First Trust meets the industry standard for stewardship, but it could do more to align itself with investors.
It earns an Average Parent rating.
This is a team-oriented organization that eschews star managers. While exchange-traded funds represent the bulk of the firm's assets, First Trust bypasses the competitive market for low-cost beta funds, instead opting for complex strategies with higher management fees. However, the firm's focus on ETFs for future product development underpins its commitment to tax efficiency and transparency. Some of its thematic strategies appear trendy, but it stands behind them and rarely liquidates funds.
The firm is a private partnership, controlled by Jim Bowen, the CEO. Many senior managers are limited partners. This ownership structure helps the firm stay focused on the long term and promotes retention, which has been strong for the investment team. The firm has grown considerably over the past decade and is among the largest providers of actively managed ETFs, as well as unit investment trusts. As it has grown, the firm has expanded its investment team and beefed up its technology infrastructure.
First Trust's focus is on educating advisors and providing them solutions. This may benefit investors indirectly, but First Trust could do more to directly align with investors by cutting fees and limiting trendy strategies.
FAQs
Some of its thematic strategies appear trendy, but it stands behind them and rarely liquidates funds. The firm is a private partnership, controlled by Jim Bowen, the CEO.
Is First Trust a good company? ›
First Trust Portfolios L.P. has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on over 76 reviews left anonymously by employees. 96% of employees would recommend working at First Trust Portfolios L.P. to a friend and 99% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has improved by 3% over the last 12 months.
Who is the CEO of First Trust Advisors LP? ›
James A. Bowen is CEO of First Trust Portfolios L.P. and its affiliate, First Trust Advisors L.P.
Where is First Trust Advisors headquarters? ›
First Trust (company)
| Formerly | Nike Securities |
|---|
| Headquarters | Wheaton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Key people | James Bowen (CEO) Brian Wesbury (Chief Economist) |
| Products | Exchange-traded funds Unit investment trusts Mutual funds Separately managed account |
| AUM | US$218 billion (April 2024) |
9 more rowsBankPlus' acquisition of First Bank and Trust builds upon both companies' presence in Louisiana, especially in the New Orleans market.
Who is the CEO of First Trust Bank? ›
Firstrust Bank today announced that President Timothy J. Abell will become CEO as part of a long-planned executive transition that will ensure business continuity and growth for the region's largest and strongest full-service, family-owned bank.
How big is First Trust? ›
With nearly $5.2 billion in assets, a high degree of liquidity, and strong reserves, we are proud to hold the highest star rating of Superior from independent bank rating firm, BauerFinancial, Inc.
What was the previous name of the first trust bank? ›
When the Guenther's originally founded the bank, they named it John Guenther and Sons, Private Bankers after themselves, the founders. In 1910 the bank became incorporated and was named German Trust and Savings Bank, and finally, in 1918 First Trust and Savings Bank assumed its present name.
Does First Trust Bank still exist? ›
AIB (NI) (formerly known as First Trust Bank) is a commercial bank in Northern Ireland that is part of Allied Irish Banks's UK subsidiary AIB Group (UK) plc. It is one of the Big Four banks in Ireland. The bank was created in 1991 when TSB Northern Ireland merged with the AIB Group's other interests.
What do first trust portfolios do? ›
First Trust Portfolios L.P. and First Trust Advisors L.P.("First Trust") were founded in 1991 with a mission to offer investors a better way to invest. We are single-minded about providing trusted investment products and advisory services.
Record producer. Born November 30, 1937. Full name James Allen Bowen. Produced several important artists during the 1960s, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Who owns the first trust bank? ›
First Trust Bank is a trade mark of AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.), incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800.
How long has First Trust been in business? ›
First Trust Portfolios L.P. and its affiliate First Trust Advisors L.P. (collectively "First Trust") were established in 1991 with a mission to offer trusted investment products and advisory services.
Is First Trust a broker dealer? ›
First Trust Direct Indexing L.P.
FTIS and FT Direct Indexing are affiliates of First Trust Portfolios L.P., a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, and First Trust Advisors L.P., a U.S. registered investment advisor, and are responsible for the day-to-day management of their respective SMAs.
Is First Trust publicly traded? ›
The shares of each Fund are principally listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc., (“NYSE Arca”) or Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.
Who took over First Trust Bank? ›
AIB (NI) (formerly known as First Trust Bank) is a commercial bank in Northern Ireland that is part of Allied Irish Banks's UK subsidiary AIB Group (UK) plc. It is one of the Big Four banks in Ireland. The bank was created in 1991 when TSB Northern Ireland merged with the AIB Group's other interests.
Who created the first U.S. Trust? ›
U.S. Trust's founders included many of the wealthiest men of their day. Among them were the renowned inventor, industrialist, and philanthropist Peter Cooper; Marshall Field, founder of the famed department store; and Erastus Corning, a leading railroad developer and a manufacturer of iron and steel.
Who is first trust capital partners? ›
Company Description
Founded in 2005, First Trust Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Wheaton, Illinois. The firm seeks to invest in companies operating in the financial services and healthcare technology sectors.
Who is the ultimate owner of a trust? ›
The Creator of the Trust
All trusts have a grantor, sometimes called a settler or trustor. This is the person who creates the trust and is the one who has the legal capacity to transfer property held under the trust. When this person dies, he is called the decedent. The assets in the trust are supplied by the grantor.
