JPMorgan names global ETFs head in bullish active bet

JPMorgan names global ETFs head in bullish active bet
The firm’s asset management arm looks to raise its ranking in the active ETF sector as it elevates a 20-year tenured leader.
AUG 15, 2024

JP Morgan Asset Management is looking to extend its leadership in the active ETF space as it appoints Travis Spence, a long-tenured leader within the organization, as its new global head of ETFs.

The move, effective immediately, puts Spence in charge of ETF product development, capital markets, and the recently established ETF insights team. He will continue to lead ETF distribution across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa as he takes on the expanded responsibilities of his new role.

Spence will report to Jed Laskowitz, the firm’s chief investment officer and global head of asset management solutions.

"We are committed to revolutionizing the landscape by providing the highest quality active ETFs in the industry," Laskowitz said in a statement Thursday.

Spence's appointment comes as JPMorgan seeks to capitalize on growing interest in active ETFs, which have been outpacing the overall ETF industry in growth. The firm says its global ETF platform has expanded to nearly $190 billion across more than 100 products, ranking it second in active ETF AUM and eighth in overall ETF assets globally.

The active ETF market has seen a few asset managers jockeying for position recently, including Allspring’s plan to launch its inaugural ETF suite early next year and Rockefeller Asset Management’s announcement of its first active fixed-income ETFs which focus on the municipal bond space.

According to Bloomberg, JPMorgan’s active ETF platform has absorbed $27 billion globally so far this year.

Spence has been with JPMorgan Asset Management for 20 years, most recently serving as head of EMEA ETF distribution since 2023. In that role, he helped establish the firm as a leader in active ETFs in Europe. Previously, he led the international fixed income investment specialist team, where he focused on product development and portfolio insights across EMEA and Asia.

"Under Travis's leadership, we are confident that our ETF franchise will continue to innovate and help our clients achieve their goals," Laskowitz added.

"Our ETF franchise will continue to be anchored by our deep fundamental and quantitative research, active management, and risk management capabilities," Spence said.

Spence will continue to be based in London as he oversees the next phase of JPMorgan’s ETF growth strategy.

Latest News

How AI search aided scam from phony NFL player, fake financial advisor
How AI search aided scam from phony NFL player, fake financial advisor

Daejon Love and Taylor Chan's $1.3 million romance fraud scheme exposes how AI search engines can be manipulated by fabricated online identities

Schwab ordered to pay clients $1.34 million in crypto dispute involving elderly client
Schwab ordered to pay clients $1.34 million in crypto dispute involving elderly client

“It was a third party scam,” said the attorney representing the claimants.

RIA moves: Mercer adds to Atlanta presence with veteran advisor from Northern Trust
RIA moves: Mercer adds to Atlanta presence with veteran advisor from Northern Trust

Meanwhile, &Partners draws another Commonwealth practice, and Wealthcare welcomes a $550 million planning practice in the Northeast.

CogniCor adds wealthtech veterans to board in renewed RIA push
CogniCor adds wealthtech veterans to board in renewed RIA push

Palo Alto AI platform recruits RIA and fintech leaders as industry data show AI adoption reshaping advisor staffing.

Advisor moves: Merrill draws $1.2 billion UBS team in New Mexico
Advisor moves: Merrill draws $1.2 billion UBS team in New Mexico

Meanwhile, Raymond James, Wedbush, and LPL recruited veteran advisors from across Texas, North Carolina, and California.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income