A tidal wave of conversions has siphoned an unprecedented amount of capital out of mutual funds and into the ETF wrapper. Last year's record 60 mutual-fund-to-ETF conversions in 2025 across 31 firms pushed total converted assets past $260 billion, and the past five years have now seen a grand total of 203 conversions.
Sector-specific changes in global finance are leading to a new era of digital innovation that's replacing traditional banking. For investors looking to capitalize on this next wave of growth opportunities in financials, Baron Financials ETF (BCFN) — managed by portfolio manager Josh Saltman — offers a high-conviction, active approach to investing in the sector.
For investors seeking opportunities in the finance sector, an active approach can be beneficial. Today's financial landscape is undergoing structural, regulatory, and macroeconomic shifts.
| Name | Quantity | Cost | Value | Profit ($) | Gain (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMM Christopher M. Marks Sterling Investment Counsel LLC | 34,878 | $851,445.72 | $736,274.58 | -$115,171.14 | -13.53% |
Kerr Financial Planning Corp Kerr Financial Planning Corp | 387 | $8,389 | $8,169.57 | -$219.43 | -2.62% |
| NASDAQ (NMS) Exchange | US Country |
BFCN is an actively managed investment fund that focuses on equity securities within the financial sector, encompassing companies of various market capitalizations. The fund's investment scope includes entities engaged in banking, lending, capital markets, financial data analytics, insurance, payments, asset management, and wealth management. Additionally, BFCN emphasizes companies that leverage innovative technologies or services in these financial domains. While the fund is open to investing in foreign stocks, particularly from developing countries, it maintains a restriction that limits such investments to 35% of total assets at the time of purchase.
The fund's strategy emphasizes diversification across different industries and geographical locales. This approach allows BFCN to identify and capitalize on opportunities within the financial sector while adhering to the stated limits on non-US securities. By prioritizing companies that are involved in innovative technologies and possess significant investment potential, the fund aims to capture growth opportunities in the global financial markets. BFCN officially transitioned from its previous identity as the Baron FinTech Fund, which managed approximately $71.05 million in assets under management (AUM), effective December 12, 2025.
BFCN invests primarily in equity securities of financial and financial-related companies. This includes a wide range of organizations involved in various facets of finance, promoting a diverse investment portfolio.
The fund employs an active management strategy, allowing for tactical adjustments to the portfolio in response to market conditions and emerging opportunities within the financial sector.
BFCN's strategy includes investments in foreign stocks, particularly from emerging markets, with a limit of 35% of total assets. This global perspective enhances diversification and growth prospects.
The fund prioritizes companies that harness innovative technologies in finance, ensuring exposure to high-growth potential areas such as fintech and digital finance solutions.
BFCN aims to maintain a balanced portfolio that strategically allocates assets across different industries and geographies, minimizing risks while maximizing returns in the financial sector.