Westwood Launches BFRE ETF: A New Approach to Global Equity Investing

How this ETF Works

The Westwood LBRTY Global Equity ETF

offers investors a unique way to access international markets—by aligning capital with democratic values and free-market principles.

Here’s how it works:

• Freedom-Aligned Exposure: BFRE tracks the TOBAM LBRTY® All World Ex US Equity Index, which excludes countries with authoritarian regimes, political oppression, or limited economic freedoms.
• Global Diversification: The index spans developed and emerging markets outside the U.S., with built-in caps to reduce concentration risk across sectors, countries, and stocks.
• Rules-Based & Transparent: Using TOBAM’s proprietary methodology, the index is rebalanced quarterly to maintain alignment with its core principles.
• Passive, Efficient Structure: The fund aims to replicate the index using a low-cost, passive strategy—either full replication or representative sampling.
• Values-Driven Investing: By screening out authoritarian exposure at both the country and company level, BFRE provides a principled alternative to traditional international equity ETFs.

Why Investors Should Consider BFRE

BFRE offers a unique and innovative investment strategy, making it a compelling alternative for global equity investors seeking:

1. Protection against geopolitical risks – The ETF removes exposure to markets with unpredictable governance, such as China and Russia, reducing potential volatility and economic instability.
2. Diversification without overconcentration – By using a rules-based weighting methodology, BFRE ensures that no single country or sector dominates the portfolio.
3. Alignment with long-term economic strength – Research shows that economies with strong democratic institutions and open markets tend to outperform over time. BFRE capitalizes on this trend by focusing on politically stable nations.
4. Passive, yet strategic exposure – The ETF closely tracks global benchmarks while actively excluding regions prone to economic manipulation, making it an ideal core holding for global equity investors.

Brian Casey, CEO of Westwood Holdings Group, emphasized the importance of BFRE’s investment philosophy:

"BFRE is a forward-thinking solution that helps mitigate geopolitical risks tied to authoritarian regimes while ensuring alignment with global equity benchmarks. By leveraging TOBAM’s proprietary LBRTY® approach, we prioritize financial resilience and democratic investment."

About the issuer

Westwood Holdings Group is a boutique asset management firm specializing in actively managed, outcome-oriented investment strategies. With a growing ETF division, Westwood is committed to providing financial advisors and investors with innovative portfolio solutions that balance growth, risk mitigation, and long-term resilience.

With the launch of BFRE, Westwood expands its passive ETF offerings by integrating a principles-driven investment approach focused on democracy, market stability, and economic freedom—a differentiated solution in global equity investing.

For more information, visit the BFRE Fund Overview.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. The author may express their own opinions, which may not represent the opinions of ETF Central or its affiliated partners. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decisions.