Feb 19 (Reuters) - Manulife Financial ( MFC ) posted a

6% jump in fourth-quarter profit on Wednesday, bolstered by a

thriving wealth and asset management business and strong growth

in Asia.

The company's core earnings jumped to C$1.91 billion ($1.34

billion), or C$1.03 per share, in the three months ended

December 31, from C$1.77 billion, or 92 Canadian cents per

share, a year earlier.

The results underscore the rising significance of Manulife's

asset and wealth management unit. Insurers have been expanding

their investment advisory and retirement planning services to

tap into the rising demand for long-term financial management.

They also reinforce the effectiveness of the company's push

into Asia, where it is ramping up to capture the financial needs

of a growing, under-insured middle class.

Core earnings from Asia jumped 16% to C$477 million, while

global wealth and asset management reported a 34% jump to C$481

million.

The company has also undertaken major reinsurance deals over

the past few years, allowing it to offload risk, unlock capital

for share buybacks and sharpen its focus on high-return

segments.

"We have created a robust foundation for sustained growth,"

CEO Roy Gori said in a statement.

Gori is scheduled to retire from his role in May this year.

He will be succeeded by Phil Witherington, president and CEO of

Manulife Asia.

($1 = C$1.4226)