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Financings Routine +

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 QBKF
QBKF · Price

Executive Summary

  • Allianz Investment Management announced the launch of eight new buffered ETFs, expanding both its international Uncapped Buffered series and introducing seven quarterly‑reset, single‑ticker buffered funds.
  • The new funds provide defined downside buffers (5% or 15%) with 1:1 upside participation linked to major U.S. and international equity indices (S&P 500, Russell 2000, Nasdaq‑100, MSCI EAFE).
  • The rollout adds a novel “Uncapped” buffered ETF (ARLI) that offers uncapped upside beyond the buffer, broadening risk‑management solutions for advisors and retail investors.

Key Details

  • New Funds Launched (8 total):
  • AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBSV) – 5% downside buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, reference SPY.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer5 ETF (QBQV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, reference QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer15 ETF (QBQF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside, reference QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer5 ETF (QBKV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, reference IWM.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer15 ETF (QBKF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside, reference IWM.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBIV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, reference EFA.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 ETF (QBIF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside, reference EFA.

  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLI) – 15% downside buffer, uncapped upside beyond a spread over a 1‑year outcome period, reference EFA.

  • Buffer Structure: Quarterly‑reset, three‑month outcome periods; downside protection of either 5% or 15%; upside participation at 1:1 to a cap (except ARLI which is uncapped).

  • Reference Assets: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA).

  • Strategic Rationale: Provide investors with “stay‑invested” solutions that mitigate volatility while allowing upside participation, addressing market uncertainty and AI‑related trade concerns.

  • Management Commentary:

  • Charles Champagne (Head of ETF Strategy) highlighted the expanded access across indices and international equities.

  • Chris Chambs (CEO) emphasized supporting investors seeking long‑term objectives with risk‑managed products.

  • Operational Details: ETFs are advised by AllianzIM, distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC; AllianzIM leverages proprietary in‑house hedging platform managing > $165.8 billion of hedged assets (as of 12/31/25).

  • Investor Disclosures: Risks include loss of principal, requirement to hold shares for the full outcome period to achieve target outcomes, and FLEX Options risk.

Notable Quotes

  • “This expanded lineup broadens access across additional indices and international equities, giving investors more ways to pursue upside participation with diversified buffered exposures.” – 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 →