Episode 26

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Published on:

6th Nov 2025

What Active ETF Adoption Means for Sales and Product Strategy

Delivering some of the key perceived advantages of the ETF structure combined with active management, active ETFs are quickly emerging as a compelling option – with actively managed U.S. ETF assets surpassing $1 trillion for the first time earlier this year.

Passive strategy adoption, particularly via ETFs, transformed the industry and forced asset managers to adapt. In response, many have lowered fees on existing fund products and have launched a variety of new product wrappers, models, and packaged solutions to compete with or complement this trend toward low-cost index solutions. With many financial advisors operating on a fee base and armed with more access to technology and platforms, they are joining the push towards less costly funds, as well.


Ignites hosted a webcast on "What Active ETF Adoption Means for Sales and Product Strategy," sponsored by ISS Market Intelligence.


During this 45-minute discussion, panelists of industry experts shared insights into the dynamics shaping active ETF adoption and discussed how asset managers can position themselves for success in this rapidly changing environment. As advisors demonstrate a growing appetite for vehicles that combine active decision-making with the structural benefits of ETFs, this was an important discussion for asset managers who are reevaluating how they position and distribute active strategies. Ben Doob, Head of ISS MI, served as a key panelist in driving this conversation forward.

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About the Podcast

MI Talk
Conversations about topical issues, trends, and developments that are shaping the market intelligence landscape
MI Talk, a podcast series brought to you by ISS Market Intelligence (MI), delivers global coverage of developments in the asset management, wealth management, insurance, and distribution industries. Each episode features ISS MI’s experts in conversation about topical issues, trends, and developments that are shaping the market intelligence landscape, specifically, and global financial services industry more broadly.