The U.S. team at a Hong Kong-based, quantamental asset manager is partnering with a $139-billion-AUM (as of January 1) Japanese asset manager to launch an ETF for U.S. investors.

Last week, Jason Hsu, founder and chief investment officer of Rayliant Global Advisors (RGA), and Takashi Saruta. CEO of Sumitomo Mutual DS Asset Management (SMDAM), unveiled the launch of the Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ on the NSYE Arca, Inc.. The new, actively managed fund is a series of Advisors' Inner Circle Fund III.

RAYJ's inception date was last Thursday, April 4. The ETF comes with an expense ratio of 72 basis points, which bakes in a 61bps fee waiver promised through Januay 31, 2026.

RGA's Pasadena, California-based subsidiary Rayliant Investment Research (dba Rayliant Asset Management) will serve as RAYJ's investment advisor, and SMDAM will seve as subdvisor. The new ETF's has five PMs: three from Rayliant AM, and two from SMDAM.

From Rayliant, managing director Mark Schlarbaum, and senior managing director Phillip Wool will PM SMDAM. From SMDAM, the PM includes portfolio managers Takahiro Uemura and Tomoko Yokoyama.

"We can think of no better partner with whom to launch this exciting new Japan-focused ETF than Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management," Hsu states. "Rayliant is known for recognizing the importance of active management and local insights when it comes to investing in international markets, and this ETF supplements our quantitative expertise with SMDAM's on-the-ground, active, proven fundamental approach to investing in Japanese equities."

"Rayliant's ETF suite is designed to help investors optimize their exposure to both emerging and developed markets, and RAYJ's direct, active Japan exposure provides investors with a valuable new tool to customize exposure and potentially improved outcomes in their international portfolios," Hsu adds.

Saruta lauds ayliant as "a groundbreaking ETF provider and exceptional quantitative asset manager."

"Dr. Hsu and his team are working to create the most effective new ETF tools for those looking to invest in international makets," Saruta states.

SMDAM's other service providers include: Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. as custodian, dividend disbursing agent, and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP as independent accounting firm; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP as counsel; and SEI Investments Distribution Co. as distributor. 

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