FTSE Russell: a match made in multi-factor heaven

The merger of index titans FTSE and Russell Investments brings together two smart beta pioneers, and signals an upheaval in the industry’s competitive landscape. Gareth Parker, senior director for index research at the newly joined company, talks about staying ahead in the race to build the next generation of multi-asset indexes amid the threat from bank index providers and other rivals

Gareth Parker, FTSE Russell

The merger of index powerhouses FTSE and Russell in May this year signalled a step change in the industry. Once seen as the sober setters of benchmarks and guardians of market data, indexers now employ more quants than the average bank – providing the intellectual firepower that underpins an ever-growing chunk of the world's assets under management.

Gareth Parker, senior director for index research, design and development at FTSE Russell has witnessed this evolution first hand. Starting out at