ETFs in Asia have grown significantly since the global financial crisis, but their role is changing. What began as a way to access markets is now expanding into broader portfolio applications as investors face more complex market conditions.
In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido speaks with Christian Obrist, Head of iShares Distribution in Asia, and Nick Peach, Head of iShares Asia Pacific at BlackRock. They discuss how ETF usage in the region has developed and how investors are applying them across different strategies.
The conversation explores how education has shifted from fundamentals to advanced use cases, including liquidity management, tactical allocation, and operational efficiency. It also highlights the role of digital investors, the importance of local market development, and how ETFs are becoming more integrated into portfolio construction.
Key moments in this episode
00:00 Introduction
02:15 How ETF usage in Asia has moved beyond market access
03:55 Why ETF investor education is shifting toward advanced applications
05:15 Active ETFs and Efficiency
06:43 Asia Ecosystem Differences
07:40 How digital investors are influencing ETF adoption
08:59 Why local market listings matter for ETF accessibility
11:27 How ETFs are becoming more integrated into portfolio construction
13:52 Asia Weekend Travel Picks
15:05 Wrap Up and Disclosures
Sources: BlackRock client Survey May 2026
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ETFs Asia, ETF adoption, portfolio construction, Asia markets, digital investors, liquidity management, passive investing
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