John Hancock to go with Signator Investors name for broker-dealer

In a move to clarify the branding of its independent broker-dealer, John Hancock Financial Services will market its broker-dealer to advisers under its registered name, Signator Investors Inc. and relegate the John Hancock name to a secondary role. For example, the firm's website and marketing materials will be branded as “Signator Investors Inc., powered by John Hancock Financial Network,” according to a company news release. Signator Investors has 1,600 independent registered reps and advisers. Last year, the firm produced $265 million in total revenue. The change in branding focus is to separate the side of the company that creates investment products, John Hancock, and a firm that that distributes products, Signator, said Brian Heapps, president of John Hancock Financial Network in an interview today. Meanwhile, Signator remains focused on growing the firm, said Mr. Heapps. “We have a strong commitment to acquire as part of our growth strategy,” he said. And Signator has recently acted on that strategy. In June, insurance company Symetra Financial Corp. said it agreed to sell its broker-dealer, Symetra Investment Services Inc. with about 280 reps, to John Hancock Financial Services.