Manulife Financial Corp. has confirmed a new strategic arrangement with Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. that will make Franklin Templeton LifeSmart Portfolios available to Canadian group retirement clients who are interested in adding a target date fund to their retirement programs, beginning September 1.

“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 (TSX:MFC).

Franklin Templeton LifeSmart Portfolios combine the benefits of target date, target risk and active portfolio management, providing strong performance potential with a simplified investment process for plan sponsors and their plan members.

“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,” says Duane Green, senior vice president for institutional investment of Franklin Templeton.

IE