FTSE Russell, the global index provider owned by LSEG, has received authorisation from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to endorse third-country significant and climate benchmarks for use across the EU under the EU Benchmark Regulation. The Paris-based subsidiary FTSE EU SAS will now be able to provide these services to market participants throughout the region, enabling the continued use of FTSE Russell indices by institutional and retail investors.
- Authorising Body: European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)
- Operating Entity: FTSE EU SAS (Paris-based)
- Prior Authorisation: AMF benchmark administrator authorisation in November 2025
- Assets Benchmarked: Approximately $20 trillion
- Coverage: Indices across 70+ countries, covering 98% of investable global markets
The endorsement follows FTSE EU SAS‘s earlier authorisation as a benchmark administrator by France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in November 2025. The ESMA approval represents a significant regulatory milestone that reinforces the firm’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and oversight in benchmark administration.
We are pleased to receive ESMA authorisation for endorsement, a significant milestone for FTSE Russell and our clients across Europe. This ensures the continued use of our benchmarks within the EU and reflects the high standards that underpin our index business.
Gerald Toledano, General Manager at FTSE EU SAS, emphasised that Europe remains strategically important for the index provider. The authorisation supports FTSE Russell’s long-term growth strategy in the region and underscores its commitment to investing in local capabilities while delivering reliable benchmarks that investors and market participants depend on. The company noted that the endorsement is not expected to result in any changes to operational arrangements or existing contractual relationships between LSEG entities and their clients.
Gerald Toledano, CEO at FTSE EU SAS. Source: LinkedIn
LSEG is a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider headquartered in the United Kingdom, with significant operations across 65 countries and more than 26,000 employees globally.
