Standard Chartered collaborates with BlackRock to launch Asia Pacific multi-asset fund

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of a new sub-fund, the Signature Select APAC Allocation Plus fund, under its Variable Capital Company platform with BlackRock serving as the sub-manager. The Asia-focused multi-asset strategy is designed as a one-stop solution for investors seeking diversified exposure to the region across equities, fixed income, and liquid alternatives, targeting long-term capital appreciation and income.

The portfolio leverages BlackRock's multi-asset expertise for dynamic allocation across Asia Pacific asset classes, combining systematic equity insights with fundamental fixed income selection to generate returns through market cycles. The fund will be available to Accredited and Professional Investors in key markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE, and others through Standard Chartered's Priority and Private Banking segments.

Sumeet Bhambri, Global Head of Advisory and Managed Investments at Standard Chartered, stated the collaboration combines the bank's open architecture with BlackRock's capabilities to provide institutional-quality solutions. Andrew Landman of BlackRock highlighted the compelling opportunities for active investing in the Asia Pacific region given its growth prospects and underappreciated assets.

This launch marks the eighth sub-fund under Standard Chartered's VCC, established in June 2024 to deliver exclusive, hard-to-access investment strategies, and is the bank's third fund launch in 2026.