Fidelity Cleared to Launch Active ETFs: Report
Fidelity Investments received an order last week from the SEC allowing the financial-services giant to list actively managed ETFs, according to a report Tuesday.
The company obtained regulatory permission to launch several passive, index-based ETFs in February, Ignites.com reports.
“We continue to evaluate the product needs of our clients, and it would be premature to discuss specific product plans,” said Fidelity spokesman James Aber in the article.
More mainline fund companies like Fidelity and T. Rowe Price are positioning for an entry to the growing active ETF business. [Money Managers Taking Greater Interest in Active ETFs]
Earlier this year, Fidelity reached a deal with BlackRock, which manages the iShares funds, to boost its presence in indexed-based ETFs. [Fidelity, iShares Expand ETF Partnership: What Does it Mean?]
Fidelity currently manages one ETF, Fidelity Nasdaq Composite Index (ONEQ).
However, Fidelity has hired some high-profile ETF veterans, including Anthony Rochte and Greg Friedman. The additions have fueled speculation the company is preparing an expansion of its ETF business. [Fidelity Hires Former iShares ETF Product Expert]
“The firm is likely looking at a push into ETFs as a way to retain its position as a product provider for retail, intermediary and institutional clients if the ETF begins to encroach further on mutual funds’ domain,” Ignites reports.
