John Hancock Financial is a loose term for a United States insurance company which existed, in various forms, from its founding on April 21, 1862, until its acquisition in 2004 by the Canadian insurance company Manulife Financial. It was named in honor of John Hancock, a prominent patriot. The company continues to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife and its headquarters remains in Boston, Massachusetts. John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) is the retail distribution company of John Hancock Life Insurance Company, U.S.A., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation.