Who Are Authorized Participants?

Authorized participants (APs) are one of the major parties at the center of the ETF creation/redemption mechanism, and as such, they play a critical role in ETF liquidity.

In essence, APs are ETF liquidity providers that have the exclusive right to change the supply of ETF shares on the market. When they spot a shortage of ETF shares in the market, they create more shares. Conversely, when there’s an excess supply of ETF shares on the market, they reduce the number of shares by way of the creation and redemption mechanism. (See “What Is The Creation/Redemption Mechanism?”)

How Do APs Gain The Right To Change The Supply Of ETP Shares?

ETP issuers decide. Prior to launch, the issuer will designate one or more AP to the fund. More can sign up over time. The most popular ETFs will have dozens of APs.

How Do APs Impact Liquidity?

An AP’s ability to create and redeem shares helps keep ETFs priced at fair value.

For example, if demand for an ETF increases and a premium develops, APs step in to create more shares and push the ETF’s price back in line with its actual value. If there’s a rush to sell and a discount develops, APs buy ETF shares on the open market and redeem with the ETF issuers to reduce supply.

Generally, the greater the number of APs for a particular ETF, the better: The force of competition is more likely to keep the ETF trading close to its fair value.

The task set forth for an AP is not necessarily an easy one: Sometimes the underlying market that they must access to change the supply of ETF shares is illiquid, or just difficult to access. An exchange-traded product tracking the S&P 500 will be easy to access and easily hedge-able for most APs, while one tracking Nigeria equities will be tough.

Mostly, APs are invisible to individual investors and advisors. Still, it’s good to know they’re there.

Next: ETF Efficiency: How To Evaluate ETFs

Other Articles Of Interest
What Is The Creation/Redemption Mechanism?
Understanding Premiums And Discounts
Understanding ETF Liquidity