Toronto-based AGF Investments Inc. has become the latest asset-management firm to join the Canadian ETF Association (CETFA), which advocates for the growing community of ETF providers.
The announcement comes on the heels of AGF’s latest push to make its mark on the ETF space. In April, the firm exported its quantitative investment platform, AGFiQ Asset Management (AGFiQ), which manages its first slate of ETFs, to the U.S.
AGF officially made its foray into the ETF business in late January with the launch of seven ETFs, which are actively managed and trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
“Our objective is to provide better risk-adjusted returns by utilizing a flexible, multi-factor process centered on the principle of viewing risk through multiple lenses,” says Jay Bhutani, senior vice president, head of ETF strategy at AGF, in a statement. “As we enter this space, we are pleased to join the CETFA and support the work it does.”
Canada’s ETF industry saw assets under management (AUM) grow by about 20% in 2016, representing an increase of $25 billion from the previous year, to $114 billion in AUM, according to CETFA figures.
“As our membership continues to grow, we remain committed to representing the ETF industry and providing Canadian investors with access to information and resources about the benefits of ETF investing,” says Pat Dunwoody, executive director of CETFA, in a statement.
CETFA represents 95% of ETF assets in Canada.
Read: AGF launches suite of actively managed ETFs
Read: ETF Guide 2017
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