Standard Chartered has strengthened its wealth management offering by partnering with BlackRock to introduce the Signature Select APAC Allocation Plus fund, a professionally managed multi-asset investment solution designed to provide investors with diversified exposure to the fast-growing Asia Pacific region.
The new launch marks the eighth sub-fund introduced under the Bank’s Variable Capital Company (VCC) platform, reinforcing Standard Chartered’s commitment to delivering exclusive investment strategies through partnerships with leading global asset managers.
A Diversified Gateway to Asia Pacific Growth
The Signature Select APAC Allocation Plus fund has been developed as a comprehensive investment solution for clients seeking long-term exposure to the Asia Pacific region.
The portfolio combines investments across equities, fixed income securities, and liquid alternative assets, creating a diversified strategy that aims to generate sustainable capital appreciation while also producing consistent income over the long term.
Designed to navigate different market conditions, the fund offers investors access to one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions through a single professionally managed portfolio.
BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Expertise at the Core
The investment strategy leverages BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions capabilities, dynamically allocating assets across Asia Pacific markets based on changing market conditions.
The portfolio integrates systematic equity insights with fundamental fixed-income selection, allowing investors to benefit from diversified return sources while improving portfolio resilience throughout varying economic and market cycles.
Available to Professional Investors Across Global Markets
The fund will initially be available to Accredited and Professional Investors within Standard Chartered’s Priority, Priority Private, and Private Banking segments across:
United Arab Emirates
Hong Kong
Singapore
Jersey
Malaysia
Kenya
Nigeria
The Bank also plans to introduce the fund across additional international markets in the future.
The UAE Strengthens Its Position as a Global Wealth Hub
The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading wealth management hubs, supported by a steady influx of global investors, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile professionals. At the same time, demand is rising for diversified investment solutions that provide access to long-term structural growth opportunities across global markets while helping investors build more resilient portfolios capable of navigating changing market conditions and economic cycles.
Standard Chartered Highlights Long-Term APAC Opportunities
Ayesha Abbas, Managing Director and Head of Affluent and Wealth Solutions, Deposits and Mortgages, EMEA & UAE at Standard Chartered, said the UAE continues to attract globally connected investors looking beyond traditional geographic allocations in search of sustainable long-term growth.
She noted that the Asia Pacific region remains one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations, supported by structural economic expansion, technological innovation, and evolving consumer demand.
According to Abbas, the new fund enables UAE investors to access a professionally managed multi-asset strategy that combines growth opportunities with disciplined portfolio construction and effective risk management.
Strengthening the Partnership with BlackRock
Sumeet Bhambri, Global Head of Advisory and Managed Investments at Standard Chartered Wealth Solutions, described the new fund as another milestone in the Bank’s strategic collaboration with BlackRock.
He explained that combining Standard Chartered’s open architecture investment platform with BlackRock’s global multi-asset investment expertise allows clients to benefit from institutional-quality portfolio management while accessing differentiated investment opportunities across Asia Pacific.
Bhambri added that the launch further expands the Bank’s VCC platform, which focuses on delivering exclusive investment strategies that help clients navigate increasingly complex financial markets.
BlackRock Sees Attractive Investment Potential Across Asia
Commenting on the partnership, Andrew Landman, Deputy Head of Asia-Pacific and Head of Asia Pacific Wealth at BlackRock, said the company is pleased to deepen its long-standing collaboration with Standard Chartered.
He highlighted the region’s strong economic growth outlook and noted that many Asian assets continue to trade below their long-term intrinsic value, creating compelling opportunities for active investment management.
Landman emphasized that BlackRock’s disciplined multi-asset investment process aims to help investors diversify return sources while building resilient portfolios capable of performing throughout different market environments.
VCC Platform Continues to Expand
Standard Chartered established its Variable Capital Company (VCC) platform in June 2024 to combine the expertise of leading global fund managers with the Bank’s international asset specialists.
The platform is designed to provide clients with exclusive investment opportunities that are often difficult to access through traditional investment channels.
The Signature Select APAC Allocation Plus fund becomes the eighth sub-fund launched under the platform and the third new fund introduced during 2026, reflecting the Bank’s continued focus on expanding its wealth management capabilities through strategic global partnerships.
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