ETFs have entered a new chapter. Traditionally defined by passive strategies, investor demand is increasingly shifting toward active approaches that combine the structural benefits of ETFs with the flexibility and insight of active management.

The ETF wrapper is merely a vehicle for packaging up investments – and these can span the full spectrum of passive to active, including systematic strategies.

In today’s complex and volatile environment, active ETFs provide investors with a flexible tool to help navigate change.

Why active ETFs

  • Returns

    With index trackers, you will not have the opportunity to outperform the index or benchmark being tracked. However, active or systematic ETFs offer the potential for alpha (or ‘enhanced’) return generation.

  • Tradability

    Active ETFs (like all ETFs) can be bought and sold via stock exchanges, with liquidity provided throughout the trading day. This offers flexibility and exposures can be managed in real-time.

  • Cost-effective

    Active ETFs provide a cost-effective and efficient way of accessing active management and systematic strategies.

  • Operational efficiencies

    In addition to increased tradability, ETFs generally offer greater transparency of underlying holdings than other vehicles such as mutual funds, as well as the potential for greater tax efficiency.

Why access the CLO market through an ETF structure?

Combining deep active investment expertise with the efficiency of the ETF format, we offer a differentiated approach to active ETFs. With a focus on fixed income, the platform is designed to deliver flexibility, transparency, and institutional-quality implementation.

CLOs - a mature asset class with a strong performance track record

CLOs are actively managed, offering the potential to outperform in changing market conditions. Active management enables dynamic credit selection and risk management. Senior tranches are valued for their yield pickup relative to similarly rated instruments.
 

Expert management and long-standing expertise

Credit Investments Group (CIG) is one of the top CLO managers globally, applying specialist insight and decades of experience.

With USD 874 bn1 in index assets, UBS Asset Management combines scale, infrastructure, and innovation to meet evolving client needs.
 

Dynamic growth in active ETFs

In 2024, global actively managed ETFs attracted record inflows, reaching nearly USD 1.3 trillion2 by February 2025. This reflects growing investor demand for strategies that combine ETF efficiency with the flexibility of active management.

1. UBS Asset Management. Data as of 29 May 2026. AUM includes index and proprietary rules-based
2. ETFGI report. 29 May 2026

CLOs with Credit Investments Group

Discover more on our CLO manager Credit Investments Group (CIG) and how CLOs are structured and work.

More on Active ETFs

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