Schroders strengthens ETF business with senior leadership hire ahead of further global rollout

Schroders strengthens ETF business with senior leadership hire ahead of further global rollout

(IN BRIEF) Schroders has named Tom Stephens as its first Head of Exchange-Traded Funds to support the rapid growth of its active ETF business. Stephens joins from J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where he led global ETF capital-markets strategy, overseeing liquidity design, market-making, operational standards and new-capability development. The appointment comes shortly after Schroders crossed USD 1 billion in ETF-based assets and introduced its first two active ETFs in Europe. Stephens, also the current chair of the Investment Association’s ETF Committee, will take up the role on 5 January 2026, reporting to Global Head of Client Group Matt Oomen, who described the appointment as key to accelerating global ETF expansion.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 1-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Schroders has appointed its first Head of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), marking a significant step in the firm’s expansion into active ETF markets as global investor appetite for actively-managed ETF solutions continues to rise. Tom Stephens will assume the role after departing J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where he spent eight years as International Head of ETF Capital Markets. At Schroders, he will lead the firm’s worldwide ETF strategy, overseeing product development, operational design, distribution infrastructure and client engagement.

Stephens’ appointment aligns with a pivotal growth moment for the business. Earlier in the year, Schroders launched its first two active ETFs in Europe, and the firm has since surpassed USD 1 billion in assets under management across its ETF franchise — a milestone signalling the pace at which the firm is scaling within this segment. As Schroders continues to build out its global offering, Stephens will play a central role in accelerating market presence and delivering active strategies in ETF format to a broader range of investors.

Welcoming the appointment, Matt Oomen, Global Head of Client Group at Schroders, said Stephens brings two decades of ETF-market leadership experience that will be instrumental in developing the next phase of growth. Oomen highlighted that Schroders’ European ETF launches have already opened access to new investors and that Stephens’ experience in ETF structure, liquidity and market connectivity will help connect growing client demand with Schroders’ expanding capabilities.

The two UCITS ETFs launched in Europe earlier this year — Schroder Global Equity Active UCITS ETF and Schroder Global Investment Grade Corporate Bond Active UCITS ETF — represent the start of Schroders’ push into the active ETF space. Stephens’ background at J.P. Morgan AM included leading global ETF market-structure strategy, liquidity architecture, authorised participant management and market-maker development. He also shaped operational execution standards and governance frameworks, sitting on the firm’s Global ETF Operating Committee.

Stephens currently chairs the Investment Association’s ETF Committee, strengthening his industry-wide perspective. Beginning 5 January 2026, he will report to Matt Oomen as Schroders continues to scale its active ETF franchise globally.

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Please find a photograph of Tom linked here.

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Schroders plc

Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions, with £776.6 billion (€906.6 billion; $1064.2 billion) of assets under management at 30 June 2025. As a UK listed FTSE100 company, Schroders has a market capitalisation of circa £6 billion and over 5,800 employees across 38 locations. Established in 1804, Schroders remains true to its roots as a family-founded business. The Principal Shareholder Group continues to be a significant shareholder, holding approximately 44% of the issued share capital.

Schroders’ success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies. The company offers innovative products and solutions through four core business divisions: Public Markets, Solutions, Wealth Management, and Schroders Capital, which focuses on private markets, including private equity, renewable infrastructure investing, private debt & credit alternatives, and real estate.

Schroders aims to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. This means directing capital towards resilient businesses with sustainable business models, consistently with the investment goals of its clients. Schroders serves a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms.

Issued by Schroder Investment Management Limited. Registration No 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For regular updates by e-mail please register online at www.schroders.com for our alerting service.

SOURCE: Schroders