BlackRock Asset Management Canada has plans to move some of its iShares exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to the Aequitas NEO Exchange (NEO).

This is the first time a Canadian ETF provider has switched listings from the TSX to an alternative exchange. NEO says it currently facilitates about one quarter of all ETF trading volume in Canada, making it the second largest trading venue for ETFs in the country.

Subject to regulatory approval, Blackrock intends to move the common units and advisor class units of the following iShares to NEO at some point in the fourth quarter of the year:

  • iShares International Fundamental Index ETF,
  • iShares Japan Fundamental Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
  • iShares US Fundamental Index ETF
  • iShares Emerging Markets Fundamental Index ETF
  • iShares Canadian Fundamental Index ETF

“We’re thrilled to announce this new collaboration with the NEO Exchange, and believe it is a positive step forward in encouraging greater competition in Canada’s ETF ecosystem,” says Warren Collier, head of iShares at BlackRock Canada. “Exchange diversification has played an important role in iShares’ global listing strategy as we believe it will help to foster further innovation and ultimately enhance the experience of investors.”