Raymond James to Enter ETF Space in 2025 

Raymond James Investment Management, a global asset management company with $102.7 billion in assets and a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James, intends to launch an ETF platform in 2025, spearheaded by Mo Sparks, former NYSE director of exchange-traded products, who was appointed head of exchange-traded funds on July 22. 

Sparks has nearly 15 years of ETF product, management, strategy, and distribution experience. Before joining Raymond James Investment Management, he oversaw the New York Stock Exchange’s new business development initiatives for ETFs. Sparks worked at The Vanguard Group in product management and strategy leadership, where he developed and oversaw Vanguard’s global ETF and mutual fund products. 

“We are excited Mo will be leading our expansion into the ETF space – one more avenue that we can provide as part of our overall goal to give broader choice to select, high-demand investment strategies,” said Bob Kendall, president of Raymond James Investment Management. 

Over the last five years, Sparks has assisted over 125 asset management firms on their launch and ongoing business growth efforts in the ETF market. He also oversaw the development, launch, and operation of ETF Central, a destination website for ETF investors and advisors. 

The launch expands the firm’s current products, which include a family of mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and institutional mandates. 

Through a series of acquisitions, the firm has built out its asset manager. Its boutique managers include Scout Investments, Reams Asset Management, Eagle Asset Management, ClariVest Asset Management, Cougar Global Investments and Chartwell Investment Partners.