2025 etf.com Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee: Bob Pisani

This article is one in a series profiling finalists for etf.com’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, to be announced April 23 in New York City.

For decades, CNBC Senior Markets Correspondent Bob Pisani has been one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in financial journalism. A CNBC reporter since 1990 and covering the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) trading floor since 1997, Pisani has witnessed firsthand the evolution of financial markets, including the rapid rise of exchange-traded funds.  

Through his extensive reporting, industry insights, and deep analysis, Pisani has played a significant role in educating investors about ETFs and their growing impact on global markets. 

Thus, for many ETF investors, advisors, and industry insiders, it should come as no surprise that Pisani has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2025 etf.com Awards.  

ETF Edge: Elevating ETF Awareness

One of his most important contributions to the ETF space has been ETF Edge, a CNBC program dedicated exclusively to covering the latest trends and developments in the ETF industry. The beginning of this educational role started in a conversation with the legendary founder of Vanguard and father of passive investing. 

“What changed my whole thing was meeting Jack Bogle in 1997," Pisani told etf.com in an interview. "He was quite insistent that CNBC should spend more time covering index investment, owning the market, and diversification, and not spending so much time talking to people who we thought were investing superstars.” 

As ETFs have become a dominant force in modern investing, ETF Edge under Pisani’s guidance has served as a critical platform for in-depth discussions on ETF innovation, regulatory shifts, and investment strategies. The show, which airs weekly on CNBC, tackles topics such as the growth of actively managed ETFs, the impact of market volatility on ETF liquidity, and the rise of thematic and ESG-focused funds. 

ETF Education and Innovation

Beyond ETF Edge, Pisani has used his extensive market knowledge to educate investors on how ETFs function within the broader market. He has frequently explained key ETF mechanics through CNBC segments, interviews, and columns, such as creation and redemption processes, tracking errors, and tax efficiency advantages. His efforts have helped demystify misconceptions about ETFs, particularly during periods of market stress when liquidity concerns arise. 

Pisani has also emphasized the importance of ETF structure and transparency, shedding light on how ETFs have transformed market accessibility for everyday investors.  

“What I like about the ETF business is its flexibility,” Pisani said. “It's the product innovation that I find very interesting. In the mid-2010s, thematic ETFs, cyber security, and renewable energy, and then later on AI, all became popular. That was innovation.” 

Pisani’s Lasting Impact and the Future of ETFs

As ETFs continue to grow and evolve, Bob Pisani remains a leading voice in financial journalism, ensuring that investors stay informed and ahead of the curve in the world of exchange-traded funds. He also says the future is bright for the ETF industry. 

“I think down the road AI innovations and blockchain have the potential to really impact management, maybe trading efficiency as well. So, overall, I'm very optimistic about the growth of ETFs because of product innovation.”