Manulife has named Ming Lau as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 2026, the business announced in a media release on Wednesday, November 26.
Lau has nearly 30 years of experience in financial services across multiple geographies, including China, Canada, and the broader Asia Pacific region.
He moves from HSBC, where he most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Based in Hong Kong, he will report to Colin Simpson, Manulife’s Chief Financial Officer.
His extensive background covers financial and regulatory reporting, treasury, investor relations, tax, financial planning and analysis, and business finance. Lau’s previous roles at HSBC include CFO of HSBC China and CFO of HSBC Global Commercial Banking.
“We are delighted to welcome Ming to Manulife,” said Simpson. “His extensive experience and proven leadership across multiple markets will be instrumental as we continue to advance our strategic priorities and growth ambitions in Asia.”
Lau’s appointment comes amid a series of strategic developments by Manulife in Asia.
Earlier this month, the business announced it would enter India’s life market through a 50:50 JV with conglomerate Mahindra Group. The business has also committed up to US$250m to a newly launched Longevity Institute, focused on meeting the needs of an ageing global population.
The insurer posted record core earnings in Asia for Q3, attributed to a 5% increase in annualised premium equivalent (APE), a 7% increase in new business value (NBV), favourable impacts from its annual assumption review, and a reduction in the expected credit loss provision.
