US brokers may charge fee from ETF managers as commission-free trading takes a toll

Core Viewpoint - U.S. brokerage firms and custodians may start charging distribution fees from ETF managers, indicating a significant shift in the $13.5 trillion ETF market due to the rise of commission-free trading and the migration of assets from mutual funds to ETFs [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The U.S. ETF market has been disrupted by fintech firms like Robinhood, which attracted retail investors with zero trading fees and user-friendly mobile applications, leading to a decline in traditional brokerage trading volumes [2]. - Legacy brokerages such as Fidelity and Charles Schwab have responded by reducing trade commissions to zero for ETFs in an effort to retain clients [2]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The transition from mutual funds to ETFs has negatively impacted revenue for brokers, prompting them to consider charging distribution fees to recover losses from zero-commission trading [3]. - J.P. Morgan estimates the U.S. ETF management fee pool at $21 billion, with brokers potentially targeting 10% to 20% of total expense ratios, which could result in $2 billion to $4 billion in new distribution costs annually [3]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The shift towards charging distribution fees is seen as crucial for financial intermediaries, especially as the SEC may implement rule changes that facilitate the tax-free transition from mutual funds to ETFs [4]. - Larger ETF managers like BlackRock and Vanguard may have a better position to negotiate these fees, while mid-sized managers such as Invesco could face more challenges [5].