Raymond James Hires Dimensional Exec to Build Out ETF Strategy

Why It Matters

Expanding active ETFs positions Raymond James to capture growing advisor demand for tax‑efficient, flexible products, strengthening its competitive edge in a fast‑evolving market.

Key Takeaways

• Raymond James appoints Kristi Higgins to lead ETF strategy.
• Higgins previously launched 30+ products at Dimensional Fund Advisors.
• Firm aims to expand active ETF lineup for advisor demand.
• ETF shift offers tax efficiency and trading flexibility over mutual funds.
• Raymond James manages about $115 billion and employs ~9,000 staff.

Pulse Analysis

The active ETF segment has accelerated as advisors seek higher yields without the tax drag of traditional mutual funds. Industry data shows assets under management in active ETFs growing at double‑digit rates, prompting broker‑dealers to bolster their product suites. Raymond James, with its sizable $115 billion platform, is leveraging this trend by converting existing manager strategies into exchange‑traded vehicles that can be bought and sold throughout the day, enhancing liquidity for clients.

Kristi Higgins brings a proven track record from Dimensional Fund Advisors, where she helped launch more than thirty multi‑asset products. Her expertise in structuring and marketing active ETFs equips Raymond James to design income‑focused offerings that meet advisors’ growing appetite for differentiated, tax‑efficient solutions. Higgins also reunites with Johan Grahn, a former colleague from Allianz, adding strategic continuity to the firm’s ETF ambitions.

For financial advisors, the expansion means a broader menu of actively managed ETFs that can be integrated into client portfolios with the same ease as passive funds. The tax‑efficiency and intra‑day trading flexibility of ETFs can improve after‑tax returns and streamline rebalancing. As competitors race to capture market share, Raymond James’ enhanced ETF capabilities could become a decisive factor in advisor loyalty and asset inflows, reinforcing its position in the wealth‑management landscape.