New North Square ETFs Aim to Modernize Active Value and Growth Investing

Two Core Equity Strategies for Modern Portfolios

The introduction of NSIV and NSIG comes as advisors continue shifting client assets from mutual funds toward ETFs, particularly in core equity allocations where tax efficiency, transparency, and liquidity have become increasingly important.

Rather than creating new strategies specifically for the ETF market, North Square has adapted investment approaches that have already been refined through institutional mandates and global investment platforms.

Both ETFs carry expense ratios of 0.38%, positioning them competitively within the actively managed large-cap equity category.

NSIV Brings a Disciplined Value Process to the ETF Wrapper

The North Square Disciplined Value ETF

seeks to outperform the Russell 1000® Value Index over a full market cycle through bottom-up fundamental research and patient security selection.

The portfolio is managed by CS McKee's experienced large-cap value team—Mary Jane Matts, Ted Moore, and Graham Harkins—whose investment philosophy emphasizes normalized earnings analysis, disciplined valuation, and long-term ownership of financially strong companies.

Importantly, the strategy was not developed for the ETF launch. It builds upon an institutional investment process managing approximately $2 billion in assets, offering advisors access to an established value discipline within an ETF structure.

NSIG Focuses on Long-Term Growth Opportunities

Complementing the value strategy, the North Square Growth Opportunities ETF

targets medium- and long-term capital appreciation through investments in large-cap U.S. growth companies.

The strategy is led by Saverio Papagno, who brings more than two decades of investment experience and has managed a closely related global growth strategy since 2012. Now operating within CS McKee, Papagno continues to leverage the broader research capabilities of Azimut's global investment platform, supported by a team of more than 70 investment professionals.

The result is a growth strategy grounded in fundamental research rather than momentum-driven investing, with an emphasis on identifying businesses capable of sustaining long-term earnings expansion.

Built for Advisors Embracing Active ETFs

The launches reflect broader changes taking place across the asset management industry.

While passive investing continues to attract significant flows, advisors have increasingly embraced actively managed ETFs as vehicles capable of combining professional portfolio management with the operational advantages of the ETF structure.

NSIV and NSIG are designed to fit naturally within advisor-built portfolios—NSIV serving as either a core value allocation or complementary value sleeve, while NSIG provides a dedicated large-cap growth allocation.

According to Mark Goodwin, CEO of Azimut NSI and North Square Investments, the firm's objective is to deliver institutional-caliber investment management in a structure that aligns with advisor demand.

"The teams behind NSIV and NSIG bring high caliber pedigrees and leading differentiated strategies. We believe these products are well positioned for U.S. advisor adoption right now. This is about delivering exceptional active management in the fund structure advisors are increasingly asking for."

Expanding North Square's Active ETF Platform

The launches also reflect the expanding capabilities of Azimut NSI, the U.S. asset management platform created following Azimut Group's acquisition of North Square earlier this year.

By combining North Square's distribution capabilities with the institutional investment expertise of CS McKee and the broader global resources of Azimut Group, the firm is positioning itself to bring more established active strategies into the ETF marketplace.

For advisors seeking actively managed alternatives in two of the market's largest equity segments, NSIV and NSIG provide access to seasoned investment teams with institutional pedigrees and investment processes developed over many years rather than for the ETF launch itself.

About North Square Investments

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, North Square Investments specializes in delivering differentiated active investment strategies through partnerships with experienced institutional portfolio managers. The firm is part of Azimut NSI, the U.S. asset management platform of Azimut Group, which managed $21.1 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026. Globally, Azimut Group oversees more than $177 billion in assets across 20 countries, providing investment expertise across equities, fixed income, and alternative strategies.

 

Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decision.