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abrdn Silver ETF Trust
The abrdn Silver ETF Trust launched as a physically backed exchange-traded product, holding allocated silver bullion in London vaults managed by JPMorgan...
abrdn Silver ETF Trust
The abrdn Silver ETF Trust launched as a physically backed exchange-traded product, holding allocated silver bullion in London vaults managed by JPMorgan Chase as custodian. The trust issues shares that represent fractional ownership of the underlying metal, with expenses charged through a sponsor fee paid to abrdn plc, formerly Standard Life Aberdeen. The structure avoids the counterparty risk of futures-based commodities while providing investor redemption in cash or physical metal. Strategy focuses on passive commodity exposure, with the trust's net asset value linked directly to the LBMA Silver Price. Unlike active managers, the trust does not employ leverage, derivatives, or tactical allocation. The portfolio consists solely of London Good Delivery silver bars, with holdings disclosed daily. The trust competes in a market with other physical silver ETFs, such as iShares Silver Trust, and trades under the ticker SIVR on NYSE Arca. Total assets under management have varied with silver prices and investor flows, but the trust typically maintains several hundred million dollars in net assets, making it a mid-tier silver ETF by scale. The trust operates from abrdn's US headquarters in Philadelphia, with the sponsor relying on abrdn's global distribution network. No affiliated philanthropic vehicles or operating companies are disclosed in relation to the trust structure. The trust's key structural differentiator is its grantor trust tax status, which allows investors to own the metal directly for tax purposes while holding a liquid security. This contrasts with commodity pools that mark futures differently under the IRS code. The trust also permits in-kind creations and redemptions, reducing trading costs relative to ETFs using cash mechanisms.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
—
Corporate office
Philadelphia, PA, United States
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does the abrdn Silver ETF Trust differ from other silver ETFs?
The trust is structured as a grantor trust, offering direct tax treatment of physical metal ownership, unlike commodity pools taxed as partnerships. SIVR competes primarily with SLV but often carries a lower expense ratio and smaller asset base, appealing to cost-sensitive investors.
What is the expense ratio of the abrdn Silver ETF Trust?
The trust charges an annual sponsor fee of 0.30%, which is deducted from the trust's silver holdings. No management fee or performance fee is charged, as the trust is passively managed.
Can shares of the trust be redeemed for physical silver?
Only authorized participants can redeem Creation Units for physical silver bullion; retail investors sell shares on the secondary market. The trust holds physical silver in London vaults audited annually by an independent third party.
How is the silver in the trust stored and insured?
Silver is stored as London Good Delivery bars in vaults maintained by JPMorgan Chase in London. The trust maintains insurance against theft and loss, with the silver allocated to the trust and not lent out or used for derivatives.
Who manages the abrdn Silver ETF Trust?
The trust is sponsored by abrdn plc, a global asset manager headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, with US operations in Philadelphia. Day-to-day administration is handled by abrdn's ETF team, while the custodian and trustee are independent parties.
Does the trust track the spot price of silver?
The trust aims to track the LBMA Silver Price, which is the benchmark for unallocated silver in London. However, the trust's share price may trade at premiums or discounts to NAV due to market demand and liquidity.
What is the tax treatment for US investors holding the trust?
As a grantor trust, the trust is considered a 'direct' metal ownership for US tax purposes, meaning gains and losses are taxed as collectibles at the long-term capital gains rate, which can be higher than for stocks but not as high as trust-pool structures.
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