Record year for new ETF providers with most launching Smart Beta strategies
Data from ETFGI shows a record 19﻿ new ETF/ETP providers entered the space in the US in the first nine months of 2015. Collectively they launched 37 products, 21 of which follow Smart Beta strategies, and a further seven﻿ following active strategies, and attracted investment totalling $1.1bn. Regulatory filings with the SEC suggest that the next wave of new funds will be "non-transparent" active ETFs such as NextShares, the ETMF (Exchange Traded Managed Product)﻿ product licenced by Eaton Vance.

A record number of new ETF/ETP providers have entered the US ETF industry in 2015 according to ETFGI

2015 has been a busy time for the ETF industry.

Nineteen new ETF/ETP providers have entered the ETF industry in the United States during the first 9 months of 2015, beating the prior full year records of 15 new providers entering the ETF industry in both 2014 and 2009, according to new analysis from ETFGI.

Collectively the 19 new providers have launched a total of 37 products, accounting for $1.1 billion in assets as of the Sept 29th. The majority, or 21, of these new launches follow Smart Beta strategies, followed by Active with seven. The record number of new providers entering the ETF industry in the US industry demonstrates the trend we previously identified that most asset managers feel they need to have a presence in the ETF industry.

Some notable new entrants are Goldman Sachs Asset Management, John Hancock who has partnered with Dimensional Fund Advisors, Principal Funds and O’Shares by Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on the television show, “Shark Tank.”