Awards & Recognition | VanEck

VanEck has been recognized for delivering forward-looking, intelligently designed investment solutions for decades by leading financial industry organizations. Please find a list of accolades VanEck has received for its product leadership over the years.

Notable Recognition: In 2024, Jan van Eck was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by ETF.com.

“Lifetime Achievement Award reflects Jan van Eck and the firm’s leadership and contributions to the ETF industry, from dedication to product innovation to commitment to delivering value to investors.”

Awards 1996 – 2025

2025 DAA Ranked Top 10 – Crypto Traders (BarclayHedge): VanEck Digital Assets Alpha Fund ranked 10th in the Crypto Traders - Past 3 Years category of Barclay Managed Funds Report.
2025 Best Gold ETFs to Buy (U.S. News & World Report): U.S. News named VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ) one of the top 5 best gold ETFs to buy in 2025.
2025 Best New ETF Ticker (ETF.com): Recognized by ETF.com for the standout ticker HODL, underscoring innovative branding in the ETF space.¹
2024 Best Mixed-Allocation ETF Issuer ($1bn+) (ETF Express): Honored by ETF Express for leadership in diversified asset allocation at scale.
2024 Best US Fixed Income ETF Issuer ($10bn–$50bn) (ETF Express): Awarded by ETF Express for excellence in managing large-scale fixed income ETFs.
2024 Best Directional Fund (Hedgeweek): VanEck Digital Assets Alpha Fund named best-in-class by Hedgeweek in its global digital asset awards.
2024 Performance of the Year (Long Bias Fund) (Hedgeweek): VanEck Digital Assets Alpha Fund again honored by Hedgeweek for delivering standout performance.
2024 Lifetime Achievement Award (ETF.com): ETF.com recognized Jan van Eck for his enduring leadership and contributions to the ETF industry.
2023 Best Commodity ETF Issuer ($100m–$1bn) (ETF Express): Named by ETF Express for outstanding ETF solutions in the commodities space.
2023 Best Mixed-Allocation ETF Issuer ($1bn+) (ETF Express): Repeated win from ETF Express demonstrating consistency in multi-asset innovation.
2023 Best Crypto Linked ETF Issuer (ETF Express): ETF Express honored VanEck for pioneering work in the emerging crypto-linked ETF category.
2023 Asset Manager Podcast of the Year (With Intelligence): Trends With Benefits awarded by With Intelligence for delivering standout thought leadership via audio content.
2023 Newcomer Fixed Income ETF of the Year (CLOI) (With Intelligence): Recognized by With Intelligence as a top debut in the fixed income ETF market.
2023 ESG Marketing & Communications Award (Gramercy Institute): Gramercy Institute honored VanEck’s impactful ESG storytelling and branding.
2023 Best International Bond Mutual Fund (EMBUX) (Investors Business Daily): Investors Business Daily awarded EMBUX for exceptional global bond management.
2022 Best Thematic ETF Issuer ($1bn+) (ETF Express): ETF Express named VanEck a leader in forward-looking, theme-based ETFs.
2022 Best Digital Asset Fund Enhancement (WealthManagement.com): WealthManagement.com celebrated VanEck’s innovation in digital asset product evolution.
2021 Smart-Beta ETF of the Year (MOAT) (Fund Intelligence): Fund Intelligence awarded MOAT for its cutting-edge approach to smart beta investing.
2021 Asset Manager Podcast of the Year (Fund Intelligence): Trends with Benefits earned Fund Intelligence's top podcast award.
2020 ETF Provider of the Year (Fund Intelligence): VanEck was recognized by Fund Intelligence as the year’s most outstanding ETF provider.
2020 ESG/Impact ETF of the Year (GRNB) (Fund Intelligence): GRNB took top honors from Fund Intelligence for ESG leadership.
2020 Thematic ETF of the Year (ESPO) (Fund Intelligence): Fund Intelligence recognized ESPO’s strong performance and thematic relevance.
2019 Best Precious Metals Equity Fund – 10 Year (INIIX) (Lipper Fund Award): Lipper Fund Award honored INIIX for a decade of exceptional returns.
2019 Hidden Gem ETF of the Year (GRNB) (ETF.com): ETF.com spotlighted GRNB as a standout, under-the-radar performer.
2018 US Metals and Mining TopGun (INIVX) (American Society of TopGun Investment Minds): Joseph Foster named TopGun by the American Society of TopGun Investment Minds for his management of INIVX.
2018 Gold Medal – Equity Gold Mines Fund (INIVX) (Sauren): INIVX and Joseph Foster were awarded a Gold Medal by Sauren for excellence in active gold fund management.
2018 Best Equity Sector Gold Fund – 10 Year (INIVX) (Lipper Fund Awards): Lipper Fund Award (France) honored INIVX for long-term outperformance.
2018 Best Precious Metals Equity Fund – 10 Year (INIIX) (Lipper Fund Awards): Recognized again by Lipper Fund Awards in France for category leadership.
2018 Best New ESG ETF (GRNB tied with KGRN) (ETF.com): ETF.com honored GRNB as one of the top ESG debuts of the year.
2018 Best New Alternative ETF (RAAX) (ETF.com): ETF.com awarded RAAX for innovation in the alternative investment category.
2018 Best New ETF of the Year (GRNB) (ETF.com): ETF.com recognized GRNB as a leading new ETF among all launches.
2018 Thematic ETF of the Year (ESPO) (ETF.com): ESPO earned ETF.com’s top award for its successful focus on gaming and esports.
2018 People’s Choice Award (ESPO) (Public): Voted by the public as a fan-favorite ETF, highlighting strong investor appeal.
2017 Best Precious Metals Equity Fund – 10 Years (Lipper): VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (Class I) earned top long-term recognition from Lipper.
2017 Best Global Natural Resources Fund – 10 Years (Lipper): VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class I) honored by Lipper for a decade of leadership in resource investing.
2017 ETF of the Year (ETF.com): VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF named best overall ETF by ETF.com.
2017 Fixed Income ETF of the Year (Fund Action): VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF earned Fund Action's top award for fixed income strategies.
2017 ETF of the Year (Repeat Win) (Fund Action): Fund Action further recognized VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF as the year’s best ETF overall.
2017 Most Innovative North American Provider (etfexpress.com): VanEck was honored by etfexpress.com for industry-leading innovation across its ETF platform.
2016 Triple Positive Morningstar Rating: VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (Class A) received positive ratings across performance, people, and process.
2016 Best Precious Metals Equity Fund – 10 Years (Lipper): Lipper recognized VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (Class A) for long-term excellence.
2016 Best New Ticker – CRAK (ETF.com): VanEck Oil Refiners ETF earned ETF.com’s branding distinction for its standout ticker.
2016 Best Emerging Markets Equity ETF Manager (etfexpress.com): VanEck ETFs named top emerging market manager by etfexpress.com.
2015 Best Precious Metals Equity Fund – 10 Years (Lipper): VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (Class A) again recognized by Lipper for decade-long results.
2015 Best Global Natural Resources Fund – 10 Years: VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) awarded for long-term outperformance.
2015 Best Emerging Markets Fund – 5 Years (Lipper): VanEck Emerging Markets Fund (Class I) received Lipper honors for five-year performance.
2014 Best Precious Metals Equity Fund – 10 Years (Lipper): VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (Class A) earned Lipper’s recognition for consistent excellence.
2012 Best Equity Precious Metals Fund – 5 Years (Lipper): Lipper honored VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (Class I) for medium-term performance.
2012 Ranked Top 3 in Sector – Natural Resources (BarclayHedge): VanEck Global Resources Fund ranked 3rd out of 18 in BarclayHedge's performance study.
2011 Best Global Natural Resources Fund – 10 Years (Lipper): VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A)earned decade-spanning recognition from Lipper.
2010 Best Global Natural Resources Fund – 5 Years (Lipper): Lipper awarded VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) for consistent five-year returns.
2009 Best Global Natural Resources Fund – 5 Years (Lipper): Repeat win for VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) from Lipper.
2009 Winner – Natural Resources Fund (5-Year) (Lipper Leaders): VanEck Global Resources Fund received top recognition from Lipper Leaders.
2008 Outstanding Website Achievement (HardAssetsInvestor.com): VanEck was honored by HardAssetsInvestor.com for excellence in educational content, investment insights, and news delivery.
2008 Silver Web Award – Best in Design & Usability (American Association of Webmasters): VanEck websites received top honors from the American Association of Webmasters for design and user experience.
2007 Best Global Natural Resources Fund – 5 Years (Lipper Performance Achievement Award): VanEck Global Resources Fund earned a Lipper Performance Achievement Award for strong five-year results.
2007 Best Real Estate Fund (Lipper): VanEck Real Estate Fund awarded for sector-leading performance by Lipper.
2004 Winner – Global Equity (3 & 5 Years) (Lipper Leaders): VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) recognized for sustained returns by Lipper Leaders.
2004 Winner – Global Multi-Cap Value (3 & 5 Years): VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) honored for outperforming peers in the multi-cap value space.
2003 Winner – Global Equity (3 & 5 Years) (Lipper Leaders): Another Lipper Leaders win for VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) over short and mid-term periods.
1996 Best Global Natural Resources Fund (Lipper Equity Performance Analysis): VanEck Global Resources Fund (Class A) earned early recognition from Lipper Equity Performance Analysis for global resource excellence.

¹ VanEck Bitcoin ETF (“HODL" or the "Trust”): This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus: (HODL: Prospectus).

Investing in the Trusts is subject to significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The Trusts are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). Shares of the Trusts are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds. As a result, shareholders of the Trusts do not have the protections associated with ownership of shares in an investment company registered under the 1940 Act or the protections afforded by the CEA.

Important disclosures

This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned are unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees.

Private Funds

The VanEck Private Funds are subject to significant risk and are not suitable for all investors. The funds are available to Qualified Purchasers only. The Funds are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and therefore are not subject to the same protections as mutual funds or ETFs registered under the 1940 Act. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandums.

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THE VANECK SMART CONTRACT LEADERS FUND AND VANECK VENTURES FUND I ARE NOT COMMODITY POOLS AND WILL NOT BE REGULATED BY THE U.S. COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (“CFTC”) UNDER THE COMMODITY EXCHANGE ACT (“CEA”) AND THE RULES THEREUNDER. INVESTORS IN THE FUNDS WILL NOT RECEIVE THE REGULATORY PROTECTIONS AFFORDED TO INVESTORS IN REGULATED COMMODITY POOLS.

VANECK DIGITAL ASSET ALPHA FUND’S GENERAL PARTNER INTENDS TO RELY ON CFTC RULE 4.13(A)(3) EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION AS A COMMODITY POOL OPERATOR (“CPO”) AND AT ALL TIMES THE FUND WILL MEET (I) TRADING LIMITATIONS, (II) INVESTOR SUITABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND (III) OFFERING AND MARKETING RESTRICTIONS. VEARA HAS ENGAGED OR MAY ENGAGE IN UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS IN THE FUND. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT GIVEN CERTAIN MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING LACK OF A CENTRALIZED PRICING SOURCE AND THE OPAQUE NATURE OF THE VIRTUAL CURRENCY MARKET, THERE CURRENTLY IS NO SOUND OR ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE FOR NFA TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY THE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF A VIRTUAL CURRENCY OR THE VALUATION ATTRIBUTED TO A VIRTUAL CURRENCY BY VEARA.

General VanEck ETF and Mutual Fund Risks

The principal risks of investing in VanEck ETFs and mutual funds include, but are not limited to, sector, market, economic, political, foreign currency, world event, index tracking, active management, social media analytics, derivatives, blockchain, commodities and non-diversification risks, as well as fluctuations in net asset value and the risks associated with investing in less developed capital markets. VanEck ETFs may also be subject to authorized participant concentration, no guarantee of active trading market, trading issues, passive management, fund shares trading, premium/discount risk and liquidity of fund shares risks. VanEck ETFs or mutual funds may loan their securities, which may subject them to additional credit and counterparty risk. ETFs or mutual funds that invest in high-yield securities are subject to subject to risks associated with investing in high-yield securities; which include a greater risk of loss of income and principal than funds holding higher-rated securities; concentration risk; credit risk; hedging risk; interest rate risk; and short sale risk. ETFs or mutual funds that invest in companies with small capitalizations are subject to elevated risks, which include, among others, greater volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger companies. Please see the prospectus for each Fund for more complete information regarding each Fund’s specific risks.

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of a Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.