The US
financial services heavy-hitter, John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) has
announced that its advisor service will use its registered broker-dealer name,
Signator Investors, in a move to further growth of the independent unit.

Signator has previously allowed advisors to brand using John
Hancock Financial Network, or any unique DBA. As such, the John Hancock name
will still be used in various ways, said the firm’s president Brian Heapps.

"One of our independent broker-dealer's
differentiators," explained Heapps, "is that we are able to offer a
rich array of technology platforms and professional development resources
because we are backed by the financial strength and stability of John Hancock,
a highly rated financial services company".

JHFN introduced several affiliation options about five years
ago and will continue this practice under the Signator brand. Additionally, the
independent advisor service will offer an open product platform including a
range of investment, advisory and protection products.

As Signator has been transitioning into independence, JHFN
has seen its wealth product sales grow by double digits since 2007. Prior to
the transition, the insurance to wealth product ratio was roughly 80 per cent
to 20 per cent. Currently it's about 60 per cent wealth to 40 per cent
insurance.

"The transition, increased sales, and growth are
providing us the scale necessary for further expansion," said Heapps,
referring to the firms plans to acquire Symetra Investment Services, a dual
registered broker-dealer with approximately 280 Independent Producers.

Signator Investors is a dual registered broker-dealer of
JHFN, which offers financial professionals resources and support for business
and professional development. As of the announcement, the advisor website,
http://www.signatorinvestors.com, and related marketing materials will be
branded with "Signator Investors, Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial
Network.