Manulife tested its first MPF smart advisory platform in May. Helen Ho, Director of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau Retirement Business, commented on the results of the first phase of the trial, stating that during the four-month trial period, this self-service digital tool effectively enhanced MPF member education and encouraged them to actively review and manage their MPF investment portfolio.

According to the results of the user survey in the first phase, the majority of platform users are female (55%), indicating a greater demand for financial and wealth management support. In addition, most users are between the ages of 35 and 44. This age group of members has been the most active on digital platforms and indicates that they regularly review their MPF assets and have a better understanding of how to properly manage their MPF.

Furthermore, users feel less confident when managing their MPF accounts, especially members between the ages of 45 and 54. Manulife's MPF smart advisory platform provides personalized risk profile information to help members understand their risk tolerance and increase their confidence in making investment decisions. However, most users (77%) find investment portfolio recommendations for asset classes and fund options the most helpful, while only 37% of users find risk tolerance useful.

Manulife also stated that employers welcome more support and tools for fund selection and investment portfolio recommendations. 56% of employers expect Manulife to provide financial tools to assist their employees in choosing funds. In addition to the MPF smart advisory platform, market trend changes, portfolio review prompts, and best fund performance information are all highly favored by members and employers.

Manulife will continue to collaborate with two innovative wealth technology platforms, Syfe and AutoML Capital, and extend the trial of its MPF smart advisory platform until the end of 2024. The new trial phase will be open to all Manulife MPF members. Helen Ho stated that the company will introduce this MPF smart advisory tool to members through a strong agency team and enhance MPF member education. Members can experience this user-friendly platform on both computer and mobile devices to assist them in making investment decisions.