# JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS LLC X-17A-5 (2025-03-26) — Broker-dealer annual report

- Company: JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS LLC
- Form: X-17A-5
- Filed: 2025-03-26
- Period: 2024-12-31
- Accession: 0000061916-25-000004
- CIK: 61916
- File #: 8-15826
- Type: Broker-dealer
- Material weakness: No
- Auditor: Ernst & Young LLP
- Auditor location: Boston, MA
- Contact: Kat Korovina
- Phone: 4168526270
- Email: jnataupsky@jhancock.com
- Website: jhancock.com
- Signed by: Jeff Nataupsky (Chief Financial Officer)

Original filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/61916/000006191625000004/jhd_annual_financials.pdf

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# FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

John Hancock Distributors, LLC Year Ended December 31, 2024 With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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#### UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

ANNUAL REPORTS FORM X-17A-5 PART III

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FACING PAGE

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| SEC FILE NUMBER          |  |
| 8-15826                  |  |

MM/DD/YY

Information Required Pursuant to Rules 17a-5, 17a-12, and 18a-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filing for the period beginning 01/01/24 AND ENDING 12/31/24 MM/DD/YY A. REGISTRANT IDENTIFICATION NAME OF FIRM: John Hancock Distributors, LLC

TYPE OF REGISTRANT (check all applicable boxes):

© Broker-dealer □ Check here if respondent is also an OTC derivatives dealer

ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: (Do not use a P.O. box no.)

## 200 Berkeley Street

|                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | (No. and Street)                                           |                                            |                         |  |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------|--|
| Boston                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | MA                                                         |                                            | 02116                   |  |
| (City)                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | (State)                                                    |                                            | (Zip Code)              |  |
| PERSON TO CONTACT WITH REGARD TO THIS FILING                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                            |                                            |                         |  |
| Jeff Nataupsky                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 617-663-2537                                               |                                            | JNataupsky@jhancock.com |  |
| (Name)                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | (Area Code - Telephone Number)                             |                                            | (Email Address)         |  |
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | B. ACCOUNTANT IDENTIFICATION                               |                                            |                         |  |
| Ernst & Young, LLP                                                                                                                                                                                                     | (Name - if individual, state last, first, and middle name) |                                            |                         |  |
| 200 Clarendon Street                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Boston                                                     | MA                                         | 02116                   |  |
| (Address)                                                                                                                                                                                                              | (City)                                                     | (State)                                    | (Zip Code)              |  |
| (Date of Registration with PCAOB)(if applicable)                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                            | (PCAOB Registration Number, if applicable) |                         |  |
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY                                      |                                            |                         |  |
| * Claims for exemption from the requirement that the annual reports of an independent public<br>accountant must be supported by a statement of facts and circumstances relied on as the hasis of the exemption. See 17 |                                                            |                                            |                         |  |

CFR 240.17a-5(e)(1)(ii), if applicable.

Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

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#### OATH OR AFFIRMATION

|, Jeff Nataupsky -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------financial report pertaining to the firm of John Hancock Distributors, LLC 12/31 , as of 2 024\_\_\_ is true and correct. I further swear (or affirm) that neither the company no any partner, officer, director, or equivalent person, as the case may be him) nia helmer me conpairy nor any
as that of a customer as that of a customer. VERONICA E GOFF NOTARY PUBLIC - ARIZONA Maricopa County Signature: Commission Number 660247 Comm. Expires Sep. 16, 2027 Title: Chief Financial Officer This filing\*\* contains (check all applicable boxes): (a) Statement of financial condition.

- □ (b) Notes to consolidated statement of financial condition.
- 国 (c) Statement of income (loss) or, if there is other comprehensive income in the period(s) presented, a statement of comprehensive income (as defined in § 210.1-02 of Regulation S-X).
- (d) Statement of cash flows.
- (e) Statement of changes in stockholders' or partners' or sole proprietor's equity.
- □ (f) Statement of changes in liabilities subordinated to claims of creditors.
- (g) Notes to consolidated financial statements.
- = (h) Computation of net capital under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1 or 17 CFR 240.18a-1, as applicable.
- □ (i) Computation of tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.18a-2.
- □ (j) Computation for determination of customer reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3.
- 0 (k) Computation for determination of security-based swap reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit B to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable.
- □ (I) Computation for Determination of PAB Requirements under Exhibit A to § 240.15c3-3.
- □ (m) Information relating to possession or control requirements for customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3.
- □ (n) Information relating to possession or control requirements for security-based swap customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3(p)(2) or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable.
- D (o) Reconciliations, including appropriate explanations, of the FOCUS Report with computation of net capital or tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1, 17 CFR 240.18a-1, or 17 CFR 240.18a-2, as applicable, and the reserve requirements under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable, if material differences exist, or a statement that no material differences exist.
- □ (p) Summary of financial data for subsidiaries not consolidated in the statement of financial condition.
 << < >> Online offi
- (q) Oath or affirmation in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.17a-12, or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- □ (r) Compliance report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- (s) Exemption report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- □ (t) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of the statement of financial condition.
- [ CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.18a-7, or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable.
- □ (v) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of certain statements in the compliance report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- (w) Independent public accountant's report based on a review of the exemption report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- (x) Supplemental reports on applying agreed-upon procedures, in accordance with 17 CFR 240.15c3-1e or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, 1
as annlicable as applicable.
- □ (y) Report describing any material inadequacies found to exist or found to have existed since the date of the previous audit, or a statement that no material inadequacies exist, under 17 CFR 240.17a-12(k). 0 (z) Other:
- \*\* To request confidential treatment of certain portions of this filing, see 17 CFR 240.17a-5(e)(3) or 17 CFR 240.18a-7(d)(2), as the applicable.

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## JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

## FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

## YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024

## Contents

| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |  |
|---------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Financial Statements                                    |  |
| Statement of Financial Condition                        |  |
| Statement of Operations                                 |  |
| Statement of Changes in Member's Equity                 |  |
| Statement of Cash Flows                                 |  |
| Notes to Financial Statements                           |  |

## Supplemental Information

| Schedule I - Computation of Net Capital Pursuant to Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities |  |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| and Exchange Commission                                                           |  |
| Schedule II – Statement Pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange    |  |
| Commission                                                                        |  |

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![](_page_4_Picture_0.jpeg)

Ernst & Young LLP 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02116

Tel: +1 617 266 2000 Fax: +1 617 266 5843 ey.com

#### Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Member and the Board of Directors of John Hancock Distributors, LLC

#### Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of John Hancock Distributors, LLC (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024, the related statements of operations, changes in member's equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

## Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

#### Supplemental Information

The accompanying information contained in Schedules I and II has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Company's financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information. In forming our opinion on the information, we evaluated whether such information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with Rule 17a-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.

We have served as the Company's auditor since at least 2001, but we are unable to determine the specific year.

March 25, 2025

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# JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS, LLC STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

## DECEMBER 31, 2024

| Assets                                               |    |            |
|------------------------------------------------------|----|------------|
| Cash and cash equivalents                            | ಕಿ | 100.000    |
| Money market securities - trading (cost \$48,597,72) |    | 48,597,172 |
| Accounts receivable                                  |    | 1,211,065  |
| Due from affiliated companies                        |    | 1,764,090  |
| Other assets                                         |    | 1,060,393  |
| Total assets                                         | S  | 52,732,720 |
| Liabilities                                          |    |            |
| Bank overdraft                                       | S  | 294,272    |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses                |    | 33,957,649 |
| Commission and distribution expenses payable         |    | 13,325     |
| Due to affiliated companies                          |    | 8,627,564  |
| Deferred income taxes, net                           |    | 26,682     |
| Total liabilities                                    |    | 42,919,492 |
| Member's equity                                      |    |            |
| Member's capital                                     |    | 6,748,309  |
| Retained earnings (deficit)                          |    | 3,064,919  |
| Total Member's equity                                |    | 9,813,228  |
| Total liabilities & Member's equity                  | ಕಾ | 52,732,720 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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## JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS, LLC STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024

## Revenues

| Selling commissions                                 | S | 299,650,139 |
|-----------------------------------------------------|---|-------------|
| Rule 12b-1 service fees                             |   | 103,207,845 |
| Interest and other                                  |   | 1,792,991   |
| Total revenues                                      |   | 404,650,975 |
| Expenses                                            |   |             |
| Selling commissions                                 |   | 156,970,345 |
| Rule 12b-1 service fees                             |   | 38,255,121  |
| Marketing support expenses                          |   | 130,970,610 |
| Membership fee expense                              |   | 1,073,171   |
| Administrative services expense                     |   | 2,632,279   |
| Other selling, general, and administrative expenses |   | 602,087     |
| Total expenses                                      |   | 330,503,613 |
| Income (loss) before income taxes                   |   | 74,147,362  |
| Income tax expense (benefit)                        |   | 15,581,229  |
| Net income (loss)                                   | S | 58,566,133  |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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## JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS, LLC STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBER'S EQUITY YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024

|                              | Member's<br>Capital | Retained<br>Earnings (Deficit) | Total Member's<br>Equity |
|------------------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Balance at January 1, 2024   | \$ 6,748,309 \$     | 3,064,919                      | \$ 9,813,228             |
| Net income (loss)            |                     | 58,566,133                     | 58.566.133               |
| Distributions to Parent      |                     | (58,566,133)                   | (58,566,133)             |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | \$ 6,748,309 \$     | 3,064,919                      | \$ 9,813,228             |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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| VG6R8J3EAEGQ4                                                              | WST<WXW      |
| @778C64DE3735JGKF3                                                         | TS;<T=Y      |
| Z3Q3EE3A6345678934G[3D                                                     | OX;P         |
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## Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business

John Hancock Distributors, LLC (the "Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) ("JHUSA"). JHUSA is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Financial Corporation ("JHFC"). JHFC is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC"), a Canadian-based, publicly traded financial services holding company.

The Company is a registered broker dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act"). The Company is also a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). The Company was incorporated in the State of Delaware on August 1, 2001. The Company serves as a wholesale distributor and/or underwriter throughout the United States primarily for variable life insurance products, variable annuity products, retirement plan services, and 529 plans issued by JHUSA and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York ("JHNY").

The Company is a member of the Securities Investor Protection ("SIPC"") through which customer accounts are protected in the event of the Company's insolvency up to \$500,000; including a maximum of \$250,000 for cash claims. The Company does not open customer accounts or affect customer transactions and does not accept any customer funds or securities for deposit into any of the Company's accounts. The Company is a member of SIPC as a requirement of its membership in the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.

## Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdraft includes cash and all highly liquid debt investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased. At times, cash may exceed the insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Management believes its risk of loss is mitigated by investing through major financial institutions. Bank overdraft is repayable on demand and is included under liabilities in the Statement of Financial Condition.

Money Market Securities. The Company classifies its money market securities as trading securities and records these securities at fair value. Any change in fair value related to trading securities is included in other revenue in the Statement of Operations. These securities include investments in money market registered investment companies.

Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date; that is, an exit value.

#### CONFIDENTIAL

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The Company categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used by the Company's valuation techniques. A level is assigned to each fair value measurement based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

- · Level 1 Fair value measurements that reflect unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
- · Level 2 Fair value measurements using inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.
- · Level 3 Fair value measurements using significant non-market observable inputs. These include valuations for assets that are derived using data, some or all of which is not market observable data, including assumptions about risk.

Money market securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and based on quoted market prices. Additionally, there were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2024.

Revenue Recognition. Selling commissions are comprised of underwriting, Contingent Deferred Sales Charges ("CDSC"), and distribution fees. These fees are derived principally from the sale of variable life insurance products, trail commissions earned from variable annuity products, retirement plan services, and 529 plans issued by JHUSA and JHNY. The revenue is recorded during the period in which underwriting and distribution services are performed. Underwriting and distribution fees are collected monthly. CDSC commissions are recognized as income when received. Fees earned pursuant to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans are recorded in the period in which the service is rendered. Other revenue includes interest income which is recognized on an accrual basis.

Income Taxes. The provision for federal income taxes includes amounts currently payable or recoverable and deferred income taxes, computed under the liability method, resulting from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized. In accordance with the income tax sharing agreement in effect for the applicable tax year, the income tax provision (or benefit) is computed as if each entity filed a separate federal income tax return with tax benefits provided for operating losses and tax credits when utilized and settled by the consolidated group. Intercompany settlements of income taxes are made through an increase or reduction to due from affiliated companies. Such settlements occur on a periodic basis in accordance with the tax sharing agreements.

## Note 3 - Related Party Transactions

Management believes the allocation methods used are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances; however, the Company's Statement of Financial Condition and Statement of

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Operations may not necessarily be indicative of the financial condition and results that would have existed if the Company operated as an unaffiliated entity.

Underwriting and Distribution Fees. The Company receives underwriting and distribution fees and pays distribution expenses to JHUSA and JHNY related to variable annuities, retirement plan services and variable life insurance products. The total amount of fees recognized and incurred to related parties was \$283,925,449 for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are included in selling commissions revenue on the Statement of Operations. The company pays selling commission and marketing support expenses to JHUSA and JHNY.

Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plans. Products sold by JHUSA and JHNY invest their separate account assets in registered investment companies (the "Funds") managed by John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC and John Hancock Investment Management LLC (which are affiliated companies). The Company receives payments from Rule 12b-1 distribution plans adopted by certain Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the terms of the distribution plans, each Fund makes payments (fees earned pursuant to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans) which will not exceed the lesser of a set percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis or the pro rata share of the Company's costs of distribution incurred on behalf of each Fund. The Company also earns Rule 12b-1 distribution fees for distributing certain funds for John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC ("JHIMD"), an affiliated company, which amounted to \$15,352,137 for the year ended December 31, 2024. These fees are included in Rule 12b-1 service fees revenue in the Statement of Operations. These plans are subject to annual review and approval by the independent trustees of each of the Funds.

The Company subcontracts the shareholder servicing for the retirement plan assets to JHUSA and recognized fees of \$21,999.734 for these services for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are included in Rule 12b-1 service fees expense in the Statement of Operations. Amounts payable to JHUSA were \$52,182 at December 31, 2024.

Service Agreements. JHUSA and JHNY pay all selling and administrative costs and certain other expenses as mutually agreed upon and are reimbursed by the Company. Reimbursed amounts included in other selling, general and administrative expenses and administrative service expenses amounted to \$4,041,372 for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Due from/to Affiliated Companies. Due from affiliated companies at December 31, 2024 included certain operating expenses paid by the Company on behalf of JHNY and JHIMD. Generally, these are settled monthly.

Due to affiliated companies at December 31, 2024 included 12b-1 fee expenses and taxes paid on behalf of the Company by JHUSA. Generally, these are settled monthly.

Other Related Party Matters. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company declared distributions of \$58,566,133 to JHUSA and had related amounts payable to JHUSA of \$5,006,173 at December 31, 2024.

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## Note 4 - Income Taxes

The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of JHFC.

The components of income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024 were as follows:

| Current taxes                      |   |            |
|------------------------------------|---|------------|
| Federal                            | S | 15,568,792 |
| State                              |   | 13,015     |
| Total                              |   | 15,581,807 |
|                                    |   |            |
| Deferred taxes                     |   |            |
| Federal                            |   | (578)      |
| Total                              |   | (578)      |
| Total income tax expense (benefit) |   | 15,581,229 |

A reconciliation of income taxes at the federal income tax rate to income tax expense (benefit) charged to operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 follows:

| Tax at 21%                         | 15.570.947 |
|------------------------------------|------------|
| State, net of federal benefit      | 10.282     |
| Total income tax expense (benefit) | 15.581.279 |

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from tax effecting the differences between the financial statement values and income tax values of assets and liabilities at the financial condition date. For December 31, 2024, deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

| Deferred income tax liabilities:      |   |          |
|---------------------------------------|---|----------|
| Deferred selling commiss1ons          |   | 26,682   |
| Total deferred income tax liabilities |   | 26,682   |
|                                       |   |          |
| Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | S | (26,682) |

The Company has no deferred tax assets and therefore no valuation allowance.

The Inflation Reduction Act ("Act") was enacted on August 16, 2022, and included a new corporate alternative minimum tax ("CAMT") that goes into effect for tax years beginning after 2022. The Company is a member of a controlled group of corporations whose adjusted financial statement income qualifies it as an "applicable corporation" and therefore subject to CAMT. For the year-ended December 31, 2024, the Company's best estimate of its CAMT liability is zero which is calculated based on all relative guidance to date.

#### CONFIDENTIAL

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On June 20, 2024, Canada enacted the Global Minimum Tax Act, retrospective to fiscal periods commencing on or after December 31, 2023. The Company's ultimate parent, Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC") is in scope of this legislation because it is located in Canada and will be required to pay additional Global Minimum Taxes ("GMT") in Canada in respect of its global entities whose effective tax rate is below 15%. MFC's entities will also be subject to GMT in those jurisdictions where a Qualifying Domestic Minimum Top-up tax ("ODMTT") is in effect. The Company did not incur any expense associated with the GMT in 2024.

In 2023 the IRS commenced its examination of Tax years 2019 through 2021. No issues have been raised for the Company to date.

The Company has no reserves for uncertain tax positions. Any related interest and penalties, if applicable, would be recorded in other selling, general and administrative expense in the Statement of Operations.

## Note 5 - Net Capital and Regulatory Requirements

As a registered broker dealer, the Company is subject to the SEC's uniform net capital rule ("Rule 15c3-1").

Pursuant to the net capital provisions of Rule 15c3-1 of the Act, the Company is required to maintain minimum net capital, as defined. The amount of net capital and the related net capital ratio may fluctuate on a daily basis. Also, according to Rule 15c3-1, the Company is prohibited from withdrawing equity capital. if such withdrawal would cause the Company's aggregate indebtedness to net capital to exceed 10 times its net capital; its net capital to fall below 120 percent of its minimum dollar requirement; or net capital to be less than 25 percent of haircuts used in calculating net capital. This limitation includes withdrawals in the form of distributions, as well as unsecured loans or advances to the member, employees, or affiliates. At December 31, 2024, the Company had net capital, as defined, of \$4,829,919. The minimum net capital requirement at December 31, 2024 was \$250,000.

The Company does not claim an exemption under paragraph (k) of 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3, and relies on Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073.

## Note 6 - Segment Reporting

The Company's reportable segment, Global Wealth and Asset Management (Global WAM), is responsible for managing its operating results, developing products, and defining strategies for services and distribution based on the profile and needs of its business and market. Global WAM derives its revenues by providing investment advice and innovative solutions.

The reportable segment is identified based on the internal management reporting system, which reflects how the company's Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) reviews and assesses the performance of the business. The CODM uses this information to make decisions about resource allocation and performance evaluation. The Company's operations constitute a single reportable segment, as the CODM manages the business activities using information of the Company as a

#### CONFIDENTIAL

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whole. The accounting policies used to measure the profit and loss of the segment are described in the summary of significant accounting policies (Note 2).

Upon consideration of the performance assessment and resource allocation process for the Company, it is determined that the Company's CODM holds the title: Head of Retail, and President and CEO of John Hancock Investment Management.

Please refer to the Statement of Operations for information about Global WAM's profit or loss, including revenues, interest and other, significant expenses, other specified items. The CODM reviews net income metrics on a regular basis.

## Note 7 - Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in certain legal proceedings which arise in the normal course of business. Management believes the outcome of pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company is inherently subject to regulatory risk in that a change in laws and regulations could impact aspects of the Company's business. A change in laws or regulations effected by the Securities and Exchange Commission or FINRA may increase operating costs, reduce the attractiveness of certain investments, and/or change the competitive landscape.

## Note 8 - Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated the recognition and disclosure of subsequent events for its December 31, 2024 financial statements through March 25, 2025, the date on which the financial statements were issued.

{15}------------------------------------------------

Supplemental Information

{16}------------------------------------------------

John Hancock Distributors, LLC Schedule I - Computation of Net Capital Pursuant to Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission

December 31, 2024

## Computation of Net Capital

| Total member's equity (from Statement of Financial Condition)                         | S | 9,813,228 |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---|-----------|
| Allowable credits:                                                                    |   |           |
| Other (deductions)                                                                    |   | (2,500)   |
| Deferred income taxes, net                                                            |   | 26,682    |
| Total capital and allowable credits                                                   |   | 9,837,410 |
| Less: Nonallowable assets:                                                            |   |           |
| Due from affiliates                                                                   |   | 1,764,090 |
| Accounts receivable                                                                   |   | 1,211,065 |
| Other assets                                                                          |   | 1,060,393 |
| Total nonallowable assets                                                             |   | 4,035,548 |
| Net capital before haircuts on securities positions                                   |   | 5,801,862 |
| Haircuts on securities:                                                               |   |           |
| Investment in money market securities                                                 |   | 971,943   |
| Total haircuts on securities                                                          |   | 971.943   |
| Net capital                                                                           | S | 4,829,919 |
| Computation of Alternate Net Capital Requirement                                      |   |           |
| Minimum net capital required (2% of aggregate debit items pursuant to<br>Rule 15c3-3) | S |           |
| Minimum dollar net capital requirement                                                | S | 250,000   |
| Net capital requirement (greater of above amounts)                                    | S | 250,000   |

Excess net capital over requirement

There were no material differences between the computation of net capital under Rule 15c3-1 included in this audited report and the computation included in the Company's corresponding unaudited Form X-17a-5, Part II A filing as of December 31, 2024.

#### CONFIDENTIAL

4,579,919

S

{17}------------------------------------------------

## John Hancock Distributors, LLC Schedule II – Statement Pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission December 31, 2024

The Company does not claim an exemption under paragraph (k) of 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3, and relies on Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073.

{18}------------------------------------------------

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Ernst & Young LLP 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02116

Tel: +1 617 266 2000 Fax: +1 617 266 5843 ey.com

## Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Management of John Hancock Distributors, LLC:

We have reviewed management's statements, included in the accompanying exemption report, in which John Hancock Distributors, LLC (the "Company") stated that:

- (1) The Company does not claim an exemption under paragraph (k) of 17 C.F.R. § 240. 15c3-3.
- (2) The Company is relying on Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5 because, the Company limits its business activities exclusively to: (1) distribution of mutual funds and/or variable life insurance or annuities; (2) wholesale distribution and/or underwriting throughout the United States primarily for variable life insurance products, variable annuity products, and registered investment companies (the Funds) sponsored and managed by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A) and their affiliated entities, and the Company (1) did not directly or indirectly receive, hold, or otherwise owe funds or securities for or to customers, (other than money or other consideration received and promptly transmitted in compliance with paragraph (a) or (b)(2) of Rule 15c2-4 and/or funds received and promptly transmitted for effecting transactions via subscriptions on a subscription way basis where the funds are payable to the issuer or its agent and not to the Company); (2) did not carry accounts of or for customers; and (3) did not carry PAB accounts (as defined in Rule 15c3-3), throughout the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 without exception.

Management is responsible for compliance with 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3 and its statements.

Our review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, included inquiries and other required procedures to obtain evidence about the Company's compliance with 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3. A review is substantially less in scope than an examination, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion on management's statements. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to management's statements referred to above for them to be fairly stated, in all material respects, pursuant to footnote 74 of SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5.

This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Board of Directors, management, the SEC, the FINRA, other regulatory agencies that rely on Rule 17a-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in their regulation of registered brokers, and other recipients specified by Rule 17a-5(d)(6) and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

March 25, 2025

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## John Hancock Distributors LLC's Exemption Report

John Hancock Distributors LLC (the "Company") is a registered broker-dealer subject to Rule 17a-5 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5, "Reports to be made by certain brokers and dealers"). This Exemption Report was prepared as required by 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5(d)(1) and (4). To the best of its knowledge and belief, the Company states the following:

- (1) The Company does not claim an exemption under paragraph (k) of 17 C.F.R. § 240. 15c3-3, and
- (2) The Company is filing this Exemption Report relying on Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5 because the Company limits its business activities exclusively to:
	- a. distribution of mutual funds and/or variable life insurance or annuities;
	- b. wholesale distribution and/or underwriting throughout the United States primarily for variable life insurance products, variable annuity products, and registered investment companies (the Funds) sponsored and managed by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A) and their affiliated entities.

The Company (1) did not directly receive, hold, or otherwise owe funds or securities for or to customers, (other than money or other consideration received and promptly transmitted in compliance with paragraph (a) or (b)(2) of Rule 15c2-4 and/or funds received and promptly transmitted for effecting transactions via subscriptions on a subscription way basis where the funds are payable to the issuer or its agent and not to the Company); (2) did not carry accounts of or for customers; and (3) did not carry PAB accounts (as defined in Rule 15c3-3) throughout the most recent fiscal year without exception.

## John Hancock Distributors LLC

swear (or affirm) that, to my best knowledge and belief, this Exemption Report is true and correct.

By: Jeff Nataupsky Title: Chief Financial Officer March 25, 2025

{20}------------------------------------------------

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{21}------------------------------------------------

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4. Recalculated the arithmetical accuracy of the calculations reflected in Form SIPC-7 and in the related schedules and working papers supporting the adjustments.

## No findings were found as a result of applying the procedure.

We were engaged by the Company to perform this agreed-upon procedures engagement and conducted our engagement in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). An agreed-upon procedures engagement involves the practitioner performing specific procedures that the engaging party has agreed to and acknowledged to be appropriate for the purpose of the engagement and reporting on findings based on the procedures performed. We were not engaged to, and did not conduct an examination or a review engagement, the objective of which would be the expression of an opinion or conclusion, respectively, on the Company's Form SIPC-7 and for its compliance with the applicable instructions on Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion or conclusion. Had we performed additional procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to you.

As agreed, any differences when performing procedures over the accompanying Form SIPC-7 that are less than \$1, due to the SIPC online portal truncating cents resulting in rounding down to the nearest dollar, were considered minor and were not included in our findings.

We are required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements related to our agreed-upon procedures engagement.

This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Company and SIPC and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

March 25, 2025

{22}------------------------------------------------

## GENERAL ASSESSMENT FORM

For the fiscal year ended \_\_12/31/2024

|   | Determination of "SIPC NET Operating Revenues" and General Assessment for:<br>MEMBER NAME<br>JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS LLC<br>and ending 12/31/2024<br>For the fiscal period beginning                                                                                                                                                                                      | SEC No.<br>8-15826 |                   |
|---|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|
|   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |                    | \$ 404,650,975.00 |
| 1 | Total Revenue (FOCUS Report - Statement of Income (Loss) - Code 4030)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |                    |                   |
| 2 | Additions:<br>a  Total revenues from the securities business of subsidiaries (except foreign<br>subsidiaries) and predecessors not included above.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                    |                   |
|   | b Net loss from principal transactions in securities in trading accounts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |                    |                   |
|   | c Net loss from principal transactions in commodities in trading accounts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                    |                   |
|   | d Interest and dividend expense deducted in determining item 1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |                    |                   |
|   | e  Net loss from management of or participation in the underwriting or<br>distribution of securities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |                    |                   |
|   | f Expenses other than advertising, printing, registration fees and legal fees<br>deducted in determining net profit management of or participation in<br>underwriting or distribution of securities.                                                                                                                                                                        |                    |                   |
|   | g Net loss from securities in investment accounts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                    |                   |
|   | h Add lines 2a through 2g. This is your total additions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |                    | \$ 0.00           |
| 3 | Add lines 1 and 2h                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                    | \$ 404,650,975.00 |
| 4 | Deductions:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                    |                   |
|   | a  Revenues from the distribution of shares of a registered open end investment<br>company or unit investment trust, from the sale of variable annuities, from the<br>business of insurance, from investment advisory services rendered to<br>registered investment companies or insurance company separate accounts<br>and from transactions in security futures products. | \$ 370,851,743.00  |                   |
|   | b Revenues from commodity transactions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |                    |                   |
|   | c Commissions, floor brokerage and clearance paid to other SIPC members<br>in connection with securities transactions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |                    |                   |
|   | d Reimbursements for postage in connection with proxy solicitations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |                    |                   |
|   | e  Net gain from securities in investment accounts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |                    |                   |
|   | f 100% commissions and markups earned from transactions in (1) certificates<br>of deposit and (ii) Treasury bills, bankers acceptances or commercial paper<br>that mature nine months or less from issuance date.                                                                                                                                                           |                    |                   |
|   | g Direct expenses of printing, advertising, and legal fees incurred in connection<br>with other revenue related to the securities business (revenue defined by<br>Section 16(9)(L) of the Act).                                                                                                                                                                             |                    |                   |
|   | h Other revenue not related either directly or indirectly to the securities business.<br>Deductions in excess of \$100,000 require documentation                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |                    |                   |
|   | 5 a Total interest and dividend expense (FOCUS Report - Statement<br>of Income (Loss) - Code 4075 plus line 2d above) but<br>not in excess of total interest and dividend income                                                                                                                                                                                            |                    |                   |
|   | b 40% of margin interest earned on customers securities accounts<br>(40% of FOCUS Report - Statement of Income (Loss) -<br>Code 3960)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |                    |                   |
|   | c  Enter the greater of line 5a or 5b                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | \$ 0.00            |                   |
| ರ | Add lines 4a through 4h and 5c. This is your total deductions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                    | \$ 370,851,743.00 |

{23}------------------------------------------------

| SIPC-7<br>37 REV 0722                                                       | SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION                                                                               |                                    |                                         | SIPC-7<br>37 REV 0722 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------|
|                                                                             | GENERAL ASSESSMENT FORM                                                                                                  |                                    |                                         |                       |
|                                                                             | For the fiscal year ended    12/31/2024                                                                                  |                                    |                                         |                       |
| 7                                                                           | Subtract line 6 from line 3. This is your SIPC Net Operating Revenues.                                                   |                                    |                                         | \$ 33,799,232.00      |
| 8                                                                           | Multiply line 7 by .0015. This is your General Assessment.                                                               |                                    |                                         | \$ 50,698.00          |
| റ                                                                           | Current overpayment/credit balance, if any                                                                               |                                    |                                         | \$ 0.00               |
| 10                                                                          | General assessment from last filed 2024 SIPC-6 or 6A                                                                     |                                    | \$ 25,146.00                            |                       |
| b Any other overpayments applied<br>d  Add lines 11a through 11c            | 11 a Overpayment(s) applied on all 2024 SIPC-6 and 6A(s)<br>c All payments applied for 2024 SIPC-6 and 6A(s)             | \$ 0.00<br>\$ 0.00<br>\$ 25,146.00 | \$ 25,146.00                            |                       |
| 12<br>LESSER of line 10 or 11d.                                             |                                                                                                                          |                                    |                                         | \$ 25,146.00          |
| a Amount from line 8<br>13<br>b Amount from line 9<br>c Amount from line 12 | d Subtract lines 13b and 13c from 13a. This is your assessment balance due.                                              |                                    | \$ 50,698.00<br>\$ 0.00<br>\$ 25,146.00 | \$ 25,552.00          |
| 14                                                                          | Interest (see instructions) for                                                                                          |                                    |                                         | \$ 0.00               |
| 15                                                                          | Amount you owe SIPC. Add lines 13d and 14.                                                                               |                                    |                                         | \$ 25,552.00          |
| 16                                                                          | Overpayment/credit carried forward (if applicable)                                                                       |                                    |                                         | \$ 0.00               |
| SEC No.<br>8-15826<br>MEMBER NAME<br>MAILING ADDRESS                        | Designated Examining Authority<br>DEA: FINRA<br>JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS LLC<br>ATTN: PAUL DICKINSON<br>200 BERKELEY ST | FYE<br>2024                        | Month<br>Dec                            |                       |

Subsidiaries (S) and predecessors (P) included in the form (give name and SEC number)

TT By checking this box, you certify that you have the authority of the SIPC member to sign this
 member, you are authorized, and do hereby consent, to the storage and handling by SIPC of the data in accordance with SIPC's Privacy Policy

| JOHN HANCOCK DISTRIBUTORS LLC | James Bogle              |  |
|-------------------------------|--------------------------|--|
| (Name of SIPC Member)         | (Authorized Signatory)   |  |
| 2/3/2025                      | james bogle@manulife.com |  |
| (Date)                        | (e-mail address)         |  |

Completion of the "Authorized Signatory" line will be deemed a signature.

This form and the assessment payment are due 60 days after the end of the fiscal year.


Source: SEC EDGAR via Adviser Search (https://search.stillhousedata.com). Agents: see https://search.stillhousedata.com/llms.txt.