The ETF landscape shifted significantly in Q3 2025, and three recent coverage pieces used data from AdvizorPro to show how RIAs are evolving their allocation strategies. Much of this reporting draws directly from our newly released RIA ETF Trends Report Q3 2025 which details the advisors, strategies, and product categories driving ETF momentum this quarter.

Advisors favored crypto, commodities, defensive plays, and tactical rotation. These stories together paint a picture of a market where advisors are using ETFs not just as building blocks but as strategic tools for positioning and risk management.

ETFs, Crypto and Commodities: A Strategic Shift

In their piece “Advisors loading up on ETFs favor crypto commodity strategies,” The Daily Upside highlights how advisors are broadening their ETF allocations beyond traditional equity and bond exposures. The article cites data showing growing interest in thematic ETFs tied to digital assets, precious metals and commodities. RIAs are increasingly deploying capital in these areas as they seek diversification and protection in volatile markets.

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Among the trends noted is a rise in allocations to crypto related ETFs and commodity related strategies along with greater comfort in using alternative structures that help balance growth with risk management.

Ethereum ETFs Gain Ground With RIAs

A separate article from WealthManagement titled “AdvizorPro: Ethereum ETFs gained ground with RIAs in the third quarter” spotlights one of the most notable shifts in the entire quarter. ETH backed ETFs saw substantial adoption across advisory firms, with many RIAs initiating positions or increasing exposure during Q3. This signals a growing institutional comfort with digital asset exposure in client portfolios.

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The coverage highlights how crypto ETFs are no longer viewed only as speculative plays. For many RIAs they are tactical allocation tools used alongside traditional equity, income and thematic exposures to build more diversified and forward looking portfolios.

RIA ETF Holdings Expanded After a Comprehensive Refresh

A third corroborating piece from InvestmentNews titled “RIAs expanded their ETF holdings amid full refresh in Q3” uses AdvizorPro data to show that Q3 was not only about new themes. It was also about a broad reallocation and expansion across advisory firms. The article highlights that a significant number of RIAs increased the number of ETFs in their portfolios which reflects widespread adoption of diversified ETF centric strategies.

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This behavior suggests that RIAs are leaning more heavily into model oriented ETF powered portfolios driven by market conditions, client expectations and the need for flexible liquid allocations.

What This Means for RIA Allocation Trends

The three coverage pieces share several consistent themes.

Advisors are increasingly willing to explore new asset classes including crypto, commodities, metals and thematic categories.

ETFs are being used as tactical tools rather than static long term exposures.

Diversification remains a top priority, with advisors mixing traditional equities, income strategies, private market access, alternative growth and defensive sleeves.

Model based adoption is rising quickly which aligns with trends highlighted in the 2025 RIA ETF Trends Report. 

Together, these articles show that ETF innovation is being met with meaningful advisor demand and a willingness to integrate new strategies that support both growth and protection.

Want to See Where ETF Demand is Moving Next

This quarter made it clear that real time intelligence matters more than ever. If your firm is preparing a fund launch, refining distribution, or tracking advisor adoption trends, AdvizorPro gives you the verified data you need to identify RIAs who are actively allocating.

Start your free trial and gain access to advisor level ETF holdings, firm level signals and market trend insights so you can target the RIAs most likely to act.

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