HANetf Expands Authorised Participant Network With Addition of Virtu
- Virtu is a leading global ETF liquidity provider and will add depth to the HANetf Authorised Participant network
- HANetf aims to create one the most extensive liquidity networks in European ETFs to support on-platform products
- Barriers to entry to European ETF markets lowered by first European independent white-label ETF platform
London, 22 August 2018
HANetf, Europe’s first independent, full service ‘white-label’ UCITS ETF platform, has confirmed the addition of Virtu to its growing network of Authorised Participants (APs).
A leading financial technology firm, Virtu is one of the world’s largest and most experienced ETF market makers and has an extensive track record supporting the needs of ETF issuers and investors.
Virtu joins a growing network of HANetf APs, including Goldenberg Hehmeyer, IMC, Old Mission Capital and RBC Europe, operating in an open and competitive market making model, promoting liquidity and tighter trading spreads for all HANetf ETFs. HANetf will continue to identify and add to its range of liquidity partners to create one of the most extensive AP and market making networks globally.
Establishing a broad, comprehensive and deep liquidity model is a key selling point of the HANetf offering. Any prospective asset manager looking to use HANetf to issue ETF’s will have the benefit of a significant panel of APs from day one and not have to grow that capability from scratch. Given the importance of capital markets and the unique role APs and market makers perform, having a world class liquidity panel is a major advantage to new entrants.
Jason Griffin, Director of Business Development and Capital Markets at HANetf, commented: “HANetf’s full-service proposition has resonated powerfully with asset managers around the world who recognise the opportunity to launch ETFs in Europe, but lack the experience, infrastructure or scale to develop their own offering from scratch. Adding Virtu to our network of APs gives prospective clients further confidence that their products will be supported by an outstanding ecosystem of ETF specialists across fund operations, capital markets and distribution.”
This announcement comes shortly ahead of the launch of the first funds via HANetf’s Irish domiciled white-label ETF platform, that are scheduled for listing on London Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana and Deutsche Boerse XETRA in the near future, subject to regulatory approval.
Founded by co-CEOs, Hector McNeil and Nik Bienkowski, HANetf provides a full service offering to prospective ETF issuers including ETF product development, support, operations, capital markets, sales, marketing and distribution. The HANetf platform removes the barriers to entry for new entrants to the European ETF market, making it faster, easier and more cost-efficient for asset managers to launch ETFs in Europe.