MSCI announced it has acquired Compass Financial Technologies, an index services provider, to strengthen its index calculation capabilities across alternative and multi-asset classes, including commodities and cryptocurrencies. The acquisition expands MSCI’s ability to develop sophisticated, customized index strategies as investor demand for diversified benchmarks spanning multiple asset classes grows. By integrating Compass’ technology platform and expertise, MSCI will be able to create, calculate, and customize complex indexes that combine global equities, fixed income, commodities, digital assets, currencies, and derivatives.
MSCI said the addition of Compass will also enable the calculation of custom indexes that incorporate derivative layers, providing investors with broader opportunities to benchmark risk and performance, launch investible products, and support portfolio construction decisions across a wider range of asset classes.
The company noted that Compass has long served as a trusted partner for calculating certain MSCI indexes. Bringing the platform in-house is expected to ensure long-term continuity while unlocking new innovation opportunities across both traditional and alternative asset markets.
The acquisition also complements MSCI’s 2024 purchase of Foxberry, which expanded the firm’s index design capabilities. Together, the two deals are intended to accelerate MSCI’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions for complex, customized cross-asset indexes within its governance and operational framework.
MSCI said the transaction reflects its ongoing strategy to drive transparency, innovation, and technology-led solutions that help global investors make better decisions. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the company said the deal is not expected to have a material financial impact. Compass Financial Technologies’ financial results will be reported within MSCI’s Index segment.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Jana Haines, Head of Index at MSCI
“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.”
Guillaume Le Fur, CEO at Compass Financial Technologies
