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Other Neutral

AllianzIM Expands Buffered ETF Suite with Latest International Fund and Seven New Quarterly-Reset Strategies

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Apr 01, 2026 · 08:00 QBIV
QBIV · Price

Executive Summary

  • Allianz Investment Management announced the launch of eight new buffered exchange‑traded fund (ETF) strategies, expanding both its international Uncapped Buffered series and introducing seven quarterly‑reset, single‑ticker buffered ETFs.
  • The new funds provide defined downside buffers (5% or 15%) over three‑month periods with 1:1 upside participation to a cap, linked to major U.S. and international equity indexes (S&P 500, Russell 2000, Nasdaq‑100, MSCI EAFE).
  • The rollout is positioned as a risk‑management solution for investors seeking downside protection while maintaining upside exposure, leveraging AllianzIM’s proprietary hedging platform that supports over $165.8 billion in hedged assets.

Key Details

  • New Funds Launched:
  • AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBSV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references SPY.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer5 ETF (QBQV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer15 ETF (QBQF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer5 ETF (QBKV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references IWM.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer15 ETF (QBKF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references IWM.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBIV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references EFA.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 ETF (QBIF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, references EFA.

  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLI) – 15% buffer with uncapped upside beyond a spread over a one‑year outcome period, references EFA.

  • Buffer Structure: Each fund offers a quarterly‑reset downside protection buffer (either 5% or 15%) and an upside participation level of 1:1 to a predefined cap. The ARLI fund adds an “uncapped” upside component after the spread is applied.

  • Reference Assets: Funds are linked to existing ETFs rather than directly holding the underlying indexes – SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), Invesco QQQ (QQQ), iShares Russell 2000 (IWM), and iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA).

  • Risk Management Platform: Utilizes AllianzIM’s in‑house hedging capabilities, part of a broader $165.8 billion portfolio of hedged assets managed by the Allianz group as of 12/31/2025.

  • Management Commentary:

  • Charles Champagne (Head of ETF Strategy) highlighted market volatility and the need for diversified buffered exposures.

  • Chris Chambs (CEO, AllianzIM) emphasized the firm’s commitment to risk‑management solutions that help investors stay invested over the long term.

  • Distribution & Service Providers: ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC; AllianzIM and Allianz Life are not affiliated with Foreside.

  • Investor Disclosures: Standard risk warnings regarding principal loss, outcome period holding requirements, FLEX Options risk, spread costs, and the fact that reference assets are not directly owned by the funds.

Notable Quotes

“As market leadership continues to diverge, volatility persists, and investors reassess the AI trade, staying invested can feel more daunting,” – Charles Champagne, Head of ETF Strategy, AllianzIM.

“By expanding our buffered ETF lineup across core U.S. and international exposures, we are supporting investors who want to stay invested and remain focused on long‑term objectives.” – Chris Chambs, CEO, AllianzIM.

Read the original news release →