John Hancock Variable Trust Seeks Trustee Election Amidst Shareholder Vote

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust DEF 14A Filing Summary
FieldDetail
CompanyJohn Hancock Variable Insurance Trust
Form TypeDEF 14A
Filed DateSep 15, 2025
Risk Levellow
Pages15
Reading Time19 min
Key Dollar Amounts$135,000, $474,754
Sentimentneutral

Sentiment: neutral

Topics: Proxy Statement, Trustee Election, Variable Annuity, Variable Life Insurance, Fund Governance, Shareholder Meeting, John Hancock

TL;DR

**Vote FOR the five Trustee nominees to maintain stable governance at John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, ensuring continuity for your variable contract investments.**

AI Summary

John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust (JHVIT) is holding a Special Meeting of Shareholders on November 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, to vote on the election of five Trustees to its Board. This Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) was filed on September 15, 2025, to solicit votes from variable annuity and variable life contract owners. While contract owners are not direct shareholders, their purchase payments are invested in subaccounts that hold JHVIT Fund shares, granting them the right to instruct how these shares are voted. The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends voting "FOR" the proposal. The record date for determining eligible voters was August 27, 2025. Costs for preparing proxy materials are approximately $135,000, and solicitation costs, including retaining Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. for $474,754, will be borne by the Funds based on their relative net assets. A quorum requires 30% of outstanding Trust shares, which is assured as John Hancock Insurance Companies and Fund of Funds hold over 30% of the Trust's shares.

Why It Matters

This DEF 14A filing is crucial for investors as it outlines the process for electing five Trustees to the John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Board, directly impacting the governance and oversight of the 50 underlying Funds. The Board's unanimous recommendation to vote 'FOR' the proposal signals stability, but contract owners' engagement is vital for ensuring their interests are represented. For employees and customers, the election of Trustees affects the long-term strategic direction and stability of their investments within John Hancock's variable contracts. In a competitive market, strong governance is a key differentiator, influencing investor confidence and potentially attracting or retaining assets against rivals like Fidelity or Vanguard.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — The risk level is low because the filing primarily concerns a routine election of five Trustees, with the current Board unanimously recommending approval. The presence of a quorum is assured, as John Hancock Insurance Companies and Fund of Funds collectively hold over 30% of the Trust's shares, minimizing the risk of an inconclusive vote.

Analyst Insight

Investors should review the proxy materials and, if aligned with the Board's recommendation, promptly submit their voting instructions "FOR" the election of the five Trustees. This action ensures their voice is heard in maintaining stable governance for their variable annuity and life insurance investments.

Financial Highlights

total Assets
N/A
total Debt
N/A

Key Numbers

  • $135,000 — Cost of preparation of proxy materials (To be borne by the Funds based on relative net assets)
  • $474,754 — Cost for proxy solicitation by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (To be borne by the Funds based on relative net assets)
  • 5 — Number of Trustees to be elected (Central proposal of the Special Meeting)
  • 30% — Quorum requirement for outstanding shares (Assured by holdings of John Hancock Insurance Companies and Fund of Funds)
  • 50 — Number of portfolios (Funds) within JHVIT (All Funds will vote on the Trustee election proposal)

Key Players & Entities

  • JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST (company) — Registrant and subject of the DEF 14A filing
  • Christopher Sechler (person) — Secretary of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust
  • John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (company) — Issuer of variable contracts, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife
  • John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York (company) — Issuer of variable contracts, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife
  • John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (company) — Investment advisor and administrator for JHVIT
  • John Hancock Distributors, LLC (company) — Distributor to JHVIT, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife
  • Manulife Financial Corporation (company) — Ultimate parent entity of John Hancock entities
  • Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (company) — Retained for proxy mailing and solicitation
  • The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (company) — Canadian stock life insurance company, parent of John Hancock Insurance Companies

FAQ

What is the purpose of the John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust Special Meeting on November 12, 2025?

The Special Meeting of Shareholders for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, is being held to vote on the election of five Trustees as members of the Board of Trustees of JHVIT. This is the sole proposal affecting all 50 Funds of the Trust.

Who is eligible to vote at the John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust meeting?

Variable insurance and annuity contract owners eligible to give voting instructions and shareholders of record as of August 27, 2025, the Record Date, are entitled to vote at the meeting. Each eligible voter receives one vote for each share (and fractional votes for fractional shares) of beneficial interest held in JHVIT.

What is the Board's recommendation regarding the Trustee election for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust?

The Board of Trustees of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust has unanimously approved the proposal for the election of five Trustees and recommends that all eligible voters give voting instructions "FOR" the proposal.

How much will the John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust proxy solicitation cost?

The costs for the preparation of the proxy materials are expected to be approximately $135,000. Additionally, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has been retained to assist with mailing and solicitation at an approximate cost of $474,754. Both costs will be borne by the Funds, allocated based on their relative net assets.

What is the quorum requirement for the John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust meeting?

A quorum for the Special Meeting requires the holders of 30% of the outstanding shares of the Trust at the close of business on the Record Date to be present at the Meeting or by proxy. The filing states that the presence of a quorum is assured because Registered Separate Accounts of the John Hancock Insurance Companies and Fund of Funds hold over 30% of the Trust's shares.

How do variable contract owners instruct their vote for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust?

Variable contract owners have the right to instruct the Insurance Companies how the shares of the Trust attributable to their contract are voted. Instructions can be given online at www.proxyvote.com, by phone at 800-690-6903, or by signing and returning the enclosed voting instruction card.

Who serves as the investment advisor and administrator for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust?

John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (the "Advisor") serves as the investment advisor and administrator for JHVIT and each of its 50 series of Funds. The Advisor is responsible for administering the business and affairs of each Fund and selecting, contracting with, compensating, and monitoring investment subadvisors.

What happens if a variable contract owner does not submit voting instructions for John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust?

For shares held in Registered Separate Accounts where no timely voting instructions are received from contract owners, the John Hancock Insurance Companies will vote those shares in the same proportion as the instructions received for the proposal from contract owners participating in all its Registered Separate Accounts.

Where are the principal offices of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust located?

The principal offices of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, as well as its Advisor and Distributor, are located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. The Special Meeting of Shareholders will also be held at this address.

What is the ultimate parent entity of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust's affiliates?

The ultimate parent entity of John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC, John Hancock Distributors, LLC, and the John Hancock Insurance Companies (John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York) is Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC), a publicly traded company based in Toronto, Canada.

Industry Context

The John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust operates within the competitive landscape of the U.S. variable annuity and variable life insurance market. This sector is characterized by a wide array of investment products offered by numerous insurance companies, often utilizing underlying mutual fund structures like JHVIT. Key industry trends include evolving regulatory scrutiny, demand for lower fees, and product innovation to meet diverse investor needs for retirement and life insurance planning.

Regulatory Implications

As a registered investment company, JHVIT is subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other SEC regulations. The election of Trustees is a standard governance requirement. The costs associated with proxy solicitation and material preparation are subject to disclosure rules, ensuring transparency for contract owners.

What Investors Should Do

  1. Vote on the election of five Trustees.
  2. Review the Proxy Statement and Voting Instructions Form.
  3. Submit your voting instructions by November 12, 2025.

Key Dates

  • 2025-11-12: Special Meeting of Shareholders — Shareholders will vote on the election of five Trustees. This is the primary purpose of the filing.
  • 2025-09-15: Filing of Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) — Provides shareholders with information regarding the special meeting and the proposal to be voted on.
  • 2025-08-27: Record Date — Determines which variable annuity and variable life contract owners are eligible to give voting instructions for the meeting.
  • 2025-09-22: First mailing of Proxy Statement and Voting Instructions Form — Ensures shareholders receive the necessary materials in advance of the meeting.

Glossary

DEF 14A
A Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC by public companies to solicit shareholder votes. (This document is the DEF 14A filing for JHVIT, detailing the upcoming shareholder meeting and proposals.)
Trustee
A member of the Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the management and affairs of the Trust. (The primary proposal in this filing is the election of five Trustees to the JHVIT Board.)
Variable Annuity/Life Contract Owners
Individuals who own variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, whose purchase payments are invested in subaccounts that hold JHVIT shares. (These contract owners have the right to instruct how the JHVIT shares underlying their contracts are voted.)
Subaccount
An investment portfolio within the separate account of an insurance company that holds shares of a mutual fund or other investment vehicle. (Contract owners' money is invested in subaccounts, which in turn invest in JHVIT Funds, linking contract owners to the Trust's voting process.)
Record Date
A specific date set by the company to determine which shareholders are eligible to receive notice of and vote at a shareholder meeting. (August 27, 2025, is the record date for determining eligible voters for the special meeting.)
Quorum
The minimum number of shareholders or proxies required to be present at a meeting for business to be legally transacted. (A 30% quorum of outstanding Trust shares is required, which is assured by major shareholders.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

This filing is a proxy statement for a special meeting to elect Trustees, not an annual report. Therefore, direct year-over-year comparisons of financial metrics like revenue or net income are not applicable. The key information pertains to the meeting logistics, the proposal itself, and associated costs, rather than changes in the Trust's financial performance.

Filing Stats: 4,648 words · 19 min read · ~15 pages · Grade level 13.8 · Accepted 2025-09-15 13:05:31

Key Financial Figures

  • $135,000 — which are expected to be approximately $135,000, will be borne by the Funds, allocated
  • $474,754 — n of proxies at a cost of approximately $474,754. The costs of the distribution of these

Filing Documents

From the Filing

DEF 14A 1 d942852ddef14a.htm JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST Table of Contents SCHEDULE 14A (RULE 14a-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) Filed by the Registrant Filed by Party other than the Registrant Check the appropriate box: Preliminary Proxy Statement Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) Definitive Proxy Statement Definitive Additional Materials Soliciting Material Pursuant to 240.14a-12 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): No fee required. Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: (5) Total fee paid: Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: (3) Filing Party: (4) Date Filed: Table of Contents Please vote today We need your input on an important proposal that affects your investment. Online www.proxyvote.com Phone 800-690-6903 Mail Sign and return the enclosed voting instruction card Table of Contents JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST 200 Berkeley Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 September 15, 2025 Dear Variable Annuity and Variable Life Contract Owners: Management has proposed an important matter affecting the separate investment portfolios (the "Funds") of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust (the "Trust" or "JHVIT"). You are being asked to vote on one proposal affecting the Funds. To consider and vote on this matter, a Special Meeting of Shareholders of JHVIT (the "meeting") will be held on November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM, Eastern Time at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. We encourage you to read the attached materials in their entirety. Proposal The following is an overview of the proposal for which you are being asked to provide voting instructions. Proposal Affecting All of the Funds. All variable insurance and annuity contract owners eligible to give voting instructions and shareholders of all of the Funds as indicated below are being asked to approve: The election of five Trustees as members of the Board of Trustees of JHVIT (the "Board"). Although you are not a shareholder of JHVIT, your purchase payments and the earnings on such purchase payments under your variable annuity or variable life contracts issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) ("John Hancock (U.S.A.)") and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York ("John Hancock New York") (collectively, the "John Hancock Insurance Companies") and certain insurance companies that are not affiliated with JHVIT ("External Insurance Companies") are invested in subaccounts of separate accounts established by these companies, and each subaccount invests in shares of one or more of the Funds (the John Hancock Insurance Companies and the External Insurance Companies are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Companies"). You have the right to instruct the Insurance Companies, as appropriate, how the shares of the Trust attributable to your contract are voted. The number of votes for which you may give instructions is determined as of August 27, 2025, the record date for the meeting (the "Record Date"). Enclosed you will find a Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders, a Proxy Statement for JHVIT, and a Voting Instructions Form for each Fund in which your contract 2 Table of Contents values were invested as of the Record Date. The number of shares that represents your voting interest appears in each Voting Instructions Form. The Proxy Statement provides background information and describes in detail the proposal to be voted on at the meeting. The Board has unanimously approved the proposal and recommends that you give voting instructions "FOR" the proposal. In order for shares to be voted at the meeting based on your instructions, we urge you to read the Proxy Statement and then complete and mail your Voting Instructions Form(s) in the attached postage-paid envelope, allowing sufficient time for their receipt by

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