The Exchange 2026 conference brought together the financial services industry for three days of learning, networking, and growth. One month later, many of the insights from Exchange are bearing fruit. Here’s a look back at some of the panels that still have the world of finance buzzing.
Asked to reflect on last month’s conference, VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth said, “"The Exchange conference connected many parts of the ETF ecosystem both on and off stage. As I walked around I could see asset managers talking to index providers, advisors, reporters and market makers. I am extremely proud we could bring so many people together to have insightful discussions."
Kara Swisher and Bob Pisani Talk AI at Exchange 2026
The closing panel of the conference featured former CNBC Senior Markets Correspondent Bob Pisani interviewing tech journalist Kara Swisher. During a fascinating conversation, Swisher spoke ot the dangers of underregulated tech companies and the two discussed AI adoption. “It’s not that people are going to get run over by AI,” Swisher noted. “People are going to get run over by the people who can use AI better, and use those tools to innovate.”
Exchange also featured Jan van Eck unpacking how AI asset management is reshaping the workforce. As AI begins to handle routine analysis, curiosity and open thinking will become increasingly important employee traits, according to van Eck.
Exchange 2026 Covered the ETF/Mutual Fund Conversion
With asset managers looking to future-proof their businesses without abandoning established regulatory frameworks, many panels touched on the ETF/Mutual fund convergence. VettaFi’s Roxanna Islam moderated a panel consisting of Kelley Hunt Aisha Hunt and co-founder and CEO of F/m Investments Alexis Morris. Aisha Hunt, founder of Kelley Hunt, and Alex Morris, co-founder and CEO of F/m Investments, joined Roxanna Islam, head of sector & industry research at TMX VettaFi on stage. They outlined how firms are leveraging existing frameworks to modernize fund structures without abandoning the safeguards that have historically defined the asset management industry.
The Continued Growth of the ETF Industry
After spending 24 years getting the first 2000 ETFs listed in the US, the industry took just 9 years to reach the 5000 ETF milestone. VettaFi’s Cinthia Murphy shared her thoughts, reflecting on several panels and conversations she witnessed at Exchange. “Managing downside risk is almost more valuable than picking winning stocks [in today’s market],” Lubna Lundy, of Fidelity Investments, said during a discussion about active management.
The industry got a lot of attention during the ETF Flight Path panel, which explored how asset managers can set themselves up for success in an increasingly crowded space. The outdoor podcast stage also talked shop about industry trends, with ETF Prime centering an episode on the growth of active ETFs.
Going International or Alternative at Exchange 2026
After two decades of U.S. investors getting to dominate simply by buying domestic tech and sitting back, the situation has changed. Accordingly, American Century and Franklin Templeton led a valuable session covering the valuation and growth gap in international investing.
As investors rethink the 60/40 portfolio, Amplify CEO Chris Magoon, Head of Derivative Sales at Clear Street Thomas Bonville, Asset TV’s Kirstin Myers and Simplify Asst Management’s Chistopher Getter had a panel covering alternatives.
Advisors in the Spotlight
Exchange 2026 featured multiple sessions for advisors. One valuable panel covering succession planning helped advisors cement their legacy. This conversation, moderated by Stacy Coffey of Rise Growth Partners, included Jorge Bernal from EP Wealth Advisors, Andy Kalbaugh of The Wealth Consulting Group, and Matt Carter of Turkey Hill Management. Taking a step back from a life’s work is challenging for many advisors, but building durable transitions is critical.
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