As the $3.5 trillion ETF industry continues to evolve, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking to ease its rules for approving low-risk ETFs.
The U.S. securities regulator on Thursday unveiled a proposal to allow issuers to launch vanilla ETFs without first seeking approval from the regulator.
Currently, issuers hoping to propose a new ETF must first acquire SEC permission, a process known as exemptive relief, before selling funds. Such a process has “inadvertently given some firms a competitive advantage,” which in turn has prompted lobbyist activity for years. Rule 6c-11 was first considered by the Commission in March 2008, although it was not passed.
According to the SEC, rule 6c-11 would “exempt exchange-traded funds (‘ETFs’) from certain provisions of [the Investment Company Act of 1940]and our rules.” In addition, it “would permit certain ETFs to begin operating without the expense and delay of obtaining an exemptive order from the Commission.” Thus, with the new regulation, ETFs would be allowed to enter the market much more quickly and easily.
ETF Trends publisher Tom Lydon said the move would help boost competition and innovation by lowering the barriers to entry.
“The current process to launch an ETF is complex – the new SEC proposal will hopefully make it a more level playing field for all,” Lydon said. “There are dozens of ETF issuers who currently operated under different requirements – easing the rules for low-risk ETFs is a great next step for the industry.”
The ETF market for U.S. listed funds has amassed roughly 2,200 funds available for retail and institutional investors.
Driven by relatively low fees, convenience, and transparency, the pace of growth in the ETF industry has been extraordinary.
“ETFs are driving investor progress by helping tens of millions of people generate wealth and meet retirement goals,” BlackRock said on a statement on Thursday. “That is why BlackRock has long supported regulation of the ETF market that enhances transparency, market quality and choice for investors. We look forward to reviewing the proposal in more detail and commenting in due course.”
In the last 10 years alone, assets have grown by a compound annual growth rate of 23% per year, or 547% cumulatively.
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