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Author
Nicholas Phillips
President of ETF Capital Markets Advisors LLC
With over 25 years of experience in ETF market making and capital markets, Nicholas Phillips is recognized as a subject matter expert in the ETF industry. He started his career spending the first ten years as a lead market maker for SIG and Goldman Sachs. At the helm of MCAP LLC's ETF Desk, Nicholas built and scaled the division, enhancing its operations through innovative pricing and risk models, and robust relationships with market makers and issuers.
His tenure at Van Eck Associates as Director of ETF Capital Markets further solidified his expertise, managing critical facets of operations and deepening connections within the trading community. In 2025, Nicholas joined GQG Partners as Director of ETF Capital Markets, where he helped launch the firm’s first ETF. His role concluded following GQG’s strategic decision to pause additional ETF launches, after which he returned to lead ETF Capital Markets Advisors LLC.
Beyond market making, Nicholas is an avid content creator, sharing insights that demystify complex market dynamics. He is keen on exploring board member roles that benefit from his extensive background and forward-thinking approach to ETF strategies. His dual US/Ireland citizenship complements his global perspective, enriching his professional endeavors in diverse markets.
News by Nicholas Phillips
The ETF Launch Myth: Why Most Products Stall After Day One
Launching an ETF doesn’t create AUM. It creates the next phase of work.
24-Hour Trading Is Coming. Not Every ETF Is Ready
Markets can trade 24 hours a day, but liquidity only shows up when it can be hedged.
Rent or Build? The Capital Markets Decision Every New ETF Issuer Must Make
Before an ETF ever trades, one behind-the-scenes decision can shape its entire future.
When ETF Liquidity Is Only an Illusion
In ETF trading, the difference between what you see and what you can execute is where liquidity risk begins.
ETF Spreads: The Signal Investors Misread
The tight number on your screen is not a promise of liquidity, it is a real time price for risk.
ETF Premiums & Discounts: When They Matter and When They Don’t
Most ETF premiums and discounts aren’t warning signs. They’re signals. The challenge is knowing which ones actually matter.
Do ETFs Really Need Intraday iNAVs? It Depends
The most watched number in ETF trading is often the least understood.
Silver’s Catch-Up Trade Isn’t as Simple as It Looks
Investors rushed back into silver. Few stopped to consider how different ETF exposures behave under stress.
Why ETF Execution Can Matter More Than the Fee You Pay
Nicholas Phillips delivers a clear look at ETF execution best practices, showing how timing, order type, and the education gap can shape real investment outcomes.
How PFIC Rules Could Trigger a Year-End Shock for Mining ETFs
When foreign miners meet U.S. tax law, even a winning trade can bite back.
Advantages of ETFs over Mutual Funds1/6
Lower Costs
In this guide, we'll explore the advantages of ETFs over mutual funds, giving you valuable insights into why ETFs have gained significant popularity among investors like yourself.
Leveraged ETFs: Unlocking the Potential for Amplified Returns1/6
Understanding Leveraged ETFs
Explore leveraged ETFs: potential for amplified returns & risks. 5 ETFs to consider across equities, commodities & fixed income.
What is a Leveraged ETF?1/6
Introducing Leveraged and Inverse ETFs
In this guide, we'll dive into the world of leveraged ETFs, exploring their definition, mechanics, potential risks, and rewards.
Recent educational content
ETF Trends
ETF Industry KPIs March 30, 2026
The ETF Industry saw 33 New Launches, 1 Ticker Change and 9 closures last week.
Asset TV
The ETF Show - Private Market ETFs Have Huge Demand, But Liquidity Concerns
Jerry Prior, COO and CIO of Managed Futures at Mount Lucas Management spoke with The ETF Show about the growing demand for private market access inside the ETF wrapper, and the concerns over illiquidity.
Asset TV
The ETF Show - Option Income ETF Strategies
Will Rhind, Founder & CEO of GraniteShares joins The ETF Show to discuss option income ETF strategies and their growing popularity amongst investors.
ETF Trends
ETF Industry KPIs March 23, 2026
The ETF industry saw 12 new launches, 3 conversions, 1 ETF share class addition, 1 ticker change, and 6 closures last week.
Browse all educational columns
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