During the month, asset management companies introduced 15 new investment funds, with the offering largely dominated by ETFs. In addition, seven senior appointments were recorded. These findings are based on a survey conducted through press reports and communications from asset management firms.
Among the new launches, the standout is the world’s first ETF dedicated to autism, introduced by Defiance ETFs. On the appointments front, the new General Manager of Azimut Capital Management SGR is among the most notable developments.
New Investment Funds
- The world’s first autism-focused ETF has debuted on the Nasdaq. Named the Defiance Autism Impact ETF, it was recently launched by Defiance ETFs, a U.S.-based asset manager overseeing more than 75 ETFs and $13.4 billion in assets under management.
- Franklin Templeton has launched the Franklin US Income Equity Focus UCITS ETF, a high-conviction actively managed equity ETF designed to generate income and capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of U.S. equities and equity-related securities.
- VanEck has announced the launch of the VanEck Electrification and Power Infrastructure UCITS ETF, which focuses on the global expansion of power grids, energy storage, and infrastructure.
- KraneShares has listed the euro-hedged share class of the KraneShares CSI China Internet UCITS ETF on Borsa Italiana, expanding European investors’ access to China’s technology and internet sector while reducing currency risk.
- Nuveen has broadened its product offering by making its established quantitative equity strategy focused on U.S. small- and mid-cap companies available to European investors.
- AllianceBernstein has listed two new actively managed equity ETFs on Borsa Italiana: the AB Global Research Advanced UCITS ETF and the AB Global Disruptors UCITS ETF.
- WisdomTree has expanded its thematic artificial intelligence range with the launch of the WisdomTree AI Infrastructure UCITS ETF (WAGI). The fund provides diversified exposure to companies supporting the development and scalability of AI systems by investing in the core infrastructure underpinning the entire AI value chain.
- Nordea Asset Management has launched its first systematic fixed-income strategy: the Nordea 2 – BetaPlus Enhanced US Corporate Bond Fund, which already manages more than $1.4 billion in assets.
- iM Global Partner and Polen Capital have listed the iMGP European High Yield Fund R EUR UCITS ETF on Euronext Paris. It is the first actively managed bond ETF launched by the iMGP platform in Europe.
- Columbia Threadneedle Investments has listed two actively managed equity ETFs from its QR Series on Borsa Italiana: the CT QR Series US Equity UCITS ETF and the CT QR Series European Equity UCITS ETF.
- HANetf has introduced the Defiance Memory UCITS ETF (DRAM) to the European market, bringing investors exposure to memory semiconductors—a strategy previously available only in the U.S., where it has attracted $20 billion in assets. According to Gartner, DRAM and SSD prices could rise by as much as 130% by the end of 2026.
- GraniteShares has listed two new leveraged ETPs on Borsa Italiana linked to SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk: the GraniteShares 3X Long SpaceX Daily ETP (SPX3) and the GraniteShares 3X Short SpaceX Daily ETP (SNK3), enabling traders and investors to take leveraged positions on SpaceX’s daily share price performance.
Appointments in the Financial Advisory Industry
- Vontobel Wealth Management SIM has expanded its Italian team with the appointment of Stefano Novarini as Relationship Manager, supporting the continued growth of the Swiss group’s Italian wealth management boutique.
- ReVersal SIM has strengthened its organisation with the appointment of Alessandro Costa as Wealth Partner. In his new role, he will advise a group of families following the independent family office model.
- Azimut Capital Management SGR has implemented a series of organisational and governance changes following observations by the Bank of Italy. Riccardo Laura, who joined Azimut in 2020, has been selected to serve as General Manager.
- Luigi Lubelli has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of BFF Bank, succeeding Giuseppe Sica, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, who had been serving as interim CFO.
- Frame Asset Management has appointed Marco Doni as Portfolio Manager, with responsibility for developing and implementing options-based investment strategies.
- Bank of America has appointed Graziano Gemma as Head of Investment Banking for Italy.
- Moneyfarm has appointed Silvia Benzi as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its executive leadership team during a period of business expansion and international growth.
Other Appointments
- Panattoni, a leading player in the European industrial real estate market, has announced several new hires and one internal promotion at its Milan headquarters: Bianca Maria Brinza (Commercial Manager), Maria Zito (Junior Associate Development Manager), Olga Pospichalova (Executive Assistant), Benedetta Solari (Marketing & PR Manager), and the promotion of Alessandro Viscardi to Development Manager.
- The First Autism-Focused ETF Among June’s New Investment Funds
- The 2026 Italian asset management fair is coming: “Salone del Risparmio” in facts and figures
- 26 new funds and 6 appointments in the Italian asset management industry
- Unicredit introduces goal-based investment funds in Italy
- Football: record revenues for top clubs, Real Madrid over €1 billion
