Questions around this news
What role does BlackRock have in the new investment-linked funds?
BlackRock manages the underlying funds associated with both new options. The announcement describes a healthcare-equity focus for the World HealthScience Fund and a flexible multi-asset approach for the ESG-Integrated Multi Asset Fund. It also says BlackRock sees liquid alternatives as a possible complement to conventional equity and fixed-income holdings within diversified portfolios.
How does an investment-linked insurance plan work?
An investment-linked insurance plan combines life insurance coverage with an investment component. Part of the premiums may be used to pay for insurance costs, while the investment portion is allocated to funds selected under the plan. The value of that component can change with the funds’ performance, so it is not necessarily guaranteed.
What does bancassurance mean?
Bancassurance is a distribution arrangement in which a bank offers insurance products to its customers, often through its branches or other banking channels. The bank and insurer remain separate businesses, but work together to make insurance available alongside banking and wealth-planning services.
March 15, 2024 -- Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Life) and HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad (HSBC Malaysia) are proud to announce the expansion of their partnership with the introduction of two new investment-linked funds, the Allianz Life World HealthScience Fund and the Allianz Life ESG-Integrated Multi Asset Fund.
These funds aim to empower our customers by providing them with access to new and exciting investment opportunities, whilst offering a diverse range of asset classes. With these options, customers can tailor their investment portfolios to align with their specific financial goals and protection needs, ensuring a secure future for them.
“The new underlying funds seamlessly integrate with our existing investment-linked insurance plans, offering convenience and flexibility for HSBC customers. Whether they are seeking growth, wealth preservation, or a balanced approach, there is an option to suit every individual,” Allianz Life Chief Executive Officer Charles Ong said.
“If the customer is unsure of the best option for his or her financial plan, we are here to help. HSBC and the Allianz Life team of experienced professionals are available to provide personalised guidance and support to help customers make informed decisions,” he added.
HSBC Malaysia is the exclusive bancassurance distributor for Allianz Life insurance products in the areas of protection, education, retirement, wealth and legacy needs since 2012. For HSBC Malaysia, the rollout of the two new funds complements the banking group’s holistic wealth planning solutions, in line with its wider ambition to become the leading wealth manager in Asia.
These two new investment-linked funds with underlying funds managed by BlackRock, aim to deliver performance and strategic asset allocation. BlackRock underscores the significance of the Allianz Life World Healthscience Fund in today's landscape, emphasising the value of quality healthcare exposure amidst sustained profitability.
The target fund manager remains optimistic about the outlook for quality healthcare equities in 2024, which are poised to withstand macroeconomic uncertainty.
As for the Allianz Life ESG-Integrated Multi Asset Fund, BlackRock highlights the benefits of flexibly managed multi-asset strategies in achieving precise investment outcomes whilst effectively managing risk and capitalising on a diverse array of opportunities. The target fund manager stresses the importance of incorporating liquid alternatives within multi-asset portfolios to complement more traditional equity and fixed income allocations in order to achieve further diversification and strong risk-adjusted returns in the current market environment.
“Harnessing aging demographics and sustainable themes like energy transition which are some of the mega forces for years to come, creates attractive investment opportunities for investors. We are excited to collaborate with Allianz Life to provide global investment exposure across targeted themes and sectors that ride on these trends. As the hunt for resilient, quality equities continues to increase in 2024, investors should be looking at adding respective exposures in their portfolios to achieve financial well-being,” said BlackRock Head of Asia Pacific Wealth, Andrew Landman.
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In brief
Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad and HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad have introduced two investment-linked funds, expanding their partnership. The Allianz Life World HealthScience Fund and Allianz Life ESG-Integrated Multi Asset Fund have underlying funds managed by BlackRock. The companies say the offerings add healthcare-sector and multi-asset investment options to existing investment-linked insurance plans. BlackRock describes the first fund as focused on healthcare exposure and the second as using flexible multi-asset strategies, including liquid alternatives. Allianz Life CEO Charles Ong said HSBC customers can seek guidance from the companies’ professionals. BlackRock’s Andrew Landman said the collaboration will provide global exposure to targeted themes and sectors, including aging demographics and energy transition. HSBC Malaysia has distributed Allianz Life insurance products through bancassurance since 2012.
Key takeaways
- Allianz Life and HSBC Malaysia introduced two investment-linked funds in an expansion of their partnership.
- The funds are the World HealthScience Fund and ESG-Integrated Multi Asset Fund.
- BlackRock manages the underlying funds.
- HSBC Malaysia has been Allianz Life’s exclusive bancassurance distributor since 2012.
