Asset manager taps former Vanguard $274B PM to lead ETF operations

Asset manager taps former Vanguard $274B PM to lead ETF operations
After 14 years with Vanguard, Awais Khan has a new role.
JUL 01, 2024

A former Vanguard portfolio manager overseeing roughly $274 billion in assets and managing dozens of funds has moved firms for a new role.

Awais Khan was with Vanguard for 14 years but has now joined abrdn Inc., the US business of the global specialist asset manager, as head of ETF portfolio management and capital markets, based in Philadelphia.

The firm’s US ETF suite provides passive exposure to commodities and physically backed precious metals representing $8 billion in assets. Last November, InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg spoke with Robert Minter, director of ETF investment strategy at abrdn to give his forecast for the direction of gold, oil, copper and other commodities.

The growth of ETFs over the past decade has been on a scale almost unmatched by other typical investment vehicles in the US such as mutual funds. A recent report from Cerulli gives much of the kudos for this acceleration to the adoption of ETFs by financial advisors and end-investors in the retail sector.

ETFs are a key focus for abrdn Inc. and it has been quick to innovate with its suite of funds. Welcoming Khan to the firm, CEO Jim O’Connor said: “Our strategic push into ETFs underscores our commitment to delivering value to investors and making our investment content available in the manner that they prefer to consume it. With the addition of Awais, we are well-positioned to deliver and capitalize on this exciting new pathway for clients to access the investment capabilities they desire to meet their investment goals.”

Khan’s role is a newly created one and his responsibilities will include looking after the portfolio management, trading, and capital markets aspects of abrdn’s ETF capabilities.

Latest News

Farther debuts AI investment proposal tool for advisors to win clients
Farther debuts AI investment proposal tool for advisors to win clients

"Im glad to see that from a regulatory perspective, we're going to get the ability to show we're responsible [...] we'll have a little bit more freedom to innovate," Farther co-founder Brad Genser told InvestmentNews.

Barred ex-Merrill Lynch advisor arrested in alleged $2.6M theft of former Miami Dolphin Pro Bowler
Barred ex-Merrill Lynch advisor arrested in alleged $2.6M theft of former Miami Dolphin Pro Bowler

Former advisor Isaiah Williams allegedly used the stolen funds from ex-Dolphins defensive safety Reshad Jones for numerous personal expenses, according to police and court records.

Are you optimally efficient?
Are you optimally efficient?

Taking a systematic approach to three key practice areas can help advisors gain confidence, get back time, and increase their opportunities.

Advisor moves: Father-son duo leaves Raymond James for LPL, RayJay adds Merrill Lynch alum in Florida
Advisor moves: Father-son duo leaves Raymond James for LPL, RayJay adds Merrill Lynch alum in Florida

Meanwhile, Osaic lures a high-net-worth advisor from Commonwealth in the Pacific Northwest.

Beacon Pointe adds six RIAs in two-month acquisition spree, boosting AUM by $2.7B
Beacon Pointe adds six RIAs in two-month acquisition spree, boosting AUM by $2.7B

The deals, which include its first stake in Ohio, push the national women-led firm up to $47 billion in assets.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.