The New Rules That Could Make ETFs Unstoppable

Passive investments, already eating away at active managers’ assets, are getting another boost. That effect is on the radar of companies such as BlackRock Inc., which has $5.7 trillion in assets. “We’re seeing regulatory changes change the ETF environment,” Chief Executive Officer Laurence Fink said on a July 17 earnings call. “We do believe we’re seeing accelerated flows because of MiFID II, because of the movement toward the fiduciary rule in the United States.”

Three rules will make exchange-traded funds more accessible to new types of investors. In the U.S., the fiduciary duty and new insurance guidelines will enable retirement savers and insurers to raise their exposure to ETFs. In Europe, the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II is expected to increase flows from retail investors.