Showcase your achievements and shape the future of the ETF ecosystem.
We are excited to revive this specialist programme after nearly a decade! The AAM ETF Awards 2026 is the premier standalone platform recognising outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership across the entire ETF ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region.
Whether you are a fund manager, index provider, exchange, or market maker, here is everything you need to know to submit a winning entry.
Key Dates
- Submissions Open: Monday, December 15, 2025
- Submission Deadline: Monday, January 30, 2026 (6:00 pm HKT)
- Winners Announced: Monday, February 23, 2026
- Awards Dinner: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (Hong Kong)
Note: Late entries will not be considered.
Who Can Enter
These awards are open to all key players in the Asia-Pacific ETF ecosystem, including:
- ETF Managers and Issuers
- Index Providers
- Custodians and Administrators
- Market Makers and Exchanges
- Institutional Investors (Insurance, SWFs)
To be eligible, your firm must demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership within the qualifying period.
Submission Process
All applications must be submitted through our dedicated online platform. Please do not email applications.
- Register
Create an account on our online platform. You must use a valid email address for verification to log in. - Create Submissions
Once logged in, start adding your submissions. You can choose your desired categories and upload required documents (Word, Excel, PDF; ZIP accepted for multiple files). Your submissions will be saved as drafts initially. - Payment
Submissions are not processed until the administrative fee is confirmed. Click “Pay Now” to select the draft submissions you wish to finalise.- You can save drafts and pay later, or pay immediately.
- Click “Pay Now” and select the draft submissions you wish to finalise. Applicable sales taxes will be added.
- Option A: (Online Payment/Credit Card)
Checkout securely via credit/debit card. Once payment is successful, your submission status will change to “Paid,” and the entry is complete. - Option B: (Invoice/Bank Transfer)
Select this option to generate an invoice, downloadable from the submissions portal. Make the payment via bank transfer and upload proof of payment to the platform. Once received and verified, the status will change to “Paid,” and the submission is complete.
- Option A: (Online Payment/Credit Card)
- Editing
You may edit your submission details (including uploaded documents) at any time before the application closing date, even after payment is made.
Fees
Administrative Fees
USD 220 per submission, plus any applicable sales tax.
Fees are non-refundable once payment is confirmed.
If you anticipate a delay in payment processing, please contact etfawards@asiaasset.com before the deadline. A late fee of 3% may apply.
Eligibility Periods
Performance Awards
Data is judged for the 1-year period ending December 31, 2025.
Innovation Awards
Products or initiatives must have been launched in the 2025 calendar year.
Leadership Awards
Judged on achievements in the past 1 year (unless otherwise noted, e.g. Leader of the Decade).
Grand Prize Eligibility (Judges' Choice)
The ETF of the Year is a non-entry award. Firms cannot pay to submit for this specific category.
- The Rule: To be eligible for the Grand Prize, your firm or fund must first be declared a winner in at least one paid category (e.g. ETF Manager of the Year, Best Dividend ETF).
- Strategy: Submitting and winning in multiple categories increases your opportunities to qualify for this ultimate honour.
Essay Requirements (700 Words Max)
A written submission (essay) addressing the specific category guidelines is required for:
- Leadership Awards
- Innovation Awards
- Ecosystem & Institutional Awards
Note: Supporting documents (graphs, charts) do not count towards the word limit.
No Essay for "Asset Class & Strategy" Awards
Essays are NOT required for categories under “Asset Class & Strategy” (e.g. Passive Fixed Income ETF Manager, Best Dividend ETF).
Requirement
You MUST complete and upload the official AAM ETF Performance Template 2026 in Excel format.
Brief Note
For the Best Absolute Performing ETF category only, a brief explanation of the strategy is required (not a full essay).
Accepted Formats
Essays
Word (.doc/.docx)
Data/Performance
Excel (.xls/.xlsx)
Reports/Evidence
Multiple Files
Must be uploaded as a ZIP
Support
Acknowledgement Inquiries
If you haven’t received an acknowledgement within three business days of successful submission (status “paid”), contact us at etfawards@asiaasset.com.
General Questions
Check out our FAQs first. For any other inquiries, please email etfawards@asiaasset.com.
Data Privacy
All data and information provided will be used solely for the judging process, in accordance with data privacy regulations.
Please note that AAM is under no obligation to issue an award or awards to firms or organisations following the completion of the submission and judging process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognised among the industry’s best. Submit your entry today!