ETF Industry Leader Launches 'Aura' with U.S. Defense ETF Debut

Aura ETFs to donate 10% of DUTY's management fees to veteran support charities

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Veteran ETF executive Rob Oliver has founded a new ETF provider, Aura ETFs, and debuted its first product, the U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY) on the New York Stock Exchange. The DUTY ETF provides exposure to companies involved in U.S. national defense, military technology, space, cybersecurity, and related security infrastructure. As part of the launch, Aura has committed to donating 10% of DUTY's total management fee revenue to charitable organizations supporting military veterans.

Why it matters

The launch of DUTY comes as global security priorities are shifting toward advanced defense systems, cybersecurity, and strategic technologies. The U.S. remains the world's largest defense spender, and governments and critical industries are increasing investment in cyber defense as digital threats continue to rise. This is driving long-term investment across the modern defense ecosystem, which DUTY seeks to capture.

The details

Aura ETFs is led by Rob Oliver, a veteran ETF industry executive with over 17 years of experience. The firm is building a global ETF platform focused on innovative thematic and income strategies. DUTY will track the Solactive US Defense Index and has a gross expense ratio of 0.45%. GTS Securities, a veteran-owned firm, will act as the lead market maker for the fund.

  • Aura ETFs officially launched on April 8, 2026.
  • DUTY began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 8, 2026.

The players

Rob Oliver

Founder and CEO of Aura ETFs, with over 17 years of experience in the ETF industry, including senior roles at J.P. Morgan and Global X ETFs.

Aura ETFs

A newly formed exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider founded by Rob Oliver, focused on building a global ETF platform with innovative thematic and income strategies.

U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY)

Aura ETFs' inaugural product, providing investors with exposure to companies involved in U.S. national defense, military technology, space, cybersecurity, and related security infrastructure.

Solactive US Defense Index

The index that DUTY will track, which includes equity securities of companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from four defense-related categories.

GTS Securities

A veteran-owned firm that will act as the lead market maker for the DUTY ETF.

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What they’re saying

“The ETF industry is innovating faster than ever, with hundreds of new, increasingly complex strategies launching each year. But as the market expands, many investors and advisors are looking for ETFs that have a clearly defined role in portfolios, whether that's having exposure to structural economic trends or seeking to generate consistent income. Aura was founded to build strategies designed with that discipline in mind.”

— Rob Oliver, Founder and CEO of Aura ETFs

“Defense spending is entering a structural growth phase as governments invest in advanced military systems, cybersecurity, and next-generation technologies. DUTY is designed to give investors focused exposure to the companies building and supporting that modern defense ecosystem — from traditional military platforms to the digital infrastructure that underpins national security.”

— Rob Oliver, Founder and CEO of Aura ETFs

What’s next

Aura ETFs plans to continue expanding its ETF platform with additional innovative thematic and income strategies in the future.

The takeaway

The launch of the U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY) by Aura ETFs highlights the growing importance of defense and national security-related investments, as governments and industries increase spending on advanced military systems, cybersecurity, and next-generation defense technologies. Aura's commitment to supporting military veterans through charitable donations further underscores the firm's mission-driven approach.