Launching an ETF? Here’s the 3-Step FINTRX Framework for Success

By combining comprehensive RIA data with finely tuned AI, FINTRX gives ETF issuers the ability to zero in on their highest-probability buyers, connect with decision-makers, and accelerate adoption.

Here are three things every ETF issuer should do when launching a fund and how FINTRX can help you execute each step with precision.

1. Identify the RIAs Most Likely to Allocate to Your Fund

The first step in ETF distribution is targeting the advisors who are most likely to allocate. Too often, firms take a “spray and pray” approach, marketing their new fund to broad lists of advisors with little connection to their investment thesis. That wastes time, budget, and credibility. Instead, start by identifying the advisors whose portfolios, strategies, and client bases align directly with your ETF.

How FINTRX Helps

• Holdings-Level Intelligence: FINTRX provides transparency into the specific securities and ETFs RIAs already hold. If you’re launching a small-cap growth ETF, you can filter for RIAs with existing allocations to small-cap strategies or competing funds. That gives you a list of prospects who already believe in the asset class.
• Custodian Filtering: Many ETF issuers underestimate the importance of custodians. FINTRX lets you identify RIAs by custodian relationships, helping you prioritize advisors where your fund is already available and tradeable.
• AI-Powered Prospecting: With natural language search, you can simply ask: “Show me RIAs with $500M–$2B AUM who hold at least one competitor ETF in the mid-cap value space.” In seconds, you have a high-intent target list.

Example in Action

Imagine you’re launching a thematic ETF focused on renewable energy. Using FINTRX, you could surface RIAs with meaningful exposure to ESG funds, filter by those using Fidelity as custodian (where your fund will be listed day one), and generate a refined list of top-tier prospects. That’s a far more effective starting point than casting a wide net.

2. Leverage Warm Introduction Paths to Build Credibility

• Verified Contact Data: FINTRX gives you direct access to verified contact information for key decision-makers at RIA firms. No more wasted time chasing bounced emails or outdated phone numbers.
• Relationship Mapping: The platform surfaces shared affiliations, alumni networks, professional associations, past employers, and even personal interests. These insights give you natural conversation starters.
• Introduction Paths: FINTRX AI  highlights warm introduction opportunities, showing you where your firm or colleagues overlap with RIA decision-makers. That’s how you move from cold email to trusted conversation.

• Advisor Profiles: FINTRX houses deep profiles on RIA firms and individuals, including investment preferences, interests, and team structure. That allows you to tailor your messaging to each prospect.
• AI-Generated Prompts: FINTRX AI can draft personalized outreach based on advisor data. For example: “Write an introductory email to an RIA with $1B AUM, custodied at Schwab, with allocations to ESG ETFs, highlighting our renewable energy ETF as a complement to their existing portfolio.”
• Shared Interests & Backgrounds: Beyond investment data, FINTRX captures personal interests (ex., golf, tennis, philanthropy) that you can use to build rapport. Opening an email with a note about a shared alma mater or interest in golf makes your message stand out.

Example in Action

Here’s a sample personalized email you could create with FINTRX insights:

Subject: Exploring Renewable Energy Opportunities for Your ESG-Focused Portfolios

Hi [First Name],
I noticed your team at [RIA Firm Name] has built meaningful ESG allocations, including [Competitor ETF]. We recently launched [Your ETF], designed to complement these strategies with targeted renewable energy exposure.

I also saw you’re a fellow [University] alum! It’s always great to connect with others in the network. Would you be open to a brief conversation to explore how our ETF could fit within your clients’ ESG allocations?

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This type of outreach, built on verified data and personalized connections, dramatically increases your chances of securing a meeting.

Why These Three Steps Matter

Launching an ETF without a targeted distribution strategy is like throwing darts in the dark. By identifying high-intent RIAs, leveraging warm introductions, and personalizing outreach, you have a structured, data-driven path to success.

With FINTRX, ETF issuers can execute all three steps from a single platform:

•  Surface RIAs based on holdings, custodian, and AUM criteria.
•  Map out introduction paths and verify contact data.
•  Personalize outreach using AI-driven prompts and advisor insights.

The result? Faster traction, stronger advisor engagement, and ultimately, more assets flowing into your ETF.

Conclusion

The ETF landscape is more competitive than ever. RIAs are overwhelmed with product pitches, and distribution teams can’t afford to waste time on low-probability prospects. Success requires precision targeting, trusted connections, and personalized engagement. By using FINTRX, you don’t just market your ETF; you position it in front of the right advisors, at the right time, with the right message. If you’re launching an ETF, do these three things. And do them with FINTRX.

Ready to accelerate adoption of your new ETF? Request a demo of FINTRX today.