Exclusive Interview With ETF Expert Oktay Kavrak
How Did You Get Started In The Financial Industry Oktay?
I studied finance in college, but it was the CFA program that ultimate piqued my interest in finance. I was particularly interested in the inner working of capital markets and trading which ultimately led to me entering the ETF industry with Leverage Shares.
Why Are You So Passionate About ETFs And ETPs?
I love the fact that it is a level playing field for retail investors. Whether investing $10 or $100,000 - you are getting access to the same product, with the same features, as professional investors in the markets.
What Sets Your ETFs And ETPs Apart From The Competition?
We were the first company globally to launch single-stock ETPs - this was on the London Stock Exchange back in 2018. This segment has since become one of the hottest areas in the ETF/ETP space, with over $100 billion in AUM globally. Our latest innovation is Europe’s first high-yield income ETPs on single stocks and indices - our IncomeShares suite launched in 2024. We have brought innovation to the fastest-growing ETF market in the world (Europe) and we will continue to do so in 2025.
What Is Your Favorite ETF Right Now?
For trading, it is the 5x Magnificent 7 ETP (ticker MAG7, in London). It is a straightforward way to “buy the dip” in tech stocks I am personally bullish on. For long-term buy-and-hold investing, I like the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (ticker IWDA, in London). With a single trade, I get exposure to 85% of listed equities across more than 20 developed markets. It is my "one-and-done" holding of choice.
What Is Your Top Piece Of Advice For Investors?
Stick to your plan and stay invested through both bull and bear markets. More money has been lost trying to time the market than by simply holding through drawdowns. Investing isn’t always smooth sailing, but extending your holding period gives you a much better shot at long-term success.
