AQR Files For ETFs

Yet another well-known investment management firm famous for its active strategies has filed for exemptive relief with the SEC, asking for permission to launch its own lines of index-tracking and transparent actively managed ETFs.

However, in a separate statement issued by the firm, it said that it had “no immediate plans to launch ETFs” but that approval would allow the firm to do so in the future.

AQR Capital Management, which was co-founded by a trio of graduates from the University of Chicago’s Ph.D. program, including chief investment officer Cliff Asness, has requested approval to launch the usual litany of passively managed ETFs: index-based, self-indexed, long/short and 130/30 funds. The active filing was similarly broad, mentioning potential domestic and foreign funds investing in fixed income, currencies and derivatives.

Although AQR as a firm focuses on active management in its existing funds, its approach is highly quantitative and incorporates factors, two things that translate well into indexes. The firm is known for offering alternative investments and catering to institutional clients as well as financial advisors. In all, it has roughly $200 billion in assets under management.

Contact Heather Bell at [email protected]