By Shane Svorec
On July 2, 2025, just before our nation’s 249th birthday, I stood on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange and watched history take place. For the first time on Wall Street, the bell would ring to commemorate an Index designed explicitly for a state. The Frontier Economic Fund (NYSE: AKAF) was created with the sole intention of strengthening Alaska’s local economy by empowering its residents, lifting their voices, and introducing a direct way to invest in what matters most to them – their home.
The largest state in the U.S., Alaska, is known for its diverse cultures, indigenous roots, rich history, and abundant natural resources. Among those resources, oil makes up Alaska’s largest commodity. While Alaska is renowned for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, it is also a challenging and expensive place to live due to its remote location, harsh climate, and limited infrastructure. Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend is a boon for full-time residents, who qualify to receive a portion of the state’s mineral royalties. The yearly payment enables Alaskans to share in a portion of the State’s mineral revenue in the form of a dividend, benefiting both current and future generations. Bans placed on drilling, however, under the previous administration negatively impacted the most significant component of Alaska’s economy and compromised a vital stake in our nation’s energy independence. President Trump reversed these bans, stating they were an “assault on Alaska’s sovereignty and its ability to responsibly develop (its) resources for the benefit of the Nation.”
This is one of many examples that illustrate how a decision made at the national level can have a significant impact on a state. There are benefits and risks to be assessed, as well as state-specific circumstances that require consideration. Allowing states to create and lead sustainable growth plans by leveraging their strengths and resources while mitigating their weaknesses and hindrances is crucial. This is precisely why the custom-designed Alaska Last Frontier Index is a breath of fresh air to the people of Alaska. “Investing in Alaska, for Alaska,” is a symbol of hope and a promise of sovereignty.
The Frontier Economic Fund (AKAF) is comprised of over 137 publicly traded companies that represent a consortium with a significant stake in Alaska’s economy and a shared vision for a prosperous future. Reflecting Alaska’s economic priorities, the fund enables investors to be strategic in their stewardship. Eligible companies in this exchange-traded fund must meet specific capitalization, liquidity, and operational presence requirements in the state of Alaska. These companies are bringing capital investment to the table and creating a more resilient and competitive market that promotes and improves productivity, prosperity, and pride in the state. This fund is not only the first of its kind, but it is the proverbial example of Alaskans putting their money where their mouth is. When the bell rang on the New York Stock Exchange on July 2, 2025, it echoed a proud and collective commitment to Alaska’s financial future and a promise of self-reliance.
Representing a significant labor pool, ownership of infrastructure within the state, and possessing ties to tax revenue, the companies behind AKAF represent the faces and voices of many. Proving that there is strength in numbers, together, they are paving the way for local success, with informed, educated, and passionate minds collaborating to empower their citizens and thereby elevating their state.
Imagine if every state followed suit, forming an index that would encourage and foster local contributions, state-focused growth, forward-thinking investing, and a promise for a brighter future. Strong states translate to a strong nation.
That’s what CEO Derek Kreifels of Prospr Aligned and members of Vident Asset Management envisioned when they looked to the north. Working with Alaskans, a spark became a blaze of excitement, as a proud state stood with renewed excitement and optimism. The creation of this new Index is not only the first of its kind, but it’s a revolutionary way of investing with relevance and purpose. With investors committed to fostering healthy, economically sound partnerships within their state, and promising to look to the future, Alaska’s state motto could not be more appropriate: North to the Future.
Other states may want to look “North to Alaska” and North to the Future.
Investing in America begins by building upon the strength of its states.
As Ronald Reagan said, “We intend to rebuild this country, not from the government down, but from the people up.”
For more information on The Frontier Economic Fund (AKAF), please see here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shane Svorec is a Sales and Marketing Professional who, during Covid, pursued her long-time passion for writing, published her first book, and became an award-winning author. Her work includes Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Pieces, The Busy Bridge That Got Its Break, and Acorn Adventures. An inspirational writer who connects with readers through her colorful storytelling abilities, encouraging messages, and positive perspective, she lives in NJ with her husband, three children, and rescue pets.
