Press release
Standard Chartered taps on gold in new fund partnership with Allianz Global Investors
This 9th fund under the Bank’s VCC platform enhances portfolio diversification while preserving long-term value
Singapore – Standard Chartered (“the Bank”) today announced the launch of its ninth sub-fund under its Variable Capital Company (VCC) platform, with Allianz Global Investors (“AllianzGI”) as the sub-manager. The launch further expands the Bank’s suite of exclusive, custom-curated investment strategies available to eligible clients.
The Signature Select Enhanced Gold Income Fund offers investors a unique combination of gold exposure and enhanced income generation. Through investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a covered call strategy, the fund seeks to deliver regular income while maintaining participation in the long-term appreciation potential of gold. Gold, a well-regarded alternative asset known for its low correlation with traditional asset classes, can help diversify portfolios and provide resilience during periods of geopolitical, monetary and market uncertainty.
As a global asset manager with more than 700 investment professionals worldwide (as at 31 March 2026), AllianzGI brings scale, breadth and institutional strength to the fund. AllianzGI’s Global Multi Asset Team, who will be responsible for the options selection and the day-to-day management of the portfolio, has strong credentials and deep expertise in portfolio construction and derivatives implementation and risk management, supported by extensive experience managing multi-asset portfolios across market cycles.
The fund is available to Accredited and Professional Investors across Standard Chartered’s Priority, Priority Private and Private Banking segments in Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE, Jersey, Kenya and Nigeria from this month, with Taiwan to follow later this year.
Sumeet Bhambri, Global Head, Advisory and Managed Investments, Wealth Solutions, Standard Chartered, said: “We are pleased to partner with Allianz Global Investors, whose global investment expertise strengthens our latest VCC fund. As clients seek greater diversification amid an increasingly uncertain market environment, the fund provides access to a differentiated strategy that combines gold’s portfolio diversification benefits with enhanced income potential. The launch reflects our commitment to enhancing our wealth platform through strategic partnerships and delivering innovative solutions that support clients on their wealth journey, while reinforcing Standard Chartered’s position as a leading international wealth manager.”
Marc Gualandi, Head of Global Banks, Allianz Global Investors, said: “We are delighted to partner with Standard Chartered to bring the Signature Select Enhanced Gold Income Fund to clients across its international wealth network. We believe gold can play an important role as a long-term allocation within a well-diversified portfolio. The fund is designed to participate in gold’s long-term value proposition and generate income through an active options strategy. Leveraging our expertise in income strategies, portfolio construction and risk management, we seek to help investors pursue both income and long-term portfolio resilience.”
Standard Chartered set up its VCC platform in June 2024 to harness synergies between the industry’s leading fund managers and the Bank’s team of global asset class specialists, delivering hard-to-access, custom-curated investment strategies exclusively to the Bank’s clients and reinforcing its commitment to enhancing wealth solutions through strategic partnerships. This is the Bank’s ninth sub-fund launched to date, and its fourth fund launch in 2026.
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