Iceland: A Strategic Arctic Hub

With global attention increasingly shifting towards the Arctic, Iceland stands out as a

strategic hub for trade, logistics, renewable energy, and investment. Located between North

America and Europe, Iceland offers a gateway to emerging Arctic markets, including Greenland.

For investors seeking simplified exposure to the Arctic region, the GlacierShares Nasdaq Iceland

ETF (GLCR) provides direct access to Iceland’s ecosystem while also providing access to

companies operating directly in Greenland.

Why Iceland Is a Strategic Arctic Hub

1. Geographic Advantage

Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic gives it central access to emerging Arctic trade routes. As

northern sea lanes open due to rapid Arctic ice melt, Iceland serves a key hub providing access to

Greenland, an emerging Arctic region. Furthermore, Iceland’s ports, aviation infrastructure, and

logistics network position the country as a key part in the rise of the Arctic.

2. Renewable Energy Leadership

Iceland’s economy is powered by nearly 100% renewable energy, allowing it to be a driver in the

global energy transition. Its naturally clean energy resources position it ahead of many other

economies looking to shift from fossil fuels. This abundant clean power not only supports local

industry, data centers, and aluminum smelting but also positions Iceland as a pioneer in the shift

towards renewable energy resources, causing green energy investors to invest in Iceland.

3. Trade and Security Importance

Iceland, along with Greenland and the UK, forms the strategic GIUK Gap, a major North

Atlantic corridor critical for maritime trade and security. The region’s role in NATO defense

infrastructure and Arctic monitoring further emphasizes its geopolitical importance.

Greenland’s Rising Global Prominence

While global attention has moved Greenland into the spotlight, Greenland remains

restricted to foreign investment. As a result, the Iceland ETF is currently the only way for

investors to gain access to Greenland’s economy. With four Icelandic companies within the

Iceland ETF that work directly in Greenland, the GlacierShares Iceland ETF not only allows

investors to invest in Iceland in one trade, but also allow them to gain exposure to Greenland.

Companies within the Iceland ETF that provide exposure to Greenland:

• Amaroq Minerals: A mining and exploration company holding the largest mineral license footprint in Greenland, focused on gold and strategic metals.

• Eimskip: A logistics and shipping company that facilitates cargo movement between Iceland and Greenland, making it a vital part of Arctic supply chains.

• Icelandair: Iceland’s largest airline, offering air routes that connect Iceland with Greenland, supporting tourism, business travel, and inter-Arctic travel.

• Arion Bank: A leading Icelandic financial institution that supports lending and financial services for companies operating across the region, including those with Greenland exposure.

By providing direct exposure to companies that work in Greenland, the GlacierShares Iceland

ETF allows for U.S. investors to both invest in Iceland and invest in Greenland.

Broader Arctic Trends

Interest in the Arctic has increased steadily over the past decade as economic, environmental,

and geopolitical dynamics reshape the region’s importance. Once viewed primarily through the

lens of exploration and scientific research, the Arctic is now being more heavily discussed

regarding global trade routes, natural resources, and infrastructure development.

As Arctic sea ice recedes, previously seasonally inaccessible shipping routes such as the

Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Northwest Passage have become more navigable. This offers the potential to reduce transit distances between major economic centers in Asia, Europe, and North America. This could also significantly alter global logistics patterns and supply routes if

these corridors become commercially available.

Another key factor driving interest in the Arctic is resource availability. The Arctic region,

specifically in Greenland, holds substantial reserves of oil, natural gas, rare earth elements, and

other critical minerals essential to modern technologies and renewable energy systems. As

countries seek to secure supply chains for battery materials, semiconductors, and clean energy

infrastructure, the Arctic’s vast array of resources have become increasingly important.

Furthermore, Arctic infrastructure is rapidly growing, with investors believing that over $1

trillion USD will be deployed for roads, ports, airports, and facilities in the coming years.

Greenland alone, is seeing a historic overhaul of its transportation network, including the

construction of three new international airports to connect the island directly to global markets. Additionally, Greenland is supporting hotel and cruise port development in response to growing

tourism interest and in order to support long-term growth.

Conclusion

Iceland’s strategic location, renewable energy leadership, and role as a logistics and financial

gateway to the Arctic make it a compelling hub for trade and investment. As Greenland’s

prominence rises through geopolitics, infrastructure development, and mineral exploration,

investors seeking to gain exposure to the Arctic can do so through the GlacierShares Iceland ETF (GLCR). Although there currently are no direct investment vehicles for Greenland, GLCR

enables exposure to both Greenland and Iceland by including companies operating across Iceland and Greenland within a single ETF.