“While looking at the recent ETF-ROBO-to follow robotics, I came across this service. Essentially, it enables you to create your own ETF but own the shares directly. Interesting concept, not sure if the community was aware of this. Note, it can only be used by U.S. residents, but I am sure this will change or something will be set up outside of the U.S.”

Eoin Treacy's view

Thank you for this educative email and the link to the motif investing site, contributed in the spirit of Empowerment Through Knowledge.

This type of service has been available to institutional clients of investment banks for some time via structured products departments so it is a welcome addition to the suite of products available to everyone else.

An additional pivot from such departments is to offer access to a custom basket via a note where the investor does not take physical ownership of the shares and so reduces, or in some cases eliminates, exposure to CGT.