(March 19, 2026) – Students at Grand Canyon University are getting hands-on experience in the investment world through a new partnership with Faith Investor Services, a Christian financial firm focused on biblically aligned investing.
Faith Investor Services has launched the FIS Faith Income ETF (NYSE: FTHB), a bond investment fund designed for people who want their investments to reflect their Christian beliefs. An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is a type of investment that can be bought and sold on the stock market and typically holds a mix of assets — in this case, primarily high-quality bonds.
What makes this fund different is the role GCU students play in helping shape the research behind it.
Under the guidance of faculty in GCU’s Colangelo College of Business and College of Theology, finance and theology students work together to develop a biblically informed research framework by examining companies and bond issuers through a Christian worldview lens. The research includes a proprietary filtration model that analyzes publicly available company information and evaluates organizations based on four key theological pillars:
- Faith-driven stewardship
- Moral alignment
- Promoting social good
- Long-term impact
Their research produces a “Faith Alignment Score” that is then provided to Asterozoa Management LLC, the professional investment firm responsible for all final investment decision-making and strategy implementation.
Importantly, GCU students do not manage the fund, make investment decisions and do not receive compensation or share in fund profits. Their role is strictly educational.
In addition, GCU marketing students will help support communications and outreach related to the launch, giving them real-world experience as well.
This partnership reflects GCU’s Christian mission to integrate faith and learning in practical ways. Rather than separating theology from business or communications, the project brings them together — showing students how biblical conviction and financial excellence can work hand in hand.
“This partnership represents the heart of what the university stands for: preparing students to lead with integrity, humility and purpose,” said John Kaites, Dean of the Colangelo College of Business. “This ETF allows our students to turn faith into action by applying financial analysis while remaining grounded in biblical principles. Our students are learning if they approach markets with this mindset, they will discover faith and excellence in business are not at odds; rather, they strengthen one another.”
Steve Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Faith Investor Services, said the ETF combines a disciplined bond strategy with biblically informed research. “We’re excited to collaborate with both Asterozoa and students from Grand Canyon University to offer the strategy within an ETF structure.”
Joe Hegener, Chief Investment Officer of Asterozoa, added: “We’re thrilled to support a collaboration that gives students meaningful exposure to real-world credit research and disciplined portfolio management. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to an educational flywheel that connects academic rigor with practical experience.”
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About Grand Canyon University: Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers 370 academic programs, emphases and certificates for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals. The university’s curriculum emphasizes interaction with classmates, both in-person and online, and individual attention from instructors while fusing academic rigor with Christian values to help students find their purpose and become skilled, caring professionals. For more information, visit gcu.edu
About Asterozoa Management: Asterozoa Management, LLC (“Asterozoa”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser and sub-adviser to the Fund. The firm specializes in credit and alternative fixed income strategies and employs a disciplined, research-driven investment approach.
About Faith Investor Services: Faith Investor Services, LLC (“FIS”) is the investment adviser to the Fund. FIS is based in Dallas, Texas. They specialize in investment solutions that align investors’ financial decisions with investors’ spiritual values.
Carefully consider investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the FTHB Prospectus, available at faithinvestorservices.com. Read all materials carefully before investing.
There is no guarantee the Fund’s investment strategy will be successful, and you can lose money on your investment in the Fund. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market.
Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
