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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 QBQF
QBQF · Price

Executive Summary

  • Allianz Investment Management announced the launch of eight new buffered exchange‑traded funds (ETFs), expanding its “Uncapped Buffered” and quarterly‑reset, single‑ticker buffered product lines.
  • The new ETFs provide defined downside buffers (5% or 15%) over three‑month periods with 1:1 upside participation tied to major U.S. and international equity indexes.
  • The suite includes the first “Uncapped” buffered ETF for international equities, offering uncapped upside beyond a spread cost after a one‑year outcome period.

Key Details

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

  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLI) – 15% buffer, uncapped upside, EFA reference, one‑year outcome period.

  • Buffer Structure: Each fund seeks a specified downside protection over a three‑month “outcome period” with 1:1 upside participation up to a cap (except ARLI, which is uncapped).

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

  • Strategic Rationale: Designed to help investors stay invested amid market volatility, offering risk‑managed exposure while limiting downside losses.

  • Management Commentary:

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

  • Chris Chambs (CEO, AllianzIM) emphasized the firm’s commitment to risk‑management solutions for long‑term investors.

  • Operational Capabilities: Funds will employ AllianzIM’s proprietary in‑house hedging platform, leveraging expertise that supports over $165.8 billion of hedged assets (as of 12/31/25).

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

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 →