In response to the growing interest and activity around exchange-traded funds (ETFs) among capital markets participants and our global buy-side readership, The TRADE is pleased to announce a series of in-depth panel discussions focusing on the most important issues in the ETFs space.
Held at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) building in London on 25 September, attendees will hear from a range of ETF experts and participants, and have the opportunity to network with industry peers over a coffee or cocktail.
With three in-depth discussions throughout afternoon, delegates can expect to hear the very latest developments touching on the ETFs space, with topics including the effects of MiFID II, volatility and liquidity, and a look at the very latest tools and technology currently used to trade ETFs.
While ETFs may not be new to markets, activity has certainly ramped up within recent years, particularly among the largest players in the industry. While the effects of new regulatory initiatives such as MiFID II are having early impacts on ETF activity, it’s clear that firms fully recognise the value of the product.
At the start of this year, Citi made the landmark move to accept ETFs as collateral in agency securities lending transactions, while BlackRock announced it is to support and develop a new ETF platform alongside exchange powerhouse Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in early August.
Meanwhile regulators are also exploring ways to ease the path to market for new ETFs, as the US Securities and Exchange Commission said earlier this year that it is reviewing the regulatory framework with the aim of reducing cost and complexity of launching new ETFs.
“ETFs have seen an explosion of interest recently, despite having been a part of the markets for years,” said John Brazier, editor of The TRADE. “This is partly being driven by new regulatory initiatives, the buy-side’s desire for increasing diversification and new advancements in technology, such as the remarkable growth of cryptocurrencies, in which ETFs will likely play an important role.”
“As such, The TRADE believes it is a perfect opportunity to bring market participants together to discuss these developments and review where the market is heading for the future.”
To see the day’s agenda and register for the event, click here.