Morgan Stanley IM files to replicate Vanguard's multi-share class structure in ETF rivalry race

Fifth firm to file

Morgan Stanley Investment Management has applied for permission to house an ETF multi-share class structure, becoming the fifth asset manager to seek approval on the move.

In a filing for ETF Operational Relief with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, Morgan Stanley IM said it was pursuing "multi-class structure" open-ended products, which would see the firm  add an ETF share class to its existing mutual funds. Morgan Stanley IM is now the fifth firm to apply for similar relief, following the most recent applications from Dimensional Fund Advisors and F/m Investments in August 2023, and Fidelity in October. All current applications remain pending. Deep Dive: Interest rates uncertainty fuels investor interest in short-term fixed income ...