The Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF "KOIN" will be the first to use artificial intelligence to identify and invest in blockchain innovators. Matt Markiewicz, Managing Director at Innovation Shares, explained how the company leverages the emerging technology for portfolio management.

Taking a traditional analytical approach is challenging for picking stocks based on thematic investing. By using machine learning, he says the company is able to uncover securities that may not be obvious to researchers because themes aren't found in financial statements. Markiewicz added that there is good potential for A.I. to replace analysts.

Several companies have announced the implementation of blockchain or cryptocurrency into their name. Sometimes it has been suspicious. Markiewicz said the rules-based approach of the company prevents those types of stocks from finding their way into the portfolio.