Global reach, local insight

Transcription

1 Global reach, local insight

2 Welcome to the world of 2

3 Who do you turn to in a changing climate? Optimism in a storm In the midst of what is undeniably an unsteady financial climate, I am delighted that more and more people are choosing to provide the financial solutions they need, whether in Europe, the Middle East, Asia or beyond. They are, I believe, drawn to us for three simple reasons: the quality of products on offer, the outstanding service that backs them and the excellent relationships enjoyed with business partners and distributors. It s these three qualities that are behind the strong growth of our international business in recent years. And in a market that s experiencing some fluctuation, we offer an added benefit stability. Our group s long experience in the UK approaching 180 years represents enviable longevity and provides a strong foundation for our international expertise. Today, I m proud to say that Friends Provident International is a strategically important and valued business within the Friends Provident group, with a clear focus on providing real value to customers and earning respect and admiration in the many territories we serve. Trevor Matthews Chief Executive Officer Friends Provident group You could be forgiven for being a little pessimistic in the current climate, but here at Friends Provident International we ve many reasons to feel bright about the future. As Trevor Matthews has mentioned, we enjoy exceptional stability and an enviable longevity. And we re using that firm foundation to continue providing sophisticated financial solutions to a truly global audience. But history is nothing without an eye on the present, which is why we go to great lengths to keep our clients happy. To this end, we offer a superior level of customer service one that s apparent in everything we do, and to which others in the industry aspire. We re also looking to the future, developing an international business that continually seeks to provide bespoke propositions for markets in new territories. On behalf of all of us at, I look forward to working with you to achieve and even exceed your financial goals. Paul Tunnicliffe Director of International Operations 3

4 A trusted partner More than 2.8 million customers worldwide rely on the Friends Provident group for a range of financial services and products. It s not just because the group is a major UK financial institution but also because we listen. We have found this to be the best way of understanding our customers unique requirements and finding a product to match. Allied to that is a determination to treat our customers with fairness. For us it s not some fanciful aspiration, but a way of working that s ingrained in everything we do. Needless to say, customers must also trust us as a reliable provider of financial products. To this end, we emphasise not only our long history, but also how we are rated by others. Today, has more than 30 years of experience, offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Isle of Man, more than 400 staff worldwide and offer a trusted service that you can rely on. 4

5 More than 30 years of international experience, offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Isle of Man, and more than 400 staff worldwide. London 07:00 5

6 Our people clearly demonstrate the level of expertise and commitment at the heart of. Munich 11:00 6

7 Steady growth Expertise, insight, understanding and the very best people worldwide are just some of the factors that allow us to continually grow our international business, despite difficult conditions. In 2009, our international operation contributed 53% of the Friends Provident group s total new business, proof that our approach is paying off. Breaking this down 21% of the Friends Provident group s total new business is attributable to Friends Provident International, 31% Lombard International and 1% AmLife. Lombard International Assurance SA is a Luxembourg-based company, which has been part of the Friends Provident group since early Our people clearly demonstrate the level of expertise and commitment at the heart of. Our award-winning technical team, for example, provides exceptional expertise and insight into local conditions, helping clients and their advisers to structure their investments to maximum effect. Many employees speak more than one language including English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Icelandic, Swahili, Mandarin, Farsi and Cantonese helping them bring clarity and a unique understanding to local markets. Finally, embracing the latest technology helps us remain responsive and flexible. Our website has been developed to provide an online servicing capability for financial advisers, giving them access to the information they need including current and historic valuations and premium history when they need it. 7

8 Global reach At, we pride ourselves on being a global company. We operate across the world, in markets that are fast-growing and include both expatriates and local customers. To support this, our business is written from jurisdictions that are best suited to meeting clients needs in different parts of the world. The Isle of Man combines world-class standards of regulation, transparency and telecoms infrastructure with relatively low rates of direct taxation. The island enjoys an enviable reputation for stability and protection and has received the highest Sovereign Credit Rating AAA from Standard and Poor s* and Aaa from Moody s*. By taking advantage of this international financial centre, we are able to offer tax-efficient investment solutions. Today our main markets are Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America and the UK. We are currently working to strengthen our overseas-based solutions, focusing on markets in Europe such as Germany, where we have developed bespoke solutions for the investment and savings needs of local people. has also supported a select number of distributors in South America over the past 15 years. The work and energy we have devoted to this region demonstrate the potential we believe this area shows for further growth. In addition, we are working in partnership with several prestigious organisations, such as Riyad Bank in Saudi Arabia, to deliver tailor-made financial solutions for their customers. In December 2009 Friends Provident acquired Financial Partners Business AG (FpB), our distribution partner in Germany. This acquisition is a key step in our strategy for long-term development and growth in the German market. We are also delighted to have entered the Malaysian market by purchasing a 30% stake in the well-established and successful Malaysian life assurance business, AmLife. Our partners local knowledge has proved invaluable in designing tax-efficient and cost-effective solutions for their markets. We ve also ploughed our expertise into creating solutions for clients of financial institutions such as banks and other insurance companies, where we ve developed a number of effective partnerships. * Standard and Poor s and Moody s are independent ratings agencies, who assess the strength of financial centres. 8

9 We operate across the world, in markets that are fast-growing and include both expatriates and local customers. Hong Kong 17:00 9

10 Local insight People say the world s getting smaller, but all too often that can result in shortcuts an assumption that we all speak the same language. We never make that mistake at Friends Provident International. Our business understands the nuances of cultural differences. Our partners live and breathe the areas in which they work, building knowledge that s invaluable when it comes to designing new solutions for the local marketplace. Hong Kong The sales and servicing hub for Friends Provident International s operations in the North Asia region, our Hong Kong office supports a wide range of sophisticated insurance and wealth management solutions. Our local presence and insight give us the chance to get closer to our clients, fully understand their needs and, as a result, deliver truly bespoke solutions. Dubai We aim to establish Friends Provident International as a leading regional life insurance provider in the Middle East, with multiple distribution channels offering quality financial services products to both locals and expatriates. With the Friends Provident group already held in high regard in the region, we have a strong foundation for growing the business. Our local office has made great progress, using local insight to gain an insider s knowledge of the market. We look forward to building on this to offer financial solutions to the local market and to expatriates of all nationalities. 10

11 The Friends Provident group features on the Forbes 2000 list published in April 2009* Singapore A well-respected and regulated centre for private banking and wealth management, and a dynamic territory for rapid growth, South East Asia is a natural choice for. Our Singapore operation targets the mass- affluent and high-net worth markets. A local presence will help us to react quickly and flexibly to turn opportunities into business. UK Here in the UK, we are committed to helping remain the offshore provider of choice in the highly-competitive UK wealth management market. We help our clients to achieve their financial objectives by developing and enhancing solutions that focus on their needs and providing innovative and competitive products. We re determined that our team delivers a level of service by which others are judged. Europe Our growing reputation in Europe springs from a commitment to providing competitive, tailored investment, pension and protection solutions for customers in our chosen markets. With successful local propositions in the European Economic Area and new opportunities to pursue, we expect continued growth. * The Friends Provident group is ranked 1149 on the Forbes 2000 list, which is a new comprehensive ranking of the world s biggest companies, measured by a composite of sales, profits, assets and market value. The list spans 51 countries and 27 industries. 11

12 An award-winning pedigree The Friends Provident group is justifiably proud of the products and services it provides and is delighted that others have recognised their value. They evidence a commitment to service that is, we believe, unrivalled in the industry. is delighted to have won 10 of the 24 awards on offer at the 2009 International Adviser International Life Awards. Best Adviser Support and Customer Service - Middle East Best Adviser Support and Customer Service - Far East Best Regular Premium Investment Product - Middle East (Premier Ultra) Best Regular Premium Investment Product - Far East (Premier) Best Trust and Estate Planning Product - Far East (Discounted Gift Trust) Best Online Proposition - Middle East Best New Product - Middle East (Optus) Best Single Premium Investment Product - Middle East (Reserve) Best Single Premium Investment Product - Far East (Global Portfolio Bond) Best Overall Product Range - Far East The awards detailed below have been won by Friends Provident s UK operation. 12

13 Worldwide investment solutions offers a wide range of investment options. In addition to providing access to virtually any collective investment fund or even real assets such as stocks and shares under our portfolio bonds, our savings and investment solutions offer access to a wide range of investment-linked funds, from world-class asset management companies such as: A selection of the underlying funds offered by these prestigious companies and many others has been carefully chosen by for their potential to achieve the best possible returns. We offer investment-linked funds suitable for any investment philosophy, from the very cautious to the more adventurous investor. Full details of the investment-linked funds available are on our website 13

14 Helping you to achieve your goals With extensive experience, our innovative approach to product development and the very latest technology, can provide you with the most sophisticated financial solutions. To find out more and experience the renowned Friends Provident International customer service for yourself simply call or your nearest office (details below). We look forward to working with you and to providing a service that exceeds your expectations. Alternatively, for a broader view of our offering, please visit our website Isle of Man +44 (0) servicedesk@fpiom.com Hong Kong marketing@fpihk.com Salisbury +44 (0) fp.int@friendsprovident.co.uk Dubai dubaiservicing@fpinternational.com Singapore singapore.enquiries@fpiom.com 14

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18 Limited Registered & Head Office: Royal Court, Castletown, Isle of Man, British Isles, IM9 1RA Telephone: +44(0) Fax: +44(0) Incorporated company limited by shares Registered in the Isle of Man No Authorised by the Isle of Man Insurance & Pensions Authority Provider of life assurance and investment products The appointed representative of the Company in Hong Kong is Limited s branch office: Limited Suites , Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong Telephone: Fax: Website: Authorised by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to conduct long-term insurance business in Hong Kong Friends Provident, and FRIENDS are registered trade marks of the Friends Provident group of companies in the UK and other countries XIN32/C/HK 09.10