#USA #Boston #Natural Capital #Manulife Investment Management #Timberland Investments

Manulife Investment Management: A Leader in Natural Capital Investment

In a significant recognition of its commitment to sustainable investment practices, Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) has been named one of the Top 50 Natural Capital Investment Managers by IPE Real Assets. This announcement, made on February 2, 2026, not only underscores the firm's position in the industry but also reflects its impressive management of natural resources totaling €13.8 billion in assets under management (AUM).

A Showcase of Excellence in Natural Capital

Manulife IM stands out as a leader primarily due to its robust timberland and agriculture platform, which ranks second overall in the IPE listings. The company has made a notable impact as the largest global manager of equity investments in timberland. These rankings evaluate firms with significant portfolios that include timberland, agriculture, and associated ecosystem investment services—such as carbon credits, biodiversity, and regenerative land management.

Anne Valentine Andrews, the Global Head of Private Markets at Manulife IM, expressed pride in this accolade, commenting, "This recognition highlights the scale and operating depth of our natural capital platform, built through decades of global investment and on-the-ground execution." The firm has adopted a vertically integrated approach, forming teams specialized in timberland and agriculture, which broadens their range of opportunities within land-based assets, resonating well with their client base.

Commitment to Sustainability and Long-Term Value

The underlying philosophy of Manulife's investments is anchored in sustainable stewardship. Tom Sarno, the Global Head of Timberland Investments, stated, "Being recognized as one of the world's largest natural capital managers reflects our foundational principles anchored in a commitment to sustainable stewardship, while helping to secure long-term value creation for clients." Manulife IM celebrated its 40-year tenure in the industry in 2025, emphasizing its operational excellence and expertise that have consistently led to competitive returns.

Brent McGowan, who leads Agriculture Investments, pointed to the firm's guiding principle: "Good stewardship is good business." This belief is mirrored by the recent recognition from IPE Real Assets, reinforcing that the management of land is just as crucial as the returns it generates.

2025 Highlights of Timberland and Agriculture Platform

2025 was a pivotal year for Manulife IM, showcasing several achievements within its Timberland and Agriculture platform:

• - The company executed a sustainable forestry strategy aimed at yielding positive impacts on climate, nature, and communities, while producing attractive risk-adjusted financial returns.

• - They actively deployed 56% of the Manulife Forest Climate Fund's $480 million commitments across timberland assets in the U.S. and Australia. These strategic acquisitions are set to produce over 3.6 million carbon credits, highlighting timberland's significance in climate-conscious portfolios.

• - Manulife IM successfully closed the Manulife Permanent Cropland Plus Fund, amassing a remarkable commitment of $289 million—the largest agricultural fund close of last year. This fund aims to invest in core, directly-operated permanent crop farmland and additional farmland investments, expected to enhance value, manage risk, and boost revenue streams for stakeholders.

About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management

Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, a branch of Manulife Financial Corporation, serves a wide array of clients, including individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members globally, with a mission to empower decisions and improve lives. The firm is dedicated to being a responsible steward of investor capital, emphasizing risk management and offering deep expertise across both public and private markets. With a commitment to better investment outcomes and positive impact, Manulife IM continues to pave the way for a secure financial future for its clients.

This recent accolade from IPE Real Assets not only solidifies Manulife IM's status in the industry but also reinforces the importance of responsible investment practices in fostering sustainable growth and achieving environmental goals.