Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC) Thursday announced the launch of Manulife Private Wealth, a specialized network of financial professionals with extensive experience managing assets for high net worth Canadians.

The launch of Manulife Private Wealth coincides with the opening of its first branch in Toronto. A Vancouver branch is scheduled to open in 2013.

“This new offering is designed as a collaborative service model allowing clients to retain existing trusted advisors, benefiting from their expertise and active participation in the relationship, while gaining consolidated investment management and private banking services,” says Bernard Letendre, VP and managing director, Manulife Private Wealth.

Manulife Private Wealth provides a range of personalized investment management and banking services as well as access to highly qualified professionals covering related wealth services such as tax and estate planning and private company advisory services.

Manulife Private Wealth uses a team model to leverage Manulife Asset Management’s extensive experience in domestic and international institutional investment management with expertise across asset classes and investment styles.

An investment counsellor works with each client to build diversified portfolios tailored to meet specific individual goals, while a private banker provides guidance on strategically managing cash and using appropriate credit facilities.