«We have seen significant interest in our China ETFs from Swiss based investors»
30.03.2023
Mr. Rista, your company is a highly specialised ETF boutique for China investments. How did it come about?
KraneShares Founder & CEO Jonathan Krane launched the company in 2013 following his experience living in China while building a live international content business. After selling the business to a large multinational, Jonathan noticed the strong global money flows into China’s capital markets and more importantly the lack of investment options for financial professionals. Jonathan saw this as an opportunity to launch an asset management company focused on providing thoughtful research and investment opportunities around China‘s equity and fixed-income markets. Since 2013, KraneShares has become one of the largest China ETF providers. This focus continues with product launches worldwide and a constant stream of China-focused research.
You are very well known in America. Why are Swiss investors of such great interest to you?
Yes, we are a global asset manager headquartered in the U.S., but since the firm’s inception, we have seen significant interest from Swiss-based investors. Ultimately this strong demand was an important factor in launching KraneShares European and UCITS business. We now have offices across Europe. Swiss investors have deep knowledge of China’s capital markets and recognize the investment opportunities around the next wave of China’s growth.
All your ETFs are registered in Switzerland for qualified investors. Correct?
Yes, we currently have seven UCITS ETFs which are available for qualified Swiss investors and are in the process of bringing more solutions to Swiss investors.
What are the three most successful ETFs in terms of Swiss assets?
The KraneShares China Internet ETF has seen the strongest asset flow from Swiss investors followed by our China A-Share and Global Electric Vehicles ETFs.
When will you come again to our country?
I returned to Switzerland in February for client meetings and plan to be back in May and June for the Fundplat Lugano and Zurich events. I anticipate an additional three trips this year as China’s reopening and consumption recovery have sparked investor interest in our product suite.
Link to disclaimer
Brian Rista joined KraneShares in 2017 as Director, Client Service to help the firm achieve its mission of being a leading provider of China-focused Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Chinese investment education for clients. He is responsible for leading the team’s sales efforts in the Southeast region of the U.S. and Switzerland with a focus on deepening relationships with financial advisors, independent broker-dealers, RIAs, institutions, and banks. Prior to joining KraneShares, he was a financial advisor at an RIA providing clients with personalized wealth management solutions. He was also a Sales Associate at an asset manager specializing in separately managed accounts, mutual funds and ETFs. Brian Rista attended the College of Charleston where he received his BA in Communications with concentrations in finance and media studies.