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Defiance ETFs
Defiance ETFs, led by CEO Sylvia Jablonski, manages roughly $700M in thematic ETFs focused on AI, fintech, and climate tech.
Defiance ETFs
Defiance ETFs was founded in 2015 by CEO Sylvia Jablonski and President Matt Darnall, operating as an independent asset manager specializing in thematic exchange-traded funds. The firm's product lineup includes ETFs tracking areas such as artificial intelligence (e.g., Defiance Quantum ETF), fintech (Defiance Digital Health ETF), and climate technology — all designed to offer targeted exposure to emerging technologies. The firm's investment strategy prioritizes growth-oriented themes over broad market indices, using active management to rotate holdings within each fund. Notable fund launches include the Defiance Next Gen Algo Enhanced ETF and the Defiance Machine Learning & Quantum ETF, which focus on AI and quantum computing sub-themes (per Bloomberg, 2021). Geographic exposure is primarily US equities, though some funds hold international positions in tech-heavy markets like China and Europe. As of mid-2022, Defiance ETFs managed approximately $700 million in assets, with a team structured around research-driven portfolio management rather than passive replication. The firm operates from a single US office and does not maintain separate philanthropic vehicles or operating companies. In April 2023, the firm launched the Defiance Digital Health ETF, adding to its suite of thematic products (per ETF.com, 2023). Defiance ETFs differentiates itself from traditional index providers by offering concentrated, actively managed thematic funds that can pivot between sub-sectors based on market cycles. This structure positions the firm as a niche player in the ETF space, competing with larger issuers like ARK Invest and Global X by targeting investors who seek high-conviction thematic exposure rather than broad diversification.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2015
AUM
$700M (per Bloomberg, 2022)
Location
Region
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Country
—
City
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Corporate office
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Principals
Sylvia Jablonski
CEO
Matt Darnall
President
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Defiance ETFs?
CEO Sylvia Jablonski oversees strategic direction and product development, while President Matt Darnall manages day-to-day operations. Portfolio management decisions are made by a research-led team that evaluates thematic trends and adjusts fund holdings accordingly.
Is Defiance ETFs a retail or institutional asset manager?
Defiance ETFs primarily markets its products to retail investors through broker-dealers and platforms, though its ETFs are also available to institutions. The firm’s AUM of roughly $700 million (per Bloomberg, 2022) suggests a retail-heavy investor base.
What investment themes does Defiance ETFs target?
The firm targets disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, fintech, digital health, and climate technology. Each ETF is concentrated on a specific theme rather than tracking a broad index.
How does Defiance ETFs source and select holdings?
The firm uses a top-down thematic research process to identify secular trends, then selects stocks based on revenue exposure to the theme, growth metrics, and market capitalization. Holdings are actively managed and can rotate as themes evolve.
What is Defiance ETFs' competitive position in the ETF market?
Defiance ETFs competes with larger thematic issuers like ARK Invest and Global X by offering concentrated, actively managed funds in niche sectors. Its smaller AUM relative to competitors limits its ability to undercut fees, but it targets high-conviction investors seeking pure-play exposure.
Does Defiance ETFs offer international exposure?
While most holdings are US equities, some funds include international positions in developed markets like Europe and Asia, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm does not maintain dedicated international funds.
What are the key risks with Defiance ETFs' strategy?
Thematic ETFs are typically more volatile than broad-market funds due to concentration risk. The firm’s active management introduces manager selection risk, and its smaller size may lead to less liquidity in underlying holdings during market stress.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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