Sun Life Financial Becomes First Variable Annuity Carrier to Offer PIMCO VIT Global Multi-Asset Portfolio as Investment Option

WELLESLEY, Mass.--(Business Wire)--
The U.S. division of Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) today
introduced a new investment choice for its Masters variable annuity (VA)
customers, becoming the first VA carrier to offer the PIMCO VIT Global
Multi-Asset Portfolio. This innovative asset allocation portfolio is co-managed
by PIMCO CEO and Co-Chief Investment Officer Mohamed A. El-Erian and pursues
opportunities in a broad range of asset classes, including global equities and
bonds, commodities, real estate, derivatives and other variable insurance
product funds (including other PIMCO funds). It offers Sun Life`s variable
annuity customers a dynamic new selection to their investment portfolio that
uses a risk factor-based analysis to continually assess external and internal
risks to the fund. Together with active tail hedging, PIMCO expects that these
innovations will yield better risk-adjusted returns over time than an asset
allocation fund based on more conventional asset class approaches.

"As part of our ongoing effort to bring our customers an enhanced choice of
funds for their variable annuities, Sun Life is proud to be the first VA carrier
to offer the PIMCO VIT Global Multi-Asset Portfolio," said Steve Deschenes, SVP
and GM, Annuities. "By offering a broad range of investment options and strong
product line backed by Sun Life`s financial strength, we are successfully
helping financial advisors and their clients fulfill their retirement income
needs."

The PIMCO VIT Global Multi-Asset Portfolio works by looking not just at asset
class diversification, but risk factor diversification factors and tail hedging
as well. It utilizes multiple asset classes including global equities and bonds.

The portfolio offers investors a three-step approach in seeking its investment
objectives that features:

* Exposure to a mix of key risk factors. PIMCO believes asset class returns are
based on underlying risk factors, and the portfolio is intended to diversify an
investor`s risks as well as assets.
* Relative value strategies that enhance returns across multiple domestic and
international market segments, the cornerstone of PIMCO`s "Total Return"
philosophy.
* "Tail risk" hedges that seek to proactively protect the investor against
certain severe, unanticipated market events that could significantly detract
from returns.

"PIMCO is delighted that Sun Life will offer its clients the VIT Global
Multi-Asset Portfolio, which incorporates the full expression of PIMCO's views
across asset classes and risk exposures," said Dr. El-Erian. "Investors are on a
journey to a `new normal` where traditional approaches to asset allocation and
risk management are being challenged. The objectives of the PIMCO VIT Global
Multi-Asset Portfolio are to protect against new risk factors and improve
long-term investment outcomes in a landscape that only partially resembles prior
periods."

The PIMCO VIT Global Multi-Asset Portfolio is now available to new and existing
Sun Life VA customers. For more information about Sun Life Financial`s annuity
product portfolio, brokers should call 866-637-5348, option 2.

Annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes.
Annuities provide a lifetime income stream, a death benefit and may provide tax
deferral. Variable annuities are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk
and possible loss of principal. Investors should consider the investment
objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of an investment in a variable annuity
carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important
information. Prospectuses for both the variable annuity product and the
underlying investment options are available from the investor`s financial
professional or at www.sunlife-usa.com. Please read all prospectuses carefully
before investing or sending money.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization
providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and
services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life
Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide,
including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the
Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2009,
the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of
US $341.9 billion.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and
Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under ticker symbol SLF. Visit Sun Life
Financial`s website at www.sunlife-usa.com.

Sun Life Financial annuities are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
(U.S.) (Wellesley Hills, MA) in all states except New York. In New York,
annuities are issued by Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York (New
York, NY). All guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing
insurance company. Variable annuity products are distributed through Sun Life
Financial Distributors, Inc. All three companies are members of the Sun Life
Financial group of companies.

About PIMCO

PIMCO is a global investment management firm that was founded in Southern
California in 1971. The firm manages investments for an array of clients,
including retirement and other assets that reach more than 8 million people in
the U.S. and millions more around the world. Its clients include state,
municipal and union pension and retirement plans, individual and investment
saving accounts, and public sector reserve management.

SLPC 20768 (8/09)

Exp. 8/11

Sun Life Financial
Jennifer Posterro, 781-446-1964
jennifer.posterro@sunlife.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009