MSCI Expands Multi-Asset and Alternative Index Capabilities With Acquisition of Compass Financial Technologies

Key Terms

derivatives financial

Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on the price or performance of another asset, such as a stock, bond, commodity, currency or interest rate. Investors use them to hedge against risk, to speculate on future price moves, or to gain exposure without owning the asset — like buying insurance or placing a leveraged bet — so they can both protect portfolios and magnify gains or losses, affecting risk and market liquidity.

digital assets financial

Digital assets are electronic files or representations of value stored electronically, such as cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, or digital art. They matter to investors because they can be bought, sold, and used for transactions much like physical assets, but exist entirely in digital form, offering new opportunities for investment and financial innovation.

multi-asset indexes technical

A multi-asset index tracks the combined performance of different types of investments—such as stocks, bonds, commodities and cash—using a single, weighted measure. Think of it like a mixed fruit basket that shows how the whole mix is doing rather than any single item; investors use these indexes to gauge diversified strategies, compare fund performance, and estimate overall risk and return without examining each asset separately.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI) is enhancing its index calculation capabilities in alternative and multi-asset classes, including commodities and cryptocurrencies, through the acquisition of index services provider, Compass Financial Technologies.

The integration of Compass builds upon MSCI’s long-established roots in index innovation across public and private assets and will extend its reach across asset classes to meet growing investor demand for sophisticated, customized and diversified index strategies.

Through this acquisition, MSCI will have the ability to create, calculate and customize complex multi-asset indexes that integrate global equities, fixed income, commodities, digital assets, currencies and derivatives. Additionally, this enables MSCI to calculate custom indexes that include derivative layers. This expanded opportunity set will allow investors to benchmark risk and performance, create investible products and inform portfolio construction decisions across a wider range of asset classes.

Jana Haines, Head of Index at MSCI said, “Investor strategies are evolving fast, and we are committed to ensuring our index offering evolves in lockstep with our clients’ needs. Compass has been a trusted partner for MSCI. This acquisition further secures the long-term continuity of MSCI indexes calculated by Compass, while unlocking new opportunities for innovation across both traditional and alternative asset classes.”

Guillaume Le Fur, CEO at Compass Financial Technologies said, “Over the past eight years, Compass has developed an advanced innovation-driven index calculation platform. This capability is being integrated to enable MSCI to scale more rapidly, broaden its multi-asset, alternative and highly-customized index offerings and further strengthen its leadership in index innovation.”

This strategic new investment complements MSCI’s acquisition of Foxberry in 2024, and together they accelerate MSCI’s ability to timely deliver end-to-end solutions for complex, customized cross-asset indexes – all to be integrated within MSCI’s trusted governance and operational framework.

MSCI’s acquisition of Compass also reflects our ongoing commitment to driving transparency, innovation, scalability and technology-led solutions that empower better investment decision-making across global markets.

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the financial impact of the transaction is not expected to be material to MSCI. Compass Financial Technologies’ financial results will be presented as part of MSCI’s Index reportable segment.

About MSCI

MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI) strengthens global markets by connecting participants across the financial ecosystem with a common language. Our research-based data, analytics and indexes, supported by advanced technology, set standards for global investors and help our clients understand risks and opportunities so they can make better decisions and unlock innovation. We serve asset managers and owners, private-market sponsors and investors, hedge funds, wealth managers, banks, insurers and corporates. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com. MSCI#IR

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and involve risks that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially, and you should not place undue reliance on them. Risks that could affect results or performance are in MSCI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year ended on December 31 that is filed with the SEC. MSCI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. No information herein constitutes investment advice or should be relied on as such. MSCI grants no right or license to use its products or services without an appropriate license. MSCI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

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Source: MSCI Inc.