John Hancock Trusts Seek Shareholder Vote on Five Trustee Elections
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | John Hancock Collateral Trust |
| Form Type | DEF 14A |
| Filed Date | Sep 15, 2025 |
| Risk Level | low |
| Pages | 15 |
| Reading Time | 18 min |
| Sentiment | neutral |
Sentiment: neutral
Topics: Trustee Election, Corporate Governance, Proxy Statement, Investment Funds, Shareholder Meeting, John Hancock, Board of Trustees
TL;DR
**Vote FOR the trustee elections to solidify board governance and enable smoother future appointments without immediate shareholder intervention.**
AI Summary
John Hancock Collateral Trust, along with 11 other John Hancock Trusts, is holding a Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders on November 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time, at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The primary proposal for shareholder vote is the election of five trustees to the Board of Trustees. This includes two new independent nominees, Christine L. Hurtsellers and Kenneth J. Phelan, and three current trustees who were previously appointed: Kristie M. Feinberg (Non-Independent), William K. Bacic (Independent), and Thomas R. Wright (Independent). The Board, which currently comprises 12 trustees (10 independent, 2 non-independent), unanimously recommends voting FOR the proposal. If all five nominees are elected, the Board will expand to 14 trustees (12 independent, 2 non-independent), ensuring all trustees have been shareholder-elected, which will allow the Board to fill future vacancies without immediate shareholder votes until the number of elected trustees falls below two-thirds of the total. This is a routine item and is not expected to materially affect fund management or investment objectives.
Why It Matters
This DEF 14A filing is crucial for John Hancock Collateral Trust investors as it outlines the proposed composition of the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for overseeing the management and strategic direction of the funds. The election of five trustees, including two new independent members, could bring fresh perspectives and expertise to governance, potentially enhancing oversight of investment strategies and risk management. For employees and customers, a stable and well-governed board ensures continuity and adherence to fund objectives. In the competitive asset management landscape, strong governance, as demonstrated by a fully shareholder-elected board, can bolster investor confidence and differentiate John Hancock from competitors.
Risk Assessment
Risk Level: low — The risk level is low because the proposal is a routine election of trustees and is explicitly stated not to have any material effect on the manner in which any fund is managed or on its current investment objective. The Board unanimously recommends approval, indicating internal consensus on these appointments.
Analyst Insight
Investors should vote FOR the election of the five trustees as recommended by the Board. This action will ensure a fully shareholder-elected board, streamlining future trustee appointments and maintaining strong governance without impacting current fund management or investment objectives.
Financial Highlights
- total Assets
- Not Disclosed
- total Debt
- Not Disclosed
Key Numbers
- 12 — Current number of Trustees (Comprising 10 Independent and 2 Non-Independent Trustees)
- 5 — Number of Trustees proposed for election (Includes 2 new nominees and 3 current appointed Trustees)
- 14 — Projected number of Trustees after election (Comprising 12 Independent and 2 Non-Independent Trustees, all shareholder-elected)
- 2025-11-12 — Date of Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting to be held at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time)
- 2025-08-27 — Record Date for shareholder voting eligibility (Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote)
- 95 — Total number of investment portfolios (Funds) (Across the 12 Trusts as of the Record Date)
Key Players & Entities
- John Hancock Collateral Trust (company) — Registrant for DEF 14A filing
- Kristie M. Feinberg (person) — President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments, Head of Retail for Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, and a Non-Independent Trustee nominee
- William K. Bacic (person) — Independent Trustee appointed effective August 1, 2024, and a nominee for election
- Thomas R. Wright (person) — Independent Trustee appointed effective August 1, 2024, and a nominee for election
- Christine L. Hurtsellers (person) — New Independent Trustee nominee
- Kenneth J. Phelan (person) — New Independent Trustee nominee
- Manulife Financial Corporation (company) — Ultimate parent entity of JHIM and the Distributor
- John Hancock Investment Management LLC (company) — Investment Advisor and Administrator for each Trust and Fund
- John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (company) — Distributor for each Fund
- Christopher Sechler (person) — Secretary of the Trusts
FAQ
What is the purpose of the John Hancock Collateral Trust shareholder meeting on November 12, 2025?
The Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders for John Hancock Collateral Trust and other John Hancock Trusts, scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time, is being held to vote on the election of five trustees to the Board of Trustees. This is a routine proposal that will not materially change the funds' investment objectives or management.
Who are the nominees for the Board of Trustees for John Hancock Collateral Trust?
The five nominees for election to the Board of Trustees include two new independent individuals, Christine L. Hurtsellers and Kenneth J. Phelan, and three current trustees who were previously appointed: Kristie M. Feinberg (Non-Independent), William K. Bacic (Independent), and Thomas R. Wright (Independent).
How many trustees will be on the John Hancock Collateral Trust Board if the proposal passes?
If the proposal to elect the five nominees passes, the Board of Trustees for John Hancock Collateral Trust and the other Trusts will expand from its current 12 members to 14 members. This new composition will consist of 12 Independent Trustees and 2 Non-Independent Trustees, all of whom will have been elected by shareholders.
What is the impact of this trustee election on John Hancock Collateral Trust's investment strategy?
The DEF 14A filing explicitly states that this proposal, concerning the election of trustees, is a routine item and is not expected to have any material effect on the manner in which any fund is managed or on its current investment objective, nor is it related to the current state of the financial markets.
When is the record date for voting at the John Hancock Collateral Trust shareholder meeting?
The record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders for John Hancock Collateral Trust is August 27, 2025. All shareholders of record at the close of business on this date are entitled to one vote for each share of beneficial interest of Funds held.
How can John Hancock Collateral Trust shareholders vote on the trustee election?
Shareholders of John Hancock Collateral Trust can vote by proxy in one of three ways: online at www.proxyvotenow.com/jhfunds2025, by phone at 855-995-1705, or by mail using the enclosed voting card. Voting promptly is encouraged to avoid potential costs of future mailings.
What is the Board of Trustees' recommendation for the John Hancock Collateral Trust proposal?
The Board of Trustees of the Trusts has unanimously approved the proposal for the election of the five trustees and strongly recommends that shareholders vote 'FOR' its approval. They encourage shareholders to read the enclosed proxy statement for full details.
Will the election of these trustees change the independence ratio of the John Hancock Collateral Trust Board?
Currently, the Board has 10 Independent Trustees and 2 Non-Independent Trustees. If the five nominees are elected, the Board will comprise 12 Independent Trustees and 2 Non-Independent Trustees, maintaining a strong majority of independent oversight.
What is the significance of all trustees being shareholder-elected for John Hancock Collateral Trust?
If all five nominees are elected, all 14 trustees on the Board will have been elected by shareholders. This allows the Board to appoint additional trustees to fill future vacancies without requiring a shareholder vote until the number of elected trustees drops below two-thirds of all trustees, streamlining governance.
Where can I find the proxy materials for the John Hancock Collateral Trust shareholder meeting?
The proxy statement for the John Hancock Collateral Trust shareholder meeting is available online at https://www.jhinvestments.com/resources/all-resources/fund-documents/proxy-documents/john-hancock-election-of-trustees-proxy-statement. Shareholders can also request a copy of the most recent annual and semi-annual reports by calling 800-225-5291.
Industry Context
The John Hancock Collateral Trust operates within the broader investment trust industry, which is characterized by a wide array of specialized funds catering to diverse investor needs. This sector is highly competitive, with numerous asset managers offering mutual funds, ETFs, and other pooled investment vehicles. Key industry trends include a growing demand for passively managed funds, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and a continuous drive for cost efficiency and technological innovation in fund administration and distribution.
Regulatory Implications
The election of trustees is a standard governance procedure governed by securities regulations. Ensuring a properly constituted board with a sufficient number of independent members is crucial for compliance with corporate governance best practices and regulatory expectations. Any changes to the board structure or composition are subject to disclosure requirements, and the process must adhere to the rules set forth by the SEC.
What Investors Should Do
- Vote on the election of five trustees.
- Vote promptly by mail, phone, or internet.
Key Dates
- 2025-11-12: Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders — Shareholders will vote on the election of five trustees to the Board of Trustees.
- 2025-08-27: Record Date for shareholder voting eligibility — Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote at the meeting.
- 2025-09-15: Date of Proxy Statement mailing — Indicates when shareholders received the official notice and proxy materials.
Glossary
- DEF 14A
- A filing required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by companies that are required to file periodic reports with the SEC. It contains information about the solicitation of proxies for annual or special meetings of shareholders. (This document is the proxy statement for the John Hancock Collateral Trust and related trusts, detailing the proposals for shareholder vote.)
- Trustee
- A member of the Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the management and affairs of the trust. (The primary purpose of the shareholder meeting is to elect five trustees to the Board.)
- Proxy Statement
- A document that the SEC requires companies to provide to shareholders before a shareholder meeting. It contains information about the matters to be voted on, including director nominations and executive compensation. (This document is the proxy statement for the John Hancock Collateral Trust and related trusts, detailing the proposals for shareholder vote.)
- Independent Trustee
- A trustee who has no material relationship with the company, other than serving as a trustee. (The proposal includes the election of both independent and non-independent trustees, with a focus on increasing the number of independent trustees.)
- Non-Independent Trustee
- A trustee who has a material relationship with the company, such as being an employee or having a business relationship. (The proposal includes the election of both independent and non-independent trustees.)
Year-Over-Year Comparison
This filing is a proxy statement for a special joint meeting of shareholders focused on the election of trustees. As such, it does not contain comparative financial data like revenue or net income from a previous fiscal year. The primary change highlighted is the proposed expansion of the Board of Trustees from 12 to 14 members, with an increase in independent trustees, to ensure all trustees are shareholder-elected and to provide flexibility in filling future vacancies.
Filing Stats: 4,469 words · 18 min read · ~15 pages · Grade level 13.9 · Accepted 2025-09-15 13:07:48
Filing Documents
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Legal Proceedings
Legal Proceedings 31 Required Vote 31 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 32 Shareholders and Voting Information 39 Other Matters 42 Appendix A - John Hancock Funds Procedures for the Selection of Independent Trustees A-1 Appendix B - Outstanding Shares and Share Ownership B-1 Exhibit A - Procedures for the Selection of New Independent Trustees C-1 1 Table of Contents JOHN HANCOCK BOND TRUST JOHN HANCOCK CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND JOHN HANCOCK CAPITAL SERIES JOHN HANCOCK COLLATERAL TRUST JOHN HANCOCK CURRENT INTEREST JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS II JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS III JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST II JOHN HANCOCK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES TRUST JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND JOHN HANCOCK STRATEGIC SERIES (each, a "Trust" and collectively, the "Trusts") 200 Berkeley Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 PROXY STATEMENT SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 2025 Introduction This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") of each Trust of proxies to be used at a Special Joint Meeting of shareholders of the Trusts (the "Meeting") to be held on November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM Easter n Tim e, at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), the Board has designated August 27, 2025 as the record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the Meeting (the "Record Date"). All shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to one vote for each share of beneficial interest of Funds held. This Proxy Statement is first being sent to shareholders on or about September 22, 2025. Each Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The shares of each of the