Leveraging her in-depth knowledge of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) — Miranda Sturgis counsels investment companies, fund independent directors and asset managers on a range of issues arising under the federal securities laws, including with respect to the formation, registration and ongoing regulation and operations of investment companies. Her experience includes assisting clients in obtaining regulatory approvals in connection with the launch of industry-first spot bitcoin and spot ether ETFs.
Miranda has represented several global leaders in the asset management industry in complex regulatory, corporate and transactional matters, including the formation, registration, exchange-listing and offering of novel exchange-traded products (ETPs), fund and advisory merger and acquisition transactions, mutual fund to ETF conversions, and fund liquidations and restructurings.
Featured Representative Matters
Served as fund and board counsel in connection with the launch of hybrid interval funds formed in strategic partnership between Capital Group and KKR.
Represented Franklin Templeton in the launch of Franklin Crypto Index ETF, a new index-based, digital-asset-backed ETP.
Represented Franklin Templeton in launching its Franklin Ethereum ETF, one of the industry’s first spot ether ETPs. The Franklin Ethereum ETF issues shares backed by ether held by the fund’s custodian and is registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Assisted Franklin Templeton in launching its Franklin Bitcoin ETF, one of the industry’s first spot bitcoin ETPs. The Franklin Bitcoin ETF issues shares backed by bitcoin held by the fund’s custodian and is registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Assisted Franklin Templeton in the launch and ongoing operations of its suite of index-based (including smart beta) and actively managed ETFs.
Represented Franklin Templeton in the launch and ongoing operations of its Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF, a physically backed gold ETP with an environmental, social and governance (ESG) focus that is registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Assisted Dimensional Fund Advisors in the launch and ongoing operations of its ETF product suite.
Represented Allianz Investment Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and part of the U.S. arm of German multinational financial services group Allianz SE, in launching its ETF platform consisting of a suite of buffered outcome ETFs.
Assisted in the representation of various closed-end funds in connection with the offering of variable-rate municipal fund term preferred shares.
Assisted in the representation of several leading global investment firms, including matters related to the organization and registration of investment products, fund reorganizations, liquidations and restructurings, ongoing compliance and various corporate governance issues.
Community Impact
Miranda serves on the leadership board of the Philadelphia chapter of Women in ETFs (WE Philadelphia). Women in ETFs is an international organization that brings together people in the ETF industry across the globe to support professional development and mentorship programs and expand opportunities for women at all levels in diverse roles within the ETF ecosystem.
Memberships
Member, Philadelphia Leadership Board, Women in ETFs
Recognitions
With Intelligence, Mutual Fund & ETF Awards, Rising Star (2023)
The Best Lawyers in America (Ones to Watch) (Financial Services Regulation Law; Securities/Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation) (2020-26)
Featured Speaking Engagements
Moderator, “ETF Outlook 2026 – Charting the Next Wave of Innovation,” Women in ETFs Philadelphia
Presenter, “SEC-ing is Believing: The First 100 Days of the Trump Administration,” Mutual Fund Directors Forum
Presenter, “Evolving Securities Law Regulatory Landscape and Key Considerations for Boards," Extraordinary Women on Boards
Presenter, “Understanding the SEC’s Approval of Spot Bitcoin ETPs and What Comes Next,” Practising Law Institute CLE
Panelist, “The Move to T+1 Settlement,” Women in ETFs New York and Philadelphia
Speaker, “Current Developments in Exchange-Traded Funds,” Practising Law Institute
Moderator, “SEC’s ETF Rule,” Women in ETFs Philadelphia
