What Is the BRIF ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF (BRIF) is an actively managed ETF that selects US large-cap stocks, distinguished by its earnings-cycle assessment and growth-at-a-reasonable-price strategy. The difference in management fees versus passive dividend ETFs such as SCHD and VIG is the key selection criterion.
What Is the FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF?
This is an actively managed ETF in which the portfolio team selects US large-cap stocks at its own discretion. Rather than tracking a specific index, it builds its portfolio using a proprietary methodology that evaluates earnings cycles and phases of valuation expansion.
It suits investors who want exposure to US large caps but prefer value-based active selection and conviction-driven investment criteria over index tracking.
The ETF is managed actively by Faith Investor Services.
How Does the FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | None (actively managed) |
| Management Style | Active (discretionary selection) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | At the portfolio team's discretion |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly |
| Issuer | Faith Investor Services |
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% |
Using its proprietary methodology, the portfolio team selects US large-cap companies with solid earnings cycles that are in a phase of valuation expansion. It also actively adds stocks that meet Christian values-based criteria, combining them with a growth-at-a-reasonable-price perspective in a concentrated portfolio.
- Value-based, conviction-driven stock selection
- Growth-at-a-reasonable-price approach
FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $171.1M, and the expense ratio is 0.65% per year.
Management fees are somewhat higher than those of passive large-cap ETFs, as the fund aims to generate excess returns through active selection.
FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF Performance and Trends
Because the fund has not been operating for long since its launch, long-term performance data is limited. Given its large-cap-focused portfolio, it tends to move in line with the broader market and with swings in technology and growth stocks.
It targets investors who favor both conviction-driven themes and active management. As an early-stage ETF, its asset base is small compared with broad large-cap categories, and fund flows may fluctuate depending on performance and thematic demand.
FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF Pros and Cons
Its differentiators are active stock selection and conviction-driven criteria, while its drawbacks are somewhat higher fees than passive ETFs and a short track record.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
The SCHD, VIG, and VYM shown in the table are lower-cost passive large-cap ETFs focused on dividends, and they follow rule-based indexes rather than active selection. For broader core exposure to US large caps, low-cost S&P 500 trackers such as VOO and IVV are the leading substitutes, and to compare active management itself, you can also consider DFAC, an active core ETF in the same category.
| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF | $36.21 | +1.9% | $120.6B | 0.06% | 2.91% | +37.0% | |
| Vanguard Dividend Appreciation FTF | $252.70 | +2.1% | $115.7B | 0.04% | 1.44% | +17.3% | |
| Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF | $165.25 | +1.2% | $83.1B | 0.04% | 2.22% | +18.8% | |
| U.S. Core Equity 2 Portfolio-ETF Class Shares | $45.51 | +1.5% | $49.2B | 0.18% | 0.87% | +17.8% | |
| First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF | $81.09 | +1.7% | $25.7B | 0.47% | 0.84% | +21.1% |
| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp | 0.24% | $200.13 | -3.2% | $4.82T | 25.3 | 0.39% |
| AVGO | Broadcom Inc | 0.17% | $325.48 | -2.0% | $1.55T | 41.5 | 0.8% |
| First American Financial Corp | 0.06% | $67.67 | +4.2% | $6.9B | 9.5 | 3.43% | |
| DELL | Dell Technologies Inc | 0.05% | $372.36 | -8.8% | $236.8B | 21.6 | 0.67% |
| PANW | Palo Alto Networks Inc | 0.05% | $348.04 | -0.6% | $285.0B | 679.1 | - |
| CSCO | Cisco Systems Inc | 0.05% | $103.61 | +0.6% | $407.9B | 31.1 | 1.65% |
FIS Bright Focused Equity ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in BRIF. Given its active management and conviction-driven criteria, it is worth checking costs, management style, and its short track record in advance.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the cost difference versus passive ETFs | Somewhat high |
| 🧭 Management Style | Active selection, not index tracking | Active management |
| 📅 Track Record | Whether long-term performance can be verified | Needs confirmation |
| 🙏 Investment Criteria | Suitability of the conviction-driven selection criteria | Check against your own preferences |
Performance depends heavily on the portfolio team's judgment, and the short track record makes long-term verification difficult. Because of its large-cap concentration, short-term volatility may rise during swings in technology and growth stocks.
It is a suitable choice for investors who want both active selection and conviction-driven criteria. If cost and simple core exposure are the priority, low-cost passive ETFs such as VOO and IVV can serve as alternatives.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 25, 2026.