ETF launches and conversions: Sept 24–Oct 1, 2026

Multiple exchange-traded funds were launched and several asset managers announced plans to convert existing mutual funds into ETF wrappers between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 2026. The activity coincided with changes to trading infrastructure and new research on institutional attitudes toward ETFs.

Northern Trust Asset Management announced on Sept. 28 that it will convert six Northern Trust mutual funds into ETFs in the first quarter of 2027. The firm provided the conversion timetable and said the changes would move those pooled products onto exchange-traded platforms.

The European Investor Exchange extended its trading hours to 17 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Central European Time, effective Sept. 23. Exchange operators described the longer session as a way to increase access for cross-border investors and lengthen the window for ETF trading and liquidity.

A survey published Oct. 1 of South African investment professionals found that active asset managers no longer view ETFs as a competitive threat. The survey gathered responses from investment professionals working in asset management and reported greater willingness among traditional managers to use or coexist with ETFs in their product mixes.

Bitwise Asset Management published a study titled Institutional Crypto Adoption, based on in-depth interviews with senior investment professionals responsible for crypto allocations. The report documents ongoing institutional engagement with digital-asset strategies and notes areas of interest for regulated crypto-linked investment products.

During the week, market participants listed easier intraday access, cost considerations and greater familiarity with ETF structures as drivers for conversions and new listings. Issuers, exchanges and trading platforms reported operational changes and product planning aimed at meeting investor demand where regulation permits the launch of new ETF types.