Alpha Architect

Should I be an ETF Advisor or Sub-Advisor?

As someone who has spent considerable time in the ETF landscape, we feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share insights on a decision that can significantly impact aspiring ETF entrepreneurs: whether to serve as an advisor or a sub-advisor. One of my teammates, Patrick Cleary, put together a great article that sheds light on the complexities and implications associated with each role. A link to his article, "We want to launch an ETF. Should I be the ETF Advisor or Sub-Advisor?," is here.

The case for the tax-free conversion of SMAs into an ETF via Section 351

This piece outlines the high-level benefits of the ETF structure, which boils down to market access, tax efficiency, and transparency. It covers the considerations for a 351 tax-free conversion and the mechanics and tax consequences of a 351 conversion.

Wes Talks with Belle about Creating Your Own ETF

In this episode host Belle Osvath, CFP® talks with Dr. Wesley Gray the founder of ETF Architect and Alpha Architect, about how advisors can create their own ETFs which can be used to help manage client funds and taxes. They discuss the creation process, the cost, and what type of advisory practice would benefit the most from their own ETF.

Mutual Fund to ETF Conversions: To Proxy or Not to Proxy, that is the question

ETF conversions are accelerating and we are seeing more and more mutual funds converting into ETFs. The reasons for mutual fund to ETF conversions are obvious: tax efficiency, transparency, and lower operating costs. But how does this work? What are the pro/cons? This post provides a glimpse behind the curtain and a practical guide for any asset manager considering a mutual fund conversion. Below we outline the laws behind a mutual fund conversion, options for mutual fund conversions, and the nitty-gritty behind how to optimize a mutual fund conversion.

Why Advisors (and Family Offices) Should Consider Creating their Own ETFs

Independent RIA firms seek to do what is "right" for the client, which often boils down to minimizing fees and taxes and increasing transparency/education (i.e., ETFs). But the "right" solution for an advisor's clients might not be available 'off-the-shelf' in the ETF market, or the advisor can't use ETFs because they are stuck "managing around" legacy portfolios and tax problems.

What's the solution? Allow advisors to create their own ETFs, which can be customized to deliver the specific investment program the advisor desires and allows an advisor to offer unique solutions for legacy tax issues tied to low-basis securities.

Can You Keep Your Track Record After an ETF Conversion?

Here is the bottom line: converting into the ETF structure can bring a lot of benefits to the table, but porting your official track record over to an ETF can be challenging.

However, even if the facts and circumstances of your situation suggest that porting your official track record into an ETF is impossible, all is not lost. Retail consumers, institutional investors, platform providers, gate-keepers, and so forth, will likely be aware of your previous performance and reputation as an asset manager/advisor and they can often read between the lines. For example, if an advisor has been running the "ACME US Dividend Strategy" for 20 years, and this same advisor launches the "ACME US Dividend ETF" with the same investment process and investment objective, it doesn't take a rocket surgeon (or a brain scientist) to figure out that the ETF is probably a more tax-efficient version of the old strategy.

Important Insights Into Index Versus Active ETF Management

can be boiled down to the following: Index ETFs come with increased transparency and marketability; Active ETFs come with lower operational costs and increased portfolio management flexibility.

Should I launch an Active ETF or Index ETF?

summary, there are no right answers when it comes to launching an active or an index ETF. However, by understanding the basics of the regulatory landscape and the costs/benefits of each approach, both consumers and ETF operators can make more informed decisions. Thanks for reading!

How to Start an ETF? Resources and FAQ

We get the following question at least 1x a day: "How do I start an ETF? Because we have so many requests for information on the topic of "How to Start an ETF?", Wes asked that I compile a list of materials on the topic and a "FAQ" to address all of your burning questions.

Can ETF white label platforms “steal” your ETF?

As readers know, our firm's mission is to empower investors through education. We live that mission every day. In this piece, we walk through the [...]

Can you convert a mutual fund into an ETF tax efficiently (or an SMA or hedge fund)?

The question we keep getting, in various forms, is the following:

Can you do a tax-free conversion of a mutual fund into an ETF?
Can you do a tax-free conversion of SMAs (separately managed accounts) into an ETF?
Can you do a tax-free conversion of a hedge fund into an ETF?

Long story short, yes, yes, and yes...but it's complicated!

ETF-prenuers: An Introduction to ETF White Label Services

Interested in starting an ETF? Interested in converting a managed account, hedge fund, or mutual fund into an ETF? Simply want to learn more about [...]

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