ARK Invest acquires Rize ETF, a thematic investment-focused firm, to bolster Ark's expansion in Europe.

ARK Investment, led by Cathie Wood, announced the acquisition of Rize ETF, a thematic investment company, paving the way for its expansion into Europe, the UK, and new markets globally.

Rize ETF Focuses on Theme Investments

Rize ETF, founded in 2019, is dedicated to creating high-quality, research-driven specialized theme ETFs such as digital payment economy, internet security and data privacy, pet care, medical cannabis, and life sciences ETFs.

As of August 31, 2023, Rize ETF manages $452 million in assets across 11 ETFs, all of which comply with SFDR Article 8 or Article 9 regulations. Registered in Dublin, these ETFs are listed on various European exchanges including the London Stock Exchange and Euronext.

Rize's digital payment economy ETF, PMNT, invests in companies that stand to benefit from the structural shift towards digital wallets, digital payments, and digital currencies as alternatives to traditional cash payments. Companies such as the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, credit card issuers Mastercard and Visa are among the top holdings. The focus on themes and innovative features seems to align with Ark Investment's philosophy.

Rebranding as ARK Invest Europe to Boost Ark's Expansion in Europe

The existing name and brand of Rize ETF will gradually undergo changes, but the original Rize ETF index products will continue to operate. The platform will transition to ARK Invest Europe, becoming a division of ARK Invest Limited. ARK Invest Europe will serve as the hub for ARK's expansion into Europe, the UK, and new global markets.

ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood stated:

Today's acquisition further advances ARK Invest's commitment to providing high-quality thematic investment solutions to global investors, particularly those who have not been able to access our products in Europe. We are excited to welcome the talented Rize ETF team to the ARK family. By combining their passion for thematic and sustainable index investing with ARK's innovative, disruptive, and actively managed approach, we can offer clients a more diverse range of investment choices for the future.