After being hit hard by market turmoil in the third quarter, Sun Life Financial Inc. is reviewing its risk appetite and preparing for all possible economic scenarios in 2009.

During the company’s investor day on Thursday, chief financial officer Richard McKenney said Sun Life Financial would not let difficult market conditions disrupt its growth plans.

“We are endeavoring to look through the current market disruptions, and positioning ourselves for growth once markets recover,” McKenney said. “We will continue to deploy capital and invest in growth opportunities.”

The company is launching a review of its risk appetite and stepping up its risk management efforts in the wake of the $636 million charges it faced in the third quarter related to credit and equity market impacts.

“We recognize that we’re in the business of taking risks, and you have to take risks in order to achieve returns,” said chief risk officer Michael Stramaglia.

“We are looking at recent market developments and reviewing the fund line-up, our fund mapping process, the universe of indices we hedge with, to ensure with can apply any learnings and continuously improve our basis risk management.”

Looking ahead to 2009, Sun Life’s financial performance will primarily depend on the state of the markets. McKenney laid out possible scenarios, and the impact they would have on earnings.

A quick rebound of credit and equity markets to their pre-crisis state in 2009 would pull Sun Life’s earnings and growth trajectory back in line with its historic medium-term objectives. But such a scenario does not appear realistic, McKenney said.

“Given the market challenges as I stand here today, this is not likely.”

A more likely scenario would see credit and equity markets hit a trough in early 2009 and rebuild gradually through the remainder of the year. This would allow for a lower base of growth for earnings.

But McKenney warned investors that things could also get much worse. Further deterioration of the macro economic environment would deteriorate earnings next year, he said.

In the meantime, as Sun Life adjusts to the difficult market conditions, cost-cutting measures are likely in store.

“We will remain focused on expenses by continuing to prioritize investments and initiatives, and cutting costs where appropriate,” said McKenney.

IE