Aberdeen Investments has announced the expansion of its active exchange-traded fund (ETF) platform in the United States with the conversion of two mutual funds into fully transparent ETFs.
The converted funds are Abrdn Ultra Short Municipal Income Active ETF (NASDAQ: AMUN) and Abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (NASDAQ: ASCI).
These conversions come as Aberdeen’s US ETF franchise surpasses $18 billion in assets under management for the first time.
The Aberdeen group manages and administers £517.6 billion of assets for clients.
Abrdn Ultra Short Municipal Income Active seeks high after-tax current income consistent with capital preservation. It is co-managed by Jonathan Mondillo, Global Head of Fixed Income, and Miguel Laranjeiro, Investment Director.
Abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF is designed to leverage Aberdeen’s global research capabilities to identify overlooked growth opportunities among high-quality, under-researched international small-cap companies. It will be co-managed by Kirsty Desson, Senior Investment Director, and Liam Patel, Investment Analyst.
Both teams will be further supported by Awais Khan, CFA, Head of ETF Portfolio Management and Capital Markets, who joins the Aberdeen Investments team as a portfolio manager for the funds.
Aberdeen Investments also announced the merger of Abrdn China A Share Equity Fund (NASDAQ: GOPIX) and Abrdn Focused Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (NASDAQ: GLLSX) into the existing Abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (NASDAQ: AGEM).
“Today’s announcements build on the success of Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) and Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) launched earlier this year as well as the continued success of Aberdeen’s existing precious metals and commodities ETFs,” said Aberdeen Investments.
Jim O’Connor, CEO, Americas, Aberdeen Investments, said: “Crossing $18 billion in assets underscores the strength and scalability of our U.S. platform.
“These ETF conversions mark a pivotal step in our evolution, expanding further the access of our investment partners to Aberdeen’s deep expertise in municipal fixed income, international small caps, and emerging markets.
“This milestone reflects the momentum we’ve built, the trust investors place in Aberdeen’s differentiated approach, and our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients.”
Jonathan Mondillo, Global Head of Fixed Income, Aberdeen Investments, said: “Today’s municipal market presents compelling opportunities, especially in an environment of higher yields and tighter liquidity.
“The conversion of the Ultra Short Municipal Income Active ETF reflects our commitment to meeting investor demand for active fixed income solutions, offering efficient access to a tax-exempt income strategy in a low-duration format at a competitive expense ratio.”
Awais Khan, CFA, Head of ETF Portfolio Management and Capital Markets, Aberdeen Investments, said:
“ETFs have been a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s business since we entered the space in 2018. We remain committed to leveraging our expertise in specialist equities and fixed income to broaden access to our active investment strategies.”