Mr Smith, who joined OzForex earlier this month, had left ANZ ETFS around the same time as the other former co-head, Danny Laidler. The two past executives are known for their roles in setting up the joint venture between ANZ and ETF Securities and rolling out a batch of products on the ASX in May.
Speaking to ifa, ANZ ETFS’ new head Kris Walesby said the pair left on “extremely positive terms”.
“They still have a very strong relationship with the company,” he said. “These guys did a brilliant job to build up the company for us.”
Since taking control this month, Mr Walesby has already developed a list of goals for the company, which include launching new ETFs and spreading overall awareness for the ETF industry.
“We’re doing a lot of work to make sure we’re relevant to our key audiences, which are self-directed SMSFs, and financial planners,” he said.
“The main goal is to help the ETF industry as a whole. I generally believe ETFs are a great option for financial planners and investors to use. We want to help the industry as a whole understand those benefits through education but also through application as well.”
Mr Walesby added that he plans to create an “all-weather” product set, which would benefit investors in any market scenario.
“Not just for up markets but also down markets and all different asset classes. So if there’s a defensive nature in the market, [investors] can take certain products that we have,” he said.
In addition, Mr Walesby plans to come out with a fixed-income range as well as some equity products that provide clients with more access to certain types of exposures.
He hopes to roll-out the next ETF by early next year.
“We have some really positive ideas around what those can be and where the caps are in the market.”
