Under a new strategic arrangement with Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., Manulife Financial will offer Franklin Templeton LifeSmart Portfolios, a target date product with risk overlay options, to Canadian group retirement clients beginning September 1, 2010.
According to Franklin Templeton, LifeSmart Portfolios combine the benefits of target date, target risk and active portfolio management with a simplified investment process for plan sponsors and their plan members.
“LifeSmart Portfolios are a great addition to Manulife’s investment platform, giving plan sponsors a choice between two different target date solutions—one with risk overlay and one without risk overlay.” explains Mike Collins, marketing vice-president of group retirement solutions, Manulife.
“Franklin Templeton’s reputation as a leading fund manager—with strong capabilities to provide a risk overlay on target date funds—positions the firm as an ideal collaborator with Manulife,” said Duane Green, senior vice-president for institutional investment with Franklin Templeton Investments.
