Our history

Canadian by birth. Global by reach.

Sun Life is a leading global financial services company with over 42,000 employees and over 140,000 advisors*, providing insurance and wealth protection solutions to millions of people around the world.

Our history is an exciting story of growth and expansion. We have been there for our Clients in war and peace. Did you know that in 1941, Winston Churchill’s government shipped $5 billion worth of securities to Canada, to safeguard it in a secret vault three floors below Sun Life’s corporate building in Montreal, to help fund Britain’s war effort? Explore more stories below.

In 1996, Sun Life became a pioneer in the High Net Worth (HNW) life insurance market. We introduced innovative life insurance solutions to HNW Clients around the world to help them achieve their wealth preservation and accumulation goals.

We are proud of being able to serve Clients for generations. Our ability to fulfill our obligations is a cornerstone of our solid reputation.

Sun Life was chartered in 1865 Sun Life was chartered in 1865

Sun Life was chartered in 1865

Sun Life started operations in Asia in the 1890s Sun Life started operations in Asia in the 1890s

Sun Life started operations in Asia in the 1890s

In 1892, Sun Life opened in Hong Kong In 1892, Sun Life opened in Hong Kong

In 1892, Sun Life opened its doors to Clients in Hong Kong

In 1985, Sun Life started operations in the Philippines In 1985, Sun Life started operations in the Philippines

In 1895, Sun Life started operations in the Philippines

By 1920, we were present in 55 countries By 1920, we were present in 55 countries

By 1920, Sun Life was present in 55 countries

Sun Life serves HNW Clients from 77 countries Sun Life serves HNW Clients from 77 countries

Sun Life serves HNW Clients from 77 countries^

In 2020, Sun Life Singapore provides enhanced services to Clients In 2020, Sun Life Singapore provides enhanced services to Clients

In 2020, Sun Life Singapore# provides enhanced services to Clients

Sun Life History

Since Sun Life was founded more than 150 years ago, we’ve experienced many changes and learned some important lessons along the way. Find out more about our rich history and how we addressed the financial needs of our Clients by putting Clients at the centre of everything we do+.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is an insurance company federally incorporated in Canada, with OSFI Institution Code F380 and its registered office at 1 York Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 0B6. It is regulated by Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Canada. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada Singapore Branch (UEN T19FC0132B) is registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore as a foreign company, with its registered office at One Raffles Quay, #10-03 North Tower, Singapore 048583. It is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Where Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada Singapore Branch is referred to as “Sun Life Singapore”, this is strictly for marketing and branding purposes only, and no legal significance is expressed or implied. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. The Sun Life group of companies operates under the “Sun Life” name. Sun Life Financial Inc., the publicly traded holding company for the Sun Life group of companies, is not a product offering company and is not the guarantor of the obligations of its subsidiaries. © 2022 Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved. The name Sun Life and the globe symbol are registered trademarks of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

*As of Dec 31, 2020. Includes Asian joint ventures.

^As of Jan 1, 2020

+Policy terms apply.