UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

MANULIFE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

200 Bloor Street East,
North Tower 10
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4W 1E5
(416) 926-3000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F		o		Form 40-F		þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes		o		No		þ

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                     .

 

 

DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS FORM 6-K

     The following documents, filed as exhibits to this Form 6-K, are incorporated by reference as part of this Form 6-K:

Exhibit		Description of Exhibit
99.1		News Release dated March 4, 2009

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		MANULIFE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
				(Registrant)
		By:		/s/ David R. Kerr
		Name:		David R. Kerr
		Title:		Assistant Vice President, Senior Counsel &
				Assistant Corporate Secretary

Date: March 4, 2009

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit		Description of Exhibit
99.1		News Release dated March 4, 2009