Ionic Inflation Protection ETF
Ticker: CPII

Semi-Annual Report

September 30, 2022

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Portfolio Allocation

1

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

2

Consolidated Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps

3

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

4

Consolidated Statement of Operations

5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets

6

Consolidated Financial Highlights

7

Notes to Financial Statements

8

Expense Example

19

Basis for Trustees’ Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

20

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

23

Additional Information

24

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.

1

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION at September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

Security Type

% of
Net Assets

United States Treasury Obligations

88.6%

Options Purchased

6.4

Cash & Cash Equivalents (1) 

5.0

Total

100.0%

(1)Represents cash, short-term investments, and liabilities in excess of other assets.

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

2

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

Principal Amount

 

Value

United States Treasury Obligations – 88.6%

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes – 88.6%

01/15/2024, 0.625%

$1,117,398

$1,091,914

04/15/2024, 0.500%

1,127,741

1,096,651

07/15/2024, 0.125%

1,122,984

1,084,880

10/15/2024, 0.125%

1,131,684

1,088,433

01/15/2025, 0.250%

1,150,810

1,101,632

04/15/2025, 0.125%

1,147,020

1,088,687

07/15/2025, 0.375%

1,124,415

1,075,275

10/15/2025, 0.125%

1,141,850

1,079,706

Total United States Treasury Obligations

(Cost $9,113,864)

8,707,178

 

 

 

Notional Amount

 

 

Options Purchased – 6.4%

Interest Rate Swaptions – 6.4%

5-Year Interest Rate Swap, 12-Month USD-SOFR, Receive Floating Rate

Expiration: June, 2024; Exercise Rate: 3.400%

20,000,000

628,400

Total Options Purchased

(Cost $330,600)

628,400

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Short-Term Investments – 5.2%

Money Market Funds – 5.2%

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 2.775%(1)(2) 

510,134

510,134

Total Short-Term Investments

(Cost $510,134)

510,134

Total Investments in Securities – 100.2%

(Cost $9,954,598)

9,845,712

Liabilities in excess of other assets – (0.2)%

(15,689

)

Total Net Assets – 100.0%

$9,830,023

SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate

(1)All or a portion of the investment is a holding of the Ionic Cayman Subsidiary.

(2)The rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield as of September 30, 2022.

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3

Consolidated Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps at September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

Reference Entity

 

Counterparty

 

Long/Short

 

Expiration Date

 

Financing Rate

 

Payment Frequency

 

Notional Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Upfront Premiums Paid (Received)

 

Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

U.S. CPI Urban Consumers Index(1) 

LCH

Long

7/5/2027

2.890%

Once
At Maturity

$10,000,000

$(43,178)

$13,623

$(56,801

)

 

$(56,801

)

(1)All or a portion of the investment is a holding of the Ionic Cayman Subsidiary.

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

4

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

Assets:

Investments in securities, at value (Cost $9,954,598) (Note 2)(1)

$9,845,712

Collateral at broker for options purchased

24,573

Receivables:

Dividends and interest

8,916

Swap premiums paid

13,623

Total assets

9,892,824

 

Liabilities:

Payables:

Broker interest

250

Depreciation on swap agreements

56,801

Management fees (Note 4)

5,750

Total liabilities

62,801

Net Assets

$9,830,023

 

Components of Net Assets:

Paid-in capital

$9,999,263

Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)

(169,240

)

Net assets

$9,830,023

 

Net Asset Value (unlimited shares authorized):

Net assets

$9,830,023

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

500,000

Net asset value

$19.66

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Period Ended September 30, 2022(1) (Unaudited)

Investment Income:

Interest income

$191,960

Swap accretion income

252

Total investment income

192,212

 

Expenses:

Management fees (Note 4)

15,915

Broker interest expense

1,776

Swap amortization expense

530

Total expenses

18,221

Net investment income (loss)

173,991

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:

Investments

(108,885

)

Swaps

(56,801

)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and swaps

(165,686

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

$8,305

(1)The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2022. The information presented is from June 28, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

6

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Unaudited)

 

 

Period Ended September 30, 2022(1) 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From:

 

Operations:

Net investment income (loss)

$173,991

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and swaps

(165,686

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

8,305

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

Net distributions to shareholders

(177,545

)

 

Capital Share Transactions:

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from net change in outstanding shares(2)

9,999,263

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

9,830,023

 

Net Assets:

Beginning of period

End of period

$9,830,023

(1)The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2022. The information presented is from June 28, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

(2)Summary of share transactions is as follows:

 

Period Ended
September 30, 2022
(1) 

 

Shares

Value

Shares sold

500,000

$9,991,175

Shares redeemed

Variable fees

8,088

Net increase (decrease)

500,000

$9,999,263

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

 

Period Ended
September 30, 2022
(1)
(Unaudited)

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

$20.00

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:

Net investment income (loss)(2)

0.40

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

(0.37

)

Total from investment operations

0.03

 

Less Distributions:

From net investment income

(0.37

)

Total distributions

(0.37

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

$19.66

Total return(3)

0.12

%

 

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

Net assets, end of period (millions)

$9.8

Portfolio turnover rate(3)

0

%(4) 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(5)

0.70

%

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets(5)

7.68

%

(1)The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2022. The information presented is from June 28, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

(2)Calculated using average shares outstanding method.

(3)Not annualized.

(4)Does not round to 0.1% or (0.1%), as applicable.

(5)Annualized.

8

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

The Ionic Inflation Protection ETF (the “Fund”) is an actively-managed series of shares of beneficial interest of Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on June 4, 2018 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Fund’s shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services—Investment Companies.” The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2022.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation in elevated and rising inflationary environments.

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

A.Security Valuation. Equity securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC (“NASDAQ”)), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on the valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 p.m. EST if a security’s primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price or mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask prices for long and short positions. For a security that trades on multiple exchanges, the primary exchange will generally be considered the exchange on which the security is generally most actively traded. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. Prices of securities traded on the securities exchange will be obtained from recognized independent pricing agents (“Independent Pricing Agents”) each day that the Fund is open for business.

Debt securities are valued by using an evaluated mean of the bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service. The independent pricing service may use various valuation methodologies including matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models as well as market transactions and dealer quotations. These models generally consider such factors as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity, ratings and general market conditions. In the absence of a price from a pricing service, securities are valued at their respective fair values as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee.

Swap contracts, such as credit default swaps, total return swaps, interest rate swaps, currency swaps and swaptions, are priced by an approved independent pricing service. The independent pricing service includes observable market data inputs in an evaluated valuation methodology.

Effective September 8, 2022, for securities for which quotations are not readily available, under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, a fair value will be determined by the Valuation Designee (as defined in Rule 2a-5) in accordance with the Pricing and Valuation Policy and Fair Value Procedures, as applicable, of the Fund’s investment adviser, Toroso Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”), subject to oversight by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the Adviser’s Pricing and Valuation Policy and Fair Value Procedures, as applicable. Fair value pricing is an inherently subjective process, and no single standard exists for determining fair value. Different funds could reasonably arrive at different values for the same security. The use of fair value pricing by a fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated without regard to such considerations.

As described above, the Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

Level 2 –Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

9

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

Level 3 –Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability and would be based on the best information available.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2022:

Investments in Securities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

United States Treasury Obligations

$

$8,707,178

$

$8,707,178

Interest Rate Swaptions

628,400

628,400

Short-Term Investments

510,134

510,134

Total Investments in Securities

$510,134

$9,335,578

$

$9,845,712

Other Financial Instruments(1)(2) 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Interest Rate Swaps

$

$(56,801

)

$

$(56,801

)

Total Other Financial Instruments

$

$(56,801

)

$

$(56,801

)

(1)Other Financial Instruments are interest rate swap agreements not reflected in the Schedule of Investments, which are reflected at value.

(2)Valued at its unrealized gain (loss).

The Fund has adopted financial reporting rules and regulations that require enhanced disclosure regarding derivatives and hedging activity intending to improve financial reporting of derivative instruments by enabling investors to understand how an entity uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect an entity’s results of operations and financial position.

The Fund may invest in options on equities and stock indices. The Fund may make these investments as a substitute for a comparable market position in the underlying security, to attempt to hedge or limit the exposure of the Fund’s position, to create a synthetic money market position for certain tax-related purposes and to effect closing transactions. The following table shows the effects of derivative instruments on the financial statements.

Statement of Assets & Liabilities

Fair value of derivative instruments as of September 30, 2022.

Asset Derivatives as of
September 30, 2022

 

Liability Derivatives as of
September 30, 2022

Derivative Instruments

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Fair Value

Interest Rate Contracts - Swaps

Swap Premiums Paid

$13,623

Depreciation on
swap agreements

$56,801

Interest Rate Contracts - Swaptions

Investments in securities, at value

628,400

None

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

10

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

Statement of Operations

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2022:

Derivative Instruments

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Interest Rate Contracts - Swaps

Realized and Unrealized

Gain (Loss) on Investments

$ —

$(56,801)

Interest Rate Contracts - Swaptions

Realized and Unrealized

Gain (Loss) on Investments

597,800

B.Basis for Consolidation for the Fund. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Ionic Cayman Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). The Subsidiary will generally invest in inflation swaps that do not generate “qualifying income” under the source of income test required to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Unlike the Fund, the Subsidiary may invest without limitation in inflation swaps; however, the Subsidiary will comply with the 1940 Act requirements that are applicable to the Fund’s transactions in derivatives. In addition, the Subsidiary will be subject to the same fundamental investment restrictions and will follow the same compliance policies and procedures as the Fund. Unlike the Fund, the Subsidiary will not seek to qualify as a RIC under the Code. The Fund is the sole investor in the Subsidiary and does not expect the shares of the Subsidiary to be offered or sold to other investors.

C.Federal Income Taxes. The Fund has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” and intends to distribute substantially all taxable income to its shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98.0% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and at least 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.

As of September 30, 2022, the Fund did not have any tax positions that did not meet the threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Generally, tax authorities can examine all the tax returns filed for the last three years. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal and the Commonwealth of Delaware; however, the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially.

D.Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Discounts/premiums on debt securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Debt income is recorded on an accrual basis. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Trust’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

E.Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from dividends, interest income and other investment income, if any, for the Fund are declared and paid monthly. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities, if any, for the Fund normally are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

F.Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

G.Share Valuation. The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for trading.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

H.Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

I.Illiquid Investments. Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Board-approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Program”) that requires, among other things, that the Fund limit its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of the value of the Fund’s net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If the Fund should be in a position where the value of illiquid investments held by the Fund exceeds 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund will take such steps as set forth in the Program.

J.Derivatives Transactions. On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies as Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation and cover framework arising from prior SEC guidance for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and treats derivatives as senior securities. Under Rule 18f-4 a fund’s derivatives exposure is limited through a value-at-risk test. Funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount are required to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, subject to oversight by a fund’s board of trustees, and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Trust implemented a Rule 18f-4 Derivative Risk Management Program effective August 19, 2022, that complies with Rule 18f-4.

The Fund has adopted authoritative standards regarding disclosure about derivatives and hedging activities and how they affect the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations. For the period ended September 30, 2022, the Fund’s average notional value is described below:

Average Notional Amount

Swaps

$8,750,000

K.Offsetting Agreements. The Fund is subject to various netting arrangements, which govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties. The arrangements allow the Fund to close out and net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty. The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, collateral arrangements or other similar agreements as of September 30, 2022:

Description

Gross
Amounts

Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

Net Amounts
Presented in
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

Financial
Instruments

Cash
Collateral
Pledged
(Received)

Net
Amount

Assets

Interest Rate Contracts - Swaps

13,623

13,623

Liabilities

Interest Rate Contracts - Swaps

56,801

56,801

43,178

L.Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Fund is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of these amendments on the financial statements.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

NOTE 3 – PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS

A.Cayman Subsidiary Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments. The inflation swaps and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those investments that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same economic risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to continue to operate as it does currently and could adversely affect the Fund.

B.Counterparty Risk. The risk of loss to the Fund for swaps that are entered into on a net basis depends on which party is obligated to pay the net amount to the other party. If the counterparty is obligated to pay the net amount to the Fund, the risk of loss to the Fund is loss of the entire amount that the Fund is entitled to receive. If the Fund is obligated to pay the net amount, the Fund’s risk of loss is generally limited to that net amount. A counterparty may be unwilling or unable to make timely payments to meet its contractual obligations or may fail to return holdings that are subject to the agreement with the counterparty. If the counterparty or its affiliate becomes insolvent, bankrupt or defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, the value of an investment held by the Fund may decline. Additionally, if any collateral posted by the counterparty for the benefit of the Fund is insufficient or there are delays in the Fund’s ability to access such collateral, the Fund may not be able to achieve its leveraged investment objective.

In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

C.Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security, and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting the Fund or its service providers have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for shareholders) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by their service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted.

D.Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets or index; the loss of principal, including the potential loss of amounts greater than the initial amount invested in the derivative instrument; the possible default of the other party to the transaction; and illiquidity of the derivative investments. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as certain swaps and swaptions, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. The derivatives used by the Fund may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. The performance of derivative instruments (including swap curve-linked derivatives) depends largely on changes in underlying swap rates. Their successful use will usually depend on the Sub-Adviser’s ability to accurately forecast movements in the market relating to the underlying instrument. Should a market or markets, or prices of particular classes of investments or rates move

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

13

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

in an unexpected manner, especially in unusual or extreme market conditions, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction, and it may realize losses, which could be significant. If the Sub-Adviser is not successful in using such derivative instruments, the Fund’s performance may be worse than if the Sub-Adviser did not use such derivatives at all. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.

E.ETF Risks.

Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as APs. In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., swap agreements or certain fixed income securities that cannot be broken up beyond certain minimum sizes needed for transfer and settlement). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may have less cash efficiency and pay out higher annual capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the bid-ask spread. The bid-ask spread varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, a relatively small investor base in the Fund, asset swings in the Fund and/or increased market volatility may cause increased bid-ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares, including bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of the shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of the shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. The market price of shares during the trading day, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a “bid-ask” spread charged by the exchange specialist, market makers, or other participants that trade the shares. In times of severe market disruption, the bid-ask spread can increase significantly. At those times, shares are most likely to be traded at a discount to NAV, and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your shares.

Trading. Although shares are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”) and may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange “circuit breaker” rules, which temporarily halt trading on the Exchange when a decline in the S&P 500 Index during a single day reaches certain thresholds (e.g., 7%, 13%, and 20%). Additional rules applicable to the Exchange may halt trading in shares when extraordinary volatility causes sudden, significant swings in the market price of shares. There can be no assurance that shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than shares.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

F.General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in the general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes, due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters or events, pandemic diseases, terrorism, regulatory events, and government controls.

G.Interest Rate Risk. Generally, the value of fixed income securities (not including TIPS) will change inversely with changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decrease. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase. This risk will be greater for long-term securities than for short-term securities. Changes in government intervention may have adverse effects on investments, volatility, and illiquidity in debt markets. In addition, the interest rates payable on floating rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. As interest rates rise, the value of a fixed-income security held directly or indirectly by the Fund, such as TIPS, is likely to decrease. An increase in interest rates may lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and adversely affect the liquidity of certain fixed-income investments. In addition, decreases in fixed-income dealer market making capacity may also potentially lead to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed-income markets.

H.Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Sub-Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund.

I.New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size.

J.Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.

K.Other Investment Companies Risk. The Fund will incur higher and duplicative expenses when it invests in ETFs and other investment companies, including money market funds. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company and bears its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the other investment company. There is also the risk that the Fund may suffer losses due to the investment practices of the underlying funds as the Fund will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of securities held by such investment companies. ETFs may be less liquid than other investments, and thus their share values more volatile than the values of the investments they hold. Investments in ETFs are also subject to the “ETF Risks” described herein.

L.Recent Market Events Risk. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 and related public health issues, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, uncertainties regarding interest rates, trade tensions, and the threat of tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other countries. In particular, the spread of COVID-19 worldwide has resulted in disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, stress on the global healthcare system, temporary and permanent layoffs in the private sector, and rising unemployment claims, reduced consumer spending, quarantines, cancellations, market declines, the closing of borders, restrictions on travel, changed travel and social behaviors, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The recovery from the lasting effects of COVID-19 is uncertain and may last for an extended period of time. Health crises and related political, social and economic disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries. These developments as well as other events could result in further market volatility and negatively affect financial asset prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets, despite government efforts to address market disruptions. As a result, the risk environment remains elevated. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

M.Swaps Risk. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for a specified period. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s interest rate swaps are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Because interest rate movements do not always align with projections of a swap counterparty, interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.

Interest Rate Swaps Risk: In an interest rate swap, the Fund and another party exchange their rights to receive interest payments based on a reference interest rate. Interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk and counterparty risk. An interest rate swap transaction could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. Interest rate swaps are also subject to counterparty risk. If the counterparty fails to meet its obligations, the Fund may lose money. An interest rate swap may fail to perform as intended and may not offset adverse changes in interest rates fully or at all. An interest rate swap may also reduce the Fund’s gains due to favorable changes in interest rates and result in losses to the Fund. Counterparties to interest rate swaps are subject to manipulation in the marketplace of the reference benchmark rate, which may affect the utility of the swap as a hedge.

Inflation Swaps Risk: There can be no assurance that the CPI will accurately measure the rate of inflation experienced in the U.S. or the rate of expected future inflation. Inflation swaps are subject to interest rate risk. The value of an inflation swap is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, leading to a decrease in value of an inflation swap. Additionally, payments received by the Fund from swaps, such as inflation swaps and other types of swaps, discussed below, will result in taxable income, either as ordinary income or capital gains, rather than tax-exempt income, which will increase the amount of taxable distributions received by shareholders.

Swaptions Risk: A swaption is an option contract that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a swap at a predetermined rate at expiration in exchange for a premium payment. Swaptions enable the Fund to purchase exposure that is significantly greater than the premium paid. Consequently, the value of swaptions can be volatile, and a small investment in swaptions can have a large impact on the performance of the Fund. The Fund may write (sell) and purchase put or call swaptions. The Fund risks losing all or part of the cash paid (premium) paid for purchasing swaptions. Additionally, the value of the option may be lost if the Sub-Adviser fails to exercise such option at or prior to its expiration. When the Fund writes a swaption it becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) according to the terms of the option agreement. As the swaption contracts held by the Fund near expiration, the Fund may replace them with other swaption contracts that have a later expiration date. That process is called “rolling,” and the Fund may incur costs to “roll” swaption contracts.

N.Tax Risk. The federal income tax treatment of the Fund’s income from the Subsidiary may be negatively affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations (proposed or final), and/or other IRS guidance or authorities that could affect the character, timing of recognition, and/or amount of the Fund’s investment company taxable income and/or net capital gains and, therefore, the distributions it makes. If the Fund failed the source of income test for any taxable year but was eligible to and did cure the failure, it could incur potentially significant additional federal income tax expenses. If, on the other hand, the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and was ineligible to or otherwise did not cure the failure, it would be subject to federal income tax at the fund-level on its taxable income at the regular corporate tax rate (without reduction for distributions to shareholders), with the consequence that its income available for distribution to shareholders would be reduced and distributions from its current or accumulated earnings and profits would generally be taxable to its shareholders as dividend income.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary.

If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

O.TIPS Risk. Interest payments on TIPS are unpredictable and will fluctuate as the principal and corresponding interest payments are adjusted for inflation. There can be no assurance that the CPI will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Any increases in the principal amounts of TIPS will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though the Fund or underlying ETF will not receive the principal until maturity. As a result, the Fund may make income distributions to shareholders that exceed the cash it receives. During periods of deflation the principal amount of TIPS and corresponding interest payments will decrease. In addition, TIPS are subject to counterparty risk, interest rate risk and maturity risk.

The value of the Fund’s TIPS will change in response to changes in “real interest rates” (i.e., nominal interest rates minus the inflation rate). The value of the TIPS will normally decline when real interest rates rise and conversely will normally increase when real interest rates decline.

P.U.S. Treasury Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. U.S. government securities are subject to market risk, interest rate risk and counterparty risk. Securities, such as those issued or guaranteed the U.S. Treasury, that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity and the market prices for such securities will fluctuate. Notwithstanding that these securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, circumstances could arise that would prevent the payment of interest or principal. This would result in losses to the Fund.

NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Toroso Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”), and, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Fund, subject to the direction and oversight of the Board. The Adviser is responsible for trading a portion of the portfolio securities for the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions. The Adviser is also responsible for directing the remainder of such trading to be effected by the Sub-Adviser.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee (the “Management Fee”) based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at the annualized rate of 0.70%. Out of the Management Fee, the Adviser is obligated to pay or arrange for the payment of substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, and all other related services necessary for the Fund to operate. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, distribution fees, and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Excluded Expenses”), and the Management Fee payable to the Adviser. The Management Fees incurred are paid monthly to the Adviser. Management Fees for the period ended September 30, 2022 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

Ionic Capital Management, LLC serves as sub-adviser to the Fund, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, including determining the securities purchased and sold by the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. The Sub-Adviser is paid a fee by the Adviser, which is calculated and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Sub-Advisor has agreed to assume the Adviser’s obligation to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, except for the sub-advisory fee payable to the Sub-Adviser and excluded expenses. Expenses incurred by the Fund and paid by the Sub-Adviser include fees charged by Tidal ETF Services, LLC, the Fund’s administrator, and an affiliate of the Advisor.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

Tidal ETF Services LLC (“Tidal”), an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and management services for the Fund. Tidal coordinates the payment of Fund-related expenses and manages the Trust’s relationships with its various service providers.

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as the Fund’s sub-administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent. In those capacities Fund Services performs various administrative and accounting services for the Fund. Fund Services prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Board; and monitors the activities of the Fund’s custodian. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Fund’s custodian.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s shares.

Certain officers and a trustee of the Trust are affiliated with the Adviser and Fund Services. Neither the affiliated trustee nor the Trust’s officers receive compensation from the Fund.

NOTE 5 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

For the period ended September 30, 2022, the cost of purchases and proceeds from the sales or maturities of securities, excluding short-term investments, U.S. government securities, and in-kind transactions were $665,155 and $0, respectively.

For the period ended September 30, 2022, U.S. Government securities associated with creations and redemptions for the Fund were $8,930,608 and $0, respectively.

For the period ended September 30, 2022, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions for the Fund were $8,036,491 and $0, respectively.

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

The Fund is subject to examination by U.S. taxing authorities for the tax periods since the commencement of operations. The amount and character of tax basis distributions and composition of net assets, including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss), are finalized at the fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined for the period ended September 30, 2022. Differences between the tax cost of investments and the cost noted in the Schedule of Investments will be determined at fiscal year-end. The tax character of distributions paid during the period ended September 30, 2022 (estimated), was as follows:

Distributions paid from:

September 30, 2022

Ordinary income

$177,545

NOTE 7 – SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in large blocks of shares, called (“Creation Units”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

The Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for the Fund is $300, payable to the Custodian. The fixed transaction fee may be waived on certain orders if the Fund’s Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Unit of up to a

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

maximum of 2% and for Redemption Units of up to a maximum of 2%, respectively, of the value of the Creation Units and Redemption Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees received by the Fund, if any, are disclosed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.

NOTE 8 – RECENT MARKET EVENTS

U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic and related public health crisis, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, trade tensions, and the threat of tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other countries. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so. These developments, as well as other events, could result in further market volatility and negatively affect financial asset prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets, despite government efforts to address market disruptions. Continuing market volatility as a result of recent market conditions or other events may have adverse effects on your account.

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. Effective November 1, 2022, Daniel Carlson resigned as Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Trust, was appointed Senior Vice President of the Trust, and continues to serve as AML Compliance Officer of the Trust. Also effective November 1, 2022, Aaron Perkovich was appointed Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Trust.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

EXPENSE EXAMPLE For the Periods Ended September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of the Fund’s shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees of the Fund. The example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period indicated, which is from June 28, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.  The hypothetical example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period indicated, which is from April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The example includes, but is not limited to, unitary fees. However, the example does not include portfolio trading commissions and related expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then, multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period’’ to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of the Fund’s shares. Therefore, the second line of the following table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

Beginning
Account Value
June 28, 2022

Ending
Account Value September 30, 2022

Expenses Paid
During the Period
June 28, 2022 – September 30, 2022
(1) 

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,001.20

$1.82

Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value September 30, 2022

Expenses Paid
During the Period
April 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022
(2) 

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,021.56

$3.55

(1)The actual expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.70%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 95/365 (to reflect the period from June 28, 2022 to September 30, 2022, the commencement of operations date to the end of the period).

(2)The hypothetical expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratio of 0.70%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the most recent six-month period).

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

BASIS FOR TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited)

The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) of Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”) met at a meeting held on April 14, 2022 to consider the initial approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Ionic Inflation Protection ETF (the “Fund”), a series of the Trust, and Toroso Investments, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). Prior to this meeting, the Board requested and received materials to assist them in considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement. The materials provided contained information with respect to the factors enumerated below, including a copy of the Advisory Agreement, a memorandum prepared by outside legal counsel to the Trust and Independent Trustees discussing in detail the Trustees’ fiduciary obligations and the factors they should assess in considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement, due diligence materials relating to the Adviser (including the due diligence response completed by the Adviser with respect to a specific request letter from outside legal counsel to the Trust and Independent Trustees, the Adviser’s Form ADV, select ownership, organizational, financial and insurance information for the Adviser, biographical information of the Adviser’s key management and compliance personnel, detailed comparative information regarding the proposed unitary advisory fee for the Fund, and information regarding the Adviser’s compliance program) and other pertinent information. Based on their evaluation of the information provided, the Trustees, by a unanimous vote (including a separate vote of the Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”)), approved the Advisory Agreement for an initial two-year term.

Discussion of Factors Considered

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement and reaching their conclusions, the Trustees reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

1.Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s overall services to be provided to the Fund as well as its specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day investment management of the Fund, including trade execution and recommendations with respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of sub-advisers to the Fund. The Board considered the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of the Adviser’s investment management team, including Michael Venuto and Charles Ragauss, who will each serve as a portfolio manager to the Fund, as well as the responsibilities of other key personnel of the Adviser to be involved in the day-to-day activities of the Fund. The Board reviewed due diligence information provided by the Adviser, including information regarding the Adviser’s compliance program, its compliance personnel and compliance record, as well as the Adviser’s cybersecurity program and business continuity plan. The Board noted that the Adviser does not manage any other accounts that utilize a strategy similar to that to be employed by the Fund.

The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser, such as monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment strategy and restrictions, oversight of the Sub-Adviser and other service providers to the Fund, monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations, and monitoring the extent to which the Fund achieves its investment objective as an actively-managed ETF. The Board noted that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser would share trade execution responsibilities for the Fund and the Sub-Adviser would be responsible for portfolio investment decisions for the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser.

The Board concluded that the Adviser had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreement and managing the Fund and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the management services to be provided to the Fund, as well as the Adviser’s compliance program, were satisfactory. In addition, the Trustees concluded that the Adviser had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties as the investment adviser to the Ionic Cayman Subsidiary.

2.Investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser. The Board noted that the Fund had not yet commenced operations and, therefore, concluded that performance of the Fund was not a relevant factor for consideration. The Board also considered that because the investment decision-making for the Fund would be performed by the Sub-Adviser, the Fund’s performance would not be the direct result of investment decisions made by the Adviser. Consequently, with respect to the Fund’s performance, the Board in the future would focus on the Adviser’s services, including the extent to which the Fund’s performance was achieving its investment objective, as well as the Adviser’s oversight of the Sub-Adviser’s services.

3.Cost of Services to be Provided and Profits to be Realized by the Adviser. The Board considered the cost of services and the structure of the Adviser’s proposed advisory fee, including a review of comparative expenses, expense components and peer group selection. The Board took into consideration that the advisory fee for the Fund was a “unitary fee,” meaning that the Fund

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Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

BASIS FOR TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

would pay no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage, and extraordinary expenses and, to the extent it is implemented, fees pursuant to the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Board noted that the Adviser agreed to pay all other expenses incurred by the Fund. The Board considered comparative information prepared by Fund Services utilizing data provided by Morningstar Direct relating to the cost structure of the Fund relative to peer groups. The Board noted that the Fund was compared to a peer group of ETFs in the U.S. inflation-protected bond fund category. The Board also considered that the Fund was also compared to a peer group of ETFs prepared by the Adviser that the Adviser considered to be a representative sample of peer group competitors for the Fund.

The Board concluded that the Fund’s proposed expense ratio and the advisory fee to be paid to the Adviser were fair and reasonable in light of the comparative expense information and the investment management services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser given the nature of the Fund’s strategy. The Board also evaluated, based on information provided by the Adviser, the compensation and benefits expected to be received by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund, taking into account an analysis of the Adviser’s expected profitability with respect to the Fund. The Board further concluded that the Adviser had adequate financial resources to support its services to the Fund from the revenues of its overall investment advisory business. The Board also noted that the Adviser would not receive any additional compensation with respect to the portfolio management of the Ionic Cayman Subsidiary.

4.Extent of Economies of Scale as the Fund Grows. The Board considered the potential economies of scale that the Fund might realize under the structure of the proposed advisory fee. The Board noted the advisory fee did not contain any breakpoint reductions as the Fund’s assets grow in size, but that the Adviser would evaluate future circumstances that may warrant breakpoints in the fee structure.

5.Benefits to be Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the direct and indirect benefits that could be received by the Adviser and its affiliates from association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the benefits the Adviser may receive, such as greater name recognition or the ability to attract additional investor assets, appear to be reasonable and in many cases may benefit the Fund.

Conclusion. Based on the Board’s deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, with no single factor determinative of a conclusion, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that: (a) the terms of the Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; (b) the advisory fee is reasonable in light of the services that the Adviser will provide to the Fund; and (c) the approval of the Advisory Agreement for an initial term of two years was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

At the meeting held on April 14, 2022, the Board also considered the initial approval of the sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) for the Fund, entered into between the Adviser and Ionic Capital Management, LLC, the Fund’s proposed sub-adviser (the “Sub-Adviser”). Prior to this meeting, the Board requested and received materials to assist them in considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The materials provided contained information with respect to the factors enumerated below, including copies of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, a memorandum prepared by outside legal counsel to the Trust and Independent Trustees discussing in detail the Trustees’ fiduciary obligations and the factors they should assess in considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, due diligence materials prepared by the Sub-Adviser (including the due diligence response completed by the Sub-Adviser with respect to a specific request letter from outside legal counsel to the Trust and Independent Trustees, Form ADV, select ownership, organizational, financial and insurance information for the Sub-Adviser, biographical information of key management and compliance personnel, and the Sub-Adviser’s compliance manual and code of ethics) and other pertinent information. Based on their evaluation of the information provided, the Trustees, by a unanimous vote (including a separate vote of the Independent Trustees), approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an initial two-year term.

Discussion of Factors Considered

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement and reaching their conclusions, the Trustees reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

1.Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the Sub-Adviser’s overall services to be provided to the Fund as well as its specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day investment management of the Fund. The Board considered the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of Bart E. Baum and Daniel L. Stone, who will each serve as a portfolio manager for the Fund, as well as the responsibilities of other key personnel of the Sub-Adviser to be involved in the day-to-day activities of the Fund. The Board reviewed the due diligence information provided

22

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

BASIS FOR TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

by the Sub-Adviser, including information regarding the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program, its compliance personnel and compliance record, as well as the Sub-Adviser’s cybersecurity program and business continuity plan. The Board noted that the Sub-Adviser does not currently manage separately-managed accounts that utilize a strategy similar to the strategy that is to be employed by Fund, although the Sub-Adviser does manage other accounts that utilize the instruments that the Fund will invest in as part of its principal investment strategies.

The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund, such as monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment strategies and restrictions, monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations, monitoring the extent to which the Fund meets its investment objective as an actively-managed ETF and quarterly reporting to the Board. The Board noted that the Sub-Adviser would be responsible for Fund’s portfolio investment decisions and the trading of a sub-set of the Fund’s portfolio securities and other financial instruments, subject to the supervision of the Adviser.

The Board concluded that the Sub-Adviser had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement and managing the Fund and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the management services to be provided to the Fund, as well as the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program, were satisfactory. In addition, the Trustees concluded that the Sub-Adviser had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties as the investment sub-adviser to the Ionic Cayman Subsidiary.

2.Investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser. The Board noted that the Fund had not yet commenced operations and, therefore, concluded that performance of the Fund was not a relevant factor for consideration.

3.Cost of Services to be Provided and Profits to be Realized by the Adviser. The Board considered the structure of the proposed sub-advisory fee to be paid by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board noted that the Adviser represented to the Board that the sub-advisory fee payable under the Sub-Advisory Agreement was reasonable in light of the services to be performed by the Sub-Adviser. Since the sub-advisory fee is to be paid by the Adviser, the overall advisory fee paid by the Fund is not directly affected by the sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Adviser. Consequently, the Board did not consider the cost of services provided by the Sub-Adviser or the potential profitability of its relationship with the Fund to be material factors for consideration given that the Sub-Adviser is not affiliated with the Adviser and, therefore, the sub-advisory fees to be paid to the Sub-Adviser were negotiated on an arm’s-length basis. Based on all of these factors, the Board concluded that the sub-advisory fees to be paid to the Sub-Adviser by the Adviser reflected an appropriate allocation of the advisory fees and was reasonable in light of the services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser.

4.Extent of Economies of Scale as the Fund Grows. Since the sub-advisory fees payable to the Sub-Adviser are not paid by the Fund, the Board did not consider whether the sub-advisory fees should reflect any potential economies of scale that might be realized as the Fund’s assets increase.

5.Benefits to be Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the direct and indirect benefits that could be received by the Sub-Adviser from its association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the benefits the Sub-Adviser may receive, such as greater name recognition or the ability to attract additional investor assets, appear to be reasonable and in many cases may benefit the Fund.

Conclusion. Based on the Board’s deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, with no single factor determinative of a conclusion, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that: (a) the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; (b) the sub-advisory fees are reasonable in light of the services that the Sub-Adviser will provide to the Fund; and (c) the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an initial term of two years was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

23

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Rule 22e-4”), Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of its series, the Ionic Inflation Protection ETF (the “Fund”), has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”). The Program seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management for the Fund and to protect the Fund’s shareholders from dilution of their interests. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of Toroso Investments, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, as the program administrator (the “Program Administrator”). The Program Administrator has further delegated administration of the Program to a Program Administrator Committee composed of certain Trust officers. The Program Administrator is required to provide a written annual report to the Board regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the Program, including the operation of the highly liquid investment minimum, if applicable, and any material changes to the Program.

On November 23, 2021, the Board reviewed the Program Administrator’s written annual report for the period October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Report”). The Program assesses liquidity risk under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed market conditions. The risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of a fund’s investments, limiting the amount of illiquid investments and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to a fund, among other means. The Trust has engaged the services of ICE Data Services, a third-party vendor, to provide daily portfolio investment classification services to assist in the Program Administrator’s assessment. The Report noted that no material changes had been made to the Program during the review period. The Program Administrator determined that the Program is reasonably designed and operating effectively.

The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2022 and was not a part of the Report but has adopted the Program upon commencement of operations.

STATEMENT REGARDING LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

24

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING (Unaudited)

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available upon request without charge, by calling (866) 214-2234 or by accessing the Fund’s website at www.cpiietf.com. Furthermore, you can obtain the description on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request without charge by calling (866) 214-2234 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (Unaudited)

The Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on the Fund’s website daily at www.cpiietf.com. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for its first and third fiscal quarters on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 214-2234. Furthermore, you can obtain the Part F of Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS (Unaudited)

Information regarding how often shares of the Fund trade on the exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) to its daily NAV is available, without charge, on the Fund’s website at www.cpiietf.com.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S TRUSTEES (Unaudited)

The Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 214-2234. Furthermore, you can obtain the SAI on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or the Fund’s website at www.cpiietf.com.

Investment Adviser

Toroso Investments, LLC

898 N. Broadway, Suite 2

Massapequa, New York 11758

Investment Sub-Adviser

Ionic Capital Management, LLC

475 Fifth Avenue, 9th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

342 N. Water Street, Suite 830

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Legal Counsel

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

833 East Michigan Street, Suite 1800

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Custodian

U.S. Bank N.A.

Custody Operations

1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

Fund Administrator

Tidal ETF Services, LLC

234 West Florida Street, Suite 203

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204

Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Sub-Administrator

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Distributor

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100

Portland, Maine 04101

 

Fund Information

Fund

Ticker

CUSIP

Ionic Inflation Protection ETF

CPII

886364553