Ep 05 - Product Development Master Class with VanEck's Ed Lopez

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The Hunter

Steven Clark & Derek Bruton of Gladstone Group

9 episodes

6 days ago

The Hunter is dedicated to highlighting leadership insights from top-tier executives within the financial services industry. Our show is designed for wealth and asset management executives. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the unique demands of the wealth and asset management industry, and we're here to share the stories of the leaders who have weathered the storms and emerged as trailblazers in their field.

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Ep 05 - Product Development Master Class with VanEck's Ed Lopez

The Hunter

45 minutes 9 seconds

12 months ago

Ep 05 - Product Development Master Class with VanEck's Ed Lopez

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