The world's largest exchange-traded fund player is calling for the industry to raise its standards in terms of transparency and oversight of ETFs, InvestmentNews reports. Specifically, iShares parent BlackRock[see profile] is reportedly calling for a reduction in the use of synthetic strategies in the commodities space.

“We believe, where possible, holding the physical securities is preferred,” Jennifer Grancio, managing director and head of BlackRock's iShares U.S. distribution, told the pub. “And where that is not possible, we are moving to the highest level of collateralization and disclosure.”

In addition, BlackRock also is recommending clear labeling of product structure and objectives, frequent and timely disclosure of all holdings, standards for diversifying counterparties and uniform trade reporting for all equity trades.

Ryan Issakainen,, an ETF strategist at First Trust Advisors LP[see profile], and Mark Roberts, director of research and development at Russell Investments[see profile], also weighed in on the subject. 

Edited by: Hung Tran


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