Active, Crypto Take Center Stage in Global ETF Landscape According to the Trackinsight Survey

 


Active, Crypto Take Center Stage in Global ETF Landscape According to the Trackinsight Survey

By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR
May 25, 2025

In a notable shift in investor preferences and market dynamics, active exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and cryptocurrency-themed ETFs are gaining prominence worldwide, according to the latest annual Global ETF Survey conducted by Trackinsight in collaboration with J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street.

The survey, which polled over 500 professional investors across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, revealed that more than 40% of institutional and professional ETF users plan to increase their allocations to active ETFs over the next 12 months. This marks a significant pivot from the historically passive nature of the ETF market, suggesting that investors are looking for strategies that can navigate increasingly complex macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.

Active ETFs Break Through

Traditionally dominated by passive strategies, the ETF space has seen a remarkable surge in actively managed products, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. The demand is being driven by several factors, including market volatility, inflationary pressures, and the growing sophistication of ETF managers who offer transparency and liquidity while attempting to outperform benchmarks.

“Investors are recognizing the flexibility and adaptability of active ETFs, especially in uncertain markets where nimble asset allocation and security selection can add real value,” said Marie-Sophie Pastant, Head of ETF Research at Trackinsight.

Notably, the survey found that equities remain the primary focus for active ETF strategies, but there is growing interest in fixed income, alternatives, and thematic exposures.

Crypto ETFs: From Fringe to Frontier

Perhaps the most dramatic transformation highlighted by the survey is the emergence of cryptocurrency ETFs as a mainstream investment vehicle. Fuelled by the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. and increasing regulatory clarity worldwide, crypto-related ETFs are now on the radar of institutional allocators.

According to Trackinsight, 28% of respondents said they currently have exposure to cryptocurrency ETFs, and nearly 40% expect to increase that exposure over the coming year. The interest extends beyond Bitcoin, with Ethereum and broader blockchain and digital asset strategies gaining traction.

This trend aligns with broader investor demand for innovation and diversification. While volatility and regulatory concerns remain, crypto ETFs offer a convenient and regulated gateway to digital assets, especially for institutional investors who previously faced operational and custody barriers.

Regional Trends and Key Takeaways

  • North America leads the charge in active ETF adoption, with over half of U.S. respondents reporting allocations to active strategies, up from just 30% three years ago.

  • Europe continues to see growth in ESG and thematic ETFs, though regulatory fragmentation remains a hurdle.

  • Asia-Pacific markets show strong interest in technology and crypto ETFs, driven by younger demographics and digital-forward financial ecosystems.

  • Transparency, cost efficiency, and liquidity remain the top three criteria for ETF selection across all regions, although performance and innovation are climbing the priority list.

Looking Ahead

The Trackinsight survey underscores a fundamental evolution in how ETFs are perceived and utilized by professional investors. The move toward active management reflects a desire for more dynamic portfolio tools, while the rapid rise of crypto ETFs speaks to the changing definition of asset classes and the appetite for next-generation exposures.

As ETFs continue to evolve from passive index trackers to a diverse toolkit of sophisticated investment vehicles, both issuers and investors are being challenged to rethink strategies, regulations, and portfolio construction.

In an increasingly complex global market, active and crypto-themed ETFs are no longer niche—they're defining the future of the ETF landscape.

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