Zurich International Life Limited (ZIL) has appointed Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM) to run five new US dollar Managed funds. The new funds will be managed by MLIM’s Strategic Investment Group (SIG) which currently manages portfolios worth £3.6 billion.
The appointment is part of ZIL’s ongoing strategy to increase the range of investment options available to advisers and their clients in its key markets.
The new funds range from "Defensive" to "Adventurous", to suit client requirements and their appetite for risk. They have been specifically designed to appeal to both corporate and individual clients in core ZIL regions – the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Europe – where there is a recognised demand. The five US dollar denominated funds will sit alongside the company’s existing range of investment options. The five funds are:
- Cautious - Series B
- Defensive - Series B
- Blue Chip - Series B
- Adventurous - Series B
- Performance - Series B
Martin Davis, Zurich International Life’s CEO, said: "This latest initiative sees the ZIL investment proposition move on to the next stage of its development. Recent feedback from advisers in our key markets indicated a desire for increased access to one of the best fund managers in the world. Through our new partnership with MLIM we are providing them with just that."
Richard Royds, Head of UK Retail at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, said: "Zurich is one of the most widely recognised financial services brands in the world, with a significant presence in the rapidly growing Middle East and Far East markets. We are delighted that MLIM has been selected to manage the new funds and look forward to offering our specialist capabilities and proven track record in fixed income and equities."
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