CETFA seeks regulatory, tax changes as ETFs draw CAD100B

The Canadian ETF Association, established in December 2011, represents 43 members across issuers, exchanges, custodians, index providers and service firms. The group increased engagement with regulators after Canadian-listed ETFs recorded more than CAD100 billion in net inflows in the first half of 2026 and assets under management reached about CAD880 billion.

CETFA began as a coalition of ETF issuers seeking a single industry voice and expanded to include capital markets participants and professional service firms. Four new organizations joined the association in 2026.

The association has met with regulators, governments and policymakers on issues raised by its members. Key topics include reducing regulatory requirements and changing tax rules that members say disadvantage Canadian-listed ETFs relative to U.S.-listed products. Members note that Canadian investors hold roughly USD300 billion in U.S.-listed ETFs.

Members are monitoring proposals in the United States on ETF share classes and assessing potential effects on the competitiveness of Canadian listings. CETFA frames these issues as part of efforts to align Canada’s regulatory and tax framework with global ETF market developments.

Eli Yufest, CETFA executive director, described the association’s role as providing a coordinated industry voice and building relationships with market stakeholders. He added the group is increasingly recognized as a partner on matters affecting Canada’s capital markets.

CETFA reports that the strong inflows in H1 2026 pushed total ETF assets in Canada close to CAD1 trillion. The association continues to prioritize engagement with policymakers on competitiveness, taxation and regulatory modernization.