Geneva-based Pictet Asset Management, part of the independent Pictet Group, has unveiled its first suite of U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds, marking a significant milestone in the 220-year-old firm’s global expansion.
The launch introduces three actively managed ETFs: the Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF (PQNT), Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF (PCLN) and Pictet AI & Automation ETF (PBOT), aimed at bringing Pictet’s AI-driven quantitative and thematic strategies to American investors and financial advisers.
The move represents a strategic foray into one of the fastest-growing areas of asset management, where actively managed ETFs have gained traction amid rising demand for transparency, liquidity and innovation.
“The launch of our first U.S.-listed ETFs represents a significant milestone in bringing Pictet’s institutional investment heritage to advisors and investors,” said Elizabeth Dillon, chief executive of Pictet Asset Management (USA). “These strategies embody our commitment to independent thinking and pioneering investment strategies built upon robust research.”
The Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF (PQNT) provides diversified exposure to global equities outside the U.S. through an artificial intelligence model designed to generate stock-specific alpha while maintaining a low correlation to traditional quantitative strategies. “PQNT brings our AI-enhanced strategy, previously reserved for institutional clients, to U.S. advisors for the first time,” said David Wright, Pictet’s head of quantitative investments. “Our aim is to deliver consistent active outperformance without relying on the ‘black box’ methods often associated with quantitative funds.”
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The second fund, the Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF (PCLN), focuses on companies positioned to benefit from the transition to a more sustainable economy. It targets firms across a wide ecosystem — from digital efficiency solutions to smart infrastructure—that support the global shift toward lower emissions and resource efficiency. “Compelling investment opportunities arise where powerful megatrends converge,” said Yi Shi, client portfolio manager for PCLN. “PCLN leverages our decades of thematic expertise to capture companies driving long-term structural change across climate, technology and resource innovation.”
Pictet’s AI & Automation strategy in an ETF
Meanwhile, the Pictet AI & Automation ETF (PBOT) provides exposure to firms benefiting from the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation technologies. The fund takes a long-term, research-driven approach, aiming to identify key beneficiaries of productivity and efficiency gains as AI becomes increasingly embedded in the global economy. “PBOT is designed to capture the long-term structural benefits of automation and AI rather than chase short-term momentum,” said Anjali Bastianpillai, senior client portfolio manager for PBOT.
With more than USD 800 billion in assets under management and custody, the Pictet Group remains one of Europe’s largest privately held investment houses. Pictet Asset Management, which oversees USD 333 billion, has built a reputation for thematic investing since launching its first strategy in 1995. Today, it manages 15 specialist themes ranging from environmental sustainability to demographic change and technological innovation.
Why these launches matter for Pictet
The introduction of the new ETFs underscores Pictet’s effort to bridge its European investment expertise with the growing U.S. demand for actively managed, research-led strategies. The firm’s entry into the ETF market places it among a growing cohort of active managers embracing the format as investors seek flexible, cost-effective vehicles without compromising on active oversight.
Founded in 1805, Pictet Group remains a partnership of owner-managers (an increasingly rare structure in global finance) that has underpinned its focus on long-term stewardship. Eschewing investment banking and commercial lending, the group is dedicated solely to wealth and asset management, a stance it views as central to maintaining independence and client alignment.
The launch of the Pictet ETFs marks a new chapter for the Geneva firm, reflecting both its heritage of disciplined innovation and its conviction that artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability will be the defining investment themes of the next generation.
