Manulife: Brand overview
In 1887, Toronto was home to a new Canadian life insurance company: the Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, which we call Manulife today. This company was one of Canada’s first life insurance companies. Just ten years later, in 1897, the company went overseas with its first deal in China, signaling the development of its ambitions internationally.
In the early 1930s, targeting the American market, Manulife gained a foothold in the United States through a strategic partnership. This partnership eventually evolved into the renowned John Hancock Financial. Manulife grew as the shadows of war receded, absorbing smaller insurance companies and expanding its Canadian territory.
In 1999, Manulife’s status was elevated by its merger with Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, further cementing its dominance in the domestic market. Manulife’s aggressive international aspirations materialized at the dawn of the new millennium. This period was marked by acquisitions in the Asian insurance sector, allowing the company to become a prominent figure on the global financial scene.
A landmark event in 2009 was the merger of Manulife with John Hancock. This move brought together US companies under the broad umbrella of Manulife. Manulife now has a presence in more than 20 regions worldwide and serves approximately 30 million clients. The company’s undeniable influence is over $1.2 trillion in assets. And today, the company’s heart beats in Toronto, where it was born. With the title of Canada’s leading insurance organization, Manulife has also carved a niche in Asia and is steadily growing its global asset and wealth management operations.
Meaning and History
1887 – 1897
1897 – 1938
1938 – 1960
1960 – 1971
1971 – 1984
1984 – 1990
1990 – 1996
1996 – 2014
2014 – 2018
2018 – today
The Manulife logo is an example of conveying the company’s values through simple and clear symbols. At the center are three elongated green shapes that form the letter “M.” They symbolize the company’s core principles: reliability, resilience, and stability. These qualities are fundamental to the insurance business, where confidence in the future is crucial.
The parallelogram shapes emphasize precision and neatness, reflecting the company’s attention to detail. They are united in a cohesive composition, conveying a sense of teamwork and unity, which are essential for achieving goals. These shapes work together, showing that success is built on collaboration.
The company name is positioned to the symbol’s right and rendered in a simple sans-serif font. This modern, legible style adds relevance to the logo. An interesting detail is that the text is written in lowercase letters, creating an impression of friendliness and accessibility and removing excessive formality.
Green plays a key role in the design. It is associated with growth, stability, and natural harmony. This is a smart choice for an insurance company, highlighting care for the future and readiness to support clients in any circumstances.
The name “Manulife” is short and straightforward. It consists of two parts — “Manu” and “life” — hinting at care for life, people, and important things. The name is easy to remember, making it even more meaningful.
The emblem reflects the company’s core values. Simple geometry, a thoughtful approach to the font, and a deliberate color choice create an image of a brand that can keep its word and care for each client.