Hong Leong Tokio Marine Takaful launches AUD-denominated Shariah-compliant investment-linked plan

Kuala Lumpur , 3 September 2009 - Hong Leong Tokio Marine Takaful (HLTM Takaful) Berhad today launched a new Capital Protection Investment-Linked (CPIL) scheme, the Global Recovery Income Plan (GRIP) under its International Currency Business Unit (ICBU).

The investment is a 4-year Australian Dollar (AUD) denominated Shariah-compliant 100% capital protection investment-linked plan using the concepts of Murabahah and Wa'ad (unilateral undertaking) where the potential investment returns at maturity are referenced upon the performance of a basket of reference assets consisting of equity (US and Hong Kong) and commodity (crude oil and precious metals) based underlyings.

Every year GRIP pays an annual income distribution with a cumulative total of 15% (3.50% in year 1; 4.75% in year 2 and 6.75% in year 3, subject to the ability of the certificate issuer to repay the annual distribution income) for the first three years and an additional Variable Profit in year 4.

The plan will invest in Certificates issued by Oasis Certificate Programme Limited ("Oasis") and are 100% principal protected, if held to maturity. The Certificates are arranged by Citigroup Global Markets Limited ("CGML"), a 100% indirectly controlled subsidiary of Citigroup Inc, incorporated in the United Kingdom and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority. Therefore, investors in the Certificates are subject to the credit risk of Citigroup Inc, which is currently rated A/A-1 (Stable Outlook) by Standard & Poor's and A3/P1 (Stable Outlook) by Moody's Investors Service.

The plan managed by HLTM Takaful with Citibank as the structure provider is distributed by Hong Leong Bank through its extensive branch network nationwide. The investment will be valued on a daily basis and the daily Net Asset Value (NAV) will be published in major newspapers.

"The launch of GRIP is very timely for participants who would like to gain annual income in Australian Dollars (AUD) during the recovering market conditions. Amidst a backdrop of the recovering economy, we have included a protection element in the Investment Plan where participants will have up to 125% takaful protection on their investment amount, giving participants a peace of mind financially." said Encik Ab Latiff Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer of H ong Leong Tokio Marine Takaful.

Another added benefit of this rule-based strategy is that it has low correlations with other types of traditional investments, providing a high degree of diversification to an investor's portfolio. Initial investments start as low as AUD 10,000 up to a maximum of AUD 600,000 per participant. In addition, GRIP provides a very attractive participation rate.

"As the fund is offered for only 45 days beginning 3 September 2009 and has a limited time frame, we urge everyone to take this opportunity to capitalize on this new scheme," stressed En. Ab Latiff.

"There is a huge potential for takaful products, both for general and family takaful segments. We expect the industry to grow further as the economy improves and the benefits of takaful are better appreciated. It is only a matter of time when we can fully overcome the current low penetration of takaful."

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with HLTMT on its quest to further develop its ICBU business by providing innovative and globally accepted Shariah investment solutions. HLTMT is to be applauded for taking the initiative to launch the first AUD Takaful Investment linked plan that will further increase the vibrancy of Malaysia as an international Islamic Financial Center" said Harold Kim, Managing Director, Head of Asia Pacific Retail Structured Product, Citigroup Global Market Asia Limited.

For more information on HLTM Takaful, please call 03 21642339, e-mail us at ReachUs@hltm.hongleong.com.my or visit our website www.hltmt.com.my or contact our friendly Personal Financial Consultants at your nearest HLBB's branches.