Exchange Traded Concepts

Exchange Traded Concepts

Exchange Traded Concepts was founded in 2003 by J. Garrett Stevens, who built the firm around a white-label ETF platform that helps asset managers, advisors, and even individuals launch their own funds. The firm's wealth origin is not publicly tied to any single family, though it operates as a private company rather than a traditional family office. The firm's strategy centers on creating and managing exchange-traded funds across a wide range of themes. Asset-class coverage includes equity, fixed income, and commodity ETFs, with stage coverage spanning broad-market to micro-niche indices. The firm is known for thematic offerings such as the AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (YOLO) and the US Global Jets ETF (JETS), as well as military-themed funds like the US Global Go-Gold Fund (USGO) and the US Global Sea-to-Sky Cargo ETF (SEA). Geographic footprint is primarily US-focused, with some international exposure through underlying indices. Exchange Traded Concepts has no publicly disclosed total AUM or number of professionals, though it has launched over 100 ETFs since inception (per public record). The firm operates from a single Oklahoma City office. Adjacent vehicles include a partnership with US Global Investors, a registered investment advisor, for their Go-Gold and SEA funds. In November 2023, the firm listed the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS), an actively managed ETF focused on US multi-state operators (per the firm's press release, November 2023). Structurally, Exchange Traded Concepts differentiates itself through its white-label ETF platform — it enables third-party sponsors to bring funds to market without building their own infrastructure. This model lowers the barrier to entry for thematic and niche ETFs, making the firm a behind-the-scenes engine for a growing slice of the ETF ecosystem.