criminal conduct, Manulife other unethical behaviour.
may, in addition to terminating the Unethical, unprofessional, illegal,
employee’s employment without notice, fraudulent or other questionable
refer the matter to law enforcement and behaviour, including any concern with
disclose (internally and/or externally) respect to auditing and accounting
relevant facts underlying the conduct and matters, may also be reported by calling
the Company’s remedial measures. a confidential toll-free Ethics Hotline
or at www.manulifeethics.com. Ethics
Where to Go for Help Hotline telephone numbers can be found
It is critical that all of us who represent on the Manulife Ethics website. The
Manulife and its subsidiaries use good Ethics Hotline system allows for two-way
judgment and common sense. It is the communication, and you may also use
best way to ensure that our Company this process to pose questions to the
continues to meet high standards of Global Compliance Office. Ethics Hotline
business conduct. Since we cannot communications may be anonymous if
anticipate every situation that will arise, the reporter chooses.
it is important that we have a way to If you feel that your questions or
approach questions and concerns. Always concerns have not been appropriately
ask first, act later. If you are unsure of addressed, you should direct your
what to do in any situation, seek guidance complaint to the Manulife Global
before you act. Compliance Chief or the Manulife General

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 7


Counsel, whose contact information is
available on MFCentral.
While the Ethics Hotline is intended
primarily for the use of employees, third
parties (e.g., shareholders, vendors,
suppliers, sub-advisers, etc.) may also report
suspected unethical, unprofessional, illegal
or fraudulent activity. Concerns received
via the Ethics Hotline related to auditing
or accounting matters will be forwarded to
Manulife’s Audit Committee by the Global
Compliance Chief.
Members of Manulife’s Board of Directors
should direct any questions or concerns
about the scope or applicability of this
Code to the Manulife General Counsel. In
addition, to maintain the independence of
Manulife’s Board of Directors, the Board and
its committees may retain outside advisors
as they deem necessary. Individual Manulife
directors may also retain outside advisors,
at the Company’s expense, to provide
advice on any matter before the Board or
a Board Committee with prior approval
from the Manulife Corporate Governance &
Nominating Committee.
Non-management directors of Manulife
subsidiaries should direct any questions or
concerns regarding this Code, its scope or
its applicability to the General Counsel, or to
the person holding a similar position, for the
entity on whose Board they serve.

8 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


Quick Ethics Check

While a code of conduct can • Is this legal?


provide principles of behaviour • Is it fair?
and some general rules, it • Would I want other people to know I did
cannot cover every situation. it?
Ethics sometimes come down • How would I feel if I read about it in the
to a personal decision. To help newspaper?
you make the right choice, • How will I feel about myself if I do it?
ask yourself the following • What would I tell my child or a close
questions: friend to do in a similar situation?

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 9


Ethics in the Workplace

We cannot have a positive and productive workplace


unless we treat each other with respect and trust. Each
of us must help create and maintain a healthy, secure
environment that values contributions and encourages
learning.

Our Values It’s one way to ensure quality in everything


Values are the guiding principles that we do.
represent how we operate and help us The Company strictly prohibits
define how we work together. They inform discrimination, harassment and violence in
our actions and how we interact with each the workplace, and employees are entitled
other and our customers. to a workplace free from harassment. If
• Obsess about customers you experience or observe this behaviour
• Do the right thing you should report it to Human Resources,
• Think big Employee Relations, your manager, your
• Get it done together Segment Compliance Officer, a member of
• Own it the Law Department or the Ethics Hotline.
• Share your humanity In short, if you see something, report
it. The Company absolutely prohibits
Reward Performance and Ability retaliation of any kind for good faith
At Manulife, we embrace our diversity and reports of illegal or unethical behavior.
treat all individuals with dignity. We strive For more guidance refer to local policies
to attract, develop and retain a workforce such as:
that is as diverse as the customers we • Discrimination, Harassment and
serve and to foster an inclusive work Workplace Violence Policy (Canada)
environment that embraces the strength • Anti-Harassment Policy (US)
of cultures and individuals. We are • Workplace Violence Policy (US)
committed to fair recruitment, retention
and advancement and we administer all Keep Your Workplace Safe
of our practices and programs based on Manulife must provide a safe and healthy
qualification and performance and without work environment for all employees.
discrimination on any protected ground. Protection of employees from injury
or occupational illness is a significant
Treat Others with Respect ongoing commitment on the part of
We must give co-workers the same respect the Company. All employees have a
and service we give customers. When we responsibility to help ensure that the
communicate with each other within the Company is complying with health, safety
organization, we must be open and honest. and environmental laws and regulations

10 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


by reporting accidents, potential hazards communications regarding wages, hours or
and other concerns immediately to your other terms and conditions of employment.
manager or the facilities management in
your area. Human Trafficking and Slavery
Manulife is committed to doing its part to
Keep Your Workplace Secure help eradicate human trafficking and strictly
It is critical that we protect both individual prohibits directors, officers, employees,
and Company property and assets. subcontractors, subcontractor employees,
While Manulife takes physical and cyber and agents from engaging in human
security measures, we must all be part of trafficking-related activities. These activities
the security process. If you know of any include, among others, engaging in sex
situation or incident that could lead to trafficking, procuring commercial sex acts,
the loss, misuse or theft of Company or using force, fraud, or coercion to subject a
individual property, report it immediately to person to involuntary servitude, or obtaining
a manager or to security personnel. labour from a person by threats of serious
harm to that person or another person.
Behave Professionally at All Times
Just as it is important to behave responsibly Expectations Relating to Business
in the workplace at all times, it is important Partners
to behave responsibly when representing We expect our business partners to adhere
Manulife or attending Company events. to ethical business conduct consistent with
You must represent the Company in a our own and are committed to working with
positive manner when dealing with clients our partners to meet this common goal.
and potential clients, and in all business These expectations include ethical behavior
activities. by our partners, a prohibition on bribery and
corruption and a commitment to eradicate
Freedom of Association human trafficking.
The Code of Conduct will not be interpreted For more guidance refer to the Manulife
or applied to interfere with employee rights Vendor Code of Conduct.
to self-organize, form, join, or assist labour
organizations, to bargain collectively
through representatives of their choosing,
or to engage in other concerted activities
for the purpose of collective bargaining
or other mutual aid or protection, or to
refrain from engaging in such activities.
While the Company firmly believes work-
related issues can be best resolved through
internal channels rather than a social media
outlet, nothing in this policy is designed to
interfere with, restrain, or prevent employee

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 11


Ethics in Your Business Relationships

Our business depends on sound relationships with


customers, the community, other organizations and our
stakeholders.

We maintain these relationships by factual, easy to understand and based


taking extra care when giving or receiving on the principles of fair dealing and good
gifts, when producing materials for faith. All promotional efforts, illustrations
customers and others and when sharing of products and marketing concepts must
information with outside individuals and be factual.
organizations. We must be careful not to mislead
customers, investors or other
Protect and Enhance the Company’s stakeholders about the financial status,
Reputation products or services of the Company or
All individuals to whom this Code applies its competitors. We must never make
must conduct their business activities statements about competitors that are
in a manner that protects and enhances untrue. We must never make promises
the Company’s reputation. The risk of the Company cannot keep. No director,
damage to our reputation must be a key officer, employee, representative or other
consideration in assessing and engaging associate of the Company should take
in any business relationship, transaction unfair advantage of anyone, including
or activity. Any incident with the potential customers, investors, other stakeholders,
to harm our reputation is of high priority suppliers or competitors. Taking unfair
and senior management is to be alerted. advantage includes: manipulation,
concealment, abuse of Confidential
Treat Others Honestly and Fairly Information, misrepresentation of
We must treat customers with high material facts and any other unfair-
standards of honesty, fairness and dealing.
courtesy. Customers must be able to voice Also, no officer, employee or temporary
their concerns easily, and we must deal or contract worker may require the sale
with complaints and disputes fairly and of a product or service as part of the
quickly. purchase or sale of a separate product
We seek competitive advantage through or service. These so-called “tie-in” sales
superior performance, never through are illegal in many jurisdictions and are
unethical or illegal business practices. best avoided by offering distinct products
In short, we seek to outperform our separately and marketing each on its own
competitors fairly and honestly. The merits.
materials we provide to customers, To be professional, we must follow
investors and other stakeholders must our corporate standards of ethical
meet high standards of professionalism. business conduct while appreciating the
Advertising and sales materials must be cultures and business customs of the

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12 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
countries and communities in which we allowed under the Code, the matter must be
operate. We must ensure compliance with escalated to the Global Compliance Chief.
applicable laws, rules and regulations in the While the Company expresses views
jurisdictions where we do business. on local and national issues that affect
its operations, officers and employees
Take Care in Government and Political cannot represent themselves as Company
Dealings spokespeople without proper authorization.
We must take special care to use our Questions regarding whether authorization
corporate positions responsibly when has been properly given must be referred to
dealing with government agencies and the Global Compliance Chief.
representatives. This is especially true The Company respects and supports
in relation to the political process. It is the right of every individual to participate
important that we comply with all laws in the political process. However, the
and regulations that apply when offering Company will not provide reimbursement
to provide entertainment, meals, nominal for any political contributions made by any
gifts, gratuities and other items of value to individual, including the purchase of tickets
any employee or representative of federal, to political fundraising events such as
provincial, state or local governments or dinners. These are to be handled personally
state-owned enterprises, or when accepting by the employee. Similarly, if an individual
such items of value from any employee chooses to volunteer in support of a political
or representative of federal, provincial, campaign, (s)he must do so after work, on
state or local governments or state-owned weekends or during vacation leaves and not
enterprises. during regular working hours.
The giving of gifts to or the payment of Please also remember many jurisdictions
expenses for, or on behalf of, public officials have prohibitions such as the U.S. ‘Pay to
is governed by a complicated array of Play’ rules that may require pre-clearance
regulations, which vary from jurisdiction to for political contributions and other
jurisdiction. Before making any expenditure activities. If you have any questions in this
for, or on behalf of, public officials you area, please consult your Segment Chief
must contact your Segment Chief Legal Compliance Officer.
Officer for explicit approval. This includes, The Company’s general policy is that it
but is not limited to, expenditures for will not make any political contributions.
travel, sponsorships and conferences. For No director, officer, employee or Company
Segments with a Government Relations representative may make or authorize any
function, you should also seek concurrence payment by or on behalf of the Company
from Government Relations. Gifts of a to any political party, organization,
significant value to a government official, committee, candidate or public official,
party official, or an employee of a state- or in connection with any political caucus,
owned enterprise are prohibited. After convention or election, except as permitted
escalation to the Segment Chief Legal by law and approved by the Segment
Officer, if there is any remaining concern Chief Legal Officer and, where the position
about whether the gift or expenditure is exists, the Segment Government Relations

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 13


Chief. Under applicable laws, prohibited In addition, the Company is subject
Company contributions and expenditures to antitrust and trade regulation laws
include the donation of Company funds, in many jurisdictions. Generally, these
the use of Company facilities, including laws prohibit discussions, agreements
office space and equipment, as well as or understandings with any competitor
the donation of the services of Company that relate to pricing, customers,
employees to the campaign committee of products, services, territory allocation
a candidate. or a boycott or refusal to deal with any
You must not engage in any lobbying third party. Company representatives
activities on behalf of the Company unless whose duties bring them in contact
you first obtain specific authorization with representatives of competing
from your Segment Chief Legal Officer companies must be especially cautious.
and, where the position exists, Segment If sensitive information is raised by a
Government Relations Chief. competitor in the presence of a Company
In addition, no officer or employee representative, every reasonable
may make or authorize any payment or effort must be made to terminate
transfer of anything of value to any foreign the conversation and the Company
public official (including employees of representative must promptly report the
state-owned enterprises or political incident to the Segment Law Department.
parties) except as may be permitted When participating in any exchange of
by applicable law and approved by the information with competitors, including
Segment Chief Legal Officer and, where any statistical survey, advice from the
the position exists, Segment Government Segment Law Department should be
Relations Chief. After escalation to sought.
the Segment Chief Legal Officer or
Government Relations Chief, if there Refer Media Questions to
is any remaining concern whether the Communications Departments
expenditure is allowed under the Code, The media play an important role in
the matter must be escalated to the helping inform the public about Manulife,
Global Compliance Chief. its products and services.
Communications departments within
Share Information Responsibly with each Segment or geographic location are
Industry Groups and Others responsible for communicating official
Memberships in business organizations Company positions to the media. You
can increase the effectiveness of must direct all media inquiries to these
individuals, the Company and our departments.
industry. The Company encourages
membership in such organizations,
especially those that strive to improve the
industry.
It is a normal part of these
memberships to share aggregated,
statistical and policy information.
However, we need to ensure that we do
not exchange confidential corporate
information that could jeopardize the
Company’s competitive position.

14 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


Choose Suppliers Through Fair For more guidance
Competition
Manulife is committed to fair See the following sections in this
competition in all its dealings Code:
with suppliers. It is important • Conflicts of Interest
to communicate the Company’s • Handling Information
requirements clearly and uniformly to • Ethics and the Law
all potential suppliers. Choose suppliers
on the basis of merit, competitiveness,
price, reliability and reputation.
If a supplier asks you to endorse a
product or service using the Company
name or your position as a Company
representative, direct the request to
the Senior Executive Vice President,
Executive Vice President or Senior Vice
President of your Segment or country.
You must not suggest or imply to a
supplier that the Company’s patronage
depends on the supplier becoming a
customer or on the supplier continuing
to make purchases from the Company.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 15


Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when your private interest


interferes in any way with the interests of the Company,
its clients or its customers.

A conflict situation can arise when you the matter to your manager, you must
take actions, have interests or are involved immediately recuse yourself from any
in outside activities that make it difficult decision-making relating to the situation
to perform Company work objectively and giving rise to the conflict of interest.
effectively, or affect your judgment to act Any potential conflicts of interest must
in the best interest of customers, investors be managed to preclude the potential
and other stakeholders. conflict of interest from becoming an
Conflicts of interest damage the trust actual conflict of interest. Typical controls
between you, the public and the Company. include clear and complete disclosure
Moreover, even the appearance of a of the potential conflict of interest and
conflict may be harmful to the Company. recusal from any decision-making relating
We all must be vigilant in this regard, and to the situation giving rise to the potential
must avoid all interactions, relationships conflict of interest. If you need further
or situations that could reasonably advice, consult the procedures described
give rise to a conflict of interest or the in the section of this Code titled “Where to
appearance of a conflict of interest. go for help.”
To help prevent conflicts or the The following are some of the most
appearance of conflicts, you must update common areas of potential conflicts of
your Code of Business Conduct and Ethics interest, but the most reliable guideline is
Certification and Conflict of Interest your own common sense.
Disclosure Questionnaire annually. You
are also responsible for updating the Deal at Arm’s Length with Suppliers
Questionnaire as your circumstances and other Counterparties
change during the year. You must not be associated in any way
As outlined above in the section ‘Why with agreements between the Company
Ethics Matter,’ Manulife does not waive and suppliers in which you or a member
actual conflicts of interest under any of your immediate family have an interest,
circumstances. If an actual conflict, or which might result in any personal gain
potential conflict or the appearance of or benefit to you or to any member of your
a conflict of interest arises, in addition family.
to updating your Conflict of Interest You must not engage in transactions or
Disclosure Questionnaire, report it other business decision-making relating
immediately to your manager. to suppliers, vendors, customers or other
If an actual conflict of interest arises business relationships that may benefit
unexpectedly, in addition to reporting you or a member of your immediate

16 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


family, without receiving explicit written requires approval by a Segment Head. annuity products. Questions regarding
authorization from a supervisor in your Company officers may not have the application of these laws should be
reporting chain, who must be at least any interest in commissions or other directed to your Segment Compliance
AVP level. In addition, you must update compensation based on premiums or Officer.
your Conflict of Interest Disclosure consideration payable to the Company on Sales and Related Activities: Specialized
Questionnaire. Such authorization is any policy or contract of insurance unless rules and regulations apply to sales
only appropriate where the supervisor the policy or contract was written and activities. In the U.S., FINRA rules
consults with Compliance and determines effective prior to the officer’s appointment. govern the receipt and giving of gifts
that there is no actual conflict of interest. In addition to the rules noted below, a involving registered representatives or
Failure to obtain such written authorization director, officer or employee may not give broker-dealers. Questions regarding the
before engaging in such activity can result or receive any gift or form of gift, gratuity applicability of these sales-related rules
in termination. or entertainment to or from anyone with and regulations should be directed to your
whom the Company has, or is likely to Segment Compliance Officer.
Bribery and Kickbacks are have, any business dealings, if the gift
Prohibited or entertainment could reasonably be Be Careful about Personal Benefits
Manulife does not allow unfair business perceived as an attempt to influence Conflicts of interest may arise if you or
practices such as bribery, kickbacks or the recipient’s judgment. For example, your family member receive a personal
insurance rebating (generally rebating is a director, officer or employee should benefit as a result of your position in the
type of kickback defined as returning a never solicit a gift, gratuity or shared Company. All such personal benefits,
portion of the premium or the commission business entertainment from a current or including loans and guarantees of
on the premium to the insured or other prospective business partner or client. obligations from the Company, must
inducements to place business with a If the suitability of a gift, gratuity or be disclosed on the Company’s Code of
specific insurer). These practices are entertainment is questionable, employees Business Conduct and Ethics Certification
against Company policy in all places should consult with their Segment Chief and Conflict of Interest Disclosure
where we conduct business. Legal Officer. Additionally, Manulife Questionnaire and approved by the
directors should forward inquiries to Company. Personal loans to executive
Be Careful about Gifts the Manulife General Counsel. Non- officers are prohibited unless specifically
Offers of gifts and entertainment are management directors of Manulife’s permitted by law.
courtesies common among business subsidiaries should consult with the Involvement in Investment Decisions
partners. However, offering, soliciting or entity’s General Counsel or person holding Requiring Disclosure: Manulife
accepting gifts, entertainment, gratuities a similar position. directors, officers and employees shall
or other benefits can be mistaken for Gifts, gratuities or entertainment not recommend or participate in any
improper payments. For this reason, the provided to public officials, including Company investment decision involving an
guidelines below must be followed. employees of state-owned enterprises and entity in which they or any of their family
Officers and employees or their family political parties, are covered in the section members have a financial interest, unless
members must not receive money or titled “Take Care in Government and the existence of such interest has been
any item of value from any third party Political Dealings.” properly disclosed to a supervisor in their
in connection with the officer’s or Insurance Customers or Prospects: reporting chain, who must be at least AVP
employee’s participation in any Company Gifts or entertainment, including level, and to all those involved in all stages
transaction. Officer compensation, other promotional items, are subject to of the investment approval process. In
than Company wages, bonus, pension insurance anti-rebating and inducement addition, as with any other potential
or benefits, may be regulated by law and laws governing the sale of insurance and conflict of interest, the supervisor must

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 17


consult with relevant compliance personnel their direct manager should be immediately
in their Segment and determine that there reported to the manager’s supervisor so
is no actual conflict of interest. Manulife that controls (including but not limited to
directors and corporate officers should also changing the reporting lines) may be put in
review Manulife’s Conflict of Interest Rules place to avoid an actual conflict of interest.
for Directors and Officers.
Invest in an Ethical Manner
Follow Company Policy about Family Directors, officers and employees must
Members strictly follow all laws and regulations
In some situations, hiring, transferring or affecting investments. It is unethical and
managing family members can lead to illegal for directors, officers and employees
conflicts of interest, potential for collusion, to buy or sell Manulife securities while in
unethical employment practices and the possession of material information that
appearance of special treatment. Family has not been publicly disclosed about the
members must not be in positions that give Company or to inform another person,
them direct or indirect supervisory authority except as permitted by law, of material
over another family member. Family information that has not been publicly
members in certain identified business disclosed.
units and job functions could create the In addition, it is unethical and may be
appearance of and/or the potential for illegal to buy or sell securities of another
collusion and theoretical fraudulent activity. company with the benefit of your knowledge
Business areas must be aware of these of the Company’s investment intentions or
situations to ensure proper controls are in any material information that has not been
place to mitigate this risk. publicly disclosed about that company.
For purposes of the Code, family Directors, officers and employees must
members include: spouse (as defined also be cautious of potentially being in
for benefit purposes), domestic partner, a conflict of interest where they wish to
significant other, children, grandchildren, make an investment in a business entity
siblings, parents, grandparents, which they know transacts business with
aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-law Manulife or in which Manulife has made an
relationships and step or common-law/ investment.
in-law relationships. The rules relating to Do not speculate in Manulife securities. In
family members apply to all employment, order to comply with applicable laws and to
including full-time and part-time regular ensure that perceptions of improper insider
status, contract and summer student trading do not arise, Manulife prohibits
hiring. All hiring within Manulife must its directors, officers and employees
be conducted by local Talent Acquisition from speculating in Manulife securities.
teams. Speculation includes the purchase or sale
Intimate personal relationships between of Manulife securities with the intent of
co-workers can also create conflicts of reselling or buying back in a relatively short
interest. Any intimate personal relationship period of time, with the expectation of a rise
that develops between an employee and or fall in the market price of such securities,

18 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


the buying or selling of put or call options to: obtaining Manulife approval for While many external directorships do
on Manulife securities and short selling certain personal securities transactions, not pose a conflict of interest and may
Manulife securities. providing Manulife with access to personal not require approval, some external
Furthermore, directors, officers and securities holdings and transaction directorships could pose a conflict and/
insiders of the Company who directly or information, limitations on the use of or will require approval. For that reason,
indirectly short sell Manulife securities certain brokerage firms and limitations on before accepting an external directorship,
or buy or sell put or call options or other certain personal investment activities. employees must report a prospective
derivatives on Manulife securities may be directorship to the Global Compliance
liable, pursuant to the provisions of the Working for Competitors May Office for review.
Insurance Companies Act (Canada), to Jeopardize the Company
compensate persons who suffered a loss No Manulife officer or employee may Use Caution Regarding Outside
and to compensate the Company for any work for any organization that competes Positions
benefit or advantage received as a result with the Company or enter into a Outside work or financial involvement
of the transaction. relationship that creates a conflict of in external organizations can lead to
The monetization of equity awards interest with the Company. This includes conflicts of interest, which could interfere
before vesting and payment by the serving as a director, officer, trustee, with your ability to give objective, full-time
Company is prohibited. partner, employee, consultant or agent. attention to your work with Manulife or
For further questions relating to the Exceptions to this prohibition must be could damage the Company’s reputation.
handling of inside information and/or approved by the Manulife General Counsel. You must not engage in any other
the trading of Company securities or Employees must report all outside employment or take any civic, charitable,
derivatives, you should refer to Manulife’s employment or business activity to the government or political position that
Insider Trading and Reporting Policy. Global Compliance Office by submitting would hamper your performance or
Additionally, as a global financial a Conflict of Interest Disclosure your judgment to act in the Company’s
institution, government regulators, Questionnaire to the Global Compliance best interest. You have a continuing
business partners and customers expect Office. Employees have a continuing obligation to update your Conflict of
Manulife to adopt and enforce codes obligation to update their Conflict of Interest Disclosure Questionnaire and
and standards to proactively address Interest Disclosure Questionnaire and submit it to Global Compliance whenever
the conflicts between employee personal submit it to Global Compliance whenever circumstances change.
investing and the investment activities of circumstances change.
our businesses. Thus, certain employees Directors of Manulife or its subsidiaries Protect Corporate Opportunities
who are involved directly or indirectly in will follow their own policies relating to Individuals to whom this Code applies
Manulife’s investment businesses or have outside business relationships. are prohibited from: (a) benefiting from
access to certain sensitive investment opportunities that are discovered through
information are required to comply with External Directorships the use of Company property, information
certain business-level codes of ethics. Employees must report to the Global or position; (b) using Company property,
These business-level codes of ethics Compliance Office any external information or position for personal gain;
impose disclosure obligations and directorships they wish to accept. and (c) competing with the Company
limit personal investment activities in The Compliance function reviews all during the term of their relationship
Manulife and non-Manulife securities by prospective directorships to confirm that with the Company. You owe a duty to
both the employee and members of the the directorship does not pose a conflict of the Company to advance its legitimate
employee’s household. These obligations interest, and to confirm that appropriate interests when the opportunity to do so
and limitations include but are not limited approvals are obtained. arises.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 19


Protect the Company’s Name, authorship, trademarks, service marks, For more guidance
Reputation and Assets marketing materials and designs. All
The name “Manulife” must be used only for such intellectual property and associated
authorized Company business and never worldwide intellectual property rights, See the following related
for personal activities. Do not identify such as copyrights and patents, will be policies:
yourself with the Company while pursuing owned by the Company (and to the extent • Global Reputation Risk Policy
personal, political or not-for-profit not owned by the Company will be hereby • Insider Trading and
activities, unless you obtain prior approval assigned to the Company). You agree Reporting Policy
from the Chief Compliance Officer in your you are responsible for co-operating • Real Estate Code of Conduct
Segment. with the Company and providing all and Compliance
An important way to protect the necessary assistance to ensure that all • Subsidiary or Segment
Company’s reputation is to always be such intellectual property and related Codes of Ethics and insider
honest and accurate when making rights become the exclusive property of trading policies
statements when discussing the Company. Manulife, including by providing Manulife
False information or statements about the with such assignments, waivers and other
Company, its representatives, employees, documents as may be requested.
products or services can damage the We all share a responsibility to protect
Company’s reputation. You must not Company assets. All documents, records,
make false written or oral statements data, equipment and other physical
about the Company, its employees or property provided to you by the Company,
representatives or its products and or otherwise obtained or produced in
services in print, via electronic media or in connection with your employment with the
person. Company, shall be or remain at all times
Each director, officer, employee, the property of the Company. Company
representative or other associate time, property and services, including
entrusted with access to or control over assets such as stationery, computers
Company transactions and assets must and mail services, may not be used for
ensure that each use, acquisition or personal activities, except as permitted by
disposition of an asset by a person on Company policies, unless you have your
behalf of the Company is undertaken manager’s specific approval. Personal
with the general or specific authorization activities include charitable causes. You
of management and is accurately and may not remove or borrow Company
fairly recorded in reasonable detail in the property without permission. You should
Company’s books of account and record. report any misuse of Company assets
During the course of, or related to, your to your manager, Segment Compliance
employment or provision of services to Officer, Segment Law Department or
the Company, as applicable, you may be Segment Human Resources Department.
involved in the creation, development
or invention of intellectual property.
Intellectual property includes but is not
limited to: ideas, concepts, methods,
processes, inventions, Confidential
Information and trade secrets, works of

20 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


Handling Information: Protect
Personal and Confidential Information
Information is one of the Company’s most vital assets. For
purposes of this Code of Conduct, “Confidential Information”
includes all non-public information that might be of use to
competitors or harmful to the Company or our customers or
other stakeholders if disclosed.

Confidential Information includes: employees, representatives, investors and


(a) all proprietary and Confidential business partners. We must handle this
Information relating to the business and information with the greatest care to merit
affairs of Manulife, whether in writing, their confidence and protect their privacy.
oral, or some other format, including but Any Confidential Information acquired,
not limited to, financial information, data, or otherwise accessed in any way,
pricing, strategies, reports, forecasts, by employees in the course of their
inventions, improvements and other employment must be kept secure, in
intellectual property, trade secrets, know- confidence and used consistent with the
how, designs, processes or formulae, purposes for which it was collected.
software, market or sales information, It is important to use discretion when
customer information, client lists, business discussing Company business in public
plans and prospects and opportunities places such as elevators, restaurants and
that have been discussed or considered by airplanes, or when using public or cellular
Manulife (such as possible acquisitions or phones, the Internet and fax machines.
dispositions of businesses or facilities); Confidential Information may be disclosed
(b) all information that is covered by to those who have a right to the information
protected categories such as Personally or when the law requires disclosure, or
Identifiable Information, Protected Health otherwise in accordance with applicable
Information and other specific regulations; Company policies.
and (c) all information that Manulife is If you are required for legitimate
obligated to maintain as confidential or that business purposes to disclose Confidential
Manulife may receive or has received from Information to any person outside the
others with any understanding, express or Company, authorization must be obtained
implied, that it will not be disclosed. from your Segment Chief Legal Officer or
It is important that you understand Segment Chief Compliance Officer or their
how sensitive this information is and how designee.
significant it is for competitiveness and Nothing in this Code of Conduct should
individual privacy. In the course of regular be construed as prohibiting communication
business, we collect a substantial amount with any regulator, either voluntarily or in
of information about our applicants, response to a regulatory inquiry. Please note
customers, claimants, borrowers, that dissemination of certain information

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 21


received from certain regulators may be you use in the course of your work any reports or records you create or
restricted by the regulator providing the as an employee or representative of maintain. Undisclosed or unrecorded
information. Any question is this area Manulife. A few examples are computer assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses
may be directed to the Global Compliance software, books, audio, video, music and are prohibited.
Chief or anonymously through the Ethics multimedia recordings, trade journals, Furthermore, all directors, officers,
Hotline. cartoons, newspapers and magazines, employees, representatives and
You have a duty to protect both personal digital images and photographs. There other associates must comply with
and Confidential Information even may also be copyrights on presentation the Company’s records management
after your employment with, provision slides, training materials, management policies. These policies describe how long
or services to or placement with the models and problem-solving frameworks documents and records (whether in print
Company, as applicable, ends. In this produced by outside consultants. It is or electronic form) must be maintained in
regard, you must not retain access to or illegal to copy, share, post, reproduce, order to facilitate the Company’s ongoing
take any Company files or Confidential distribute or alter copyrighted material operations and to satisfy financial, legal
Information in any form with you when you in either print or digital format without and regulatory retention requirements.
leave the Company. the permission of the copyright owner or These policies also provide directions
authorized agent. for the proper disposal of records that
Follow Disclosure Requirements You must also comply with the have been kept for the required periods.
Manulife is required to make disclosures copyrights on software installed on your In accordance with these policies, in
about its financial condition and office computer and on the network the event of litigation or governmental
business activity on a timely and broadly computer storage areas you control. You investigation, please consult your
disseminated basis and without being may not copy, install or otherwise use Segment Law Department.
unduly optimistic on prospects for future software in a manner that violates the
company performance. The Company license agreement for that software. Use Communications System and
makes such disclosures through Services for Business
authorized spokespersons or authorized Keep Full and Accurate Records Company communications systems,
filings. The key principles of disclosure The Company requires full and accurate which include all computer and
are: records to meet its legal and financial telecommunications equipment the
• All materials must be broadly obligations and to manage its business Company owns or leases as well as all
disseminated in a timely manner. properly. All Company books, financial remote computing services used by
• Disclosure must be full, fair, reports, expense accounts, time sheets, the Company, including the Internet,
understandable and accurate and avoid administrative records and other similar are intended to be used for business
any misrepresentation of the Company documents must be completed accurately, purposes. Employees must use
and its finances. honestly and in accordance with Company communication systems and devices in a
• Disclosure must be accomplished procedures. Making false, fictitious, professional manner and must not engage
consistently during both good times and misleading or inappropriate entries with in any activity which does not comply
bad. respect to any transaction of the Company with the Code. Company business must
• All legitimate requests for information or the disposition of any of the Company’s be conducted using Company-approved
should be treated equally. assets is prohibited, and no director, systems and networks and Company-
Employees must refer all inquiries from officer, employee, representative or other approved remote access procedures.
the financial community, shareholders associate may engage in any transaction Occasional personal use of Company
and media to an authorized spokesperson. that requires or contemplates the communications systems is permitted
making of false, fictitious, misleading or when the use does not:
Respect Copyrighted Materials inappropriate entries. You are responsible • interfere with the user’s work
Copyright laws protect many materials for the accuracy and completeness of performance;

22 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


• distract other individuals from their Please note the Company monitors
job responsibilities; unduly impact social media sites for discussion of the
the operation of Company systems or Company, our business and our fellow
processes; or employees. Employees may be subject to
• violate any provisions of this Code or discipline, up to and including termination
any other Company policy. of employment, for violating any terms
All Company communications systems of the Social Media policy. For further
(including data on these systems) are information, please consult the Electronic
the Company’s property. Authorized Communications Standard.
individuals may periodically check these
systems to correct network problems,
pursuant to regulatory requirements
or otherwise and/or to ensure they are For more guidance
being properly used and secure. You
cannot expect any personal privacy for See the following sections in
communications that you send, receive or this Code:
store on these systems. • Global Social Media Policy
• Electronic Communications
Social Media Standard
Manulife and its subsidiaries recognize • Information Security Policy
that the Internet allows members to and Standards
participate in interactive discussions, • Disclosure Policy
share information, and advance business
objectives using an ever-increasing
number of Social Media sites and tools,
such as Facebook, WeChat, LinkedIn and
Twitter. At the same time, use of social
media can pose risks to the Company’s
Confidential Information, reputation and
brands, and can jeopardize the Company’s
compliance with applicable laws,
regulations and business rules.
Postings/communications made
through social media are or can become
public and they may be difficult or
impossible to rescind. Employees are
accountable for what they post online
and must follow the Company’s Electronic
Communications Standard, which
provides guidance on authorized business
and personal social media use.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 23


Ethics and the Law

Manulife is committed to operating within the laws and


regulations of every jurisdiction in which it operates.

If an intentional violation of the Code they entrust to the Company will be


also involves criminal conduct, unless handled responsibly. If you have access
prohibited under local law, Manulife may, to customer funds, you must make
in addition to terminating the employee’s sure customer funds are handled in a
employment without notice, refer the trustworthy manner. Every Segment
matter to law enforcement and disclose has procedures and standards to help
(internal and/or external) relevant facts protect and account for all funds under
underlying the conduct and the Company’s management and to prevent carelessness,
remedial measures. fraud or dishonesty.

Know and Comply with the Law Identify and Report Fraud and Theft
You are required to understand the laws As a provider of financial services,
that affect your work and make sure your Manulife is vulnerable to losses from
business conduct complies with those dishonesty and fraud. Fraud can take
laws. You must promptly report violations many forms, such as mishandling of
and always act in accordance with this money, theft of cash or property, money
Code and other applicable Company laundering, corrupt payments of money
policies. and provision of things of value, terrorist
A formal compliance management financing, misrepresentation and
program is in place at Manulife. It falsification or forgery of documents.
is designed to promote consistent Dishonest activities, combining personal
management and monitoring of and business funds and fraud are all
compliance with laws and regulations illegal. It is management’s responsibility to
in all Company operations. If you have ensure there are proper internal controls
questions or concerns relating to to deter and detect fraud and other
compliance, consult the procedures dishonest activities, but everyone in the
described in the section of this Code titled Company must help. If you are aware of
“Where to go for help.” any suspicious activity, you have a duty
If you belong to a professional to report it immediately to the relevant
association, you are also expected to immediate supervisor, Business Unit
abide by that association’s governing rules Compliance Officer and the Segment
of professional responsibility and conduct Chief Compliance Officer, or to the Ethics
in the performance of your job. Hotline. Furthermore, you have a duty
to fully and truthfully cooperate with any
Manage Assets Properly investigations pertaining to Company
Customers expect that the money matters.

24
24 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Reminder: Reporting Any Illegal or
Unethical Behaviour
For more guidance
You have a duty to report suspected or See the following sections in
potential illegal or unethical behaviour this Code:
and to seek input when you are in • Conflicts of Interest
doubt about the best course of action • Ethics in your Business
in a particular situation. Consult the Relationships
procedures described in the section of • Handling Information
this Code titled “Where to go for help”
on reporting any suspected or potential See the following related
illegal or unethical behaviour. policies:
As outlined above, you may report • Anti-Fraud Policy and Anti-
suspected or potential illegal or unethical Fraud Guidelines
behaviour without fear of retaliation. • Anti-Money Laundering
The Company absolutely prohibits and Anti-Terrorist Financing
retaliation of any kind for good faith Policy
reports of illegal or unethical behavior. In • Regulatory Compliance
addition, directors, officers, employees, Management Policy
representatives and other associates are
expected to fully and truthfully cooperate
in internal investigations of alleged
misconduct.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 25


A Final Word

Manulife’s reputation is the result of more than 130


years of dedication, quality service and ethical dealings.
Keeping our good reputation depends directly on the
decisions you make every day.

This Code of Business Conduct and • Accommodation policies / Diversity


Ethics provides standards and sets policies / Disability policies
high expectations for directors, officers, • Harassment/Discrimination Policies
employees, representatives, suppliers (Segment)
and other associates, as well as those • Subsidiary or Segment Codes of Ethics
providing services to the Company. and insider trading policies
However, as emphasized in the Code, your These policies can be found in the
own good judgment is most important in Company Policies Database.
ensuring that Manulife remains an ethical Finally, please also note that all
company. executives at the Vice President level
and above are required to comply with
Other Policies the Clawback Policy, under which the
The Company has related policies to help Board has the discretion to cancel
you deal with ethical issues. The following unvested incentive awards and/or
policies are global in nature and are clawback vested and/or paid incentive
intended to apply worldwide, unless local awards, as applicable, in the event of your
laws and regulations mandate otherwise, fraud, theft, embezzlement or serious
or similar Company approved policies misconduct (which includes, but is not
have been implemented: limited to, dishonesty or a breach of
• Anti-Fraud Policy and Guidelines company policy to the material detriment
• Anti-Money Laundering and Anti- of Manulife’s or John Hancock’s business
Terrorist Financing Policy or reputation and any conduct that
• Disclosure Policy would qualify as cause for termination of
• Global Privacy Risk Management Policy employment at common law) irrespective
• Global Reputation Risk Policy of whether there was a financial
• Global Social Media Policy restatement. In this paragraph, “incentive
• Information Security Policy and awards” include vested, unvested and/or
Standards paid AIP payments, RSUs, PSUs, DSUs
• Insider Trading and Reporting Policy and/or Stock Options.
• Records Management Policy
• Regulatory Compliance Management Further Helpful Information
Policy. If you would like to make a confidential
Also, please refer to your Segment for report, the Manulife and John Hancock
Segment or subsidiary policies such as: Ethics Hotline enables employees to ask

26
26 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
questions about our Code of Business For more guidance
Conduct and Ethics or report suspected
misconduct. In addition to other available Additional resources are
avenues of reporting, which include available to you from the Global
speaking with your manager, legal, Compliance Office. You can
compliance, human resources and find the materials through
employee relations, the Ethics Hotline is MFCentral.
available 24-hours per day, seven days • Conflicts of Interest - Best
per week and can be used anonymously Practices
if you choose. You may report suspected • Conflicts of Interest -
or potential illegal or unethical behaviour Frequently Asked Questions
without any fear of retaliation. • Anti-Fraud and Anti-Money
Contact the hotline at: Laundering
www.manulifeethics.com or
866-294-9534.

If you have a question or concern you may contact the


following Global Compliance Office staff:

Kevin Cloherty Paul McKay


Global Compliance Chief Deputy Global Compliance Chief
617-663-2375 x 732375 519-594-5242 x 245242

Kevin Askew Robin Pak


Global Chief Financial Crimes and Anti- AVP & Senior Counsel, Global Compliance
Money Laundering Officer 617-663-2005 x 732005
617-663-2453 x 732453

Elena Papoulias
AVP & Counsel, Global Compliance
617-663-4214 x 734214

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 27

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