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(October 1, 2008) The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada has launched a new website to provide advisors and investors with insight into how their Standard Life mutual and segregated funds are managed.

“In today’s competitive environment, we need to proactively position Standard Life Investments’ recognized institutional expertise to the retail marketplace,” said Michel Fortin, vice-president, marketing for retail markets, Standard Life. “The continuing focus on providing new and dynamic marketing tools to advisors, complemented by market outlook webcasts, helps us build interest in Standard Life’s fund offering.”

The new Focus on Funds website includes short video clips of portfolio managers discussing fund objectives, investment processes and fund outlook. Advisors can access the site at www.advisors.standardlife.ca.

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Man Investments opens in Calgary

(October 1, 2008) Man Investments opened the doors to its new office in Calgary today, saying Western Canada is a key market for the firm’s growth.

“Our new presence in Calgary reflects the growing demand for alternative investment solutions to complement the accelerated growth pattern in the region,” says Toreigh Stuart, CEO of Man Investments Canada Corp. “Calgary, and all of Western Canada, is home to an increasingly high number of sophisticated investors who demand unparalleled experience, high-quality service and access to a wide variety of products, funds and global markets.”

The new office will serve as a hub for Man’s operations in the region, and will be staffed by Lawrence Berrigan, executive vice-president; Athas Kouvaras, regional sales manager; and Jaclyn Britton, internal sales.

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Manulife tweaks Simplicity lineup

(October 1, 2008) Manulife Mutual Funds has announced changes to its Simplicity asset allocation investment program, adding eight new mandates and five fresh managers.

Among the new managers being announced are Addenda Capital, Scheer Rowlett & Associates, Greystone Managed Investments Inc., Foyston, Gordon & Payne, and Wellington Management.

“The latest series of enhancements follows extensive research, and we believe the resulting portfolios represent compelling investment options for advisors and their clients,” said Jeff Ray, assistant vice-president, Manulife Mutual Funds.

The enhancements follow an annual review of each portfolio based on asset class, style, region, market capitalization, sector and manager composition.

(10/01/08)