Refinitiv

Refinitiv times square

Refinitiv is a global provider of financial market data and infrastructure. The company was formed in 2018 from the Financial and Risk business of Thomson Reuters when it was sold to private equity funds managed by Blackstone Group. Later, in 2020, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) acquired Refinitiv in a deal valued at $27 billion, marking a significant consolidation in the financial data industry.

History

Refinitiv's history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of financial information services. The company's roots can be traced back to the Financial and Risk business of Thomson Reuters, which itself was a result of various mergers and acquisitions, most notably the merger between Thomson Corporation and Reuters Group PLC in 2008. The sale of the Financial and Risk business to Blackstone Group in 2018 led to the formation of Refinitiv. This move was aimed at creating a more focused entity capable of competing more effectively in the rapidly changing financial data market.

In October 2020, the acquisition of Refinitiv by the London Stock Exchange Group was completed, creating a global financial markets infrastructure and data provider. This acquisition was seen as a strategic move to enhance LSEG's position in the financial data services sector, providing a broader range of services and data to its clients.

Products and Services

Refinitiv provides a wide range of data, analytics, trading, and risk assessment tools to the financial services market. Its products and services are designed to support the entire workflow of financial markets professionals, including traders, investment advisors, risk managers, and compliance officers. Key offerings include:

• Eikon: A financial analysis platform providing access to real-time market data, news, analytics, and trading tools.
• World-Check: A risk intelligence database designed to help organizations in identifying potential financial, regulatory, and reputational risks.
• FXall: An electronic foreign exchange trading platform.
• Elektron: A suite of data and trading propositions, including real-time market data and historical data services.
• Datastream: A financial research database providing access to historical financial data for analysis and strategy development.

Impact on the Financial Industry

Refinitiv plays a critical role in the global financial industry by providing the infrastructure and data essential for market operations. Its products and services enable faster, more informed decision-making and compliance with regulatory requirements. By offering comprehensive data and analytics, Refinitiv supports transparency and efficiency in financial markets.

Challenges and Opportunities

The financial data industry is highly competitive, with major players like Bloomberg L.P., S&P Global, and Moody's competing for market share. Refinitiv's ability to innovate and adapt to changing market needs is crucial for its continued success. Additionally, the integration with LSEG presents both challenges and opportunities for synergies that could enhance product offerings and customer service.

Conclusion

Refinitiv represents a significant entity in the financial data and infrastructure sector, with a history of evolution and adaptation to the needs of the financial industry. Its acquisition by the London Stock Exchange Group marks a new chapter in its story, promising to shape the future of financial markets data and infrastructure services.