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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 QBSV
QBSV · 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, covering U.S. equity indices (S&P 500, Russell 2000, Nasdaq‑100) and developed international equities (MSCI EAFE).
  • This expansion broadens investor access to risk‑managed exposure across core domestic and global markets, reinforcing AllianzIM’s risk‑management product platform.

Key Details

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

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

  • Buffer Structure: Each fund offers a quarterly‑reset mechanism; the downside buffer applies for three months, after which the buffer resets for the next period. Upside participation is capped at 1:1 relative to the reference index, except ARLI which provides uncapped upside beyond the spread cost.

  • Reference Indices:

  • SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (SPY) – U.S. large‑cap equity.
  • Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) – U.S. growth/technology exposure.
  • iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) – U.S. small‑cap equity.

  • iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) – Developed international equities.

  • Strategic Rationale: Designed to help investors stay invested during periods of market volatility by limiting downside losses while still participating in upside gains, addressing concerns around market drawdowns and AI‑driven trade dynamics.

  • Management Commentary:

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

  • Chris Chambs, CEO of AllianzIM, emphasized the firm’s commitment to risk‑management solutions that align with long‑term investor objectives.

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

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

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 →