KraneShares Trust
Prospectus
KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF – (KBUF)
KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF – (KPRO)
KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF – (KHYB)
KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF – (KBA)
KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF – (KCCA)
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF – (KCAI)
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (formerly, KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF) – (KSTR)
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF – (KWEB)
KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF (formerly, KraneShares Dragon Capital Vietnam Growth Index ETF) – (KPHO)
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF – (KARS)
KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF – (KRBN)
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF (formerly, KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF) – (KOID)
KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF – (KTEC)
KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF – (KSPY)
KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF – (KHBM)
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF – (KIQQ)
KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF – (KLIP)
KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF – (BUYO)
KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF – (KMLM)
KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF – (KURE)
KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF – (KGRN)
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF – (KEMX)
KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF – (OBOR)
KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF (formerly, KraneShares Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF) – (AGIX)
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF (formerly, KraneShares Emerging Markets Consumer Technology Index ETF) – (KEMQ)
KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF – (KCSH)
KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF – (KVLE)
KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF – (KWIN)
Shares of each Fund are or will be listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc., except KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF, KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF and KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF are or will be listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), nor have the SEC or CFTC passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
KraneShares Trust
Table of Contents
Fund Summary
i
The Fund seeks to provide investors with returns that match the total return of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (“Underlying ETF”) of increases of up to 40% of the Underlying ETF (prior to taking into account any fees or expenses) (“Cap”) while providing a Buffer against 90% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF (prior to taking into account any fees or expenses) (“Buffer”), over the period from January 27, 2025 to January 15, 2027 (the “Outcome Period”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was
| 1 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
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The Fund’s strategy is designed to provide investors with the opportunity over a limited period of time (the “Outcome Period”) to benefit up to a certain extent (the “Cap”) from increases in the total return of the Underlying ETF with only a portion of the risk (the “Buffer”) otherwise attendant to investing in the asset class represented by the Underlying ETF, which is China Internet Companies.
The Cap seeks to provide shareholders with up to 40% (prior to taking into account any fees and expenses) of increases in the total return of the Underlying ETF (i.e., the performance of the secondary market share price including any distributions) (its “total return”) during the Outcome Period. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 39.32%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. The Cap represents the maximum total return an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund over the duration of the Outcome Period. The Fund’s total return will not appreciate beyond the Cap and Fund shareholders may underperform the Underlying ETF.
The Buffer seeks to protect shareholders that hold shares for the entire Outcome Period from declines in the Fund’s total return by providing a buffer against 90% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF. Stated differently, if the total return of the Underlying ETF’s shares decreased by more than 10% during the Outcome Period, the Buffer seeks to limit Fund NAV losses to 10%. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 89.31%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in providing the Buffer.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (the “Underlying ETF”) and options, including FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX options”), that reference the Underlying ETF. The Underlying ETF is an exchange-traded fund advised by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or the “Adviser”) that seeks to track the CSI Overseas China Internet Index (the “Index”). The Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of China Internet Companies listed outside of mainland China, as determined by China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“Index Provider”). The reference asset for all of the Fund’s options is the Underlying ETF. More information about the Underlying ETF and its Index is included at the end of this section.
There is no guarantee that investors in the Fund will experience the sought-after outcomes based on the Cap and Buffer (“Outcomes”) over the Outcome Period: |
China
Internet Companies:
Outcome Period: The period of January 27, 2025 through January 15, 2027 is referred to as the Outcome Period. The Buffer and the Cap are based on the total return of the Underlying ETF and are set on the first day of the Outcome Period.
Options Contract: An agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy or sell a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price. FLEX options are customizable exchange-traded option contracts guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”). |
| ● | The Fund’s strategy is designed to produce the Outcomes based upon the total return of the Underlying ETF from the first day of the Outcome Period to the last day of the Outcome Period. The Outcomes may only be realized by investors who continuously hold shares from the beginning of the Outcome Period until the end of the Outcome Period. Investors that purchase shares after the Outcome Period has begun or sell shares prior to the Outcome Period ends may experience investment returns very different from those that the Fund seeks to provide. |
| ● | When establishing an Outcome Period the Fund cannot anticipate any corporate actions that may affect the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF, such as significant distributions by the Underlying ETF, and that may cause the strike price of the options held by the Fund to be adjusted by the OCC. An adjustment of the strike price of the options held by the Fund by the OCC may adversely impact the Outcomes. |
| 2 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Although the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane, generally anticipates that the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) will increase on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF increases and will decrease on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF decreases, the rate of such increase or decrease is expected to be less than that experienced by the Underlying ETF. This is because the Fund’s NAV is based upon the value of its portfolio, which is composed principally of the Underlying ETF and options; and while the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF is a significant component of the value of the Fund’s options, the time remaining until those options expire also affects their value. As a result, the Fund’s NAV is not expected to increase or decrease at the same rate as the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF.
Further, as the Fund gets closer to the end of the Outcome Period, the value of the Underlying ETF, the put options and the calls options may differ from the values at the beginning of the Outcome Period. Such shift in the value of the Fund’s holdings over time may increase risks to one type of exposure in the Fund compared to the other.
The two hypothetical graphical illustrations provided below are designed to illustrate the Outcomes, before any fees and expenses, that the Fund seeks to provide for investors who hold shares for the entirety of the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide the Outcomes for an Outcome Period.

| 3 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |

| * | Please note: this graph is provided merely to illustrate the Outcomes that the Fund seeks to provide based upon the performance of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF. There is no guarantee that these outcomes will be achieved over the Outcome Period. |
The following table is designed to illustrate the Outcomes the Fund seeks to provide over an Outcome Period, assuming the hypothetical performance of the Underlying ETF (from -100% to 100%) shown in the first line of the table. The table is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not provide every possible performance scenario for shares over the course of an Outcome Period. The table is not intended to predict or project the performance of the Fund or the Underlying ETF. Fund shareholders should not take this information as an assurance of the expected performance of the Underlying ETF or return on the Fund’s shares. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide the Outcomes for an Outcome Period.
| Hypothetical Underlying ETF Performance | (100)% | (50)% | (20)% | (5)% | 0% | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% | 50% | 100% |
| Fund Performance | (10)%** | (10)%** | (10)%** | (5)% | 0% | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% | 40%* | 40%* |
| * | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 39.32%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. | |
| ** | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 89.31%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. |
Since the Fund invests in the Underlying ETF, the Fund will receive distributions made by the Underlying ETF. These distributions paid by the Underlying ETF may cause the OCC to make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options. If this occurs, then such an adjustment can cause changes to the Fund’s Buffer and Cap and may adversely affect the Outcomes. As a result, the Fund may not perform as expected and Fund shareholders could be adversely impacted, especially Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period and Fund shareholders who do not hold shares for the entire Outcome Period.
| 4 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
The following hypothetical tables are designed to illustrate the impact of strike price adjustments on the Fund’s Buffer and Cap due to distributions by the Underlying ETF. These tables are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not provide every possible scenario over the course of an Outcome Period. These tables are not intended to predict or project any distributions by the Fund or the Underlying ETF or the performance of the Fund or the Underlying ETF. Fund shareholders should not take this information as an assurance of the expected distributions or performance of the Underlying ETF or the Fund. The tables assume the Underlying ETF’s market price is $30 for each period shown and the Underlying ETF distributes $3 in capital gains to the Fund, which distributes the same amount to Fund shareholders. The tables assume the OCC adjusts the strike price of the Fund’s options as shown due to such distributions. The tables also assumes a shareholder purchases Fund shares on the first day of the Outcome Period and continuously holds Fund shares until the end of the Outcome Period. While these tables assumes that the Fund distributes the same amount of distribution received from the Underlying ETF, the Fund may not always distribute the entire amount of the distribution received from the Underlying ETF.
Impact on Buffer With Strike Price Adjustment Due to Distributions
| Period | Distribution | Adjustment to Strike Price | Distribution as a % of Strike Price | Buffer* | Buffer* with Distribution Included |
| First Day | - | - | - | 90% | - |
| End of First Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 80% | 90% |
| End of Second Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 70% | 90% |
| * | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 89.31%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. |
As shown in the table, while the amount of the “Buffer” is expected to decrease due to such strike price adjustments, the “Buffer with the Distribution Included” is expected to approximate the Buffer on the first day if a shareholder includes the distribution they were paid by the Fund in the Buffer amount.
Impact on Cap With Strike Price Adjustment Due to Distribution
| Period | Distribution | Adjustment to Strike Price | Distribution as a % of Strike Price | Cap* | Cap* with Distribution Included |
| First Day | - | - | - | 40% | - |
| End of First Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 30% | 40% |
| End of Second Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 20% | 40% |
| * | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 39.32%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. |
| 5 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
As shown in the table, while the amount of the “Cap” is expected to decrease due to such strike price adjustments, the “Cap with the Distribution Included” is expected to approximate the Cap on the first day if a shareholder includes the distribution they were paid by the Fund in the Cap amount.
If the Underlying ETF makes distributions and the OCC does not make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options, a shareholder will need to include the amount of the distributions to achieve the sought after Outcomes. As a result, Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period could be adversely impacted, especially those Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the Fund has made any distributions.
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Use of Options, including FLEX Options. The Adviser will construct a portfolio principally composed of the Underlying ETF and options, including FLEX options, that reference the Underlying ETF and are set to expire on the last day of the Outcome Period. Each of the options purchased and sold throughout the Outcome Period are expected to have the same or similar terms (i.e., strike price and expiration) as the options purchased and sold on the first day of the Outcome Period.
At the commencement of the Outcome Period, the Adviser selects the strike price for each option such that when the options are exercised on the final day of the Outcome Period, the Outcomes may be obtained. The customizable nature of FLEX options allows the Adviser to make the FLEX options exercisable only on the expiration date of the option contract (i.e., European style option contracts). The Fund will only write (sell) FLEX options that are European style option contracts. The Fund may purchase options that are European style option contracts and options that are exercisable at any time (i.e., American style option contracts).
To achieve the Outcomes, the Fund may purchase and sell a combination of call option contracts and put option contracts.
The Outcome Period. The Outcomes sought by the Fund are based upon the total return of the Underlying ETF at the start of the Outcome Period. The next Outcome Period begins on January 27, 2025 and ends on January 15, 2027. As the terms of the options do not change during each Outcome Period, the Cap and Buffer both will be measured to the total return of the Underlying ETF on the first day of the Outcome Period. A shareholder that purchases shares after the commencement of the Outcome Period will likely have purchased shares at a different NAV than the NAV on the first day of the Outcome Period and therefore may experience investment outcomes that are very different from those sought by the Fund. Since the Fund will only exercise options on the final day of the Outcome Period, a shareholder that sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period may also experience investment outcomes very different from those sought by the Fund. To achieve the Outcomes sought by the Fund for the Outcome Period, an investor must hold shares continuously throughout the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide the Outcomes. |
Strike Price: Generally, the price at which an option holder may exercise the right to purchase or sell the reference asset of an option contract upon expiration of the contract. For the Fund, the strike price will be the total return of the Underlying ETF at which the Fund may exercise an option at the end of the Outcome Period.
Call Option Contract: A call option contract gives the buyer of the call option contract the right (but not the obligation) to buy, and the seller of the call option contract (i.e., the “writer”) the obligation to sell, a specified amount of an underlying security at a pre-determined price.
Put Option Contract: A put option contract gives the buyer of the put option contract the right (but not the obligation) to sell, and the writer of the put option contract the obligation to buy, a specified amount of an underlying security at a pre-determined price. |
| 6 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the Underlying ETF and options, including FLEX options, on the Underlying ETF. However, because a component of an option’s value is the number of days remaining until its expiration, during the Outcome Period, the Fund’s NAV will not directly correlate on a day-to-day basis with the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF. The Adviser generally anticipates that the Fund’s NAV will increase on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF increases and will decrease on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF decreases, but that the rate of such increase or decrease will be less than that experienced by the Underlying ETF. For the same reasons, the impact of the Buffer on the Fund, may not be in full effect prior to the end of the Outcome Period. Since the options do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF may be lower than if the options had a shorter term. The Fund seeks to provide the Outcomes only for the entirety of the Outcome Period and investors should not expect the sought-after Outcomes at any point prior to the end of the Outcome Period.
The Buffer on Losses. The Buffer seeks to protect shareholders that hold shares for the entire Outcome Period from declines in the Fund’s total return by providing a buffer against 90% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF, not including any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns. The Fund seeks to produce the Outcomes for the Outcome Period upon the expiration of its options investments on the last day of the Outcome Period. Therefore, it should not be expected that the Buffer, including the net effect of the Fund’s annual management fee, will be provided at any point prior to the last day of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares at a time during an Outcome Period when the total return of the Underlying ETF has already increased, then the investor will incur losses notwithstanding the Buffer since the Buffer only seeks to protect against declines in the total return of the Underlying ETF from the beginning of the Outcome Period. Similarly, if an investor sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not protect against losses. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 89.31%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. In addition, any changes in the Fund’s options due to material corporate actions, including material distributions, could reduce the Buffer during an Outcome Period.
The Cap on Upside Returns. Unlike other investment products, the potential upside total return an investor can receive from an investment in the Fund over the Outcome Period is limited by the Cap. The Cap represents the maximum total return an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund over the duration of the Outcome Period. Therefore, even though the Fund’s total returns are expected to approximate the total return of the Underlying ETF, in the event that the total return of the Underlying ETF exceeds the Cap for the Outcome Period, the Fund will not appreciate beyond the Cap. The Cap is determined on the first day of the Outcome Period and is 40.01% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 39.32%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund, including any extraordinary expenses, and any shareholder transaction fees. For the purpose of this prospectus, “extraordinary expenses” are non-recurring expenses that may be incurred by the Fund outside of the ordinary course of its business, including, without limitation, costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or similar proceedings, indemnification expenses and expenses in connection with holding and/or soliciting proxies for a meeting of Fund shareholders. In addition, any changes in the Fund’s options due to material corporate actions, including material distributions, could have the effect of reducing the Cap for an Outcome Period.
The Cap is a result of the design of the Fund’s principal investment strategy. In order to provide the sought-after Buffer, the Fund purchases a series of options. As the purchaser of these options, the Fund is obligated to pay a premium to the seller of those options. However, the strategy is designed so that any premiums that the Fund is obligated to pay are offset by premiums it receives in connection with selling options that established the Cap. These transactions occur on the first day of the Outcome Period: the Adviser calculates the amount of premium that the Fund owes in order to buy options to provide the Buffer, and then sells options with terms that entitle the Fund to receive that same amount as a premium to determine the Cap. The Cap is the strike price of the written options, which is determined based upon prevailing market conditions at the time, most notably current interest rate levels, volatility in the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF, time remaining until the options expire, and the relationship of put and call options on the Underlying ETF.
The Cap will change from one Outcome Period to the next based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of the Outcome Period. The Cap, and the Fund’s position relative to it, should be considered before investing in the Fund.
| 7 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Subsequent Outcome Periods. The Fund is designed to be a continuous investment vehicle. It is not expected to terminate and distribute its assets at the conclusion of an Outcome Period. Rather, at the end of each Outcome Period, a subsequent Outcome Period is expected to begin.
At the end of each Outcome Period, the Fund will receive the cash value of all the options it held for the prior Outcome Period. It will then invest in a new series of options with an expiration date of approximately two years in the future, and a new Outcome Period will begin. Since the Cap for any Outcome Period is based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of an Outcome Period, the Cap will rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next.
Investors who hold shares of the Fund at the end of an Outcome Period will receive two notices of the commencement of the subsequent Outcome Period. Approximately one week prior to the end of an Outcome Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement alerting existing shareholders that an Outcome Period is ending. The supplement will disclose the new name of the Fund, which will be revised to reflect the dates of the next Outcome Period, and the anticipated ranges for the Cap for the next Outcome Period. After the close of business on the last day of the Outcome Period, the Fund will file another prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund’s final Cap (both gross and net of the management fee) for the next Outcome Period and the change in the Fund’s name to reflect the new Outcome Period.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in instruments that are not included in the 80% test noted above. These investments include equity securities, depositary receipts, derivative instruments, other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds).
The Fund is non-diversified.
Additional Information About the Underlying ETF. The Underlying ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Index, which is designed to measure the equity market performance of China Internet Companies.
| ● | The Index Provider defines China-based companies as those that: (i) are incorporated in mainland China; (ii) have their headquarters in mainland China; or (iii) derive at least 50% of its revenue from goods produced or sold, or services performed, in mainland China. |
| ● | China Internet Companies include, but are not limited to, companies that develop and market Internet software and/or provide Internet services; manufacture home entertainment software and educational software for home use; provide retail or commercial services primarily through the Internet; and develop and market mobile Internet software and/or provide mobile Internet services. |
The Index excludes securities that during the past year had a daily average trading value of less than $3 million or a daily average market cap of less than $2 billion. Constituents of the Index are ranked by free-float market capitalization in U.S. Dollars and then weighted so that no constituent exceeds 10% at each rebalance with the top five constituents capped at 40%.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Index:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| 8 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $546.0 million to $561.8 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $43.0 billion. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted semi-annually. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (41.4%) and Communication Services sector (37.4%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index.
Although the Underlying ETF expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Index, the Underlying ETF reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Index. In addition, the Underlying ETF may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Index, but that Krane believes will help the Underlying ETF track the Index. The Underlying ETF’s prospectus and other reports are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Underlying ETF is traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. under the ticker symbol KWEB.
Principal Risks
The Fund has
characteristics unlike traditional investment products and may not be suitable
for all investors. Although the Fund seeks to achieve the Outcomes consistent
with its investment objective, there is no guarantee that it will do so. An
investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for investors who do not intend to
hold Fund shares for the entire Outcome Period. The Fund may not achieve its
investment objective and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete
or balanced investment program.
Buffered Loss Risk. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide protection against 90% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF over the duration of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not be effective. If an investor purchases shares at a time during an Outcome Period when the total return of the Underlying ETF has already increased, then the investor will incur losses notwithstanding the Buffer since the Buffer only seeks to protect against declines in the total return of the Underlying ETF from the beginning of the Outcome Period. If the options (and therefore the Buffer) do not perform as expected, an investor may experience significant losses, including the investor’s entire investment.
Capped Upside Return Risk. Even if the total return of the Underlying ETF exceeds the Cap for the Outcome Period, the Fund will not appreciate beyond the Cap. Due to the Cap, the Fund may significantly underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares of the Fund after the beginning of the Outcome Period and Fund shares have appreciated close to the Cap, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their shares yet such investor is exposed to potential losses between the appreciated share price and the Fund’s NAV at the commencement of the Outcome Period. Further, because the options are expected to produce returns that match the total return of the Underlying ETF (subject to the Cap) on the last day of the Outcome Period, if an investor sells shares prior to that day, such investor may sell at a price that does not reflect the total return of the Underlying ETF and may sell at a price when the Fund has underperformed the Underlying ETF.
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Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Options Risk. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
Any FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
Options Income Risk. The Fund generates option premium income generated from the sale of options (“option income”). This option income generally is classified as a return of capital for financial accounting purposes, which is how such income is required to be reported on the 19(a) notices that the Fund is required to issue after its monthly distributions. However, the 19(a) notices do not reflect the tax character of the option income, which is determined after the end of the calendar year. The option income for tax purposes is likely to be considered taxable investment income and may not reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund when distributed.
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OCC Resetting Strike Prices Risk. Subject to determination by the Securities Committee of the OCC, adjustments may be made to the Fund’s options for certain events (collectively, “Corporate Actions”) specified in the OCC’s bylaws and rules such as: certain stock dividends or distributions, stock splits, reverse stock splits, rights offerings, distributions, reorganizations, recapitalizations, or reclassifications with respect to an underlying security, or a merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of the issuer of the underlying security. According to the OCC’s by-laws, the nature and extent of any such adjustment is to be determined by the OCC’s Securities Committee, in light of the circumstances known to it at the time such determination is made, based on its judgment as to what is appropriate for the protection of investors and the public interest, taking into account such factors as fairness to holders and writers (or purchasers and sellers) of the affected options, the maintenance of a fair and orderly market in the affected options, consistency of interpretation and practice, efficiency of exercise settlement procedures, and the coordination with other clearing agencies of the clearance and settlement of transactions in the underlying interest. If the OCC’s Securities Committee determines that a Corporate Action warrants an adjustment to the strike price of the Fund’s options, the Fund’s Buffer and Cap will be adjusted accordingly and will differ from amount set at the beginning of the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the options will be adjusted.
Clearing Member Default Risk. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to, and receive payments from, a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any option contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for its options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. The loss of a clearing member for the Fund to transact with could result in increased transaction costs and other operational issues that could impede the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.
The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the event an OCC clearing member that is a counterparty of the Fund were to become insolvent, the Fund may have some or all of its options closed without its consent or may experience delays or other difficulties in attempting to close or exercise its affected options positions, both of which would impair the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
Outcome Period Risk. The Fund seeks to deliver returns that match those of the Underlying ETF’s total return if shares are held by an investor from the beginning of the Outcome Period. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by the investor should not be expected to match those that the Fund seeks to provide. Further, because the Fund utilizes an Outcome Period that is approximately two years long, the risk of experiencing non-correlated returns is exacerbated.
Upside Participation Risk. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide shareholders with the total return of the Underlying ETF’s shares over the Outcome Period prior to taking into account any fees or expenses, subject to the maximum total return imposed by the Cap. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or does not stay invested in the Fund for the entirety of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by such investor may not match those that the Fund seeks to achieve. In order to finance the downside protection offered by the Buffer, the Fund enters into a sold call option contract which limits its upside potential. Since the Buffer seeks to provide protection against 90% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF over the duration of the Outcome Period, the Cap may be lower than the caps imposed by other ETFs that utilize defined outcome investing strategies with different buffers, on a relative basis. Due to the Cap, the Fund may significantly underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of the Outcome Period. Finally, the Fund’s Cap is dependent upon market conditions at the commencement of the new Outcome Period. In certain market conditions, the Fund’s Cap may provide relatively low upside potential, which may cause the Fund to further underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of an Outcome Period.
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Cap Change Risk. In addition, since the Fund invests in the Underlying ETF, the Fund will receive distributions made by the Underlying ETF. These distributions paid by the Underlying ETF may cause the OCC to make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options. If this occurs, then such an adjustment can cause changes to the Fund’s Buffer and Cap and may adversely affect the Outcomes. As a result, the Fund may not perform as expected and Fund shareholders could be adversely impacted, especially Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period and Fund shareholders who do not hold shares for the entire Outcome Period. A new Cap is established at the beginning of each Outcome Period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions at the time the Cap is established. As such, the Cap may rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive Outcome Periods.
Non-Correlation Risk. The FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
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Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
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Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
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Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
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ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Conflict of Interest Risk. Because the Fund and the Underlying ETF are both managed by Krane, Krane is subject to conflicts of interest relating to the management of the Fund and Underlying ETF including the fair valuation of the Underlying ETF’s securities. Any fair valuation decisions made by Krane regarding securities held by the Underlying ETF impact the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and may impact the pricing of the options held by the Fund.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
| 16 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. The Adviser’s evaluations and assumptions regarding investments, interest rates, inflation, and other factors may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
| 17 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As of
| 18 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF | 1 year | Since
Inception () |
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| CSI
Overseas China Internet Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
| 19 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 20 | KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
The Fund seeks to provide investors with returns that match the total return of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (“Underlying ETF”) of increases of up to 20% of the Underlying ETF (prior to taking into account any fees or expenses) (“Cap”) while providing a Buffer against 100% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF (prior to taking into account any fees or expenses) (“Buffer”), over the period from January 27, 2025 to January 15, 2027 (the “ Outcome Period”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * | |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was
| 21 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
|
The Fund’s strategy is designed to provide investors with the opportunity over a limited period of time (the “Outcome Period”) to benefit up to a certain extent (the “Cap”) from increases in the total return of the Underlying ETF with only a portion of the risk (the “Buffer”) otherwise attendant to investing in the asset class represented by the Underlying ETF, which is China Internet Companies.
The Cap seeks to provide shareholders with up to 20% (prior to taking into account any fees and expenses) of increases in the total return of the Underlying ETF (i.e., the performance of the secondary market share price including any distributions) (its “total return”) during the Outcome Period. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 19.42%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. The Cap represents the maximum total return an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund over the duration of the Outcome Period. The Fund’s total return will not appreciate beyond the Cap and Fund shareholders may underperform the Underlying ETF.
The Buffer seeks to protect shareholders that hold shares for the entire Outcome Period from declines in the Fund’s total return by providing a buffer against approximately 100% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 99.41%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in providing the Buffer.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (the “Underlying ETF”) and options, including FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX options”), that reference the Underlying ETF. The Underlying ETF is an exchange-traded fund advised by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or the “Adviser”) that seeks to track the CSI Overseas China Internet Index (the “Index”). The Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of China Internet Companies listed outside of mainland China, as determined by China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“Index Provider”). The reference asset for all of the Fund’s options is the Underlying ETF. More information about the Underlying ETF and its Index is included at the end of this section.
There is no guarantee that investors in the Fund will experience the sought-after outcomes based on the Cap and Buffer (“Outcomes”) over the Outcome Period: |
China
Internet Companies:
Outcome Period: The period of January 27, 2025 through January 15, 2027 is referred to as the Outcome Period. The Buffer and the Cap are based on the total return of the Underlying ETF and are set on the first day of the Outcome Period.
Options Contract: An agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy or sell a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price. FLEX options are customizable exchange-traded option contracts guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”). |
| ● | The Fund’s strategy is designed to produce the Outcomes based upon the total return of the Underlying ETF from the first day of the Outcome Period to the last day of the Outcome Period. The Outcomes may only be realized by investors who continuously hold shares from the beginning of the Outcome Period until the end of the Outcome Period. Investors that purchase shares after the Outcome Period has begun or sell shares prior to the Outcome Period ends may experience investment returns very different from those that the Fund seeks to provide. |
| ● | When establishing an Outcome Period the Fund cannot anticipate any corporate actions that may affect the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF, such as significant distributions by the Underlying ETF, and that may cause the strike price of the options held by the Fund to be adjusted by the OCC. An adjustment of the strike price of the options held by the Fund by the OCC may adversely impact the Outcomes. |
| 22 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Although the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane, generally anticipates that the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) will increase on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF increases and will decrease on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF decreases, the rate of such increase or decrease is expected to be less than that experienced by the Underlying ETF. This is because the Fund’s NAV is based upon the value of its portfolio, which is composed principally of the Underlying ETF and options; and while the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF is a significant component of the value of the Fund’s options, the time remaining until those options expire also affects their value. As a result, the Fund’s NAV is not expected to increase or decrease at the same rate as the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF.
Further, as the Fund gets closer to the end of the Outcome Period, the value of the Underlying ETF, the put options and the calls options may differ from the values at the beginning of the Outcome Period. Such shift in the value of the Fund’s holdings over time may increase risks to one type of exposure in the Fund compared to the other.
The two hypothetical graphical illustrations provided below are designed to illustrate the Outcomes, before any fees and expenses, that the Fund seeks to provide for investors who hold shares for the entirety of the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide the Outcomes for an Outcome Period.

| 23 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |

| * | Please note: this graph is provided merely to illustrate the Outcomes that the Fund seeks to provide based upon the performance of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF. There is no guarantee that these outcomes will be achieved over the Outcome Period. |
The following table is designed to illustrate the Outcomes the Fund seeks to provide over an Outcome Period, assuming the hypothetical performance of the Underlying ETF (from -100% to 100%) shown in the first line of the table. The table is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not provide every possible performance scenario for shares over the course of an Outcome Period. The table is not intended to predict or project the performance of the Fund or the Underlying ETF. Fund shareholders should not take this information as an assurance of the expected performance of the Underlying ETF or return on the Fund’s shares. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide the Outcomes for an Outcome Period.
| Hypothetical Underlying ETF Performance | (100)% | (50)% | (20)% | (5)% | 0% | 5% | 10% | 15% | 25% | 50% | 100% |
| Fund Performance | 0%** | 0%** | 0%** | 0%** | 0% | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20%* | 20%* | 20%* |
| * | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 19.42%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. | |
| ** | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 99.41%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. |
| 24 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Since the Fund invests in the Underlying ETF, the Fund will receive distributions made by the Underlying ETF. These distributions paid by the Underlying ETF may cause the OCC to make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options. If this occurs, then such an adjustment can cause changes to the Fund’s Buffer and Cap and may adversely affect the Outcomes. As a result, the Fund may not perform as expected and Fund shareholders could be adversely impacted, especially Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period and Fund shareholders who do not hold shares for the entire Outcome Period.
The following hypothetical tables are designed to illustrate the impact of strike price adjustments on the Fund’s Buffer and Cap due to distributions by the Underlying ETF. These tables are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not provide every possible scenario over the course of an Outcome Period. These tables are not intended to predict or project any distributions by the Fund or the Underlying ETF or the performance of the Fund or the Underlying ETF. Fund shareholders should not take this information as an assurance of the expected distributions or performance of the Underlying ETF or the Fund. The tables assume the Underlying ETF’s market price is $30 for each period shown and the Underlying ETF distributes $3 in capital gains to the Fund, which distributes the same amount to Fund shareholders. The tables assume the OCC adjusts the strike price of the Fund’s options as shown due to such distributions. The tables also assume a shareholder purchases Fund shares on the first day of the Outcome Period and continuously holds Fund shares until the end of the Outcome Period. While these tables assume that the Fund distributes the same amount of distribution received from the Underlying ETF, the Fund may not always distribute the entire amount of the distribution received from the Underlying ETF.
Impact on Buffer With Strike Price Adjustment Due to Distributions
| Period | Distribution | Adjustment to Strike Price | Distribution as a % of Strike Price | Buffer* | Buffer* with Distribution Included |
| First Day | - | - | - | 100% | - |
| End of First Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 90% | 100% |
| End of Second Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 80% | 100% |
| * | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 99.41%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. |
As shown in the table, while the amount of the “Buffer” is expected to decrease due to such strike price adjustments, the “Buffer with the Distribution Included” is expected to approximate the Buffer on the first day if a shareholder includes the distribution they were paid by the Fund in the Buffer amount.
Impact on Cap With Strike Price Adjustment Due to Distribution
| Period | Distribution | Adjustment to Strike Price | Distribution as a % of Strike Price | Cap* | Cap* with Distribution Included |
| First Day | - | - | - | 20% | - |
| End of First Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 10% | 20% |
| End of Second Year | $3 | Strike Price Reduced by $3 | 10% | 0% | 20% |
| * | When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 19.42%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. |
| 25 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
As shown in the table, while the amount of the “Cap” is expected to decrease due to such strike price adjustments, the “Cap with the Distribution Included” is expected to approximate the Cap on the first day if a shareholder includes the distribution they were paid by the Fund in the Cap amount.
If the Underlying ETF makes distributions and the OCC does not make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options, a shareholder will need to include the amount of the distributions to achieve the sought after Outcomes. As a result, Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period could be adversely impacted, especially those Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the Fund has made any distributions.
|
Use of Options, including FLEX Options. The Adviser will construct a portfolio principally composed of the Underlying ETF and options, including FLEX options, that reference the Underlying ETF and are set to expire on the last day of the Outcome Period. Each of the options purchased and sold throughout the Outcome Period are expected to have the same or similar terms (i.e., strike price and expiration) as the options purchased and sold on the first day of the Outcome Period.
At the commencement of the Outcome Period, the Adviser selects the strike price for each option such that when the options are exercised on the final day of the Outcome Period, the Outcomes may be obtained. The customizable nature of FLEX options allows the Adviser to make the FLEX options exercisable only on the expiration date of the option contract (i.e., European style option contracts). The Fund will only write (sell) FLEX options that are European style option contracts. The Fund may purchase options that are European style option contracts and options that are exercisable at any time (i.e., American style option contracts).
To achieve the Outcomes, the Fund may purchase and sell a combination of call option contracts and put option contracts.
The Outcome Period. The Outcomes sought by the Fund are based upon the total return of the Underlying ETF at the start of the Outcome Period. The next Outcome Period begins on January 27, 2025 and ends on January 15, 2027. As the terms of the options do not change during each Outcome Period, the Cap and Buffer both will be measured to the total return of the Underlying ETF on the first day of the Outcome Period. A shareholder that purchases shares after the commencement of the Outcome Period will likely have purchased shares at a different NAV than the NAV on the first day of the Outcome Period and therefore may experience investment outcomes that are very different from those sought by the Fund. Since the Fund will only exercise options on the final day of the Outcome Period, a shareholder that sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period may also experience investment outcomes very different from those sought by the Fund. To achieve the Outcomes sought by the Fund for the Outcome Period, an investor must hold shares continuously throughout the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide the Outcomes. |
Strike Price: Generally, the price at which an option holder may exercise the right to purchase or sell the reference asset of an option contract upon expiration of the contract. For the Fund, the strike price will be the total return of the Underlying ETF at which the Fund may exercise an option at the end of the Outcome Period.
Call Option Contract: A call option contract gives the buyer of the call option contract the right (but not the obligation) to buy, and the seller of the call option contract (i.e., the “writer”) the obligation to sell, a specified amount of an underlying security at a pre-determined price.
Put Option Contract: A put option contract gives the buyer of the put option contract the right (but not the obligation) to sell, and the writer of the put option contract the obligation to buy, a specified amount of an underlying security at a pre-determined price. |
| 26 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the Underlying ETF and options, including FLEX options, on the Underlying ETF. However, because a component of an option’s value is the number of days remaining until its expiration, during the Outcome Period, the Fund’s NAV will not directly correlate on a day-to-day basis with the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF. The Adviser generally anticipates that the Fund’s NAV will increase on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF increases and will decrease on days when the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF decreases, but that the rate of such increase or decrease will be less than that experienced by the Underlying ETF. For the same reasons, the impact of the Buffer on the Fund, may not be in full effect prior to the end of the Outcome Period. Since the options do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF may be lower than if the options had a shorter term. The Fund seeks to provide the Outcomes only for the entirety of the Outcome Period and investors should not expect the sought-after Outcomes at any point prior to the end of the Outcome Period.
The Buffer on Losses. The Buffer seeks to protect shareholders that hold shares for the entire Outcome Period from declines in the Fund’s total return by providing a buffer against 100% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF, not including any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns. The Fund seeks to produce the Outcomes for the Outcome Period upon the expiration of its options investments on the last day of the Outcome Period. Therefore, it should not be expected that the Buffer, including the net effect of the Fund’s annual management fee, will be provided at any point prior to the last day of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares at a time during an Outcome Period when the total return of the Underlying ETF has already increased, then the investor will incur losses notwithstanding the Buffer since the Buffer only seeks to protect against declines in the total return of the Underlying ETF from the beginning of the Outcome Period. Similarly, if an investor sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not protect against losses. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is approximately 99.41%. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. In addition, any changes in the Fund’s options due to material corporate actions, including material distributions, could reduce the Buffer during an Outcome Period.
The Cap on Upside Returns. Unlike other investment products, the potential upside total return an investor can receive from an investment in the Fund over the Outcome Period is limited by the Cap. The Cap represents the maximum total return an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund over the duration of the Outcome Period. Therefore, even though the Fund’s total returns are expected to approximate the total return of the Underlying ETF, in the event that the total return of the Underlying ETF exceeds the Cap for the Outcome Period, the Fund will not appreciate beyond the Cap. The Cap is determined on the first day of the Outcome Period and is 20.01% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is approximately 19.42%. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund, including any extraordinary expenses, and any shareholder transaction fees. For the purpose of this prospectus, “extraordinary expenses” are non-recurring expenses that may be incurred by the Fund outside of the ordinary course of its business, including, without limitation, costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or similar proceedings, indemnification expenses and expenses in connection with holding and/or soliciting proxies for a meeting of Fund shareholders. In addition, any changes in the Fund’s options due to material corporate actions, including material distributions, could have the effect of reducing the Cap for an Outcome Period.
The Cap is a result of the design of the Fund’s principal investment strategy. In order to provide the sought-after Buffer, the Fund purchases a series of options. As the purchaser of these options, the Fund is obligated to pay a premium to the seller of those options. However, the strategy is designed so that any premiums that the Fund is obligated to pay are offset by premiums it receives in connection with selling options that established the Cap. These transactions occur on the first day of the Outcome Period: the Adviser calculates the amount of premium that the Fund owes in order to buy options to provide the Buffer, and then sells options with terms that entitle the Fund to receive that same amount as a premium to determine the Cap. The Cap is the strike price of the written options, which is determined based upon prevailing market conditions at the time, most notably current interest rate levels, volatility in the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF, time remaining until the options expire, and the relationship of put and call options on the Underlying ETF.
The Cap will change from one Outcome Period to the next based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of the Outcome Period. The Cap, and the Fund’s position relative to it, should be considered before investing in the Fund.
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Subsequent Outcome Periods. The Fund is designed to be a continuous investment vehicle. It is not expected to terminate and distribute its assets at the conclusion of an Outcome Period. Rather, at the end of each Outcome Period, a subsequent Outcome Period is expected to begin.
At the end of each Outcome Period, the Fund will receive the cash value of all the options it held for the prior Outcome Period. It will then invest in a new series of options with an expiration date of approximately two years in the future, and a new Outcome Period will begin. Since the Cap for any Outcome Period is based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of an Outcome Period, the Cap will rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next.
Investors who hold shares of the Fund at the end of an Outcome Period will receive two notices of the commencement of the subsequent Outcome Period. Approximately one week prior to the end of an Outcome Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement alerting existing shareholders that an Outcome Period is ending. The supplement will disclose the new name of the Fund, which will be revised to reflect the dates of the next Outcome Period, and the anticipated ranges for the Cap for the next Outcome Period. After the close of business on the last day of the Outcome Period, the Fund will file another prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund’s final Cap (both gross and net of the management fee) for the next Outcome Period and the change in the Fund’s name to reflect the new Outcome Period.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in instruments that are not included in the 80% test noted above. These investments include equity securities, depositary receipts, derivative instruments, other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds).
The Fund is non-diversified.
Additional Information About the Underlying ETF. The Underlying ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Index, which is designed to measure the equity market performance of China Internet Companies.
| ● | The Index Provider defines China-based companies as those that: (i) are incorporated in mainland China; (ii) have their headquarters in mainland China; or (iii) derive at least 50% of its revenue from goods produced or sold, or services performed, in mainland China. |
| ● | China Internet Companies include, but are not limited to, companies that develop and market Internet software and/or provide Internet services; manufacture home entertainment software and educational software for home use; provide retail or commercial services primarily through the Internet; and develop and market mobile Internet software and/or provide mobile Internet services. |
The Index excludes securities that during the past year had a daily average trading value of less than $3 million or a daily average market cap of less than $2 billion. Constituents of the Index are ranked by free-float market capitalization in U.S. Dollars and then weighted so that no constituent exceeds 10% at each rebalance with the top five constituents capped at 40%.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Index:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
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| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $546.0 million to $561.8 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $43.0 billion. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted semi-annually. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (41.4%) and Communication Services sector (37.4%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index.
Although the Underlying ETF expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Index, the Underlying ETF reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Index. In addition, the Underlying ETF may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Index, but that Krane believes will help the Underlying ETF track the Index. The Underlying ETF’s prospectus and other reports are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Underlying ETF is traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. under the ticker symbol KWEB.
Principal Risks
The Fund has
characteristics unlike traditional investment products and may not be suitable
for all investors. Although the Fund seeks to achieve the Outcomes consistent
with its investment objective, there is no guarantee that it will do so. An
investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for investors who do not intend to
hold Fund shares for the entire Outcome Period. The Fund may not achieve its
investment objective and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete
or balanced investment program.
Buffered Loss Risk. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide protection against 100% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF over the duration of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not be effective. If an investor purchases shares at a time during an Outcome Period when the total return of the Underlying ETF has already increased, then the investor will incur losses notwithstanding the Buffer since the Buffer only seeks to protect against declines in the total return of the Underlying ETF from the beginning of the Outcome Period. If the options (and therefore the Buffer) do not perform as expected, an investor may experience significant losses, including the investor’s entire investment.
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Capped Upside Return Risk. Even if the total return of the Underlying ETF exceeds the Cap for the Outcome Period, the Fund will not appreciate beyond the Cap. Due to the Cap, the Fund may significantly underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares of the Fund after the beginning of the Outcome Period and Fund shares have appreciated close to the Cap, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their shares yet such investor is exposed to potential losses between the appreciated share price and the Fund’s NAV at the commencement of the Outcome Period. Further, because the options are expected to produce returns that match the total return of the Underlying ETF (subject to the Cap) on the last day of the Outcome Period, if an investor sells shares prior to that day, such investor may sell at a price that does not reflect the total return of the Underlying ETF and may sell at a price when the Fund has underperformed the Underlying ETF.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Options Risk. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
Any FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
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Option Income Risk. The Fund generates option premium income generated from the sale of options (“option income”). This option income generally is classified as a return of capital for financial accounting purposes, which is how such income is required to be reported on the 19(a) notices that the Fund is required to issue after its monthly distributions. However, the 19(a) notices do not reflect the tax character of the option income, which is determined after the end of the calendar year. The option income for tax purposes is likely to be considered taxable investment income and may not reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund when distributed.
OCC Resetting Strike Prices Risk. Subject to determination by the Securities Committee of the OCC, adjustments may be made to the Fund’s options for certain events (collectively, “Corporate Actions”) specified in the OCC’s bylaws and rules such as: certain stock dividends or distributions, stock splits, reverse stock splits, rights offerings, distributions, reorganizations, recapitalizations, or reclassifications with respect to an underlying security, or a merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of the issuer of the underlying security. According to the OCC’s by-laws, the nature and extent of any such adjustment is to be determined by the OCC’s Securities Committee, in light of the circumstances known to it at the time such determination is made, based on its judgment as to what is appropriate for the protection of investors and the public interest, taking into account such factors as fairness to holders and writers (or purchasers and sellers) of the affected options, the maintenance of a fair and orderly market in the affected options, consistency of interpretation and practice, efficiency of exercise settlement procedures, and the coordination with other clearing agencies of the clearance and settlement of transactions in the underlying interest. If the OCC’s Securities Committee determines that a Corporate Action warrants an adjustment to the strike price of the Fund’s options, the Fund’s Buffer and Cap will be adjusted accordingly and will differ from amount set at the beginning of the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the options will be adjusted.
Clearing Member Default Risk. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to, and receive payments from, a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any option contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for its options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. The loss of a clearing member for the Fund to transact with could result in increased transaction costs and other operational issues that could impede the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.
The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the event an OCC clearing member that is a counterparty of the Fund were to become insolvent, the Fund may have some or all of its options closed without its consent or may experience delays or other difficulties in attempting to close or exercise its affected options positions, both of which would impair the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
Outcome Period Risk. The Fund seeks to deliver returns that match those of the Underlying ETF’s total return if shares are held by an investor from the beginning of the Outcome Period. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by the investor should not be expected to match those that the Fund seeks to provide. Further, because the Fund utilizes an Outcome Period that is approximately two years long, the risk of experiencing non-correlated returns is exacerbated.
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Upside Participation Risk. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide shareholders with the total return of the Underlying ETF’s shares over the Outcome Period prior to taking into account any fees or expenses, subject to the maximum total return imposed by the Cap. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or does not stay invested in the Fund for the entirety of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by such investor may not match those that the Fund seeks to achieve. In order to finance the downside protection offered by the Buffer, the Fund enters into a sold call option contract which limits its upside potential. Since the Buffer seeks to provide protection against 100% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF over the duration of the Outcome Period, the Cap may be lower than the caps imposed by other ETFs that utilize defined outcome investing strategies with different buffers, on a relative basis. Due to the Cap, the Fund may significantly underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of the Outcome Period. Finally, the Fund’s Cap is dependent upon market conditions at the commencement of the new Outcome Period. In certain market conditions, the Fund’s Cap may provide relatively low upside potential, which may cause the Fund to further underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of an Outcome Period.
Cap Change Risk. In addition, since the Fund invests in the Underlying ETF, the Fund will receive distributions made by the Underlying ETF. These distributions paid by the Underlying ETF may cause the OCC to make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options. If this occurs, then such an adjustment can cause changes to the Fund’s Buffer and Cap and may adversely affect the Outcomes. As a result, the Fund may not perform as expected and Fund shareholders could be adversely impacted, especially Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period and Fund shareholders who do not hold shares for the entire Outcome Period. A new Cap is established at the beginning of each Outcome Period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions at the time the Cap is established. As such, the Cap may rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive Outcome Periods.
Non-Correlation Risk. The FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
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In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
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Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
| 34 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
| 35 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
| 36 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Conflict of Interest Risk. Because the Fund and the Underlying ETF are both managed by Krane, Krane is subject to conflicts of interest relating to the management of the Fund and Underlying ETF including the fair valuation of the Underlying ETF’s securities. Any fair valuation decisions made by Krane regarding securities held by the Underlying ETF impact the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and may impact the pricing of the options held by the Fund.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. The Adviser’s evaluations and assumptions regarding investments, interest rates, inflation, and other factors may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions.
| 37 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
| 38 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As
of
| 39 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF | 1 year | Since Inception () |
| MSCI China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| CSI Overseas China Internet Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
| 40 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 41 | KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF |
The KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide a total return that, before fees and expenses, exceeds that of the JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Non-Investment Grade Corporate Index (the “Underlying Index”) over a complete market cycle.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 42 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in U.S. dollar-denominated fixed income securities of issuers located in the Asia-Pacific region and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to such securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities, of any credit quality, duration or maturity, issued by corporate, quasi-sovereign (including government-linked agencies, supranational organizations, etc.) and sovereign issuers, including convertible bonds. The Fund seeks to invest in high income producing instruments and will seek to invest primarily in fixed income securities, including in Regulation S offerings outside of the U.S., that are below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) or unrated. Below investment grade securities are generally defined as those fixed income securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below the four highest categories (i.e., rated Ba1/BB+ or lower) by at least one independent credit rating agency or, if unrated, are determined by Amova Asset Management Americas, Inc. or its affiliates (the “Sub-Adviser”) to be of comparable quality.
The Asia-Pacific region is defined to encompass countries represented in the J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index or countries classified in Bloomberg’s country of risk from the Asia-Pacific or Central Asia regions, including developed and emerging market countries. An issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to be an Asia-Pacific (or specific country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or region. The Sub-Adviser currently makes that determination based primarily on one or more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region; (iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asia-Pacific country and addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that the Sub-Adviser has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region or country.
The Sub-Adviser uses top-down macro research and bottom-up credit research to construct the Fund’s portfolio using a proprietary process that involves, among other factors, a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors to assess an issuer’s credit profile, and the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of a security’s value and relative value compared to other similar securities. The Sub-Adviser monitors the Fund’s portfolio securities to ensure that the investment thesis remains valid and will exit a position if its assessment of a security has changed.
The Fund may invest a large percentage of its net assets in issuers in a single region or country within the Asia-Pacific region and may invest in issuers of any market capitalization. The Fund currently expects to invest more than 25% of its assets in the real estate sector. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), if the investment companies invest principally in the types of investments in which the Fund may invest directly.
The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) as a means of hedging risk and/or for investment purposes, which may include altering the Fund’s exposure to currencies, interest rates, sectors and individual issuers.
| 43 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Principal Risks
Asia-Pacific Risk. Investments in securities of issuers in Asia-Pacific countries involve risks that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region, including certain legal, regulatory, political and economic risks, including high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Certain Asia-Pacific countries have experienced expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. Political instability could have an adverse effect on economic or social conditions in these economies and may result in outbreaks of civil unrest, terrorist attacks or threats or acts of war in the affected areas, any of which could adversely affect the Fund. Some economies in this region are dependent on a range of commodities, and are strongly affected by international commodity prices and particularly vulnerable to price changes for these products. The market for securities in this region may also be directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and by the economic and market conditions of neighboring countries. Many Asia-Pacific economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asia-Pacific economies are highly dependent on trade and economic conditions in other countries can impact these economies. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines present different economic and political conditions from those in Western markets.
High Yield and Unrated Securities Risk. Securities that are unrated or rated below investment grade (or “junk bonds”) are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than highly rated securities because their issuers may be more likely to default. Junk bonds are inherently speculative. The prices of unrated and high yield securities are likely to be more volatile than those of highly rated securities, and the secondary market for them is generally less liquid than that for highly rated securities.
Fixed Income Securities Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not make timely interest payments or repay the principal of the debt issued (i.e., default on its obligations). A downgrade or default on securities held by the Fund could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt resulting from changes in the level of interest rates. When interest rates go up, the prices of most debt instruments generally go down; and when interest rates go down, the prices of most debt instruments generally go up. Debt instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, typically making them more volatile. Interest rates have recently increased and may continue increasing, thereby heightening the risks associated with rising interest rates.
Regulation S Securities Risk. Regulation S securities may be less liquid than publicly traded securities as a result of legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Regulation S securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, but the price realized in such resales could be less than the amount originally paid. Further, because Regulation S securities are not publicly traded, they may not be subject to the same disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable to publicly traded securities. As a result, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in losses.
Regulation S securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers are offered through private offerings without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Offerings of Regulation S securities may be conducted outside of the United States, and Regulation S securities may be relatively less liquid as a result of legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Although Regulation S securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than that originally paid by the Fund. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.
| 44 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Real Estate Sector Risk. The Fund may invest in securities within the real estate sector. Investments in real estate issuers may be volatile. Real estate issuers are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the real estate market, decreases in property revenues, increases in interest rates, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, legal and regulatory changes, a lack of credit or capital, defaults by borrowers or tenants, environmental problems and natural disasters.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
| 45 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Debt Risk. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt may be unwilling or unable to repay the principal and/or interest when due including due to the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the debtor’s policy towards the International Monetary Fund, and the political constraints to which the debtor is subject. If an issuer of government or quasi-government debt defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign and quasi-sovereign bonds may be more volatile and result in losses. In the past, certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses for investors.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
| 46 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Sub-Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser’s evaluations and assumptions regarding investments, interest rates, inflation, and other factors may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs, generate net short-term capital gains and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Regulations require that the portfolio turnover rate be calculated without regard to trades of short-term cash instruments, in-kind transactions or derivatives transactions, which may comprise a significant portion of the Fund’s trading. If such trades were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate may be significantly higher.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
| 47 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 48 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | - |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| - |
|||
| - |
- | ||
| - |
- | ||
| JP
Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Diversified (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|||
| JP
Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Non-Investment Grade Corporate
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
| 49 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Amova Asset Management Americas, Inc. serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
Wai Hoong Leong, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Jian Wei Loh, Senior Portfolio Manager, at the Sub-Adviser serve as portfolio managers for the Fund since August 2021 and February 2024, respectively.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 50 | KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF |
The KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price and yield performance of a specific foreign equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the MSCI China A 50 Connect Index (USD) (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| Fee Waiver** | - |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, except that it reflects the Fee Waiver for the period described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 51 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to such securities, including depositary receipts. The Underlying Index reflects the large- and mid-cap Chinese renminbi (“RMB”)-denominated equity securities listed on the Shenzhen or Shanghai Stock Exchanges (“A-Shares”) that are accessible through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect or Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (together, the “Stock Connect Programs”). The Underlying Index is constructed by selecting the two securities with the largest weights in each of the 11 Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) sectors in the large-capitalization portion of the MSCI China A Index (the “Parent Index”). The remaining securities are selected from the Parent Index by largest security weight until the total security count reaches 50. The Underlying Index constituents are then weighted based on (a) the free-float market capitalization weights of the Parent Index and (b) the GICS sector weight allocation of the Parent Index.
A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China. Under current regulations in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”), foreign investors can invest in A-Shares only through certain institutional investors that have obtained a license from the Chinese regulators or through the Stock Connect Programs. Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Ltd. (“Bosera”), the Fund’s sub-adviser, has received a license as a Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”). In addition, the Fund may invest in A-Shares through the Stock Connect Programs.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane and/or Bosera believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane, Bosera and/or its affiliates.
In addition to China A-Shares, which are described above, the Fund may invest in the following China-related securities:
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
| 52 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $10.1 billion to $374.6 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $86.8 billion. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Financials sector (20.0%), Information Technology sector (24.0%), Industrials sector (16.8%), and Consumer Staples sector (11.6%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is provided by MSCI Inc. (“Index Provider”).
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
| 53 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
| 54 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
| 55 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
| 56 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Consumer Staples Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer staples sector may be affected by general economic conditions, commodity production and pricing, consumer confidence and spending, consumer preferences, interest rates, and product cycles. They are subject to government regulation affecting their products which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. For instance, for food and beverage companies, government regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods, which could affect company profitability. In particular, tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Food and beverage companies risk further loss of market share and revenue due to contamination and resulting product recalls. Also, the success of food, beverage, household and personal products may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns, changes in commodity prices and other factors affecting supply and demand.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
| 57 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Bosera’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
| 58 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
| 59 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 60 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2016 | - |
| 2017 | |
| 2018 | - |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years |
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
||
| Custom
Blended KBA Index (Net) (Reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or other taxes)* |
| 61 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
| * |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment manager to the Fund.
Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Ltd. serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
Mrs. Qiong Wan, Fund Manager at Bosera, has been the Fund’s portfolio manager since 2016.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 62 | KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF |
The KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the performance of the S&P Carbon Credit CCA Excess Return Index (the “Index”), plus any returns from any available collateral. The Index is comprised of futures contracts on emission allowances issued by a “cap-and-invest” program that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses** | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 63 | KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF |
|
In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund attempts to maintain exposure to carbon credit futures that are substantially the same as those included in the Index, which is an index comprised of futures contracts on emission allowances issued by a “cap-and-invest” program that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. The Index is designed to measure the performance of a portfolio of futures contracts on carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap-and-invest” program (“carbon credit futures”). An emission allowance or carbon credit is a unit of emissions (typically one ton of CO2) that the owner of the allowance or credit is permitted to emit. A cap and trade regime seeks to gradually reduce such emission allowances or carbon credits over time to incentivize companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb climate change. The Index includes only carbon credit futures that mature in December of the next one to two years. The Fund may also invest directly and indirectly in certain debt instruments.
Carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap-and-invest” program include carbon credits issued by Quebec since the California and Quebec markets were linked pursuant to the Western Climate Initiative in 2014. Currently, carbon credits issued by Quebec each year consist of approximately 17-18% of the carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap-and-invest” program. This percentage is subject to change and it is possible for additional markets to be added in the future.
The Fund utilizes a subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”) for purposes of investing in carbon credit futures. The Subsidiary is a corporation operating under Cayman Islands law that is wholly-owned and controlled by the Fund. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets (ignoring any subsequent market appreciation in the Subsidiary’s value), which limitation is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is measured at the end of each quarter. The Subsidiary has the same investment objective as the Fund and follows the same investment policies and restrictions as the Fund. Except as noted, for purposes of this Prospectus, references to the Fund’s investment strategies and risks include those of its Subsidiary, and references to the Fund include the Subsidiary.
While the Fund generally seeks to obtain exposure to the same carbon credit futures that are in the Index, the Fund and Subsidiary may not replicate the Index. For example, the Fund may invest in carbon credit futures with different maturity dates (i.e., not one of the next two Decembers), the Fund may weight the carbon credit futures differently than the Index, or the Fund may purchase carbon credit futures on different dates than the rebalancing date for the Index.
The Fund may also invest in other instruments that are consistent with its investment objective. For example, the Fund may invest in emission allowances issued under a cap and trade regime, futures contracts that are not carbon credit futures, options on futures contracts, swap contracts, and other investment companies and notes, which may or may not be exchange-traded.
The debt instruments in which the Fund intends to invest include government securities and corporate or other non-government fixed-income securities with maturities of up to 12 months. The Fund may invest in debt instruments indirectly through short-term bond funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), which can include affiliated ETFs. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds. |
What is a “cap-and-invest” program ?
In a “cap-and-invest” program, a limit (“cap”) is typically set by a regulator, such as a government entity or supranational organization, on the total amount of specific greenhouse gases, such as CO2, that can be emitted by regulated entities, such as manufacturers or energy producers. Capping and reducing the cap on greenhouse gases is viewed as a key policy tool for reaching climate change objectives. The regulator then issues or sells “emission allowances” to regulated entities which may then buy or sell (“trade”) the emission allowances on the open market.
To the extent that the regulator may then reduce the cap on emission allowances, regulated entities are thereby incentivized to reduce their emissions; otherwise they must purchase emission allowances on the open market, where the price of such allowances will likely be increasing as a result of demand, and regulated entities that reduce their emissions will be able to sell unneeded emission allowances for profit.
The opposite could also occur and the regulator may increase the cap on emission allowances, which would likely increase emissions and decrease the price of allowances. Commodity futures contracts linked to the value of emission allowances are known as carbon credit futures. |
| 64 | KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF |
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) has adopted certain requirements that subject registered investment companies and their advisers to regulation by the CFTC if a registered investment company invests more than a prescribed level of its net assets in CFTC-regulated futures, options and swaps, or if a registered investment company markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. Due to the Fund’s use of CFTC-regulated futures and swaps above CFTC Rule 4.5 limits, it is considered a “commodity pool” under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings, if any) in instruments that provide exposure to California Carbon Allowances. The notional value of any investments by the Fund (including its Subsidiary) that provide such exposure, including investments in derivatives (such as futures contracts on California Carbon Allowances), will be counted toward satisfaction of this 80% policy.
The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry (using the notional value of any futures in which it invests). The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted annually. The Index is provided by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”).
Principal Risks
Carbon Emission Allowance and Cap and Trade Risk. There is no assurance that cap and trade regimes will continue to exist. Cap and trade was designed to attempt to put a cap on pollution by putting a price on carbon emissions, but the approach may not prove to be an effective method of reduction in GHG emissions and or in achieving climate change objectives; and depending on the political climate globally, climate change concerns may be ignored or abandoned. As a result or due to other factors, cap and trade regimes may be terminated or may not be renewed upon their expiration. New technologies may arise that may diminish or eliminate the need for cap and trade markets. Ultimately, the cost of emissions credits is determined by the cost of actually reducing emissions levels. If the price of credits becomes too high, it will be more economical for companies to develop or invest in green technologies, thereby suppressing the demand for credits and adversely affect the Fund.
Regulatory Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that a change in U.S. law and related regulations will impact the way the Fund operates, increase the particular costs of the Fund’s operations and/or change the competitive landscape. Additional legislative or regulatory changes could occur that may materially and adversely affect the Fund.
Subsidiary Investment Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. Since the Subsidiary is organized under the law of the Cayman Islands and is not registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund will not receive all of the protections offered to shareholders of registered investment companies. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as intended, which may negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting
| 65 | KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF |
in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Counterparty Risk. A counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement or the party with whom the Fund executes transactions) to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations. If this occurs, it could result in a reduction in the NAV of the Fund and could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s investments will be greater if the Fund uses only a limited number of counterparties. If there are only a couple of potential counterparties, the Fund, subject to applicable law, may enter into transactions with as few as one counterparty at any time.
Futures Contract Risk. Successful use of futures contracts draws upon the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s skill and experience with respect to such instruments and is subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts include: (a) an imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the reference asset and the price of the futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; and (d) the inability to predict correctly the direction of market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
Commodity and Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk. The Fund, directly or indirectly, may have significant investment exposure to the commodities markets and/or a particular sector of the commodities markets, which may subject it to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets are impacted by a variety of factors, including market movements, resource availability, commodity price volatility, speculation in the commodities markets, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities in commodities. The value of a commodity-linked derivative investment typically is based upon the price movements of a physical commodity and may be affected by these same factors as well as credit and interest rate risks. In addition, investments in commodity-linked derivatives may be subject to greater volatility than non-derivative based investments.
Commodity Pool Registration Risk. Under regulations promulgated by the CFTC, the Fund and the Subsidiary are considered commodity pools, and therefore each is subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules. Krane and MLIA are registered as a commodity pool operator and commodity trading adviser, respectively, and manages the Fund and the Subsidiary in accordance with CFTC rules, as well as the rules that apply to registered investment companies. Commodity pools are subject to additional laws, regulations and enforcement policies, all of which may potentially increase compliance costs and may affect the operations and financial performance of the Fund and the Subsidiary. Additionally, positions in futures and other contracts may have to be liquidated at disadvantageous times or prices to prevent the Fund from exceeding any applicable position limits established by the CFTC. Such actions may subject the Fund to substantial losses.
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Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
California Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting California. For example, natural disasters may disrupt the local, state or regional economy or certain sectors of the economy and may impact the prices of such carbon credit futures. California’s budget and fiscal operations face certain structural impediments and rely on revenue sources which have been historically sensitive to the economic environment. California’s diverse economy is the largest in the United States and one of the largest in the world with major components including high technology, trade, entertainment, manufacturing, tourism, construction, agriculture and services. Any downturn in these sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the state and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Quebec Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting Quebec. Quebec is a province in Canada, which has a separatist party whose objective is to achieve sovereignty and increased self-governing legal and financial powers. In addition, the Canadian market, including Quebec, is relatively concentrated in issuers involved in the production and distribution of natural resources such as forest products, metals, agricultural products, and energy related products like oil, gas, and hydroelectricity. Accordingly, any downturn in these sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of Canada and Quebec and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Fixed Income Securities Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not make timely interest payments or repay the principal of the debt issued (i.e., default on its obligations). A downgrade or default on securities held by the Fund could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt resulting from changes in the level of interest rates. When interest rates go up, the prices of most debt instruments generally go down; and when interest rates go down, the prices of most debt instruments generally go up. Debt instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, typically making them more volatile. Interest rates have recently increased and may continue increasing, thereby heightening the risks associated with rising interest rates.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Energy Sector Risk. Investments in, and/or exposure to, the energy sector, which includes energy commodities such as oil, gasoline, and carbon credits, may be highly volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably due to a number of factors, including the legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, increased competition affecting the energy sector, financial, accounting and tax matters and other events that the Fund cannot control. In addition, the value of energy commodities may fluctuate widely due to changes in supply and demand.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
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ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
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Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Index and may hold less than the total number of investments in the Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s investment selection process may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund investments in carbon credit futures with different maturity dates, the Fund weighing the carbon credit futures differently than the Index, and the Fund’s purchase of carbon credit futures on different dates than the rebalancing date for the Index. To the extent that the Fund invests in other instruments that are consistent with its investment objective, such as futures contracts that are not carbon credit futures, options on futures contracts, swap contracts, and other investment companies and notes, the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely affected.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
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Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary and from index-linked structured notes as qualifying income. Income tax regulations on which taxpayers may rely for taxable years beginning after September 28, 2016, and other guidance provided by the IRS at the time of the introduction of such regulations, support that treatment, although there is no guidance directly addressing the status of such structured notes as securities. The tax treatment of the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary or in such index-linked structured notes, however, may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is “qualifying income” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains or distributions made by the Fund.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities receive varying levels of support and may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which could affect the Fund’s ability to recover should they default. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. Additionally, market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government may decline or be negative for short or long periods of time.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
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| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 | - |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF | 1 year | Since
Inception ( |
| - |
- | |
| - |
- | |
| - |
- | |
| S&P
500 Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| S&P
Carbon Credit CCA Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
- |
| 71 | KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Climate Finance Partners LLC (“Sub-Adviser”) serves as the non-discretionary investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Luke Oliver, Head of Alternatives at the Adviser, has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since August 2022.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Qi China Alpha Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index.
| 73 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
The Underlying Index seeks to provide a total return that exceeds the CSI 300 Index using an automated algorithmic machine learning investment process (“AI Process”) developed by Quant Insight Ltd. (“Index Provider”). The CSI 300 Index is a free-float capitalization-weighted index that tracks the performance of China A-Shares issued by the 300 largest companies by market capitalization and liquidity traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
The “Index Universe” for the Underlying Index is comprised of all companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange that have a minimum market capitalization of $1 billion, a minimum average 30-day turnover of $5 million, and are China A-Shares not subject to U.S. sanctions. From this Index Universe, the Underlying Index chooses a maximum of 50 securities and caps the weight of any one constituent at 5% of the index weight. The constituent securities and their weights within the Underlying Index are determined by the AI Process.
The AI Process used by the Underlying Index relies on, among other data inputs, historical prices, financial indicators, market trends, mathematical parameters, market capitalization and sector classification, in selecting securities and security weights for the Underlying Index. The AI Process algorithmically seeks to identify the combination of stocks and stock weights most likely to provide a total return that exceeds that of the CSI 300 Index by using historical data to train the model to systematically optimize the securities selected and their weights. The Underlying Index is reconstituted and rebalanced monthly.
Direct investments in China A-Shares are possible only through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”) or Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license. Exposure to A-Shares can also be obtained indirectly by investing in funds that invest in A-Shares. Currently, the Fund plans to achieve its investment objective principally by investing in China A-Shares through the Stock Connect Programs.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all components of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index is provided by the Index Provider, and the Underlying Index is calculated by Solactive AG.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 41 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $12 billion to $375 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $59 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Financials sector (41%), Industrials sector (21%), Materials sector (14%) and Information Technology sector (14%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
| 74 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
| 75 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
| 76 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Machine Learning and Data Risk. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing algorithms and statistical models through learning and improving their performance from data and experiences automatically without being explicitly programmed. The Underlying Index uses a machine learning model, the output of which is heavily dependent on multiple inputs, including current and historical data and information (collectively, “Data”). To the extent the machine learning process does not perform as designed or as intended, the Fund’s strategy may not be successfully implemented, and the Fund may lose value. If the News Sources are incorrect, incomplete or unreliable, any decisions made in reliance thereon may lead to the inclusion or exclusion of securities that would have been excluded or included had the information not contained such flaws.
Machine learning models can be prone to overfitting (or performing exceptionally well on historical data used to train and test the model but failing to generalize to new data), leading to poor performance in real-world applications. Machine learning models can also be sensitive to market conditions. The Underlying Index may be adversely impacted if the machine learning models used to compose it are unprepared to or unable to digest unanticipated market circumstances, such as extreme market events. All of these factors may cause the Underlying Index to not perform as intended and adversely impact the Fund
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
| 77 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Materials Sector Risk. The materials sector includes companies from the following and similar industries: chemicals; metals & mining; paper & forest products; containers & packaging; and construction materials. Many companies in the materials sector are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, the exchange value of the dollar, import controls, worldwide competition, environmental policies and consumer demand. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liability for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be affected by economic cycles, technical progress, labor relations, and government regulations.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
| 78 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
| 79 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs, generate net short-term capital gains and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Regulations require that the portfolio turnover rate be calculated without regard to trades of short-term cash instruments, in-kind transactions or derivatives transactions, which may comprise a significant portion of the Fund’s trading. If such trades were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate may be significantly higher.
| 80 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
| 81 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As
of
| 82 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF | 1 year | Since Inception () |
| MSCI China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| Qi China Alpha Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
| 83 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 84 | KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF |
The KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF(the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the SSE Science and Technology Innovation Board 50 Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index includes the stocks of the top 50 companies by free-float market capitalizations listed on the SSE Science and Technology Innovation Board (the “STAR Market”). The STAR Market is a listing exchange run by the Shanghai Stock Exchange that focuses on Chinese science and technology, including biotechnology and semiconductor companies. According to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, companies listed on the STAR Market are mainly from high-tech and strategic emerging industries, and most focus on next-generation information technology, biomedicine, high-end equipment and similar industries.
| 85 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
To be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index, a STAR Market company’s securities must meet certain market capitalization and liquidity screens and have been trading for at least one month. Once included, Underlying Index constituents are weighted based on their free-float market capitalization on the STAR Market, subject to a 10% cap. Although, the Underlying Index is designed to include 50 constituents, it may include as few as 30 constituents, if there are an insufficient number of STAR Market companies whose securities satisfy the screening and trading requirements.
The stocks included in the Underlying Index will consist of China A-Shares. China A-Shares are Chinese renminbi (“RMB”)-denominated equity securities (“A-Shares”) issued by companies incorporated in mainland China. Direct investments in A-Shares are currently possible only through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”) or Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license. Bosera Asset Management (International) Co.,Ltd. (“Bosera”), the Fund’s sub-adviser, has received a license as a QFI from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”). In addition, the Fund may invest in A-Shares through the Stock Connect Programs.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) and/or Bosera believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane, Bosera and/or their affiliates.
In addition to China A-Shares, which are described above, the following China-related securities may be included in this 20% basket:
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
| 86 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $3 billion to $130 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $18 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (85.8%) and Healthcare sector (7.5%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
| 87 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
| 88 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Healthcare Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the healthcare sector may be affected by government regulations and government healthcare programs, government reimbursement for medical expenses, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services, limited product lines, increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services and product liability claims. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent on patent protection, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of a company’s patent may adversely affect that company’s profitability. Healthcare companies are subject to competitive forces that may result in pricing pressure, including price discounting, and may be thinly capitalized and susceptible to product obsolescence. Many new products in the healthcare sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, which may be time consuming and costly and with no guarantee that the product will come to market.
| 89 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
Semiconductor Industry Risk. The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical, which could affect the availability and price of components and generally cause the operating results of semiconductor companies to vary significantly. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital and research and development costs requiring additional financing, which may be difficult or costly to obtain. In addition to the risk of rapid product obsolescence, many semiconductor companies may not successfully introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base or achieve general market acceptance for their products, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on their financial condition. Moreover, many semiconductor companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. As product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, semiconductor companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers their profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, underutilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor industry. The international operations of many semiconductor companies expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations, tariffs and trade disputes, competition from subsidized foreign competitors with lower production costs, and other risks inherent to international business.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
| 90 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
| 91 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Bosera’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
| 92 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs, generate net short-term capital gains and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Regulations require that the portfolio turnover rate be calculated without regard to trades of short-term cash instruments, in-kind transactions or derivatives transactions, which may comprise a significant portion of the Fund’s trading. If such trades were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate may be significantly higher.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
| 93 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
| 94 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares China Technology STAR 50 Index ETF | 1 year | Since Inception () |
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| MSCI China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- | |
| SSE Science & Technology Innovation Board 50
Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Ltd. serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
Ms. Qiong Wan has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since its inception in January 2021.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
| 95 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 96 |
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF |
The KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific foreign equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the CSI Overseas China Internet Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 97 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of investable publicly traded “China-based companies” whose primary business or businesses are in the Internet and Internet-related sectors (“China Internet Companies”) (as defined below), and are listed outside of mainland China, as determined by the index provider, China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“Index Provider”).
| ● | The Index Provider defines China-based companies as those that: (i) are incorporated in mainland China; (ii) have their headquarters in mainland China; or (iii) derive at least 50% of its revenue from goods produced or sold, or services performed, in mainland China. |
| ● | China Internet Companies include, but are not limited to, companies that develop and market Internet software and/or provide Internet services; manufacture home entertainment software and educational software for home use; provide retail or commercial services primarily through the Internet; and develop and market mobile Internet software and/or provide mobile Internet services. |
The Underlying Index excludes securities that during the past year had a daily average trading value of less than $3 million or a daily average market cap of less than $2 billion. Constituents of the Underlying Index are ranked by free-float market capitalization in U.S. Dollars and then weighted so that no constituent exceeds 10% at each rebalance with the top five constituents capped at 40%. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of China Internet Companies.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Underlying Index and/or represent investments of the Fund:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| 98 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $523 million to $564 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $44 billion. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted semi-annually. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (41.4%) and Communication Services sector (37.4%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
| 99 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
| 100 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk. A Fund may invest in companies that are considered to be “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”), which are generally certain non-U.S. corporations that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties or capital gains) or that hold at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income. Therefore, the Funds could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on gains and certain distributions with respect to those equity interests, even if all the income or gain is distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner. A Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
| 101 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
| 102 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
| 103 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
| 104 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
| 105 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 106 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2016 | - |
| 2017 | |
| 2018 | - |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | - |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years |
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
||
| CSI
Overseas China Internet Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
| 107 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 108 | KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF |
The KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Dragon Capital MerQube Vietnam Growth Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses*** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
| *** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | ||
| $ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. From the Fund’s inception, December 2, 2025, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was
| 109 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is designed to measure the performance of stocks and foreign exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that are listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (“HOSE”) and available for investment by U.S. investors, notwithstanding foreign ownership limits (“FOLs”). The Underlying Index’s foreign ETFs consist of the Diamond ETFs, which are foreign ETFs that track the VN Diamond Index. The VN Diamond Index is designed to measure the performance of HOSE-listed companies that attract significant foreign capital and, therefore, are or may become subject to a FOL. The Fund intends to invest in foreign ETFs advised by an affiliate of Dragon Capital Management (HK) Limited, the Fund’s Sub-Adviser (“Sub-Adviser”).
From this universe of eligible equity securities, MerQube (the “Index Provider”) screens stocks based on the fundamental criteria and growth criteria as described below.
With respect to the fundamental criteria, the Index Provider screens for certain ranges of both price-to-earnings ratios and asset-to-equity ratios. The price-to-earnings ratios look at both one year and three-year periods and must be within certain ranges. The asset-to-equity ratio must be with certain ranges, except that companies in the banks industry are automatically included and companies in the capital markets industry have a different threshold than companies in other industries, which is more favorable.
With respect to the growth criteria, the Index Provider selects securities with the highest proprietary growth ratio and selects a minimum of 40 stocks with foreign room available (i.e., companies that have not reached their FOL). The growth ratio is calculated by the Index Provider based on total equity growth and corporate actions including stock dividends and stock bonuses.
Stocks that have reached or are nearing their FOL and meet all criteria will be replaced by the Diamond ETFs as an index constituent, with the Diamond ETFs capped at 24% of the Underlying Index. The Index Provider calculate weights for the Underlying Index using an optimization process that considers factors such as market capitalization, liquidity, the growth ratio and other fundamental factors (e.g., net profit). In addition, preference is given to existing index constituents of the Underlying Index versus new entrants.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), or the Sub-Adviser believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including ETFs), foreign ETFs and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies or foreign ETFs in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane, the Sub-Adviser and/or their affiliates.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included one foreign fund and 55 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $73 million to $18 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $2.4 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Financials sector (38.6%), Consumer Discretionary sector (27.8%), Industrials sector (16.1%) and Information Technology sector (11.4%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted biannually.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
| 110 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
Principal Risks
Vietnam Risk. Vietnamese companies face risks associated with expropriation and/or nationalization of assets (including property and real estate), restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. The Vietnamese government may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and may own or control certain companies therein. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on economic conditions in the country, and on market conditions and prices of Vietnamese securities.
Vietnam is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States, China and Japan, and as a result may be adversely affected if demand for Vietnam’s exports in those nations declines. Vietnam has become a manufacturing hub and an important component of the global supply chains for many different industries, in some cases benefiting from the changing economic and political climate in other regional manufacturing hubs such as China. If this trend slows or reverses, Vietnamese companies across all industries would be adversely impacted. The Vietnamese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices in recent years, but issues such as foreign ownership limits and lack of in-kind transfers remain. If deterioration occurs in Vietnam’s balance of payments, it could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Investing in Vietnam may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to the Fund. Vietnam may levy withholding or other taxes on dividend and interest income received by the Fund. Although in some cases a portion of these taxes may be recoverable, the non-recovered portion of foreign withholding taxes will reduce the income received from the Fund’s investments. The currencies of frontier markets, such as Vietnam, may be subject to more significant fluctuations and greater likelihood for speculation than the currencies of more developed markets.
The securities markets in Vietnam are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Vietnam are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control, heavy regulation of labor and industry and inflation. Vietnam has experienced, and may in the future experience, a high inflation rate, which is at least partially a result of the country’s large trade deficit. Due to governmental focus on economic growth at the expense of currency stability, the inflation rate may continue at a high level and economic stability could be threatened. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether. Also, market volatility may be further heightened by the actions of a few major investors. For example, a substantial increase or decrease in cash flows of funds investing in these markets could significantly affect local stock prices.
The government in Vietnam may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Vietnam. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Vietnam. Moreover, Vietnam may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may also require governmental approval in connection with the repatriation of capital by foreign investors. The Vietnamese government may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Vietnam and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors.
| 111 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Vietnam significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries.
Asia-Pacific Risk. Investments in securities of issuers in Asia-Pacific countries involve risks that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region, including certain legal, regulatory, political and economic risks, including high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Certain Asia-Pacific countries have experienced expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. Political instability could have an adverse effect on economic or social conditions in these economies and may result in outbreaks of civil unrest, terrorist attacks or threats or acts of war in the affected areas, any of which could adversely affect the Fund. Some economies in this region are dependent on a range of commodities, and are strongly affected by international commodity prices and particularly vulnerable to price changes for these products. The market for securities in this region may also be directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and by the economic and market conditions of neighboring countries. Many Asia-Pacific economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asia-Pacific economies are highly dependent on trade and economic conditions in other countries can impact these economies. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines present different economic and political conditions from those in Western markets.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid, and as a result, may be more likely to experience inflation risk, political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed and traditional emerging markets. Investments in frontier markets may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in more developed and traditional emerging markets. Frontier markets often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Economic, political, illiquidity and currency risks may be more pronounced with respect to investments in frontier markets than in emerging markets.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
| 112 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
| 113 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
| 114 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane or the Sub-Adviser’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
| 115 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane, the sub-adviser and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane and the sub-adviser are subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane, the sub-adviser and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
| 116 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Dragon Capital Management (HK) Limited (“Dragon Capital” or “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
Sui Yang Phang, Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser, serves as the Fund’s portfolio manager since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 117 | KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 118 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of companies engaged in the production of electric vehicles or their components or in other initiatives that are expected to change the future of mobility, as determined by Bloomberg Indices, the provider of the Underlying Index (“Index Provider”). This includes companies that are expected to derive significant revenues from electric vehicles, energy storage technologies, lithium and copper mining, and hydrogen fuel cells.
To be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index, a security must be a member of the Bloomberg World Aggregate Index and classified as belonging to the vehicles, electrical vehicle components, batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or raw materials sector classifications as determined by the Bloomberg Intelligence Theme-Basket committee. To determine eligibility, Bloomberg Intelligence uses a multistep process that (1) proposes companies and key terms associated with the above-named sector classifications; (2) searches filings of actively traded public companies for occurrences of key terms to affirm proposed companies and find missing companies; and (3) back-tests to see how closely the identified companies trade together as a group. Finally, the Bloomberg Intelligence Theme-Basket committee reviews the results to determine the final composition of the Underlying Index. The securities are screened for extreme event controversy, United Nations Global Compact violations, and controversial business involvements.
Electric vehicles and mobility are not recognized industries, sub-industries or sectors. Therefore, to identify issuers engaged in those industries, the Index Provider cannot solely rely on traditional categorizations such as the Global Industry Classification Standard.
The Underlying Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index. The initial weight of each security is determined by dividing the free float market capitalization of each security by the sum of the free float market capitalizations of all the securities in the index. Using a three-step capping process, the initial weights are distributed such that the top eight securities are subject to a 4% cap and must achieve a proprietary thematic score of 2 or lower. Securities after the top eight are subject to a 2.5% cap and must also achieve a proprietary thematic score of 2 or lower. Securities with a thematic score of 3 are subject to a 1.0% cap. Any excess weight from capping is then redistributed proportionally to the remaining uncapped issuers. If there are multiple securities per issuer, then the issuer weight is redistributed proportionally to all of the securities within the issuer based on the free float market capitalization of each security.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 81 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $498 million to $1.4 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $35 billion. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (50.7%), Materials sector (31.4%) and Information Technology sector (13.0%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. As of March 31, 2026, the largest markets represented in the Underlying Index were China, United States and South Korea. The Underlying Index is reconstituted and rebalanced quarterly.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
| 119 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Principal Risks
Autonomous Technology Companies Risk. Investments in autonomous vehicles and future mobility companies may be volatile. These companies are subject to intense competition, the risk of product obsolescence, changes in consumer preferences and legal, regulatory and political changes. Many of these companies make significant expenditures on research and development, and are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, which may be challenged by other similar companies. A loss or impairment of intellectual property rights may adversely affect autonomous vehicles and future mobility companies. These vehicles may incorporate raw materials from companies concentrated in certain commodities, and may also rely on fuel sources that are more sensitive to commodities market activity than traditional vehicle fuels, which exposes the autonomous vehicles and future mobility companies to the price fluctuation of those commodities. They are also especially at risk of hacking, other cybersecurity events, and traffic accidents related to autonomous vehicles.
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
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Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
| 121 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
| 122 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
South Korea Risk. The Fund is susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory and geographic events affecting South Korea. The South Korean economy is dependent on the economies of other Asian countries, especially China and Southeast Asia, and the United States as key trading partners. South Korea’s economy may be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. Escalated tensions involving the two nations and the outbreak of hostilities between the two nations, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy. In addition, South Korea’s economic growth potential has recently been on a decline because of a rapidly aging population and structural problems, among other factors.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Materials Sector Risk. The materials sector includes companies from the following and similar industries: chemicals; metals & mining; paper & forest products; containers & packaging; and construction materials. Many companies in the materials sector are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, the exchange value of the dollar, import controls, worldwide competition, environmental policies and consumer demand. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liability for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be affected by economic cycles, technical progress, labor relations, and government regulations.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
| 123 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
| 124 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
| 125 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
| 126 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | - |
| 2025 |
As
of
| 127 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF | 1 Year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| MSCI
ACWI (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|||
| Custom
Blended KARS Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)* |
- |
| * |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
| 128 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 129 | KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF |
The KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the performance of the S&P Global Carbon Credit Index Excess Return (the “Index”), plus any returns from any available collateral. The Index is comprised of futures contracts on emission allowances issued by various “cap-and-invest” program s that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 130 | KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF |
|
In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund attempts to maintain exposure to carbon credit futures that are substantially the same as those included in the Index, which is an index comprised of futures contracts on emission allowances issued by various “cap-and-invest” program s that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. The Fund may also invest directly or indirectly in certain debt instruments.
The Index is designed to measure the performance of a portfolio of liquid carbon credit futures that require “physical delivery” of emission allowances issued under cap and trade regimes. An emission allowance or carbon credit is a unit of emissions (typically one ton of CO2) that the owner of the allowance or credit is permitted to emit. A cap and trade regime seeks to gradually reduce such emission allowances or carbon credits over time to incentivize companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb climate change. The Index includes only carbon credit futures that mature in December of the next one to two years and that have a minimum average monthly trading volume over the previous six months of at least $10 million. The Index weights eligible carbon credit futures based on their average monthly trading volume during the relevant six-month period, subject to a 5% minimum weight per regime and a 65% maximum weight to any one of the following geographic regions: (1) Europe, the Middle East and Africa, (2) the Americas, and (3) the Asia-Pacific. In addition, no single carbon credit futures contract expiring in a particular year will receive an allocation of less than 5% or more than 60% at the semi-annual rebalancing or annual reconstitution of the Index.
As of June 30, 2025, the Index included carbon credit futures linked to the value of emissions allowances issued under the following cap and trade regimes: the European Union Emissions Trading System; the California Cap and Trade; Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program; Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; and the UK Emissions Trading System. As the global carbon credit market grows, additional carbon credit futures, are expected to enter the Index, and the Fund’s portfolio when they have a minimum average monthly trading volume of at least $10 million over the relevant six-month period.
The Fund utilizes a subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”) for purposes of investing in carbon credit futures. The Subsidiary is a corporation operating under Cayman Islands law that is wholly-owned and controlled by the Fund. The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets (ignoring any subsequent market appreciation in the Subsidiary’s value), which limitation is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is measured at the end of each quarter. The Subsidiary has the same investment objective as the Fund and follows the same investment policies and restrictions as the Fund. Except as noted, for purposes of this Prospectus, references to the Fund’s investment strategies and risks include those of its Subsidiary, and references to the Fund include the Subsidiary. |
What is a “cap-and-invest” program ?
In a “cap-and-invest” program, a limit (“cap”) is typically set by a regulator, such as a government entity or supranational organization, on the total amount of specific greenhouse gases, such as CO2, that can be emitted by regulated entities, such as manufacturers or energy producers. Capping and reducing the cap on greenhouse gases is viewed as a key policy tool for reaching climate change objectives. The regulator then issues or sells “emission allowances” to regulated entities which may then buy or sell (“trade”) the emission allowances on the open market.
To the extent that the regulator may then reduce the cap on emission allowances, regulated entities are thereby incentivized to reduce their emissions; otherwise they must purchase emission allowances on the open market, where the price of such allowances will likely be increasing as a result of demand, and regulated entities that reduce their emissions will be able to sell unneeded emission allowances for profit.
The opposite could also occur and the regulator may increase the cap on emission allowances, which would likely increase emissions and decrease the price of allowances. Commodity futures contracts linked to the value of emission allowances are known as carbon credit futures. |
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While the Fund generally seeks to obtain exposure to the same carbon credit futures that are in the Index, the Fund and Subsidiary may not replicate the Index. For example, the Fund may invest in carbon credit futures with different maturity dates (i.e., not one of the next two Decembers), the Fund may weight the carbon credit futures differently than the Index, or the Fund may purchase carbon credit futures on different dates than the rebalancing date for the Index. The Fund may also use various instruments, including futures, forward contracts, swaps, notes and reverse repurchase agreements, to manage its exposure to currencies.
The Fund may also invest in other instruments that are consistent with its investment objective. For example, the Fund may invest in emission allowances issued under a cap and trade regime, futures contracts that are not carbon credit futures, options on futures contracts, swap contracts, and other investment companies and notes, which may or may not be exchange-traded. The debt instruments in which the Fund intends to invest indirectly, through short-term bond funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), which can include affiliated ETFs, include government securities and corporate or other non-government fixed-income securities with maturities of up to 12 months. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds and repurchase agreements.
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) has adopted certain requirements that subject registered investment companies and their advisers to regulation by the CFTC if a registered investment company invests more than a prescribed level of its net assets in CFTC-regulated futures, options and swaps, or if a registered investment company markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. Due to the Fund’s use of CFTC-regulated futures and swaps above CFTC Rule 4.5 limits, it is considered a “commodity pool” under the Commodity Exchange Act.
The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry (using the notional value of any futures in which it invests). The Index is provided by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“Index Provider”).
Principal Risks
Carbon Emission Allowance and Cap and Trade Risk. There is no assurance that cap and trade regimes will continue to exist. Cap and trade was designed to attempt to put a cap on pollution by putting a price on carbon emissions, but the approach may not prove to be an effective method of reduction in GHG emissions and or in achieving climate change objectives; and depending on the political climate globally, climate change concerns may be ignored or abandoned. As a result or due to other factors, cap and trade regimes may be terminated or may not be renewed upon their expiration. New technologies may arise that may diminish or eliminate the need for cap and trade markets. Ultimately, the cost of emissions credits is determined by the cost of actually reducing emissions levels. If the price of credits becomes too high, it will be more economical for companies to develop or invest in green technologies, thereby suppressing the demand for credits and adversely affect the Fund.
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Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Counterparty Risk. A counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement or the party with whom the Fund executes transactions) to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations. If this occurs, it could result in a reduction in the NAV of the Fund and could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s investments will be greater if the Fund uses only a limited number of counterparties. If there are only a couple of potential counterparties, the Fund, subject to applicable law, may enter into transactions with as few as one counterparty at any time.
Futures Contracts Risk. Successful use of futures contracts draws upon the Adviser’s skill and experience with respect to such instruments and is subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts include: (a) an imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the reference asset and the price of the futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the inability to predict correctly the direction of market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell investments from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Fund may have to sell investments at a loss.
As a futures contract the Fund owns approaches its settlement date, the Fund may sell that futures contract and reinvest the proceeds in a similar contract with a more distant settlement date. This process is referred to as “rolling” a futures contract. The successful use of such a strategy depends upon the Adviser’s skill and experience. Although the Fund will attempt to roll from an expiring futures contract to another contract that the Adviser believes will generate the greatest yield for the Fund, the Fund nevertheless may incur a cost to “roll” the contract. In a commodity futures market where current month expiring contracts trade at a lower price than next month’s contract, a situation referred to as “contango,” absent the impact of the overall movement in commodity prices, the Fund may experience an adverse impact because it would be selling less expensive contracts and buying more expense contracts. In the event of a prolonged period of contango, and absent the impact of rising or falling commodity prices, there could be a significant negative impact on the Fund when it “rolls” its futures contract positions.
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Commodity and Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk. The Fund, directly or indirectly, may have significant investment exposure to the commodities markets and/or a particular sector of the commodities markets, which may subject it to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets are impacted by a variety of factors, including market movements, resource availability, commodity price volatility, speculation in the commodities markets, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities in commodities. The value of a commodity-linked derivative investment typically is based upon the price movements of a physical commodity and may be affected by these same factors as well as credit and interest rate risks. In addition, investments in commodity-linked derivatives may be subject to greater volatility than non-derivative based investments.
Commodity Pool Registration Risk. Under regulations promulgated by the CFTC, the Fund and the Subsidiary are considered commodity pools, and therefore each is subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules. Krane and MLIA are registered as a commodity pool operator and commodity trading adviser, respectively, and manages the Fund and the Subsidiary in accordance with CFTC rules, as well as the rules that apply to registered investment companies. Commodity pools are subject to additional laws, regulations and enforcement policies, all of which may potentially increase compliance costs and may affect the operations and financial performance of the Fund and the Subsidiary. Additionally, positions in futures and other contracts may have to be liquidated at disadvantageous times or prices to prevent the Fund from exceeding any applicable position limits established by the CFTC. Such actions may subject the Fund to substantial losses.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
European Union Risk. The economies of the European Union are dependent to a significant extent on those of certain key trading partners, including China, the United States, and other European countries. A reduction in spending on products and services exported from the European Union, or volatility in the financial markets of member countries, may have an adverse impact on the broader European Union economy and could adversely affect the Fund. Separately, the European Union faces issues involving its membership, structure, procedures and policies. The United Kingdom (UK) officially withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020. Upon the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the European Union and the UK entered into a transition phase, which concluded on December 31, 2020, and the UK and the European Union agreed upon a Trade and Cooperation Agreement that became fully effective on May 1, 2021. The UK, European Union and broader global economy may still experience volatility in foreign exchange markets as a result of these events. The UK’s withdrawal may also destabilize some or all of the other European Union member countries and/or the Eurozone. The exit of additional member states from the European Union would subject its currency and banking system to increased risk and would likely result in increased volatility, illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the affected markets. Additionally, the reintroduction of national currencies in one or more European Union countries or the abandonment of the Euro as a currency could adversely affect the Fund.
California Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting California. For example, natural disasters may disrupt the local, state or regional economy or certain sectors of the economy and may impact the prices of such carbon credit futures. California’s budget and fiscal operations face certain structural impediments and rely on revenue sources which have been historically sensitive to the economic environment. California’s diverse economy is the largest in the United States and one of the largest in the world with major components including high technology, trade, entertainment, manufacturing, tourism, construction, agriculture and services. Any downturn in these sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the state and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
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Eastern U.S. Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credit futures issued under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting the Eastern region of the United States. For example, flooding, warming temperatures, and precipitation variability are growing challenges in the Eastern region of the United States and may disrupt the local, state, or regional economies of the Eastern states or certain sectors of those economies and may impact the prices of such carbon credit futures. The economies of Eastern region of the United States are comprised of components including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Any downturn in these sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the Eastern region of the United States and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Washington Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the Washington Carbon Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting the State of Washington. Washington is the second state in the United States of America to implement an economy wide cap program, following California. This reflects the Washington Legislature’s strong commitment to tackling climate change. If the Washington Legislature was to revise its approach to climate change as a result of internal shifts in political dynamics or issues were to arise in the administration of the “cap and trade” program within Washington, this would potentially negatively impact the value of the Washington Carbon Allowance. Further, clean technology represents a key component of the economy in Washington. Any downturn in this sector or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the state and the prices of the carbon credit futures.
United Kingdom Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the UK Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting the UK. The economy of the UK is dependent to a significant extent on economies of certain key trading partners, including China, the United States, and other European countries. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on January 31, 2020, the European Union and the UK entered into a transition phase, which concluded on December 31, 2020, and the UK and the European Union agreed upon a Trade and Cooperation Agreement that became fully effective on May 1, 2021. The UK, European Union and broader global economy may still experience volatility in foreign exchange markets as a result of these events. The UK’s economy may still be affected by its withdrawal from the European Union, and any downturn in its major sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the UK and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Fixed Income Securities Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not make timely interest payments or repay the principal of the debt issued (i.e., default on its obligations). A downgrade or default on securities held by the Fund could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt resulting from changes in the level of interest rates. When interest rates go up, the prices of most debt instruments generally go down; and when interest rates go down, the prices of most debt instruments generally go up. Debt instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, typically making them more volatile. Interest rates have recently increased and may continue increasing, thereby heightening the risks associated with rising interest rates.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
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Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Energy Sector Risk. Investments in, and/or exposure to, the energy sector, which includes energy commodities such as oil, gasoline, and carbon credits, may be highly volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably due to a number of factors, including the legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, increased competition affecting the energy sector, financial, accounting and tax matters and other events that the Fund cannot control. In addition, the value of energy commodities may fluctuate widely due to changes in supply and demand.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Regulatory Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that a change in U.S. law and related regulations will impact the way the Fund operates, increase the particular costs of the Fund’s operations and/or change the competitive landscape. Additional legislative or regulatory changes could occur that may materially and adversely affect the Fund.
Subsidiary Investment Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. Since the Subsidiary is organized under the law of the Cayman Islands and is not registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund will not receive all of the protections offered to shareholders of registered investment companies. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as intended, which may negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells portfolio investments to another party and agrees to repurchase the investments at an agreed-upon price and date. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations to the Fund, including by failing to return the investments in a timely manner, or at all, which may result in costs, delays, and losses to the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements are viewed as a form of borrowing or leverage and may increase fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
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Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
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Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Index and may hold less than the total number of investments in the Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s investment selection process may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund investments in carbon credit futures with different maturity dates, the Fund weighing the carbon credit futures differently than the Index, and the Fund’s purchase of carbon credit futures on different dates than the rebalancing date for the Index. To the extent that the Fund invests in other instruments that are consistent with its investment objective, such as futures contracts that are not carbon credit futures, options on futures contracts, swap contracts, and other investment companies and notes, the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely affected.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
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Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
The Fund intends to treat its income from the Subsidiary and from index-linked structured notes as qualifying income. Income tax regulations on which taxpayers may rely for taxable years beginning after September 28, 2016, and other guidance provided by the IRS at the time of the introduction of such regulations, support that treatment, although there is no guidance directly addressing the status of such structured notes as securities. The tax treatment of the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary or in such index-linked structured notes, however, may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is “qualifying income” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains or distributions made by the Fund.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities receive varying levels of support and may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which could affect the Fund’s ability to recover should they default. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. Additionally, market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government may decline or be negative for short or long periods of time.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 139 | KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | |
| 2024 | - |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| S&P
500 Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|||
| S&P
Global Carbon Credit Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
| 140 | KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Climate Finance Partners LLC (“Sub-Adviser”) serves as the non-discretionary investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Luke Oliver, Head of Alternatives at the Adviser, has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since August 2022.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 141 | KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF |
The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the MerQube Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| Fee Waiver** | - |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, except that it reflects the Fee Waiver for the period described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | ||
| $ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. From the Fund’s inception date, June 4, 2025, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was
| 142 |
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is an equal weighted index designed to measure the performance of companies involved in the advancement of humanoid and embodied intelligence technology (i.e., robots and drones), including companies in the supply chain solution such technologies. Humanoid and embodied intelligence technologies refer to the AI systems, which can learn and adapt through direct interaction with the environment using sensors or other inputs, that are integrated into physical systems, such as robotics systems and autonomous vehicles.
The Underlying Index draws constituents from the following activity groups within The Refinitiv® Business Classification (“Humanoid Activity Groups”):
Rare Earth Minerals; Specialty Mining & Metals; Lead Ore Mining; Copper Ore Mining; Nickel Ore Mining; Zinc Ore Mining; Nonferrous Metal Mining; Nonferrous Metal Processing; Specialty Mining & Metals Wholesale; Aerospace & Defense; Industrial Machinery & Equipment; Industrial Components; Industrial Machinery; Ball & Roller Bearings; Testing & Measuring Equipment; Pump & Pumping Equipment; Air & Gas Compressors; Welding & Soldering Equipment; Industrial Process Furnace & Ovens; Fluid Power Cylinder & Actuators; Automatic Vending Machines; Industrial Moulds; Machine Tools; Industrial Valve Manufacturing; Industrial Machinery & Equipment Wholesale; Commercial Equipment; Electrical Components & Equipment; Batteries & Uninterruptible Power Supplies; Wires & Cables; Electrical Components; Lighting Equipment; Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems; Electrical Insulators; Switchgear; Portable Motors & Generators; Electrical Measuring & Testing Instruments; Electric Equipment Wholesale; Auto, Truck & Motorcycle Parts; Automotive Body Parts; Engine & Powertrain Systems; Automotive Batteries; Automotive Systems; Automotive Accessories; Motorcycle Parts & Accessories; Auto & Truck Parts Wholesale; Semiconductors; Electronic Equipment & Parts; Biometric Products; Advanced Electronic Equipment; Display Screens; Electronic Components; 3D Printers; Auto & Truck Manufacturers; Motorcycles & Scooters; Automobiles & Multi Utility Vehicles; Light Trucks; Electric (Alternative) Vehicles; Luxury Vehicles; Auto & Truck Wholesale; and Integrated Hardware & Software.
From the companies in the Humanoid Activity Groups at each reconstitution date (“Universe”), the Underlying Index ranks companies that, among other things, meet certain minimum market capitalization and liquidity requirements (as measured by the one and six month average daily value traded), based on a combination of their market capitalization as of five business days prior to reconstitution and their Thematic Relevance Score and selects the top 50 companies as Underlying Index constituents.
For purposes of the ranking, the Fund’s adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Adviser”) provides MerQube, Inc. (“Index Provider”) the Thematic Relevance Score for each company in the Universe. The Thematic Relevance Score is determined by the Adviser based on each company’s public filings, statements and press releases, disclosed contracts, news items and other sources. The Thematic Relevance Score attempts to measure the extent to which a company is involved in the following activities supporting the advancement of humanoid and embodied intelligence technologies:
| (1) | Humanoid Integration and Manufacturing: companies in this category focus on designing, assembling and commercializing complete humanoid robots; |
| (2) | Actuation Systems: companies in this category focus on the actuation systems that enable the precise movement and force control of humanoid robots. This category includes components critical for joint articulation, energy efficiency and compact design; |
| (3) | Mechanical Systems: companies in this category focus on the mechanical components that form the structural foundation of humanoid robots, ensuring durability, weight optimization and smooth motion transmission; |
| (4) | Sensing & Perception: companies in this category focus on the sensors and perception systems that allow humanoid robots to interpret their environment, enabling tasks like navigation, object manipulation and human interaction; |
| (5) | Semiconductors and Technology: companies in this category provide the computational backbone for humanoid and embodied intelligence, motor control and sensor processing; and |
| (6) | Critical Material: companies in this category supply the critical materials used in high-performance motors and humanoid robot manufacturing. |
| 143 |
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not components of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $1.6 billion to $4.3 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $137.3 billion. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (42.0%), Industrials sector (36.9%), and Consumer Discretionary sector (16.0%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly. The Fund is non-diversified. As of March 31, 2026, the largest country representations in the Underlying Index were the United States (35.8%), China (20.7%) and Japan (12.2%).
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk. Companies in the artificial intelligence (“AI”) and technology industries typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an AI and Technology company.
Certain AI and Technology companies may face special risks that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Such companies are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological developments. As a result, their products may rapidly become obsolete. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may, therefore, be adversely affected by governmental policies. In addition, certain of such companies in which the Fund may invest may not currently be profitable and there can be no assurance that such companies will be profitable in the future.
The economy may be significantly impacted by the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. As artificial intelligence technologies are used more widely, the profitability and growth of the Fund’s holdings may be impacted, which could significantly impact the overall performance of the Fund. The legal and regulatory frameworks within which artificial intelligence technologies operate continue to rapidly evolve, and it is not possible to predict the full extent of current or future risks related thereto.
| 144 |
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
| 145 |
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
| 146 |
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Japan Risk. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability, which could negatively affect the Fund. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely during recent periods and may be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar. Japan has also experienced natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tidal waves, of varying degrees of severity, which could negatively affect the Fund. The Japanese economy has in the past been negatively affected at times by government intervention and protectionism, an unstable financial services sector, and a heavy reliance on international trade, a significant portion of which is conducted with nearby developing nations in East and Southeast Asia.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
| 147 |
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
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KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
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Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
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KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
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Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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The KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price and yield performance of a specific foreign equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Hang Seng TECH Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Annual
Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
| 153 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is composed of the equity securities of the 30 technology companies with the largest free float market capitalization that are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with significant exposure to internet, fintech, cloud computing, e-commerce and digital technology. To be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index, companies must either (1) be “technology-enabled” (i.e., operate primarily on an internet or mobile platform); (2) have a research & development expenses-to-revenue ratio that is greater than or equal to 5%; or (3) have year-over-year revenue growth that is greater than or equal to 10%. Only Greater China companies (as defined below) in the industrials, consumer discretionary, healthcare, financials and information technology sectors are considered for inclusion in the Underlying Index. Greater China companies are defined as companies that either (a) are incorporated in Hong Kong, (b) derive 50% of their revenue from mainland China; or (c) have their headquarters or principal place of business in Hong Kong, Macau or mainland China. The Underlying Index components will be weighted according to their free float market capitalization, with no issuer representing more than 8% of the Underlying Index at the time the Underlying Index is rebalanced. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted at least quarterly. For initial public offerings (“IPOs”), if the IPO ranks within the top ten of the existing constituents in the Underlying Index on the first day of the IPO’s trading and meets the other criteria, the IPO will be added to the Underlying Index approximately ten trading days after the IPO.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not components of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will not purchase shares of an investment company if it would cause the Fund to (i) own more than 3% of such investment company’s voting shares; (ii) invest more than 5% of its total assets in such investment company; or (iii) invest more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies.
The Underlying Index invests primarily in China H Shares (as described below) and following additional China-related securities may represent investments of the Fund:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. | |
| ● | China B Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. | |
| ● | China N Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). | |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
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| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. | |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 30 securities of companies with a security market capitalization range of approximately $3.4 billion to $511 billion and an average security market capitalization of approximately $59 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (45.8%), Communication Services sector (26.0%), and Information Technology sector (25.7%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index is provided by Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (“Index Provider”).
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
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In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
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Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
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Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
| 158 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
| 159 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid-capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
| 160 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain components of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
| 161 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 162 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF | 1 year | Since
Inception () |
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- | |
| Hang
Seng TECH Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
| 163 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since its the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the inception of the Fund.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 164 | KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF |
The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 165 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index.
|
The Underlying Index is designed to track the performance of a portfolio of large cap securities that is subject to downside hedging and seeks to exhibit less volatility than would a portfolio of large cap securities alone. The Underlying Index models an investment in the S&P 500 Index, the purchase and sale of put options on the S&P 500 Index, and the sale of call options on the S&P 500 Index. Fund assets that are not invested in options will be invested in an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to track the S&P 500 Index. The Fund will utilize both European-style exchange-traded options on the S&P 500 Index and FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX options”) on an ETF that seeks to track the S&P 500 Index or a similar large cap securities index.
The Underlying Index uses Hedgeye Risk Management, LLC’s (“Hedgeye” or “HRM”) Risk Range™ signals to determine whether to buy and/or sell such put and call options, and at what strike prices. Hedgeye’s Risk Range™ signals are proprietary signals developed by Hedgeye suggesting market entry and exit points for investable assets. The Underlying Index changes its option position as changes occur in the Risk Range signals or if the expiration date of the options is within 7 calendar days. The Fund may weight the put and call options differently than the Underlying Index and may buy and sell put and call options on different dates than the Underlying Index. |
Options contracts are an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy or sell a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price. The strike price of an option is generally, the price at which an option holder may exercise the right to purchase or sell the reference asset of an option contract upon expiration of the contract.
European-style options are option contracts, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date.
FLEX options are customizable exchange-traded option contracts guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation. |
The Underlying Index’s options positions are modeled to provide downside protection, while frequently foregoing some upside potential. The premiums received from writing options are modeled to provide income to offset the cost of buying options. For the Fund, writing call options may reduce its ability to profit from increases in the value of its equity portfolio in rising markets, while writing put options may reduce its ability to provide downside protection in falling markets.
The S&P 500 Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index containing equity securities and is generally regarded as representative of the U.S. stock market.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including ETFs) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund reserves the right to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund expects to use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
| 166 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
As of March 31, 2026, the S&P 500 Index included 503 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $6.6 billion to $4.2 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $125.5 billion. The Underlying Index will be rebalanced and reconstituted when the Hedgeye’s Risk Range™ signal changes, which may be as frequently as daily, and if the expiration date of the options is within 7 calendar days. The Underlying Index is provided by Hedgeye Asset Management, LLC (the “Index Provider” or “HAM”) and the Underlying Index is calculated by Solactive AG (the “Calculation Agent”). HAM is a subsidiary of HRM, the provider of the Risk Range™ signals. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (32.9%), Financials sector (12.6%), and Communication Services sector (10.3%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
As
with all ETFs, a shareholder of the Fund is subject to the risk that his or her
investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective
and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete or balanced investment
program.
Affiliated Index Provider Risk. The Index Provider is an affiliated person of the Adviser, which poses potential conflicts of interest. For example, a potential conflict could arise between an affiliated person of the Index Provider or the Adviser and each Fund if that entity attempted to use information regarding changes and composition of each Index to the detriment of each Fund. Additionally, potential conflicts could arise with respect to the personal trading activity of personnel of the affiliated person who may have access to, or knowledge of, pending changes to each Index’s composition methodology or the constituent securities in each Index prior to the time that information is publicly disseminated. If shared, such knowledge could facilitate “front-running” (which describes an instance in which other persons trade ahead of each Fund). Although the Adviser and the Index Provider have taken steps designed to ensure that these potential conflicts are mitigated (e.g., via the adoption of policies and procedures that are designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and the implementation of informational barriers designed to minimize the potential for the misuse of information about the Index), there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Key Man Risk. While certain aspects of calculating the Underlying Index are automated, not all of the processes for calculating the Underlying Index are. In fact, HRM’s ability to publish Hedgeye’s Risk Range ™ signals daily, which are a critical input to the Underlying Index, is heavily dependent on the manual activities of a single individual, HRM’S CEO and founder (“Key Man”). In the Key Man’s absence, the Risk Range™ signals will be published by another individual (“Secondary Calculator”). The formula utilized by the Secondary Calculator is based on a formula that incorporates the same factors as the formula used by the Key Man but this formula is not identical to the formula utilized by the Key Man. If the Key Man were to leave HRM or is unable to calculate the Risk Range ™ signals, the Risk Range signals and Underlying Index may not function as designed and adversely impact the Fund.
If the Risk Range™ signals are not published for any reason, the Index Provider and Calculation Agent will use the last available Risk Range™ signal to calculate the Underlying Index value. Under any of these circumstances, the Underlying Index would not be updated to incorporate current Risk Range signals in a timely manner, and the Underlying Index may not function as designed, which may adversely impact the Fund. If this were to occur for an extended period, the Fund may be required to change its investment objective or be liquidated.
| 167 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Hedgeye Risk Range™ Signal Publication Risk. The Underlying Index utilizes Hedgeye’s Risk Range™ signals as critical inputs. Those same Risk Range™ signals are made available daily by HRM to other subscribers of the Risk Range™ signals, which include both retail and institutional investors. Krane will receive the constituents of the Underlying Index from the Calculation Agent after Hedgeye’s Risk Range™ signals are published to all HRM subscribers. As a result, HRM subscribers will be able to act on the daily Risk Range™ signals ahead of the Fund. In addition, HRM subscribers may receive intraday updates to the Risk Range™ signals, whereas the Underlying Index will only utilize the initially published Risk Range™ signals.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Options Risk. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
Any FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
| 168 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Clearing Member Default Risk. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to, and receive payments from, a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any option contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for its options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. The loss of a clearing member for the Fund to transact with could result in increased transaction costs and other operational issues that could impede the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.
The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the event an OCC clearing member that is a counterparty of the Fund were to become insolvent, the Fund may have some or all of its options closed without its consent or may experience delays or other difficulties in attempting to close or exercise its affected options positions, both of which would impair the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
Hedging Risk. The Fund’s hedging strategies may not be successful, and even if they are successful, the Fund’s exposures are not expected to be fully hedged at all times or over time. Hedges are subject to imperfect matching between the hedging instrument and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s options transactions will be effective. Investments in forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts may not perfectly offset actual fluctuations in the exchange rate between any foreign currency in which the Fund is directly or indirectly invested (such as by holding securities denominated in the foreign currency) and the U.S. dollar, including because currency exchange rates are volatile. In addition, forward foreign currency contracts are over-the-counter contracts that depend on performance by a counterparty; if such counterparty fails to perform, the Fund may lose money. Hedging will cause the Fund to have lower performance when the hedged asset is rising in value than it would if it did not hedge its exposure. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid-capitalization companies.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
| 169 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
| 170 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may have different options than the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
| 171 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As
of
| 172 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF | 1 year | Since Inception ( |
| S&P 500 Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Hedgeye Asset Management, LLC (“HAM” or “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the index provider and investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
John McNamara, the Chief Investment Officer at HAM, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2026.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
| 173 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 174 | KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF |
The KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF (the “Fund”) seeks growth of capital.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * | |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | ||
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund has not commenced investment operations prior to the date of this prospectus, it does not have portfolio turnover information for the prior fiscal year to report.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the equity securities of High-Bandwidth Memory companies and instruments that have economic characteristics similar to the equity securities of High-Bandwidth Memory companies. The notional value of such other instruments including derivatives, such as options, futures and swap contracts, on the equity securities of High-Bandwidth Memory companies will be counted toward satisfaction of this 80% policy.
| 175 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
The Fund defines High-Bandwidth Memory companies as those that derive at least 50% of their annual revenues or gross profits from the development, manufacturing, or sale of one or more of the following:
| (1) | High-bandwidth memory (“HBM”) technology, including existing and successor generations thereof; |
| (2) | Dynamic random-access technology (“DRAM”), including existing and successor standards thereof; |
| (3) | Not-And (“NAND”) flash memory or solid-state drive (“SSD”) technologies that utilize NAND flash memory; and |
| (4) | Semiconductor intellectual property, controller, interface, buffer or module chips, and capital equipment, in each case designed principally for use in, or in the manufacture, assembly, packaging or testing of, the products described in (1) through (3) above. |
The Fund is actively managed, and the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), selects and weights the Fund’s portfolio companies based on its proprietary analysis of, among other factors, a company’s revenue composition, competitive positioning within the memory semiconductor supply chain, exposure to HBM demand driven, including that driven by artificial intelligence (“AI”) infrastructure buildout, and current and projected market share. The Adviser revises the Fund’s portfolio at its discretion, including to adjust individual position weights to reflect evolving competitive dynamics within the HBM market, including qualification status with major AI accelerator customers, generation-over-generation yield rates, and capacity allocation to leading AI infrastructure providers. The Adviser will select the Fund’s investments using internal research and analysis based on company disclosure (such as annual reports, regulatory filings, investor presentations, capital markets materials, and earnings transcripts) as well as other publicly available information, including industry publications, scientific literature, sell-side research, and proprietary data sources.
The Fund may invest in common stock and depositary receipts, including depositary receipts whose underlying securities are non-voting preferred securities, of companies of any market capitalization, derivative instruments (including swaps and futures), spot currencies and currency forwards (including for hedging), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds) as consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and/or for cash management purposes. Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund’s portfolio is expected to consist of more than 15 but fewer than 100 companies from any U.S. or foreign market, whether developed or emerging. The Fund defines emerging markets as those included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The Fund limits its investments in any single company to 25% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund primarily will invest in companies that have a market capitalization of at least $100 million and a three-month average daily traded value of at least $500,000. The Fund is non-diversified and will concentrate (i.e., invest more than 25% of its total assets) its investments in the Information Technology sector.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
As
with all ETFs, a shareholder of the Fund is subject to the risk that his or her
investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective
and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete or balanced investment
program.
| 176 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
High Bandwidth Memory Companies Risk. The Fund invests in High Bandwidth Memory Companies, which may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel and are subject to the risks of changes in business cycles, world economic growth, technological progress and government regulation. These companies are also heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, and challenges to or misappropriation of such rights could have a material adverse effect on such companies. Securities of High Bandwidth Memory Companies tend to be more volatile than securities of companies that rely less heavily on technology. High Bandwidth Memory Companies typically engage in significant amounts of spending on research and development, and rapid changes to the field could have a material adverse effect on a company’s operating results. Additionally, the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of semiconductor memory technologies, including HBM, DRAM and NAND, as well as related subsystems, equipment, materials, and services, are complex and evolving, and may face unforeseen technical challenges (including yield and integration issues), supply chain disruptions, intense competition and pricing volatility, regulatory developments (including export controls), and market acceptance uncertainties. As a result, investments in High Bandwidth Memory Companies may be subject to higher levels of risk and volatility.
Line of Business Risk. Certain companies included in the Fund’s portfolio will be engaged in other lines of business unrelated to the development of memory products, and these lines of business could adversely affect their operating results. The operating results of these companies may fluctuate as a result of these additional risks and events in the other lines of business. Despite a company’s possible success in activities linked to its development of memory products, there can be no assurance that the other lines of business in which these companies are engaged will not have an adverse effect on a company’s business or financial condition.
Semiconductor Industry Risk. The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical, which could affect the availability and price of components and generally cause the operating results of semiconductor companies to vary significantly. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital and research and development costs requiring additional financing, which may be difficult or costly to obtain. In addition to the risk of rapid product obsolescence, many semiconductor companies may not successfully introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base or achieve general market acceptance for their products, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on their financial condition. Moreover, many semiconductor companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. As product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, semiconductor companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers their profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, underutilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor industry. The international operations of many semiconductor companies expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations, tariffs and trade disputes, competition from subsidized foreign competitors with lower production costs, and other risks inherent to international business.
Taiwan Risk. Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve risks that are specific to Taiwan, including legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Political and economic developments of Taiwan’s neighbors may have an adverse effect on Taiwan’s economy. Specifically, Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions, which may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market and may have an adverse impact on the values of the Fund’s investments in Taiwan, or make such investments impracticable or impossible.
South Korea Risk. The Fund is susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory and geographic events affecting South Korea. The South Korean economy is dependent on the economies of other Asian countries, especially China and Southeast Asia, and the United States as key trading partners. South Korea’s economy may be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. Escalated tensions involving the two nations and the outbreak of hostilities between the two nations, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy. In addition, South Korea’s economic growth potential has recently been on a decline because of a rapidly aging population and structural problems, among other factors.
| 177 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk. Companies in the artificial intelligence (“AI”) and technology industries typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an AI and Technology company.
Certain AI and Technology companies may face special risks that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Such companies are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological developments. As a result, their products may rapidly become obsolete. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may, therefore, be adversely affected by governmental policies. In addition, certain of such companies in which the Fund may invest may not currently be profitable and there can be no assurance that such companies will be profitable in the future.
The economy may be significantly impacted by the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. As artificial intelligence technologies are used more widely, the profitability and growth of the Fund’s holdings may be impacted, which could significantly impact the overall performance of the Fund. The legal and regulatory frameworks within which artificial intelligence technologies operate continue to rapidly evolve, and it is not possible to predict the full extent of current or future risks related thereto.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
| 178 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk. Because the Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of its assets in fewer issuers than a diversified fund, changes in the market value of a single portfolio holding could cause greater fluctuations in the Fund’s share price than would occur in a diversified fund. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and cause the performance of a single portfolio holding or a relatively small number of portfolio holdings to have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
| 179 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Management Risk. The Fund is one of Krane’s first actively-managed strategies and the Fund may not meet its investment objective based on Krane’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund for these investments. Krane’s evaluations and assumptions regarding these investments may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions. Furthermore, for the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in the Underlying Index, the Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
| 180 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
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Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Derek Yan, Senior Investment Strategist of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund and supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team with respect to the Fund. Mr. Yan joined Krane in 2015 and has over 10 years of experience in investment research, portfolio management, and ETF product development. He is responsible for investment research and strategy and product development across a range of thematic and global equity strategies. Mr. Yan is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. He holds a master’s degree in business analytics from Bentley University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Peking University.
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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 183 | KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF |
The KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity and derivative securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * | |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | ||
| $ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 184 |
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
|
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowing for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index, including derivatives, such as swaps. For purposes of the 80% policy, derivatives will be counted based on their notional value. The Underlying Index is designed to track the performance of a systematic enhanced collar strategy that seeks to limit losses while providing option income.
The Underlying Index models a strategy that includes these components:
● total return exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index®;
● short call options (i.e., selling call options) on the Nasdaq-100 Index®, which involve the selling of a series of short-dated call options (i.e., five days or less) to generate option income, with new call options being sold each day; and
● short futures positions (i.e., selling futures) on the Nasdaq-100 Futures Excess Return™ Index, which is dynamically adjusted on a daily basis as it seeks to replicate the effect of rolling monthly put options on the Nasdaq-100 Index® and provide downside protection against losses.
|
The Nasdaq-100 Index® is a modified market capitalization weighted index containing equity securities of 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.
Options contracts are an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy or sell a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price.
The Nasdaq-100 Futures Excess Return™ Index measures the performance of the nearest expiring quarterly E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures contract trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
Rolling a put option is the simultaneous closing of an existing put option and opening of a new one to adjust the expiration date and/or strike price.
A total return swap will exchange a floating interest rate for the total return of a reference instrument. |
The Fund may invest directly in any component of the Nasdaq-100 Index® or may invest in an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to track the Nasdaq-100 Index®. The Fund utilizes total return swaps to gain exposure to the short call options and the short futures positions in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may invest directly in any component of the Underlying Index or obtain some or all of the exposures through investments in equity securities or derivative instruments, including swaps, futures, forwards, notes or options. In addition, the Fund may obtain exposures or invest in positions with different terms than the Underlying Index and may weight positions differently than the Underlying Index.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, notes and options), other investment companies (including ETFs) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The Fund reserves the right to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index or use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
| 185 |
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
As of March 31, 2026, the Nasdaq-100 Index® included 100 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $16.93 billion to $4.24 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $349.18 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (50.38%), the Communication Services sector (15.30%), and the Consumer Discretionary sector (12.57%) each represented a significant portion of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index will be rebalanced and reconstituted daily.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Swap Agreement Risk. Swap agreements are a type of derivative instrument that subjects the Fund to counterparty credit, liquidity, and correlation risks, including that: (i) the Fund may not be able to enter into replacement swap agreements in the event a current swap is terminated (ii) unfunded swap agreements may involve greater leverage risks than funded swaps; (iii) the swap agreement may not reflect the performance of the Underlying Index or the Reference Index as expected due to differences in calculation methods or expenses; and (iv) during market disruptions, the Fund may be unable to enter into new swap agreements or adjust existing positions at favorable prices. In volatile markets, the Fund may not be able to close out a position without incurring a significant amount of loss.
The counterparty to a swap agreement may be entitled to terminate the swap agreement at its then current market value upon the occurrence of certain extraordinary market events or at its discretion upon notice to the Fund. Under such circumstances, if the Adviser is unable to enter into new swap agreements with a suitable counterparty, the Adviser may recommend to the Board of Trustees to immediately liquidate the Fund. A liquidation can be initiated by the Board of Trustees without a shareholder vote. While shareholder interests will be the paramount consideration in a liquidation under such circumstances, the timing of the liquidation may not be favorable to certain individual shareholders.
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KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
Counterparty Risk. A counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement or the party with whom the Fund executes transactions) to a transaction with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations. If this occurs, it could result in a reduction in the NAV of the Fund and could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s investments will be greater if the Fund uses only a limited number of counterparties. If there are only a couple of potential counterparties, the Fund, subject to applicable law, may enter into transactions with as few as one counterparty at any time.
Options Risk. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
Any FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
Clearing Member Default Risk. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to, and receive payments from, a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any option contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for its options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. The loss of a clearing member for the Fund to transact with could result in increased transaction costs and other operational issues that could impede the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.
The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the event an OCC clearing member that is a counterparty of the Fund were to become insolvent, the Fund may have some or all of its options closed without its consent or may experience delays or other difficulties in attempting to close or exercise its affected options positions, both of which would impair the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
| 187 |
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
Futures Contracts Risk. Successful use of futures contracts draws upon the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s skill and experience with respect to such instruments and is subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts include: (a) an imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the reference asset and the price of the futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; and (d) the inability to predict correctly the direction of market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
Hedging Risk. The Fund’s hedging strategies may not be successful, and even if they are successful, the Fund’s exposures are not expected to be fully hedged at all times or over time. Hedges are subject to imperfect matching between the hedging instrument and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s options transactions will be effective. Investments in forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts may not perfectly offset actual fluctuations in the exchange rate between any foreign currency in which the Fund is directly or indirectly invested (such as by holding securities denominated in the foreign currency) and the U.S. dollar, including because currency exchange rates are volatile. In addition, forward foreign currency contracts are over-the-counter contracts that depend on performance by a counterparty; if such counterparty fails to perform, the Fund may lose money. Hedging will cause the Fund to have lower performance when the hedged asset is rising in value than it would if it did not hedge its exposure. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid-capitalization companies.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
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KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
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KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may have different options than the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
| 190 |
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Option Income Risk. The Fund generates option premium income generated from the sale of options (“option income”). This option income generally is classified as a return of capital for financial accounting purposes, which is how such income is required to be reported on the 19(a) notices that the Fund is required to issue after its monthly distributions. However, the 19(a) notices do not reflect the tax character of the option income, which is determined after the end of the calendar year. The option income for tax purposes is likely to be considered taxable investment income and may not reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund when distributed.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
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KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
The KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide current income.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
| 193 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund employs a covered call strategy. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the component securities of the CSI Overseas China Internet Index (“Index”) or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Index and writes (sells) covered call options on the Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to writing covered call options on the Index. Currently, the Fund intends to invest in KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (“Underlying Fund”), which is an exchange-traded fund advised by Krane that seeks to track the Index, and to write (sell) covered call options on the Underlying Fund. The Fund intends to write covered call options on the Underlying Fund on the full amount of its investment in the Underlying Fund.
Each month, the Fund will write (sell) at the money FLexible EXchange® call options (“FLEX options”) on the Underlying Fund. The Fund will cover such options by holding the Underlying Fund. FLEX options are exchange-traded options contracts with uniquely customizable terms like exercise price, style, and expiration date. Each FLEX option written will generally (i) have an expiration date greater than 30 days; (ii) have an exercise price generally at the prevailing market price of the Underlying Fund; and (iii) be traded on a national securities exchange. The Fund will attempt to hold each FLEX option written until expiration. However, if there are redemptions in the Fund, it may not be able to hold such options until expiration. In addition, each FLEX option written generally will only be subject to exercise on its expiration date.
A covered call strategy is generally considered to be an investment strategy in which an investor buys a security, and sells (or “writes”) a call option on that security in an attempt to generate more income. Each time the Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund receives a payment of money from the investor who buys the option from the Fund, which is called the premium. If the value of the Fund declines because of a decline in the value of the Index, the premium that the Fund received for writing the call option offsets this loss to some extent. By writing covered call options in return for the receipt of premiums, the Fund will give up the opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the Underlying Fund above the exercise prices of such options, but will continue to bear the risk of declines in the value of the Underlying Fund.
The Fund currently intends to distribute on a monthly basis its option premium income so that the Fund’s monthly distribution percentage does not exceed 2% of net asset value. The Fund’s distribution in December may exceed this amount in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company.
The Fund’s covered call options may partially protect the Fund from a decline in the price of the Index through means of the premiums received by the Fund. However, when the Index is rallying rapidly, the Fund is expected to underperform the Index.
The Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of investable publicly traded “China-based companies” whose primary business or businesses are in the Internet and Internet-related sectors (“China Internet Companies”) (as defined below), and are listed outside of mainland China, as determined by China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“Index Provider”).
| ● | The Index Provider defines China-based companies as those that: (i) are incorporated in mainland China; (ii) have their headquarters in mainland China; or (iii) derive at least 50% of its revenue from goods produced or sold, or services performed, in mainland China. |
| ● | China Internet Companies include, but are not limited to, companies that develop and market Internet software and/or provide Internet services; manufacture home entertainment software and educational software for home use; provide retail or commercial services primarily through the Internet; and develop and market mobile Internet software and/or provide mobile Internet services. |
The Index excludes securities that during the past year had a daily average trading value of less than $3 million or a daily average market cap of less than $2 billion. Constituents of the Index are ranked by free-float market capitalization in U.S. Dollars and then weighted so that no constituent exceeds 10% at each rebalance with the top five constituents capped at 40%.
| 194 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Although the Underlying Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Index, the Underlying Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Index. In addition, the Underlying Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Index, but that Krane believes will help the Underlying Fund track the Index. The Underlying Fund’s prospectus and other reports are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Underlying Fund is traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. under the ticker symbol KWEB.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in instruments that are not included in the 80% test noted above. These investments include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers that are not constituents of the Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) that do not have economic characteristics similar to writing covered call options on the Index, other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The Fund may write (sell) covered call options on these investments. The investment companies in which the Fund will invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Index and/or represent investments of the Fund:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
As of March 31, 2026, the Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $523 million to $564.0 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $43.5 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (41.4%) and Communication Services sector (37.4%) represented significant portions of the Index. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted semi-annually.
| 195 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Principal Risks
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Covered Call Options Risk. By writing covered call options in return for the receipt of premiums, the Fund will give up the opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the Index above the exercise prices of such options, but will continue to bear the risk of declines in the value of the Index. The premiums received from the options may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from such declines. In addition, the Fund’s ability to sell the securities underlying the options will be limited while the options are in effect unless the Fund cancels out the option positions through the purchase of offsetting identical options prior to the expiration of the written options. As the writer of a call option, the Fund may not be able to control the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation to the purchaser of the option; however, the terms of the FLEX options typically written by the Fund will generally make them exercisable only on their expiration date. Exchanges may suspend the trading of options in volatile markets. If trading is suspended, the Fund may be unable to write options at times that may be desirable or advantageous to do so.
The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors. If the Fund was required to close out an option position prior to expiration, an increase in implied volatility could result in higher option prices and losses to the Fund, depending on when the option was written. A decrease in implied volatility results in lower option prices, and this could result in lower options premiums at the time that the option is written.
There may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for various options. The trading in FLEX options may be less deep and liquid than the market for certain other securities. FLEX options may be less liquid than certain non-customized options. In a less liquid market for the FLEX options, the liquidation of a large number of options may more significantly impact the price. A less liquid trading market may adversely impact the value of the FLEX options and the value of your investment.
| 196 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
| 197 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
| 198 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
| 199 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
| 200 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs, generate net short-term capital gains and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Regulations require that the portfolio turnover rate be calculated without regard to trades of short-term cash instruments, in-kind transactions or derivatives transactions, which may comprise a significant portion of the Fund’s trading. If such trades were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate may be significantly higher.
| 201 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. The Adviser’s evaluations and assumptions regarding investments, interest rates, inflation, and other factors may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
| 202 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Option Income Risk. The Fund generates option premium income generated from the sale of covered call options (“option income”). This option income generally is classified as a return of capital for financial accounting purposes, which is how such income is required to be reported on the 19(a) notices that the Fund is required to issue after its monthly distributions. However, the 19(a) notices do not reflect the tax character of the option income, which is determined after the end of the calendar year. The option income for tax purposes is likely to be considered taxable investment income and may not reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund when distributed. The Fund currently intends to distribute on a monthly basis its option income so that the Fund’s monthly distribution percentage does not exceed 2% of net asset value. The Fund’s distribution in December may exceed this amount in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 203 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Return of Capital Risk. Historically, a portion of the Fund’s distributions have been treated as a return of capital for tax purposes. Return of capital distributions are not taxable income to you but reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund. Such a reduction in tax basis will result in larger taxable gains and/or lower tax losses on a subsequent sale of shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the character of the Fund’s distributions will be similar in the future.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF | 1 year | Since Inception () |
| - | ||
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| CSI
Overseas China Internet Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
CSI Overseas China Internet Index (Reflects no deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes)
| 204 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Krane’s investment team for the Fund and also has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 205 | KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF |
The KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Man Buyout Beta Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index.
| 206 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
The Underlying Index is designed to provide a proxy for private equity performance and risk exposures by focusing on small- and mid-capitalization stocks that have characteristics similar to companies in private equity buyout funds. A “buyout” fund is a type of fund that targets companies for acquisition or control in an attempt to enhance the value of those acquired companies. The Fund does not invest directly in private equity funds or the private equity of companies and the Fund will not attempt to acquire or control private companies.
The Underlying Index begins with the largest 3000 U.S. public equities by total market capitalization, then excludes the largest 500 equities. From this universe, the Underlying Index screens for companies that have characteristics similar to companies in private equity buyout funds by:
| ● | looking at industry classification; |
| ● | using fundamental screens related to valuation, profitability, debt capacity, cash management and growth potential; and |
| ● | using additional screens that are designed to identify publicly traded securities similar to those sought by private equity buyout funds such as a company’s supply chain and competitive environment. |
The Underlying Index will utilize inputs from the Index Provider and use a systematic process to build a portfolio of publicly traded equity securities that have characteristics similar to companies sought by private equity buyout funds. The Underlying Index employs both (a) a top-down process that seeks to provide the Underlying Index with industry exposures that are similar to the U.S. buyout segment of the private equity market and (b) a suite of bottom-up company selection models (i.e., the fundamental and additional screens discussed above that seek to screen for companies with characteristics similar to companies sought by private equity buyout funds) that seek to take advantage of dynamic public market data in selecting securities for the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is market capitalization weighted and caps the weight of any one constituent at 5% of the Underlying Index’s weight.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but the Fund’s adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities of issuers whose securities are not components of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including ETFs) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 289 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $91 million to $85 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $7 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Industrials sector (22.4%), Information Technology sector (20.9%), and Consumer Discretionary sector (13.1%)represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted monthly.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
| 207 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
Principal Risks
As
with all exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), a shareholder of the Fund is subject to
the risk that his or her investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve
its investment objective and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a
complete or balanced investment program.
Affiliated Index Provider Risk. The Index Provider is an affiliated person of the Adviser, which poses potential conflicts of interest. For example, a potential conflict could arise between an affiliated person of the Index Provider or the Adviser and each Fund if that entity attempted to use information regarding changes and composition of each Index to the detriment of each Fund. Additionally, potential conflicts could arise with respect to the personal trading activity of personnel of the affiliated person who may have access to, or knowledge of, pending changes to each Index’s composition methodology or the constituent securities in each Index prior to the time that information is publicly disseminated. If shared, such knowledge could facilitate “front-running” (which describes an instance in which other persons trade ahead of each Fund). Although the Adviser and the Index Provider have taken steps designed to ensure that these potential conflicts are mitigated (e.g., via the adoption of policies and procedures that are designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and the implementation of informational barriers designed to minimize the potential for the misuse of information about the Index), there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Model and Data Risk. The Underlying Index relies on models from Numeric as part of the index methodology. Models rely on various sources of information and data (“data”) and such data may be incorrect or incomplete making the models unreliable. Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be indicative of future price movements. Models may not be reliable or produce unexpected results if unusual or disruptive events cause market moves the nature or size of which are inconsistent with the historic performance of individual markets and their relationship to one another or to other macroeconomic events. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. In the event that actual events fail to conform to the assumptions underlying such models, losses could be incurred. The performance of the investment models may be impacted by software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, and similar circumstances. While the Underlying Index seeks to provide a proxy for private equity performance and risk exposure similar to companies in private equity buyout funds, there is no guarantee that such exposure will be obtained using public equities or that the models and data used by the Underlying Index will be able to provide such exposure.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
| 208 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
| 209 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, the use of representative sampling strategy, if applicable, asset valuation differences, tax considerations, the unavailability of securities in the Underlying Index from time to time and other liquidity constraints.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
There is no guarantee that the methodology the Index Provider uses to identify constituents for the Underlying Index will achieve its intended result or provide an accurate assessment of included constituents. The Underlying Index relies on various sources of information to assess the potential constituents of the Underlying Index, including information that may be based on assumptions or estimates. Neither the Fund nor Krane can offer assurances that the Index Provider’s sources of information are reliable. There can be no guarantee that the methodology underlying the Underlying Index, the Underlying Index construction and computation processes, or the daily calculation of the Underlying Index or its methodology will be free from error or that an error will be identified and/or corrected, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
| 210 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities; (2) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers; (3) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (4) there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund.
| 211 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| 212 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
| KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF | 1 year | Since Inception ( |
| Russell 3000 Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| Man Buyout Beta Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Numeric Investors LLC (“Numeric” or “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the index provider and investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. John Lidington, a Partner at Numeric, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 213 | KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF |
The KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price performance of the KFA MLM Index (“Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing in commodity, currency, and global fixed income futures contracts traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges that are the same as or similar to those included in the Index.
| 214 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
The Index is a modified version of the MLM Index, which is an affiliated index that measures the performance of a portfolio of commodity, currency, and global fixed income futures contracts traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges using a trend following methodology. The Index determines weightings of these three types of futures contracts by the relative historical volatility of each type of futures contract as determined by the MLM Index Committee. Within each type of futures contract, the underlying constituent markets are equal dollar weighted.
The Index will roll futures contracts forward on a market by market basis as each constituent market nears expiration. The selection of the constituent markets occurs annually. The constituent markets of the futures contracts for the Index currently consist of the following commodities (corn, crude oil, copper, gold, heating oil, cattle, natural gas, soybeans, sugar, wheat and gasoline), currencies (British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, and Swiss francs), and global bond markets (Canadian government bond, Euro bund, Japanese government bond, Long gilt and Ten-year Treasuries). Constituent markets are traded both long and short based on each market’s trading signals.
The Index evaluates market trading signals on a daily basis and rebalances on the first day of the month. In addition, the Index has a target average annualized volatility of 15% over time.
The Fund invests in futures contracts on commodities, currencies and global bond markets. The Fund utilizes a subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”) for purposes of investing in futures contracts on commodities. The Subsidiary is a corporation operating under Cayman Islands law that is wholly-owned and controlled by the Fund. The Subsidiary is advised by the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) and is sub-advised by Mount Lucas Index Advisers LLC, the Fund’s sub-adviser (“MLIA” or “Sub-Adviser”). The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets (ignoring any subsequent market appreciation in the Subsidiary’s value), which limitation is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is measured at the end of the quarter. The Subsidiary has the same investment objective as the Fund and follows the same investment policies and restrictions as the Fund. Except as noted, for purposes of this Prospectus, references to the Fund’s investment strategies and risks include those of its Subsidiary, and references to the Fund include the Subsidiary. While the Fund generally seeks to maintain exposure to the same futures contracts as those included in the Index, the Fund and Subsidiary may not replicate the Index. For example, the Fund may invest in futures with different maturity dates, the Fund may weigh the futures differently than the Index, or the Fund may purchase futures on different dates than the rebalancing date for the Index. Fund assets not invested in futures contracts or the Subsidiary generally will be invested in debt instruments, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), cash or cash equivalent instruments, or money market mutual funds.
The Fund may also invest directly and indirectly in certain debt instruments. The debt instruments in which the Fund intends to invest include government securities and corporate or other non-government fixed-income securities with maturities of up to 12 months. The Fund may invest in debt instruments indirectly through short-term bond funds and ETFs. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds. Currently, the Fund expects to invest in ETFs to gain exposure to debt instruments.
The Fund may also invest in instruments that are not included in the Index. These investments may include equity securities, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including ETFs) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) has adopted certain requirements that subject registered investment companies and their advisers to regulation by the CFTC if a registered investment company invests more than a prescribed level of its net assets in CFTC-regulated futures, options and swaps, or if a registered investment company markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. Due to the Fund’s use of CFTC-regulated futures and swaps above CFTC Rule 4.5 limits, the Fund is considered a “commodity pool” under the Commodity Exchange Act.
| 215 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Index was invested in the futures contracts of the 11 commodities, six currencies, and five global bond markets listed above. The Index is provided by MLIA (“Index Provider”), and the Index is calculated by Fuzzy Logix, Inc. (doing business as “FastINDX”).
Principal Risks
Affiliated Index Provider Risk. The Index Provider is an affiliated person of the Adviser, which poses potential conflicts of interest. For example, a potential conflict could arise between an affiliated person of the Index Provider or the Adviser and each Fund if that entity attempted to use information regarding changes and composition of each Index to the detriment of each Fund. Additionally, potential conflicts could arise with respect to the personal trading activity of personnel of the affiliated person who may have access to, or knowledge of, pending changes to each Index’s composition methodology or the constituent securities in each Index prior to the time that information is publicly disseminated. If shared, such knowledge could facilitate “front-running” (which describes an instance in which other persons trade ahead of each Fund). Although the Adviser and the Index Provider have taken steps designed to ensure that these potential conflicts are mitigated (e.g., via the adoption of policies and procedures that are designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and the implementation of informational barriers designed to minimize the potential for the misuse of information about the Index), there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
Futures Contract Risk. Successful use of futures contracts draws upon the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s skill and experience with respect to such instruments and is subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts include: (a) an imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the reference asset and the price of the futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; and (d) the inability to predict correctly the direction of market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
Commodity and Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk. The Fund, directly or indirectly, may have significant investment exposure to the commodities markets and/or a particular sector of the commodities markets, which may subject it to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets are impacted by a variety of factors, including market movements, resource availability, commodity price volatility, speculation in the commodities markets, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities in commodities. The value of a commodity-linked derivative investment typically is based upon the price movements of a physical commodity and may be affected by these same factors as well as credit and interest rate risks. In addition, investments in commodity-linked derivatives may be subject to greater volatility than non-derivative based investments.
Fixed Income Securities Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not make timely interest payments or repay the principal of the debt issued (i.e., default on its obligations). A downgrade or default on securities held by the Fund could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt resulting from changes in the level of interest rates. When interest rates go up, the prices of most debt instruments generally go down; and when interest rates go down, the prices of most debt instruments generally go up. Debt instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, typically making them more volatile. Interest rates have recently increased and may continue increasing, thereby heightening the risks associated with rising interest rates.
| 216 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Commodity Pool Registration Risk. Under regulations promulgated by the CFTC, the Fund and the Subsidiary are considered commodity pools, and therefore each is subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules. Krane and MLIA are registered as a commodity pool operator and commodity trading adviser, respectively, and manages the Fund and the Subsidiary in accordance with CFTC rules, as well as the rules that apply to registered investment companies. Commodity pools are subject to additional laws, regulations and enforcement policies, all of which may potentially increase compliance costs and may affect the operations and financial performance of the Fund and the Subsidiary. Additionally, positions in futures and other contracts may have to be liquidated at disadvantageous times or prices to prevent the Fund from exceeding any applicable position limits established by the CFTC. Such actions may subject the Fund to substantial losses.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Pursuant to government regulations, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to most derivatives. As a result, the Fund’s portfolio turnover may be low despite relatively high portfolio activity. High portfolio turnover or high portfolio activity may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and other transaction costs and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover or activity also may generate net short-term capital gains.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
| 217 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
European Union Risk. The economies of the European Union are dependent to a significant extent on those of certain key trading partners, including China, the United States, and other European countries. A reduction in spending on products and services exported from the European Union, or volatility in the financial markets of member countries, may have an adverse impact on the broader European Union economy and could adversely affect the Fund. Separately, the European Union faces issues involving its membership, structure, procedures and policies. The United Kingdom (UK) officially withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020. Upon the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the European Union and the UK entered into a transition phase, which concluded on December 31, 2020, and the UK and the European Union agreed upon a Trade and Cooperation Agreement that became fully effective on May 1, 2021. The UK, European Union and broader global economy may still experience volatility in foreign exchange markets as a result of these events. The UK’s withdrawal may also destabilize some or all of the other European Union member countries and/or the Eurozone. The exit of additional member states from the European Union would subject its currency and banking system to increased risk and would likely result in increased volatility, illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the affected markets. Additionally, the reintroduction of national currencies in one or more European Union countries or the abandonment of the Euro as a currency could adversely affect the Fund.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Short Sale Risk. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. Because the Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Fund is leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value since it increases the exposure of the Fund to the market. The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position at a favorable time or price. If the Fund covers its short sale at an unfavorable price, the cover transaction is likely to reduce or eliminate any gain, or cause a loss to the Fund. When the Fund is selling a security short, it must maintain a segregated account of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. As a result, the Fund may maintain high levels of cash or other liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market instruments, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions). The Fund may utilize the collateral obtained from securities lending for this cash. The need to maintain cash or other liquid assets in segregated accounts could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
| 218 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Index investments, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign investments and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Index is based on investment’s closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely affected.
| 219 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Index and may hold less than the total number of investments in the Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Sub-Adviser’s investment selection process may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Regulatory Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that a change in U.S. law and related regulations will impact the way the Fund operates, increase the particular costs of the Fund’s operations and/or change the competitive landscape. Additional legislative or regulatory changes could occur that may materially and adversely affect the Fund.
Subsidiary Investment Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. Since the Subsidiary is organized under the law of the Cayman Islands and is not registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund will not receive all of the protections offered to shareholders of registered investment companies. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as intended, which may negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
| 220 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities receive varying levels of support and may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which could affect the Fund’s ability to recover should they default. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. Additionally, market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government may decline or be negative for short or long periods of time.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 221 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | - |
| 2025 | - |
As of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| Bloomberg
Global Aggregate Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
- | |
| KFA
MLM Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
| 222 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mount Lucas Index Advisers LLC (“MLIA” or “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
Timothy J. Rudderow Sr., Chairman; Gerald L. Prior, III, Chief Investment Officer – Managed Futures, Chief Operating Officer; and David Aspell, Chief Investment Officer – Global Macro, are the Fund’s Portfolio Managers and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund’s portfolio. Messrs. Rudderow, Prior, and Aspell have served as portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 223 | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF |
The KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price and yield performance of a specific foreign equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the MSCI China All Shares Health Care 10/40 Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| Fee Waiver*** | - |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, except that it reflects the Fee Waiver for the period described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 224 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is a free float adjusted market capitalization weighted index, subject to the 10/40 Constraint (as defined below), which is designed to measure the equity market performance of Chinese companies in the healthcare sector, as classified by the Global Industry Classification Standard. The securities eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index include all types of publicly issued shares of Chinese issuers, such as A-Shares, B-Shares, H-Shares, P-Chips and Red Chips, which are described below. The issuers included in the Underlying Index may include mid-cap and large-cap companies.
To determine the investable universe of Chinese equity securities for the Underlying Index, the index provider, MSCI Inc. (“Index Provider”), applies investability screens to securities within the healthcare sector based on the MSCI Global Investable Market Indexes Methodology, along with MSCI’s investability and minimum size criteria for emerging markets. To be included in the Underlying Index, at the time of each rebalance, securities must, among other things: (1) be within the top 85% of the investable universe (based on market capitalization); and (2) meet certain liquidity requirements as measured by the three-month annual traded value ratio, the twelve-month annual traded value ratio and three-month frequency of trading percentage.
Underlying Index constituents are weighted by the security’s free-float adjusted market capitalization, as calculated based on MSCI’s Foreign Inclusion Factor (“FIF”) and subject to Foreign Ownership Limits (“FOLs”), but is modified so that, as of the rebalance date, no issuer constitutes more than 10% of the Underlying Index and so that the cumulative weight of all constituents with a weight of over 5% does not exceed 40% of the Underlying Index (“10/40 Constraint”). The FIF of a security is defined as the proportion of shares outstanding that is available for investment in the public equity markets by foreign investors. For China A-Shares, an FIF of 100% is applied to their free-float adjusted market capitalization for calculating their final weight in the Underlying Index. The FOL of a security is defined as the proportion of share capital of the security that is available for purchase to foreign investors.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Underlying Index and/or represent investments of the Fund:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| 225 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 46 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $2.1 billion to $53.2 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $12.4 billion. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly and whenever the 10/40 Constraint is breached, which may occur due to market movements. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Healthcare sector (100%).
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
| 226 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
| 227 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Healthcare Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the healthcare sector may be affected by government regulations and government healthcare programs, government reimbursement for medical expenses, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services, limited product lines, increased emphasis on the delivery of healthcare through outpatient services and product liability claims. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent on patent protection, which may be time consuming and costly, and the expiration of a company’s patent may adversely affect that company’s profitability. Healthcare companies are subject to competitive forces that may result in pricing pressure, including price discounting, and may be thinly capitalized and susceptible to product obsolescence. Many new products in the healthcare sector require significant research and development and may be subject to regulatory approvals, which may be time consuming and costly and with no guarantee that the product will come to market.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
| 228 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
| 229 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
| 230 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
| 231 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 232 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | - |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | - |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception () |
| - |
- | ||
| - |
- | ||
| - |
- | ||
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
||
| MSCI
China All Shares Health Care 10/40 Index (Reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or other taxes) |
- |
- |
| 233 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 234 | KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF |
The KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond to the price and yield performance of a specific foreign equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the MSCI China IMI Environment 10/40 Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
| 235 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index modified per the 10/40 Constraint (as defined below) designed to measure the equity market performance of Chinese companies in the industrial, utility, real estate and technology sectors that contribute to a more environmentally sustainable economy by making more efficient use of scarce natural resources or by mitigating environmental degradation (“clean technologies”). Companies in the Underlying Index derive at least 50% of their revenues, as determined by MSCI Inc. (the “Index Provider”) from (1) alternative energy; (2) sustainable water; (3) pollution prevention; and (4) energy efficiency. The issuers included in the Underlying Index may include small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap companies.
The Underlying Index is modified so that, as of the rebalance date, no issuer constitutes more than 10% of the Underlying Index and so that the cumulative weight of all constituents with a weight of over 5% does not exceed 40% of the Underlying Index (the “10/40 Constraint”).
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Underlying Index and/or represent investments of the Fund:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
| 236 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $1.1 billion to $268.9 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $27.9 billion.
The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Consumer Discretionary sector (39.2%), Industrials sector (26.2%), Utilities sector (20.0%), and Information Technology sector (14.5%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
| 237 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
| 238 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Clean Technology Risk. Issuers engaged in clean technology business lines may be difficult to identify and investments in them may be volatile. They may be highly dependent upon government subsidies, contracts with government entities, and the successful development of new and proprietary technologies. Such technologies risk rapid product obsolescence, short product cycles, and competition from new market entrants. Current valuation methods used to value companies involved in alternative and clean power technology sectors have not been in widespread use for a significant period of time, and it is difficult to value share prices of such issuers. In addition, seasonal weather conditions, fluctuations in supply of and demand for clean energy products (including, in relation to traditional energy products, such as oil and gas), changes in energy prices, and international political events may cause fluctuations in the performance of these issuers and the prices of their securities. Other countries, including the U.S., may take steps against Chinese companies engaged in clean technology services and products, such as through the imposition of tariffs and anti-dumping duties. Even companies that are classified as being involved in clean technology services and products may not necessarily compare favorably with respect to their clean technology practices and impact to those of other issuers.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
| 239 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
| 240 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Utilities Sector Risk. Companies in the utilities industry may have difficulty obtaining an adequate return on invested capital, raising capital, and financing large construction programs during periods of inflation or unsettled capital markets; face restrictions on operations and increased cost and delays attributable to environmental considerations and regulation; find that existing plants, equipment or products have been rendered obsolete by technological innovations; and be subject to increased costs because of the scarcity of certain fuels or the effects of man-made disasters. Deregulation is subjecting utility companies to greater competition and may adversely affect profitability. As deregulation allows utility companies to diversify outside of their original geographic regions and their traditional lines of business, utility companies may engage in riskier ventures. Government regulators monitor and control utility operations, revenues and costs, and therefore may limit utility profits. Regulatory authorities may also restrict utility companies’ access to new markets, thereby diminishing these companies’ long-term prospects. Energy conservation and changes in climate policy may have a significant adverse impact on the revenues and expenses of utility companies.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
| 241 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
| 242 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
| 243 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 244 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2018 | - |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since Inception () |
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| MSCI
China All Shares Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
||
| MSCI
China IMI Environment 10/40 Index (Net) (Reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or other taxes) |
- |
| 245 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 246 | KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF |
The KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| Fee Waiver** | - |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver |
| * |
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, except that it reflects the Fee Waiver for the period described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
| 247 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of mid- and large-cap companies of emerging market countries as defined by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, but excluding China. The Underlying Index generally classifies an issuer as coming from a particular country based on where it is incorporated and where its stock is primarily listed. When an issuer’s securities are primarily listed outside of its country of incorporation, the Underlying Index also considers the following factors, among others, in determining where the issuer is from: (1) the secondary listings, if any, of the issuer’s securities; (2) the geographic distribution of the issuer’s shareholder base; (3) the location of its headquarters; (4) the geographic distribution of its operations (in terms of assets and revenues); (5) the issuer’s history, and (6) the country with which investors associate the issuer. Each issuer and its securities are classified in only one country.
The Underlying Index, as of each rebalance, includes equity securities that, among other matters: (1) are issued by companies from Emerging Market countries (as defined below); and (2) are issued by companies whose free-float market capitalizations are in the top 85% of the Emerging Market from which they come. As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included issuers from the following “Emerging Markets”: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Krane believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund reserves the right to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund expects to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 625 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $13.3 billion to $1.8 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $27.0 billion. As of March 31, 2026, the largest country representations in the Underlying Index were Taiwan (30.2%), Korea (20.8%), and India (16.9%). As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (39.7%) and Financials sector (22.3%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly.
The Fund intends to be diversified in approximately the same proportion as the Underlying Index is diversified. The Fund may become “non-diversified,” as defined under the 1940 Act, solely as a result of a change in relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of the Underlying Index. Shareholder approval will not be sought if the Fund becomes “non-diversified” due solely to a change in the relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of the Underlying Index.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
| 248 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Taiwan Risk. Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve risks that are specific to Taiwan, including legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Political and economic developments of Taiwan’s neighbors may have an adverse effect on Taiwan’s economy. Specifically, Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions, which may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market and may have an adverse impact on the values of the Fund’s investments in Taiwan, or make such investments impracticable or impossible.
India Risk. Investments in Indian issuers involve risks that are specific to India, including legal, regulatory, political, currency and economic risks impacting Indian businesses and the Indian economy, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India’s relations with other countries. Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector companies and the Fund. Political and legal uncertainty, greater government control over the economy, currency fluctuations or blockage, and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets may result in higher potential for losses. The securities markets in India are relatively underdeveloped and may subject the Fund to higher transaction costs or greater uncertainty than investments in more developed securities markets.
South Korea Risk. The Fund is susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory and geographic events affecting South Korea. The South Korean economy is dependent on the economies of other Asian countries, especially China and Southeast Asia, and the United States as key trading partners. South Korea’s economy may be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. Escalated tensions involving the two nations and the outbreak of hostilities between the two nations, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy. In addition, South Korea’s economic growth potential has recently been on a decline because of a rapidly aging population and structural problems, among other factors.
| 249 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Non-Diversification
Risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
| 250 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
| 251 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
| 252 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 253 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | |
| 2024 | |
| 20025 |
As of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| MSCI
Emerging Markets Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|||
| MSCI
Emerging Markets ex China Index (Reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or other taxes) |
| 254 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 255 | KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF |
The KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price and yield performance of a specific foreign equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the MSCI Global China Infrastructure Exposure Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund
pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities
(or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate
higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During
the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
| 256 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of listed companies with high revenue exposure to the Chinese government’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, as determined by the provider of the Underlying Index, MSCI Inc. (“Index Provider”) based on companies’ industry classifications. The One Belt, One Road initiative is designed to increase the interconnectedness between China and other Eurasian countries by making infrastructure investments that are expected to increase such interconnectedness, such as building new roads and improved communications networks. The Underlying Index is designed generally to include the securities of issuers from emerging and frontier markets and exclude issuers from developed markets, such as the Americas, most European markets, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
The Underlying Index is modified so that as of each Underlying Index rebalance, 45% of the weight of the Underlying Index is allocated to Chinese issuers and 55% is allocated to issuers of other countries. Within these allocations, issuers are weighted based on their free-float market capitalization, except that no country’s issuers (except for China) will represent more than 10% of the Underlying Index as of each Underlying Index rebalance. The Underlying Index may include the securities of small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap issuers, subject to a minimum market capitalization screen for liquidity.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will not purchase shares of an investment company if it would cause the Fund to (i) own more than 3% of such investment company’s voting shares; (ii) invest more than 5% of its total assets in such investment company; or (iii) invest more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies.
The following China-related securities may be included in the Underlying Index and/or represent investments of the Fund:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| 257 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 114 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $378 million to $96.4 billion and an average market capitalization of approximately $13.7 billion. As of March 31, 2026, the largest country representations in the Underlying Index were China (43.3%), South Africa (11.7%) and Singapore (11.1%). To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Materials sector (28.2%), Industrials sector (15.1%), Financials sector (23.0%), Utilities sector (15.1%) and Energy sector (10.4%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted semi-annually, except that the index composition may change quarterly due to changes in the parent index of the Underlying Index.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier markets are those emerging markets that are considered to be among the smallest, least mature and least liquid, and as a result, may be more likely to experience inflation risk, political turmoil and rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed and traditional emerging markets. Investments in frontier markets may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in more developed and traditional emerging markets. Frontier markets often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Economic, political, illiquidity and currency risks may be more pronounced with respect to investments in frontier markets than in emerging markets.
| 258 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Materials Sector Risk. The materials sector includes companies from the following and similar industries: chemicals; metals & mining; paper & forest products; containers & packaging; and construction materials. Many companies in the materials sector are significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, the exchange value of the dollar, import controls, worldwide competition, environmental policies and consumer demand. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liability for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be affected by economic cycles, technical progress, labor relations, and government regulations.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Utilities Sector Risk. Companies in the utilities industry may have difficulty obtaining an adequate return on invested capital, raising capital, and financing large construction programs during periods of inflation or unsettled capital markets; face restrictions on operations and increased cost and delays attributable to environmental considerations and regulation; find that existing plants, equipment or products have been rendered obsolete by technological innovations; and be subject to increased costs because of the scarcity of certain fuels or the effects of man-made disasters. Deregulation is subjecting utility companies to greater competition and may adversely affect profitability. As deregulation allows utility companies to diversify outside of their original geographic regions and their traditional lines of business, utility companies may engage in riskier ventures. Government regulators monitor and control utility operations, revenues and costs, and therefore may limit utility profits. Regulatory authorities may also restrict utility companies’ access to new markets, thereby diminishing these companies’ long-term prospects. Energy conservation and changes in climate policy may have a significant adverse impact on the revenues and expenses of utility companies.
Energy Sector Risk. Investments in, and/or exposure to, the energy sector, which includes energy commodities such as oil, gasoline, and carbon credits, may be highly volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably due to a number of factors, including the legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, increased competition affecting the energy sector, financial, accounting and tax matters and other events that the Fund cannot control. In addition, the value of energy commodities may fluctuate widely due to changes in supply and demand.
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
| 259 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
| 260 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Singapore Risk. Investments in Singaporean issuers involve risks that are specific to Singapore, including legal, regulatory, political, currency and economic risks. In addition, because Singapore’s economy is export-driven, Singapore relies heavily on its trading partners. Political and economic developments of Singapore’s neighbors may have an adverse effect on Singapore’s economy.
South Africa Risk. Investing in South African securities involves significant risks, including legal, regulatory, currency and economic risks specific to South Africa. Among other things, South Africa’s economy is heavily dependent on its agriculture and mining sectors and thus susceptible to fluctuations in the commodity markets.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding or significant assets under management and, therefore, even small trading or similar errors, if experienced, may have a significant impact on NAV. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
| 261 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
| 262 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
There is no guarantee that the methodology the Index Provider uses to identify constituents for the Underlying Index will achieve its intended result or provide an accurate assessment of included constituents. The Underlying Index relies on various sources of information to assess the potential constituents of the Underlying Index, including information that may be based on assumptions or estimates. Neither the Fund nor Krane can offer assurances that the Index Provider’s sources of information are reliable. There can be no guarantee that the methodology underlying the Underlying Index, the Underlying Index construction and computation processes, or the daily calculation of the Underlying Index or its methodology will be free from error or that an error will be identified and/or corrected, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
| 263 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents s of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
| 264 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 265 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2018 | - |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | - |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| MSCI
ACWI (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|||
| MSCI
Global China Infrastructure Exposure Index (Net) (Reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or other taxes)* |
| * |
| 266 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Manager
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 267 | KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF |
The Fund seeks growth of capital.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Annual
Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the publicly-traded or privately-offered securities of “Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and Technology” companies and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to such securities. With respect to publicly-traded securities, the Fund considers a company to be an “AI and Technology” company if it meets the following two criteria:
| (1) | The company is classified in the Technology economy within the FactSet Revere Business Industry Classification system (“RBICS”). This RBICS classification requires a company to generate at least 50% of its revenue from within the Technology economy; and |
| (2) | The company has an AI Exposure Score greater than zero. |
| 268 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
The Fund’s investment sub-adviser, Etna Capital Management Company Ltd. (“Sub-Adviser”), has developed a proprietary methodology for assigning companies an “AI Exposure Score.” The AI Exposure Score is designed to quantify the exposure of a company to AI. Zero implies minimal to no exposure of the company to AI. Five implies that a company is materially exposed to AI. In order to assign AI Exposure Scores to companies, the Sub-Adviser reviews the public business descriptions, public filings, press releases, and financial disclosures made by companies in the Eligible Universe (defined below) for information regarding the companies’ involvement in AI-related businesses or the incorporation of AI technologies in their key operations, offerings, and research and development activities. The Sub-Adviser then uses its discretion to assign each company in the Eligible Universe a proprietary AI Exposure Score.
Solactive AG (“Solactive” or “Index Calculator”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Sub-Adviser or the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), determines the Eligible Universe by identifying companies that meet the following criteria:
| (a) | The company is headquartered, located or primarily listed in a developed market, which Solactive defines to mean Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, or United States; |
| (b) | The company’s equity securities are a constituent of the Solactive GBS Global Markets All Cap USD Index PR; |
| (c) | The company is classified by RBICS as being in the Technology economy and in one of the following industries: biotechnology, computer peripherals, data processing services, information technology services, internet retail, internet software/services, motor vehicles, packaged software, semiconductors, or telecommunications equipment; and |
| (d) | The company has a free-float market capitalization of at least $2 billion, has been publicly-listed for at least one month and has an average daily trading volume of at least $2 million over the last one-month and six-month periods. |
The Sub-Adviser categorizes each of the companies that is in the Eligible Universe and has an AI Exposure Score greater than zero as an AI Applications, AI Hardware or AI Infrastructure company.
| ● | AI Applications companies are those that leverage AI technologies within their business models, products and services to drive efficiencies cost savings, new revenue streams or improved customer experience services. |
| ● | AI Hardware companies are semiconductor and data center companies that power the training of large language models. |
| ● | AI Infrastructure companies are those that provide cloud, security and data management for large language models. |
The Sub-Adviser then provides the list of companies in each category to Solactive along with each such company’s AI Exposure Score, and Solactive calculates the Solactive Etna Artificial General Intelligence Index (“Underlying Index”) by multiplying each company’s AI Exposure Score by its free-float adjusted market capitalization to establish its weight in the Underlying Index, subject to the following limits:
| ● | No category comprises more than 40% of weight of the Underlying Index. |
| ● | Each constituent’s weight must be less than 10% and more than 0.5%. |
| ● | If any weights above 5% add up to more than 50% of the Underlying Index, the Index Calculator will cap such weights at 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6% and 4.5%, accordingly. |
| 269 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily in the constituents in the Underlying Index and, with respect to such investments, seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the performance of the Underlying Index. Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all components of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling for the portion of the Fund that tracks the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
The Fund intends to invest, directly or indirectly (such as through special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”)), approximately 10% of net assets in privately offered securities, as measured at the time of investment. Such privately offered securities will not be in the Underlying Index. In selecting securities of private companies, the Adviser looks for companies that are engaged in the same artificial intelligence-related business activities as the companies in the Underlying Index that may be preparing for an initial public offering or may be in earlier stages of development. The Fund may also invest in publicly-traded equity securities and depositary receipts not in the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps and futures), spot currencies and currency forwards (including for hedging), other investment companies (including SPVs, exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 55 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $5.0 billion to $5.2 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $657.8 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Index was concentrated in the Technology sector, as defined by FactSet/RBICS.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
As
with all ETFs, a shareholder of the Fund is subject to the risk that his or her
investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective
and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete or balanced investment
program.
Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk. Companies in the artificial intelligence (“AI”) and technology industries typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an AI and Technology company.
Certain AI and Technology companies may face special risks that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Such companies are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological developments. As a result, their products may rapidly become obsolete. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may, therefore, be adversely affected by governmental policies. In addition, certain of such companies in which the Fund may invest may not currently be profitable and there can be no assurance that such companies will be profitable in the future.
| 270 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
The economy may be significantly impacted by the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. As artificial intelligence technologies are used more widely, the profitability and growth of the Fund’s holdings may be impacted, which could significantly impact the overall performance of the Fund. The legal and regulatory frameworks within which artificial intelligence technologies operate continue to rapidly evolve, and it is not possible to predict the full extent of current or future risks related thereto.
Affiliated Index Provider Risk. The Index Provider is an affiliated person of the Adviser, which poses potential conflicts of interest. For example, a potential conflict could arise between an affiliated person of the Index Provider or the Adviser and each Fund if that entity attempted to use information regarding changes and composition of each Index to the detriment of each Fund. Additionally, potential conflicts could arise with respect to the personal trading activity of personnel of the affiliated person who may have access to, or knowledge of, pending changes to each Index’s composition methodology or the constituent securities in each Index prior to the time that information is publicly disseminated. If shared, such knowledge could facilitate “front-running” (which describes an instance in which other persons trade ahead of each Fund). Although the Adviser and the Index Provider have taken steps designed to ensure that these potential conflicts are mitigated (e.g., via the adoption of policies and procedures that are designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and the implementation of informational barriers designed to minimize the potential for the misuse of information about the Index), there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Private Company Risk. Investments in private companies that have not issued securities in an initial public offering (“IPO”) involve greater risks than investments in securities of companies that trade publicly on an exchange. Investments in these companies are generally less liquid than investments in securities issued by public companies and may be difficult for the Fund to value. Compared to public companies, private companies may have a more limited management group and limited operating histories with narrower, less established product lines and smaller market shares, which may cause them to be more vulnerable to competitors’ actions, market conditions and consumer sentiment with respect to their products or services, as well as general economic downturns. In addition, private companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations. The Fund may only have limited access to a private company’s actual financial results and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Fund is reliable. These companies may not ever issue shares in an IPO and a liquid market for their shares may never develop, which could adversely affect the Fund’s liquidity. If the company does issue shares in an IPO, IPOs are risky and volatile and may cause the value of the Fund’s investment to decrease significantly.
| 271 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
Securities issued by private companies, including those that are normally purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act, have not been registered under the Securities Act and as a result are subject to legal restriction on resale. Such securities typically may be resold only to “qualified institutional buyers,” in a privately negotiated transaction, to a limited number of purchasers or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met for an exemption from registration. Because privately-issued securities are not traded on established markets and there may be relatively few potential counterparties for transactions involving such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may find it more difficult to purchase or sell such securities in the amounts, at the prices, or at the time the Fund desires than if such securities were more widely held and traded. At times, privately-issued securities may be less liquid, subject to wide fluctuations in value, and may be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV, due to the absence of an active trading market. There can be no assurance that a privately-issued security that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid for as long as it is held by the Fund, and its value may decline as a result or cause the Fund difficulty in meeting shareholder redemptions. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering privately-issued securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
| 272 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
| 273 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund’s investment in private companies is actively-managed and the Fund may not meet its investment objective based on Krane’s or the sub-adviser’s, as applicable, success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund for these investments. Krane’s or the sub-adviser’s, as applicable, evaluations and assumptions regarding these investments may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions. Furthermore, for the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in the Underlying Index, the Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. For the portion of the Fund’s assets invested in the Underlying Index, the Fund’s return for this portion may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
| 274 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
| 275 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 276 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF | 1 year | Since
Inception ( |
| S&P
500 Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| Solactive
Etna Artificial General Intelligence Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
| 277 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Etna Capital Management Company Ltd serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Krane’s investment team for the Fund and also has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Max Chen, a Portfolio Manager and Executive Director of the Sub-Adviser, has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 278 | KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF |
The KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF (formerly known as the KraneShares Emerging Markets Consumer Technology Index ETF) (the “Fund”) seeks growth of capital.
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Annual
Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| Fee Waiver** | - |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver |
| * | ||
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, except that it reflects the Fee Waiver for the period described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 279 |
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the publicly-traded or privately offered securities of Emerging Market Internet and Technology companies and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to such securities. In the case of publicly-traded securities, the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) determines whether a company is an Emerging Market Internet and Technology company based on whether it is eligible for inclusion in the Solactive Emerging Markets Internet and Technology Index (“Underlying Index”). The Underlying Index classifies an issuer as from an emerging market if it primarily derives revenue from one or more of the following countries:
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, except stocks whose primary listing exchange is the Shanghai or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and stocks or that are primarily traded over the counter are excluded.
The Underlying Index classifies an issuer as an internet and technology company if it is classified by the FactSet Revere Business Industry Classification system as in one of the following industries:
Administrative Software and Services, Business Intelligence Software, Colocation and Data Center Services, Communications Infrastructure Software, Consumer Content Providers, Customer Premises Network Security Equipment, Customer Relationship Management Software, Educational Software, Electronic Components Distributors, Electronic Transaction Processing/Clearinghouses, Enterprise Resource Planning Software, Food Delivery Services, Gaming Industries, General Carrier Edge and Access Equipment, General Communications Equipment, Handheld and Smart Phone Software, Handheld/Smart Phone Games Software, Information and News Content Providers and Sites, Internet Support Services, Internet Pharmacies and Drug Retail, Multi-Type Home and Office Software, Network Infrastructure Software, Online Game Websites and Software, Other Educational Services, Other Enterprise Management Software, Travel Agencies, Video Entertainment and Programming Providers, Web-Related Content Providers, or Internet Department Stores industries, or the Aerospace and Defense IT Services, Online Marketing and Advertising Support Services, Media Download and Streaming Digital Content Sites, Semiconductor Foundry Services, or Volatile Memory Semiconductors sub-industries; or by the FactSet Standard Classification system as being in the Internet Retail, Internet Software/Services, or Catalog/Specialty Distribution.
All securities that are from an emerging market and in one of the above industries are eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index (the “Eligible Universe”). The Underlying Index is comprised of the equity securities of the 50 largest companies by market capitalization in the Eligible Universe and, at each quarterly reconstitution and rebalance date, weights constituents based on their market capitalization as follows:
| Rank | Weight |
| 1 to 10 | 3.5% |
| 11 to 30 | 2.5% |
| 31 to 50 | 0.75% |
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in the constituents of the Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index and, with respect to such investments, seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the performance of the Underlying Index. Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all components of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling for the portion of the Fund that tracks the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
| 280 |
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
The Fund is actively managed and intends to invest directly or indirectly (such as through special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”)) approximately 10% of net assets in privately offered securities, as measured at the time of investment. In selecting securities of private companies, the Adviser looks for companies that are similar to companies in the Underlying Index that may be preparing for an initial public offering or are in earlier stages of development. The Adviser deems an issuer to be from an emerging market if it has headquarters, is listed or earns a majority of its revenue or profits from the countries identified by the Underlying Index as emerging markets; and to evaluate whether a private company is an Internet and Technology company, it considers whether the company, once public, is likely to be classified by the FactSet Revere Business Industry Classification system in one of the industries identified by the Underlying Index as internet and technology industries. The Fund may also invest in publicly-traded equity securities and depositary receipts not in the Underlying Index and derivative instruments (including swaps and futures), spot currencies and currency forwards (including for hedging), other investment companies (including SPVs, exchange traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
The following China-related securities may be included in the portfolio:
| ● | China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares. |
| ● | China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors. |
| ● | China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). |
| ● | P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars. |
| ● | S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. |
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $200 million to $1.42 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $72.7 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the largest markets represented in the Underlying Index were China, South Korea and Taiwan, and issuers in each of the Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors, as determined by Industry Classification Benchmark, represented more than 25% of the Underlying Index.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
| 281 |
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Principal Risks
As
with all ETFs, a shareholder of the Fund is subject to the risk that his or her
investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective
and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete or balanced investment
program.
Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in markets that are considered to be “emerging.” Investing in securities listed and traded in emerging markets may be subject to additional risks associated with emerging market economies. Such risks may include: (i) greater market volatility, (ii) greater risk of asset seizures and capital controls, (iii) lower trading volume and liquidity, (iv) greater social, political and economic uncertainty, (v) governmental controls on foreign investments and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, (vi) lower disclosure, corporate governance, auditing and financial reporting standards, (vii) fewer protections of property rights, (viii) restrictions on the transfer of securities or currency, and (ix) settlement and trading practices that differ from U.S. markets. Emerging markets are generally less liquid and less efficient than developed securities markets. The economies of emerging markets, and China in particular, may be heavily reliant upon international trade and may suffer disproportionately if international trading declines or is disrupted. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Private Company Risk. Investments in private companies that have not issued securities in an initial public offering (“IPO”) involve greater risks than investments in securities of companies that trade publicly on an exchange. Investments in these companies are generally less liquid than investments in securities issued by public companies and may be difficult for the Fund to value. Compared to public companies, private companies may have a more limited management group and limited operating histories with narrower, less established product lines and smaller market shares, which may cause them to be more vulnerable to competitors’ actions, market conditions and consumer sentiment with respect to their products or services, as well as general economic downturns. In addition, private companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations. The Fund may only have limited access to a private company’s actual financial results and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Fund is reliable. These companies may not ever issue shares in an IPO and a liquid market for their shares may never develop, which could adversely affect the Fund’s liquidity. If the company does issue shares in an IPO, IPOs are risky and volatile and may cause the value of the Fund’s investment to decrease significantly.
| 282 |
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Securities issued by private companies, including those that are normally purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act, have not been registered under the Securities Act and as a result are subject to legal restriction on resale. Such securities typically may be resold only to “qualified institutional buyers,” in a privately negotiated transaction, to a limited number of purchasers or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met for an exemption from registration. Because privately-issued securities are not traded on established markets and there may be relatively few potential counterparties for transactions involving such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may find it more difficult to purchase or sell such securities in the amounts, at the prices, or at the time the Fund desires than if such securities were more widely held and traded. At times, privately-issued securities may be less liquid, subject to wide fluctuations in value, and may be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV, due to the absence of an active trading market. There can be no assurance that a privately-issued security that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid for as long as it is held by the Fund, and its value may decline as a result or cause the Fund difficulty in meeting shareholder redemptions. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering privately-issued securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.
IPO Risk. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Worsening trade relations between the U.S. and China could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. U.S. Sanctions and worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund’s shares.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.
A-Shares Risk. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFI and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the Fund’s share price and subject the Fund to a greater risk of trading halts.
Custody Risk. In accordance with Chinese regulations and the terms of a QFI license and insofar as Krane acquires a QFI, A-Shares will be held in the joint names of the Fund and Krane. Thus, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. There is a risk that creditors of Krane may assert that the securities are owned by Krane and that regulatory actions taken against Krane may affect the Fund.
Hong Kong Risk. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent.
Chinese Equity Markets. The use of B-shares, H-shares, N-Shares, Red-Chips, P-Chips, S-Chips by Chinese companies to obtain listings are subject to the political and economic policies in China and the markets on which they are listed. Further, the markets on which these shares are listed may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers, may have less governmental regulation and oversight, and are typically subject to different investor protection standards than U.S. issuers. Investments in non-U.S. securities entail the risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations, political or economic instability, less complete financial information about the issuers, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund’s ability to buy and sell securities. Additionally, foreign issuers may be subject to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, and financial reporting requirements. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. If the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert holdings to cash. All of these factors could result in a loss to the Fund.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
South Korea Risk. The Fund is susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory and geographic events affecting South Korea. The South Korean economy is dependent on the economies of other Asian countries, especially China and Southeast Asia, and the United States as key trading partners. South Korea’s economy may be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. Escalated tensions involving the two nations and the outbreak of hostilities between the two nations, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy. In addition, South Korea’s economic growth potential has recently been on a decline because of a rapidly aging population and structural problems, among other factors.
Taiwan Risk. Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve risks that are specific to Taiwan, including legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Political and economic developments of Taiwan’s neighbors may have an adverse effect on Taiwan’s economy. Specifically, Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions, which may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market and may have an adverse impact on the values of the Fund’s investments in Taiwan, or make such investments impracticable or impossible.
Currency Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. The Fund may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies and vice versa. This may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small and medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies. Since small and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may be less liquid and more volatile. They may also be sensitive to (expected) changes in interest rates and earnings.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
| 288 |
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails the risks associated with foreign investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2018 | - |
| 2019 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2021 | - |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| 290 |
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
| KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| - |
|||
| - |
|||
| - |
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| MSCI
Emerging Markets Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
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| Solactive
Emerging Markets Consumer Technology Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
- |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since January 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF |
The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific fixed income securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Solactive ISS Sustainable Select 0-1 Year USD Corporate IG Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Annual
Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| Fee Waiver** | - |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver |
| * | ||
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, except that it reflects the Fee Waiver for the period described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
| 292 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of the Underlying Index and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index is designed to measure the performance of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade corporate debt securities with a maturity of up to one year that are compatible with the principal objective of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit temperature increases in this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, above pre-industrial levels (i.e., carbon reduction target levels).
To be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index, a bond or issuer must be a constituent of the Solactive 0-1 Year USD Corporate IG Index (the “Parent Index”), which requires constituent securities to have a credit rating from BBB- to AAA, as rated by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, and a maturity of one year or less. The Index Provider utilizes data from Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) to exclude debt securities of the following issuers:
| ● | Companies that fail to respect established norms such as the United Nations Global Compact principles, the organization for Economic Co-operations and Development guidelines, or UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights; |
| ● | Companies with verified or alleged ongoing involvement in controversial weapons research, such as chemical weapons, biological weapons, nuclear weapons, cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines, or depleted uranium; |
| ● | Companies that generate revenue from certain activities, such as gambling, tobacco, cannabis, firearms and weapons, adult entertainment, fossil fuel power generation, fossil fuel production, thermal coal or genetic engineering; or |
| ● | Companies that have a significant negative impact with respect to certain sustainable development goals. |
Some of these exclusions are categorical, and others are based on ownership or revenue thresholds. The Underlying Index updates the data from ISS related to the exclusions above on an annual basis. Additional information regarding these exclusions is contained in the “Additional Information about the Fund’s Underlying Index” section.
The Index Provider uses an optimization process to identify security weights that seeks (a) to ensure the Underlying Index’s compliance with carbon reduction target levels, (b) to minimize portfolio turnover, and (c) to minimize weight deviations from the Parent Index with respect to: (1) ratings, (2) sectors, and (3) issuers. Each security included in the Underlying Index will have a minimum weight of at least 0.01%.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that the Fund’s investment adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include securities of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds or “ETFs”) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund reserves the right to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund expects to use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
| 293 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials sector. As of March 31, 2026 the Underlying Index was comprised of 466 bonds with a modified duration of 0.423 years. The Fund’s average duration will be below one year (i.e., short duration). Duration is a measure of a fixed income security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For every 1% change in interest rates, a bond’s price generally changes approximately 1% in the opposite direction for every year of duration. For example, if a portfolio of fixed income securities has an average weighted duration of three years, its value can be expected to fall about 3% if interest rates rise by 1%. Conversely, the portfolio’s value can be expected to rise approximately 3% if interest rates fall by 1%. The Underlying Index is provided and calculated by Solactive AG. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted monthly.
The Fund is non-diversified. The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
As
with all ETFs, a shareholder of the Fund is subject to the risk that his or her
investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective
and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete or balanced investment
program.
Fixed Income Securities Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not make timely interest payments or repay the principal of the debt issued (i.e., default on its obligations). A downgrade or default on securities held by the Fund could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt resulting from changes in the level of interest rates. When interest rates go up, the prices of most debt instruments generally go down; and when interest rates go down, the prices of most debt instruments generally go up. Debt instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, typically making them more volatile. Interest rates have recently increased and may continue increasing, thereby heightening the risks associated with rising interest rates.
ESG Risk. Issuers with businesses with high ESG ratings may be difficult to identify and investments in them maybe volatile. Even companies with high ESG ratings may not necessarily compare favorably with respect to the ESG practices of other issuers. The ESG investment strategy limits the types and number of investment opportunities available and, as a result, the strategy may underperform other strategies that do not have an ESG focus. The ESG investment strategy may result in the Fund’s investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole or underperform other funds screened for ESG standards. Investing based on ESG criteria is qualitative and subjective by nature and there is no guarantee that the criteria used by the Fund will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
| 294 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
| 295 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, market turmoil, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants, or the lack of an active trading market. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the U.S. Liquid investments may become less liquid after being purchased by the Fund, particularly during periods of market stress. In addition, if a number of securities held by the Fund stop trading, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, such as when the Fund is subject to delays converting U.S. dollars into a foreign currency to purchase foreign securities and unable to invest in certain constituents of the Underlying Index due to regulatory constraints, trading suspensions, and legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. To the extent that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy or calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
| 296 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements each year. The Fund’s pursuit of its investment strategy will potentially be limited by the Fund’s intention to qualify for such treatment and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to so qualify. The Fund may make certain investments, the treatment of which for these purposes is unclear. The Fund’s investments in issuers whose control persons are not certain creates a risk that tax authorities may retrospectively deem the Fund to have failed the asset diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail the favorable tax treatment requirements, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, which would adversely affect its performance.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
| 297 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs; (2) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (3) although borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
As
of
| 298 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF | 1 year | Since
Inception ( |
| Bloomberg
U.S Aggregate Bond (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
||
| Solactive
ISS Sustainable Select 0-1 Year USD Corporate IG Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Average
annual total returns are shown on a before- and after-tax basis for the Fund.
Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares of the Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
| 299 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 300 | KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF |
The KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, track the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Annual
Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index.
| 301 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
The Underlying Index begins with the universe of stocks that Value Line® ranks. All companies with an equity market capitalization of less than $1 billion, registered investment companies, American Depositary Receipts, limited partnerships and foreign securities not listed in the U.S. are eliminated from this universe. From this investable universe, the Underlying Index establishes a dividend target, which is the trailing 12-month dividend yield of stocks in the 25th percentile of yield in this universe. Each company in the investable universe is assigned a score based on its Safety™ Rank and Timeliness™ Rank.
| ● | The Value Line® Safety™ Ranking System measures the total risk of a company relative to others in the universe based on Value Line’s ranking of the company’s price stability, financial strength and other factors. Companies with high Safety ranks may be larger and more financially sound and may have lower growth prospects. |
| ● | The Value Line® Timeliness™ Ranking System ranks companies relative to each other in the universe for price performance during the next six to 12 months by using components such as historical stock-price performance, financial results, and earnings surprises. |
Each Ranking System ranks companies on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest rank and 5 being the lowest rank. The Underlying Index assigns the highest scores to Rank 1 companies and the lower scores, progressively, to Rank 2 through 5 companies.
The Underlying Index optimizes the weighting of companies using the score assigned to them to maximize the overall score for the Underlying Index while seeking a yield that will be no less than the dividend target. The weighting of a company can be zero and no individual company will be weighted more than 1.5% greater than its weighting in the broad-based large cap equity index. The Underlying Index is rebalanced during the first full week of each calendar month.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index, but that Fund’s adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities of issuers whose securities are not components of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options), other investment companies (including ETFs) and cash or cash equivalents (including money market funds). The other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) and/or its affiliates.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use representative sampling to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 75 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $1.0 billion to $4.3 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $337.2 billion. The Fund is diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (26.6%), Industrials sector (11.7%), Financials sector (11.7%), Consumer Discretionary sector (10.8%) and Real Estate sector (10.4%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is provided by EULAV Asset Management (“Index Provider”), and the Underlying Index is calculated by Fuzzy Logix, Inc. (doing business as “FastINDX”). The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted monthly.
The Fund may engage in securities lending.
Principal Risks
As
with all exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), a shareholder of the Fund is subject to
the risk that his or her investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve
its investment objective and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a
complete or balanced investment program.
| 302 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
Affiliated Index Provider Risk. The Index Provider is an affiliated person of the Adviser, which poses potential conflicts of interest. For example, a potential conflict could arise between an affiliated person of the Index Provider or the Adviser and each Fund if that entity attempted to use information regarding changes and composition of each Index to the detriment of each Fund. Additionally, potential conflicts could arise with respect to the personal trading activity of personnel of the affiliated person who may have access to, or knowledge of, pending changes to each Index’s composition methodology or the constituent securities in each Index prior to the time that information is publicly disseminated. If shared, such knowledge could facilitate “front-running” (which describes an instance in which other persons trade ahead of each Fund). Although the Adviser and the Index Provider have taken steps designed to ensure that these potential conflicts are mitigated (e.g., via the adoption of policies and procedures that are designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and the implementation of informational barriers designed to minimize the potential for the misuse of information about the Index), there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Dividend Paying Securities Risk. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the stocks held by a fund will pay dividends in the future or that, if dividends are paid, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. A fund’s emphasis on dividend-paying stocks could cause the fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends or ability to pay dividends in the future. Dividend-paying stocks can fall out of favor with the market (such as in periods of rising interest rates, high inflation and/or strong economic growth) and may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks. A sharp rise in interest rates or economic downturn or other market or company-specific developments could cause a company to reduce or eliminate its dividend.
Ranking Risk. The Underlying Index uses the Value Line® Timeliness and Safety™ Ranking Systems in selecting securities. This is subject to the risk that the rankings may not be accurate and that the performance of these companies may not continue. The returns on these securities may be less than returns on other companies or the overall stock market. In addition, there may be periods when companies highly ranked by Value Line® are out of favor and during which the investment performance of the Fund may suffer.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
| 303 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector may be affected by changes in the supply and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product liability and general economic conditions, among other factors. Government regulation will also affect the performance of investments in such industrials sector issuers, particularly aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Financials Sector Risk. The performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Real Estate Sector Risk. The Fund may invest in securities within the real estate sector. Investments in real estate issuers may be volatile. Real estate issuers are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the real estate market, decreases in property revenues, increases in interest rates, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, legal and regulatory changes, a lack of credit or capital, defaults by borrowers or tenants, environmental problems and natural disasters.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
| 304 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, the use of representative sampling strategy, if applicable, asset valuation differences, tax considerations, the unavailability of securities in the Underlying Index from time to time and other liquidity constraints.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
| 305 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Securities Lending Risk. To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (1) borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities; (2) the securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers; (3) delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions; and (4) there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Krane is subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to it increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from the securities lending program.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs, generate net short-term capital gains and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Regulations require that the portfolio turnover rate be calculated without regard to trades of short-term cash instruments, in-kind transactions or derivatives transactions, which may comprise a significant portion of the Fund’s trading. If such trades were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate may be significantly higher.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives (including swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options) may involve leverage, which includes risks that are different from, and greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in a reference asset, because a small investment in a derivative can result in a large impact on the Fund and may cause the Fund to be more volatile. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the derivative and that of the reference asset, resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Certain derivatives (such as swaps and options) are bi-lateral agreements that expose the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of derivative. In that case, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. Counterparty risks are compounded by the fact that there are only a limited number of ways available to invest in certain reference assets and, therefore, there may be few counterparties to swaps or options based on those reference assets.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
| 306 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

| Years | Returns |
|---|---|
| 2021 | |
| 2022 | - |
| 2023 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2025 |
As
of
Best and Worst Quarter Returns (for the period reflected in the bar chart above)
| Return | Quarter Ended/Year | |
| - |
| 307 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
| KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF | 1 year | 5 years | Since
Inception ( |
| S&P
500 Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|||
| Value
Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as lead portfolio manager for the Fund since its inception in 2020. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Shelon supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2020.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 308 | KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF |
The KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a specific equity securities index. The Fund’s current index is the Wahed Shariah Alternative Income Index (the “Underlying Index”).
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
| Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
| Management Fees | |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees* | |
| Other Expenses** | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| * | ||
| ** |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you do or do not sell your shares, your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years | ||
| $ |
$ |
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s
performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate was
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in instruments in its Underlying Index or in instruments that have economic characteristics similar to those in the Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index is designed to produce income which meet the requirements of Shariah and are consistent with Islamic principles as interpreted by Wahed Invest LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”). The Underlying Index consists of long positions in U.S. equity securities, the characteristics of which meet the requirements of Shariah and are consistent with Islamic principles as interpreted by the Sub-Adviser (“Shariah-compliant companies”). The Underlying Index’s long positions in U.S. equity securities will be equal-weighted at each rebalancing.
| 309 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
The Underlying Index uses a business activity screen and financial ratio screen to determine if a company is a Shariah-compliant company. The business activity screen excludes companies based on their industry classification, where such classification indicates a company’s primary involvement in non-permissible activities (as described below). The financial ratio screen excludes companies that do not meet a financial leverage ratio requirement.
Non-permissible activities include companies involved in conventional financial services (e.g., banks, conventional insurance companies and entities primarily engaged in interest-based financing and lending), alcohol, pork-related products, tobacco, gambling and gaming, weapons and arms manufacturing, adult entertainment and media or entertainment sectors generally deemed inconsistent with Islamic values. In addition to the business activity screen discussed above, the Underlying Index also excludes a company from inclusion in the Underlying Index if such company derives 5% or more of total revenue from non-permissible activities, or where, in the Sub-Adviser’s assessment, business practices are inconsistent with Islamic values and ethical principles. The Underlying Index also excludes dividend-paying stocks from inclusion in the Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index will create synthetic short positions in those same long positions in approximately a 1:1 to ratio through the use of options, including Flexible Exchange® Options (“FLEX options”). This will be done by selling a call option and buying a put option on the long positions to create the synthetic short position while also generating option income, which will be the difference in the amount received for the call option and the price paid for the put option. FLEX options are exchange-traded options contracts with uniquely customizable terms like exercise price, style, and expiration date.
The Sub-Adviser will review the Underlying Index methodology and, at its discretion, certain related constituent securities on a periodic basis to ensure that the Fund is investing in securities of Shariah-compliant companies and generating Shariah-compliant income. The Sub-Adviser will oversee the Shariah compliance of the Underlying Index constituents and methodology by reviewing the Shariah-compliant screening rules described above.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in instruments that are not included in the Underlying Index which will be compatible with Shariah investment principles, but that the Fund’s adviser, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. These investments may include equity securities and depositary receipts of issuers whose securities are not constituents of the Underlying Index, derivative instruments (including options), other investment companies (including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”)) and cash or cash equivalents. Certain other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. Uninvested monies will be held in non-interest-bearing accounts.
Although the Fund expects to replicate (or hold all constituents of) the Underlying Index, the Fund reserves the right to use a representative sampling strategy to track the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is a strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively have an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index.
As of March 31, 2026, the Underlying Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of approximately $9.8 billion to $2.2 trillion and an average market capitalization of approximately $224 billion. The Fund is non-diversified. To the extent the Underlying Index is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund is expected to be concentrated in that industry. As of March 31, 2026, issuers in the Information Technology sector (63.4%) and Consumer Discretionary sector (19.8%) represented significant portions of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is provided by MerQube. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly.
Principal Risks
As
with all ETFs, a shareholder of the Fund is subject to the risk that his or her
investment could lose money. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective
and an investment in the Fund is not by itself a complete or balanced investment
program.
| 310 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
Shariah-Compliant Investing Risk. The consideration of Islamic principles by the Underlying Index restricts the Fund’s ability to invest in certain types of issuers and securities, such as financial companies and conventional fixed income securities (i.e., bonds and other structured securities that give a fixed return based on an obligation or promise), and reduces the size of the universe of eligible securities in which the Underlying Index can invest. As a result, the successful implementation of the Fund’s investment strategy may limit its investment opportunities and adversely affect its performance. Because Islamic principles preclude investment in interest-paying instruments, any cash or cash equivalents the Fund holds will not earn interest income. In addition, there is a risk that a security which is currently Shariah-complaint may become non-compliant after purchase and such securities may be held until the Underlying Index reconstitutes.
Options Risk. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
Any FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
Clearing Member Default Risk. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to, and receive payments from, a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any option contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for its options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. The loss of a clearing member for the Fund to transact with could result in increased transaction costs and other operational issues that could impede the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.
| 311 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the event an OCC clearing member that is a counterparty of the Fund were to become insolvent, the Fund may have some or all of its options closed without its consent or may experience delays or other difficulties in attempting to close or exercise its affected options positions, both of which would impair the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
Concentration Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors or industries of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect one industry or group of industries or sector. While the Fund’s sector and industry exposure is expected to vary over time, the Fund is currently subject to the principal risks of the sectors and industries disclosed herein.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products in the marketplace.
Equity Securities Risk. The values of equity securities are subject to factors such as market fluctuations, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. Equity securities may be more volatile than other asset classes and are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small and mid capitalization companies.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, and/or other government actors, including those in foreign countries, or changes in global trade relationships could cause volatility in global financial markets, negative sentiment and higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative impact on the Fund and could result in losses. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Further, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price. Market developments may also cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements.
| 312 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
Artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology and generative artificial intelligence (collectively, “artificial intelligence”), is rapidly evolving. While the full extent of current or future risks related thereto is not possible to predict, artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the business models and markets in which the Fund invests and subject the Fund or issuers in which it invests to increased competition, legal and regulatory risks and compliance costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the business, financial condition and results of operations of the issuers in which it invests. The Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may utilize artificial intelligence technologies in business operations. It is possible that the information provided through the use of artificial intelligence could be insufficient, incomplete, inaccurate or biased, or constitute infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, leading to adverse effects for the Fund, including, potentially, operational errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and investment losses. Moreover, technological developments in, and the increasingly widespread use of, artificial intelligence technologies may pose risks to the Manager and the Fund. For instance, the Fund may be exposed to competitive risks related to the adoption of artificial intelligence or other new technologies by others within the industry. In addition, investments in technology systems and artificial intelligence by the Manager may not deliver the benefits the Fund expects.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in the Fund’s shares on the exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the exchange, make trading in the Fund’s shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute its investment strategy and shareholders may be unable to liquidate any position in Fund shares.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.
Cash Transactions Risk. Because the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs as the Fund may recognize a capital gain that it could have avoided by making redemptions in-kind. Cash transactions may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes, including brokerage fees, that might not have occurred if the Fund utilized in-kind transactions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
| 313 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Underlying Index. This may be due to, among other factors, the Fund holding cash under certain circumstances in lieu of Underlying Index securities, the use of representative sampling strategy, if applicable, asset valuation differences, tax considerations, the unavailability of securities in the Underlying Index from time to time and other liquidity constraints.
Management Risk. The Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less than the total number of securities in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that Krane’s security selection process may not produce the intended results.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure and the Fund is not actively managed. It does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index or take temporary defensive positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may purchase or hold securities with current or projected underperformance.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. The Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of investments by such funds and will incur its pro rata share of the underlying fund’s expenses. Additionally, investments in ETFs are subject to ETF Risk. Krane is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets to investment companies that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane and/or its affiliates. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, it will not enjoy the protections of the U.S. law.
Valuation Risk. Independent market quotations for certain investments held by the Fund may not be readily available, and such investments may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations involve subjectivity and different market participants may assign different prices to the same investment. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. In addition, the securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days that the Fund does not price its shares; as a result, the value of Fund shares may change on days when investors cannot purchase or sell their Fund holdings.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service provides, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
| 314 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
Management
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Wahed Invest LLC (“Wahed” or “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception. Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team for the Fund and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since the Fund’s inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Shares may be purchased and redeemed from the Fund only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only institutions and large investors, such as market makers or other large broker-dealers, purchase or redeem Creation Units. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange. Individual shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities through a broker-dealer on the Exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The price of an individual Fund share is based on market prices, which may be different from its NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.
Recent information regarding the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid ask spreads, are available on the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged retirement account, which may be taxable upon withdrawal.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
| 315 | KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
Additional Information About the Funds
Except where explicitly provided, each of the policies described in this Prospectus, including each Fund’s investment objective and 80% policy, is a non-fundamental policy that may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the KraneShares Trust (“Trust”) without shareholder approval. To the extent required, changes to a Fund’s 80% policy will only be made upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders (if the Fund has any shareholders). The fundamental policies of each Fund, including its concentration policy, are set forth in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Any security that a U.S. investor is not permitted to hold or acquire now or at a specified date in the future, due to legal, regulatory or similar reasons, including executive orders, may not be eligible for inclusion in an Underlying Index. Where a legal, regulatory or similar issue allows a U.S. investor to hold (but not acquire) a security, a Fund may continue to hold a security, whether or not it is a constituent of its Underlying Index. To the extent that the Fund (or Underlying Index) includes such a security and an Underlying Index (or Fund) excludes it, the performance of the Fund and Underlying Index may diverge.
Additional Information about the Buffer Funds’ Principal Investment Strategies
As described in “Principal Investment Strategies” and in “Principal Risks,” there are risks associated with an investment in the Funds and KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF (KBUF) and KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF (KPRO and together with KBUF, “Buffer Funds”) and there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve the Outcomes it seeks to provide. The returns that each Fund seeks to provide do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares and certain expenses incurred by the Fund. Each Fund’s unique characteristics (i.e., the imperative of holding shares for the entire Outcome Period, the Cap and Buffer) distinguish it from other investment products and may make it an unsuitable investment for some investors. To help decide whether an investment in a Fund is appropriate based upon individual circumstances, please see “Investor Suitability Considerations.” Each Fund has characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose money by investing in either Fund.
| ● | Defined Outcome Strategy. The Fund uses options, including FLEX options, to employ a “defined outcome strategy.” Defined outcome strategies seek to produce pre-determined investment outcomes based upon the performance of an underlying security or index. The pre-determined outcomes sought by the Fund, which include the “Buffer” and “Cap” discussed below (“Outcomes”), are based upon the “total return” of the Underlying ETF (i.e., the performance of the secondary market share price including any distributions) over the period of January 27, 2025 through January 15, 2027. This period is referred to as the “Outcome Period.” Since the Fund’s strategy is designed to produce the Outcomes based upon the total return of the Underlying ETF, which would include any distributions paid by the Underlying ETF, Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the Fund has made any distributions could be adversely impacted and may not achieve the Outcomes. There is no guarantee that the Outcomes for any Outcome Period will be realized. |
| ● | Options, including FLEX Options. The Fund will pursue its defined outcome strategy by investing at least 80% of its net assets in the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (the “Underlying ETF”) and options, including FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX options”), on the Underlying ETF. FLEX options are customizable exchange-traded option contracts guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”). The Underlying ETF is an exchange-traded fund advised by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or the “Adviser”) that seeks to track the CSI Overseas China Internet Index (the “Index”). The Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of investable publicly traded “China-based companies” whose primary business or businesses are in the Internet and Internet-related sectors, and are listed outside of mainland China. |
| ● | The Buffer. The Fund seeks to protect shareholders that hold shares for the entire Outcome Period from declines in the Fund’s total return by providing a Buffer (the “Buffer”) against a percentage of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF, as measured from the first day of the Outcome Period through the last day of the Outcome Period prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Buffer is reduced. The Buffer will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in providing the sought-after protection. An investor purchasing Fund shares at a market price that reflects increases in the total return of the Underlying ETF since the start of the Outcome Period will not receive the entire protection that the Fund seeks to provide since the Buffer only seeks to protect against declines in the total return of the Underlying ETF from the beginning of the Outcome Period. An investment in the Fund is only appropriate for shareholders who are able to bear those losses and understand the operation of the Buffer. The Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. Any fees or expenses will have the effect of reducing the Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for an Outcome Period. You may lose some or all of your money by investing in the Fund. |
316
| ● | The Cap. The Fund seeks to participate in the upside total returns of the Underlying ETF, however Fund shareholders are subject to an upside total return cap (the “Cap”) that represents the maximum total return an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund over the duration of the Outcome Period, as measured from the first day of the Outcome Period through the last day of the Outcome Period prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. The Cap is set on the first day of the Outcome Period prior to taking into account any fees or expenses. When the Fund’s annual management fee of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets is taken into account, the Cap is reduced. The Cap will be further reduced by any other expenses charged to the Fund and any shareholder transaction fees. The Cap is likely to rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next. If the Outcome Period has begun and the Fund’s total return has increased to a level near the Cap, an investor purchasing shares at that price has little to no ability to achieve gains but remains vulnerable to downside risks. |
| ● | Impact of Distributions on Buffer and Cap. Since the Fund invests in the Underlying ETF, the Fund will receive distributions made by the Underlying ETF. Significant distributions paid by the Underlying ETF may cause the OCC to make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options, which can cause changes to the Fund’s Buffer and Cap and adversely affect the Outcomes. As a result, the Fund may not perform as expected and Fund shareholders could be adversely impacted, especially Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period and Fund shareholders who do not hold shares for the entire Outcome Period. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors. |
| ● | The Outcome Period. The Fund’s strategy has been specifically designed to produce the Outcomes based upon the total return of the Underlying ETF from the first day of the Outcome Period to the last day of the Outcome Period. The Outcomes may only be realized by investors who hold shares of the Fund from the commencement of the Outcome Period and continue to hold them until the conclusion of the Outcome Period. Investors that purchase shares after the Outcome Period has begun or sell shares prior to the Outcome Period’s conclusion may experience investment returns very different from those that the Fund seeks to provide. |
The Fund’s strategy is designed to produce the Outcomes upon the expiration of its options investments on the last day of the Outcome Period. It should not be expected that the Outcomes will be provided at any point prior to the last day of the Outcome Period. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in the Underlying ETF and options, including FLEX options, on the Underlying ETF, the value of which is derived from the value of the Underlying ETF. A component of an option contract’s value is the remaining time until its expiration. Accordingly, the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) will not directly correlate on a day-to-day basis with the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF. The Fund’s investment adviser anticipates that the Fund’s NAV will move in the same direction as the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF, though not at the same rate as the Underlying ETF. Since the options do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF may be lower than if the options had a shorter term. Investors considering purchasing shares after the Outcome Period has begun or selling shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period should visit the Fund’s website to fully understand potential investment outcomes.
| ● | The Fund’s website, www.kraneshares.com/kpro, provides important Fund information (including, among other items, Outcome Period start and end dates and information relating to the Cap and Buffer), as well as information relating to the potential outcomes of an investment in the Fund on a daily basis. If you are contemplating purchasing shares of the Fund, please visit the website. |
317
| ● | Subsequent Outcome Periods. Following the Outcome Period, a subsequent Outcome Period will commence (the “next Outcome Period”). The Fund is not expected to terminate after the conclusion of any Outcome Period. Each subsequent Outcome Period will be a two-year period. After the end of each Outcome Period, the Fund will change its name to reflect the new Outcome Period. The Fund’s initial Outcome Period was reset and extended by a year due to market conditions in the first year of the Fund’s initial Outcome Period. While the Fund does not expect to change the current Outcome Period for the Fund, the Fund reserves the right to do so depending on market conditions during the current Outcome Period. Any such change would be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund and investors would be provided advance notice of such change. |
| ● | Investor Suitability Considerations. |
| You should only consider investing in a Fund if: | You should not consider investing in a Fund if: | |||||
| ● | you fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in shares; | ● | you do not fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in shares; | |||
| ● | you desire to invest in a product with a return that depends upon the total return of the Underlying ETF over the Outcome Period; | ● | you do not desire to invest in a product with a return that depends upon the total return of the Underlying ETF over the Outcome Period; | |||
| ● | you are willing to hold shares for the duration of the Outcome Period in order to achieve the Outcomes that the Fund seeks to provide; | ● | you are unwilling to hold shares for the duration of the Outcome Period in order to achieve the Outcomes that the Fund seeks to provide; | |||
| ● | you seek an investment that seeks to provide protection relative to the Fund’s market price on the first day of the Outcome Period against 90% of Underlying ETF losses for an investment held only for the duration of the entire Outcome Period; | ● | you do not seek an investment that seeks to provide protection relative to the Fund’s market price on the first day of the Outcome Period against losses of the Underlying ETF only for an investment held for the duration of an Outcome Period; | |||
| ● | you understand that there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide protection through the Buffer; | ● | you do not understand that there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide protection through the Buffer; | |||
| ● | you understand that the Buffer sought by the Fund is provided prior to taking into account any fees and expenses charged to the Fund, including any extraordinary expenses, and any shareholder transaction fees and that such fees and expenses will have the effect of lowering the Buffer; | ● | you seek the protection of a full Buffer, even after taking into account any fees and expenses charged to the Fund, including any extraordinary expenses, and any shareholder transaction fees; | |||
| ● | you fully understand that investments made when the Fund’s total return has appreciated in value versus the value at the commencement of the Outcome Period have the potential for losses before the Buffer is in effect; | ● | you do not fully understand that investments made when the Fund’s total return has appreciated in value versus the value at the commencement of the Outcome Period have the potential for losses before the Buffer is in effect; |
318
| You should only consider investing in a Fund if: | You should not consider investing in a Fund if: | |||||
| ● | you fully understand that investments made when the Fund is at or near to the Cap may have limited to no upside; | ● | you do not fully understand that investments made when the Fund is at or near to the Cap may have limited to no upside; | |||
| ● | you are willing to forgo any gains in excess of the Cap; | ● | you are unwilling to forgo any gains in excess of the Cap; | |||
| ● | you understand that the Cap will be reduced by any fees and expenses charged to the Fund, including any extraordinary expenses, and any shareholder transaction fees; | ● | you do not understand that the Cap will be reduced by any fees and expenses charged to the Fund, including any extraordinary expenses, and any shareholder transaction fees; | |||
| ● | you understand that the Buffer and Cap may be reduced by any changes in the Fund’s options due to corporate actions, such as special distributions; | ● | you do not understand that the Buffer and Cap may be reduced by any changes in the Fund’s options due to corporate actions, such as special distributions; | |||
| ● | you fully understand that investments made after the Outcome Period has begun may not fully benefit from the Buffer sought by the Fund; and | ● | you do not fully understand that investments made after the Outcome Period has begun may not fully benefit from the Buffer sought by the Fund; and | |||
| ● | you have visited the Fund’s website and understand the investment outcomes available to you based upon the time of your purchase. | ● | you have not visited the Fund’s website and do not understand the investment outcomes available to you based upon the timing of your purchase. |
Principal Investment Risks
The following section provides additional information regarding certain of the principal risks of investing in a Fund. An investment in a Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in a Fund involves a risk of a total loss. There is no guarantee that a Fund will meet its investment objective.
“✓” denotes a principal investment risk.
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KBUF | KPRO | KHYB | KBA | KCCA | KCAI | KSTR | KWEB | KPHO | KARS | KRBN | KOID | KTEC | KSPY | KHBM | KIQQ |
| Advanced PCB, Substrates and Materials Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Affiliated Index Provider Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Artificial Intelligence Companies Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Autonomous Technology Companies Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Buffered Loss Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| California Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Cap Change Risk | ✓ | ✓ |
319
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KBUF | KPRO | KHYB | KBA | KCCA | KCAI | KSTR | KWEB | KPHO | KARS | KRBN | KOID | KTEC | KSPY | KHBM | KIQQ |
| Capped Upside Return Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Carbon Emission Allowance and Cap and Trade Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| China Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Clean Technology Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Clearing Member Default Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||
| Commodity and Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Commodity Pool Registration Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Communication Services Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Concentration Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Conflict of Interest Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||
| Consumer Staples Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Convertible Securities Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Counterparty Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||||
| Covered Call Options Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Currency Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Depositary Receipts Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Derivatives Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dividend Paying Securities Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Eastern U.S. Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Electrical Technology Companies Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Emerging Markets Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
320
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KBUF | KPRO | KHYB | KBA | KCCA | KCAI | KSTR | KWEB | KPHO | KARS | KRBN | KOID | KTEC | KSPY | KHBM | KIQQ |
| Energy Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Equity Securities Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| European Union Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| ESG Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| ETF Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Financials Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Fixed Income Securities Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||||
| Foreign Securities Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Frontier Markets Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Futures Contract Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||||
| Geographic Focus Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Healthcare Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Hedgeye Risk Range™ Signal Publication Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Hedging Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| High Bandwidth Memory Companies Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| High Portfolio Turnover Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||||
| High Yield and Unrated Securities Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Index Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| India Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Industrials Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||
| Information Technology Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Internet Companies Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||||
| Investments in Investment Companies Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| IPO Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Japan Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Key Man Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Large Capitalization Company Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
321
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KBUF | KPRO | KHYB | KBA | KCCA | KCAI | KSTR | KWEB | KPHO | KARS | KRBN | KOID | KTEC | KSPY | KHBM | KIQQ |
| Large Shareholder Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Line of Business Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Liquidity Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Machine Learning and Data Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Management Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Market Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Materials Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Mid-Capitalization Company Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Model and Data Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| New/Small Fund Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Non-Correlation Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Non-Diversified Fund Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| OCC Resetting Strike Prices Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Operational and Cybersecurity Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Option Income Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||||||||
| Outcome Period Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Passive Investment and Index Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Private Company Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Quebec Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Ranking Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Regulatory Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Regulation S Securities Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Return of Capital Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk | ✓ |
322
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KBUF | KPRO | KHYB | KBA | KCCA | KCAI | KSTR | KWEB | KPHO | KARS | KRBN | KOID | KTEC | KSPY | KHBM | KIQQ |
| Securities Lending Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Semiconductor Industry Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Shariah-Compliant Investing Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Short Sale Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Singapore Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Software Industry Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| South Africa Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| South Korea Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Debt Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary Investment Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Swap Agreement Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Taiwan Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Tax Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tracking Error Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| United Kingdom Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Upside Participation Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government Obligations Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||||||
| Utilities Sector Risk | ||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Vietnam Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||||||
| Washington State Risk | ✓ |
323
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KLIP | BUYO | KMLM | KURE | KGRN | KEMX | OBOR | AGIX | KEMQ | KCSH | KVLE | KWIN |
| Advanced PCB, Substrates and Materials Risk | ||||||||||||
| Affiliated Index Provider Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Artificial Intelligence Companies Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific Risk | ||||||||||||
| Autonomous Technology Companies Risk | ||||||||||||
| Buffered Loss Risk | ||||||||||||
| California Risk | ||||||||||||
| Cap Change Risk | ||||||||||||
| Capped Upside Return Risk | ||||||||||||
| Carbon Emission Allowance and Cap and Trade Risk | ||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| China Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Clean Technology Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Clearing Member Default Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Commodity and Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Commodity Pool Registration Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Communication Services Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Concentration Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Conflict of Interest Risk | ||||||||||||
| Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Consumer Staples Sector Risk | ||||||||||||
| Convertible Securities Risk | ||||||||||||
| Counterparty Risk | ||||||||||||
| Covered Call Options Risk | ||||||||||||
| Currency Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
324
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KLIP | BUYO | KMLM | KURE | KGRN | KEMX | OBOR | AGIX | KEMQ | KCSH | KVLE | KWIN |
| Depositary Receipts Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Derivatives Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dividend Paying Securities Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Electrical Technology Companies Risk | ||||||||||||
| Emerging Markets Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Energy Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Equity Securities Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| ESG Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| ETF Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Financials Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Fixed Income Securities Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Foreign Securities Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Frontier Markets Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Futures Contract Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Geographic Focus Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Healthcare Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Hedgeye Risk Range™ Signal Publication Risk | ||||||||||||
| Hedging Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| High Bandwidth Memory Companies Risk | ||||||||||||
| High Portfolio Turnover Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| High Yield and Unrated Securities Risk | ||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Risk | ||||||||||||
| Index Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| India Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Industrials Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||
| Information Technology Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Internet Companies Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Investments in Investment Companies Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| IPO Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Japan Risk | ||||||||||||
| Key Man Risk | ||||||||||||
| Large Capitalization Company Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
325
| Risk ↓ Fund → | KLIP | BUYO | KMLM | KURE | KGRN | KEMX | OBOR | AGIX | KEMQ | KCSH | KVLE | KWIN |
| Large Shareholder Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Line of Business Risk | ||||||||||||
| Liquidity Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Machine Learning and Data Risk | ||||||||||||
| Management Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Market Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Materials Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Mid-Capitalization Company Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Model and Data Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| New/Small Fund Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Non-Correlation Risk | ||||||||||||
| Non-Diversified Fund Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| OCC Resetting Strike Prices Risk | ||||||||||||
| Operational and Cybersecurity Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Option Income Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Outcome Period Risk | ||||||||||||
| Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk | ||||||||||||
| Passive Investment and Index Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Private Company Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Quebec Risk | ||||||||||||
| Ranking Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Real Estate Sector Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Regulatory Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Regulation S Securities Risk | ||||||||||||
| Return of Capital Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk | ||||||||||||
| Securities Lending Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Semiconductor Industry Risk | ||||||||||||
| Shariah-Compliant Investing Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Short Sale Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Singapore Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Risk ↓ Fund → | KLIP | BUYO | KMLM | KURE | KGRN | KEMX | OBOR | AGIX | KEMQ | KCSH | KVLE | KWIN |
| Software Industry Risk | ||||||||||||
| South Africa Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| South Korea Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Debt Risk | ||||||||||||
| Subsidiary Investment Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Swap Agreement Risk | ||||||||||||
| Taiwan Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Tax Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Tracking Error Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Upside Participation Risk | ||||||||||||
| U.S. Government Obligations Risk | ✓ | |||||||||||
| Utilities Sector Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||||||
| Valuation Risk | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vietnam Risk | ||||||||||||
| Washington State Risk |
Advanced PCB, Substrates and Materials Risk. Companies that manufacture or supply advanced PCB materials, substrates, and specialty materials used in semiconductor fabrication and packaging are heavily dependent on sustained demand from the broader semiconductor and AI industries. Because many of these materials are consumed during fabrication, demand is closely tied to production volumes, which can be highly cyclical and a slowdown in AI data center construction, reduced cloud infrastructure spending, or a contraction in semiconductor production could materially reduce demand for such companies’ products. Additionally, global supply chain for the raw materials required for these products is concentrated in East Asia, which exposes companies to geopolitical risk, including trade restrictions, export controls, and diplomatic tensions that could disrupt production or importation. Such raw materials may also be hazardous and subject to extensive environmental regulation, which may subject companies to substantial compliance costs and the risk of fines, facility shutdowns, or litigation.
Affiliated Index Provider Risk. The Index Provider is an affiliated person of the Adviser, which poses potential conflicts of interest. For example, a potential conflict could arise between an affiliated person of the Index Provider or the Adviser and each Fund if that entity attempted to use information regarding changes and composition of each Index to the detriment of each Fund. Additionally, potential conflicts could arise with respect to the personal trading activity of personnel of the affiliated person who may have access to, or knowledge of, pending changes to each Index’s composition methodology or the constituent securities in each Index prior to the time that information is publicly disseminated. If shared, such knowledge could facilitate “front-running” (which describes an instance in which other persons trade ahead of each Fund). Although the Adviser and the Index Provider have taken steps designed to ensure that these potential conflicts are mitigated (e.g., via the adoption of policies and procedures that are designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and the implementation of informational barriers designed to minimize the potential for the misuse of information about the Index), there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
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Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk. Companies operating in the artificial intelligence (“AI”) and technology industries (collectively, “AI and Technology Companies”) typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which such companies are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. There can be no assurance that an issuer’s competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology. AI and Technology Companies are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer.Certain AI and Technology companies may face special risks that their products or services may not prove to be commercially successful. Such companies are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological developments. As a result, their products may rapidly become obsolete. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may, therefore, be adversely affected by governmental policies.
Asia-Pacific Risk. Investments in securities of issuers in Asia-Pacific countries involve risks that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region, including certain legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Certain Asia-Pacific countries have experienced expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. Some economies in this region are dependent on a range of commodities and are strongly affected by international commodity prices and are particularly vulnerable to price changes for these products. The market for securities in this region may also be directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and by the economic and market conditions of neighboring countries. Many Asia-Pacific economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asia-Pacific economies are highly dependent on trade and economic conditions in other countries.
Autonomous Technology Companies Risk. Investments in autonomous vehicles and future mobility companies may be volatile. These companies are subject to intense competition, the risk of product obsolescence, changes in consumer preferences and legal, regulatory and political changes. Many of these companies make significant expenditures on research and development, and are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, which may be challenged by other similar companies. A loss or impairment of intellectual property rights may adversely affect autonomous vehicles and future mobility companies. These vehicles may incorporate raw materials from companies concentrated in certain commodities, and may also rely on fuel sources that are more sensitive to commodities market activity than traditional vehicle fuels, which exposes the autonomous vehicles and future mobility companies to the price fluctuation of those commodities. They are also especially at risk of hacking, other cybersecurity events, and traffic accidents related to autonomous vehicles.
The electric and autonomous vehicle industries are in a phase of rapid technological innovation. Companies may face challenges in developing reliable, efficient, and cost-effective technologies, which could delay product rollouts or reduce competitiveness. The success of electric and autonomous vehicle companies is influenced by government policies, such as subsidies, tax incentives, emissions regulations, and autonomous driving laws. Changes or uncertainty in these policies may adversely impact the growth prospects of such companies. Electric and autonomous vehicle development requires significant upfront capital for research and development, production facilities, and infrastructure. Companies may face difficulties in securing adequate funding, particularly in volatile market conditions or periods of rising interest rates. In addition, electric and autonomous vehicle companies depend on the availability of raw materials, particularly for batteries (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel). Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, or material shortages could increase costs and hinder production. Consumer adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles depends on factors such as vehicle affordability, charging infrastructure availability, range anxiety, and consumer trust in autonomous driving technology. Slower-than-expected adoption could impact company revenues. Lastly, the market for electric and autonomous vehicles is highly competitive, with established automakers, startups, and technology companies vying for market share. Intense competition may lead to pricing pressure, reduced margins, or market consolidation.
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Blockchain Companies Risk. Blockchain technology is relatively new and many of its uses may be untested. There is no assurance that widespread adoption of blockchain technology will occur, and the development and acceptance of competing platforms or technologies may cause consumers or investors to use an alternative to blockchain technology. Companies relying heavily on blockchain technology may be subject to more volatility and less trading volume than securities of companies in more established industries. Companies that are developing applications of blockchain technology may not in fact do so or may not be able to capitalize on those blockchain technologies. A proliferation of recent companies attempting to apply blockchain technology in different contexts means the possibility of conflicting intellectual property claims. The adoption of blockchain technology may be impaired by laws or regulations, and blockchain technology may be subject to future laws or regulations that may be difficult to predict. In addition, because blockchain functionality relies on the internet, a significant disruption of internet connectivity affecting large numbers of users or geographic areas could impede the functionality of blockchain technologies. Certain features of blockchain technology may increase the risk of fraud or cyber-attack. Companies relying heavily on blockchain technology may be adversely affected by fluctuations in, and manipulation of, the price of digital assets and a lack of liquid markets or acceptance for certain digital assets or government policies.
Buffered Loss Risk. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide protection against decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF over the duration of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not be effective. If when an investor purchases shares at a time during an Outcome Period when the total return of the Underlying ETF has already increased, then the investor will incur losses notwithstanding the Buffer since the Buffer only seeks to protect against declines in the total return of the Underlying ETF from the beginning of the Outcome Period. If the options (and therefore the Buffer) do not perform as expected, an investor may experience significant losses, including the investor’s entire investment.
Cap Change Risk. In addition, since the Fund invests in the Underlying ETF, the Fund will receive distributions made by the Underlying ETF. These distributions paid by the Underlying ETF may cause the OCC to make adjustments to the strike price of the Fund’s options. If this occurs, then such an adjustment can cause changes to the Fund’s Buffer and Cap and may adversely affect the Outcomes. As a result, the Fund may not perform as expected and Fund shareholders could be adversely impacted, especially Fund shareholders that purchase shares after the start of the Outcome Period and Fund shareholders who do not hold shares for the entire Outcome Period. A new Cap is established at the beginning of each Outcome Period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions at the time the Cap is established. As such, the Cap may rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive Outcome Periods. Investors should monitor the changes in the Cap for each Outcome Period, information for which will be made available pursuant to the procedure outlined in the Fund’s prospectus.
Capped Upside Return Risk. Even if the total return of the Underlying ETF exceeds the Cap for the Outcome Period, the Fund will not appreciate beyond the Cap. Due to the Cap, the Fund may significantly underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of the Outcome Period. If an investor purchases shares of the Fund after the beginning of the Outcome Period and Fund shares have appreciated close to the Cap, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their shares yet such investor is exposed to potential losses between the appreciated share price and the Fund’s NAV at the commencement of the Outcome Period. Further, because the options are expected to produce returns that match the total return of the Underlying ETF (subject to the Cap) on the last day of the Outcome Period, if an investor sells shares prior to that day, such investor may sell at a price that does not reflect the total return of the Underlying ETF and may sell at a price when the Fund has underperformed the Underlying ETF.
Carbon Emission Allowance and Cap and Trade Risk. Cap and trade regimes and related markets are new and based on scientific principles that are subject to debate. Cap and trade regimes have arisen primarily due to relative international consensus with respect to scientific evidence indicating a correlation between the rise in global temperatures and extreme weather events, on the one hand, and the rise in GHG emissions in the atmosphere, on the other hand. If this consensus were to break down, cap and trade regimes and the value of the Fund may be negatively affected. Additionally, if the science supporting the relationship or the acceptable level of GHG concentrations is questioned, it may negatively affect cap and trade regimes and the value of the Fund.
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There is no assurance that cap and trade regimes will continue to exist. Cap and trade was designed to attempt to put a cap on pollution by putting a price on carbon emissions, but the approach may not prove to be an effective method of reduction in GHG emissions and or in achieving climate change objectives. As a result or due to other factors, cap and trade regimes may be terminated or may not be renewed upon their expiration. The European Union Emissions Trading System (“EU ETS”) is organized into a number of phases, each with a predetermined duration. Currently, the EU ETS is in Phase III. There can be no assurance that the EU ETS will enter into a new phase as scheduled.
New technologies may arise that may diminish or eliminate the need for cap and trade markets. Ultimately, the cost of emissions credits is determined by the cost of actually reducing emissions levels. If the price of credits becomes too high, it will be more economical for companies to develop or invest in green technologies, thereby suppressing the demand for credits and adversely affect the price of the Fund.
Cap and trade regimes set emission limits (i.e., the right to emit a certain quantity of GHG emissions), which can be allocated or auctioned to the parties in the mechanism up to the total emissions cap. This allocation may be larger or smaller than is needed for a stable price of credits and can lead to large price volatility and may impact the Fund. Depending upon the industries covered under the cap and trade regime, unpredictable demand for their products and services can affect the value of GHG emissions credits. For example, very mild winters or very cool summers can decrease demand for electric utilities and therefore require fewer carbon credits to offset reduced production and GHG emissions.
If fines or other penalties for non-compliance are not enforced, incentives to purchase GHG credits will deteriorate, which could result in a decline in the price of emissions credits and may adversely impact the Fund.
The economic health of GHG emitting companies and their ability to pass on the cost of emissions credits to consumers can affect the price of the carbon credit futures. If the price of emissions can be passed on to the end customer with little impact upon consumer demand, it is likely that industries may continue emitting and purchase any shortfall in the market at the prevailing price. If, however, the producer is unable to pass on the cost, it may be incentivized to reduce production in order to decrease its need for offsetting emissions credits, which could adversely affect the price of carbon credit futures and the Fund.
Regulatory risk related to changes in regulation and enforcement of cap and trade regimes could adversely affect market behavior. Cap and trade markets relating to GHG emissions are relatively recent, the first such regime arising in 2001. Accordingly, historical performance of these markets may not be indicative of future performance, and future performance of cap and trade markets may be hard to predict. In addition, as cap and trade markets and carbon credit markets develop, new regulation with respect to these markets may arise, which may have a negative effect on the value and liquidity of the cap and trade markets and the Fund.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk. The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents. Generally, such positions offer less potential for gain than other investments. Holding cash or cash equivalents, even strategically, may lead to missed investment opportunities. This is particularly true when the market for other investments in which the Fund may invest is rapidly rising. If the Fund holds cash uninvested it will be subject to the credit risk of the depositing institution holding the cash.
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China Risk. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”) and surrounding Asian countries and may demonstrate significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Investments in Chinese securities, including those that are Hong Kong-listed and U.S.-listed securities, subject the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. Over the last few decades, the Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and has expanded the sphere of private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Chinese companies are also subject to the risk that Chinese authorities can intervene in their operations and structure. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The RMB is not freely convertible, but rather is subject to approval of PRC authorities. Although Chinese authorities have indicated an intent to move to a freely convertible RMB, there is no assurance that repatriation restrictions will not continue. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized.
During the last 30 years, the Chinese government has reformed its economic policies, which has resulted in less direct central and local government control over the business and production activities of Chinese enterprises and companies. Notwithstanding the economic reforms instituted by the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party, actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China, which could affect the public and private sector companies in which the Fund invests. The Chinese government may also change course and exercise greater central and local government control over Chinese firms.
In certain cases where China has begun a process of privatization of certain entities and industries, investors in newly privatized entities have suffered losses due to the inability of the newly privatized entities to adjust quickly to a competitive environment or changing regulatory and legal standards, or in some cases, due to re-nationalization of such privatized entities. There is no assurance that such losses will not recur.
Export growth continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, supply chain diversification, institution of tariffs, sanctions or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. The Chinese economy is particularly dependent upon trading with key partners, such as the United States, Japan, South Korea and countries in the European Union. In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund. In addition, worsening trade relations between the two countries could adversely impact the Fund, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China including by limiting the ability of Chinese issuers to list on the U.S. exchanges. Worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility in the price of Fund shares. In addition, the U.S. government has imposed restrictions on the ability of U.S. investors to hold and/or acquire securities of certain Chinese companies, which may adversely impact the Fund, increase tracking error for the Fund, or mean that the Fund’s Underlying Index, if any, may need to adjust its methodology.
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The Underlying Index, if any, or the Fund’s portfolio may include companies that are subject to economic or trade restrictions (but not investment restrictions) imposed by the U.S. or other governments due to national security, human rights or other concerns of such government. So long as these restrictions do not include restrictions on investments, the Fund is generally expected to invest in such companies, consistent with its investment objective.
In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Chinese companies with securities listed on U.S. exchanges may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements or due to worsening relations between the U.S. and China, which would significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities.
Inflation Risk. Economic growth in China has historically been accompanied by periods of inflation. Beginning in 2004, the Chinese government commenced the implementation of various measures to control inflation, which included the tightening of the money supply, the raising of interest rates and more stringent control over certain industries. If inflation were to increase, the performance of the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments could be negatively impacted.
Nationalization and Expropriation Risk. Expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. There can be no assurance that the Chinese government will not nationalize or expropriate assets in its territory or over which it otherwise has control. An investment in the Fund involves a risk of a total loss.
Moreover, the Chinese government limits foreign investment in the securities of Chinese issuers entirely. These restrictions or limitations may have adverse effects on the liquidity and performance of the Fund holdings as compared to the performance of the Underlying Index, if any. This may increase the risk of tracking error and the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Currency Risk. The government of China has historically maintained strict currency controls in order to achieve economic, trade and political objectives and regularly intervened in the currency market. In this regard, the Chinese government has placed strict regulation on the yuan and Hong Kong dollar and manages the yuan and Hong Kong dollar so that they have historically traded in a tight range relative to the U.S. dollar. The Chinese government has been under pressure to manage the currency in a less restrictive fashion so that it is less correlated to the U.S. dollar.
Since 2005, the exchange rate of the RMB is no longer strictly pegged to the U.S. dollar. The RMB has now moved to a managed floating exchange rate based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of foreign currencies. The daily trading price of the RMB against other major currencies in the inter-bank foreign exchange market is allowed to float within a narrow band around the central parity published by the People’s Bank of China. As the exchange rates may be based on market forces, the exchange rates for RMB against other currencies, including the U.S. dollar, are susceptible to movements based on external factors. Of course, there can be no guarantee that this will continue, or that the yuan or the Hong Kong dollar will move in relation to the U.S. dollar as expected. There can be no assurance that the RMB will not be subject to devaluation. Any devaluation of the RMB is expected to adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments.
332
Available Disclosure About Chinese Issuers Risk. Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made, and less information may be available to the Fund and other investors than would be the case if the Fund’s investments were restricted to securities of U.S. issuers. Chinese issuers are subject to accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable to U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of a Chinese issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had such financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Such conditions may lead to potential errors in index data, index computation and/or index construction and may limit the ability to oversee the index provider’s due diligence process over index data, which may adversely impact the Fund’s performance and its ability to track the performance of the Underlying Index, if any.
There has been increased attention from the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) with regard to international auditing standards of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China as well as PCAOB-registered auditing firms in China. Currently, the SEC and PCAOB are only able to get limited information about these auditing firms and are restricted from inspecting the audit work and practices of registered accountants in China. These restrictions may result in the unavailability of material information about issuers in China or an issuer’s operations in China.
Chinese Corporate and Securities Law Risk. The Fund’s rights with respect to its investments in China, if any, generally will not be governed by U.S. law, but rather by Chinese law. China operates under a civil law system. It is based on statutes enacted by various state bodies with authority over economic matters such as foreign investment, company organization and governance, taxation and trade. These laws are relatively recent with published court opinions based on them being limited. Further, court precedent is not binding. Thus, there is uncertainty regarding the implementation of existing law. In addition, laws pertaining to bankruptcy proceedings are generally less developed and may be different than such laws in the United States and lead to unpredictable results.
Legal principles relating to corporate affairs and the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ fiduciary duties and liabilities and stockholders’ rights often differ from those that may apply in the United States and other countries. In particular, Chinese laws providing protection to investors, such as laws regarding the fiduciary duties of officers and directors, are undeveloped and will not provide investors, such as the Fund, with protection in all situations where protection would be provided by comparable law in the United States. It may therefore be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights as an investor under Chinese corporate and securities laws, and it may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to obtain a judgment in court. Moreover, as Chinese corporate and securities laws continue to develop, these developments may adversely affect foreign investors, such as the Fund.
Chinese Securities Markets Risk. China’s securities markets, including the debt markets, have a limited operating history and are not as developed as those in the United States. These markets, historically, have had greater volatility than markets in the United States and some other countries, and experienced inefficiency and pricing anomalies. There is relatively less regulation and monitoring of Chinese securities markets and of the activities of investors, brokers and other participants than in the United States, including with respect to insider trading, tender offers, stockholder proxies and disclosure of information. Stock markets in China are in the process of change and further development. This may lead to additional volatility, difficulty in the settlement and recording of transactions and difficulty in interpreting and applying the relevant regulations.
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Political and Economic Risk. The Chinese government continues to be an active participant in many economic sectors through ownership positions and regulation. The majority of productive assets in China are still owned by the PRC government at various levels. The allocation of resources in China is subject to a high level of government control. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. Through its policies, the government may provide preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The policies set by the government could have a substantial effect on the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments.
For more than 30 years, the PRC government has carried out economic reforms to achieve decentralization and utilization of market forces to develop the economy of the PRC. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress, but growth has been uneven both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Economic growth has also been accompanied by periods of inflation. The PRC government has implemented various measures from time to time to control inflation and restrain the rate of economic growth.
Although reforms over the last 30 years have generally been regarded as successful, there can be no assurance that the PRC government will continue to pursue such economic policies or, if it does, that those policies will continue to be successful or will not otherwise have a negative effect on the Fund. Any such adjustment and modification of those economic policies may have an adverse impact on the securities market of Chinese issuers. Further, the PRC government may from time to time adopt corrective measures to control the growth of the PRC economy which may also have an adverse impact on the capital growth and performance of the Fund.
Political changes, social instability and adverse diplomatic developments in the PRC could result in the imposition of additional government restrictions including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxes or nationalization of some or all of the property held by Chinese issuers. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility, interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. China has experienced security concerns, such as terrorism and strained international relations. Additionally, China is alleged to have participated in state-sponsored cyberattacks against foreign companies and foreign governments. Actual and threatened responses to such activity and strained international relations, including purchasing restrictions, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Chinese government or Chinese companies, may impact China’s economy and Chinese issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. Incidents involving China’s or the region’s security may cause uncertainty in Chinese markets and may adversely affect the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments. China has experienced major health crises and such health crises could exacerbate any of the risks applicable to China.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these contractual arrangements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these service agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value.
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While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these contracts were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest. In addition, the listed offshore entity’s control over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE breaches the terms of the agreement, is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation, such as chops and seals, are used without the Chinese-based issuer’s authorization to enter into contractual arrangements in China. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents, represent a legally binding commitment by the company. Moreover, any future regulatory action may prohibit the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the Chinese-based operating company, which may cause the value of the Fund’s investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss. For example, in 2021, the Chinese government prohibited use of the VIE structure for investment in after-school tutoring companies. There is no guarantee that the government will not place similar restrictions on other industries.
Onshore Investing Risks. Because the Fund may invest in the local China markets directly (also referred to herein as domestic Chinese markets or securities or onshore Chinese markets or securities), it will be subject to the following special risks:
Capital Controls Risk. RMB can be categorized into “CNY” (onshore RMB) traded in the PRC and “CNH” (offshore RMB) traded outside the PRC. CNY and CNH are traded at different exchange rates and their exchange rates may not move in the same direction. Although there has been a growing amount of RMB held offshore, CNH cannot be freely remitted into the PRC and is subject to certain restrictions, and vice versa. The Fund may be adversely affected by the exchange rates between CNY and CNH.
CNY is currently not a freely convertible currency as it is subject to foreign exchange control, fiscal policies and repatriation restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. The PRC government imposes restrictions on the remittance of RMB out of and into China. In the event a remittance by the Fund is disrupted, the Fund could be adversely affected and, among other matters, may not be able to invest those funds, which may increase the tracking error of the Fund. In addition, any delay in repatriation of RMB out of China may result in delay in payment of redemption proceeds to redeeming investors. The Chinese government’s policies on exchange control and repatriation restrictions are subject to change, and such control of currency conversions and movements in the RMB exchange rates may adversely affect the operations and financial results of PRC companies and the Fund. If such control policies change in the future, the Fund may be adversely affected.
Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to intervention by Chinese government authorities and the imposition of “capital controls.” Capital controls include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets into, out of or into the country. Levies may be placed on profits repatriated by foreign entities (such as the Fund). Capital controls may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities or currency, adversely affect the trading market and price for shares of the Fund, and cause the Fund to decline in value.
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The Chinese government also heavily regulates the domestic exchange of foreign currencies within China. Chinese law requires that all domestic transactions must be settled in RMB, places significant restrictions on the remittance of foreign currency and strictly regulates currency exchange from RMB. Under State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) regulations, Chinese corporations may only purchase foreign currencies through government approved banks. In general, Chinese companies must receive approval from or register with the Chinese government before investing in certain capital account items, including direct investments and loans, and must thereafter maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for the capital items. Foreign investors may only exchange foreign currencies at specially authorized banks after complying with documentation requirements. These restrictions may adversely affect the Fund and its investments. The PRC government may impose additional or other currency capital controls that could significantly harm the Fund.
Custody Risk. The Fund is required by Chinese regulation to have a local custodian in China (“PRC Custodian”) for its investments in domestic, onshore Chinese securities, including A-Shares and mainland Chinese debt (also referred to herein as RMB Bonds). The PRC Custodian maintains the Fund’s investments in China to ensure their compliance with the rules and regulations of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) and the People’s Bank of China. Such investments, when purchased by Krane or the Fund’s sub-adviser in its capacity as the Fund’s QFI will normally be received in a securities account maintained by the PRC Custodian in the joint names of the Fund and Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable. The account may not be used for any other purpose than for maintaining the Fund’s assets. However, given that the securities trading account will be maintained in the joint names of Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, and the Fund, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected, as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held solely in the name of the Fund. In particular, there is a risk that creditors of Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, may assert that the securities are owned by Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, and not the Fund, and that a court would uphold such an assertion, in which case such creditors could seize assets. Because the Fund’s PRC securities may be in the name of both Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, and the Fund, there is also a risk that regulatory actions taken against Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, by PRC government authorities may affect the Fund. This is particularly acute in the case of cash deposited with the PRC Custodian because it may not be segregated, and it may be treated as a debt owing from the PRC Custodian to the Fund as a depositor. Thus, in the event of a PRC Custodian bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar event, the Fund may face difficulties and/or encounter delays in recovering its cash.
QFI. A QFI license may be acquired to invest directly in domestic, onshore Chinese securities. To qualify for a QFI license, an applicant must meet certain requirements on asset management experience, assets under management, and firm capital. In 2020, the PRC government eliminated QFI quotas, meaning that entities registered with the appropriate Chinese regulator will no longer be subject to quotas when investing in PRC securities (but will remain subject to foreign shareholder limits) and simplified the cash repatriation process and QFI application process. However, there is no assurance that PRC rules and regulations will not change or that repatriation restrictions will not be imposed in the future. Changes to the PRC rules and regulations may be applied retroactively. Further, no single underlying foreign investor investing through a QFI may hold more than 10% of the total outstanding shares in one listed company and all foreign investors investing through QFIs may not hold, in aggregate, more than 30% of the total outstanding shares in one listed company. Such limits may not apply where foreign investors make strategic investment in listed companies in accordance with the Measures for the Administration of Strategic Investments in Listed Companies by Foreign Investors.
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A-Shares Risk. The ability of the Fund to invest in China A-Shares is dependent, in part, on the availability of A-Shares either through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”) which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect, and/or through a QFI license from the Chinese regulator. Thus, the Fund’s investment in A-Shares will be limited by the amount of A-Shares available through the Stock Connect Programs. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government.
Currently, there are two stock exchanges in mainland China, the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. The Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges are supervised by the CSRC and are highly automated with trading and settlement executed electronically. The Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets in the United States.
The Shanghai Stock Exchange commenced trading on December 19, 1990, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange commenced trading on July 3, 1991. The Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges divide listed shares into two classes: A-Shares and B-shares. Companies whose shares are traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges that are incorporated in mainland China may issue both A-Shares and B-Shares. In China, the A-Shares and B-Shares of an issuer may only trade on one exchange. A-Shares and B-Shares may both be listed on either the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. Both classes represent an ownership interest comparable to a share of common stock. A-Shares are traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges in RMB. A-Shares may be subject to more frequent and/or extended trading halts than other exchange-traded securities and may become illiquid. The A-Shares market may behave very differently from other Chinese equity markets, and there may be little to no correlation between them.
Restrictions continue to exist on investments in A-Shares and capital therefore cannot flow freely into the A-Share market, making it possible that, in the event of a market disruption, the liquidity of the A-Share market and trading prices of A-Shares could be more severely affected than the liquidity and trading prices of markets where securities are freely tradable and capital therefore flows more freely. The Fund cannot predict the nature or duration of such a market disruption or the impact that it may have on the A-Share market and the short-term and long-term prospects of its investments in the A-Share market.
The Chinese government has in the past taken actions that benefitted holders of A-Shares. As A-Shares become more available to foreign investors, such as the Fund, the Chinese government may be less likely to take action that would benefit holders of A-Shares.
Repatriations by QFIs for investors such as registered funds are permitted daily and are not subject to lockup periods. There is no assurance, however, that PRC rules and regulations will not change or that repatriation restrictions will not be imposed in the future. Any restrictions on repatriation of the Fund’s assets may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests and/or may cause the Fund to borrow money in order to meet its obligations. These limitations may also prevent a Fund from making certain distributions to shareholders.
To the extent the Fund has an Underlying Index, if the Fund is unable to obtain sufficient exposure to the components of its Underlying Index, the Fund could seek exposure to the component securities of the Underlying Index in other ways, such as by investing in depositary receipts of the component securities and Hong Kong listed versions of the component securities. The Fund may also invest in B-Shares issued by the same companies that issue A-Shares that are in the Underlying Index. The A-Shares market may behave very differently from the B-Shares market, and there may be little to no correlation between the performances of the two. The Fund may also use derivatives or invest in ETFs that can obtain comparable exposures. If necessary, the Fund may limit or suspend purchases of Creation Units of the Fund until the
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Fund determines that the requisite exposure to the Underlying Index is obtainable. During the period that creations are limited or suspended, the Fund could trade at a significant premium or discount to the NAV and could experience substantial redemptions. Alternatively, the Fund could change its investment objective by, for example, seeking to track an alternative index that does not include A-Shares as component securities, or decide to liquidate the Fund. In circumstances beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund may incur significant losses due to limited investment capabilities, including based on investment objectives or strategies, due to investment restrictions on QFIs licenses, illiquidity of the securities markets, or delay or disruption in execution or settlement of trades.
The Chinese government limits foreign investment in the securities of Chinese issuers entirely. China may also impose higher local tax rates on transactions involving certain companies. These restrictions or limitations may have adverse effects on the liquidity and performance of the Fund holdings as compared to the performance of the Underlying Index, if any. For an index ETF, this may increase the risk of tracking error and the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Per a circular (Caishui [2014] 79), the Fund is temporarily exempt from the Chinese tax on capital gains (“CGT”) on trading in A-Shares as a QFI on the Shanghai Stock Exchange through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect as of November 17, 2014, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as of December 5, 2016. There is no indication as to how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect. Accordingly, the Fund may be subject to such taxes in the future. In addition, there is uncertainty as to the application and implementation of China’s value added tax to the Fund’s activities. As a result, investors may be advantaged or disadvantaged depending on the final rules of the relevant tax authorities.
Investors should note that such provision may be excessive or inadequate to meet actual CGT tax liabilities (which could include interest and penalties) on the Fund’s investments. As a result, investors may be advantaged or disadvantaged depending on the final rules of the relevant tax authorities.
It is also unclear how China’s value added tax may apply to the activities of a participant in the Stock Connect Programs or QFI licensee and how such application may be affected by tax treaty provisions. If such a tax is collected, the expense will be passed on and borne by the Fund. The imposition of such taxes, as well as future changes in applicable PRC tax law, may adversely affect the Fund.
The Fund reserves the right to establish a reserve for any taxes as to which it is uncertain whether they will assessed, although it has not currently done so. If the Fund establishes such a reserve but is not ultimately subject to the tax, shareholders who redeemed or sold their shares while the reserve was in place will effectively bear the tax and may not benefit from the later release, if any, of the reserve. Conversely, if the Fund does not establish such a reserve but ultimately is subject to the tax, shareholders who redeemed or sold their shares prior to the tax being withheld, reserved or paid will have effectively avoided the tax, even if they benefited from the trading that precipitated the Fund’s payment of it. The Fund is responsible for any taxes on its operations or investments, including if they are applied retroactively.
Disclosure of Interests and Short Swing Profit Rule. The Fund may be subject to regulations promulgated by the CSRC, which currently require the Fund to make certain public disclosures when the Fund and parties acting in concert with the Fund acquire 5% or more of the issued securities of a listed company (which include A-Shares of the listed company). The relevant PRC regulations presumptively treat all affiliated investors and investors under common control as parties acting in concert. As such, the Fund may be deemed as a “concert party” of other funds managed by Krane, a sub-adviser, if applicable, or their affiliates and therefore may be subject to the risk that the Fund’s holdings may be required to be reported in the aggregate with the holdings of such other funds should the aggregate holdings trigger the reporting threshold under the PRC law. If the 5% shareholding threshold is triggered, the Fund would be required to file its report within three days. During the time limit for filing the report, a trading freeze applies and the Fund would not be permitted to make subsequent trades in the invested company’s securities. Any such trading freeze may impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective and undermine the Fund’s performance.
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Further, subject to the interpretation of PRC courts and PRC regulators, the operation of the PRC short swing profit rule may prevent the Fund from reducing its holdings in a PRC company within six months of the last purchase of shares of the company if the Fund’s holding in that company exceeds the threshold prescribed by the relevant exchange on which the PRC company’s shares are listed. The Fund could be subject to these restrictions even though an entity deemed to be an affiliate (and not the Fund) may have triggered the restrictions. Nonetheless, if the Fund violates the rule, it may be required by the listed company to return any profits realized from such trading to the company. In addition, the Fund could not repurchase securities of the listed company within six months of such sale. Finally, under PRC civil procedures, the Fund’s assets may be frozen to the extent of the claims made by the company in question.
PRC Broker Risk. Currently, only a limited number of brokers are available to trade A-Shares with the Fund. As a result, Krane or a sub-adviser will have limited flexibility to choose among brokers on behalf of the Fund than is typically the case for investment advisers. If Krane or a sub-adviser is unable to use a particular broker in the PRC, the operation of the Fund may be adversely affected. Further, the operation of the Fund may be adversely affected in case of any acts or omissions of the PRC broker, which may result in higher tracking error or the Fund being traded at a significant premium or discount to its NAV. If a single PRC broker is appointed, the Fund may not necessarily pay the lowest commission available in the market. There is also a risk that the Fund may suffer losses from the default, bankruptcy or disqualification of the PRC broker. Krane or a sub-adviser, however, in its selection of PRC brokers will consider such factors as the competitiveness of PRC brokers’ commission rates, size of the relevant orders, and execution standards.
B-Shares Risk. The B-Share market is generally smaller, less liquid and has a smaller issuer base than the A Share market. The issuers that compose the B-Share market include a broad range of companies, including companies with large, medium and small capitalizations. The B-Shares market may behave very differently from other portions of the Chinese equity markets, and there may be little to no correlation between their performance.
H-Shares Risk. The Fund may invest in shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”). H-Shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and must meet Hong Kong’s listing and disclosure requirements. H-Shares may be traded by foreigners and can be used to gain exposure to Chinese securities. Because they are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, H-Shares involve a number of risks not typically associated with investing in countries with more democratic governments or more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include the risk of nationalization or expropriation; greater social, economic and political uncertainty; increased competition from Asia’s low-cost emerging economies; currency exchange rate fluctuations; higher rates of inflation; controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital; and greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy. Fluctuations in the value of the Hong Kong dollar will affect the Fund’s holdings of H-Shares. The Hong Kong stock market may behave very differently from the domestic Chinese stock market and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the Hong Kong stock market and the domestic Chinese stock market.
N-Shares Risk. The Fund may invest in shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”). N-Shares are traded in U.S. dollars. N-Shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, or the United States. Because companies issuing N-Shares have business operations in China, they are subject to certain political and economic risks in China.
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P-Chip Risk. The Fund may invest in shares of companies with controlling private Chinese shareholders that are incorporated outside mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“P-Chips”). These businesses are largely run by the private sector and have a majority of their business operations in mainland China. P-Chip shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and may also be traded by foreigners. Because they are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, P-Chips are also subject to risks similar to those associated with investments in H-Shares. They are also subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes. Private Chinese companies may be more indebted, more susceptible to adverse changes in the economy, subject to asset seizures and nationalization, and negative political or legal developments.
Red Chip Risk. The Fund may invest in shares of companies with controlling Chinese government shareholders that are incorporated outside mainland China, have a majority of their business operations in mainland China, and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“Red Chips”). These businesses are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC. Red Chip shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, may also be traded by foreigners and are subject to risks similar to those of H-Shares. Because Red Chip companies are controlled by various PRC governmental authorities, investing in Red Chips involves risks that political changes, social instability, regulatory uncertainty, adverse diplomatic developments, asset expropriation or nationalization, or confiscatory taxation could adversely affect the performance of Red Chip companies. Red Chip companies may be less efficiently run and less profitable than other companies. They are also subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes.
S-Chip Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange (“S-Chips”). S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. They are subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes. S-Chip companies may or may not be owned at least in part by a Chinese central, provincial or municipal government and be subject to the types of risks that come with such ownership described herein. There may be little or no correlation between the performance of the Singapore stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.
Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Stock Connect Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Only certain A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they may no longer be able to be purchased or sold through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. In addition, there is no assurance that the necessary systems required to operate the Stock Connect Programs will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through the Stock Connect Programs could be disrupted. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges and further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the Stock Connect Programs, if the authorities believe it necessary to assure orderly markets or for other reasons. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future. Each of the foregoing could restrict the Fund from selling its investments, adversely affect the value of its holdings and negatively affect the Fund’s ability to meet shareholder redemptions.
Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of the exchanges and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-Shares under the Stock Connect Programs becomes insolvent. Given that all trades through the Stock Connect Programs must be settled in RMB, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.
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China Fixed Income Investing Risks. The laws, regulations, and government policies, including the investment regulations governing foreigners’ investments in RMB-denominated fixed-income securities (“RMB Bonds”), as well as the political and economic climate in China, may change with little or no advance notice. Any such change could adversely affect market conditions and the performance of the Chinese economy and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio. The regulations which apply to such investments including the repatriation of capital, are relatively new. The application and interpretation of such regulations are therefore relatively untested. In addition, PRC authorities have broad discretion under such investment regulations and there is little precedent or certainty evidencing how such discretion will be exercised now or in the future.
Bond Connect Risk. Bond Connect is a mutual market access scheme that commenced trading on July 3, 2017 and represents an exception to Chinese laws that generally restrict foreign investment in RMB Bonds. There is a risk that Chinese regulators may alter all or part of the structure and terms of, as well as the Fund’s access to, Bond Connect in the future or eliminate it altogether, which may limit or prevent the Fund from investing directly in or selling its RMB Bonds.
Chinese Credit Rating Risks. The securities held by the Fund may be rated by Chinese ratings agencies (and not by U.S. nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations (“NRSROs”)). The rating criteria and methodology used by Chinese rating agencies may be different from those adopted by NRSROs and established international credit rating agencies. Therefore, such rating systems may not provide an equivalent standard for comparison with securities rated by NRSROs and international credit rating agencies.
CIBM Program Risk. The Fund may invest in certain RMB Bonds that are held in mainland China through a market access program with the Chinese Interbank Bond Market (“CIBM”) that launched in 2016 (“CIBM Program”). These RMB Bonds are traded over-the-counter and are dealt and held in book-entry form through the China Central Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“CCDCC”) and Shanghai Clearing House (“SCH”). The CIBM is relatively large and trading volumes are generally high, but the market remains subject to similar risks as fixed-income securities markets in other developing markets, and are subject to counterparty, credit, and interest rate risks. Certain CIBM instruments may be relatively volatile and become illiquid. The CIBM Program is subject to certain limits on repatriation; amounts repatriated must be paid at roughly the same ratio of foreign currency to RMB as the initial remittances by a Fund into the CIBM Program, and Chinese regulators may otherwise limit a Fund’s ability to repatriate investment proceeds from the program or exchange Chinese currency into other currencies.
The CIBM Program permitting foreign investors to invest directly in RMB Bonds is still evolving, and its effect on the market for the types of securities in which the Fund will invest is relatively unknown. The CIBM Program represents an exception to Chinese laws that generally restrict foreign investment in RMB Bonds. Any regulatory change to the operations, requirements, or structure of the CIBM Program—or the complete elimination of the CIBM Program—could adversely affect the Fund. Any such future regulations or restrictions may include limitations on redemptions or suspension of the CIBM Program. There is no guarantee that the People’s Bank of China will continue to support the CIBM Program in the future, and it may act to alter it or eliminate it altogether.
A PRC onshore settlement agent is required to participate in the CIBM Program. The settlement agent will conduct any trades executed through the CIBM Program. The quality of the Fund’s trades and settlement will be dependent upon the settlement agent, who may not perform to expectations and, thereby, harm the Fund. The agent could also terminate its relationship with Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, and thus eliminate the Fund’s access to the CIBM Program and its ability to sell investments, which could hamper the Fund’s ability to meet shareholder redemptions. If Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, is ultimately unable to purchase RMB Bonds through the CIBM Program, the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, if Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable, is unable to continue to use its settlement agent, the operation of the Fund will be adversely affected, and the Fund may not be able to track the Underlying Index. Further, the operation of the Fund may be adversely affected in case of any acts or omissions of the settlement agent, which may result in higher tracking error or the Fund being traded at a significant premium or discount to its NAV. There is a risk that the Fund may suffer losses from the default, bankruptcy or disqualification of the settlement agent.
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Exchange-Traded Bond Market Risk. The Exchange-Traded Bond Market is an electronic automatic matching system where securities are traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. To the extent the Fund were to invest in RMB Bonds via the Exchange-Traded Bond Market rather than the CIBM, the transactions could be subject to wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices. This wider spread could adversely affect the price at which the Fund could purchase or sell the RMB Bonds and could impair the Fund’s performance. Additionally, the Exchange-Traded Bond Market operates on shorter trading hours than the CIBM, and trading through the Exchange-Traded Bond Market may provide less liquidity to a Fund in comparison to trading through the CIBM Program. Trading through the Exchange-Traded Bond Market may also subject a Fund to heightened credit and interest rate risk. These trades are cleared through the China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“CSDCC”).
PRC Dealer Risk. Currently, only a limited number of dealers are available to trade PRC securities with the Fund. As a result, Krane or a sub-adviser will have less flexibility to choose among dealers on behalf of the Fund than is typically the case for investment advisers. If Krane or a sub-adviser is unable to use a particular dealer in the PRC, the operation of the Fund could be adversely affected. Further, the operation of the Fund may be adversely affected in case of any acts or omissions of the PRC dealer. Krane or a sub-adviser, in its selection of PRC dealers, will consider such factors as it deems necessary, but may be limited where only a small number of dealers, or one dealer, has access to a security sought for the Fund. There is also a risk that the Fund may suffer losses from the default, bankruptcy or disqualification of the PRC dealers.
Over-the-Counter Market Risk. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets, such as the CIBM Program and PRC Inter-Bank bond market, are subject to less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions than organized exchanges. In addition, many of the protections afforded to participants in some organized exchanges, generally are not available in connection with transactions on OTC markets. Therefore, by entering into transactions on OTC markets, the Fund will be subject to the risk that its direct counterparty will not perform its obligations under the transaction and that one or more trades will fail, causing it to, for example, liquidate other investments at a disadvantageous time to meet redemption requests or face the difficulties in meeting shareholder redemptions.
Additional Risks of RMB Bonds. Because RMB currency restrictions continue to exist and capital therefore cannot flow freely into the RMB Bonds market, it is possible that in the event of a market disruption, the liquidity of the RMB Bonds market and trading prices of the RMB Bonds market could be more severely affected than the liquidity and trading prices of markets where securities are freely tradable and capital therefore flows more freely. The Fund cannot predict the nature or duration of such a market disruption or the impact that it may have on the RMB Bonds market and the short-term and long-term prospects of its investments in RMB Bonds.
The Chinese government has in the past taken actions that benefitted holders of RMB Bonds. In the future, the Chinese government may be less likely to take action that would benefit holders of RMB Bonds. If the Fund is unable to obtain sufficient exposure through a QFI license, Bond Connect or the CIBM Program, the Fund could seek exposure to securities that are primarily traded in the OTC market in countries outside of the PRC, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, or bond securities issued in other jurisdictions. If there are inadequate to meet the investment needs of the Fund, the Fund could be adversely affected. The Fund may also invest in ETFs that can obtain comparable exposures. If necessary, the Fund may suspend the sale of Creation Units. During the period that creations are suspended, Fund shares could trade at a significant premium or discount to NAV and the Fund could experience substantial redemptions. In circumstances beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund may incur significant losses due to limited investment capabilities, including based on changes to the CIBM Program or Bond Connect, investment restrictions on QFIs, illiquidity of the securities markets, or delay or disruption in execution or settlement of trades.
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Investments by the Fund in RMB Bonds may be subject to governmental pre-approval limitations on the quantity that the Fund may purchase and/or limits on the classes of securities in which the Fund may invest.
Tax Risk. Although Chinese law provides for a tax on capital gains (“CGT”) realized by non-residents, significant uncertainties surround the implementation of this law, particularly with respect to trading of debt-related RMB Bonds by QFIs. In addition, there is uncertainty as to the application and implementation of China’s value added tax to the Fund’s activities. It is also unclear how China’s value added tax may apply to RMB Bonds and how such application may be affected by tax treaty provisions. The imposition of such taxes, as well as future changes in applicable PRC tax law, may adversely affect the Fund. With respect to tax treatment for China-sourced bond interest derived by overseas institutional investors, there is some uncertainty around the tax treatment of payments such as interest payable to U.S. investors, which could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. In 2021, the Chinese government announced that China-sourced bond interest derived by overseas institutional investors would be exempt from enterprise income tax and value-added tax until December 31, 2025. While it is currently unknown if the Chinese government will extend the exemption beyond December 31, 2025, it is currently anticipated that such an extension is likely to occur. If an extension did not occur, it could result in tax liabilities for the Fund.
The Fund reserves the right to establish a reserve for any taxes as to which it is uncertain whether they will assessed, although it has not currently done so. If the Fund establishes such a reserve but is not ultimately subject to the tax, shareholders who redeemed or sold their shares while the reserve was in place will effectively bear the tax and may not benefit from the later release, if any, of the reserve. Conversely, if the Fund does not establish such a reserve but ultimately is subject to the tax, shareholders who redeemed or sold their shares prior to the tax being withheld, reserved or paid will have effectively avoided the tax, even if they benefited from the trading that precipitated the Fund’s payment of it. The Fund is responsible for any taxes on its operations or investments, including if they are applied retroactively.
Clean Technology Risk. Issuers engaged in clean technology business lines may be difficult to identify and investments in them may be volatile. They may be highly dependent upon government subsidies, contracts with government entities, and the successful development of new and proprietary technologies. Such technologies risk rapid product obsolescence, short product cycles, and competition from new market entrants. Current valuation methods used to value companies involved in alternative and clean power technology sectors have not been in widespread use for a significant period of time, and it is difficult to value share prices of such issuers. In addition, seasonal weather conditions, fluctuations in supply of and demand for clean energy products (including, in relation to traditional energy products, such as oil and gas), changes in energy prices, and international political events may cause fluctuations in the performance of these issuers and the prices of their securities. Other countries, including the U.S., may take steps against Chinese companies engaged in clean technology services and products, such as through the imposition of tariffs and anti-dumping duties. Even companies that are classified as being involved in clean technology services and products may not necessarily compare favorably with respect to their clean technology practices and impact to those of other issuers.
Commodity and Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk. Commodities and commodity-linked derivatives tend to experience greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets are impacted by a variety of factors, including market movements, resource availability, commodity price volatility, speculation in the commodities markets, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities in commodities. Prices of various commodities and commodity-linked derivatives may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and other regulatory developments. The frequency, duration and magnitude of such changes often cannot be predicted. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers or groups of producers. As a result, political, economic and supply related events in such countries could have a disproportionate impact on the prices of such commodities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. Because the Fund’s performance is linked to the performance of potentially volatile commodities, investors should be willing to assume the risks of significant fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s shares.
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Agricultural and Soft Commodities Sector Risk.
Risks of investing in agricultural sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, the impact of government policies on planting of certain crops and possible alternative uses of agricultural resources, the location and size of crop production, trading of unprocessed or processed commodity products, and the volume and types of imports and exports. Climate change may severely impact the viability of certain crops in certain regions. Trade wars have introduced considerable uncertainty into some previously established international markets for agricultural products and could produce abrupt and substantial price changes.
Energy Sector Risk.
Risks of investing in energy sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, price fluctuation caused by real and perceived inflationary trends and political developments, the cost assumed in complying with environmental and other safety regulations, supply of and demand for energy fuels, energy conservation efforts, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production projects, increased competition and technological advances, tax and other government regulations, and policies of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and oil importing nations. In addition, companies in the energy sector are at risk of liability from accidents resulting in pollution or other environmental damage claims and at risk of loss from terrorism, natural disasters, fires and explosions. There is growing political pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which could begin to impact the securities of companies in that industry and the prices of related commodities.
Industrial Metals Sector Risk.
Risks of investing in industrial metals sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time, imposition of import controls, increased competition and changes in industrial, governmental, and commercial demand for industrial metals.
Precious Metals Sector Risk.
Risks of investing in precious metals sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, changes in the level of the production and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other large holders.
The value of a commodity-linked derivative investment is typically based upon the price movements of a physical commodity (such as heating oil, precious metals, livestock, or agricultural products), a commodity futures contract or commodity index, or some other readily measurable economic variable. Commodity-linked derivatives provide exposure, which may include long and/or short exposure, to the investment returns of physical commodities that trade in the commodities markets without investing directly in physical commodities. Commodity-linked derivatives may be subject to even greater volatility than commodities. A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for certain commodity-linked derivatives.
Commodity Pool Registration Risk. Under regulations promulgated by the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), the Fund and the Subsidiary are considered commodity pools, and therefore each is subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules. The Adviser is registered as a commodity pool operator and manages the Fund and the Subsidiary in accordance with CFTC rules, as well as the rules that apply to registered investment companies. Commodity pools are subject to additional laws, regulations and enforcement policies, all of which may potentially increase compliance costs and may affect the operations and financial performance of the Fund and the Subsidiary. Additionally, positions in futures and other derivative contracts may have to be liquidated at disadvantageous times or prices to prevent the Fund from exceeding any applicable position limits established by the CFTC. Such actions may subject the Fund to substantial losses.
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Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility in the sector. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances and the innovation of competitors. Communication services companies may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Telecommunication service providers are often required to obtain licenses or franchises in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing or franchise rights are limited, which may result in an advantage to certain participants. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Companies in media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technologies, and the cyclicality of revenues and earnings. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
Concentration Risk. Because the Fund’s assets are expected to be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, to the extent that the Index/Underlying Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that may affect that industry or group of industries. Market conditions, interest rates, and economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a single industry or a group of related industries, and the securities of companies in that industry or group of industries could react similarly to these or other developments.
Conflict of Interest Risk. Because the Fund and the Underlying ETF are both managed by Krane, Krane is subject to conflicts of interest relating to the management of the Fund and Underlying ETF including the fair valuation of the Underlying ETF’s securities. Any fair valuation decisions made by Krane regarding securities held by the Underlying ETF impact the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and may impact the pricing of the options held by the Fund.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. Consumer discretionary products and services are non-essential products and services whose demand tends to increase as consumers’ disposable income increases. This sector can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, and consumer confidence. Success can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer discretionary products. The prices of raw materials fluctuate in response to a number of factors, including changes in government agricultural support programs, exchange rates, import and export controls, changes in international agricultural and trading policies and seasonal and weather conditions. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability.
Consumer Staples Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer staples sector may be adversely affected by changes in the global economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences and production spending. Companies in the consumer staples sector may also be affected by changes in global economic conditions, environmental and political events, the depletion of resources and government regulation. For example, government regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect company profitability. In addition, tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Companies in the consumer staples sector also may be subject to risks pertaining to the supply of, demand for and prices of raw materials. The prices of raw materials fluctuate in response to a number of factors, including changes in government agricultural support programs, exchange rates, import and export controls, changes in international agricultural and trading policies and seasonal and weather conditions. Companies in the consumer staples sector may be subject to severe competition, which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability.
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Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks, and its price may be as volatile as that of the underlying stock, when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price, and a convertible security is subject to the market risks of debt securities, and is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Because their value can be influenced by many different factors, convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than the underlying common stocks. Securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities that are convertible only at the option of the holder.
Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company’s convertible securities is generally lower than that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered “junior” securities—that is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and the Fund could lose its entire investment. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies. The securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole. There may also be less trading in small- or mid-capitalization securities, which means that buy and sell transactions in those securities could have a larger impact on a security’s price than is the case with large-capitalization securities.
Currency (including Foreign Currency Contracts) Risk. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Domestic issuers that hold substantial foreign assets may be similarly affected. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the extent the Fund invests or hedges based on the perceived relationship between two currencies, there is a risk that the correlation between those currencies may not behave as anticipated.
Any gain or loss attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income or gain and the time the Fund converts such income or gain from a foreign currency to the dollar is generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Therefore, if the value of a foreign currency increases relative to the U.S. dollar between the accrual of income and the time at which the Fund converts the foreign currency to U.S. dollars, the Fund will recognize ordinary income upon conversion. In such circumstances, if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund may be required to liquidate certain positions in order to make distributions. The liquidation of investments, if required, may also have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance. The Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and foreign currencies.
The use of foreign currency exchange transactions could result in the Fund’s incurring losses as a result of the imposition of exchange controls, exchange rate regulation, suspension of settlements or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. Delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies for the purpose of purchasing foreign securities could leave the Fund with uninvested cash, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance, since any delay could result in the Fund missing an investment opportunity and purchasing securities at a higher price than originally intended, and cause the Fund to incur cash drag. Delays in converting or transferring foreign currencies to U.S. dollars could also inhibit the Fund’s ability to meet redemptions or make distributions.
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A forward foreign currency contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery, exposing the Fund to counterparty risk.
Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may hold the securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts. Investing in depositary receipts entails additional risks associated with foreign investments. The underlying securities of the depositary receipts in the Fund’s portfolio are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, which will affect the value of the depositary receipts. Like direct investments in foreign securities, investments in depositary receipts involve political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers.
ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts representing shares of foreign-based corporations. ADRs are issued by U.S. banks or trust companies, and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. “Sponsored” depositary receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas “unsponsored” depositary receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of an unsponsored depositary receipt generally bear all the costs associated with establishing the unsponsored depositary receipt. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.
Depositary receipts may also be unregistered and unlisted, and may be purchased in the public markets or restricted securities that can be offered and sold only to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). If a particular investment in such ADRs becomes illiquid, that investment will be included within the Fund’s limitation on investment in illiquid securities. Moreover, if adverse market conditions were to develop during the period between the Fund’s decision to sell these types of ADRs and the point at which the Fund is permitted or able to sell such security, the Fund might obtain a price less favorable than the price that prevailed when it decided to sell or may be unable to sell it at all.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments, such as swaps, futures, forwards, structured notes and options, whose values are based on the value of one or more reference assets, such as a security, asset, currency, interest rate or index. Derivatives involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments. For example, derivatives involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the reference asset(s). Derivative transactions can create investment leverage, may be highly volatile and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests.
Many derivative transactions are entered into “over-the-counter” (not on an exchange or contract market); as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on the ability and the willingness of the Fund’s counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. If a counterparty were to default on its obligations, the Fund’s contractual remedies against such counterparty may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor (e.g., the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that it is contractually entitled to receive). A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund’s derivative positions at any time. If a derivative transaction is centrally cleared, it will be subject to the rules of the clearing exchange and subject to risks associated with the exchange.
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Derivatives can be illiquid and imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s), resulting in unexpected returns that could materially adversely affect the Fund. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited loss. It is possible that developments in the derivatives market, including ongoing or potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to enter into new derivatives agreements, terminate existing derivative agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such instruments.
Clearing Member Default Risk. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, such as the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”), rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to, and receive payments from, a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any option contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for its options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. The loss of a clearing member for the Fund to transact with could result in increased transaction costs and other operational issues that could impede the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.
The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the event an OCC clearing member that is a counterparty of the Fund were to become insolvent, the Fund may have some or all of its options closed without its consent or may experience delays or other difficulties in attempting to close or exercise its affected options positions, both of which would impair the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. The OCC’s rules and procedures are designed to facilitate the prompt settlement of options transactions and exercises, including for clearing member insolvencies. However, there is the risk that the OCC and its backup system will fail if clearing member insolvencies are substantial or widespread. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
Counterparty Risk. Because many derivatives are an obligation of the counterparty rather than a direct investment in the reference asset, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the derivative if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations under the derivative agreement as a result of bankruptcy or otherwise. Any loss would result in a reduction in the NAV of the Fund and will likely impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s investments will be greater if the Fund uses only a limited number of counterparties. If there are only a couple of potential counterparties, the Fund, subject to applicable law, may enter into transactions with as few as one counterparty at any time.
FLEX Options Risk (All Funds excluding Buffer Funds). The Fund may utilize FLEX options, which are issued and guaranteed for settlement by the OCC as guarantor and central counterparty.
FLEX options may be less liquid than standardized options. In less liquid markets for the FLEX options, the Fund may have difficulty closing out certain FLEX options positions at desired times and prices. Certain FLEX option positions may expire worthless.
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FLEX Options Risk (Buffer Funds). The Fund will utilize FLEX options, which are issued and guaranteed for settlement by the OCC as guarantor and central counterparty. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific FLEX option positions and certain FLEX option positions may expire worthless. FLEX options may be less liquid than standardized options. In less liquid markets for the FLEX options, the Fund may have difficulty closing out certain FLEX options positions at desired times and prices. In connection with the creation of shares, to the extent market participants are not willing or able to enter into FLEX option transactions with the Fund at prices that reflect the then-current total return of the Underlying ETF and the Cap and/or Buffer, could be negatively impacted.
Futures Risk. In addition to the above, risks associated with the use of futures contracts include the following: (i) an imperfect correlation between movements in prices of futures contracts and movements in the value of the reference asset(s) it is designed to simulate; and (ii) the possibility of an illiquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a position prior to its maturity date. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s investment in derivative instruments provide leveraged exposure. The Fund’s investment in these instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed. As a result, such investments may give rise to losses that exceed the amount invested in those instruments. The use of derivatives may expose the Fund to potentially dramatic losses (or gains) in the value of a derivative or other financial instrument and, thus, in the value the Fund’s portfolio.
Options Risk (All Funds excluding Buffer Funds). The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
The value of the Fund’s options positions will fluctuate in response to changes in the value of the index or ETF that underlies the option. Writing such options can reduce the Fund’s equity market risk, but it limits the opportunity for the Fund to profit from an increase in the value of the index or ETF in exchange for cash paid by the purchaser (“premium”) for the option. When purchasing options, the Fund risks losing all or part of the premium paid. Unusual market conditions or the lack of a market for an option may reduce the effectiveness of the Fund’s options strategies, and for these and other reasons, the Fund’s options strategies may not reduce the Fund’s volatility and could result in losses.
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Options Risk (Buffer Funds). The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option by its purchaser to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
Options on Futures Contracts Risk. An option on a futures contract provides the holder with the right to enter into a “long” position in the underlying futures contract, in the case of a call option, or a “short” position in the underlying futures contract in the case of a put option, at a fixed exercise price to a stated expiration date. Upon exercise of the option by the holder, the contract market clearing house establishes a corresponding short position for the writer of the option, in the case of a call option, or a corresponding long position, in the case of a put option. Options are derivatives, which, as described above, can be illiquid and can imperfectly correlate with the reference asset(s).
Swaps Risk. Swap transactions generally do not involve delivery of reference instruments or payment of the notional amount of the contract. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make or, in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Swaps are of limited duration and there is no guarantee that swaps entered into with a counterparty will continue indefinitely. Accordingly, the duration of a swap depends on, among other things, the ability of the Fund to renew the expiration period of the relevant swap at agreed upon terms.
To the extent the Fund invests in swaps, it will be subject to the risk that the number of counterparties able to enter into swaps to provide exposure to a desired reference asset, such as onshore Chinese securities, may be limited. Swaps are of limited duration and there is no guarantee that swaps entered into with a counterparty will continue indefinitely. Accordingly, the duration of a swap depends on, among other things, the ability of the Fund to renew the expiration period of the relevant swap at agreed upon terms.
The risks of investing in swaps on onshore Chinese securities are compounded by the fact that at present there are only a limited number of potential counterparties willing and able to enter into swap transactions linked to the performance of onshore Chinese securities. To the extent a potential swap counterparty’s access to onshore Chinese securities is reduced or eliminated due to actions by the Chinese government or as a result of transactions entered into by the counterparty with other investors, the counterparty’s ability to continue to enter into swaps or other derivative transactions with the Fund may be reduced or eliminated, which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund.
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Dividend Paying Securities Risk. Investing in dividend-paying stocks involves the risk that such stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the broader market. Companies that issue dividend-paying stocks are not required to pay or continue paying dividends on such stocks. It is possible that issuers of the stocks held by the Fund will not declare dividends in the future or will reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends (including reducing or eliminating anticipated accelerations or increases in the payment of dividends) in the future. A fund’s emphasis on dividend-paying stocks could cause the fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends or ability to pay dividends in the future. Dividend-paying stocks can fall out of favor with the market (such as in periods of rising interest rates, high inflation and/or strong economic growth) and may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks. A sharp rise in interest rates or economic downturn or other market or company-specific developments could cause a company to reduce or eliminate its dividend.
Eastern U.S. Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credit futures issued under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting the Eastern region of the United States. For example, flooding, warming temperatures, and precipitation variability are growing challenges in the Eastern region of the United States and may disrupt the local, state, or regional economies of the Eastern states or certain sectors of those economies and may impact the prices of such carbon credit futures. The economies of Eastern region of the United States are comprised of components including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Any downturn in these sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the Eastern region of the United States and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Electrical Technology Companies. Investments in companies involved in power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as grid and electrical infrastructure expose the Fund to risks related to the economy, intense competition, consolidation, domestic and international politics, capital spending levels, economic cycles, technological obsolescence, and labor relations, and government policies and regulations. Actions taken by central governments may dramatically impact supply and demand forces that influence the market price of conventional and alternative electricity, resulting in sudden decreases in value for electrical technology companies.
Conventional electricity companies are affected by the levels and volatility of global commodity prices, capital expenditures on exploration and production, energy conservation efforts, exchange rates and technological advances, and may operate in countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation. These companies face risks of civil liability from accidents, pollution, equipment malfunctions, and loss from terrorism or natural disasters. Alternative electricity companies, which include energy sources such as wind, solar, low-carbon hydrogen, and biomass-fired power, as well as small modular nuclear reactors, may be affected by tax incentives, permitting timelines, availability of transmission capacity, government subsidies, commodity price volatility, and changes in exchange rates. A decline in the price of conventional energy could have a materially adverse impact on alternative electricity companies, which may be highly dependent upon government policies that support alternative electricity generation. Any failure to extend such policies could materially and adversely affect these companies.
Grid infrastructure and technology companies include the expansion and modernization of power grid infrastructure (e.g., high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission infrastructure) and the development, manufacturing, and implementation of technologies and systems that transport electricity and enhance the electrical grid, such as energy storage technologies. Energy storage is the process of capturing energy and storing it for later dissemination to the grid, which can play a crucial role in managing supply and demand in energy systems, ensuring grid resilience and improving the efficiency of non-traditional, cleaner energy sources. Companies in this sector may be subject to construction risk, acquisition risk technological change, and dependent on intellectual property rights. Seasonal weather conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand for power, changes in electricity prices, geographic concentration of customers and suppliers, and reliance on government contracts may cause fluctuations in the performance of such companies.
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Emerging Markets Risk. The risks of foreign investments are usually much greater for emerging markets. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. They are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets. Since these markets are often small, they may be more likely to suffer sharp and frequent price changes or long-term price depression because of adverse publicity, investor perceptions or the actions of a few large investors. In addition, traditional measures of investment value used in the United States, such as price to earnings ratios, may not apply to certain small markets. Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. Communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates. In addition, foreign companies with securities listed on U.S. exchanges may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements, which may significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities.
There could be additional impacts on the value of the Fund as a result of sustainability risks which may affect these markets, in particular those caused by environmental changes related to climate change, social issues (including relating to labor rights) and governance risk (including but not limited to risks around board independence, ownership and control, or audit and tax management). Additionally, disclosures or third-party data coverage associated with sustainability risks is generally less available or transparent in these markets.
Many emerging markets have histories of political instability and abrupt changes in policies. As a result, their governments are more likely to take actions that are hostile or detrimental to private enterprise or foreign investment than those of more developed countries. Some countries have pervasive corruption and crime that may hinder investments. Certain emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war, and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth.
Energy Sector Risk. The Fund may be sensitive to, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector and energy infrastructure industries, including those owning or operating pipelines, gathering and processing assets, or power infrastructure, are subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources, and the cost of providing the specific utility services and other factors that they cannot control, including terrorism, natural disasters, climate change, regulatory and environmental risks, and supply and demand and price volatility.
The energy sector is cyclical and is highly dependent on commodity prices; prices and supplies of energy may fluctuate significantly over short and long periods of time due to, among other things, national and international political changes, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) policies, changes in relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations, the regulatory environment, taxation policies, and the economy of the key energy-consuming countries. Commodity prices have recently been subject to increased volatility and declines, which may negatively affect companies in which the Fund may invest.
Companies in the energy sector may be adversely affected by terrorism, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Companies in the energy sector are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters. Disruptions in the oil industry or shifts in fuel consumption may significantly impact companies in this sector. Significant oil and gas deposits are located in emerging markets countries where corruption and security may raise significant risks, in addition to the other risks of investing in emerging markets.
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Companies in the energy sector may also be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, tax treatment, government regulation and intervention, negative perception, efforts at energy conservation and world events in the regions in which the companies operate (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social unrest, violence or labor unrest). Because a significant portion of revenues of companies in this sector is derived from a relatively small number of customers that are largely comprised of governmental entities and utilities, governmental budget constraints may have a significant impact on the stock prices of companies in this sector. Entities operating in the energy sector are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations by federal, state and local governmental agencies. Such regulation can change rapidly or over time in both scope and intensity. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may materially adversely affect the financial performance of companies in the energy sector.
A downturn in the energy sector, adverse political, legislative or regulatory developments or other events could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not invest a substantial portion of its assets in the energy sector. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. The price of oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels may decline and/or experience significant volatility, which could adversely impact companies operating in the energy sector.
Equity Securities Risk. Equity securities are subject to volatile changes in value that may be attributable to market perception of a particular issuer or to general stock market fluctuations that affect all issuers. Investments in equity securities are subject to volatile changes in market value and their values may be more volatile than investments in other asset classes. In the event of liquidation, equity securities are generally subordinate in rank to debt and other securities of the same issuer.
ESG Risk. Issuers with businesses with high ESG ratings may be difficult to identify and investments in them maybe volatile. Even companies with high ESG ratings may not necessarily compare favorably with respect to the ESG practices of other issuers. The ESG investment strategy limits the types and number of investment opportunities available and, as a result, the strategy may underperform other strategies that do not have an ESG focus. The ESG investment strategy may result in the Fund’s investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole or underperform other funds screened for ESG standards. Investing based on ESG criteria is qualitative and subjective by nature and there is no guarantee that the criteria used by the Fund will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor.
ETF Risk. As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Premium/Discount Risk. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s securities holdings. The market prices of Fund shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the secondary market. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below (at a discount), at or above (at a premium) their NAV. As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop-loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at market prices that are significantly below NAV. Price differences may be due, in part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for shares may be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of the Fund trading individually. The market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of the shares during periods of market volatility or if the Fund’s holdings are or become more illiquid. Disruptions to creations and redemptions may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Fund’s NAV. In addition, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV if the number of Fund shares outstanding is smaller or if there is less active trading in Fund shares. Investors purchasing and selling Fund shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund.
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Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for shares (the bid price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell shares (the ask price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid-ask spread.” The bid-ask spread, which increases the cost of purchasing and selling Fund shares, varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund’s shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the Fund’s shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Increased market volatility may cause increased bid-ask spreads.
Although Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all.
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting. Authorized Participant concentration risk may be heightened for ETFs, such as the Fund, that invest in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes.
Cash Transactions Risk. Like other ETFs, the Fund sells and redeems its shares only in large blocks called Creation Units and only to Authorized Participants. Unlike most other ETFs, however, the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions at least partially or fully for cash, rather than in-kind securities. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with redemption requests. Effecting redemptions for cash may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Such dispositions may occur at an inopportune time, resulting in potential losses to the Fund or difficulties in meeting shareholder redemptions, and involve transaction costs. If the Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise have been required. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in another ETF.
In addition, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market in which the Fund is trading is less liquid and may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares principally in-kind, may be passed on to purchasers and redeemers of Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an Authorized Participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted. The Fund has capped the total fees that may be charged in connection with the redemption of Creation Units at 2% of the value of the Creation Units redeemed. To the extent transaction and other costs associated with a redemption exceed that cap, those transaction costs will be borne by the Fund’s remaining shareholders. These factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund’s shares than for other ETFs.
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International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and Exchange are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the prices at which the underlying securities are valued for purposes of the Fund’s NAV. As a result, Shares may appear to trade at a significant discount or premium to NAV greater than those incurred by other ETFs. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Market Maker Risk. If the Fund has lower average daily trading volumes, it may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of Fund shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund’s net asset value and the price at which the Fund shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund shares. In addition, decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intra-day bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.
European Union Risk. The economies of the European Union are dependent to a significant extent on those of certain key trading partners, including China, the United States, and other European countries. A reduction in spending on products and services exported from the European Union, or volatility in the financial markets of member countries, may have an adverse impact on the broader European Union economy and could adversely affect the Fund. Separately, the European Union faces issues involving its membership, structure, procedures and policies. The United Kingdom (UK) officially withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020. Upon the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the European Union and the UK entered into a transition phase, which concluded on December 31, 2020, and the UK and the European Union agreed upon a Trade and Cooperation Agreement that became fully effective on May 1, 2021. The UK, European Union and broader global economy may still experience volatility in foreign exchange markets as a result of these events. The UK’s withdrawal may also destabilize some or all of the other European Union member countries and/or the Eurozone. The exit of additional member states from the European Union would subject its currency and banking system to increased risk and would likely result in increased volatility, illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the affected markets. Additionally, the reintroduction of national currencies in one or more European Union countries or the abandonment of the Euro as a currency could adversely affect the Fund.
Financials Sector Risk. Companies in the financials sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financials sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates. The profitability of companies in the financials sector may be adversely affected by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns. In addition, the financials sector in certain countries is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework, which may have an impact on the issuers included in the Fund. Furthermore, increased government involvement in the financials sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.
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Fixed Income Securities Risk. Investing in fixed income securities subjects the Fund to the following risks:
Call Risk. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of callable securities with high interest coupons will “call” (or prepay) their bonds before their maturity date. If an issuer exercised such a call during a period of declining interest rates, the Fund may have to replace such called security with a lower yielding security. If that were to happen, the Fund’s net investment income could fall.
Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of an investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.
Event Risk. Event risk is the risk that an unexpected event could interfere with an issuer’s ability to make timely interest or principal payments or that causes market speculation about the issuer’s ability to make such payments. As a result, the credit quality and market value of an issuer’s bonds and/or other debt securities may decline significantly.
Income Risk. The Fund’s income may decline due to falling interest rates. During a period of falling interest rates, income risk is generally higher for short term bond funds, moderate for intermediate term bond funds and low for long term bond funds. Therefore, investors should expect a Fund’s income to fluctuate accordingly.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. Fixed income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. Duration is a measure of a fixed income security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For every 1% change in interest rates, a bond’s price generally changes approximately 1% in the opposite direction for every year of duration. For example, if a portfolio of fixed income securities has an average weighted duration of three years, its value can be expected to fall about 3% if interest rates rise by 1%. Conversely, the portfolio’s value can be expected to rise approximately 3% if interest rates fall by 1%. Unlike maturity, which considers only the date on which the final repayment of principal will be made, duration takes account of interim payments made during the life of the security. Duration is typically not equal to maturity. Interest rates have recently been historically low but have recently increased and may continue to increase, potentially quickly and significantly, thereby heightening the Fund’s exposure to the risks associated with rising rates.
Issuer Risk. There may be economic or political changes that impact the ability of issuers to repay principal and to make interest payments on securities. Changes to the financial condition or credit rating of issuers may also adversely affect the value of the Fund’s securities.
Maturity Risk. The value of the Fund’s fixed income investments is also dependent on their maturity. Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
Pay-In-Kind and Step-Up Coupon Securities Risk. A pay-in-kind security pays no interest in cash to its holder during its life. Similarly, a step-up coupon security is a debt security that may not pay interest for a specified period of time and then, after the initial period, may pay interest at a series of different rates. Accordingly, pay-in-kind and step-up coupon securities will be subject to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current, periodic distribution of interest in cash.
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Perpetual Bonds Risk. Perpetual bonds offer a fixed return with no maturity date. Because they never mature, perpetual bonds can be more volatile than other types of bonds that have a maturity date and may be more sensitive to changes in interest rates. If market interest rates rise significantly, the interest rate paid by a perpetual bond may be much lower than the prevailing interest rate. Perpetual bonds are also subject to credit risk with respect to the issuer. In addition, because perpetual bonds may be callable after a set period of time, there is the risk that the issuer may recall the bond, which may require the Fund to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities.
Reinvestment Risk. The Fund’s performance may be adversely impacted when interest rates fall because the Fund must invest in lower-yielding bonds as bonds in its portfolio mature.
Subordinated Obligations Risk. Payments under some debt may be structurally subordinated to other existing and future liabilities and obligations of an issuer of debt. Claims of creditors of subordinated debt will have less priority as to the assets of the issuer and its creditors who seek to enforce the terms of the debt. Certain debt may not contain any restrictions on the ability of the issuers to incur additional unsecured indebtedness.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk. During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. Floating rate notes are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such securities.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investment in foreign securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. Foreign investments may also involve risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political and economic instability. Future political and economic developments, the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries, the possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in foreign securities. Additionally, foreign issuers, especially issuers in emerging markets, may be subject to less stringent regulation, and to different accounting, auditing, recordkeeping, financial reporting, and investor protection requirements. Investments in foreign securities typically are less liquid than investments in U.S. securities. The value of foreign securities may change materially when the U.S. markets are not open for trading.
Income from securities of non-U.S. issuers, including gains on the sale of such securities, may be subject to foreign taxes, which would be the responsibility of the Fund. Even if the Fund qualifies to pass these taxes through to shareholders, the ability to claim a credit for such taxes may be limited, particularly in the case of taxes on capital gains.
Foreign markets may have clearance and settlement procedures that make it difficult for the Fund to buy and sell securities. This could result in a loss to the Fund by causing the Fund to be unable to dispose of an investment or to miss an attractive investment opportunity, or by causing the Fund’s assets to be uninvested for some period of time, or cause the Fund to face delays or difficulties in meeting shareholder redemptions.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds positions in such suspended securities, the Fund may be adversely impacted.
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From time to time, certain of the issuers of securities purchased by the Fund may operate in, or have dealings with, countries that may become subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. A company may suffer damage to its reputation and value if it is identified as such a company. Any Fund investment in such companies will be indirectly subject to those risks.
Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets or legal, regulatory and political systems than traditional emerging market countries. As a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. The magnification of risks are the result of (1) the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity in frontier markets; (2) government ownership or control of parts of the private sector or other protectionist measures; (3) large currency fluctuations; (4) fewer companies and investment opportunities; or (5) inadequate investor protections and regulatory enforcement. In certain frontier and emerging markets, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Investments that the Fund holds may be exposed to these risks, which could have a negative impact on their value. Additional risks of frontier market securities may include: greater political instability (including the risk of war or natural disaster); increased risk of nationalization, expropriation, or other confiscation of assets of issuers to which the Fund is exposed; increased risk of embargoes or economic sanctions on a country, sector or issuer; greater risk of default (by both government and private issuers); more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; differences in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; less developed legal systems; inability to purchase and sell investments or otherwise settle security or derivative transactions (i.e., a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; slower clearance and settlement; difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments; and significantly smaller market capitalizations of issuers.
Futures Contracts Risk. Successful use of futures contracts draws upon the Adviser’s skill and experience with respect to such instruments and is subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts include: (a) an imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the reference asset and the price of the futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the inability to predict correctly the direction of market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Fund may have to sell securities at a loss.
As a futures contract the Fund owns approaches its settlement date, the Fund may sell that futures contract and reinvest the proceeds in a similar contract with a more distant settlement date. This process is referred to as “rolling” a futures contract. The successful use of such a strategy depends upon the Adviser’s skill and experience. Although the Fund will attempt to roll from an expiring futures contract to another contract that the Adviser believes will generate the greatest yield for the Fund, the Fund nevertheless may incur a cost to “roll” the contract. In a commodity futures market where current month expiring contracts trade at a lower price than next month’s contract, a situation referred to as “contango,” absent the impact of the overall movement in commodity prices, the Fund may experience an adverse impact because it would be selling less expensive contracts and buying more expensive contracts. In the event of a prolonged period of contango, and absent the impact of rising or falling commodity prices, there could be a significant negative impact on the Fund when it “rolls” its futures contract positions.
Investment in exchange-traded futures contracts may expose the Fund to the risks of a clearing broker (or a futures commission merchant (“FCM”)). Under current regulations, a clearing broker or FCM maintains customers’ assets in a bulk segregated account. There is a risk that Fund assets deposited with the clearing broker to serve as margin may be used to satisfy the broker’s own obligations or the losses of the broker’s other clients. In the event of default, the Fund could experience lengthy delays in recovering some or all of its assets and may not see any recovery at all.
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Geographic Focus Risk. The Fund’s investments are expected to be focused in a particular country, countries, or region to approximately the same degree as the Index/Underlying Index and therefore the Fund may be susceptible to adverse market, political, regulatory, and geographic events affecting that country, countries or region. Such geographic focus also may subject the Fund to a higher degree of volatility than a more geographically diversified fund.
Healthcare Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the healthcare sector may be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising or falling costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, a limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many new products in the healthcare sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, which can result in increased development costs, delayed cost recovery and loss of competitive advantage to the extent that rival companies have developed competing products or procedures, adversely affecting the company’s revenues and profitability. Delays in the regulatory approval process may limit the opportunity for a company to profit from a new product or to bring a new product to market, which could adversely affect a company’s business. In addition, because the products and services of many companies in the healthcare sector affect the health and well-being of many individuals, these companies are particularly susceptible to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims.
Healthcare companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Healthcare companies may be strongly affected by scientific biotechnology or technological developments, and their products may quickly become obsolete. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent on patent protection and the actual or perceived safety and efficiency of their products. Patents have a limited duration, and, upon expiration, other companies may market substantially similar (i.e., “generic”) products that are typically sold at a lower price than the patented product. The introduction of a generic product to the market can cause the original developer to lose market share and/or reduce the price of the product, resulting in lower profits for the original developer. As a result, the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Hedgeye Risk Range™ Signal Publication Risk. The Underlying Index utilizes Hedgeye’s Risk Range™ signals as critical inputs. Those same Risk Range™ signals are made available daily by HRM to other subscribers of the Risk Range™ signals, which include both retail and institutional investors. Krane will receive the constituents of the Underlying Index from the Calculation Agent after Hedgeye’s Risk Range™ signals are published to all HRM subscribers. As a result, HRM subscribers will be able to act on the daily Risk Range™ signals ahead of the Fund. In addition, HRM subscribers receive intraday updates to the Risk Range™ signals, whereas, the Underlying Index will only utilize the initially published Risk Range™ signals.
Hedging Risk. The Fund’s hedging strategies may not be successful, and even if they are successful, the Fund’s exposures are not expected to be fully hedged at all times or over time. Hedges are subject to imperfect matching between the hedging instrument and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s options transactions will be effective. Investments in forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts may not perfectly offset actual fluctuations in the exchange rate between any foreign currency in which the Fund is directly or indirectly invested (such as by holding securities denominated in the foreign currency) and the U.S. dollar, including because currency exchange rates are volatile. In addition, forward foreign currency contracts are over-the-counter contracts that depend on performance by a counterparty; if such counterparty fails to perform, the Fund may lose money. Hedging will cause the Fund to have lower performance when the hedged asset is rising in value than it would if it did not hedge its exposure. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains.
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For KraneShares MSCI China A Hedged Index ETF, the Fund’s exposure to RMB is not expected to be fully hedged at all times. Because the Fund’s currency hedges are reset on a monthly basis, positions held longer than one month will not be hedged as of the initial investment date and will only be hedged as of the most recent one-month forward reset date. Hedging transactions may not perfectly offset actual fluctuations in the exchange rate between RMB and the U.S. dollar, including because currency exchange rates are volatile. Additionally, if the RMB appreciates in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, the Fund’s returns will be lower than they would be if the Fund’s currency exposure were not hedged.
High Bandwidth Memory Companies Risk. The Fund invests in High Bandwidth Memory Companies, which may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel and are subject to the risks of changes in business cycles, world economic growth, technological progress and government regulation. These companies are also heavily dependent on intellectual property rights, and challenges to or misappropriation of such rights could have a material adverse effect on such companies. Securities of High Bandwidth Memory Companies tend to be more volatile than securities of companies that rely less heavily on technology. High Bandwidth Memory Companies typically engage in significant amounts of spending on research and development, and rapid changes to the field could have a material adverse effect on a company’s operating results. Additionally, the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of semiconductor memory technologies, including HBM, DRAM and NAND, as well as related subsystems, equipment, materials, and services, are complex and evolving, and may face unforeseen technical challenges (including yield and integration issues), supply chain disruptions, intense competition and pricing volatility, regulatory developments (including export controls), and market acceptance uncertainties. As a result, investments in High Bandwidth Memory Companies may be subject to higher levels of risk and volatility.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur high portfolio turnover rates. This may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs. The performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by the increased brokerage commission costs incurred by the Fund. Rapid portfolio turnover also exposes shareholders to a higher current realization of net short-term capital gains, distributions of which would generally be taxed to you as ordinary income and thus cause you to pay higher taxes.
High Yield and Unrated Securities Risk. Securities that are unrated or rated below investment grade (or “junk bonds”) are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal (e.g., default) than rated securities, particularly highly rated securities. Junk bonds are inherently speculative. The prices of unrated and high yield securities are generally more sensitive to adverse economic changes and individual issuer developments than highly rated securities. Also, the secondary market for such securities may be less liquid than the markets for rated and/or higher quality securities. As a result, during periods of economic uncertainty, their prices may be more volatile, which may cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate.
Hong Kong Risk. As part of Hong Kong’s transition from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, China agreed to allow Hong Kong to maintain a high degree of autonomy with regard to its political, legal and economic systems for a period of at least 50 years. China controls matters that relate to defense and foreign affairs. Under the agreement, China does not tax Hong Kong, does not limit the exchange of the Hong Kong dollar for foreign currencies and does not place restrictions on free trade in Hong Kong. However, there is no guarantee that China will continue to honor the agreement and China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government.
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Index Risk (Active Funds). Each Fund’s respective Underlying Index may not contain the appropriate mix of securities for any particular economic cycle, which could have a negative effect on such Fund. However, such Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies impose limits on the Fund’s ability to invest in securities not included in the Underlying Index. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure.
Each Index Provider maintains and exercises complete control over the applicable Underlying Index. An Index Provider may delay or add a rebalance date, which may adversely impact the performance of a Fund and its correlation to the Underlying Index. There is no guarantee that the methodology an Index Provider uses to identify constituents for the applicable Underlying Index will achieve its intended result or provide an accurate assessment of included constituents. Each Underlying Index relies on various sources of information to assess the potential constituents of such Underlying Index, including information that may be based on assumptions or estimates. Neither a Fund nor Krane can offer assurances that the applicable Index Provider’s sources of information are reliable. There can be no guarantee that the methodology underlying an Underlying Index, the Underlying Index construction and computation processes, or the daily calculation of the Underlying Index or its methodology will be free from error or that an error will be identified and/or corrected, which may have an adverse impact on a Fund.
India Risk. India is an emerging market country and exhibits significantly greater market volatility from time to time in comparison to more developed markets. Political and legal uncertainty, greater government control over the economy, currency fluctuations or blockage, and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets may result in higher potential for losses. Moreover, governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in India, which could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. In November 2016, the Indian government eliminated certain large denomination cash notes as legal tender, causing uncertainty in certain financial markets. The securities markets in India are comparatively underdeveloped, and 14 stockbrokers and other intermediaries may not perform as well as their counterparts in the U.S. and other more developed securities markets. The limited liquidity of the Indian securities markets may also affect the Fund’s ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time that it desires. Global factors and foreign actions may inhibit the flow of foreign capital on which India is dependent to sustain its growth. In addition, the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”) has imposed limits on foreign ownership of Indian securities, which may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio and result in extreme volatility in the prices of Indian securities. These factors, coupled with the lack of extensive accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices, as compared to the U.S., may increase the Fund’s risk of loss. Further, certain Indian regulatory approvals, including approvals from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”), the RBI, the central government and the tax authorities (to the extent that tax benefits need to be utilized), may be required before the Fund can make investments in the securities of Indian companies. Capital gains from Indian securities may be subject to local taxation.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector includes companies engaged in the manufacture and distribution of capital goods, such as those used in defense, construction and engineering, companies that manufacture and distribute electrical equipment and industrial machinery and those that provide commercial and transportation services and supplies. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. Government regulation may in particular affect the aerospace and defense companies, which rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Transportation companies, another component of the industrials sector, are subject to sharp price movements resulting from changes in the economy, fuel prices, labor agreements and insurance costs.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Market or economic factors impacting information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology advances could have a major effect on the value of stocks in the information technology sector. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the information technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.
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Internet Companies Risk. Certain Funds invest significantly in Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, hacking or other cyber-security events, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, and the considerable risk of owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations. Many Internet companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business. Internet companies are also especially at risk of hacking and other cybersecurity events.
Investments in Investment Companies Risk. The Fund may purchase shares of investment companies, such as ETFs, unit investment trusts, closed-end investment companies and foreign investment companies, including those that are advised, sponsored or otherwise serviced by Krane, a sub-adviser (as applicable), or their affiliates, to gain exposure to particular investments or when such investments present a more cost efficient alternative to investing directly in securities. When the Fund invests in an investment company, in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear a pro rata portion of the underlying investment company’s expenses. An investor in the Fund may receive taxable gains as a result of an underlying fund’s portfolio transactions in addition to the taxable gains attributable to the Fund’s transactions in shares of the underlying fund. Further, in part because of these additional expenses, the performance of an investment company may differ from the performance the Fund would achieve if it invested directly in the underlying investments of the investment company. In addition, while the risks of owning shares of an investment company generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying investments of the investment company, the Fund may be subject to additional or different risks than if the Fund had invested directly in the underlying investments. For example, shares of an ETF are traded at market prices, which may vary from the NAV of its underlying investments. Also, the lack of liquidity in an ETF can contribute to the increased volatility of its value in comparison to the value of the underlying portfolio securities. To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act, including foreign investment companies, it will not enjoy the protections of the 1940 Act. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including ETFs, sponsored, advised or otherwise serviced by Krane, a sub-adviser (as applicable), or their affiliates, they may be subject to conflicts of interest in allocating Fund assets, particularly if they are paid an advisory fee both by the Fund and the fund in which the Fund invests.
IPO Risk. Securities offered in initial public offerings (IPOs) are subject to many of the same risks of investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations and often to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. In addition, as the Fund increases in size, the impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance will generally decrease.
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Japan Risk. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability, which could negatively affect the Fund. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely during recent periods and may be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar. The performance of the global economy could have a major impact upon equity returns in Japan. Since the mid-2000s, Japan’s economic growth has remained relatively low. A recent economic recession was likely compounded by an unstable financial sector, low domestic consumption, and certain corporate structural weaknesses, which remain some of the major issues facing the Japanese economy. Japan has also experienced natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tidal waves, of varying degrees of severity, which could negatively affect the Fund.
Key Man Risk. While certain aspects of calculating the Underlying Index are automated, not all of the processes for calculating the Underlying Index are. In fact, HRM’s ability to publish Hedgeye’s Risk Range ™ signals daily, which are a critical input to the Underlying Index, is heavily dependent on the manual activities of a single individual, HRM’s CEO and founder (“Key Man”). In the Key Man’s absence, the Risk Range™ signals will be published by another individual (“Secondary Calculator”). The formula utilized by the Secondary Calculator is based on a formula that incorporates the same factors as the formula used by the Key Man but this formula is not identical to the formula utilized by the Key Man. If the Key Man were to leave HRM or is unable to calculate the Risk Range™ signals, the Risk Range signals and Underlying Index may not function as designed and adversely impact the Fund.
If the Risk Range™ signals are not published for any reason, the Index Provider and Calculation Agent will use the last available Risk Range™ signal to calculate the Underlying Index value. Under any of these circumstances, the Underlying Index would not be updated to incorporate current Risk Range signals in a timely manner, and the Underlying Index may not function as designed, which may adversely impact the Fund. If this were to occur for an extended period, the Fund may be required to change its investment objective or be liquidated.
Large Capitalization Company Risk. Investments in large capitalization companies may go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions and may underperform other market segments. Some large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges and attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. As such, returns on investments in stocks of large capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in stocks of small- and mid- capitalization companies.
Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large number of shares of the Fund is held by a single shareholder or a small group of shareholders, the Fund is subject to the risk that redemption by those shareholders of all or a large portion of their shares will adversely affect the Fund’s performance by forcing the Fund to sell securities, potentially at disadvantageous prices, to raise the cash needed to satisfy such redemption requests. This risk may be heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets, or to the extent that such large shareholders have short investment horizons or unpredictable cash flow needs. Such redemptions may also increase transaction costs and/or have adverse tax consequences for remaining shareholders.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to liquidity risk, which exists when an investment is or becomes difficult to purchase or sell at a reasonable time and price. If a transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is or becomes illiquid, it may reduce the potential returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price, which may cause the Fund to suffer significant losses and difficulties in meeting redemptions. This is especially true given the limited number of market participants in certain markets in which the Fund may invest. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may be subject to extended settlement delays and/or foreign holidays, during which the Fund will unlikely be able to convert such holdings to cash and may make it additionally difficult for the Fund to meet redemptions in a timely fashion.
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Market developments may cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements, and may also cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in timely honoring redemptions, especially if market events cause an increased incidence of shareholder redemptions. If a number of investments held by the Fund stop trading or become illiquid, such as due to an exchange’s limit up, limit down rules, it may have a cascading effect and cause the Fund to halt trading. Volatility in market prices will increase the risk of the Fund being subject to a trading halt. To the extent that an investment is deemed to be an illiquid investment or a less liquid investment, the Fund can expect to be exposed to greater liquidity risk.
Machine Learning and Data Risk. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing algorithms and statistical models through learning and improving their performance from data and experiences automatically without being explicitly programmed. The Underlying Index uses a machine learning model, the output of which is heavily dependent on multiple inputs, including current and historical data and information (collectively, “Data”).
To the extent the model does not perform as intended, the Underlying Index may not perform as intended, and the Fund may lose value. If either or both the model and the Data prove to be incorrect, incomplete, or biased, any decisions made in reliance thereon may lead to constituent selections for the Underlying Index that would not have been made had the model and Data been correct, complete, and unbiased. Errors in the Data, calculations, or the construction of the model may also occur from time to time. Such errors may not be identified or corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.
Machine learning models can be prone to overfitting (or performing exceptionally well on historical data used to train and test the model but failing to generalize to new data), leading to poor performance in real-world applications. Machine learning models can also be sensitive to market conditions. The Underlying Index may be adversely impacted if the machine learning models used to compose it are unprepared to or unable to digest unanticipated market circumstances, such as extreme market events. All of these factors may cause the Underlying Index to not perform as intended and adversely impact the Fund.
Management Risk (Index Funds). To the extent the Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less or different positions than the positions in the Underlying Index, the Fund is subject to management risk. This is the risk that the investment selection process, which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results. Alternatively, to the extent the Fund is managed to replicate the Underlying Index, it is likely to experience higher portfolio turnover and brokerage costs, which erode performance.
Management Risk (Active Funds). The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on Krane’s or the sub-adviser’s, as applicable, success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. Krane’s or the sub-adviser’s, as applicable, evaluations and assumptions regarding investments, markets, trends, and other factors may not successfully achieve the Fund’s investment objective given actual market conditions. To the extent a portion of the Fund’s assets seek to track an affiliated or unaffiliated Underlying Index, the Fund may not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold less or different positions than the positions in the Underlying Index. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risk that the investment selection process, which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk. The values of the Fund’s holdings could decline generally or could underperform other investments. Market fluctuations could be caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Recent developments in relations between the United States and its trading partners have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the U.S. and other countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the world’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on financial markets. Different types of securities tend to go through cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to the general securities markets. In addition, securities may decline in value due to factors affecting a specific issuer, market or securities markets generally. Therefore, the Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain holdings may be difficult or impossible to sell at a favorable time or price.
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Turbulence in the financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets may negatively affect issuers worldwide, which could have an adverse effect on the Fund. The Federal Reserve and other domestic and foreign government agencies may attempt to stabilize the global economy. These actions may expose markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, causing the value of the Fund’s investments and share price to decline. To the extent that the Fund experiences high redemptions because of these actions, the Fund may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Fund incurs and will lower the Fund’s performance.
Geopolitical risks, including terrorism, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major players on the world stage or major producers of oil, may lead to overall instability in world economies and markets generally and have led, and may in the future lead, to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects. Similarly, environmental and public health risks, such as natural disasters or pandemics/epidemics, or widespread fear that such events may occur, may impact markets adversely and cause market volatility in both the short- and long-term.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity and the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact performance.
Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. Epidemics and/or pandemics have and may further result in, among other things, closing borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of such epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future, have the potential to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The impact of infectious diseases in developing or emerging market countries may be greater due to less established health care systems. Health crises caused by the recent coronavirus outbreak may exacerbate other preexisting political, social and economic risks in certain countries. The impact of the outbreak may be short term or may last for an extended period of time and may have material adverse impacts on the Fund.
Materials Sector Risk. Companies in the materials sector may be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, exchange rates, import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources, over-production, technical progress, labor relations, litigation and government regulations, among other factors. Also, companies in the materials sector are at risk of liability for environmental damage and product liability claims. Production of materials may exceed demand as a result of market imbalances or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns.
Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of medium capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies and more established companies. Since medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and can be sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Model and Data Risk. Numeric will rely heavily on proprietary and third-party quantitative models (collectively, “Models”) and information and data developed internally and by third parties (collectively, “Data”). Models and Data are known to have errors, omissions, imperfections and malfunctions (collectively, “System Events”). System Events in third-party Models are generally entirely outside of the control of Numeric and may result in, among other things, the failure to properly gather and organize available data, the failure to take certain hedging or risk reducing actions, and/or the taking of actions which increase certain risk(s), all of which may have negative effects on the Fund and/or its returns. Any decisions made in reliance upon a System Event expose the Fund to potential losses, which may be compounded over time. Errors in Models and Data are often difficult to detect, and some System Events may never be detected or go undetected for long periods of time.
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The research and modelling processes engaged in by Numeric are complex and involve the use of financial, economic, econometric and statistical theories, research and modelling which must then be translated into computer code. The difficulty of integrating such tasks, and the limited ability to perform “real world” testing of the end product, raise the chances that Model code may contain one or more coding errors, thus potentially resulting in a System Event which could adversely affect the Fund’s investment performance. In addition, Models may produce unexpected results which may or may not be System Events.
The Models rely heavily on appropriate Data inputs. However, it is impossible and impracticable to factor all relevant, available Data into forecasts, investment decisions and other parameters of the Models. In addition, due to the automated nature of Data gathering, the volume and depth of Data available, the complexity and often manual nature of Data cleaning, and the third-party source of the substantial majority of Data, it is inevitable that not all desired and/or relevant Data will be available to, or processed by, Numeric at all times, which may lead to a System Event and potentially subject the Fund to a loss. Additionally, the Data used in computing the Underlying Index or the underlying Models may not be (i) the most accurate data available or (ii) free of errors.
New/Small Fund Risk. The Fund is new or small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. New and small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a trading halt. The Fund also is subject to the continued listing standards of the Exchange, with which the Fund must comply in order to continue being listed on the Exchange. Among other requirements, the continued listing standards require a minimum number of shareholders. To the extent that the Fund experiences a trade or other NAV error, the error is more likely to have a material impact on the Fund until the Fund reaches a significant size.
Non-Correlation Risk. The FLEX options written by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price only on their expiration date. The options purchased by the Fund will be exercisable at their strike price either on their expiration date or at any time. Since the options held by the Fund do not expire until approximately two years after the commencement of the Outcome Period, the degree of non-correlation between the value of the options and the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF will be higher when compared to options with shorter terms. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly correlate with the price of Underlying ETF shares. Farther in advance of the expiration date, the value of the options may vary because related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF influence the value. For example, the value of the options will be influenced by interest rate changes, the secondary market share price of the Underlying ETF and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF, among other factors. For the same reasons, the value of the options held by the Fund is not expected to increase or decrease to the same degree as the Underlying ETF’s secondary market share price on a day-to-day basis.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk. Because the Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of its assets in fewer issuers than a diversified fund, changes in the market value of a single portfolio holding could cause greater fluctuations in the Fund’s share price than would occur in a diversified fund. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and cause the performance of a single portfolio holding or a relatively small number of portfolio holdings to have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.
OCC Resetting Strike Prices Risk. Subject to determination by the Securities Committee of the OCC, adjustments may be made to the Fund’s options for certain events (collectively, “Corporate Actions”) specified in the OCC’s bylaws and rules such as: certain stock dividends or distributions, stock splits, reverse stock splits, rights offerings, distributions, reorganizations, recapitalizations, or reclassifications with respect to an underlying security, or a merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of the issuer of the underlying security. According to the OCC’s by-laws, the nature and extent of any such adjustment is to be determined by the OCC’s Securities Committee, in light of the circumstances known to it at the time such determination is made, based on its judgment as to what is appropriate for the protection of investors and the public interest, taking into account such factors as fairness to holders and writers (or purchasers and sellers) of the affected options, the maintenance of a fair and orderly market in the affected options, consistency of interpretation and practice, efficiency of exercise settlement procedures, and the coordination with other clearing agencies of the clearance and settlement of transactions in the underlying interest. If the OCC’s Securities Committee determines that a Corporate Action warrants an adjustment to the strike price of the Fund’s options, the Fund’s Buffer and Cap will be adjusted accordingly and will differ from the amount set at the beginning of the Outcome Period. There is no guarantee that the options will be adjusted.
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Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund, Krane, its service providers and your ability to transact with the Fund may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for Krane or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
Option Income Risk. The Fund generates option premium income generated from the sale of covered call options (“option income”). This option income generally is classified as a return of capital for financial accounting purposes, which is how such income is required to be reported on the 19(a) notices that the Fund is required to issue after its monthly distributions. However, the 19(a) notices do not reflect the tax character of the option income, which is determined after the end of the calendar year. The option income for tax purposes is likely to be considered taxable investment income and may not reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund when distributed. The Fund currently intends to distribute on a monthly basis its option income so that the Fund’s monthly distribution percentage does not exceed 2% of net asset value. The Fund’s distribution in December may exceed this amount in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company.
Outcome Period Risk. The Fund seeks to deliver returns that match those of the Underlying ETF’s total return if shares are held by an investor from the beginning of the Outcome Period until the end of the Outcome Period. Because the Fund utilizes European style options contracts, the Outcomes are designed to be produced only on the expiration date of the options on the final day of the Outcome Period. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by the investor should not be expected to match those that the Fund seeks to provide. Further, because the Fund utilizes an Outcome Period that is approximately two years long, the risk of experiencing non-correlated returns is exacerbated.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk. A Fund may invest in companies that are considered to be “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”), which are generally certain non-U.S. corporations that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties or capital gains) or that hold at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income. Therefore, the Funds could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on gains and certain distributions with respect to those equity interests, even if all the income or gain is distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner. A Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes.
Passive Investment and Index Risk. The Fund is not actively managed, does not seek to “beat” the Underlying Index, and does not take temporary positions when markets decline. Therefore, the Fund may not sell a security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector. If a specific security is removed from the Underlying Index, the Fund may be forced to sell such security at an inopportune time or for a price other than the security’s current market value. It is expected that the value of Fund shares will decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index may not contain the appropriate mix of securities for any particular economic cycle, and the timing of movements from one type of security to another in seeking to track the Underlying Index could have a negative effect on the Fund. However, the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies impose limits on the Fund’s ability to invest in securities not included in the Underlying Index. There is no guarantee that the Underlying Index will create the desired exposure.
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Unlike an actively managed fund, the Fund does not use techniques or defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s performance could be lower than other types of registered investment companies that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline. To the extent the Fund employs a representative sampling approach, it will hold a smaller number of securities than are in the Underlying Index. As a result, an adverse development to an issuer of securities that the Fund holds could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held more of the securities in the Underlying Index.
The Index Provider maintains and exercises complete control over the Underlying Index. The Index Provider may delay or add a rebalance date, which may adversely impact the performance of the Fund and its correlation to the Underlying Index. There is no guarantee that the methodology the Index Provider uses to identify constituents for the Underlying Index will achieve its intended result or provide an accurate assessment of included constituents. The Underlying Index relies on various sources of information to assess the potential constituents of the Underlying Index, including information that may be based on assumptions or estimates. Neither the Fund nor Krane can offer assurances that the Index Provider’s sources of information are reliable. There can be no guarantee that the methodology underlying the Underlying Index, the Underlying Index construction and computation processes, or the daily calculation of the Underlying Index or its methodology will be free from error or that an error will be identified and/or corrected, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund.
Private Company Risk. Investments in private companies that have not issued securities in an initial public offering (“IPO”) involve greater risks than investments in securities of companies that trade publicly on an exchange. Investments in these companies are generally less liquid than investments in securities issued by public companies and may be difficult for the Fund to value. Compared to public companies, private companies may have a more limited management group and limited operating histories with narrower, less established product lines and smaller market shares, which may cause them to be more vulnerable to competitors’ actions, market conditions and consumer sentiment with respect to their products or services, as well as general economic downturns. In addition, private companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations. The Fund may only have limited access to a private company’s actual financial results and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Fund is reliable. These companies may not ever issue shares in an IPO and a liquid market for their shares may never develop, which could adversely affect the Fund’s liquidity. If the company does issue shares in an IPO, IPOs are risky and volatile and may cause the value of the Fund’s investment to decrease significantly.
Securities issued by private companies, including those that are normally purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act, have not been registered under the Securities Act and as a result are subject to legal restriction on resale. Such securities typically may be resold only to “qualified institutional buyers,” in a privately negotiated transaction, to a limited number of purchasers or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met for an exemption from registration. Because privately-issued securities are not traded on established markets and there may be relatively few potential counterparties for transactions involving such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may find it more difficult to purchase or sell such securities in the amounts, at the prices, or at the time the Fund desires than if such securities were more widely held and traded. At times, privately-issued securities may be less liquid, subject to wide fluctuations in value, and may be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV, due to the absence of an active trading market. There can be no assurance that a privately-issued security that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid for as long as it is held by the Fund, and its value may decline as a result or cause the Fund difficulty in meeting shareholder redemptions. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering privately-issued securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.
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Quebec Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the California Carbon Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting Quebec. Quebec is a province in Canada, which has a separatist party whose objective is to achieve sovereignty and increased self-governing legal and financial powers. In addition, the Canadian market, including Quebec, is relatively concentrated in issuers involved in the production and distribution of natural resources such as forest products, metals, agricultural products, and energy related products like oil, gas, and hydroelectricity. Accordingly, any downturn in these sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of Canada and Quebec and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Ranking Risk. The Underlying Index uses Value Line®’s Safety™ ranking system in selecting securities. This is subject to the risk that the rankings may not be accurate and that the performance of these companies may not continue. The returns on these securities may be less than returns on other companies or the overall stock market. In addition, there may be periods when companies highly ranked by Value Line® are out of favor and during which the investment performance of the Fund may suffer.
Real Estate Sector Risk. The Fund may invest in securities within the real estate sector. Investments in real estate issuers may be volatile. Real estate issuers are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the real estate market, decreases in property revenues, increases in interest rates, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, legal and regulatory changes, a lack of credit or capital, defaults by borrowers or tenants, environmental problems and natural disasters.
Regulatory Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that a change in U.S. law and related regulations will impact the way the Fund operates, increase the particular costs of the Fund’s operations and/or change the competitive landscape. Additional legislative or regulatory changes could occur that may materially and adversely affect the Fund. For example, the regulatory environment for derivative instruments in which the Fund may invest is evolving, and changes in the regulation or taxation of derivative instruments may materially and adversely affect the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment objective or strategies. Such legislative or regulatory changes could pose additional risks and result in material adverse consequences to the Fund.
Regulation S Securities Risk. Regulation S securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers are offered through private offerings without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Offerings of Regulation S securities may be conducted outside of the United States, and Regulation S securities may be relatively less liquid as a result of legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Although Regulation S securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the price realized from these sales could be less than that originally paid by the Fund. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. Accordingly, Regulation S securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.
Return of Capital Risk. The Fund expects to make monthly dividend distributions. The tax character of the Fund’s distributions during a taxable year is not finally determined until the Fund’s income and gains are determined at the end of the year. Gains or losses realized with respect to the Fund’s options trading over the course of the year will affect the tax character of distributions made during the year, including the extent to which such distributions consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital.
A portion of the Fund’s distributions may be treated as a return of capital for tax purposes. Return of capital distributions are not taxable income to you but reduce your tax basis in your shares of the Fund. Such a reduction in tax basis will result in larger taxable gains and/or lower tax losses on a subsequent sale of shares of the Fund. In the event that total distributions in return of capital exceed your tax basis in your shares of the Fund, such excess will be treated as capital gain.
Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of dividends or other distributions consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net income from the Fund when, in fact, they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of the distributions is from the net income of the Fund.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells portfolio investments to another party and agrees to repurchase the investments at an agreed-upon price and date, which reflects an interest payment. In periods of increased demand for a security, the Fund may receive a payment from the counterparty for the use of the investment, which is recorded as interest income. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations to the Fund, including by failing to return the investments in a timely manner, or at all, which may result in costs, delays, and losses to the Fund. In such a case, the Fund may incur expenses in enforcing its rights under the reverse repurchase agreement. In the event the counterparty files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of the proceeds from the sale of the investments may be restricted pending a determination by the counterparty, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s repurchase obligation. Reverse repurchase agreements also require that the Fund have sufficient cash available to repurchase the investments when required. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the investments and the value of the collateral held by the Fund is less than the value of the investments. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences to the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the investments sold will decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase them. Reverse repurchase agreements are viewed as a form of borrowing or leverage by the Fund and may increase fluctuations in the Fund’s net asset value. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the investments transferred to another party or the investments in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. During the term of the agreement, the Fund may also be obligated to pledge additional cash and/or investments in the event of a decline in the fair value of the transferred investments.
Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. There is a risk that the assets of the Fund’s securities lending agent may be insufficient to satisfy any contractual indemnification requirements to that Fund. Borrowers of the Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested. The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in a money market fund. The Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions and there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Securities lending revenues may increase Fund performance over particular time periods and may not be repeatable. Krane and its sub-adviser, if applicable, are subject to potential conflicts of interest because the compensation paid to them increases in connection with any net income received by the Fund from a securities lending program.
Semiconductor Industry Risk. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of companies in the semiconductor industry. As product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Semiconductor companies are vulnerable to wide fluctuations in securities prices due to rapid product obsolescence. Many semiconductor companies may not successfully introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base or achieve general market acceptance for their products, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on their business, results of operations and financial condition. Reduced demand for end-user products, underutilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor industry. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and these companies may need additional financing, which may be difficult to obtain. They also may be subject to risks relating to research and development costs and the availability and price of components. Moreover, they may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. Some of the companies involved in the semiconductor sector are also engaged in other lines of business unrelated to the semiconductor business, and they may experience problems with these lines of business, which could adversely affect their operating results. The international operations of many semiconductor companies expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations, tariffs and trade disputes, competition from subsidized foreign competitors with lower production costs and other risks inherent to international business. The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. Companies in the semiconductor industry also may be subject to competition from new market entrants. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor industry have been and will likely continue to be extremely volatile compared to the overall market.
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Semiconductors, semiconductor equipment and related industries can be significantly affected by several factors, including economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, intense competition domestically and internationally, wide fluctuations in securities prices due to risks of rapid obsolescence of products and related technology, significant research and capital costs, reduced demand for end-user products, economic performance of customers of semiconductor and related companies, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, high dependence on intellectual property rights, cyclical nature of such industries, and risks that products do not prove commercially successful. In addition, these industries are complex and global in nature, making them subject to numerous risks, including geopolitical tensions, earthquakes and extreme weather events. The securities prices of companies in these industries have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.
Shariah-Compliant Investing Risk. The consideration of Islamic principles by the Underlying Index restricts the Fund’s ability to invest in certain types of issuers and securities, such as financial companies and conventional fixed income securities (i.e., bonds and other structured securities that give a fixed return based on an obligation or promise), and reduces the size of the universe of eligible securities in which the Underlying Index can invest. As a result, the successful implementation of the Fund’s investment strategy may limit its investment opportunities and adversely affect its performance. Because Islamic principles preclude investment in interest-paying instruments, any cash or cash equivalents the Fund holds will not earn interest income. In addition, there is a risk that a security which is currently Shariah-complaint may become non-compliant after purchase and such securities may be held until the Underlying Index reconstitutes.
Short Sale Risk. Short sales involve selling a security the Fund does not own in anticipation that the security’s price will decline. To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be higher or lower than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. If the underlying security goes up in price during the period during which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction.
Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. Because the Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Fund is leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value since it increases the exposure of the Fund to the market and may increase losses and the volatility of returns.
The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position at a favorable time or price. A lender may request that borrowed securities be returned to it on short notice, and the Fund may have to buy the borrowed securities at an unfavorable price, which will potentially reduce or eliminate any gain or cause a loss to the Fund. The Fund incurs expenses for borrowing securities that may include fees paid to the lender and amounts equal to dividends or interest paid by the borrowed security.
When the Fund is selling a security short, it must maintain a segregated account of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. (Margin posted with the broker, not including the proceeds of the short sale, counts toward this requirement.) As a result, the Fund may maintain high levels of cash or other liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market instruments, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) or may utilize the collateral obtained from securities lending for this cash. The need to maintain cash or other liquid assets in segregated accounts could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Singapore Risk. Investments in Singaporean issuers may subject the Fund to legal, reguInvestments in Singaporean issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency and economic risks specific to Singapore. Specifically, political and economic developments of its neighbors may have an adverse effect on Singapore’s economy. In addition, because its economy is exportdriven, Singapore relies heavily on its trading partners. China is a major purchaser of Singapore’s exports and serves as a source of Singapore’s imports. Singapore derives a significant portion of its foreign investments from China. Singapore also has substantial economic exposure to Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the U.S. As a result, Singapore’s economy is susceptible to fluctuations in the world economy. A downturn in the economies of China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, or the U.S., among other countries or regions, could adversely affect Singapore’s economy. In addition, Singapore’s economy may be particularly vulnerable to external market changes due to its smaller size.
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Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in the securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization companies and more established companies. Since small- and medium-sized companies may have limited operating histories, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and can be sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. These companies’ securities may be more volatile and less liquid than those of more established companies, and they may be more sensitive to market conditions.
Software Industry Risk. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.
South Africa Risk. South Africa’s two-tiered economy, with one rivaling developed countries and the other exhibiting many characteristics of developing countries, is characterized by uneven distribution of wealth and income and high rates of unemployment. Although economic reforms have been enacted to promote growth and foreign investments, there can be no assurance that these programs will achieve the desired results. In addition, South Africa’s inadequate currency reserves have left its currency vulnerable, at times, to devaluation. Despite significant reform and privatization, the South African government continues to control a large share of South African economic activity. Heavy regulation of labor and product markets is pervasive and may stifle South African economic growth or cause prolonged periods of recession. The agriculture and mining sectors of South Africa’s economy account for a large portion of its exports, and thus the South African economy is susceptible to fluctuations in these commodity markets. In recent years, an unstable electricity supply in South Africa has stifled economic growth, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments.
South Korea Risk. The South Korean economy is heavily dependent on trading exports and on the economies of other Asian countries, especially China or Southeast Asia, and the United States as key trading partners. Distributions in trade activity, reductions in spending by these economies on South Korean products and services or negative changes in any of these economies may have an adverse impact on the South Korean economy. Furthermore, South Korea’s economy may be impacted by currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies. Finally, South Korea’s economic growth potential has recently been on a decline due to, among other factors, a rapidly aging population and structural problems. Substantial tensions with North Korea may cause further uncertainty in the political and economic climate of South Korea. North and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two present the ongoing risk of war. Recent events involving the North Korean military have escalated tensions between North and South Korea. Any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, may have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy and any investments in South Korea.
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Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Debt Risk. Investments in sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt bonds involve special risks, including the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, and the government debtor’s policy towards the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt may be unwilling or unable to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such securities due to the extent of its foreign reserves. If an issuer of sovereign or quasi-sovereign debt defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. In certain cases, remedies must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the Fund’s ability to obtain recourse may be limited.
Certain issuers of sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt may be dependent on disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Such disbursements may be conditioned upon a debtor’s implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor’s obligations. A failure on the part of the debtor to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties’ commitments to lend funds to the government debtor, which may impair the debtor’s ability to service its debts on a timely basis. As holders of government debt, the Fund may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government debtors. There can be no assurance that the securities in which the Fund will invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for additional credit. In addition, certain participants in the secondary market for such debt may be directly involved in negotiating the terms of these arrangements and may therefore have access to information not available to other market participants, such as the Fund.
During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign and quasi-sovereign bonds, and the Fund’s NAV, may be more volatile than prices of corporate bonds, which may result in losses. In the past certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses for holders of such sovereign and quasi-sovereign bonds.
Subsidiary Investment Risk. For a Fund, investment in the Subsidiary will not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (ignoring any subsequent market appreciation in the Subsidiary’s value). This limitation is set pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and is measured at each taxable year quarter-end. The Subsidiary, which is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, is wholly-owned and controlled by the Fund. The Fund will invest in the Subsidiary in order to gain exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. The Subsidiary will invest principally in commodity futures, options and swap contracts, as well as certain fixed-income investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivatives positions. Unlike the Fund, the Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-linked derivatives, though the Subsidiary will comply with the same 1940 Act asset coverage requirements with respect to its investments in commodity-linked derivatives that apply to the Fund’s transactions in these instruments. To the extent applicable, the Subsidiary otherwise is subject to the same fundamental and non-fundamental investment restrictions as the Fund, and, in particular, to the same requirements relating to portfolio leverage, liquidity, and the timing and method of valuation of portfolio investments and Fund shares, described elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the SAI. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s commodity-linked derivatives investments.
The Subsidiary is not registered with the SEC as an investment company under the 1940 Act, and is not subject to the investor protections of the 1940 Act. As an investor in the Subsidiary, the Fund does not have the same protections offered to shareholders of registered investment companies.
The Fund and the Subsidiary may not be able to operate as described in this Prospectus in the event of changes to the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands. If the laws of the Cayman Islands required the Subsidiary to pay taxes to a governmental authority, the Fund would be likely to suffer decreased returns.
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Swap Agreement Risk. Swap agreements are a type of derivative instrument that subjects the Fund to counterparty credit, liquidity, and correlation risks, including that: (i) the Fund may not be able to enter into replacement swap agreements in the event a current swap is terminated (ii) unfunded swap agreements may involve greater leverage risks than funded swaps; (iii) the swap agreement may not reflect the performance of the Underlying Index or the Reference Index as expected due to differences in calculation methods or expenses; and (iv) during market disruptions, the Fund may be unable to enter into new swap agreements or adjust existing positions at favorable prices. In volatile markets, the Fund may not be able to close out a position without incurring a significant amount of loss.
The counterparty to a swap agreement may be entitled to terminate the swap agreement at its then current market value upon the occurrence of certain extraordinary market events or at its discretion upon notice to the Fund. Under such circumstances, if the Adviser is unable to enter into new swap agreements with a suitable counterparty, the Adviser may recommend to the Board of Trustees to immediately liquidate the Fund. A liquidation can be initiated by the Board of Trustees without a shareholder vote. While shareholder interests will be the paramount consideration in a liquidation under such circumstances, the timing of the liquidation may not be favorable to certain individual shareholders.
Taiwan Risk. Securities of issuers in Taiwan are subject to risks, including, but not limited to, legal, regulatory, political, currency and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Specifically, Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which may materially affect the Taiwanese companies. Securities of Taiwanese companies are subject to Taiwan’s heavy dependence on exports. Reductions in spending on Taiwanese products and services, labor shortages, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of Taiwan’s key trading partners, including the United States, may have an adverse impact on the Taiwanese economy and the values of Taiwanese companies.
Tax Risk (All Funds excluding Buffer Funds). In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies, a Fund must satisfy certain income and distribution requirements each year and certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of its taxable year. With respect to the latter, a Fund generally may not acquire a security if, as a result of the acquisition, at the end of a quarter the Fund would not satisfy the following requirements: (a) that at least 50% of the value of its total assets be represented by (i) cash, cash items, Government Securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and (ii) other securities limited in respect of any of the security to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer; and (b) not more than 25% of the total value of the Fund’s assets can be invested in the securities (other than Government Securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, the securities of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and are engaged in the same or similar (or related) trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. If a Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income, which would adversely affect its performance.
In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies and avoid Fund-level taxes, a Fund must also satisfy certain distribution requirements. If a Fund fails to satisfy the distribution requirement necessary to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company for any taxable year, the Fund would be treated as a corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, thereby subjecting any income earned by the Fund to tax at the corporate level. If a Fund fails to satisfy a separate distribution requirement, it will be subject to a Fund-level excise tax. These Fund-level taxes will apply in addition to taxes payable at the shareholder level on distributions.
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To the extent a Fund does not distribute to shareholders all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain in a given year, it will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on the retained income and gains, thereby reducing the Fund’s return. A Fund may elect to treat its net capital gain as having been distributed to shareholders. In that case, shareholders of record on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year will be required to include their attributable share of the retained gain in income for the year as a long-term capital gain despite not actually receiving the dividend, and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund as well as an increase in the basis of their shares to reflect the difference between their attributable share of the gain and the related credit or refund.
(All Funds except KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF, KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF, KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF, KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF, and KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF) Because there is limited transparency into state ownership of Chinese issuers, there is a risk of such issuers being deemed to be a single issuer, which could result in the Fund falling out of compliance with the asset diversification requirements. Additionally, capital controls and currency controls may affect a Fund’s ability to meet the applicable distribution requirements.
Investments in swaps and other derivatives may be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules that could adversely affect the character, timing and amount of income earned by a Fund (e.g., by causing amounts that would be capital gain to be taxed as ordinary income or to be taken into income earlier than would otherwise be necessary). Also, a Fund may be required to periodically adjust its positions in its swaps and derivatives to comply with certain regulatory requirements which may further cause these investments to be less efficient than a direct investment in the securities themselves. For example, swaps in which a Fund may invest may need to be reset on a regular basis in order to maintain compliance with the 1940 Act, which may increase the likelihood that the Fund will generate short-term capital gains. In addition, because the application of these special rules may be uncertain, it is possible that the manner in which they are applied by a Fund may be determined to be incorrect. In that event, the Fund may be found to have failed to maintain its qualification as a RIC or to be subject to additional U.S. tax liability. Moreover, a Fund may make investments, both directly and through swaps or other derivative positions, in companies classified as passive foreign investment companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“PFICs”). Investments in PFICs are subject to special tax rules which may result in adverse tax consequences to the Fund and its shareholders.
If the Fund has an “appreciated financial position” – generally, an interest (including an interest through an option, futures contract, forward contract or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than “straight debt”) or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis – and enters into a “constructive sale” of the position, it will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with the result that gain will be recognized at that time. A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract (swap), a futures contract or a forward contract entered into by the Fund with respect to the same property as the appreciated financial position or substantially identical property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself such a short sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property will be deemed a constructive sale. In general, however, a transaction will not be considered a constructive sale if it is closed by the Fund within 30 days after the end of the taxable year in which it was originally entered into and the Fund holds the related appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing (i.e., at no time during that 60-day period is the Fund’s risk of loss regarding that position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities). The Fund utilizes total return swaps to gain exposure to the short call options and the short futures positions in the Underlying Index that provide a partial hedge to its holdings in the Underlying Index. If such swaps were deemed to be constructive sales of the Fund’s holdings, the Fund might recognize gains based on the appreciation in such holdings.
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(Only KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF, KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF and KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF) Each ETF also intends to treat its income from index-linked structured notes as qualifying income. Income tax regulations and other guidance provided by the IRS at the time of the introduction of such regulations, support that treatment, although there is no guidance directly addressing the status of such structured notes as securities. The tax treatment of a Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, court decisions, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income derived from such investments is “qualifying income” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains or distributions made by the Fund.
Tax Risk (Buffer Funds). In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain income, distribution and asset diversification requirements. With respect to the latter, the Fund generally may not acquire a security if, as a result of the acquisition, more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets would be invested in (a) issuers in which the Fund has, in each case, invested more than 5% of the Fund’s assets and (b) issuers more than 10% of whose outstanding voting securities are owned by the Fund. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income, which would adversely affect its performance. Because there is limited transparency into state ownership of Chinese issuers, there is a risk of such issuers being deemed to be a single issuer, which could result in the Underlying ETF (and, therefore, the Fund) falling out of compliance with the asset diversification requirements.
The federal income tax treatment of certain aspects of the proposed operations of the Fund are not entirely clear, which could impact the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC. This includes the tax aspects of the Fund’s options strategy, its hedging strategy, the possible application of the “straddle” rules, and various loss limitation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”). The Fund’s investments in offsetting positions with respect to the Underlying ETF may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund under the Code’s “straddle” rules and may increase any short-term capital gains realized by the Fund. The Fund intends to treat any income it may derive from the FLEX options as “qualifying income” under the provisions of the Code applicable to RICs. If the income is not qualifying income or the issuer of the FLEX options is not appropriately the referenced asset, the Fund could lose its own status as a RIC. With respect to the RIC diversification test, identifying the issuer can depend on the terms and conditions of a given investment. There is no published Internal Revenue Service guidance or case law on how to determine the “issuer” of certain derivatives that the Fund will enter into. Based upon language in the legislative history, the Fund intends to treat the issuer of the FLEX options as the referenced asset, which, assuming the referenced asset qualifies as a RIC, would allow the Fund to qualify for special rules in the RIC diversification requirements. The FLEX options included in the portfolio are exchange-traded options. Under Section 1256 of the Code, certain types of exchange-traded options are treated as if they were sold (i.e., “marked to market”) at the end of each year. The Fund does not believe that the positions held by the Fund will be subject to Section 1256, which means that the positions will not be marked to market. In the event that a shareholder purchases shares of the Fund shortly before a distribution by the Fund, the entire distribution may be taxable to the shareholder even though a portion of the distribution effectively represents a return of the purchase price.
In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies and avoid Fund-level taxes, the Fund must also satisfy certain distribution requirements. Capital controls and currency controls may affect the Fund’s ability to meet the applicable distribution requirements. If the Fund fails to satisfy the distribution requirement necessary to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company for any taxable year, the Fund would be treated as a corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, thereby subjecting any income earned by the Fund to tax at the corporate level. If the Fund fails to satisfy a separate distribution requirement, it will be subject to a Fund-level excise tax. These Fund-level taxes will apply in addition to taxes payable at the shareholder level on distributions.
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To the extent the Fund does not distribute to shareholders all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain in a given year, it will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on the retained income and gains, thereby reducing the Fund’s return. The Fund may elect to treat its net capital gain as having been distributed to shareholders. In that case, shareholders of record on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year will be required to include their attributable share of the retained gain in income for the year as a long-term capital gain despite not actually receiving the dividend, and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund as well as an increase in the basis of their shares to reflect the difference between their attributable share of the gain and the related credit or refund.
Investments in swaps and other derivatives may be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules that could adversely affect the character, timing and amount of income earned by the Fund (e.g., by causing amounts that would be capital gain to be taxed as ordinary income or to be taken into income earlier than would otherwise be necessary). Also, the Fund may be required to periodically adjust its positions in its swaps and derivatives to comply with certain regulatory requirements which may further cause these investments to be less efficient than a direct investment in the securities themselves. For example, swaps in which the Fund may invest may need to be reset on a regular basis in order to maintain compliance with the 1940 Act, which may increase the likelihood that the Fund will generate short-term capital gains. In addition, because the application of these special rules may be uncertain, it is possible that the manner in which they are applied by the Fund may be determined to be incorrect. In that event, the Fund may be found to have failed to maintain its qualification as a RIC or to be subject to additional U.S. tax liability. Moreover, the Fund may make investments, both directly and through swaps or other derivative positions, in companies classified as passive foreign investment companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“PFICs”). Investments in PFICs are subject to special tax rules which may result in adverse tax consequences to the Fund and its shareholders.
Tracking Error Risk (Index Funds). Tracking error refers to the risk that the Fund’s performance may not match or correlate to that of its Underlying Index, either on a daily or aggregate basis. Tracking error may cause the Fund’s performance to be less than expected. There are a number of factors that may contribute to the Fund’s tracking error, such as Fund expenses, imperfect correlation between the Fund’s investments and those of the Underlying Index, the use of representative sampling strategy, if applicable, asset valuation differences, any transaction costs incurred by the Fund, differences in timing of the accrual or the valuation of dividends or interest received by the Fund or distributions paid to the Fund’s shareholders, tax considerations, including the requirements to maintain pass-through tax treatment, the unavailability of securities in the Underlying Index from time to time, holding cash and cash equivalents, and other liquidity constraints. In addition, securities included in the Underlying Index may be suspended from trading. To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected. Mathematical compounding may prevent the Fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its Underlying Index.
In addition, the Fund may not invest in certain securities and other instruments included in the Underlying Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Underlying Index, including due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by a foreign government or a lack of liquidity in certain securities. Moreover, the Fund may be delayed in purchasing or selling securities and other instruments included in the Underlying Index. Any issues the Fund encounters with regard to currency convertibility (including the cost of borrowing funds, if any) and repatriation may also increase the Fund’s tracking error. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. If the Fund tracks an index with significant weight in emerging market securities, the Fund may experience higher tracking error than a fund that does not track such an index.
(KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF, KraneShares European Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF, KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF, and KraneShares Eastern US Carbon Strategy ETF) Tracking error may be due to, among other factors, Fund investments in carbon credit futures with different maturity dates, the Fund weighing the carbon credit futures differently than the Index, and the Fund’s purchase of carbon credit futures on different dates than the rebalancing date for the Index. Mathematical compounding may prevent the Fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its Index. To the extent that the Fund invests in other instruments that are consistent with its investment objective, such as futures contracts that are not carbon credit futures, options on futures contracts, swap contracts, and other investment companies and notes, the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely affected.
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Tracking Error Risk (Active Funds). Tracking error is risk that a Fund’s performance divergences from that of its Underlying Index. The performance of a Fund may diverge from that of its Underlying Index for a number of reasons, including transaction costs, a Fund’s holding of cash, differences in the accrual of dividends, or a Fund’s need to meet new or existing regulatory requirements, trading suspensions, or legal restrictions imposed by foreign governments. Unlike the Funds, the returns of the Underlying Indexes are not reduced by investment and other operating expenses, including the trading costs associated with implementing changes to their respective portfolios of investments.
Tracking error risk may be heightened during times of market volatility or other unusual market conditions. To the extent that a Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of such Fund’s Underlying Index is based on securities’ closing prices (i.e., the value of the benchmark is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s performance relative to its Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
A Fund will be negatively affected by general declines in the securities and asset classes represented in its Underlying Index. To the extent the Adviser attempts to mitigate the impact of a market decline applicable to a Fund, there can be no assurance that such attempt will be successful.
United Kingdom Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the UK Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting the UK. The economy of the UK is dependent to a significant extent on economies of certain key trading partners, including China, the United States, and other European countries. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on January 31, 2020, the European Union and the UK entered into a transition phase, which concluded on December 31, 2020, and the UK and the European Union agreed upon a Trade and Cooperation Agreement that became fully effective on May 1, 2021. The UK, European Union and broader global economy may still experience volatility in foreign exchange markets as a result of these events. The UK’s economy may still be affected by its withdrawal from the European Union, and any downturn in its major sectors or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the UK and the prices of such carbon credit futures.
Upside Participation Risk. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide shareholders with the total return of the Underlying ETF’s shares over the Outcome Period prior to taking into account any fees or expenses, subject to a maximum total return imposed by the Cap. Because the value of the Fund’s options does not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF’s share price on a day-to-day basis (although they generally move in the same direction), the Fund may underperform the increases in the share price of the Underlying ETF until the end of the Outcome Period. To the extent the price of the Underlying ETF increases beyond the Fund’s Cap, the Fund will not participate in such gains, and will underperform the Underlying ETF. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or does not stay invested in the Fund for the entirety of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by such investor may not match those that the Fund seeks to achieve. In order to finance the downside protection offered by the Buffer, the Fund enters into a sold call option contract which limits its upside potential. Since the Buffer seeks to provide protection against 90% of decreases in the total return of the Underlying ETF over the duration of the Outcome Period, the Cap may be lower than the caps imposed by other ETFs that utilize defined outcome investing strategies with different buffers, on a relative basis. Due to the Cap, the Fund may significantly underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of the Outcome Period. Finally, the Fund’s Cap is dependent upon market conditions at the commencement of the new Outcome Period. In certain market conditions, the Fund’s Cap may provide relatively low upside potential, which may cause the Fund to further underperform the Underlying ETF over the course of an Outcome Period.
U.S. Government Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government. The total public debt of the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product has grown rapidly since the beginning of the 2008–2009 financial downturn. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high national debt can raise concerns that the U.S. government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. This increase has also necessitated the need for the U.S. Congress to negotiate adjustments to the statutory debt limit to increase the cap on the amount the U.S. government is permitted to borrow to meet its existing obligations and finance current budget deficits. Certain credit ratings agencies have downgraded the sovereign credit rating on U.S. government securities. These downgrades may cause market uncertainty and the market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government may be adversely affected.
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Utilities Sector Risk. Companies in the utilities industry may have difficulty obtaining an adequate return on invested capital, raising capital, and financing large construction programs during periods of inflation or unsettled capital markets; face restrictions on operations and increased cost and delays attributable to environmental considerations and regulation; find that existing plants, equipment or products have been rendered obsolete by technological innovations; and be subject to increased costs because of the scarcity of certain fuels or the effects of man-made disasters. Deregulation is subjecting utility companies to greater competition and may adversely affect profitability. As deregulation allows utility companies to diversify outside of their original geographic regions and their traditional lines of business, utility companies may engage in riskier ventures. Government regulators monitor and control utility operations, revenues and costs, and therefore may limit utility profits. Regulatory authorities may also restrict utility companies’ access to new markets, thereby diminishing these companies’ long-term prospects. Energy conservation and changes in climate policy may have a significant adverse impact on the revenues and expenses of utility companies.
Valuation Risk. Financial information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings may not always be reliable, which may make it difficult to obtain a current price for the investments held by the Fund. Independent market quotations for such investments may not be readily available, such as on days during which a security does not trade or a foreign holiday, and securities may be fair valued or valued by a pricing service at an evaluated price. These valuations are subjective and different funds may assign different fair values to the same investment. Such valuations also may be different from what would be produced if the security had been valued using market quotations. As a result, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price assigned to the investment by the Fund and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a position is sold at a discount to the valuation held by the Fund at that time. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Additionally, Fund securities that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuations in their value from one day to the next. Because securities in which the Fund invests may trade on days when the Fund does not price its shares, the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund’s shares.
Vietnam Risk. Vietnamese companies, and investments therein, face risks associated with expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. The Vietnamese government may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and may own or control certain companies therein. Vietnam has imposed foreign ownership limits and, to the extent deterioration occurs in Vietnam’s balance of payments, the Vietnamese government could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. Vietnam may levy withholding or other taxes on dividend and interest income received by foreign investors, a portion of which may not be recoverable. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on economic conditions in the country, and on market conditions and prices of Vietnamese securities.
Vietnam is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States, China and Japan, and as a result may be adversely affected if demand for Vietnam’s exports in those nations declines. If Vietnam’s prominence as a manufacturing hub in the global supply chain for many different industries diminishes, Vietnamese companies across all industries would be adversely impacted. The Vietnamese economy may also negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which it trades.
Washington Risk. Because the Fund is exposed to carbon credits issued under the Washington Carbon Allowance “cap and trade” program, the Fund’s performance also may be negatively impacted by factors affecting the State of Washington. Washington is the second state in the United States of America to implement an economy wide cap program, following California. This reflects the Washington Legislature’s strong commitment to tackling climate change. If the Washington Legislature was to revise its approach to climate change as a result of internal shifts in political dynamics or issues were to arise in the administration of the “cap and trade” program within Washington, this would potentially negatively impact the value of the Washington Carbon Allowance. Further, clean technology represents a key component of the economy in Washington. Any downturn in this sector or related industries may adversely affect the economy of the state and the prices of the carbon credit futures.
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Management
Investment Adviser
Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“Krane” or “Adviser”), is a registered investment adviser located at 280 Park Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10017 and serves as investment adviser of the Fund. Krane has served as the investment adviser of the Fund since its inception. Krane is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (“UN PRI”), a UN-supported network of investors that works to promote sustainable investment through the incorporation of environmental, social and governance factors into investment decision-making. UN PRI signatories publicly commit to adopt and implement the network’s six ESG principles, which are voluntary and aspirational, where consistent with their fiduciary duties.
Under the investment advisory agreement between the Trust and Krane (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), Krane is responsible for reviewing, supervising and administering each Fund’s investment program and the general management and administration of the Trust. In this regard, among other things, Krane arranges for transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other non-distribution related services necessary for each Fund to operate. Krane may engage a sub-adviser to assist it in managing a Fund’s investments, but will be responsible for overseeing any sub-advisers. Krane manages each Fund’s business affairs, provides office facilities and equipment and certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services, and permits its officers and employees to serve as officers or Trustees of the Trust. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Krane bears all of its own costs associated with providing advisory services to the Funds. In addition, Krane has contractually agreed to pay all operating expenses of each Fund, except (i) interest and taxes (including, but not limited to, income, excise, transaction, transfer and withholding taxes); (ii) expenses of the Fund incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions and short sale dividend or interest expense; (iii) expenses incurred in connection with any distribution plan adopted by the Trust in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, including distribution fees; (iv) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses; (v) litigation expenses; (vi) the compensation payable to the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement; (vii) compensation and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustees’ counsel fees); and (viii) any expenses determined to be extraordinary expenses by the Board. Nevertheless, there exists a risk that a Trust service provider will seek recourse against the Trust if is not timely paid by Krane for the fees and expenses for which it is responsible, which could materially adversely affect a Fund.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays Krane an advisory fee rate (“Contractual Advisory Fee”) (in addition to the securities lending compensation Krane receives under the Agreement discussed below), which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate based on a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund. Due to fee waivers (“Fee Waivers”) in place with respect to certain Funds, the actual advisory fee rate, as a percentage of average daily net assets of each operational Fund received by Krane (“Actual Fee Rate”) may differ from the Contractual Advisory Fee. For the fiscal year or period, as applicable, ended March 31, 2026, the Contractual Advisory Fee and Fee Waiver are set forth below:
| Fund | Contractual Advisory Fee | Fee Waiver* |
| KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF | 0.25% | N/A |
| KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF | 0.25% | N/A |
| KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF | 0.68% | N/A |
| KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF | 0.78% | 0.23% |
| KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF | 0.88% | N/A |
| KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF | 0.68% | N/A |
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| Fund | Contractual Advisory Fee | Fee Waiver* |
| Kraneshares Dragon Capital Growth Of Vietnam Index ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF | 0.68% | N/A |
| KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| Kraneshares Global Humanoid Robotics And Physical AI Index ETF | 0.78% | 0.10% |
| KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF | 0.68% | N/A |
| KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF | 0.68% | N/A |
| Kraneshares Insperex Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF | 0.25% | N/A |
| KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF | 0.88% | N/A |
| KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF | 0.89% | N/A |
| KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF | 0.78% | 0.14% |
| KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF | 0.58% | 0.35% |
| KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF | 0.78% | N/A |
| KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF | 0.99% | N/A |
| KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet & Technology ETF | 0.78% | 0.30% |
| KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF | 0.29% | 0.10% |
| KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF | 0.55% | N/A |
| KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF | 0.50% | N/A |
| * | These Fee Waivers for each Fund will continue until August 1, 2028, and may only be terminated prior thereto by the Board. The Fee Waivers will terminate if the Investment Advisory Agreement for a Fund is terminated. |
With respect to KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF, Krane has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee by 0.24% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Krane may modify or terminate this voluntary waiver with notice to the Fund.
In addition to the above-described services, to the extent a Fund engages in securities lending, Krane will: (i) determine which securities are available for loan and notify the securities lending agent for the Fund (the “Agent”), (ii) monitor the Agent’s activities to ensure that securities loans are effected in accordance with Krane’s instructions and in accordance with applicable procedures and guidelines adopted by the Board, (iii) make recommendations to the Board regarding the Fund’s participation in securities lending, (iv) prepare appropriate periodic reports for, and seek appropriate periodic approvals from, the Board with respect to securities lending activities, (v) respond to Agent inquiries concerning Agent’s activities, and (vi) such other related duties as Krane deems necessary or appropriate.
Under the agreement, while the fees and expenses related to a Fund’s securities lending-related activities reduce the revenues and income of the Fund from such activities, they are not fees and expenses for which Krane is responsible. Further, as compensation for the services provided by Krane in connection with any securities lending-related activities, each Fund pays Krane 10% of the monthly investment income received from the investment of cash collateral and loan fees received from borrowers in respect of securities loans (net of any amounts paid to the custodian and/or securities lending agent or rebated to borrowers). For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, Krane received revenue from the following Funds related to securities lending activities:
Because KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF (“Non-Operational Funds”) had not commenced operations prior to the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, Krane did not receive any advisory fees or fees from securities lending activities from those Funds during the prior fiscal year.
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The Investment Advisory Agreement has been approved by the Board of Trustees and shareholders of each Fund (in this regard). A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with Krane on behalf of the Funds (except the Non-Operational Funds) is available in the Funds’ Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with Krane for the Non-Operational Funds will be available in each Fund’s first Form N-CSR. Krane, as the sole shareholder of each Fund, will approve the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Fund and various other matters and agreements for the Fund prior to the commencement of operations.
KFA One Holdings, LLC (“KFA One”), through its wholly owned subsidiary KFA Two Holdings, LLC, each located at 280 Park Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10017, holds all outstanding equity interests in Krane. Officers and certain employees of Krane, including Jonathan Krane, among others, own the outstanding equity interests in KFA One. Jonathan Krane, through his equity interests in KFA One, may be deemed to control Krane. Jonathan Krane, being a Trustee, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Trust, is also an affiliated person of the Trust.
Krane has received “manager of managers” exemptive relief from the SEC that permits Krane, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to appoint a “wholly-owned” or unaffiliated sub-adviser, as defined in the exemptive relief, or to change the terms of a sub-advisory agreement with a “wholly-owned” or unaffiliated sub-adviser without first obtaining shareholder approval. The exemptive order further permits Krane to add or to change a “wholly-owned” or unaffiliated sub-adviser or to change the fees paid to such parties from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change and to disclose sub-advisers’ fees only in the aggregate in its registration statement. Any increase in the aggregate advisory fee paid by any Fund remains subject to shareholder approval. Krane continues to have ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees) to oversee the sub-advisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement. Krane relies on this exemptive relief to manage all Funds, except KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF, Quadratic Interest Rate Volatility and Inflation Hedge ETF and Quadratic Deflation ETF. Each Fund will notify shareholders of any change of its sub-adviser.
Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF and KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF)
Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Ltd. (“Bosera”) serves as the Sub-Adviser to the KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF and KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF. Bosera is a Hong Kong limited liability company. Bosera’s offices are located at Suite 4109, Jardine House, One Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong. Bosera, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, is being directly held by Bosera Asset Management Co., Limited and China Merchants Fund Management Co., Limited as to 55% and 45% ordinary shares of Bosera. Bosera’s majority shareholder, Bosera Asset Management Company Limited, is one of the largest fund management companies in China. Headquartered in Shenzhen, Bosera Asset Management Company Limited was established in 1998, among the first fund houses in China. As of March 31, 2026, the Bosera group managed more than $236 billion (including Bosera Asset Management Co., Ltd. and Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Ltd.) in assets for clients in Asia, Europe and North America. With more than 200 investment professionals in China, the Bosera group seeks to offer expertise and on-the-ground insight into China, servicing and advising institutional and retail investors globally, including sovereign wealth funds, central banks and national pensions. The Bosera group also has strong experience in managing several index funds and ETFs in China. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment sub-advisory agreements with Bosera, are available in the Funds’ Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
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Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF)
Amova Asset Management Americas, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser”) located at 605 Third Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10158, serves as the sub-adviser to KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund, subject to the supervision of Krane and the Board of Trustees. The Sub-Adviser delegates to its affiliate Amova Asset Management Asia, Ltd. (“Amova Asia”) located at 12 Marina View, #18- 02 Asia Square Tower 2 Singapore 018961, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, certain of its responsibilities for the management of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, was established in the State of Delaware and is principally engaged in the provision of investment advisory services to corporations, pooled investment vehicles, institutions and individual investors. As of March 31, 2026, the Sub-Adviser had approximately $7.8 billion in assets under management. Both the Sub-Adviser and Amova Asia are wholly owned subsidiaries of Amova Asset Management Co., Ltd. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment sub-advisory agreement with the Sub-Adviser is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF)
Mount Lucas Index Advisers LLC (“MLIA”), located at 405 South State Street, Newtown, Pennsylvania, 18940, serves as sub-adviser to the Fund. MLIA is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund, subject to the supervision of Krane and the Board of Trustees. MLIA was established in 2010 as a Delaware limited liability company and is registered with the SEC as a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. MLIA provides portfolio management and advisory services for investment companies. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF and KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF)
Climate Finance Partners LLC (“CFP” or “Sub-Adviser”) serves as Sub-Adviser to KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF and KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF. CFP will provide non-discretionary sub-advisory services to the Fund, which includes advice, research and subject matter expertise related to the Fund’s investments. For the services it will provide, Krane will pay CFP a fee equal to thirty-two percent (32%) of the Net Revenue received by the Krane from the Fund. Net Revenue is defined for these purposes as gross revenue under Schedule A of the Advisory Agreement minus gross fund-related expenses (including any waiver by the Adviser of its compensation under the Advisory Agreement and any reimbursements by the Adviser of the Fund’s expenses). A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Funds’ sub-advisory agreement with CFP is available in the Funds’ Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of KraneShares Eastern US Carbon Strategy ETF investment sub-advisory agreement with CFP will be available in the Fund’s first Form N-CSR.
Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF)
Etna Capital Management Company Ltd (“Etna” ) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund. Etna is responsible for the selection of the Fund’s private securities, subject to the supervision of Krane and the Board of Trustees. For the services it will provide, Krane will pay Etna a fee equal to thirty percent (30%) of the total gross advisory fee paid to Krane by the Fund under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”). Etna’s principal office is located at 1532 Nexxus Building, Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong. Etna, a private Hong Kong company, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser and is a research and advisory team specializing in disruptive innovations.A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
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Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF)
Numeric Investors LLC (“Numeric” or “Sub-Adviser”), located at 200 Pier 4 Boulevard, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, serves as the index provider and investment sub-adviser of the Fund and selects investments for the Underlying Index using a systematic process as defined in the index methodology. Information about the Underlying Index is available on the Index Calculation Agent’s website, www.solactive.com. Krane retains sole responsibility for submitting investment orders and executing trades on behalf of the Fund. Krane will pay Numeric forty-five (45%) percent of the Net Revenue received by Krane from the Fund on the first $1 billion in Assets and fifty (50%) percent on any amounts thereafter. Net Revenue is defined for these purposes as gross revenue under Schedule A of the Sub-Advisory Agreement – (minus) gross fund-related expenses (including any waiver by Krane of its compensation under the Investment Advisory Agreement and any reimbursements by Krane of the Fund’s expenses). The Sub-Adviser is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Man Group plc. The Sub-Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Sub-Adviser is also registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) as a commodity pool operator and is a member of the National Futures Association. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF)
Hedgeye Asset Management, LLC (“HAM” or “Sub-Adviser”), located at 1 High Ridge Park, Third Floor, Stamford, CT 06905, serves as the index provider and investment sub-adviser of the Fund and selects investments for the Underlying Index using a process that is set forth in the index methodology of the Underlying Index. Information about the Underlying Index is available on HAM’s website, www.hedgeyeam.com. Krane retains sole responsibility for submitting investment orders and executing trades on behalf of the Fund. Krane pays HAM a ten basis points (0.10%) of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Sub-Adviser is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and is a subsidiary of Hedgeye Risk Management, LLC. The Sub-Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF)
Dragon Capital Management (HK) Limited (“Dragon Capital” or “Sub-Adviser”), located at Unit 2406, 24/F., 9 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, serves as the investment sub-adviser of the Fund. Dragon Capital is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund, subject to the supervision of Krane and the Board of Trustees. The Adviser will pay the Sub-Adviser thirty (30%) percent of the advisory fee due to the Adviser from the Fund pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the first $250 million in assets and thirty-five (35%) percent on any amounts thereafter. To the extent that the Fund invests any assets in an underlying fund managed by the Sub-Adviser or an affiliate of the Sub-Adviser (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes but is not limited to foreign underlying ETFs managed by the Sub-Adviser or an affiliate of the Sub-Adviser), the assets on which the sub-advisory fee is calculated will not include any assets invested in such underlying fund. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
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Investment Sub-Adviser (to KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF)
Wahed Invest LLC (“Wahed” or “Sub-Adviser”), located at 27 East 28th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, serves as the investment sub-adviser of the Fund. Krane retains sole responsibility for submitting investment orders and executing trades on behalf of the Fund. Krane will pay Wahed a sub-advisory fee of fifty (50%) percent of the Net Revenue received by the Adviser from the Fund. Net Revenue is defined for these purposes as gross revenue under Schedule A of the Sub-Advisory Agreement – (minus) gross fund-related expenses (including any waiver by Krane of its compensation under the Investment Advisory Agreement and any reimbursements by Krane of the Fund’s expenses). The Sub-Adviser is an SEC-registered investment adviser that offers advisory services based on a Shariah-compliant digital investment platform to assist individuals with creating ethically responsible investment portfolios, in addition to providing investment advisory services to the Fund and other investment company clients. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ending March 31, 2026.
Portfolio Managers
KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF, KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF, KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF, KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF, KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF, KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF, KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF, KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF, KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF, KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF, KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF, KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF, KraneShares Hang Seng TECH ETF, KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF, KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF, KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF, KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF, KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF, KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF, KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF, KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF, KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF, KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF, KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF, KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF, KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF, KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF and KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF
James Maund, Head of Capital Markets at the Adviser, has served as the lead portfolio manager of each Fund since January 2020 or since inception, as applicable. He joined the Adviser in 2020 and has over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry. Previously, he was a Vice President in the Institutional ETF Group and a member of the ETF Capital Markets Group at State Street Global Advisors (2010-2019); and an ETF trader at Goldman Sachs & Co (2005-2009). Mr. Maund graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wesleyan University.
Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of each Fund and supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team with respect to each Fund. Mr. Shelon has been a portfolio manager of each Fund since August 2018 or since inception. Mr. Shelon joined Krane in 2015. Mr. Shelon has spent the majority of his career managing investment portfolios and diverse teams at leading asset management organizations. Prior to joining Krane, he was the Chief Investment Officer of a 40-person global Specialized Strategies Team at J.P. Morgan with $40 billion AUM. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Mr. Shelon spent ten years as a portfolio manager at Fidelity Investments where he was responsible for the investment performance, process and evolution of their target-date strategies for retirement savings, college savings and income generation.
Additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
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KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF
Wai Hoong Leong and Jian Wei Loh serve as portfolio managers for the Fund since August 2021 and February 2024, respectively.
Wai Hoong Leong is a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Asian Fixed Income investment team, responsible for managing active Asian credit portfolios. He has been highly commended as “One of the Most Astute Investors” by “The Asset Benchmark Research” over numerous years, particularly for the Asian G3 denominated bonds category. Wai Hoong joined Amova Asia in August 2006 and has 26 years of experience in credit analysis, and was previously with The Norinchukin Bank, Singapore Branch and DBS Bank. His coverage spanned across sectors such as telecommunications, technology, and transportation in ASEAN, Greater China, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Wai Hoong holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Degree in Banking and Finance from the National University of Singapore and is a CFA charterholder.
Jian Wei Loh is a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Asian Fixed Income investment team. He currently manages institutional Asian Fixed Income portfolios and is mainly responsible for shaping portfolio strategies across the firm’s Asian Investment Grade Credit mandates. He also has experience managing various strategies ranging from fully active benchmarked funds to passive mandates. Jian Wei joined Amova Asia in August 2011. Prior to this, he was with Prudent Asia Capital Management and UOB Asset Management where he specialised in bank capital and global credits. He has 25 years of experience in the financial industry, combining 18 years of credit-related experience in the asset management industry, and 7 years as an economist with Bank Negara Malaysia in the Monetary Assessment and Strategy Department. Jian Wei holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, and is a CFA® charterholder.
Additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF and KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 ETF
Ms. Qiong Wan, Fund Manager at Bosera, is responsible for managing each Fund. Ms. Wan has more than twenty years of work experience in the financial industry. During that time, she has managed ETFs and index funds. Ms. Wan joined Bosera in March 2011 as portfolio manager assistant of the Passive & Quant Investment Team, and then worked as portfolio manager of the Passive & Quant Investment Team since June 2015. Currently, she also serves as Head of the Passive & Quant Investment Team at Bosera. Ms. Wan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from China’s Central South University and a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics from China’s Central South University. Additional information about the Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, and the Portfolio Manager’s ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF and KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF
Luke Oliver, Head of Alternatives at the Adviser, has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception. He joined the Adviser in 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Previously, he oversaw the U.S. ETF business at DWS (formally Deutsche Asset Management) as Head of ETFs and Index Investing from 2019-2021, and as Head of Capital Markets from 2013-2019 and one of the co-founders of the business. From 2009-2013 he was Director, Portfolio Manager for the DB PowerShares suite of commodity ETFs. Prior to that, at Deutsche Bank, he was Head of Transaction Management for Deutsche US FX Business. Additional information about the Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, and the Portfolio Manager’s ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
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KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF
Sui Yang Phang has been the Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser since 2024 and has served as the portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, and a Master’s in International Business from Nottingham University, UK. He started his career with Citigroup Global Markets in 2005, as a derivatives structurer in the Fixed Income Currencies and Commodities (FICC) group, advising clients on risk management. In 2011, he moved to its Equities and Multi-Asset Group, where he advised clients on investment management. In 2016, he joined Nest, a business focused on venture capital and technology, as Managing Partner. Immediately prior to joining the Sub-Adviser, he was the COO of Neo Risk Investment Advisors, a boutique fund manager in Hong Kong. Additional information about the Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager and the Portfolio Manager’s ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF
Derek Yan, Senior Investment Strategist of the Adviser, also serves as a portfolio manager of the Fund and supports Mr. Maund and Krane’s investment team with respect to the Fund. Mr. Yan joined Krane in 2015 and has over 10 years of experience in investment research, portfolio management, and ETF product development. He is responsible for investment research and strategy and product development across a range of thematic and global equity strategies. Mr. Yan is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. He holds a master’s degree in business analytics from Bentley University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Peking University. Additional information about the Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, and the Portfolio Manager’s ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF
John Lidington is a portfolio manager, covering liquid private equity and a senior client portfolio manager at Numeric and has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception. Prior to joining Numeric in 2017, John ran a technology company and was previously responsible for launching Infogroup’s expansion into providing alternative data products to the investment management industry. John began his career at Russell Investments as a senior researcher and portfolio manager. John graduated from Harvard University and is a CFA charterholder.
Additional information about the Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, and the Portfolio Manager’s ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF
Timothy J. Rudderow Sr., is the Chairman of MLIA and its managing member, Mount Lucas Management LP. Mr. Rudderow helped to establish Mount Lucas Management Corporation in 1986. Prior to the mergers that took place in October 1999, Mr. Rudderow was also a principal of Little Brook Corporation in New Jersey, which he joined in 1983 as Director of Research and Development, and of CA Partners, Inc., a company he helped form in 1990. From 1984 to 2000, he was registered as a Commodity Trading Advisor in his own name. Prior to joining Little Brook, Mr. Rudderow was employed by Commodities Corporation with responsibilities for the design and management of technical trading systems. Before joining Commodities Corporation, Mr. Rudderow taught Economics at Drexel University. Mr. Rudderow received a B.A. in Mathematics from Rutgers University in 1977 and an M.B.A. in Management Analysis from Drexel University in 1979.
Gerald L. Prior, III is Chief Investment Officer – Managed Futures, and Chief Operating Officer of MLIA and its managing member, Mount Lucas Management LP. Mr. Prior joined the predecessor to Mount Lucas Management LP (Mount Lucas Management Corp.) in 1997. He served as portfolio manager for MLM Index™, for MLM Symmetry™ and for custom quantitative derivative products. Previously, he was responsible for maintaining the firm’s investment technology infrastructure and for conducting extensive portfolio research using futures modelling. Mr. Prior’s particular expertise is in the development, implementation, and oversight of the firm’s proprietary models, and their execution through the trading operation. Mr. Prior graduated cum laude in 1997 from Villanova University with a B.S. in Mathematics.
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David Aspell, Chief Investment Officer – Global Macro, joined MLIA’s managing member, Mount Lucas Management LP, in 2011 as the Chief Risk Officer. Prior to joining Mount Lucas, Mr. Aspell spent approximately 6 years at Man Group as a Senior Risk Manager, working in London, New York, and Chicago. Mr. Aspell holds a Masters degree from Nottingham University.
Additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
Additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of Fund shares is available in the SAI.
Other Service Providers
SEI Investments Global Funds Services (“Administrator”) serves as administrator for the Fund. The Administrator provides necessary administrative and accounting services for the maintenance and operations of the Trust and the Fund, and makes available the office space, equipment, personnel and facilities required to provide such services.
SEI Investments Distribution Co. (“Distributor”), an affiliate of the Administrator, serves as the Fund’s distributor. Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor, and the Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the shares of the Fund.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”) serves as custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. BBH maintains in separate accounts cash, securities and other assets of the Fund, keeps all necessary accounts and records, and provides other services.
China Construction Bank Corporation serves as the local custodian in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC Custodian”). PRC securities are dealt and held in book-entry form through the China Central Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“CCDCC”) and Shanghai Clearing House (“SCH”). PRC securities purchased by Krane in its capacity as each Fund’s QFI (if applicable), through the Bond Connect Program or through the CIBM may be received in a securities account maintained by the PRC Custodian in the joint names of the PRC Custodian and the Fund.
PRC securities purchased by Krane or a sub-adviser in their capacity as QFI are received in a securities account maintained by the PRC Custodian in the joint names of the Funds and Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable. Pursuant to a sub-custodian agreement and a supplementary control agreement, the Funds are or would be recognized as the beneficial owner, and control the disposition, of assets in the account, even though, pursuant to Chinese law and regulations, the QFI holder (in addition to the Funds) is the legal owner of the account.
Prior Performance of Similar Accounts Managed by Amova Asset Management Americas, Inc.
Amova Asset Management Americas, Inc. and its affiliates (the “Sub-Adviser”) also manage other accounts referred to as Asia High Yield Bond Composite (the “Composite”) that comprises all accounts managed by the Sub-Adviser with investment objectives, policies and strategies that are substantially similar to the Fund. Below you will find information about the prior performance of the Composite. The total asset size of all the accounts comprising the Composite as of March 31, 2026 was approximately $33.38 million. The performance information has been provided by the Sub-Adviser and relates to the historical performance of the Composite, as measured against a broad-based market index, the JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Non-Investment Grade Corporate Index.
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The performance of the Composite should not be considered a substitute for the performance of the Fund, does not represent the past performance of the Fund and is not an indication of the future performance of the Fund. You should not assume that the Fund will have the same performance as the Composite. The performance of the Fund may be better or worse than the performance of the Composite due to, among other things, differences in brokerage commissions, account expenses, including management fees, the size of positions taken in relation to account size and diversification of securities, timing of purchases and sales, and availability of cash for new investments between the Fund and the accounts in the Composite. In addition, the accounts included in the Composite are not registered mutual funds and are not subject to the same types of expenses as the Fund, nor have they been subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements or other restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance results of the Composite. Notwithstanding these differences, the accounts included in the Composite and the Fund are substantially similar from an investment perspective.
The Composite’s performance information is calculated in accordance with GIPS®, created and administered by the CFA Institute. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC’s standardized methodology that will be used to calculate the Funds’ performance and may result in an average annual total return that may be higher than that derived from the SEC’s standardized methodology. The Composite consists of more than one account and is asset weighted by beginning-of-period asset values. Investment results are time-weighted performance calculations representing total return. Returns are calculated using geometric linking of monthly returns. The Composite is valued at least monthly, taking into account cash flows. All realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, as well as all dividends and interest from investments and cash balances, are included. Equity dividends are accrued as of the ex-dividend date. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. The Composite results include all actual fee-paying, discretionary client accounts including those clients no longer with the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates. Accounts are included in the Composite beginning with the first full month of performance to the present or to the cessation of the client’s relationship with the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates. Terminated accounts are included through the last full month in which they were fully invested, and no alterations of the Composite have occurred due to changes in personnel.
Net returns are presented net of actual investment management fees, trading commission and administration fees. Gross returns are presented gross of investment management fees and other fund related fees (e.g. custodial fee, administrative fee, etc.) but net of all trading commissions.
The first table below shows how the performance of the Composite has varied from year to year. The second table shows what the returns of the Composite would equal if you averaged out actual performance over various lengths of time.
| Calendar Year Returns Ended December 31 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Composite (net) | 9.38 | 6.19 | -1.99 | 10.26 | 6.68 | -15.93 | -9.42 | 3.69 | 10.51 | 9.82 |
| Composite (gross) | 10.58 | 7.45 | -0.82 | 11.63 | 8.13 | -14.75 | -8.68 | 4.53 | 11.30 | 10.59 |
| JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Non-Investment Grade Corporate Index | 11.36 | 6.15 | -3.24 | 12.72 | 7.02 | -13.39 | -13.83 | 0.52 | 13.95 | 9.43 |
| Average Annual Returns as of December 31, 2025 | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years |
| Composite (net) | 9.82 | -0.85 | 2.52 |
| Composite (gross) | 10.59 | 0.03 | 3.60 |
| JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Non-Investment Grade Corporate Index | 9.43 | -1.33 | 2.58 |
The JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) Non-Investment Grade Corporate Index captures the performance of high yield US denominated debt instruments issued by corporate entities in Asia.
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Shareholder Information
Calculating NAV
Each Fund calculates its NAV by:
| ● | Taking the current market value of its total assets |
| ● | Subtracting any liabilities and withholdings (if any) |
| ● | Dividing that amount by the total number of shares owned by the shareholders |
Each Fund normally calculates NAV as of the regularly scheduled close of normal trading on each day that the NYSE is scheduled to be open for business (a “Business Day”) (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
Securities listed on a securities exchange (i.e., exchange-traded equity securities), market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ), including securities traded over the counter, are valued by independent pricing agents at the last reported sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded (or at the time as of which the Fund’s NAV is calculated if a security’s exchange is normally open at that time). If there is no such reported sale, such securities are valued at the most recently reported bid price. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. If a security price cannot be obtained from an independent, third-party pricing agent, the Fund seeks to obtain bid and ask prices from two broker-dealers who make a market in the portfolio instrument and determines the average of the two or may determine a fair value using a different methodology. If a broker-dealer is unable or unwilling to provide both bid and ask prices, the Administrator will obtain a bid price.
If available, debt securities are priced based upon valuations provided by independent, third-party pricing agents. Such values generally reflect the last reported sales price if the security is actively traded. The third-party pricing agents may also value debt securities at an evaluated bid price by employing methodologies that utilize actual market transactions, broker-supplied valuations, or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities. Debt obligations with remaining maturities of sixty days or less may be valued at their amortized cost, which approximates market value.
The prices for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates. The exchange rates used for valuation are captured as of the close of the London Stock Exchange each day normally at 4:00 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time.
The value of a swap contract is equal to the obligation (or rights) under the swap contract, which will generally be equal to the net amounts to be paid or received under the contract based upon the relative values of the positions held by each party to the contract as determined by the applicable independent, third party pricing agent.
Swaps cleared through a central clearing house (“centrally cleared swaps”) are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of the exchange on which they are listed. The daily settlement prices for centrally cleared swaps are provided by an independent pricing agent. Swaps which are not centrally cleared are priced based on valuations provided by an independent pricing agent.
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In a typical equity swap, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, stock index, or basket of stocks (the “equity leg” of the swap) in return for interest payment(s) calculated based on the notional amount of the swap (the “financing leg” of the swap). Each leg of the swap is valued separately, and the net amount of the two legs is included in the Fund’s net asset value. For swaps held by the series within the Trust that seek two times (200%) the daily investment results of underlying equities, the value of the equity leg of the swap is provided by an independent pricing agent based on the value of the financial instrument underlying the swap. The value of the financing leg of the swap is systematically calculated by the Fund’s accounting agent based on the details of the swap.
For swaps held by the KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF, a preliminary indicative price is provided by Nasdaq each day for the index underlying the swap. This price is used to value the equity leg of the swap. The value of the financing leg of the swap is systematically calculated by the Fund’s accounting agent based on the details of the swap.
Exchange-traded options contracts (other than FLEX Option contracts noted below) are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, exchange-traded options contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued based upon prices determined by the applicable independent, third party pricing agent. FLEX (short for flexible) options are normally valued using a model-based price provided by a third-party pricing vendor. On days when a trade in a FLEX options occurs, the trade price will be used to value such FLEX options in lieu of the model price.
Futures are valued at the settlement price established by the board of trade on which they are traded. Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at the current day’s interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day’s spot rate and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180-day forward rates provided by an independent pricing agent.
Securities issued by a wholly owned subsidiary of a Fund will be valued at the subsidiary’s net asset value, which will be determined using the same pricing policies and procedures applicable to the Fund.
Investments in open-end investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day NAV per share. Investments in open-end investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued in the same manner as other exchange-traded equity securities (described above).
On certain days, the settlement price for futures may not be available at the time the Fund calculates its NAV. On such days, the best available price (which is typically the last trade price) may be used to value futures.
Investments for which market prices are not “readily available,” or are not deemed to reflect current market values, or are debt securities where no evaluated price is available from third-party pricing agents pursuant to established methodologies, are fair valued in accordance with the Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. Some of the more common reasons that may necessitate that a security be valued using “fair value” pricing may include, but are not limited to: the security’s trading has been halted or suspended; the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed; or the security has not been traded for an extended period of time.
In addition, a Fund may fair value its securities if an event that may materially affect the value of a Fund’s securities that trade outside of the United States (a “Significant Event”) has occurred between the time of the security’s last close and the time that a Fund calculates its NAV. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector, country or region. Events that may be Significant Events may include: government actions, natural disasters, armed conflict, acts of terrorism and significant market fluctuations. If Krane becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a portfolio instrument or group of portfolio instruments after the closing of the exchange or market on which the portfolio instrument or portfolio instruments principally trade, but before the time at which a Fund calculates its NAV, it will notify the Administrator and may request that an ad hoc meeting of the Fair Value Pricing Committee be called.
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With respect to trade-halted securities, the Adviser typically will fair value a trade-halted security by adjusting the security’s last market close price by the security’s sector performance, as measured by a predetermined index, unless Krane’s Fair Value Pricing Committee determines to make additional adjustments. Certain foreign securities exchanges have mechanisms in place that confine one day’s price movement in an individual security to a pre-determined price range based on that day’s opening price (“Collared Securities”). Fair value determinations for Collared Securities will generally be capped based on any applicable pre-determined “limit down” or “limit up” prices established by the relevant foreign securities exchange. As an example, China A-Shares can only be plus or minus ten percent in one day of trading in the relevant mainland China equity market. As a result, the fair value price determination on a given day will generally be capped plus or minus ten percent.
Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could actually be realized upon the sale of the security or that another fund that uses market quotations or its own fair value procedures to price the same securities.
Trading in securities on many foreign exchanges is normally completed before the close of business on each Business Day. In addition, securities trading in a particular country or countries may not take place on each Business Day or may take place on days that are not Business Days. Changes in valuations on certain securities may occur at times or on days on which a Fund’s NAV is not calculated and on which Fund shares do not trade and sales and redemptions of shares do not occur. As a result, the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities and the net asset value of its shares may change on days when share purchases or sales cannot occur.
With respect to the securities of private companies, the Administrator will obtain the price of private company securities from the Valuation Designee, who will determine their fair value using various inputs, including observable data such as cost basis, primary financing rounds, tender offers, and secondary market activity. The Valuation Designee will also normally consider pricing from two independent pricing experts, comparables of public and private companies, and relevant market news. While primary financing rounds, tender offers, and cost basis are expected to be the main drivers of fair value, all factors will be considered. A daily dashboard will be stored to record data being considered. In addition to conducting a pricing and trend analysis on the data received from the independent pricing experts, the Valuation Designee will take business cycle, market depth, transaction size and other relevant factors into consideration when reviewing observable data and will periodically assess the pricing methodology used by the independent pricing experts.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Shares of a Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof. Only a broker-dealer (“Authorized Participant”) that enters into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Fund’s distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the “Distributor”), may engage in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund. Purchases and redemptions directly with a Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, and are subject to transaction fees, which are described in the SAI. Orders for such transactions may be rejected or delayed if they are not submitted in good order and subject to the other conditions set forth in this prospectus and the SAI.
Please see the SAI for more information about purchases and redemptions of Creation Units.
Once purchased (i.e., created) by an Authorized Participant, shares are listed on the Exchange and trade in the secondary market. When you buy or sell a Fund’s shares in the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. The price at which you buy or sell Shares (i.e., the market price) may be more or less than the NAV of the Shares. Unless imposed by your broker, there is no minimum dollar amount you must invest in the Fund and no minimum number of Shares you must buy. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities. Most investors will buy and sell shares through a broker and, thus, will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable by the Fund.
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The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
For more information on how to buy and sell shares of a Fund, call 1.855.857.2638 or visit www.kraneshares.com.
Premium/Discount Information
Information showing the number of days the market price of each Fund’s shares was greater than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a premium) and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a discount) for various time periods is available by visiting the Fund’s website at www.kraneshares.com. The premium and discount information contained on the website represents past performance and cannot be used to predict future results.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Each day the Fund is open for business, the Trust publicly disseminates the Fund’s full portfolio holdings as of the close of the previous day through the website. A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The holdings of a Fund can be found on the Funds’ website at www.kraneshares.com.
Active Investors and Market Timing
The Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of each Fund’s shares because each Fund sells and redeems its shares at NAV only in Creation Units pursuant to the terms of an Authorized Participant Agreement between the Authorized Participant and the Distributor, and such direct trading between the Fund and Authorized Participants is critical to ensuring that the Fund’s shares trade at or close to NAV. Further, the vast majority of trading in Fund shares occurs on the secondary market, which does not involve a Fund directly and therefore does not cause the Fund to experience many of the harmful effects of market timing, such as dilution and disruption of portfolio management. In addition, each Fund imposes a transaction fee on Creation Unit transactions, which is designed to offset transfer and other transaction costs incurred by the Fund in connection with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units and may employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order at any time and reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
Investments by Registered Investment Companies
Each Fund is eligible for investment by other investment companies pursuant to the exemptive relief provided by the SEC in Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, except KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF, KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF, KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF, KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF, KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF and KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF are not eligible for investment by other investment companies pursuant to the exemptive relief provided by the SEC in Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act. This policy is subject to change.
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Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units of Fund shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by each Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in a Fund’s shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of a Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), Krane, a Fund sub-adviser or an affiliate of either may pay the intermediary for marketing activities or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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Distribution Plan
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) that allows each Fund to pay distribution fees to the Distributor and other firms that provide distribution services (“Service Providers”). Under the Plan, if a Service Provider provides distribution services, a Fund would pay distribution fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distributor would, in turn, pay the Service Provider out of its fees. The Board of Trustees currently has determined not to implement any 12b-1 fees pursuant to the Plan. 12b-1 fees may only be imposed after approval by the Board of Trustees. Because any distribution fees would be paid out of a Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, if payments are made in the future, the distribution fees would increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Householding Policy
To reduce expenses, we mail only one copy of the prospectus or summary prospectus, each annual and semi-annual report, and any proxy statements to each address shared by two or more accounts with the same last name or that the Trust reasonably believes are members of the same family. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Trust at 1.855.857.2638 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on days the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution. We will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. Investors who hold their shares through an intermediary are subject to the intermediary’s policies. Contact your financial intermediary for any questions you may have.
Dividends and Distributions
Except as provided below, each Fund intends to pay out dividends, if any, at least annually.
Each of KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF, KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF and KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF intends to pay out dividends, if any, at least monthly, which may include return of capital.
Each of KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF, KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF and KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF may pay out net investment income, if any, at least semi-annually in June and December, but may pay such income as frequently as quarterly.
KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF currently intends to distribute on a monthly basis its option premium income so that the Fund’s monthly distribution percentage does not exceed 2% of net asset value. The Fund’s distribution in December may exceed this amount in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company.
The KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF typically distributes any net investment income quarterly. Each Fund also distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to investors annually. Each Fund may make distributions on a more or less frequent basis. A Fund may occasionally be required to make supplemental distributions at some other time during the year. Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available. Your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you. Each Fund reserves the right to declare special distributions, including if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed income.
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Additional Tax Information
The following is a summary of some important tax issues that affect each Fund and its shareholders. The summary is based on current tax laws, which may be changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action. You should not consider this summary to be a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds, or the tax consequences of an investment in a Fund. More information about taxes is located in the SAI. You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as to federal, state and local income taxes.
Tax Status of each Fund
Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for federal tax purposes, and intends to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies. As long as a Fund qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, it pays no federal income tax on the earnings it distributes to shareholders.
Tax Status of Distributions
Each Fund will, at least annually, distribute substantially all of its net investment taxable income and net capital gains.
The income dividends you receive from a Fund (which include the Fund’s short-term capital gains) will be taxed as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. For non-corporate shareholders, dividends that are reported as qualified dividend income are generally taxable at reduced maximum tax rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income and subject to certain limitations and holding period requirements.
Distributions of a Fund’s short-term capital gains are generally taxable as ordinary income. Any distributions of net capital gain (the excess of a Fund’s net long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses) are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares. Long-term capital gains are taxable at reduced maximum tax rates.
If a Fund makes distributions to a shareholder in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.
Each Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund’s ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of distributions you receive from a Fund.
Dividends and distributions are generally taxable to you whether you receive them in cash or in additional shares. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends-received deduction for the portion of dividends they receive that is attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations, subject to certain limitations. The KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF, KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF, KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF, Kraneshares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF, KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF and KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF do not expect to distribute dividends eligible for qualified dividend income treatment or the dividends received deduction.
Distributions paid in January but declared by a Fund in October, November or December of the previous year may be taxable to you in the previous year. Your broker will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income, and capital gains distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.
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If you lend your Fund shares pursuant to securities lending arrangements, you may lose the ability to treat the Fund’s dividends (paid while the shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. Consult your financial intermediary or tax adviser.
Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these withholding taxes is recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities in a Fund. If more than 50% of the total assets of a Fund at the close of a year consist of non-U.S. stocks or securities, then the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat certain non-U.S. income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund as paid by its shareholders. The Fund will provide you with the information necessary to reflect foreign taxes paid on your income tax return if it makes this election. Please see “— Chinese Tax Considerations” below for a further discussion of these issues with respect to China, which imposes withholding taxes on interest payments, dividends and possibly capital gains from PRC securities.
If you hold your shares in a tax-qualified retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on income received with respect to the shares (including Fund dividends and distributions, and any gain on the sale of shares), until you begin receiving payments from your retirement account. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax rules that apply to your retirement account.
Tax Status of Share Transactions
Any capital gain or loss upon a sale of a Fund’s shares is generally treated as a long-term gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term gain or loss if held for one year or less. Any capital loss on the sale of a Fund’s shares held for six months or less is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent that any capital gain distributions were paid with respect to such shares.
Medicare Contribution Tax
U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of a Fund). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.
Back-Up Withholding
A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold at applicable withholding rates (currently 24%) and remit to the U.S. Treasury the amount withheld on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to back-up withholding by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to back-up withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien).
Non-U.S. Investors
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or if you are a non-U.S. entity, a Fund’s ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains, unless the Fund designates such distributions as short-term capital gain dividends) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies, provided that withholding tax will generally not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. shareholder in respect of any distributions of long-term capital gains or upon the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund (or dividends designated as interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends). You also may potentially be subject to U.S. federal estate taxes.
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A 30% withholding tax will generally be imposed on dividends paid by a Fund to (i) foreign financial institutions including non-U.S. investment funds unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS, or the tax authorities in their home jurisdictions, information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain other foreign entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement. Proposed regulations (which are effective while pending) eliminate the application of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) withholding tax to capital gain dividends and redemption proceeds that was scheduled to take effect in 2019.
State Tax Considerations
In addition to federal taxes, distributions by a Fund and ownership of a Fund’s shares may be subject to state and local taxes. You should consult your tax adviser regarding how state and local tax laws affect your investment in the Fund’s shares.
Chinese Tax Considerations
Although Chinese law provides for a 10% tax on capital gains realized by non-residents (“CGT”), significant uncertainties remain regarding the implementation of this law. Such uncertainties may result in capital gains imposed upon the Fund relative to debt securities of companies headquartered, managed or listed in China. While the application and enforcement of this law with respect to the Funds remain subject to clarification, to the extent that such taxes are imposed on any capital gains of the Funds, the Funds’ NAV or returns may be adversely impacted.
Per a circular (Caishui [2014] 79), the Fund is temporarily exempt from the Chinese CGT on trading in A-Shares as a QFI on the Shanghai Stock Exchange through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect as of November 17, 2014, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as of December 5, 2016. There is no indication as to how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect. Accordingly, a Fund may be subject to such taxes in the future. On October 27, 2021, the Chinese government extended an exemption from the corporate income tax withholding tax and value added tax for China-sourced bond interest derived by overseas institutional investors until December 31, 2025, but its application, such as with respect to the type of debt issuers covered by the exemption, and whether such taxes will be implemented again after December 31, 2025, remains unclear in certain respects.
The Funds reserve the right to establish reserves for taxes which present uncertainty as to whether they will be assessed, although they currently do not do so. If a Fund establishes such a reserve but is not ultimately subject to these taxes, shareholders who redeemed or sold their shares while the reserve was in place will effectively bear the tax and may not benefit from the later release, if any, of the reserve. Conversely, if a Fund does not establish such a reserve but ultimately is subject to the tax, shareholders who redeemed or sold their shares prior to the tax being withheld, reserved or paid will have effectively avoided the tax. Investors should note that such provision, if any, may be excessive or inadequate to meet actual tax liabilities (which could include interest and penalties) on a Fund’s investments. As a result, investors may be advantaged or disadvantaged depending on the final rules of the relevant tax authorities.
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Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units
A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from a Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.
Each Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. Each Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determinations.
Index Provider Information and Disclaimers
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF
KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF
China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“CSI”), a leading index provider in China, is a joint venture between the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that specializes in the creation of indices and index-related services. CSI is not affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. Krane has entered into a license agreement with CSI to use the relevant Underlying Indexes and CSI marks, and sublicenses such rights to the relevant Funds at no charge. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Funds.
The Funds are neither sponsored nor promoted, distributed or in any other manner supported by CSI. The Underlying Indexes are compiled and calculated by CSI. CSI will apply all necessary means to ensure the accuracy of the Underlying Indexes. However, neither CSI nor the Shanghai Stock Exchange nor the Shenzhen Stock Exchange shall be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Underlying Indexes and neither CSI nor the Shanghai Stock Exchange nor the Shenzhen Stock Exchange shall be under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. All copyrights in the Underlying Index values and constituent lists vest in CSI. Neither the publication of the Underlying Indexes by CSI nor the granting of a license of rights relating to the Underlying Indexes or to the Index Trademark for the utilization in connection with the Funds, represents a recommendation by CSI for a capital investment or contains in any manner a warranty or opinion by CSI with respect to the attractiveness of an investment in the Funds.
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KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF
KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF
Neither MerQube, Inc. nor any of its affiliates (collectively, “MerQube”) is the issuer or producer of KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF and MerQube has no duties, responsibilities, or obligations to investors in KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF. The index underlying the KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETFis a product of MerQube and has been licensed for use by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC. Such index is calculated using, among other things, market data or other information (“Input Data”) from one or more sources (each such source, a “Data Provider”). MerQube® is a registered trademark of MerQube, Inc. This trademark has been licensed for certain purposes by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC in its capacity as the issuer of the KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF. KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MerQube, any Data Provider, or any other third party, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF particularly, nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Input Data, the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index, or any associated data. Neither MerQube nor the Data Providers make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares/units of KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF or to any member of the public, of any kind, including regarding the ability of the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index to track market performance or any asset class. The MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index is determined, composed and calculated by MerQube without regard to Krane Funds Advisors, LLC or the KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF. MerQube and Data Providers have no obligation to take the needs of Krane Funds Advisors, LLC or the owners of KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index. Neither MerQube nor any Data Provider is responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices or amount of KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF or the timing of the issuance or sale of KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF is to be converted into cash, surrendered or redeemed, as the case may be. MerQube and Data Providers have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF. There is no assurance that investment products based on the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. MerQube is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within an index is not a recommendation by MerQube to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.
NEITHER MERQUBE NOR ANY OTHER DATA PROVIDER GUARANTEES THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE MERQUBE GLOBAL HUMANOID AND EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO (INCLUDING DATA INPUTS) OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO. NEITHER MERQUBE NOR ANY OTHER DATA PROVIDERS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. MERQUBE AND ITS DATA PROVIDERS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND THEY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC, OWNERS OF THE KRANESHARES GLOBAL HUMANOID ROBOTICS AND PHYSICAL AI INDEX ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE MERQUBE GLOBAL HUMANOID AND EMBODIED INTELLIGENCE INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL MERQUBE OR DATA PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THE FOREGOING REFERENCES TO “MERQUBE” AND/OR “DATA PROVIDER” SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS, CONTRACTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REFERENCED PARTY.
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KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF
Kraneshares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF
KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF
Solactive AG is a leading index provider to exchange-traded funds. Solactive is not affiliated with is not affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. “Solactive” is a trademark of the Solactive AG. Krane has entered into a license agreement with Solactive to use the relevant Underlying Index and Solactive marks, and sublicenses such rights to the relevant Fund at no charge. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Funds.
The Funds are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Solactive and Solactive does not make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of the Underlying Index, (ii) the figure at which the Underlying Index is said to stand at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the fitness or suitability of the Underlying Index for the particular purpose to which it is being put in connection with the Funds. Solactive has not provided and does not provide any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to the Underlying Index to Krane or its affiliates or to its customers or clients, including the Funds. The Underlying Index is calculated by Solactive or its agent. Solactive is not liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Underlying Index and is under no obligation to advise any person of any error therein. All rights in the Underlying Index vest in Solactive.
The Index Provider makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by Krane or its affiliates, owners of shares of the Funds or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Index Provider makes no express or implied warranties and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Index Provider have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) resulting from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF
KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF
KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF
KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF
MSCI Inc. is a leading provider of global indexes. MSCI is not affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. Krane has entered into a license agreement with MSCI to use the relevant Underlying Indexes and MSCI marks, and sublicenses such rights to the relevant Funds at no charge. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Funds.
THE FUNDS ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI INC. (“MSCI”), ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING OR CREATING ANY MSCI INDEX (COLLECTIVELY, THE “MSCI PARTIES”). THE MSCI INDEXES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY KRANE. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN FUNDS GENERALLY OR IN THIS FUND PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDEXES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THE FUNDS OR THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDEXES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE FUNDS TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY OR THE CONSIDERATION INTO WHICH THE FUNDS ARE REDEEMABLE. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THE FUNDS.
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ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDEXES FROM SOURCES THAT MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ISSUER OF THE FUNDS, OWNERS OF THE FUNDS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND THE MSCI PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
No purchaser, seller or holder of this security, product or fund, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote this security without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI’s permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF
“Bloomberg®” and Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index (the “Index”) are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”), and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Krane.
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Bloomberg. Bloomberg does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of or counterparties to the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly. The only relationship of Bloomberg to Krane is the licensing of certain trademarks, trade names and service marks and of the Index, which is determined, composed and calculated by BISL without regard to Krane or the Funds. Bloomberg has no obligation to take the needs of Krane, or the owners of the Funds into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. Bloomberg is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Funds to be issued. Bloomberg shall not have any obligation or liability, including, without limitation, to Funds customers, in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.
BLOOMBERG DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. BLOOMBERG DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY KRANE, OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. BLOOMBERG DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, BLOOMBERG, ITS LICENSORS, AND ITS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, AND VENDORS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGES—WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE—ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUNDS OR INDEX OR ANY DATA OR VALUES RELATING THERETO—WHETHER ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
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KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF
KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF
KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF
The Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC. S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx®, iTraxx® and CDX® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”) and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Krane Funds Advisors, LLC Products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Krane Funds Advisors, LLC Products or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in Krane Funds Advisors, LLC Products particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance. Past performance of an index is not an indication or guarantee of future results. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to Krane Funds Advisors, LLC with respect to the Index is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its licensors. The Index is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to Krane Funds Advisors, LLC or the Krane Funds Advisors, LLC Products. S&P Dow Jones Indices has no obligation to take the needs of Krane Funds Advisors, LLC or the owners of Krane Funds Advisors, LLC Products into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of Krane Funds Advisors, LLC Products. There is no assurance that investment products based on the Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment adviser, commodity trading advisory, commodity pool operator, broker dealer, fiduciary, promoter” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), “expert” as enumerated within 15 U.S.C. § 77k(a) or tax advisor. Inclusion of a security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset, nor is it considered to be investment advice or commodity trading advice. SPDJI provides indices that use environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) indicators (including, without limit, business involvement screens, conformance to voluntary corporate standards, GHG emissions data, and ESG scores) to select, weight and/or exclude constituents. ESG indicators seek to measure a company’s, or an asset’s performance, with respect to E, S and/or G criteria. ESG indicators are derived from publicly reported data, modelled data, or a combination of reported and modelled data. ESG indicators are based on a qualitative assessment due to the absence of well-defined uniform market standards and the use of multiple methodologies to assess ESG factors. No single clear, definitive test or framework (legal, regulatory, or otherwise) exists to determine labels such as, ‘ESG’, ‘sustainable’, ‘good governance’, ‘no adverse environmental, social and/or other impacts’, or other equivalently labelled objectives. Therefore, the exercise of subjective judgment is necessary. Different persons may classify the same investment, products and/or strategy differently regarding the foregoing labels.
NEITHER S&P DOW JONES INDICES NOR THIRD PARTY LICENSOR GUARANTEES THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC, OWNERS OF THE KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC, PRODUCTS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAS NOT REVIEWED, PREPARED AND/OR CERTIFIED ANY PORTION OF, NOR DOES S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER, THE LICENSEE PRODUCT REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS OR OTHER OFFERING MATERIALS. THERE ARE NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.
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KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF
The Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”) is a comprehensive exchange. China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“CSI”) is a leading index provider in China. Neither SSE nor CSI is affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. Krane has entered into a license agreement with CSI to use the relevant Underlying Index and SSE and CSI marks, and sublicenses such rights to the Fund at no charge. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Fund.
The Fund is not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SSE or CSI and neither SSE nor CSI makes any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of the Underlying Index, (ii) the figure at which the Underlying Index is said to stand at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the fitness or suitability of the Underlying Index for the particular purpose to which it is being put in connection with the Fund. Neither SSE nor CSI have provided and does not provide any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to the Underlying Index to Krane or its affiliates or to its customers or clients, including the Fund. The Underlying Index is calculated by CSI or its agent. Neither SSE nor CSI are liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Underlying Index and is under no obligation to advise any person of any error therein. All rights in the Underlying Index vest in SSE or CSI.
SSE and CSI make no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by Krane or its affiliates, owners of shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. They make no express or implied warranties and expressly disclaim all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall SSE or CSI have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) resulting from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
Kraneshares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF
The Hang Seng TECH Index (the “Index”) is published and compiled by Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited pursuant to a licence from Hang Seng Data Services Limited. The mark and name Hang Seng TECH Index are proprietary to Hang Seng Data Services Limited. Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and Hang Seng Data Services Limited have agreed to the use of, and reference to, the Index by Krane Funds Advisors, LLC in connection with KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF (the “Product”), BUT NEITHER HANG SENG INDEXES COMPANY LIMITED NOR HANG SENG DATA SERVICES LIMITED WARRANTS OR REPRESENTS OR GUARANTEES TO ANY BROKER OR HOLDER OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON (i) THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX AND ITS COMPUTATION OR ANY INFORMATION RELATED THERETO; OR (ii) THE FITNESS OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY PURPOSE OF THE INDEX OR ANY COMPONENT OR DATA COMPRISED IN IT; OR (iii) THE RESULTS WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED BY ANY PERSON FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY COMPONENT OR DATA COMPRISED IN IT FOR ANY PURPOSE, AND NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OR GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER RELATING TO THE INDEX IS GIVEN OR MAY BE IMPLIED. The process and basis of computation and compilation of the Index and any of the related formula or formulae, constituent stocks and factors may at any time be changed or altered by Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited without notice. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED BY HANG SENG INDEXES COMPANY LIMITED OR HANG SENG DATA SERVICES LIMITED (i) IN RESPECT OF THE USE OF AND/OR REFERENCE TO THE INDEX BY KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT; OR (ii) FOR ANY INACCURACIES, OMISSIONS, MISTAKES OR ERRORS OF HANG SENG INDEXES COMPANY LIMITED IN THE COMPUTATION OF THE INDEX; OR (iii) FOR ANY INACCURACIES, OMISSIONS, MISTAKES, ERRORS OR INCOMPLETENESS OF ANY INFORMATION USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPUTATION OF THE INDEX WHICH IS SUPPLIED BY ANY OTHER PERSON; OR (iv) FOR ANY ECONOMIC OR OTHER LOSS WHICH MAY BE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY SUSTAINED BY ANY BROKER OR HOLDER OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON DEALING WITH THE PRODUCT AS A RESULT OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID, AND NO CLAIMS, ACTIONS OR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS MAY BE BROUGHT AGAINST HANG SENG INDEXES COMPANY LIMITED AND/OR HANG SENG DATA SERVICES LIMITED in connection with the Product in any manner whatsoever by any broker, holder or other person dealing with the Product. Any broker, holder or other person dealing with the Product does so therefore in full knowledge of this disclaimer and can place no reliance whatsoever on Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and Hang Seng Data Services Limited. For the avoidance of doubt, this disclaimer does not create any contractual or quasi-contractual relationship between any broker, holder or other person and Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited and/or Hang Seng Data Services Limited and must not be construed to have created such relationship.
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KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF
Value Line®, the Value Line® logo, Timeliness™, and Safety™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Value Line®, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries (“VL Marks”). These trademarks together with others have been licensed to EULAV Asset Management. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of EULAV Asset Management. The Fund is neither sponsored nor promoted, distributed or in any other manner supported by EULAV Asset Management, Value Line® Publishing LLC (“VLP”), Value Line® Inc. (“VLI”) or any of their affiliates (collectively, “VL”) nor is VL affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. Krane has entered into a license agreement with EULAV Asset Management as the index provider to use the Underlying Index and VL marks for the Fund. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Fund.
VL does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of or counterparties to the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly. The only relationship of VL to Krane is the licensing of certain trademarks, trade names and service marks such as the VL Marks and of the Underlying Index, which is determined and composed by EULAV Asset Management and calculated by Fuzzy Logix, Inc. (doing business as “FastINDX”) without regard to Krane or the Fund. VL has no obligation to take the needs of Krane, or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining or composing the Underlying Index. VL is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued. VL shall not have any obligation or liability, including, without limitation, to Fund customers, in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.
VL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. VL DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY KRANE, OWNERS OF THE FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. VL DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, VL, ITS LICENSORS, AND ITS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, AND VENDORS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGES—WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE—ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUND OR UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA OR VALUES RELATING THERETO—WHETHER ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
Value Line®, the Value Line® Logo, Timeliness™ and Safety™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Value Line, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Used by permission. This Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Value Line Publishing LLC (“VLP”), Value Line, Inc. (“VLI”) or any of their affiliates (collectively, “VL”). VL makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners and advisors of the KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF particularly. VL’s only relationship to Krane Funds Advisors LLC (“Licensee”) in connection with this KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF is Licensee’s right to license certain VL service marks and trade names and to use authorized advisory and sub-advisory service providers that license the Value Line® Safety™ Ranking System and the Value Line® Timeliness™ Ranking System (the “Ranks”), which are composed by VL without regard to Licensee, this KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF or any investor. VL has no obligation to take the needs of
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Licensee or any investor in the KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF into consideration in composing the Ranks. The KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF results may differ from the hypothetical or published results of the Ranks. VL is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and composition of the KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF or the timing of the issuance for sale of the KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF or in the calculation of the equations by which the KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF is to be converted into cash. VL MAKES NO WARRANTY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE RANKS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING FROM USAGE OF TRADE, COURSE OF DEALING OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, AND VL MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE POTENTIAL PROFITS OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS THAT MAY BE ACHIEVED BY USING THE RANKS OR ANY INFORMATION OR MATERIALS GENERATED THEREFROM. VL DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE RANKS WILL MEET ANY REQUIREMENTS OR THAT IT WILL BE ACCURATE OR ERROR-FREE. VL ALSO DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY USES, INFORMATION, DATA OR OTHER RESULTS GENERATED FROM THE RANKS. VLP HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY (I) IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THIS KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF; OR (II) FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, COST OR EXPENSE SUFFERED OR INCURRED BY ANY INVESTOR OR OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL VL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF, EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE. THE LICENSING AGREEMENT TO WHICH KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC IS A PARTY (“LICENSEE”) IS SOLELY FOR THEIR BENEFIT AND THE BENEFIT OF VL AND EAM, AND NOT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE KRANESHARES VALUE LINE® DYNAMIC DIVIDEND EQUITY INDEX ETF OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTIES.
KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF
Mount Lucas Index Advisers makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by Krane or its affiliates, owners of shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Index or any data included therein. The Index Provider makes no express or implied warranties and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Index or any data included therein. In no event shall the Index Provider have liability for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) resulting from the use of the Index or any data included therein, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF
HAM is not affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates, except that HAM is affiliated with the Fund (solely in its capacity as the Sub-Adviser to the Fund). In addition to the sub-adviser agreement, Krane and HAM have also entered into an index provider agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which HAM has licensed the exclusive use of the Index and certain related marks to Krane for a fee, and Krane is permitted to sublicense such rights to the Fund and uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Fund. Under the Agreement, HAM is compensated, in part, on the asset size of the Fund and therefore benefits directly from investments in the Fund. HAM is a subsidiary of HRM. HRM provides Hedgeye Risk Range™ signals to HAM under a licensing agreement. As such, HRM benefits directly from investments in the Fund.
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Neither HAM nor HRM make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of the Index, (ii) the performance or price of the Index at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the merchantability, fitness or suitability of the Index for the particular purpose to which it is being put in connection with the Fund. HRM does not provide, any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to the Index to Krane or its affiliates, including the Fund. All rights in the Index vest in HAM other than those licensed to Krane under the Agreement.
Neither HAM nor HRM makes any warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by Krane or its affiliates, owners of shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall HAM or HRM have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) resulting from the use of the Index or any data included therein, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
HRM sells financial research to financial institutions and investors, including the Hedgeye Risk Range™ signals which are a critical input of the Index provided to the Fund by HRM subsidiary, HAM. HRM publishes Hedgeye Risk Range™ signals direct to its subscribers who will receive the Risk Range™ signals before they are delivered to HAM and become a part of the Index. As such, due to processing time between publication and receipt of the Risk Range™ signals by HAM, other investors may execute trades based on the signals before Krane received the published Index for the Fund.
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF
Quant Insight Ltd. (“Index Provider”) is not affiliated with the Trust, Krane, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. Krane has entered into a license agreement with the Index Provider to use the Underlying Index and marks, and sublicenses such rights to the Fund at no charge. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Fund.
The Fund is not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Index Provider, and the Index Provider does not make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of the Underlying Index, (ii) the figure at which the Underlying Index is said to stand at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the fitness or suitability of the Underlying Index for the particular purpose to which it is being put in connection with the Fund. The Index Provider has not provided and does not provide any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to the Underlying Index to Krane or its affiliates or to its customers or clients, including the Fund. All rights in the Underlying Index vest in the Index Provider.
The Index Provider makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by Krane or its affiliates, owners of shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Index Provider makes no express or implied warranties and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Index Provider have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) resulting from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
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KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF
Numeric Investors LLC (“Index Provider”) determines the components and the relative weightings of the component securities in the Underlying Index. Additional information about the Underlying Index is available at www.solactive.com.
The Index Provider is not affiliated with Krane, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any of their respective affiliates. The Index Provider is affiliated with the Fund (solely in its capacity as Sub-Adviser to the Fund).
Krane has entered into a license agreement with Index Provider to use the Index and marks, and sublicenses such rights to the Fund at no charge. Krane uses the marks for the purpose of promoting and marketing the Fund. All rights in the Index vest in the Index Provider.
The Index Provider makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by Krane or its affiliates, owners of shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Index or any data included therein. The Index Provider makes no express or implied warranties and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Index or any data included therein. In no event shall the Index Provider have liability for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) resulting from the use of the Index or any data included therein, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF
Under the terms of a license agreement with Nasdaq (the “License Agreement”), Krane has been granted a license to use the Underlying Index as a basis for determining the composition of the Fund and to use certain trade names, trademarks, and service marks of Nasdaq in connection with the Fund. The License Agreement may be amended by the parties thereto without the consent of any of the beneficial owners of Fund shares and the License Agreement has no express termination date.
None of the Fund, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent or Distributor, or any beneficial owner of Fund shares is entitled to any rights whatsoever under the foregoing licensing arrangements or to use the trademarks and service marks “Nasdaq-100 Index®,” “Nasdaq-100®,” “Nasdaq®,” or “The Nasdaq Stock Market®” or to use the Underlying Index except as specifically described therein or as may be specified in the each party’s agreement with the Trust.
The Underlying Index is determined and composed by Nasdaq without regard to Krane, the Fund, or the beneficial owners of Fund shares. Nasdaq has complete control and sole discretion in determining or comprising the Underlying Index or in modifying in any way its method for determining or comprising the Underlying Index in the future.
Fund shares are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Nasdaq, Inc. or its affiliates (Nasdaq, with its affiliates, are referred to as the “Corporations”). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Fund shares. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to the owners of the Fund shares or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund shares particularly, or the ability of the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index to track general stock market performance. The Corporations’ only relationship to Krane (“Licensee”) is in the licensing of the “Nasdaq-100 Index®,” “Nasdaq-100®,” “Nasdaq®,” or “The Nasdaq Stock Market®”, and certain trade names of the Corporations and the use of the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Nasdaq without regard to Licensee or the Fund shares. Nasdaq has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund shares into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index. The Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund shares to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund shares is to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund shares.
408
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF NASDAQ INSPEREX DYNAMIC BUFFERED HIGH INCOME™ INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND SHARES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ INSPEREX DYNAMIC BUFFERED HIGH INCOME™ INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ INSPEREX DYNAMIC BUFFERED HIGH INCOME™ INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Krane does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and Krane shall have no liability for any errors, omissions, restatements or interruptions therein. Krane makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Fund shares or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Krane makes no express or implied warranties and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall Krane have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
Index Calculation Agent Disclaimers
KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF
KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF
Solactive AG (“Solactive”) is the calculation agent of the Underlying Indexes. The financial instrument that is referencing each Underlying Index is not sponsored, endorsed, promoted, sold or supported by Solactive in any way and Solactive makes no express or implied representation, guarantee or assurance with regard to: (a) the advisability in investing in the financial instruments; (b) the quality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Underlying Index; and/or (c) the results obtained or to be obtained by any person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index. Solactive does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Indexes and shall not have any liability for any errors or omissions with respect thereto.
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF
Volos Portfolio Solutions, Inc. (“Index Calculation Agent”) is the calculation agent of the Underlying Index. The financial instrument that is referencing the Underlying Index is not sponsored, endorsed, promoted, sold or supported by the Index Calculation Agent in any way and the Index Calculation Agent makes no express or implied representation, guarantee or assurance with regard to: (a) the advisability in investing in the financial instruments; (b) the quality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Underlying Index; and/or (c) the results obtained or to be obtained by any person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index. The Index Calculation Agent does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index and shall not have any liability for any errors or omissions with respect thereto.
409
Additional Disclaimers
Krane and Trust Disclaimer
Neither Krane nor the Trust guarantees the accuracy or the completeness of any Underlying Index or any data included therein and neither shall have any liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. Krane and the Funds further make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Funds or any members of the public as to results to be obtained by the Funds from the use of any Underlying Index, as to any data included therein, or as to the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly. Krane expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to any Underlying Index or Fund. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall Krane have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
Nasdaq, Inc. Disclaimer
Fund shares are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Nasdaq, Inc. or its affiliates (Nasdaq, with its affiliates, are referred to as the “Corporations”). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Fund shares. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to the owners of the Fund shares or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund shares particularly, or the ability of the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index to track general stock market performance. The Corporations’ only relationship to Krane (“Licensee”) is in the licensing of the “Nasdaq-100 Index®,” “Nasdaq-100®,” “Nasdaq®,” or “The Nasdaq Stock Market®”, and certain trade names of the Corporations and the use of the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Nasdaq without regard to Licensee or the Fund shares. Nasdaq has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund shares into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Nasdaq InspereX Dynamic Buffered High Income™ Index. The Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund shares to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund shares is to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund shares.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF NASDAQ INSPEREX DYNAMIC BUFFERED HIGH INCOME™ INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND SHARES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ INSPEREX DYNAMIC BUFFERED HIGH INCOME™ INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ INSPEREX DYNAMIC BUFFERED HIGH INCOME™ INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES
NYSE Arca, Inc. Disclaimer
Shares of the Funds are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). NYSE Arca makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Funds to track the total return performance of the Underlying Index or the ability of the Underlying Indexes to track stock market performance. NYSE Arca is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the compilation or the calculation of the Underlying Indexes, nor in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of the Funds to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. NYSE Arca has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of the Funds in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the shares of the Funds.
NYSE Arca does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Indexes or any data included therein. NYSE Arca makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust on behalf of the Funds as licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of the shares of the Funds, or any other person or entity from the use of the subject index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. NYSE Arca makes no express or implied warranties and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Underlying Indexes or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall NYSE Arca have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
410
Financial Highlights
The tables that follow present the financial highlights for each Fund that was operational as of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 for the fiscal periods indicated. Each table is intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information has been derived from financial statements audited by KPMG LLP, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with the financial highlights and financial statements, is included in the Funds’ most recent Form N-CSR (see back cover for information on how to obtain each Fund’s financial statements).
No financial highlights are available for the KraneShares High-Bandwidth Memory ETF because those Funds had not commenced operations prior to the end of the fiscal year.
411
KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF (KBUF)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended As Indicated
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024(1) | |||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 30.04 | 25.63 | 25.00 | |||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 1.94 | 0.94 | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | (1.51 | ) | 4.45 | 0.64 | ||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 0.43 | 5.39 | 0.63 | |||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.89 | ) | (0.98 | ) | — | |||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (0.41 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (2.30 | ) | (0.98 | ) | — | |||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 28.17 | 30.04 | 25.63 | |||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 0.82 | 21.38 | 2.52 | |||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 2,817 | 3,755 | 2,563 | |||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | †‡ | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | †‡ | ||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 6.16 | 3.38 | (0.23 | )† | ||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 1 | 3 | — | †† | ||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| ‡ | In addition to the fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, it also indirectly bears a pro-rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above expense ratios. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on February 7, 2024. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
412
KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF (KPRO)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended As Indicated
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024(1) | |||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 27.93 | 25.21 | 25.00 | |||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 1.79 | 0.98 | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ($) | 0.17 | 2.74 | 0.22 | |||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 1.96 | 3.72 | 0.21 | |||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.80 | ) | (1.00 | ) | — | |||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (0.75 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (2.55 | ) | (1.00 | ) | — | |||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 27.34 | 27.93 | 25.21 | |||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 6.76 | 14.92 | 0.84 | |||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 2,734 | 2,793 | 2,521 | |||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | †‡ | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | †‡ | ||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 6.16 | 3.66 | (0.23 | )† | ||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | — | 4 | — | †† | ||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| ‡ | In addition to the fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, it also indirectly bears a pro-rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above expense ratios. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on February 7, 2024. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
413
KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF (KHYB)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Asia Pacific High Income USD Bond ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 24.07 | 24.64 | 26.73 | 29.48 | 39.14 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 1.98 | 2.84 | 2.99 | 2.23 | 1.78 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments ($) | (0.49 | ) | (0.95 | ) | (1.39 | ) | (2.44 | ) | (9.26 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 1.49 | 1.89 | 1.60 | (0.21 | ) | (7.48 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.75 | ) | (2.46 | ) | (3.69 | ) | (2.54 | ) | (1.88 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Return of Capital ($) | (0.16 | ) | — | — | — | (0.30 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (1.91 | ) | (2.46 | ) | (3.69 | ) | (2.54 | ) | (2.18 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 23.65 | 24.07 | 24.64 | 26.73 | 29.48 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 6.30 | 7.93 | 6.81 | (0.44 | ) | (19.73 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 15,375 | 25,274 | 14,784 | 20,045 | 26,535 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.68 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.68 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 8.17 | 11.52 | 11.77 | 8.19 | 5.33 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 198 | 158 | 121 | 119 | 150 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
414
KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF (KBA)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 23.64 | 21.45 | 26.09 | 37.05 | 43.97 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.54 | 0.57 | 0.51 | 0.57 | 0.43 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 5.94 | 2.13 | (4.67 | ) | (5.28 | ) | (3.41 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 6.48 | 2.70 | (4.16 | ) | (4.71 | ) | (2.98 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.48 | ) | (0.51 | ) | (0.48 | ) | (0.54 | ) | (0.49 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | (5.71 | ) | (3.45 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.48 | ) | (0.51 | ) | (0.48 | ) | (6.25 | ) | (3.94 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 29.64 | 23.64 | 21.45 | 26.09 | 37.05 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 27.37 | 12.61 | (15.78 | ) | (12.63 | ) | (7.96 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 170,401 | 189,121 | 190,866 | 470,873 | 559,393 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.55 | 0.59 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.78 | 0.79 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 1.93 | 2.47 | 2.23 | 1.83 | 0.97 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 55 | 77 | 38 | 68 | 89 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
415
KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF (KCCA)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31 (unless otherwise indicated)
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF(1) | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022(2) | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 16.72 | 28.63 | 23.95 | 25.77 | 25.00 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 0.45 | 0.82 | 1.00 | 0.26 | (0.11 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | (1.88 | ) | (6.73 | ) | 4.62 | (2.02 | ) | 0.88 | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | (1.43 | ) | (5.91 | ) | 5.62 | (1.76 | ) | 0.77 | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.48 | ) | (6.00 | ) | (0.94 | ) | (0.06 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.48 | ) | (6.00 | ) | (0.94 | ) | (0.06 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 14.81 | 16.72 | 28.63 | 23.95 | 25.77 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | (8.84 | ) | (24.92 | ) | 23.47 | (6.83 | ) | 3.08 | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 105,547 | 109,082 | 261,265 | 229,310 | 139,149 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.91 | † | ||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.91 | † | ||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.82 | 3.71 | 3.57 | 1.11 | (0.91 | )† | ||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 42 | 74 | — | — | — | †† | ||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | KraneShares California Carbon Allowance Strategy ETF includes the account of the Fund’s Subsidiary, KraneShares California Carbon Subsidiary, Ltd. |
| (2) | The Fund’s inception date was on October 4, 2021. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
416
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31 (unless otherwise indicated)
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF | 2026 | 2025(1) | ||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 27.15 | 25.00 | ||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.75 | 0.19 | ||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ($) | 14.37 | 2.55 | ||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 15.12 | 2.74 | ||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.17 | ) | (0.19 | ) | ||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (9.63 | ) | (0.40 | ) | ||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (10.80 | ) | (0.59 | ) | ||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 31.47 | 27.15 | ||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 57.43 | 11.02 | ||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 11,014 | 10,859 | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.34 | 1.17 | † | |||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 174 | 149 | †† | |||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on August 27, 2024. |
417
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (KSTR)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 13.83 | 10.90 | 16.89 | 18.76 | 21.06 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Loss ($)* | (0.09 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.14 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 4.08 | 2.97 | (5.98 | ) | (1.80 | ) | (2.16 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 3.99 | 2.93 | (5.99 | ) | (1.87 | ) | (2.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 17.82 | 13.83 | 10.90 | 16.89 | 18.76 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 28.85 | 26.88 | (35.46 | ) | (9.97 | ) | (10.92 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 81,081 | 35,948 | 24,534 | 48,130 | 65,674 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.88 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.88 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets (%) | (0.52 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.57 | ) | ||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 188 | 57 | 32 | 43 | 78 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
418
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31 (unless otherwise indicated)
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 34.84 | 26.27 | 31.25 | 29.52 | 75.59 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 0.13 | 0.36 | 0.06 | 0.18 | (0.05 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | (5.03 | ) | 9.23 | (4.58 | ) | 1.55 | (43.44 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | (4.90 | ) | 9.59 | (4.52 | ) | 1.73 | (43.49 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (2.10 | ) | (1.02 | ) | (0.46 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | (2.58 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (2.10 | ) | (1.02 | ) | (0.46 | ) | — | (2.58 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 27.84 | 34.84 | 26.27 | 31.25 | 29.52 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | (15.27 | ) | 37.13 | (14.48 | ) | 5.86 | (57.99 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 6,033,567 | 8,047,217 | 5,430,986 | 6,111,669 | 6,239,534 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.69 | (1) | 0.70 | (1) | 0.70 | (1) | 0.69 | (1) | 0.69 | (1) | ||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.69 | 0.70 | 0.70 | 0.69 | 0.69 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.37 | 1.17 | 0.24 | 0.61 | (0.12 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 45 | 54 | 32 | 60 | 60 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| (1) | The expense ratios include $373,393, $857,238, $600,758, $301,354, and $337,352, respectively, in security lending fees paid to the Adviser. Had these fees been excluded, the expense ratios would have been 0.69%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.69%, and 0.68%, respectively. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
419
KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF (KPHO)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Dragon Capital Growth of Vietnam Index ETF |
2026(1) |
|||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.00 | |||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | — | |||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments ($) | (1.31 | ) | ||
| Total from Operations ($) | (1.31 | ) | ||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | |||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 23.66 | |||
| Total Return (%)** | (5.25 | ) | ||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 13,011 | |||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.79 | † | ||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.79 | † | ||
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets (%) | (0.14 | )† | ||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 29 | †† | ||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on December 3, 2025. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
420
KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31 (unless otherwise indicated)
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 21.22 | 22.47 | 30.60 | 39.57 | 42.25 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.04 | 0.16 | 0.21 | 0.33 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 10.20 | (1.25 | ) | (8.11 | ) | (8.98 | ) | 0.39 | (1) | |||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 10.24 | (1.09 | ) | (7.90 | ) | (8.65 | ) | 0.47 | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.06 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.52 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | (2.63 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.06 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (3.15 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 31.40 | 21.22 | 22.47 | 30.60 | 39.57 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 48.24 | (4.86 | ) | (25.91 | ) | (21.78 | ) | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 73,782 | 63,660 | 105,618 | 185,106 | 296,761 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.69 | (2) | 0.72 | (2) | 0.72 | (2) | 0.72 | (2) | 0.70 | (2) | ||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.69 | 0.72 | 0.72 | 0.72 | 0.70 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.16 | 0.77 | 0.78 | 0.99 | 0.17 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 69 | 39 | 42 | 69 | 114 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| (1) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statements of Operations due to share transactions for the period. |
| (2) | The expense ratio includes $4,725, $22,696, $42,152, and $67,245, respectively, in security lending fees paid to the Adviser. Had these fees been excluded, the expense ratios would have been 0.70%, 0.69%, 0.68%, and 0.69%, respectively. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
421
KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF (KRBN)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31 (unless otherwise indicated)
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF(1) | 2026 | 2025(2) | 2024(3) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 28.23 | 30.83 | 39.70 | 46.53 | 28.39 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 0.66 | 0.95 | 1.01 | (0.06 | ) | (0.38 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 1.37 | (1.53 | ) | (7.11 | ) | 1.59 | 18.77 | |||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 2.03 | (0.58 | ) | (6.10 | ) | 1.53 | 18.39 | |||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.67 | ) | (2.08 | ) | (2.77 | ) | (8.36 | ) | (0.25 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.67 | ) | (2.08 | ) | (2.77 | ) | (8.36 | ) | (0.25 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 29.59 | 28.17 | 30.83 | 39.70 | 46.53 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 6.82 | (1.62 | ) | (16.16 | ) | 4.43 | 64.71 | |||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 131,672 | 172,849 | 303,649 | 635,278 | 1,363,252 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.87 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.87 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.09 | 3.01 | 2.77 | (0.13 | ) | (0.86 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 50 | 45 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| (1) | KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF includes the account of the Fund’s Subsidiary, KFA Global Carbon Subsidiary, Ltd. |
| (2) | The consolidated financial highlights for the year ended March 31, 2025 have been revised due to the immaterial prior-period error disclosed in Note 12. The previously reported amounts were Net Asset Value: Beginning of Year of $30.84, Net Investment Income (Loss) of $0.96, Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments of $(1.49), Total from Operations of $(0.53), Net Asset Value: End of Year of $28.23, Total Return of (1.46)%, Net Assets, End of Year $172,178, and Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets of 3.03%. Other amounts have not changed. |
| (3) | The consolidated financial highlights for the year ended March 31, 2024 have been revised due to the immaterial prior-period error disclosed in Note 12. The previously reported amounts were Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments of $(7.10), Total from Operations of $(6.09), Net Asset Value: End of Year of $30.84, Total Return of (16.16)%, Net Assets, End of Year of $303,813, and Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets of 2.78%. Other amounts have not changed. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
422
KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF (KOID)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended As Indicated
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF |
2026(1) |
|||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.00 | |||
| Net Investment Loss ($)* | (0.02 | ) | ||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ($) | 5.84 | |||
| Total from Operations ($) | 5.82 | |||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.01 | ) | ||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (0.26 | ) | ||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.27 | ) | ||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 30.55 | |||
| Total Return (%)** | 23.27 | |||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 119,163 | |||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.69 | † | ||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.79 | † | ||
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets (%) | (0.06 | )† | ||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 44 | †† | ||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on June 4, 2025. |
423
KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF (KTEC)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Hang Seng TECH Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022(1) | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 16.17 | 10.78 | 13.30 | 13.93 | 25.00 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.05 | 0.01 | — | 0.05 | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | (2.34 | ) | 5.42 | (2.43 | ) | (0.66 | ) | (11.08 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | (2.29 | ) | 5.43 | (2.43 | ) | (0.61 | ) | (11.07 | ) | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.53 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.53 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 13.35 | 16.17 | 10.78 | 13.30 | 13.93 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | (14.71 | ) | 50.40 | (18.29 | ) | (4.37 | ) | (44.28 | ) | |||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 50,732 | 46,082 | 5,391 | 7,315 | 5,570 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.68 | † | ||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.68 | † | ||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.32 | 0.10 | 0.02 | 0.42 | 0.09 | † | ||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 71 | 86 | 55 | 126 | 60 | †† | ||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on June 8, 2021. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
424
KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF | 2026 | 2025(1) | ||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.40 | 25.00 | ||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.18 | 0.11 | ||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ($) | 3.61 | 0.62 | ||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 3.79 | 0.73 | ||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.08 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (1.69 | ) | (0.28 | ) | ||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (1.77 | ) | (0.33 | ) | ||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 27.42 | 25.40 | ||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 14.92 | 2.91 | ||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 76,785 | 13,968 | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.72 | 0.69 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.79 | 0.79 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.64 | 0.62 | † | |||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 30 | 2 | †† | |||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on July 15, 2024. |
425
KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF (KIQQ)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares InspereX Nasdaq Dynamic Buffered High Income Index ETF |
2026(1) |
|||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.00 | |||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | — | |||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments ($) | (1.52 | ) | ||
| Total from Operations ($) | (1.52 | ) | ||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.33 | ) | ||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | |||
| Return of Capital ($) | (0.25 | ) | ||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.58 | ) | ||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 22.90 | |||
| Total Return (%)** | (6.13 | ) | ||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 2,290 | |||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.79 | † | ||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.79 | † | ||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | — | † | ||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 3 | †† | ||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on January 6, 2026. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
426
KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF (KLIP)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF | 2026 | 2025(1)(2) | 2024 | 2023(3) | ||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 32.85 | 43.62 | 63.78 | 75.00 | ||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 1.86 | 0.99 | 1.14 | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | (1.82 | ) | 2.44 | 5.52 | (2.73 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 0.04 | 3.43 | 6.66 | (2.76 | ) | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (7.20 | ) | (5.54 | ) | (14.76 | ) | (6.27 | ) | ||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Return of Capital ($) | — | (8.66 | ) | (12.06 | ) | (2.19 | ) | |||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (7.20 | ) | (14.20 | ) | (26.82 | ) | (8.46 | ) | ||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 25.69 | 32.85 | 43.62 | 63.78 | ||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | (0.27 | ) | 10.51 | 14.27 | (3.56 | ) | ||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 111,303 | 104,569 | 163,601 | 5,314 | ||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | †‡ | ||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | ‡ | 0.26 | †‡ | ||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 5.99 | 2.65 | 2.30 | (0.14 | )† | |||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 397 | 424 | 347 | — | †† | |||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| ‡ | In addition to the fees and expenses which the Fund bears directly, it also indirectly bears a pro-rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the above expense ratios. |
| (1) | Share transactions have been adjusted to reflect the effect of a 1 for 3 reverse share split on January 1, 2025 (See Note 9 in the Notes to Financial Statements). |
| (2) | Effective January 27, 2025, the KraneShares China Internet and Covered Call Strategy ETF was renamed the KraneShares KWEB Covered Call Strategy ETF. |
| (3) | The Fund’s inception date was on January 11, 2023. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
427
KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF (BUYO)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF | 2026 | 2025(1) | ||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 22.70 | 25.00 | ||||||
| Net Investment Loss ($)* | (0.03 | ) | — | |||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 4.97 | (2.29 | ) | |||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 4.94 | (2.29 | ) | |||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | (0.01 | ) | |||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | — | (0.01 | ) | |||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 27.64 | 22.70 | ||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 21.78 | (9.16 | ) | |||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 12,437 | 10,217 | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.89 | 0.89 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.89 | 0.89 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | (0.11 | ) | 0.01 | † | ||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 76 | 27 | †† | |||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on October 7, 2024. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
428
KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF (Kmlm)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 27.32 | 29.90 | 29.60 | 31.51 | 27.55 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 0.79 | 1.10 | 1.26 | 0.54 | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 1.29 | (3.45 | ) | (0.96 | ) | 1.59 | 5.98 | |||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 2.08 | (2.35 | ) | 0.30 | 2.13 | 5.80 | ||||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.30 | ) | (0.23 | ) | — | (1.56 | ) | (1.77 | ) | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | (2.48 | ) | (0.07 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (1.30 | ) | (0.23 | ) | — | (4.04 | ) | (1.84 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 28.10 | 27.32 | 29.90 | 29.60 | 31.51 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 8.02 | (7.88 | ) | 1.01 | 6.21 | 22.21 | ||||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 272,545 | 221,265 | 264,626 | 278,274 | 45,697 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.89 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.89 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.95 | 3.82 | 4.14 | 1.61 | (0.63 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | — | — | — | 251 | 15 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| (1) | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF includes the account of the Fund’s Subsidiary, KFA MLM Index Subsidiary, Ltd. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
429
KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF (KURE)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 15.60 | 14.63 | 20.77 | 23.79 | 38.30 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 0.09 | 0.15 | 0.13 | 0.07 | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 1.95 | 1.00 | (6.16 | ) | (3.08 | ) | (10.44 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 2.04 | 1.15 | (6.03 | ) | (3.01 | ) | (10.46 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.71 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.01 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | (4.05 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.71 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (4.05 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 16.93 | 15.60 | 14.63 | 20.77 | 23.79 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 12.90 | 7.98 | (29.10 | ) | (12.65 | ) | (28.88 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 80,418 | 86,599 | 46,804 | 94,492 | 136,811 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.65 | (1) | 0.65 | (1) | 0.65 | (1) | 0.65 | (1) | 0.65 | |||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.48 | 1.02 | 0.74 | 0.35 | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 73 | 77 | 17 | 32 | 44 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| (1) | The expense ratio includes $210, $941, $541 and $1,908, respectively in security lending fees paid to the Adviser. Had these fees been excluded, the expense ratios would have been 0.65%, 0.65%, 0.65% and 0.64%, respectively. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
430
KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF (KGRN)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.47 | 20.34 | 28.54 | 36.71 | 40.34 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.19 | 0.33 | 0.18 | 0.12 | 0.21 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 2.57 | 5.13 | (8.21 | ) | (7.75 | ) | (3.65 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 2.76 | 5.46 | (8.03 | ) | (7.63 | ) | (3.44 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.23 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.19 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | (0.44 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Return of Capital ($) | 0.00 | (1) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.23 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.54 | ) | (0.19 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 28.00 | 25.47 | 20.34 | 28.54 | 36.71 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 10.87 | 27.07 | (28.17 | ) | (20.71 | ) | (8.61 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 61,608 | 48,392 | 56,952 | 95,611 | 146,859 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.78 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.78 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.70 | 1.50 | 0.72 | 0.38 | 0.48 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 35 | 36 | 65 | 49 | 62 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| (1) | Amount is less than $0.005 per share. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
431
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 27.82 | 29.17 | 25.09 | 29.73 | 30.99 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.84 | 0.78 | 0.79 | 0.91 | 0.79 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 11.32 | (1.19 | ) | 3.86 | (4.56 | ) | (0.56 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 12.16 | (0.41 | ) | 4.65 | (3.65 | ) | 0.23 | |||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.22 | ) | (0.94 | ) | (0.57 | ) | (0.99 | ) | (0.73 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | (0.76 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (1.22 | ) | (0.94 | ) | (0.57 | ) | (0.99 | ) | (1.49 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 38.76 | 27.82 | 29.17 | 25.09 | 29.73 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 43.97 | (1.51 | ) | 18.67 | (12.12 | ) | 0.57 | |||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 100,769 | 63,996 | 78,752 | 30,112 | 32,699 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.23 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.59 | 0.59 | 0.59 | 0.59 | 0.58 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.38 | 2.62 | 2.95 | 3.55 | 2.52 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 27 | 3 | 6 | 50 | 23 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
432
KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF (OBOR)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 21.66 | 20.94 | 22.43 | 27.63 | 28.85 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.57 | 0.74 | 0.59 | 0.73 | 0.95 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 5.38 | 0.80 | (1.39 | ) | (4.85 | ) | (1.18 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 5.95 | 1.54 | (0.80 | ) | (4.12 | ) | (0.23 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.51 | ) | (0.82 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (1.08 | ) | (0.99 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.51 | ) | (0.82 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (1.08 | ) | (0.99 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 27.10 | 21.66 | 20.94 | 22.43 | 27.63 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 27.53 | 7.37 | (3.41 | ) | (14.98 | ) | (1.11 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 4,065 | 3,249 | 4,188 | 4,485 | 8,290 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.78 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.79 | 0.78 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.26 | 3.36 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 3.12 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 29 | 19 | 27 | 34 | 36 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
433
KraneShares Public-Private AI & Technology ETF (formerly, KraneShares Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF) (AGIX)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF | 2026 | 2025(1) | ||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 24.60 | 25.00 | ||||||
| Net Investment Loss ($)* | (0.24 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 8.43 | (0.16 | ) | |||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 8.19 | (0.29 | ) | |||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (0.44 | ) | (0.11 | ) | ||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (0.44 | ) | (0.11 | ) | ||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 32.35 | 24.60 | ||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 33.06 | (1.24 | ) | |||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 171,473 | 22,141 | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 1.00 | 0.99 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 1.00 | 0.99 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets (%) | (0.70 | ) | (0.64 | )† | ||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 70 | 49 | †† | |||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on July 17, 2024. |
434
KraneShares Public-Private Emerging Markets Internet and Technology ETF (KEMQ)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Emerging Markets Consumer Technology Index ETF | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 18.36 | 14.86 | 15.28 | 18.04 | 32.06 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income (Loss) ($)* | 0.06 | 0.16 | 0.03 | 0.10 | (0.05 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 4.81 | 3.46 | (0.41 | ) | (2.86 | ) | (13.90 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 4.87 | 3.62 | (0.38 | ) | (2.76 | ) | (13.95 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.30 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.04 | ) | — | (0.01 | ) | |||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | — | — | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (1.30 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.04 | ) | — | (0.07 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 21.93 | 18.36 | 14.86 | 15.28 | 18.04 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 25.77 | 24.41 | (2.47 | ) | (15.30 | ) | (43.57 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 47,148 | 20,198 | 18,577 | 30,562 | 55,935 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.49 | (1) | 0.55 | (1) | 0.60 | (1) | 0.60 | (1) | 0.59 | |||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.79 | 0.80 | 0.80 | 0.80 | 0.79 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.23 | 0.97 | 0.21 | 0.66 | (0.17 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 72 | 63 | 135 | 87 | 97 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| (1) | The expense ratios include $775, $336, $927, and $6,087, respectively, in security lending fees paid to the Adviser. Had these fees been excluded, the expense ratios would have been 0.49%, 0.55%, 0.59%, and 0.58%, respectively. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
435
KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF (KCSH)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF | 2026 | 2025(1) | ||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.05 | 25.00 | ||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 1.04 | 0.83 | ||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | (0.02 | ) | 0.02 | |||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 1.02 | 0.85 | ||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (1.03 | ) | (0.80 | ) | ||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | — | — | ||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (1.03 | ) | (0.80 | ) | ||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 25.04 | 25.05 | ||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 4.16 | 3.43 | ||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 174,017 | 210,407 | ||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%)~ | 0.20 | 0.20 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%)~ | 0.30 | 0.30 | † | |||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 4.15 | 4.82 | † | |||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | — | — | †† | |||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| ~ | During the periods, certain fees were waived. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on July 25, 2024. |
Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.
436
KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF (KVLE)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF(1) | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 24.77 | 24.13 | 22.27 | 23.53 | 23.01 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Investment Income ($)* | 0.68 | 0.54 | 0.60 | 0.56 | 0.48 | |||||||||||||||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) | 1.67 | 2.24 | 2.11 | (0.59 | ) | 2.45 | ||||||||||||||
| Total from Operations ($) | 2.35 | 2.78 | 2.71 | (0.03 | ) | 2.93 | ||||||||||||||
| Distribution from Net Investment Income ($) | (0.56 | ) | (0.54 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.55 | ) | (0.58 | ) | ||||||||||
| Distribution from Capital Gains ($) | (1.68 | ) | (1.60 | ) | (0.22 | ) | (0.68 | ) | (1.83 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total Dividends and Distributions ($) | (2.24 | ) | (2.14 | ) | (0.85 | ) | (1.23 | ) | (2.41 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 24.88 | 24.77 | 24.13 | 22.27 | 23.53 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Return (%)** | 9.31 | 11.31 | 12.45 | 0.19 | 12.62 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 34,830 | 28,483 | 31,375 | 31,174 | 30,583 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.55 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.55 | |||||||||||||||
| Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) | 2.57 | 2.13 | 2.69 | 2.53 | 1.99 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 112 | 80 | 200 | 155 | 164 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| (1) | Effective September 29, 2023, the KFA Value Line® Dynamic Core Equity Index ETF was renamed the KraneShares Value Line® Dynamic Dividend Equity Index ETF. |
437
KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF (KWIN)
Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For the Years/Periods Ended March 31
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF |
2026(1) |
|||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year ($) | 25.00 | |||
| Net Investment Loss ($)* | (0.05 | ) | ||
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ($) | 0.48 | |||
| Total from Operations ($) | 0.43 | |||
| Net Asset Value, End of Year ($) | 25.43 | |||
| Total Return (%)** | 1.72 | |||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||
| Net Assets, End of Year ($) (000) | 45,775 | |||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) | 0.51 | † | ||
| Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, as applicable) (%) | 0.51 | † | ||
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets (%) | (0.51 | )† | ||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) | 1 | †† | ||
| * | Per share calculations were performed using average shares. |
| ** | Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the year or period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. The return shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Excludes effects of standard creation and redemption transaction fees associated with creation units. |
| † | Annualized. |
| †† | Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and periods of less than one year have not been annualized. Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
| (1) | The Fund’s inception date was on November 4, 2025. |
438
Additional Information
Additional and more detailed information about the Funds are included in the SAI dated August 1, 2026. The SAI has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and, therefore, legally forms a part of this Prospectus. The SEC maintains the EDGAR database on its website (“http://www.sec.gov”) that contains the SAI, material incorporated by reference, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: [email protected].
You may obtain a copy of the SAI, the Annual or Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, and other information such as Fund financial statements, or make inquiries, without charge, by calling 1.855.857.2638, visiting www.kraneshares.com, or writing the Trust at 280 Park Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10017. Additional information about the Funds’ investments will be available in the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and in Form N-CSR. Also, in the Funds’ Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during its last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Funds’ annual and semi-annual financial statements. Each Fund’s fiscal year end is March 31.
No one has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus or in the Funds’ SAI in connection with the offering of Fund shares. Do not rely on any such information or representations as having been authorized by a Fund, Krane or the sub-adviser, as applicable. This Prospectus does not constitute an offering by a Fund in any jurisdiction where such an offering is not lawful.
The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Funds’ investment adviser, sub-adviser(s) (if applicable), distributor, custodian, and transfer agent who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.
This prospectus provides information concerning the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund shares. Neither this prospectus nor the SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust, the Trustees, or the Fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.
The Trust’s Investment Company Act file number is 811-22698.
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