Standard Chartered and AllianzGI Partner on Gold ETF and Covered Call Strategy

Standard Chartered and AllianzGI Partner on Gold ETF and Covered Call Strategy

(IN BRIEF) Standard Chartered has launched the Signature Select Enhanced Gold Income Fund, its ninth sub-fund under the Bank’s Variable Capital Company platform. The fund is managed with Allianz Global Investors as sub-manager and combines exposure to gold exchange-traded funds with a covered call strategy designed to generate regular income. 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, with Taiwan expected to follow later in 2026. Standard Chartered said the launch strengthens its wealth platform and provides clients with a differentiated strategy focused on diversification, income potential and long-term portfolio resilience.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 11-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Standard Chartered has launched its ninth sub-fund under its Variable Capital Company platform, appointing Allianz Global Investors as sub-manager.

The new Signature Select Enhanced Gold Income Fund expands the Bank’s range of exclusive, custom-curated investment strategies available to eligible clients.

The fund is designed to offer investors exposure to gold while also seeking to generate enhanced income.

It invests in gold exchange-traded funds and uses a covered call strategy, with the aim of providing regular income while maintaining participation in the long-term appreciation potential of gold.

Standard Chartered said gold is widely recognised as an alternative asset with low correlation to traditional asset classes.

As a result, it can help diversify investment portfolios and provide resilience during periods of geopolitical, monetary and market uncertainty.

AllianzGI will bring its global investment capabilities to the fund.

As at 31 March 2026, the asset manager had more than 700 investment professionals worldwide.

AllianzGI’s Global Multi Asset Team will be responsible for options selection and day-to-day portfolio management.

The team has experience in portfolio construction, derivatives implementation and risk management, as well as the management of multi-asset portfolios across market cycles.

The fund is available from this month 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.

Availability in Taiwan is expected to follow later this year.

Sumeet Bhambri, Global Head, Advisory and Managed Investments, Wealth Solutions at Standard Chartered, said the Bank is pleased to partner with Allianz Global Investors, whose global investment expertise strengthens the latest VCC fund.

He said that as clients seek greater diversification in an increasingly uncertain market environment, the fund provides access to a differentiated strategy combining gold’s portfolio diversification benefits with enhanced income potential.

Bhambri added that the launch reflects Standard Chartered’s commitment to strengthening its wealth platform through strategic partnerships and delivering innovative solutions that support clients on their wealth journey.

He said it also reinforces Standard Chartered’s position as a leading international wealth manager.

Marc Gualandi, Head of Global Banks at Allianz Global Investors, said AllianzGI is pleased to partner with Standard Chartered to bring the Signature Select Enhanced Gold Income Fund to clients across the Bank’s international wealth network.

He said gold can play an important role as a long-term allocation within a well-diversified portfolio.

Gualandi added that the fund is designed to participate in gold’s long-term value proposition while generating income through an active options strategy.

He said AllianzGI will draw on its expertise in income strategies, portfolio construction and risk management to help investors pursue both income and long-term portfolio resilience.

Standard Chartered established its VCC platform in June 2024 to combine the capabilities of leading fund managers with the Bank’s global asset class specialists.

The platform is designed to deliver hard-to-access, custom-curated investment strategies exclusively to Standard Chartered clients.

The launch of the Signature Select Enhanced Gold Income Fund marks the Bank’s ninth sub-fund under the VCC platform and its fourth fund launch in 2026.

Through the new partnership with Allianz Global Investors, Standard Chartered is further expanding its wealth solutions offering while giving eligible clients access to a gold-focused investment strategy designed for diversification, income generation and long-term value preservation.

Standard Chartered
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SOURCE: Standard Chartered