Krane Funds Advisors

What Krane Funds Advisors does

Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (operating as KraneShares) is a New York-based registered investment adviser founded in 2013 that specializes in thematic and geographically focused exchange-traded funds. The firm manages 34 ETFs spanning China equities (KWEB, KBA, KSTR, KTEC, KCAI), emerging markets (KEMX, KEMQ, KPHO), AI and robotics (AGIX, KOID), carbon credits (KRBN, KCCA), fixed income (KCSH, KHYB), alternatives (KMLM, KSPY, BUYO, KWIN), income (KLIP, KIQQ), and leveraged single-stock strategies (KBAB, KPDD, KMLI, KJD, KBDU), with combined net assets of approximately $8.6 billion anchored by the flagship $4.9 billion KWEB CSI China Internet ETF.

KraneShares constructs products through proprietary index partnerships with specialized providers including MerQube (humanoid robotics), CSI (China internet), Mount Lucas (managed futures), Hedgeye (hedged equity), Dragon Capital (Vietnam), Wahed (alternative income), and Man Group (buyout beta), as well as strategic alliances with Chinese asset managers Bosera Fund and Yifang Fund (易方达基金) that provide onshore China market access. The firm has expanded beyond ETFs into private funds for accredited investors (targeting AI, humanoid robotics, aerospace, and defense pre-IPO companies), model portfolios for advisors, and institutional separately managed accounts.

Revenue is generated primarily through ETF management fees expressed as expense ratios (ranging from 0.20% net for KCSH to 1.27% for leveraged products), with SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO) serving as the registered distributor. The firm distributes through major US brokerages (Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood, E*TRADE, Interactive Brokers, Merrill Lynch), European venues (Eurex for KWEB UCITS options since March 2026), and operates offices in New York, San Francisco, and London. The senior team is led by CEO Jonathan Krane and CIO Brendan Ahern, with a reported headcount of 1-10, consistent with an asset-light operating model.

Name

Krane Funds Advisors

Legal name

Krane Funds Advisors, LLC

Website

https://kraneshares.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Krane Funds Advisors, operating as KraneShares, manages 34 specialized ETFs providing global retail, institutional, and accredited investors with access to China equities, emerging markets, AI/robotics, carbon credits, fixed income, alternatives, and single-stock leveraged strategies, alongside private funds and institutional SMAs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

ETF Asset Management

NAICS

Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940), Open-End Investment Funds (525910)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282)

akta.pro primary industry

Sector & Industry Equity ETFs (FSAAAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Real Assets & Infrastructure ETFs (REITs, Infrastructure, Natural Resources) (FSAAAFAH), Fixed Income Mutual Funds (FSAAAEAB)

Keywords

• Asset management services
• Exchange traded funds
• Thematic etf investing
• China equity etfs
• Emerging markets investing

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. ETF Management Fees: KraneShares generates revenue through management fees charged on its ETF assets under management. Fees are expressed as expense ratios (e.g., KWEB at 0.70%, KOID at 0.79%, AGIX at 0.99%). Total firm AUM spans 34 ETFs with combined net assets across major funds including KWEB ($4.9B), AGIX ($789M), KMLM ($304M), KSTR ($295M), and others.
2. Private Fund Management: Accredited investors and qualified clients access private pre-IPO venture-backed companies through private funds, providing another revenue stream through management fees on private fund assets.
3. Options Trading (KWEB UCITS): Launched options trading on KWEB UCITS ETF through Eurex (Europe's leading derivatives exchange), extending KWEB options availability to European investors following prior US market introduction.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Krane Funds Advisors (d/b/a KraneShares) is a US registered investment adviser that creates, manages, and distributes specialized exchange-traded funds (ETFs) providing global investors access to China equities, emerging markets, AI and robotics, carbon credits, fixed income, and alternative investment themes. The firm also offers UCITS-compliant ETFs in Europe, private fund series for accredited investors, and institutional separately managed accounts (SMAs).

Product overview

KraneShares operates as a specialized ETF provider with 34 distinct exchange-traded funds spanning multiple asset classes and global regions. The core portfolio includes China-focused ETFs (KWEB, KBA, KSTR, KTEC, KCAI) providing exposure to Chinese internet, A-shares, and STAR Market companies; AI and robotics ETFs (AGIX, KOID) targeting public-private AI companies and humanoid robotics ecosystems; carbon credit ETFs (KRBN, KCCA) offering exposure to global and California carbon markets; fixed income products (KCSH, KHYB); income solutions (KLIP); and leveraged single-stock ETFs (KBAB, KBDU, KJD, KMLI, KPDD) delivering 2X amplified exposure to major Chinese and Latin American companies. The firm also offers private fund series for accredited investors accessing pre-IPO technology companies, model portfolios for advisors, and institutional separately managed accounts. KWEB is the flagship product and one of the largest China ETFs globally, having launched in 2013 as the first of its kind.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KraneShares Private Funds: Private market funds providing accredited investors access to venture-backed companies in AI, humanoid robotics, aerospace, and defense sectors.
• KraneShares UCITS ETFs
• KOID SHOP

Products and services

• KWEB - KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF Flagship China internet ETF providing exposure to China's internet sector including AI, e-commerce, online media, cloud computing, and fintech through companies such as Alibaba and Tencent.
• KBA - KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF China A-shares ETF tracking the MSCI China A 50 Connect Index, providing exposure to China's onshore equity market through large-cap Chinese companies via the Stock Connect program.
• KSTR - KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF ETF providing targeted access to the 50 largest companies listed on China's SSE STAR Market, focusing on semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and AI-aligned companies.
• AGIX - KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF AI-focused ETF providing exposure to both public and private AI companies across hardware, infrastructure, and applications, including SpaceX ecosystem exposure.
• KOID - KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF First global humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence ETF providing exposure to the brain (semiconductors), body (actuation and mechanical systems, sensing), and builders (manufacturers) of humanoid robots.
• KRBN - KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF Global carbon credit ETF providing exposure to carbon allowance markets worldwide, including the European Union ETS and other cap-and-trade programs.
• KCCA - KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF California carbon allowance ETF providing exposure to the CCA cap-and-trade program, covering approximately 80% of California's greenhouse gas emissions.
• KLIP - KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF Covered call strategy ETF generating income by writing call options on KWEB holdings, designed to enhance portfolio income from China internet exposure.
• KCSH - KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF Ultra-short duration fixed income ETF providing sustainable bond exposure with low interest rate sensitivity.
• KHYB - KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF Asia Pacific high yield bond ETF denominated in USD, providing income exposure to Asian corporate bonds.
• KEMX - KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF Emerging markets ETF excluding China, providing diversified exposure to growth opportunities across Asia, Latin America, and other emerging market countries.
• KEMQ - KraneShares Emerging Markets Consumer Technology ETF Emerging markets consumer technology ETF focusing on consumer-driven technology companies across developing economies.
• KARS - KraneShares Electric Vehicles & Future Mobility Index ETF Electric vehicles and future mobility ETF providing exposure to EV manufacturers, battery producers, charging infrastructure, and autonomous driving technology.
• KGRN - KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF China clean technology ETF providing exposure to Chinese companies involved in clean energy, including wind, solar, and EV supply chain.
• KURE - KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF China healthcare ETF providing exposure to Chinese biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare service companies.
• KSPY - KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF Hedged equity strategy ETF tracking the Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index, designed to provide equity market exposure while managing downside risk through hedging overlays.
• KMLM - KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF Managed futures ETF tracking the Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index, providing exposure to trend-following and alternative trading strategies.
• BUYO - KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF Buyout beta strategy ETF providing exposure to private equity-style returns through a liquid ETF wrapper.
• KWIN - KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF Alternative income ETF providing diversified income sources beyond traditional bonds and equities.
• KPHO - KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF Vietnam-focused ETF providing exposure to locally-listed Vietnamese stocks; described as the only US-listed ETF capturing stocks otherwise restricted to foreign investors.
• Leveraged Single-Stock ETFs (KBAB, KBDU, KJD, KMLI, KPDD) Suite of 2X leveraged daily ETFs providing amplified exposure to individual Chinese and Latin American companies including Alibaba (KBAB), Baidu (KBDU), JD.com (KJD), MercadoLibre (KMLI), and PDD Holdings (KPDD).
• KIQQ - KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF Defined-outcome ETF providing dynamic buffered exposure to Nasdaq-listed equities combined with a high-income objective.
• KraneShares Private Funds Suite of private fund series for accredited investors and qualified clients providing access to diversified portfolios of venture-backed private companies in AI, humanoid robotics, aerospace, defense, and large language models, including the Krane S&P US Private Stock Top 10 Series, Krane MSCI All Country Private Company Top 10 Series, Krane Defense Technology Series, and Krane AI Large Language Model Series.
• KraneShares Model Portfolios Core, strategic, and thematic model portfolios combining KraneShares ETFs with deep expertise in international markets and alternative investments, designed for financial advisors and RIAs.
• KraneShares Institutional Solutions Customized separately managed accounts (SMAs) and private structures for institutional investors, delivered through KraneShares' dedicated institutional business development team.

Quantifiable outcome

• KWEB ETF has generated 1.74% annualized returns since inception (7/31/2013) with $4.9B in assets
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• NVIDIAstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2026NVIDIA partnered with Unitree (held in KOID ETF) to launch the NVIDIA Isaac GR00T Reference Humanoid Robot, combining NVIDIA's Jetson Thor chip and Isaac GR00T platform with Unitree's H2 Plus humanoid body. This cross-border collaboration defines the physical AI ecosystem that KOID provides exposure to.
• RoboStorestrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2025RoboStore is the world's leading distributor of Unitree humanoid robots and partnered with KraneShares to ring the Nasdaq opening bell in June 2025 for KOID's launch. RoboStore leads US commercialization and distribution of Unitree H2 Plus humanoid robots.
• Bosera FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBosera Fund is a major Chinese asset management company with a close partnership with KraneShares. Bosera manages the Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF (KBA), one of KraneShares' key China A-shares products. The partnership provides global investors access to China's mainland equity markets through Bosera's local market expertise.
• Yifang Fund (易方达基金)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYifang Fund is a major Chinese asset management company and partner to KraneShares. The partnership enables KraneShares to leverage Yifang's local Chinese market expertise and distribution capabilities to develop investment solutions for global investors seeking China exposure.
• MerQubecoreTechnology or IntegrationMerQube is the index provider for KOID (KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF). MerQube developed the proprietary index methodology tracking the humanoid robotics ecosystem including semiconductors, actuation systems, and manufacturers. MerQube Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index is licensed to KraneShares for the KOID ETF.
• Climate Finance PartnerscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClimate Finance Partners provides carbon market expertise and modeling for KraneShares' carbon credit ETFs including KCCA and KRBN. Their analysis supports the California carbon allowance market commentary and investment case for carbon credit strategies.
• Broadridge Financial SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadridge assists KraneShares with proxy solicitation for shareholder meetings. Shareholders may receive proxy communications via text, phone, email, or USPS mail through Broadridge's platform.
• SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSIDCO is the distributor for KraneShares ETFs and KFA Funds ETFs. As the registered distributor, SIDCO facilitates the distribution of fund shares through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• WisdomTree: Specialty ETF issuer known for thematic and EM strategies (e.g., China ex-State-Owned Enterprises ETF). KraneShares competes directly with WisdomTree in the China, EM, and alternative income sleeves with comparable product structures and advisor distribution.
• Global X: Thematic ETF manager with a broad lineup spanning AI, robotics, climate, and EM exposures (e.g., Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF). Most direct competitor to KraneShares in category-defining thematic products such as KOID and AGIX.
• VanEck: Thematic and commodity ETF sponsor covering gold, uranium, semiconductors, and EM. VanEck's carbon/commodity and EM franchises intersect directly with KraneShares' carbon credit ETFs (KRBN, KCCA) and emerging-markets lineup (KEMX).
• Direxion: Specialist in leveraged and inverse ETFs across sectors and single stocks. Overlaps with KraneShares' leveraged single-stock series (KBAB, KBDU, KJD, KPDD, KMLI) in delivery mechanism and target advisor audience.
• ProShares: Large alternative and leveraged ETF manager (e.g., ProShares Ultra QQQ). Competes with KraneShares' alternatives platform including KMLM (managed futures), KSPY (hedged equity), and KLIP (covered call) for the same advisor wallet.
• Matthews Asia: Asia- and China-focused active ETF manager (e.g., Matthews China, Matthews Asia Innovators). Overlaps with KraneShares' KWEB, KBA, KURE, KPHO, and KEMQ products in serving investors seeking Asia exposure.

Broad incumbents

• Invesco: Mega-issuer with broad market presence (QQQ, China Tech ETF CQQQ, Invesco Solar ETF). Invesco competes in nearly every KraneShares sleeve at larger scale and lower fees, anchoring the incumbent price benchmark.
• iShares (BlackRock): Largest global ETF issuer with iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI), EM ETFs, and increasingly thematic products. The dominant scale incumbent shaping distribution decisions and pricing across all of KraneShares' core franchises.

Emerging players

• GraniteShares: Smaller specialist in leveraged single-stock and thematic ETFs (e.g., GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA). Closely comparable in size and product focus to KraneShares' leveraged suite (KPDD, KBAB, KBDU).

Regional players

• Harvest Fund Management: China-focused ETF manager known for Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETFs, with deep China local-market expertise that parallels KraneShares' Bosera and Yifang partnerships. Directly comparable in China A-shares retail access.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kraneshares
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@KraneShares
• Facebookfacebook.com/KraneShares
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kraneshares

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Krane Funds Advisors