[2] In the 1980s, Jacques Martin was established to provide administration and consulting services to rapidly expanding corporate and industry-based retirement funds.

Colonial was differentiated in the marketplace through its fundamental strategy known as bancassurance or ‘allfinanz’, the provision of a broad range of integrated solutions to its customers’ lifelong financial needs.

The allfinanz approach was most highly developed in Australia, and it was progressively being exported to Colonial’s international operations in ways that reflect the local market conditions and opportunities.

In other key markets CMH has forged joint ventures with Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) in Malaysia, the Bank of Ayudhya family of companies in Thailand, PT Astra International in Indonesia, and The Ho Chi Minh City Insurance Company (Bao Minh) in Vietnam.

The product range also includes personal accident, hospital and surgical expenses benefits; disability income; and group medical insurance.

CMG offers a comprehensive range of pension products, administration and investment services for the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund.

Astra CMG has almost 1500 staff and agents in 30 locations offering life insurance products and services for individual and corporate clients.

New Zealand Colonial currently offers term life insurance, retirement savings, income protection, trauma and disability cover, funds management and administration.

The New Zealand insurance distribution network includes preferred agents, financial planners and brokers, in conjunction with Colonial’s franchised outlets.

The international equities operations of Colonial First State Investments are centralised in the UK, taking advantage of its position as a key global financial centre.

Vietnam In 1999, Colonial was awarded the first Vietnamese licence for a life insurance joint venture between a local and international company.