Best Reference Data Provider: S&P Global Market Intelligence

Reference data is at the core of any financial organization, and access to accurate and consistent data sources is crucial for firms to ensure efficient operations and informed decision-making. This year’s winner of the Best Reference Data Provider award services the community with its full suite of offerings, which range from global securities identifiers to counterparty data. S&P Global Market Intelligence topped the reader vote in this category. 

S&P Global Market Intelligence is a veteran of the reference data market, with customers relying on the vendor for reliable content that feeds firms’ master files of entity and security data. “Over the past 25 years, we’ve been at the forefront of cross-reference services, and that experience gives us more knowledge on the nuances that evolve over time,” says Lance Risi, senior analyst, data management solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

 With a large team of data analysts and a local presence in many markets, S&P Global Market Intelligence also impresses with its extensive global coverage, which now includes 43 million securities. Gautam Jaggi, director, data management solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence, says: “It is the group of around 3,000 analysts that maintains the data by tracking securities and companies through their life cycle. This team is constantly validating corporate structures and that is critical for our customers.”

 These content sets are continuously enhanced with coverage of new asset classes and identifiers. Within the next 12 months, Risi says customers can expect to see bank identifier codes added, and there are also plans to enhance the derivatives coverage to include commodities and stock options. “A lot of our clients hold commodities and stock options,” which have an expiration date, says Risi, adding that, for clients, it is very valuable for all information to be connected for improved transparency and to address regulatory requirements.

S&P Global Market Intelligence’s coverage and data management capabilities have also presented opportunities to increase focus on advanced technologies and differentiated data. Recently, this was displayed through the acquisitions of Kensho, a provider of next-generation analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data visualization systems, and Panjiva, a provider of global supply chain data, leveraging data science and technology for making sense of large, unstructured datasets. “We are always looking for ways to deliver on several of our key strategic initiatives, from our core commitment to delivering differentiated data, to providing essential, actionable insights through advanced technologies that will transform the user experience for clients—this is an exciting time for us,” Jaggi says.

Read more about the IMD/IRD Awards 2018 winners