Accelerating Brazil's ETF Ecosystem: Insights from the DEX ETF Summit
On February 4, 2026, the financial industry in Brazil will witness a pivotal moment with the inaugural DEX ETF Summit taking place at B3 (Brasil Bolsa Balcão) in São Paulo. This event aims to unite industry players to pave the way for the development of a domestic ETF marketplace tailored for Brazilian investors and advisors.
Context: Why Now?
Brazilian investors have shown a growing interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), yet many have relied on purchasing U.S.-listed ETFs. Renato Nobile, founder of DEX ETFs, believes that this reliance has hindered local investment opportunities. He states, "Brazilian investors love ETFs, but too many of them are buying ETFs listed in the United States. We're helping to bring that demand home and enable advisors to serve clients more efficiently."
The timing for enhancing the Brazilian ETF landscape has never been more suitable due to several factors, including:
- - An increase in ETF usage for portfolio construction among Brazilian investors.
- - A transition among financial advisors from commission-based models to fee-based advice.
- - A focus on low-cost, transparent investment solutions by banks and asset managers.
- - Regulatory support for ETF innovation from both the government and B3.
- - A mature local infrastructure for trading and settlements.
Benefits of Local ETFs
The core message of the summit revolves around the advantages locally domiciled ETFs provide. According to Ricardo Schneider, a partner at DEX ETFs, many investors view the purchase of U.S. ETFs as a workaround, which carries additional costs and complexities. Here are some benefits highlighted at the event:
- - Cost Efficiency: Local ETFs eliminate international wire fees and currency conversion costs, making them more affordable.
- - Simplified Tax Treatment: Investing locally removes the risks associated with U.S. estate taxes and reduces complex foreign reporting requirements.
- - Currency Control: Investors can manage currency exposure more effectively without being subjected to international timing risks.
- - Improved Transparency: ETFs that operate in Brazilian reais (BRL) allow for clearer reporting standards and pricing aligned with local norms.
- - Operational Simplicity: Policymakers, custodians, regulators, and brokers are unified under a single tax regime, easing the investment process.
U.S. Expertise in Action
A key feature of the DEX ETF Summit is the participation of U.S. ETF industry leaders with vast experience instrumental in building the U.S. ETF market, which has now exceeded $13 trillion in assets. These seasoned professionals will share their knowledge and insights regarding ETF product development, market structure, and effective education for advisors and investors. Tom Lydon, a veteran ETF industry figure and moderator of the summit, underscores that the U.S. ETF market's success resulted from a commitment to low costs, transparency, and advisor-led construction. This experience informs how DEX will implement best practices tailored to Brazil's unique market conditions.
Event Details
The summit will cover essential themes necessary for the growth of Brazilian-domiciled ETFs, such as:
- - The Future of ETFs in Brazil
- - Evolution of the Advisor Role
- - Constructing the Local ETF Ecosystem
- - Support from Regulators and Exchanges
- - Strategies for Education and Distribution
Target Audience
The DEX ETF Summit is designed to engage all stakeholders within Brazil's investment environment, including:
- - Banks and broker-dealers
- - Asset managers and ETF issuers
- - Financial advisors and wealth managers
- - Institutional investors
- - Regulators and policymakers
- - Index providers and service firms
- - Trading and liquidity partners
Conclusion
The DEX ETF Summit represents a significant opportunity for Brazil's financial community to redefine its investment landscape. By focusing on developing domestic solutions tailored for local investors, participants aim to create a vibrant and robust ETF marketplace, further accelerating the adoption of ETFs within Brazil. This initiative not only aligns with the evolving trends in investment but also seeks to bring international best practices to the home ground, enhancing financial accessibility and efficiency for Brazilian investors.