Canada’s Asset Managers Race to Launch New Funds in 2025: What It Means for Investors

Canada Sees Surge in Fund Launches Across Asset Classes

In a sign of growing competition and product innovation, Canadian asset managers have launched a flurry of new financial products heading into Fall 2025. These include everything from long/short bond strategies and biblically informed equity funds to crypto exposure and covered-call ETFs.

RPIA Launches Alternative Credit Fund

Toronto-based RPIA is launching the RP Alternative Credit Opportunities Fund on September 2, 2025. This actively managed liquid alternative mutual fund applies a long/short credit strategy. It aims for a net return of 7%–9%, focusing on high-yield bonds, investment-grade bonds, preferred shares, and leveraged loans.

By strategically isolating interest rate or credit spread exposures — for example, buying corporate bonds while shorting government bonds — the fund seeks to minimize duration risk.

Desjardins Cuts Mutual Fund Fees

Desjardins Investments Inc. will reduce management fees on eight mutual funds starting October 1. This move is part of a larger push toward competitive pricing in active funds.

CIBC Expands ETF and CDR Offerings

CIBC Asset Management has launched four new ETFs, including:

• CCCB: Canadian Banks Covered Call ETF (0.35% fee)

• CUDC: U.S. High Dividend Covered Call ETF (0.5%)

• CCDC: Canadian High Dividend Covered Call ETF (0.5%)

• CEQY: All-Equity ETF Portfolio (0.15%)

CIBC also introduced two new U.S. Canadian Depository Receipts (CDRs): Coinbase (COIN) and Lockheed Martin (LMT), bringing their CDR total to 103 across four countries.

CI GAM Grows Digital Asset Lineup

CI Global Asset Management unveiled multiple new crypto-focused ETFs and mutual funds, including:

• CI Galaxy Core Multi-Crypto ETF (CCCX): Exposure to BTC, ETH, and SOL

• CI Solana Fund

• Canadian-dollar hedged series for all digital asset funds

• New staking strategy for CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX)

These funds provide access to leading digital assets through a diversified structure with multiple purchase options.

Dynamic Funds Adds U.S. Discount Bond ETF

Dynamic Funds launched the Dynamic Active U.S. Discount Bond ETF (DXDU.U), focusing on U.S. investment-grade bonds with a 0.35% management fee. It’s managed by a specialized credit team overseeing $9B in assets.

Capstone Proposes Biblically Informed Funds

Langley-based Capstone Asset Management filed to launch two new ETFs:

• Capstone Biblically Informed Canadian Equity Fund

• Capstone Biblically Informed U.S. Equity Fund

These funds will focus on companies that align with biblical values. If approved, both ETF and mutual fund versions will be listed on the TSX.