Australian Investors Podcast Alex Zaika: Scaling an X-traordinary ETF business
Sep 10, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Alex Zaika, CEO of Global X ETFs Australia and former finance professional at Macquarie and BlackRock, shares his unique journey from aspiring volleyball player to ETF leader. He discusses Global X's astounding growth to $12 billion AUM in just 10 months and explores the rising popularity of ETFs in Australia. Alex emphasizes the importance of digital advice and education for investors, while revealing personal insights on leadership and innovation in the rapidly evolving ETF landscape.
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Early ETF Exposure Shaped Career
- Alex first encountered ETFs at Macquarie and worked on exchange-traded note projects at Barclays.
- Those experiences shaped his ETF career and led to roles at iShares and later Global X.
Start By Listening To The Team
- On joining, Alex met one-on-one with every employee to learn roles, issues, and ideas before making changes.
- Ask simple questions: what do you do, why are you here, what can we improve, and what do you like?
Launch Early To Build Track Records
- Global X grew from $10bn to $12bn AUM in weeks and was the fastest-growing ETF issuer in Australia.
- Alex values launching early to build track records so products are ready when client demand materialises.