ProShares, one of the leading providers of exchange-traded funds in the US, has surpassed $100bn in assets under management across its ETF business and its mutual fund affiliate, ProFunds, marking a significant milestone in the company’s near three-decade history.
The achievement places ProShares among a select group of global fund issuers to reach the $100bn threshold, underlining the rising investor appetite for innovative and differentiated ways to access financial markets.
Founded in 1997, the Maryland-based firm has built its reputation on developing category-defining strategies spanning leveraged and inverse funds, dividend growth portfolios, and more recently, cryptocurrency-linked products. It remains the world’s largest provider of geared (leveraged and inverse) ETFs and a leader in dividend-focused investing.
ProShares Dividend Aristocrats proves its worth
Its flagship product, the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL), which tracks companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend increases, has grown to more than $11bn in assets since launching in 2013. The fund has become a touchstone for quality dividend investors seeking income resilience amid volatile markets.
ProShares has also played a pioneering role in bringing digital-asset exposure to mainstream investors. Its ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), launched in 2021 as the first US bitcoin-linked ETF, broke trading records in its debut week and remains one of the most widely held cryptocurrency-related funds globally.
Michael L. Sapir, co-founder and chief executive, said the milestone reflected “a meaningful moment for ProShares and a testament to the millions of customers who have supported our growth.”
He added: “Our success stems from listening to investors and developing strategies that help them navigate changing markets. We’re energized by this milestone and are committed to building on it with the same customer focus and long-term view that have defined the company since its founding.”
The firm has recently expanded its presence in New York, opening a new office in Hudson Yards and adding to its senior leadership team as it positions for further growth.
Challenging conventions in the investment market
Sapir said ProShares’ purpose remained rooted in anticipating investor needs and challenging convention. “As we look to the future, our goal is to deliver innovative solutions that empower investors to pursue their objectives with precision and confidence,” he said.
Founded in 2006 as an ETF provider, ProShares — along with ProFunds — now offers one of the industry’s broadest line-ups, spanning dividend growth, high income, interest rate-hedged, crypto-linked, and geared strategies, underscoring its role in shaping the evolution of the modern ETF market.
