Summary

Ed Lopez shares his path as head of product management at VanEck, where he guides a team that has helped transform the firm from its mutual fund roots to an ETF powerhouse. Through candid discussions about product launches, team building, and business growth, Ed reveals how patience and conviction shape successful leadership decisions. His practical approach to developing new products, combined with his commitment to open communication and team empowerment, offers a masterclass in modern asset management leadership.

Takeaways

Leadership Style

• Emphasizes democratic decision-making and open communication with teams

• Believes in giving products time to prove themselves in the market

• Values team input while maintaining clear direction

Business Growth

• Helped expand VanEck from 20 ETFs to 72, now managing $87 billion

• Built product success through methodical development and strategic timing

• Developed systematic approach to evaluate new product opportunities

Product Development

• Uses rigorous criteria to assess market opportunities

• Focuses on sustainable trends rather than short-term trades

• Aims for "pure play" investment themes that can support billion-dollar funds

Market Insights

• Active ETFs gaining momentum, particularly in fixed income

• Private markets presenting new opportunities for product development

• Digital assets attracting increased advisor attention and interest

Team Building

• Maintains long-term team stability through collaborative culture

• Encourages subject matter expertise across product lines

• Balances creative freedom with structured decision-making

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to VanEck and ETF Landscape

04:04 VanEck's Growth and Product Management

06:54 The Current ETF Market Dynamics

10:10 Active ETFs and Market Trends

12:57 Mutual Fund Conversions and Their Impact

16:06 Thematic ETFs: Trends and Challenges

19:08 Exploring Private Markets and ETPs

21:57 Product Development and Market Strategy

24:48 Measuring ETF Success and Sustainability

27:49 Digital Assets and Advisor Adoption

31:09 Leadership and Management Style Evolution

33:46 The Future of Asset Management