Robeco Lists Six New Active ETFs on London Stock Exchange

On 30 January 2026, Robeco added six new actively managed exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) to the London Stock Exchange. The launch extends the firm’s active‑ETF lineup, which now spans both equity and fixed‑income strategies, and follows the group’s achievement of €1 billion in active ETF assets in late 2025.

The new funds fall into three distinct categories: two equity funds that apply Robeco’s “3D” quantitative model; two high‑yield bond funds that use credit‑default swaps (CDS); and two investment‑grade corporate bond funds that employ an enhanced‑indexing approach. All six are UCITS‑compliant and are classified as Article 8 products under the SFDR, meaning they promote environmental or social characteristics.

The 3D Equity Strategy

The two equity ETFs—global developed and emerging markets—are built on Robeco’s proprietary “3D” quantitative model. The model simultaneously optimises for three dimensions: return, risk and sustainability. The process selects stocks from the respective benchmark universe, aiming to deliver better risk‑adjusted returns and improved sustainability profiles than the index. Both funds are physically replicated and are designed to serve as core holdings for investors seeking a systematic, actively managed alternative to passive equity ETFs.

Dynamic High‑Yield Bond ETFs

The two high‑yield ETFs (European and global) obtain their credit exposure primarily through credit‑default swaps on the iTraxx Crossover (Europe) and CDX High Yield (US) indices. This derivative‑based approach provides liquidity and transparent credit‑risk management, while the funds’ share classes are systematically hedged against currency risk. The strategies are actively managed and offer an alternative to direct bond investments or passive high‑yield ETFs.

Enhanced Index Credit ETFs

The two investment‑grade corporate bond ETFs (euro‑denominated and global) follow an “enhanced indexing” approach. They start with a benchmark‑like portfolio but then apply Robeco’s 3D factor model to tilt the selection toward securities with better risk‑return‑sustainability characteristics. The goal is to generate positive alpha while keeping tracking error modest, effectively bridging the gap between passive replication and traditional active management.

Robeco’s Active ETF Push

Robeco entered the European active ETF market in October 2024 with four equity funds. By November 2025, its active ETF suite had already gathered €1 billion in assets. The latest six‑fund expansion is part of a planned rollout that includes fixed‑income strategies, reflecting growing investor demand for active strategies in ETF wrappers.

In a recent interview, Nick King, Head of ETFs at Robeco, noted: “Active ETFs combine the best of both worlds. They offer the transparency, accessibility and flexibility of an ETF, but with the potential for outperformance that comes from active management.” Dorcas Phillips, Head of ETF Capital Markets, added: “Our 3D range was launched in areas where Robeco already had a strong, long‑term track record. These quant strategies delivered consistent results with limited active risk, making them a natural fit for investors seeking something beyond pure passive.”

Conclusion

The six new ETFs broaden Robeco’s active ETF offering to include both equity and fixed‑income strategies, all listed on the LSE. The funds provide investors with access to Robeco’s quantitative investment expertise in a transparent, exchange‑traded format. The launch underscores the continuing expansion of the active ETF segment in Europe, as asset managers respond to demand for cost‑efficient, actively managed portfolio building blocks.