Manulife John Hancock Investment’s CEO Explains the Explosive Growth of Active ETFs

Why It Matters

The surge in active ETFs combined with AI‑driven enhancements reshapes portfolio construction, offering managers new revenue streams and investors more tailored, efficient solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Active ETFs now represent ~40% of industry flows, showing rapid adoption
• Maturing platforms, longer track records, and advisor education drive growth
• AI will augment, not replace, human decision‑making in asset management
• Firms focusing on client outcomes with AI will win long‑term
• John Hancock’s ETF platform exceeds $12 bn, offering 18 active funds

Summary

The interview with Manulife John Hancock Investment’s CEO centers on the explosive rise of active exchange‑traded funds and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in asset management. He highlights that active ETFs now account for roughly 40% of industry flows, a surge fueled by maturing platforms, longer track records, and heightened advisor education.

Key data points include the firm’s ETF platform surpassing $12 bn in assets, a portfolio of 18 active ETFs, and a global team of about 600 professionals. He stresses that AI will not replace human judgment but will enhance decision‑making, urging a thoughtful, client‑centric rollout.

Notable quotes underscore this stance: “Firms that stay focused on client needs and use AI to improve outcomes will win.” He also notes the importance of education and specialist support to embed ETFs efficiently into portfolios.

The implications are clear: asset managers must expand active ETF offerings and integrate AI responsibly to meet growing demand from both retail and institutional investors, positioning themselves for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

Original Description

While it may not be grabbing as much headline attention these days, the ongoing popularity and adoption of actively managed strategies and active ETFs in particular is undeniable. Kristie Feinberg, CFA, President & CEO, Manulife John Hancock Investments, shared a bit of her time at Future Proof Citywide with Sumit Roy, Senior ETF Analyst at ETF.com, to chat the active proliferation, impacts of artificial intelligence, and more.

DISCLOSURE

John Hancock is not affiliated with ETF.com or Sumit Roy.

The opinions expressed are those of the presenter at the time of recording and are subject to change as market and other conditions warrant. The subadvisors’ affiliates, employees, and clients may hold or trade the securities mentioned, if any, in this commentary. The information is based on sources believed to be reliable, but does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of John Hancock Investment Management. No forecasts are guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor shall it be interpreted or construed as, a recommendation or providing advice, impartial or otherwise. John Hancock Investment Management and our representatives and affiliates may receive compensation derived from the sale of and/or from any investment made in our products and services.

Source: Morningstar. As of 2/28/26, the Manulife John Hancock Investments ETF platform has $12.591 billion in AUM.

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers, (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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John Hancock ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC in the United States, and are subadvised by Boston Partners, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Marathon Asset Management, or our affiliates Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, and CQS (US), LLC.

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JHS-906582-2026-03-25 04/26