#Canada #Toronto #Manulife IM #Financial Resilience #Ownership Works

Manulife Investment Management's Commitment to Ownership Works

On March 4, 2025, Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) announced an exciting multiyear commitment to collaborate with Ownership Works, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting employee ownership in various workplaces. This partnership marks a significant stride towards enhancing financial resilience and addressing economic inequality, which align with Manulife's sustainability goals.

The Vision Behind the Partnership

In today’s corporate landscape, the shift towards shared ownership is becoming increasingly vital. Manulife IM recognizes that fostering this approach can play a key role in boosting employee engagement and financial well-being. With shared ownership models, employees can participate meaningfully in the financial successes of their organizations. Anne Valentine Andrews, Global Head of Private Markets at Manulife IM, emphasized the importance of this commitment, stating, "We are excited about our collaboration with Ownership Works as its mission is dedicated to tackling social inequality by improving financial resilience and economic opportunity."

The essence of Ownership Works lies in its advocacy for broad-based employee ownership programs that provide staff with opportunities to build wealth, thereby creating a culture of shared success. In joining hands with this organization, Manulife IM aims to integrate these ownership models directly into their investment strategies, reinforcing the notion that success should be equitably shared across all levels of a business.

Integrating Ownership Models into Investments

Through this partnership, Manulife IM's private equity team plans to advocate for the adoption of shared ownership models not only within their investments but across the industry. The objective is to better align the incentives of various stakeholders, creating a more interconnected and successful business environment. Scott Garfield, Senior Managing Director for Private Equity and Credit at Manulife IM, expressed excitement about this initiative, noting, "Our team is looking forward to broadening the definition of success through this collaboration, setting a precedent where incentives are aligned to elevate both company performance and employee welfare."

A New Standard in Business Success

Ownership Works is on a mission to redefine business norms, promoting employee ownership as the standard practice within organizations. This collaboration reiterates the significant role that companies like Manulife IM can play in transforming the workplace into a fairer and more equitable environment. According to Anna-Lisa Miller, Executive Director of Ownership Works, "With the support of partners like Manulife IM, we are establishing employee ownership as the new standard in business – one that creates great places to work and generates financial returns for everyone involved."

About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management

As a trusted pillar of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management provides comprehensive financial solutions to a global clientele. The firm emphasizes empowering individuals to make informed investment choices for a secure future. With a commitment to sustainability and responsible capital stewardship, Manulife aims to deliver not just strong investment performance but positive societal impacts as well.

This partnership with Ownership Works signifies a progressive step in promoting systems that not only benefit investors but also create long-lasting advantages for employees, echoing a broader movement toward shared prosperity.

In conclusion, Manulife Investment Management's pledge to collaborate with Ownership Works is a bold initiative designed to pave the way for a future where ownership is synonymous with empowerment, equity, and financial well-being for all parties involved. This ambitious partnership is poised to become a beacon of hope in addressing systemic economic challenges, encouraging businesses worldwide to re-evaluate their operational models for long-term success while enriching the lives of their employees.