What is active management and why does Allianz Global Investors use it?
Unlike passive management, which simply tracks an index, active management means a team of Allianz Global Investors analysts and managers takes investment decisions every day. They buy and sell assets aiming to beat the market, capture long-term global trends and protect capital when volatility is high.
I have funds with a Spanish bank. Can I switch them to Allianz without paying tax?
Yes, if you're tax resident in Spain. Thanks to the Spanish fund-switching regime (traspaso), you can move money from your bank's funds to Allianz Global Investors funds marketed in Spain without paying tax on the accumulated gains; tax is deferred until you finally cash out. We handle all the paperwork from our office in Murcia.
I have investments back home, such as a UK ISA or funds on a foreign platform. Can I transfer them?
Not with the tax-free traspaso, which only works between funds marketed in Spain. Moving money from abroad usually means selling first, which may be taxed in Spain or in your home country depending on your residence and the double taxation treaty. We review your situation with you, and with your tax adviser if needed, before you decide.
What does it mean when a fund follows SRI or ESG criteria?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance criteria, and SRI for Socially Responsible Investment. These funds take into account how companies manage issues such as climate change, working conditions or transparent governance, alongside the usual financial analysis.
Can I lose money investing in these funds?
Yes. Every investment in financial markets carries risk, returns are not guaranteed and past performance is no guide to the future. Risk is reduced through global diversification and the managers' risk controls, and we'll never recommend a fund above the level of risk you're comfortable with.
How quickly can I get my money back if I need it?
Allianz funds are open-ended: you can redeem all or part of your units on any business day, with no lock-in period. The money is paid into your bank account at the unit price (net asset value) on the day your order is executed. Check each fund's costs in its key information document (KID) before investing.
What is the minimum amount to start investing?
You don't need a large fortune to access global markets. You can start with accessible amounts and set up regular contributions (for example €100 a month) to average your entry price and spread risk over time.
Do I need advice before buying one of these funds?
Yes. Under European MiFID II rules, before you invest we carry out a free suitability test to understand your time horizon, financial knowledge and attitude to risk, so that the fund we recommend really fits you. We can do it in English, in person in Murcia or by video call.
Are my savings protected if the fund manager had problems?
Investment funds are legally separate from the management company: the units belong to you and are not part of the balance sheet of the manager or the distributor. Funds are also supervised by regulators such as the CNMV and their European counterparts. This protects you from the manager's insolvency, not from market falls.
How are fund gains taxed in Spain?
If you're tax resident in Spain, you only pay tax when you sell (redeem) your units, not while you stay invested or when you switch between funds. Gains are taxed as savings income at progressive rates from 19% to 30% under the current scale. If you're not tax resident in Spain, different rules apply, so ask us first.
