Allianz moves towards digital agency model

Allianz has launched an Allianz Masters  regional training programme aimed at professional development. The structured programme by LIMRA building towards the company’s the Allianz’s new Digital Agency model in the region.Lars Heibutzki, chief distribution officer, Allianz Asia Pacific said the Allianz Masters underpins the company’s commitment to provide customers with “distinguished service and support, while also laying a strong foundation for our new digital agency model in Asia Pacific”.He added that as customers continue to integrate the use of the Internet in buying decisions, the company aims to empower advisers with the right skill-sets, with the goal of achieving greater customer satisfaction.“Allianz is leaning towards a digital agency model in Asia Pacific and Allianz Life is always looking for opportunities of enhancement and improvement, so this fits it perfectly with those plans. The programme underlines our commitment to simply provide the best value for customers with superior service and support, bolstered by a strong, professional agency force. Our agents will be better equipped with the professional development that our customers will come to expect from their trusted financial partner,” said Ong Pin Hean, chief sales officer of Allianz Life during the launch of the Allianz Masters at Syeun Hotel in Ipoh, Perak yesterday.Allianz Masters kicked off in Shanghai in May this year and is being rolled out to other core markets within Asia Pacific. In 2015, the company's new business value rose 17% from the previous year, driven by a strong multi-channel distribution strategy and steady product innovation.Agency is a key distribution channel for Allianz’s 6.3 million customers in Asia, contributing to 43% of annualised new premiums in 2015.