How ETFs hit $20trn, bridged TradFi and crypto, and what comes next.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have travelled from experiment to staple of modern finance. In 2026, assets under management (AUM) in ETFs topped $20trn. 

How these vehicles rewired investing, opened a bridge to crypto, and why direct indexing is hailed as the next stage in portfolio evolution—explained by ForkLog. 

How ETFs work

An ETF is a separate legal entity that holds a basket of assets which, depending on regulation, may…