Bringing Institutional Discipline to Digital Assets
Kristen Mierzwa
Investors face a challenge in navigating the fast-evolving world of digital assets. With few barriers to entry and little consistency in how tokens are selected or classified, the market can feel fragmented and unpredictable. That’s where FTSE Russell’s index expertise comes in.
At first glance, the words “traditional” and “Innovative” may seem at odds. But together, they define how we approach digital assets: applying time-tested governance and operational rigor to one of the most dynamic asset classes in modern finance.
This market is volatile and experiences extreme price movements. Investors need more than access; they need guidance, structure, and trust. We have been committed to this space since 2019, when we partnered with Digital Asset Research to begin our work on pricing and index development. In a sector where crypto-native firms can disappear overnight, our clients value the stability and long-term vision we bring. As one of our counterparts put it: “You’re here to stay. We’ve seen your commitment and your ability to innovate.”
In 2024, we completed our ISAE 3000 audit, underscoring our commitment to best-in-class operations and governance. We apply the same standards used in the Russell US Index Series or the FTSE UK Index Series to build digital asset indices. It starts with a robust screening process—which, for example, excluded FTX as a pricing provider based on our governance rules.
FTSE Russell is uniquely positioned in the market. As a global index provider with access to all major asset classes—equities, fixed income, commodities, and digital assets—we can design innovative products that bridge traditional and digital finance. Imagine a long/short strategy combining the FTSE 100 and Bitcoin—only FTSE Russell can deliver that with speed and precision.
We operate in a very detail-oriented world, where every basis point matters.
Kristen Mierzwa
We also help clients navigate the “plumbing” of the financial system. Our relationships span regulators, central banks, exchanges, consultants, asset managers, and custodians. For digital asset firms unfamiliar with legacy infrastructure, our established connections are a critical advantage.
Our indexing experience brings added value to digital assets. For example, our five-day pro forma index review files—standard in traditional markets—help clients prepare for rebalances. These tools are rarely offered by crypto-native index providers, but they’re essential in a world where every basis point matters.
Transparency is another cornerstone of our approach. We invest heavily in data cleansing and infrastructure to ensure our indices are built on high-quality, reliable inputs. That’s not easy—and it’s not cheap—but we believe it sets our indices apart in both quality and value to investors.
For traditional financial firms using our indices to access digital assets, we help streamline the due diligence process. We make sure clients know they are working with a partner that understands both the innovation of crypto and the responsibilities of institutional investors.
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