Index Industry Association

Member Insight: “Redefining the Role of Index Providers” – S&P Dow Jones Indices

Index providers play a foundational role in the index-based products and asset allocation model portfolios now widely used in U.S. wealth management, yet they remain underutilized. Together with Cerulli Associates, S&P Dow Jones Indices published a research study on the use of index-based products and solutions within the U.S. wealth management market. The research aims…

Market Uncertainty? Four Benefits of Indexes as a Tool for Investors

As investors navigate a bumpy sea of uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions, shifting tariffs, market dips and recession fears, it is more vital than ever that market participants have confidence that the markets are functioning as intended, and are knowledgeable of tools available for informed decision-making. IIA CEO Kirsten Wegner’s insight on how indexes and…

IIA CEO Unpacks Global Trends Shaping Investment Landscape

Perspective from Kirsten Wegner, IIA CEO In a recent webinar hosted by the ETF BILD Project, I had the privilege of joining the World Federation of Exchanges’ CEO Nandini Sukumar to share observations on technology and other shifts influencing investment and trading today. A few of our main takeaways included: Markets Functioning as Intended, Despite…

The Future is Bright for the Index Industry

A Message from Retiring CEO Rick Redding It has been an incredible honor to lead the Index Industry Association (IIA) over the last 12+ years and with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement as CEO. Knowing this milestone was approaching, I have found myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve traveled since the…

The nature and role of financial benchmarks in supporting vibrant capital markets

What is a financial index? What is their role in the financial value chain? How can indexes be part of the solution to restore Europe’s competitiveness? Index providers have a unique role to play. From increasing transparency and reducing cost to empowering retail and professional investors, indexes help develop Europe’s Capital Markets Union. Learn more…

Index Minutes: Methodology

Voices of the IIA – Varun Pawar, ICE

Articles, Member Insight Voices of the IIA – Varun Pawar, ICE May 28, 2024 The Index Industry Association sat down with Varun Pawar, ICE Fixed Income & Data Services Chief Product Officer and recently appointed IIA Board Member, to get his thoughts on his career journey, current role and opportunity for the global index industry….

Voices of the IIA – Suzanne Ropeta, Morningstar

Articles, Member Insight Voices of the IIA – Suzanne Ropeta, Morningstar May 6, 2024 The Index Industry Association recently caught up with Suzanne Ropeta, Head of Global Marketing for Morningstar Indexes and Morningstar Sustainalytics to learn more about her background, current role and opportunities ahead for Morningstar. Q: Tell us about your background in…

Member Insight: “Indices and Benchmarks Made Clear” – FTSE Russell

Investors who hear the word “benchmark” often use it interchangeably with the word “index.” But there are differences between the terms, and Index Industry Association member FTSE Russell aims to clear up misconceptions with its report, “Indices and Benchmarks Made Clear”, authored by David Sol, FTSE Russell Managing Director and Global Head of Policy and Governance. …

Member Insight: “Remember the Retail Investor!” – Morningstar

Morningstar Chief Indexing Officer Gareth Parker writes about the importance of educating retail investors on the benefits of index-based investing, noting that the topic “isn’t understood” among even the most savvy retail investors. In the article, Parker gives a “rundown of the benefits of indexing” noting that it is a “strategy that combines market returns,…

Index Minutes: Regulations Review, Part Two

In part two of his review of index industry regulations, Bloomberg Global Head of Index Governance Vinay Reddy reviews why safeguards are important for investors and the industry at large.

Index Minutes: Regulations Review, Part One

Bloomberg Global Head of Index Governance Vinay Reddy reviews how the global index industry is regulated including a review of oversight functions, good governance, and EU and UK rules.

Index Minutes: Evolution of the Index Industry

S&P Dow Jones Head of U.S. Index Investment Strategy Anu Ganti reviews the evolution of the index industry and gives statistics on the rise of passive investing.

Index Minutes: Inside a Financial Index

FTSE Russell Director of Product Management Catherine Yoshimoto reviews the basics of a financial index, including methodology, weighting, and the relationship between index providers and asset managers.

Innovation, Opportunity Define the Future of the Indexing Industry

Articles Innovation, Opportunity Define the Future of the Indexing Industry March 18, 2024 Perspective from Fiona Bassett, IIA Chair and FTSE Russell CEO Cutting edge technology, artificial intelligence, data science, huge structural tailwinds, disruption, enormous growth potential – are we describing an emerging new tech sector? In fact, we are describing the world of indexing…

Women Leaders in the Index Industry: A Panel Discussion

Member Insight: “Ingredients of Index Construction”- Nasdaq

Articles, Member Insight Member Insight: “Ingredients of Index Construction”- Nasdaq February 13, 2024 A Market Makers article from IIA member Nasdaq reviews the basic “ingredients” that are needed to create a financial index. The article, “Ingredients for Index Construction,” was written by Nasdaq Chief Economist Phil Mackintosh and Nasdaq Head of Americas Index Product Development…

IIA Updated Comments on EU Benchmark Regulation (BMR) Review

The IIA released updated comments on the EU BMR, following a draft report by Rapporteur Fernandez. The IIA welcomes the draft report by Rapporteur Fernandez and appreciates that in the report the rapporteur agrees with the main objectives of the revision as proposed by the European Commission and as predominantly also agreed to by the…

Index Industry Association Concerns with the European Parliament’s Retail Investment Strategy Draft Report

The Index Industry Association (IIA) supports the objective of encouraging retail investment and believes this will bring significant benefits to both retail investors and the European capital markets. To this end, we welcome the adoption of a Retail Investment Strategy that allows European retail investors to benefit from lower costs and better access to investment…

IIA Position on EU Benchmark Regulation Review

The Index Industry Association (IIA) welcomes the European Commission initiative to reduce reporting requirements by 25%, in line with the objective to boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness. The Proposal to review the Benchmark Regulation’s (BMR) scope and third- country regime is a concrete and welcomed measure to achieve this objective. The IIA supports the BMR’s…

IIA Open Letter to Japanese FSA on Tsumitate NISA

The IIA submitted an open letter to the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) requesting an expansion of the list of indices designated for the new Tsumitate Nippon Individual Small Account (NISA) system. The Tsumitate NISA was originally launched in 2018 to encourage the younger generation, novice to investing in stocks, to develop supplementary retirement savings,…

What is a Financial Index?

Videos What is a Financial Index? November 13, 2023 If you follow markets, you’ve heard about indexes. But do you know exactly what an index does and why you can’t invest in one itself? This video provides an overview of the financial index and describes the critical products and services indexes provide to global investors….

How Asset Managers Are Evolving on ESG: A Conversation with Rick Redding and Mark Purdy

How Asset Managers Are Evolving on ESG: A Conversation with Rick Redding and Mark Purdy September 22, 2023 IIA CEO Rick Redding speaks with one of the author’s of the 2023 IIA ESG Survey, Mark Purdy, managing director of Purdy Associates. In this conversation, they discuss some of the surprising findings this year. They also…

Voices of the IIA – Tom Kuh, Morningstar Indexes Head of ESG Strategy

Voices of the IIA – Tom Kuh, Morningstar Indexes Head of ESG Strategy September 20, 2023 Tom Kuh, Morningstar Indexes Head of ESG Strategy The IIA sat down with Thomas Kuh, Head of ESG Strategy for Morningstar Indexes, to talk about his role at Morningstar, perspectives gathered from his more than 30 years in ESG…

Index Industry Association’s Third Annual Global ESG Asset Manager Survey

Index Industry Association’s Fourth Annual Survey of Global Asset Managers Entering 2024, change was afoot in the asset management industry driven by an anticipated volatile economic environment, an election super cycle, political polarization around ESG investing and unbridled hype around AI. At the mid-point of the year, a clearer picture began to emerge of how…