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At Blackwater, we live and breathe ETFs. Our insights cover market trends, talent movement, regulatory shifts, product launches, and everything in between. Whether you’re building a firm, leading a team, or planning your next move, our commentary helps you make informed decisions with confidence.

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The biggest problem in ETFs no one is talking about right now

The ETF market is being flooded with new entrants, like bees to honey. Whilst it’s great to see, it is creating a massive problem which many people may not be aware of.

Latest 2 articles and 2 reports

The 20-Minute Power Play: Why Focus is the New Super Skill Copy
The ETF industry depends on credibility, precision, and trust. Employers
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Buffer ETFs blow a hurricane in the US

Have you ever wondered why Buffer ETFs in the U.S.

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card game ace on black background
Want Alpha? Invest in Something Radical: Your People
Not all career moves mean real progress.
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Should Employee Performance Be Gamified in the ETF Industry?
As ETF firms seek new ways to engage talent, retain
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Watch & Listen

In this episode of Exchange Traded People, Michael O’Riordan sits down with Teemu Tiitinen, Managing Director at Palmer Square Capital Management. From aspiring ice hockey player to credit markets expert, Teemu shares how relationships and teamwork shaped his career. They dive into modern CLOs, Palmer Square’s index-based CLO ETFs, and why Europe is the next frontier for liquid, high-quality credit. Plus, the real risks of private assets in ETFs and what’s needed for European retail investors to get access. A must-listen for anyone curious about credit, ETFs, and the future of fixed income.
The $1.4 Trillion Market Most Investors Still Get Wrong
From aspiring lawyer to Global Head of Index at Nasdaq | Emily Spurling What happens when curiosity matters more than having all the answers? Emily Spurling, Global Head of Index at Nasdaq, joins Exchange Traded People to talk about her unconventional path into finance, the role culture plays in long-term careers, and how indexing is evolving alongside new technologies, active strategies, and global ETF adoption. In this conversation, we explore: -Nasdaq’s approach to innovation, AI, and index ideation -The growing role of indexes in active and outcome-based ETFs -Differences in ETF adoption across the US, EMEA, and APAC -The future convergence of public and private markets -Why “good enough” can be better than waiting for perfect Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the ETF ecosystem.
Careers don’t always move in straight lines - and that can be a strength.
In this episode, Michael O’Riordan sits down with Mo Sparks, Chief Product Officer at Direxion, to trace an unexpected career journey - from NBA dreams in Montana to shaping the future of ETFs. Mo shares: - How curiosity and networking opened doors at Vanguard, the NYSE, and Direxion - Why adaptability is essential for building a long-term career in finance - How leveraged and derivatives-based ETFs are redefining market access - And why the ETF industry still has its biggest growth chapters ahead A wide-ranging conversation on career, opportunity, and the evolving ETF landscape- with insights from someone who’s lived it from every angle.
Staying curious, seeking out diverse viewpoints every single day is how you stay relevant.
In this episode of Exchange Traded People, Frank Holmes, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at U.S. Global Investors, shares the unconventional path that took him from aspiring doctor to global entrepreneur. Frank opens up about how curiosity, resilience, and connecting the dots across industries shaped his career. We explore his lessons on building expertise, adapting through adversity, and spotting opportunities early—insights that resonate far beyond investing.
Become known for something. Build your reputation.
What do pro baseball dreams and ETF innovation have in common? Meet Mike Castino, Managing Director at Sound Capital Solutions, whose career has been anything but traditional. From the trading pits of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to shaping ETF strategy at Jane Street, Claymore, and US Bank, Mike brings a unique blend of hustle, innovation, and market insight to the ETF world. Now, he's reimagining ETF white labeling—and he’s not holding back. 💡 Whether you're thinking of launching an ETF or looking to scale smartly, Mike’s perspective is packed with practical insights and bold ideas. 🔗 Subscribe for more insider stories from the ETF space.
Entrepreneurship doesn't start with the perfect moment. It starts when you finally make the leap
What happens when you take a leap into the unknown? In this episode, Joe Higgins, Managing Director at ACA Foreside, shares how a single career risk- moving into the then-overlooked ETF space—reshaped his entire professional journey. We talk about: 🔹How Joe went from losing his job to leading in ETFs 🔹 What young professionals miss when they always play it safe 🔹 The value of reflection in a fast-paced industry 🔹 Why ecosystem is better than job title when it comes to career longevity If you’re early in your finance or fintech career - or wondering how to reinvent your path- Joe’s story is packed with insight, humility, and advice that actually sticks. 📌 Subscribe for more real conversations with the people behind the ETF industry.
When building a career, credibility matters.You build it by doing the hard work and showing up.
In this episode, Michael O’Riordan sits down with Frank Koudelka, Global Head of ETF Solutions at State Street and a true veteran of the asset management evolution. From folding newspapers in Queens to reshaping the ETF ecosystem, Frank shares: •How the Marine Corps instilled the discipline that launched his financial career •Why share class ETFs could be the next big leap in fund innovation •The potential disruption blockchain might bring to traditional investment wrappers •Why he believes we're now in the ETF 3.0 era—driven by active management An inspiring conversation with someone who’s lived the entire arc of ETFs—from skepticism to global scale—and who continues to think big about where this industry goes next.
Opportunities often come dressed in long hours, uncertainty, and a bit of chaos.
In this episode, Michael O’Riordan sits down with Anil Ghelani, Head of Passive Investments and Products at DSP Mutual Fund—and a key architect in the rise of India’s ETF and index fund landscape. From his roots in accounting to decades of experience at one of India’s most respected financial institutions, Anil brings a thoughtful, inside look at how passive investing is evolving in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. What you’ll learn: •How Anil’s CA background shaped his asset management career •Why India’s ETF ecosystem is growing rapidly—and what sets it apart •The power of simplicity in index fund adoption •How finance, education, and impact can (and should) intersect •What’s next for ETFs in emerging markets A grounded and insightful conversation for anyone watching the rise of ETFs beyond the West. 🔔 Like, comment, and **subscribe** for more global perspectives on ETFs, asset management, and financial innovation.
Structured learning shouldn't stop once you've "made it". The industry evolves and so should you
In this episode, Michael O’Riordan speaks with Bill Mann, Director of Small Cap Research at The Motley Fool—and one of the most original thinkers in the ETF world today. From his early love of geography and diplomacy to a career that’s spanned journalism, accounting, telecoms, and investment research, Bill shares a refreshingly honest take on the evolving world of ETFs and portfolio strategy. What you'll learn: •How an unconventional path led Bill to The Motley Fool •Why active ETFs are making waves in today’s markets •The growing role of AI in investment decisions •How behavioral psychology can improve product design •What the ETF space *really* needs next A must-watch for anyone curious about the future of investing—and how to think differently about it. 🔔 Hit **subscribe** for more in-depth conversations on ETFs, finance, and the future of asset management.
Active ETFs are no longer a contradiction - they're a reflection of how investor needs are evolving.
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