VettaFi acquires Global Listed Infrastructure Organisation

VettaFi, a subsidiary of TMX Group, has announced its acquisition of the Global Listed Infrastructure Organisation (GLIO) indices from FT Wilshire. The move enables VettaFi to enhance its index offerings within the infrastructure sector, providing institutional-grade benchmarks to a global audience. This acquisition is set to rebrand the GLIO indices under VettaFi, expanding their visibility and accessibility.

The acquisition involves the integration and rebranding of the GLIO indices, which specialize in listed infrastructure and real assets. These indices will be renamed as the GLIO VettaFi Global Listed Infrastructure Index and the GLIO VettaFi Global Real Assets Index, broadening VettaFi's catalog to over 1,250 indices. VettaFi's platform currently facilitates $86 billion in assets passively tracking its indexes, with $80 billion benchmarked against them. This strategic addition strengthens the platform's positioning within a market valued at approximately $3.5 trillion.

Fraser Hughes, GLIO's Founder and CEO, emphasized that this transition represents a significant step in GLIO's growth trajectory. Teaming with VettaFi offers GLIO expanded technology and distribution capabilities, anticipated to elevate both innovation and market reach in the sector. VettaFi's Chief Product Officer, Brian Coco, highlighted the importance of adding infrastructure and real assets indices as investors increasingly seek uncorrelated investment alternatives.

The acquisition reflects current trends in the investment landscape where demand for infrastructure and real assets as diversifiers is on the rise. VettaFi’s strengthened index offerings are expected to impact the competitive landscape by providing enhanced tools for asset managers seeking innovative solutions. As investment patterns shift towards unique asset classes, VettaFi's bolstering of its index roster aligns it with evolving market demands.

Looking ahead, the integration process is expected to utilize VettaFi’s advanced cloud-based technology to ensure seamless amalgamation and management of the new indices. There are no indications of regulatory hurdles, and the focus will likely be on the successful rebranding and deployment of the rebranded indices to further harness market participation.