The Hague August 15, 2019
In the United Kingdom, the Cofunds integration was completed, as the assets under administration
related to Nationwide were migrated onto Aegons platform. To date, Aegon has realized GBP 40 million in annualized expense savings from integrating the Cofunds business, a figure which will rise to GBP 60 million later this year, as
legacy systems are decommissioned and an office is closed. Aegon UK offers personal and workplace pensions, investments, protection products and services. It is the leading platform provider in the United Kingdom with GBP 140 billion of assets
under administration at the end of the first half of 2019.
In the United Kingdom, Aegon took the first steps in transferring the
administration of the Existing Business to Atos. The partnership with Atos became effective on June 1, 2019, and included the transfer of approximately 800 Aegon employees to their new employer. This agreement will generate
run-rate
expense savings for Aegon of GBP 10 million initially, growing to GBP 30 million over time, as announced on November 20, 2018.
Asia
In Asia, Aegon allocates capital to digital
business models in growing markets. In line with its strategy to focus on driving profitable sales growth and sustainably growing capital generation, Aegon announced an agreement to sell its 50% stake in the variable annuity joint ventures in Japan
for cash proceeds of approximately EUR 130 million on May 17, 2019. The transaction agreements were signed on June 28, 2019. The divestment is subject to normal regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
Aegon Life Insurance and MobiKwik, Indias second largest mobile wallet provider, have joined forces to launch a smart digital
insurance product in India. This product, called the Aegon Life Group Term Plus Plan, offers both death and accidental disability benefits to customers on MobiKwik platforms. With this partnership, Aegon aims to expand its distribution reach while
providing innovative insurance solutions to its customers.
Asset Management
Aegon has appointed a new CEO for Aegon Asset Management, Bas NieuweWeme. This appointment (effective per June 24, 2019) demonstrates
Aegons continuing commitment to building a growing and sustainably profitable business. Bas NieuweWeme will bring a fresh perspective gained from having worked with leading global asset management firms, in the worlds largest markets.
Growing external third-party assets remains an important part of Aegon Asset Managements strategy. The continuing strong external
third-party net inflows of EUR 3.2 billion in the first half of 2019 reflect Aegon Asset Managements competitive performance, together with managements ability to leverage scale and capabilities from the general account and
third-party affiliate businesses.
One of the key elements enabling Aegon Asset Managements success in the long term is better
proximity to customers in chosen markets. To build out the distribution strategy in China, an agreement was recently signed, supporting the development of a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), a new type of investment entity that is fully
foreign-owned. This will further deepen Aegons strategic relationship in the region. It will create the opportunity to sell offshore products into the Chinese market, complementing the current local joint ventures. It will also give access to
the USD 2 trillion private fund market.
Responsible investing is another important element of Aegon Asset Managements strategy.
For the third consecutive year, Aegon Asset Management has scored the highest possible rating (A+) for strategy and governance of responsible investment activities in the annual assessment published by the Principles for Responsible Investment
(PRI), the worlds leading authority in this field.
In the context of the creation of an alliance in the bancassurance sector,
Groupe BPCE and La Banque Postale have agreed on the principles of an enhanced business partnership. Part of those principles includes the implementation of a project to merge their euro-fixed income investment activities, which are mainly
insurance-related, into a common platform. Today, this has no influence on Aegons stake in La Banque Postale Asset Management. Aegon Asset Management will remain close to its respected partner throughout this process to work towards the
optimal outcome in an environment that continues to focus on consolidation as a key driver for the creation of sustainable profitability.
1H 2019 Results
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