Reference data
In 2025, keep reference data weird
The SEC, ESMA, CFTC and other acronyms provided the drama in reference data this year, including in crypto.
The art of communication: Data pros need better messaging
As the CDO of a tier-one bank puts it, when there’s an imbalance in communication between the data organization and the business (much less other technology heads) “that creates problems.”
Optimizing performance and risk calculations: The critical role of data quality
Calculating performance indicators or risk metrics is a critical task for financial institutions. While many focus solely on calculation methods, the real challenge often lies elsewhere.
Waters Wavelength Ep. 298: GenAI in market data, and everything reference data
Reb is back on the podcast to discuss licensing sticking points for market and reference data.
Back to basics: Taxonomies, lineage still stifle data efforts
Voice of the CDO: While data professionals are increasingly showing their value when it comes to analytics and AI adoption, their main job is still—crucially—getting a strong data foundation in place. That starts with taxonomies and lineage.
The AI boom proves a boon for chief data officers
Voice of the CDO: As trading firms incorporate AI and large language models into their investment workflows, there’s a growing realization among firms that their data governance structures are riddled with holes. Enter the chief data officer.
Waters Wavelength Ep. 293: Reference Data Drama
Tony and Reb discuss the Financial Data Transparency Act's proposed rules around identifiers and the industry reaction.
Industry not sold on FIGI mandate for US reg reporting
Banks’ and asset managers’ tortured relationship with Cusip numbers remains tortured, as they tell regulators to keep the taxonomy in play.
DORA stalls over identifier dispute
A disagreement over how to classify third-party tech providers on a reporting form known as the “register of information” has held up preparations for the highly anticipated operational resiliency rule in Europe.
American Bankers Assoc. asks SEC: Do you know what you’re doing?
The industry group disagrees severely with regulators’ interpretation of the Financial Data Transparency Act, hinting at possible legal action in a recently published comment letter.
Industry seeks to avoid future clashes over data costs
The IMD Wrap: Max wonders when and why buying data became a blood sport.
‘Feature, not a bug’: Bloomberg makes the case for Figi
Bloomberg created the Figi identifier, but ceded all its rights to the Object Management Group 10 years ago. Here, Bloomberg’s Richard Robinson and Steve Meizanis write to dispel what they believe to be misconceptions about Figi and the FDTA.
Regulators recommend Figi over Cusip, Isin for reporting in FDTA proposal
Another contentious battle in the world of identifiers pits the Figi against Cusip and the Isin, with regulators including the Fed, the SEC, and the CFTC so far backing the Figi.
Cutting through the hype surrounding the FDTA rulemaking process
A bill requiring US regulators and institutions to adopt a machine-readable data framework for reporting purposes applies to entity identifiers, but not security identifiers, in a crucial difference, writes Scott Preiss, SVP and global head of Cusip…
Market and reference data management: Challenges abound
The findings in this paper illustrate just how much firms can improve managing and optimizing market and reference data spend and usage.
BlackRock-Preqin: It’s the data, Cupid!
As BlackRock buys Preqin, and LSEG strikes a data deal with Dow Jones, Max notes that in data, strange bedfellows breed valuable offspring.
Adaptive’s Aeron goes live on Microsoft Azure Marketplace
The messaging software used for building bespoke trading platforms is now available on Microsoft’s marketplace, making it accessible through major cloud providers.
FRTB data quality issues persist amid shifting implementation dates
Banks are finding market and reference data challenges posed by the FRTB’s standardized model tricky, compounded by uncertainty over when the regulation will take effect.
As legal letters fly, Cusip licensing debate rolls on
Cusip Global Services’ licensing agreements with third-party data providers sit at the heart of the antitrust case against itself and three others.
All eyes turn to North America as T+1 arrives
As T+1 settlement becomes a reality in North America, long-lingering questions will get their answers.