FTSE Russell Gains EU Regulatory Approval for Third-Country Benchmarks

FTSE Russell, the index provider owned by the London Stock Exchange Group, announced that its Paris-based subsidiary FTSE EU SAS has received authorization from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The approval allows the company to endorse third-country significant and climate benchmarks for use within the European Union under the EU Benchmark Regulation.

The authorization represents a significant milestone for FTSE Russell's European operations and enables continued use of its indices by market participants across the region. The company stated that the approval reflects its commitment to high governance standards, transparency, and rigorous oversight in benchmark administration.

Gerald Toledano, General Manager at FTSE EU SAS, described the authorization as recognition of the firm's standards and dedication to the European market. He noted that Europe remains strategically important for FTSE Russell's long-term growth and that the company remains committed to investing in local capabilities and providing reliable benchmarking services to institutional and retail investors.

This authorization follows an earlier approval of FTSE EU SAS as a benchmark administrator by France's financial regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), in November 2025. According to FTSE Russell, the regulatory approval is not expected to alter current operational or contractual arrangements between LSEG entities and their clients.

FTSE Russell manages thousands of indices across more than 70 countries, with approximately $20 trillion in assets benchmarked to its indexes globally. The company serves institutional investors, asset managers, ETF providers, and investment banks worldwide.