CI GAM Blends Bitcoin and Gold in New Low-Cost Asset Allocation ETFs

TORONTO, ON – January 27, 2026 – CI Global Asset Management (CI GAM) has made a bold move to redefine portfolio diversification, launching a new suite of asset allocation funds that uniquely combine traditional equities and bonds with strategic holdings in Bitcoin and gold. The CI Asset Allocation+ ETF Funds, which began trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange, aim to provide investors with a simplified, low-cost path to a modern, multi-asset portfolio.

The two new offerings, CI Balanced+ Asset Allocation ETF Fund (TSX: CBAP) and CI Equity+ Asset Allocation ETF Fund (TSX: CEQP), are structured as “one-ticket” solutions, packaging a professionally managed, diversified portfolio into a single ETF. What sets them apart is the built-in allocation to non-traditional assets, a feature the firm is branding as the “plus” in asset allocation.

A New Formula for Diversification

For years, the standard balanced portfolio has relied on a mix of stocks and bonds. CI GAM is challenging that convention by integrating what it sees as two complementary alternative assets. The funds strategically allocate a portion of their portfolio to both Bitcoin, for its growth potential tied to digital innovation, and gold bullion, for its historical role as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty.

“These Funds provide professionally managed, well-diversified portfolios with the convenience of a one-ticket solution – but with a plus,” said Jennifer Sinopoli, Executive Vice-President and Head of Distribution for CI GAM, in a statement accompanying the launch. “Bitcoin offers the growth potential of digital innovation, while gold provides stability and a time-tested store of value – a combination that’s designed to enhance the returns of the overall portfolio while managing risk.”

The allocations are modest but meaningful. The CI Balanced+ fund (CBAP), which carries a Low-to-Medium risk rating, targets a long-term mix of 57% equities and 38% fixed income, with a 5% sleeve for other assets. Within that sleeve, the current target is a 2.5% allocation to Bitcoin and 2.5% to gold. The more aggressive CI Equity+ fund (CEQP), rated as Medium risk, targets 92% in equities and an 8% allocation to other assets, currently split as 4% to Bitcoin and 4% to gold.

This structure offers a distinct alternative to investors who have thus far gained exposure to these assets through separate, single-asset ETFs. While Canada has been a leader in approving spot Bitcoin and gold bullion ETFs, this is one of the first integrated approaches within a mainstream asset allocation fund from a major provider, simplifying portfolio construction for retail investors and their advisors.

An Aggressive Play on Price

Beyond the innovative asset mix, CI GAM is making an aggressive bid for market share with a highly competitive fee structure. The firm announced it is waiving or reducing its management and administration fees on the new funds until June 30, 2026. For investors in the ETF C$ Series and mutual fund Series F and P units, this means the management and administration fees will be 0% for over two years.

Even after the promotional period ends, the fees are set to remain low. The Management Expense Ratio (MER) for the ETF C$ Series and Series F units will be capped at a competitive 0.35%. This pricing strategy is particularly noteworthy when compared to the costs of holding these assets separately. For example, many standalone Canadian Bitcoin ETFs carry MERs well above 0.50%, with CI GAM’s own CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCX.B) having a listed MER of 0.68% as of late 2025. By bundling these exposures into a low-cost package, the firm is creating a compelling value proposition for cost-conscious investors.

This move reflects the intense fee compression wars that have characterized the ETF industry for the last decade. By launching with a 0% fee offer, CI GAM is signaling its intent to rapidly attract assets and establish a strong foothold in this emerging category of blended traditional and alternative portfolios.

Balancing Innovation with Institutional Expertise

While the inclusion of a volatile asset like Bitcoin may raise questions for some, the funds are guided by a team of veteran investment professionals with deep institutional backgrounds. The portfolios are strategically managed by Marc-André Lewis, President and Chief Investment Officer of CI GAM, and Stephen Lingard, Senior Vice-President and Co-Head of Multi-Asset.

Mr. Lewis brings over two decades of global investment experience, including a key role as Head of Portfolio Construction at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. His background also includes senior risk and asset allocation roles at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). Mr. Lingard has over 25 years of experience focused on multi-asset portfolio management, with previous leadership roles at Franklin Templeton and Fidelity Investments.

Their collective expertise in sophisticated portfolio construction, institutional risk management, and tactical asset allocation is central to the funds' credibility. This leadership suggests a disciplined, research-driven approach to integrating non-traditional assets, aiming to harness their potential benefits while carefully managing the associated risks within a diversified framework.

Navigating Risk and Regulation

The launch comes at a time of growing, albeit cautious, acceptance of digital assets within the traditional financial system. Canadian regulators, including the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), have established a framework that permits crypto-asset funds while consistently reminding investors of their high-risk nature. These assets are not legal tender and lack the oversight of a central bank.

By embedding Bitcoin within a regulated, transparent, and professionally managed ETF structure, CI GAM is providing a more accessible on-ramp for investors. It allows for exposure to the asset class without the complexities and security risks of self-custody and navigating crypto exchanges. The fund's clear risk ratings provide advisors and investors with guidance on how the products might fit within a broader financial plan.

This product innovation is part of a larger strategic push by CI GAM to solidify its position as a leader in the Canadian investment landscape. The firm, already one of Canada's largest ETF providers with over $23 billion in ETF assets, is poised for significant expansion following its planned acquisition of Invesco Ltd.'s Canadian fund business. This deal is set to cement its status as a dominant market force, providing it with the scale and platform to continue rolling out innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern investors.