Eurizon SLJ Capital Launches Active EM Bond ETF via Connect ETFs

Eurizon SLJ Capital, the London-based investment manager under the Eurizon umbrella, has announced the launch of its first Irish-domiciled actively managed ETF. This new venture leverages the innovative ETF platform Connect ETFs, which facilitates the connection between asset managers and ETF service providers. The platform utilizes Carne Global Fund Managers (Ireland) Limited as the management company, with Citi handling roles as the administrator, custodian, and depositary.

Key Details of the Launch:

• ETF Name: CO Eurizon SLJ EM Bond Strategic Income UCITS ETF
• Assets Under Management (AUM): $102 million as of 17 July 2024
• Investment Strategy: This actively managed ETF does not adhere to a benchmark. Instead, it aims to deliver emerging market income with developed market risk characteristics, employing a quality-enhanced investment process.
• Management Team: The fund is managed by Eurizon SLJ Capital’s team based in London, led by Stephen Jen (CEO & co-CIO) and Fatih Yilmaz (co-CIO).
• Listing: The fund is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and plans to launch on the London Stock Exchange by the end of 2024.

About Connect ETFs

Connect ETFs is a new platform designed to link asset managers with top-tier ETF service providers. By partnering with Carne Global Fund Managers and Citi, Connect ETFs ensures robust management, administration, custody, and depositary services, thus providing a seamless and efficient ETF launch process.

Strategic Vision

This launch marks a significant milestone for Eurizon SLJ Capital as it expands its product offerings into the ETF market. The new ETF aims to cater to investors seeking emerging market income with reduced risk, leveraging Eurizon SLJ Capital's extensive research and expertise in emerging markets. The anticipated launch on the London Stock Exchange later this year is expected to broaden the ETF's reach and accessibility to a wider range of investors.

With this launch, Eurizon SLJ Capital and Connect ETFs are set to make a notable impact on the ETF market, offering a unique investment vehicle that aligns with the evolving needs of global investors.

Our quality-enhanced active EM bond ETF offers investors a transparent, cost-effective, and flexible access to EM bond income with developed market risk characteristics, managed by a diverse team and backed by our research-led approach to investing. It is an exciting time for active ETFs in Europe, and we see growing demand for high-conviction bond ETFs, either as a complement to passive funds or an outright allocation. The Connect ETFs platform is the ideal solution for our entrance into the active ETF market. Their expertise from product design to distribution is very attractive and enables us to focus on creating value for investors.

Matt Jones, Head of Distribution at Eurizon SLJ Capital Limited