FTSE Russell Partners with Chainlink to Bring Global Index Data On-Chain
FTSE Russell has partnered with Chainlink to publish its benchmark equity and digital asset indexes on blockchain networks for the first time. The collaboration brings data from major indexes like the Russell 1000, Russell 2000, Russell 3000, and FTSE 100 to multiple blockchains through Chainlink’s DataLink platform. This marks a significant milestone in bridging traditional finance with decentralized technology.
FTSE Russell indices are globally adopted, with over $18 trillion in assets under management benchmarked to them. The decision to publish this data on-chain represents institutional finance’s growing confidence in blockchain infrastructure. Financial institutions can now access the same trusted benchmarks that power traditional markets through decentralized networks.
How FTSE Russell Index Data Moves to Blockchain Networks
DataLink lets traditional data vendors send feeds to Chainlink node operators through existing REST or WebSocket APIs. This eliminates the need for custom blockchain infrastructure while maintaining control over data distribution. FTSE Russell can deliver its existing data feeds through standard web interfaces, while DataLink manages the publishing process across multiple blockchains.
Chainlink has proven reliable infrastructure powering many on-chain economy for over half a decade. The platform has enabled over $25 trillion in transaction value while actively securing nearly $100 billion in DeFi total value locked. This track record provides confidence for institutional data providers entering blockchain markets.
By publishing indices through DataLink, FTSE Russell intends to enable secure, global distribution of its benchmarks to more than 2,000 blockchain applications across 50-plus networks. The infrastructure allows financial data to flow seamlessly from traditional sources to decentralized applications.
Russell 1000 and Other Benchmark Indexes Available 24/7
The rollout covers major gauges, including the Russell 1000, Russell 2000, and Russell 3000, and makes data available around the clock across multiple blockchains. Additional products include the FTSE 100 Index, WMR FX benchmarks, FTSE DAR Digital Asset Prices, and FTSE Digital Asset Indices. This comprehensive data suite supports diverse financial applications.
The continuous availability transforms how developers can build financial products. Traditional markets operate during specific hours, but blockchain networks run continuously. The initiative aims to enhance data transparency, improve efficiency, and enable smart contracts and DeFi protocols to access reliable financial data securely.
FTSE Russell CEO Fiona Bassett said this marks a major step in enabling innovation around tokenized assets, ETFs, and next-generation financial products. Developers can now create compliant decentralized applications powered by institutional-grade benchmarks. This opens new possibilities for on-chain derivatives, synthetic assets, and automated portfolio management.
Chainlink DataLink Enables Institutional Financial Data Distribution
Chainlink’s decentralized oracle infrastructure ensures the delivery of tamper-proof data from FTSE Russell’s proprietary sources. Oracle networks serve as bridges between off-chain data sources and on-chain applications. They verify information before smart contracts can use it.
DataLink has previously been tapped by major data purveyors like Deutsche Börse and S&P Global. The service is used by thousands of decentralized apps and integrated with dozens of blockchains. Data providers integrate with DataLink, which then pushes verified information to Chainlink’s nodes for smart contract access.
This integration is part of LSEG’s broader digital transformation strategy, aligning with growing industry demand for tokenized assets and blockchain-based financial products. FTSE Russell is responsible for widely referenced financial benchmarks that influence trillions of dollars in assets held by institutional investors, mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension portfolios.
Institutional Adoption of Blockchain Technology Accelerates
FTSE Russell is among several major financial institutions exploring blockchain technology for applications such as tokenization, settlement, and stablecoin integration. Citigroup stated in April that growing institutional interest in blockchain stems partly from clearer regulations. Regulatory clarity around stablecoins enables greater integration into existing financial systems.
In January, FTSE Russell launched a series of digital asset indexes in partnership with SonarX, aiming to offer institutional investors standardized benchmarks for the cryptocurrency market. In 2023, FTSE Russell partnered with digital asset manager Grayscale to launch five indexes that categorize the cryptocurrency market by sectors.
The FTSE Russell–Chainlink collaboration reflects a wider movement among established financial data providers integrating blockchain technology into their operations. Industry analysts view the development as an important step toward legitimizing blockchain-based financial systems. Verified data from reputable index providers allows decentralized markets to reference standards that align with traditional finance.
Conclusion
The FTSE Russell and Chainlink partnership demonstrates how traditional financial infrastructure can integrate with blockchain technology. Institutional-grade benchmark data now flows to decentralized networks through proven oracle infrastructure. This collaboration creates new opportunities for tokenized financial products and bridges the gap between traditional and decentralized finance.
