Vunani Fund Managers launches first actively managed ETF on JSE

Feyisayo Ajayi -
Key Points
  • Vunani introduces the Vunani Global Equity Prescient Feeder AMETF, marking a major step in its growth strategy.
  • The actively managed AMETF tracks developed market equities, promoting financial inclusion with real-time pricing for retail investors.
  • Vunani’s ETF launch boosts the JSE’s ETF sector to a R184 billion ($10.47 billion) market cap, reflecting rising investor demand for global market access.

Vunani Fund Managers, a South African asset management firm led by businessman Ethan Dube, has launched its first Actively Managed Exchange Traded Fund (AMETF) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), marking a major milestone in the firm’s growth strategy.

Vunani AMETF joins JSE ETF market

The new fund, called the Vunani Global Equity Prescient Feeder AMETF and trading under the ticker VUNGLE, focuses on long-term capital growth by investing in developed market equities. This actively managed fund is designed to offer efficient access to global equities through the JSE while enhancing financial inclusion for retail investors with real-time pricing benefits.

“The AMETF listing enables us to deepen financial inclusion by offering retail investors access to actively managed global equities, aligning with our strategy of growing our retail footprint and adapting to evolving market trends,” said Butana Khoza, CEO of Vunani Fund Managers.

The AMETF feeds into the Irish-domiciled UCITS Vunani Global Equity Fund, following the MSCI World Net Total Return Index. Vunani’s launch increases the number of ETFs on the JSE to 111, bringing the market cap of the exchange’s ETF sector to R184 billion ($10.47 billion).

Vunani Fund Managers expands with new ETF launch

Founded in the late 1990s by Ethan Dube, Mark Anderson, and Butana Khoza, Vunani Fund Managers started as a boutique asset manager. It has since grown to serve both institutional and retail clients.

The launch of the AMETF aligns with Vunani’s strategy to tap global markets while strengthening liquidity and distribution networks locally. The firm aims to attract a broader range of investors through its active management expertise and expand its footprint in South Africa’s financial sector.

The JSE’s growing ETF sector reflects increasing demand from investors for flexible, efficient access to global markets, solidifying the exchange’s role in connecting companies with investment opportunities.