The team behind some of Europe’s first thematic ETF products have left Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) to launch their own ETF issuer.
Rize ETF, which is Europe’s first thematic ETF specialist, was founded by Rahul Bhushan, Stuart Forbes, Anthony Martin and Jason Kennard, all who worked together at ETF Securities and subsequently LGIM following its acquisition of the Canvas platform in 2018.
The team were behind the launch of Europe’s first robotics and cybersecurity ETFs, which launched in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
The first ETF is rumoured to be in the medical marijuana space.
As part of the launch, the firm has also made a number of hires since launching last year including David Barfoot from Smith & Williamson as head of UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Furthermore, Emanuela Salvadè and Phillippe Sommer, who join from Macquarie and Pinebridge, will be responsible for Italian and DACH speaking clients, respectively.
What is driving the boom in thematic ETF launches?
Co-founder Bhushan (pictured) commented: “There is a growing belief among younger investors that the traditional asset management sector is out of touch and behind the curve.
“We want to democratise access to emerging and disruptive themes, giving modern-day investors early exposure to the global developments that are most relatable and meaningful for them.”
