John Hancock has announced organizational changes in the early Fall that are pending regulatory approval. We are reposting this as a reminder to those who have or are contemplating structured settlement annuities funded with a John Hancock annuity product.
Pending regulatory approval, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (“JHLICO”, which issues structured settlement annuities (and guarantees the payment of periodic payment obligations assigned to John Hancock Assignment) is to be merged into John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (“JHUSA”). As a result, John Hancock is to withdraw JHLICO’s license to do business in New York.
Under the withdrawal plan approved by the New York Insurance Department, JHUSA will then
assume direct responsibility for the payment of all claims and benefits, and for all other policy
obligations, under in force policies, certificates, or contracts. Servicing will continue without interruption.
All new insurance policies and annuity contracts in New York will be issued by John Hancock Life
Insurance Company of New York or John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company.
A few bullet points from the John Hancock Q&A
- Not final yet. It is pending regulatory approval.
- The withdrawal and realignment is taking place in sequel to the Manulife Financial Corporation acquisition of John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. in 2004. Despite the integration having been successful, as is often the case in combining large organizations, John Hancock now has an excess of legal entities. As a result, this measure is part of the process of streamlining these entities to better position the company for future growth.
- We expect the withdrawal and realignment will become effective at the end of the day on December 31, 2009 and your policy, certificate, or contract to be endorsed effective at that time to show John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) as the insurer
Useful reference pieces
New York John Hancock Questions and Answers on Merger
Sample Cover Letter To Be Going Out to John Hancock clients (also presumably to structured settlement annuitants) along with the Q&A
Download Subsidiary Reorganization Cover Letter and Info Sheet
Q2 2009 Financials
John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York., as provided by John Hancock
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