What is Form N-CEN?

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In short
  • As of Sep 23, 2026, ETFIQ reads Form N-CEN for 3,941 ETFs and finds 75 authorized participant firms, with 227 funds served by one active firm.

In plain words

Form N-CEN is the annual report funds file with the SEC about how a fund operates. It names the service firms, custodian and authorized participants, and the dollars of shares each created and redeemed.

ETFIQ reads the latest N-CEN of 3,941 ETFs and groups authorized participants into 75 firms by SEC file number, CRD and LEI, with 51 active in the latest year. 227 funds had only one active firm. The list is dated because it is filed once a year, and it shows who created and redeemed shares, not how well the fund trades.

Questions

How often is N-CEN filed?

Once a year.

What does N-CEN name?

The fund’s service firms, including its authorized participants.

Is it the same as N-PORT?

No. N-PORT lists holdings. N-CEN describes operations.

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ETFIQ, What is Form N-CEN?, data as of Sep 23, 2026. https://etfiq.com/learn/what-is-form-n-cen

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Not investment advice. ETFIQ is independent and makes no recommendations.