Australian Unity adds Betashares ETFs to bond offerings

Australian Unity will include 11 Betashares ETFs on its Lifeplan Investment Bond menu, the first time ETFs have been accessible via its investment bond range.

The 11 Betashares ETFs added to the menu invest across growth and defensive assets, spanning Australian and global equities, diversified portfolios, geared exposure, cash and fixed income.

Betashares head of distribution and capital markets Peter Harper said the selection of the ETFs by Australian Unity reflects the growing role they play in portfolio construction.

He added an increasing number of investors and financial advisers use ETFs as building blocks for portfolios across a range of investment objectives and risk profiles.

"Betashares' flagship ETFs are widely adopted by Australian investors for this purpose, offering efficient access to key exposures that can form a part of long-term portfolios," Harper said.

"ETFs have become an increasingly important tool for portfolio construction, and we're pleased that Australian Unity has selected 11 of our flagship ETFs for inclusion in its investment bond menu."

Australian Unity executive general manager Adnan Glinac said the addition of the Betashares ETFs to the investment menu highlights growing demand for investments that offer choice, quality and diversification within a long-term investment structure.

"We're seeing more parents and grandparents use investment bonds as a structured way to build wealth for the next generation, whether that's helping their kids with home deposits, supporting education or funding other major life expenses," Glinac said.

He said investment bonds don't just offer tax effectiveness but a flexible way to grow wealth and retain greater control over how it is used and passed on across generations.