The Toronto firm’s third-quarter net income attributable to shareholders fell three per cent amid lower-than-expected returns on private equity and commercial real estate investments, and timber-related commodity prices. Still, CEO Phil Witherington, who was appointed to the role May 8, said that the company has a “refreshed” strategy that includes pursuing growth opportunities across Asia. (The Logic)

Talking point: The insurance giant’s plan is already underway, after it announced a life insurance joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra in India this week. The company also launched a new AI chatbot program in Hong Kong and expanded its “lifestyle” app to Singapore and the Philippines, offering fitness coaching in addition to traditional benefits like cancer caregiving. Witherington said on an earnings call that both the Asia and global businesses had “consistent growth and resilience through a volatile operating environment.”