The first ETF to use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and invest in blockchain innovators and adopters has launched on NYSE Arca. The Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF (KOIN US) provides investors with a thematic play on developments in blockchain technology. “Blockchain is a highly innovative technology, and we’re applying an innovative approach to identifying the stocks leveraged to the theme,” said Matt Markiewicz, managing director with Innovation Shares.

Horizons ETFs has launched the Horizons Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO CN), the first ETF listed in Canada to offer thematic exposure to the robotics and automation industry. Steve Hawkins, president and Co-CEO of Horizons ETFs, said: “This could be the largest untapped investment opportunity for Canadian investors.”

European ETF industry veterans Hector McNeil and Nik Bienkowksi have announced the launch of HANetf, Europe’s first independent “white label” UCITS ETF platform. The platform, which is not linked to any existing issuer, will provide third-party asset managers from around the world with the infrastructure to build and launch ETFs into Europe without having to establish their own full-service business. The pair aim to disrupt the market by lowering the barriers to entry for prospective new ETF issuers.

Toroso Investments and white label ETF platform Exchange Traded Concepts, have launched the ETF Industry Exposure & Financial Services ETF (NYSE: TETF), providing access to companies driving growth in the ETF industry. Mike Venuto, CIO of Toroso Investments, commented: “[The ETF] is aimed toward capturing not only the established leaders in each area, but also those firms that might be new to the space but are bringing exciting approaches that could resonate with investors and drive further growth of the industry itself.”

The London Stock Exchange Group has confirmed that it is in talks with Deutsche Boerse over a potential merger of equals of the two businesses. Should the merger go ahead, both companies will continue to operate under their current brand names, but it would see the LSE holding 45.6% of the merged group and Deutsche Boerse the remaining 54.4%. If the two exchanges were to merge it would see two of the biggest platforms for exchange-traded fund trading in Europe coming together. Germany, Italy and UK currently have the largest and most actively traded ETF markets in Europe. The LSEG already owns Borsa Italiana. The union would also bring together two major index groups, FTSE Russell and STOXX.

Horizons USA has announced the launch of the Horizons S&P Financial Select Sector Covered Call ETF (HFIN) on the NYSE Arca. The ETF uses an innovative covered call strategy designed to generate additional income from the constituents of the S&P Financial Select Sector Index. Howard Atkinson, Managing Director of Horizons USA, said: “A covered call strategy can keep you invested in equities and potentially lower the volatility of returns of those equities while attempting to generate additional income, which can mitigate losses, during certain market conditions.”

ETF Issuer Solutions (ETFis), a New York-based financial technology firm, has introduced a comprehensive exchange-traded fund services platform designed specifically to build and operate ETFs in partnership with third-party investment managers. Founded by seasoned ETF professionals including William Smalley, Matthew Brown, both previously of FactorShares, and Brinton Frith, the firm has the operational infrastructure, regulatory permissions and product expertise to help external managers of all sizes build, list and manage white labelled ETFs.

Exchange Traded Concepts has announced the launch of the Robo-Stox Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO), the latest exchange-traded fund to begin trading through the firm’s private-label ETF platform. The fund, which has been listed on Nasdaq, seeks to track the Robo-Stox Global Robotics and Automation Index – the world’s first index to benchmark the performance of stocks in the robotics and automation industries.

ETF Securities has launched a service enabling third-party asset managers to launch white-label ETFs in Europe. Known as Canvas, the service provides a range of ETF-based solutions, including the ability to build ETFs using ETF Securities’ full infrastructure, set up a bespoke ETF platform, convert existing UCITS funds into ETFs or add an ETF share class. Matt Johnson, Head of Distribution EMEA, ETF Securities, said: “Canvas provides an easy and efficient way for them [third-party asset managers] to launch ETFs, relying on ETF Securities’ years of proven expertise and infrastructure.”

Blair Hull, a veteran US trader and investor, has teamed up with Exchange Traded Concepts, a firm offering turnkey exchange-traded fund (ETF) solutions, to launch an active ETF. A registration statement and preliminary prospectus has already been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund, which will be launched under the HTAA (Hull Tactical Asset Allocation) brand, will utilise advanced algorithms as well as macro and technical indicators to anticipate future market returns.