Among the additional members of MDRT are five “Top of the Table” members; 22 new members are “Court of the Table” members. Founded in 1927, the Million Dollar Round Table is a global association of around 42,000 of the world’s life-insurance and financial-services professionals from more than 470 companies in 71 countries and territories.

Manulife's data highlights how firms are seeking to stress the professional qualifications and standards of their employees in a world of rising regulatory requirements and client demands.

Canada-headquartered , which provides services including wealth management, also said it will host the Manulife MDRT Peak Convention, described as its “biggest-ever agency-distribution event globally”, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 28 February to 3 March. Approximately 2,000 Manulife advisors and executives from across Asia will head to the educative convention, which the firm said focuses on building the skills and knowledge of the company’s highest-performing advisors in the region. Top advisors will be recognised at a special gala dinner.