Industry Track (10th & 11th Floor)

9:00-9:05AM

Welcome Remarks

9:05-9:35AM

Keynote

9:40-10:30AM

UCITS & Global ETFs: Bridging Borders, Expanding Access

As ETF adoption accelerates globally, the UCITS framework remains the dominant vehicle for cross-border ETF issuance outside the United States. With increasing investor demand for globally diversified products and U.S. issuers eyeing European expansion, understanding the nuances of the UCITS landscape is more relevant than ever. This panel will explore the structural, regulatory, and distributional differences between U.S. and UCITS ETFs, the challenges of accessing European platforms, and the growing interest in cross-listed products. Whether you’re a U.S. issuer looking abroad or a global investor seeking efficient access to international markets, this session will help demystify the evolving global ETF ecosystem.

PANELISTS

Stephen Carson
Partner | A&L Goodbody

Josh Jacobs
Chief Commercial Officer – ETFs, Global Fund Services | US Bank

10:30-10:50AM

Morning Break

10:50-11:40AM

Custodians in the Spotlight: Enabling Scale and Stability

Behind every ETF is a complex web of custody, settlement, and operational infrastructure. As ETFs grow in number and complexity, custodians are stepping into a more strategic role. This panel will highlight how leading custodians are supporting everything from novel product types and cross-border structures to operational scalability and investor protection. Learn what today’s issuers should consider when choosing a custodian and how technology is transforming back-office processes.

PANELISTS

Curtis Allemang
Managing Director, Prime Brokerage Sales | Clear Street

11:45AM-12:35PM

A View from the Exchanges: ETF Innovation at the Infrastructure Level

Exchanges play a foundational role in the ETF ecosystem, serving as both the launching pad and marketplace for modern investment innovation. This panel will bring together leaders from major listing venues to discuss how they’re shaping the future of ETF access, supporting new product types, and adapting to the demands of both institutional and retail flows. Expect an open discussion on market structure, regulatory changes, and how exchanges are helping issuers and investors navigate an increasingly dynamic trading environment.

PANELISTS

Victor Werny
Senior Director and Head of North American Exchange Traded Product (ETP) Listings | CBOE

Gabrielle Vennitti
Senior Manager ETF Product | NASDAQ

12:35-1:30PM

Lunch

1:30-2:20PM

Distribution in the ETF Era: Getting on the Radar

With over 4,400 U.S. ETFs, distribution can be the deciding factor between success and failure. As consolidation, RIA growth, evolving platforms, new regulations, and rapid tech change reshape the advisor landscape, your distribution strategy must evolve to keep pace. This panel will explore how sales teams can adapt and excel by building awareness, driving flows, and forging lasting advisor relationships.

MODERATOR

Tom Lydon
Independent Director – Goldman Sachs ETF Accelerator | Goldman Sachs

PANELISTS

Jill DelSignore
Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy, Nasdaq Indexes | NASDAQ

Bill Arnold
SVP of Sales & Distribution | Tidal Financial Group

Neil Bathon
Managing Partner of FUSE Research Network | Fuse Research Network

2:25-3:15PM

ETF Legal & Share Class Structures: A Regulatory Crossroads

ETF issuers are navigating a rapidly evolving legal and structural landscape. This panel examines the increasing interest in multi-share class models, the implications of the SEC’s updated guidance, and how recent approvals are shaping fund formation. Experts will also tackle broader compliance issues, including the Name Rule, distribution oversight, and global regulatory pressures.

PANELISTS

Michael Prendergast
Financial Services Leader, ETFs and Mutual Funds Operations and Product Management, Relationship Management | Ultimus

Kip Meadows
Founder & CEO | Nottingham

Matt Bucklin
Founder | ExchangiFi

Peter Shea
Partner | Seward & Kissel

3:15-3:35PM

Afternoon Break

3:35-4:25PM

Trading ETFs: Liquidity, Execution, and Market Efficiency

As ETFs continue to proliferate across asset classes, efficient trading has never been more critical. This panel explores how market makers, liquidity providers, and trading desks ensure smooth execution in a variety of market conditions. Panelists will unpack the latest developments in block trading, the role of authorized participants, innovations in execution technology, and how evolving regulation is shaping ETF liquidity. Whether you’re an issuer or investor, understanding the trading ecosystem is essential to maximizing ETF performance.

MODERATOR

Elizabeth Marchetti
Senior Director, ETF Product & Capital Markets | SEI

PANELISTS

Naomi DePina
Managing Director of ETF Sales & Trading | GTS

Rafael Zayas
SVP, Head of Portfolio Management and Trading | Vident Asset Management

Aaron Kehoe
Head of QwickRoute, MCAP Platform Solutions | MCAP

4:30-4:35PM

Closing Remarks

Jack Kimmel
VP, Business Development | ETF Global