Allianz Global Investors ( AllianzGI ) has signed a memorandum of agreement ( MOU ) with the National Pension Service ( NPS ) of South Korea to establish a strategic partnership covering all asset classes.

The MOU represents the first formalized, enterprise-wide global strategic partnership for NPS, extending beyond its previous asset-class-specific cooperations in equities, fixed income, and alternatives to encompass all asset classes under a unified framework.

During a signing ceremony in Jeonju, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, NPS chairman Sung-joo Kim and AllianzGI chief executive officer Tobias Pross reaffirmed their commitment to building a long-term partnership based on mutual trust and cooperation.

Under the MOU, NPS and AllianzGI will pursue the following areas of cooperation on a phased basis:

• Systematic sharing of investment knowledge and asset management expertise across all asset classes;
• Mid- to long-term strategic discussions on global financial markets and macroeconomic conditions;
• Education, training programmes, and talent exchanges to enhance investment management capabilities; and
• Other strategic cooperation initiatives mutually agreed upon by both parties.

“This enterprise-wide strategic partnership with Allianz Global Investors strengthens an integrated perspective across asset classes and marks a meaningful turning point in enhancing long-term returns and advancing our investment framework,” Kim comments. “We aim to make Jeonju a key gateway that directly connects Korea to the global asset management network.”

Pross adds: “This MOU goes beyond a formal agreement and establishes a long-term institutional partnership centered on people, knowledge sharing, and capability development. In an increasingly volatile and structurally evolving global investment environment, we will actively support the National Pension Service in strengthening its next-generation investment capabilities through education, joint research, and continuous exchange of insights across all asset classes.”

The two organizations also held a ceremony opening AllianzGI’s office in Manseong-dong, Jeonju. 

The Jeonju office will serve as a strategic hub supporting close cooperation and ongoing communication between NPS and AllianzGI. It will facilitate education and training programess and enhance strategic talent exchanges. AllianzGI plans to recruit dedicated on-site staff from the Jeonbuk regional talent pool for the Jeonju office.