At Barron's MSCI CEO on Private Assets, Climate Change, and More
Nov 6, 2025
Henry Fernandez, CEO of MSCI, shares captivating insights from his journey at the helm of the index and analytics firm. He discusses the creation of 250,000 diverse indexes and the vital role they play in improving investment strategies. Climate change and AI are highlighted as transformative forces in the market, along with MSCI's commitment to transparency in private assets. Fernandez also explores the rise of ETFs and the ongoing challenges in the stock market, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving financial landscape.
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How MSCI Began
- Henry Fernandez took over Morgan Stanley Capital International as a side project and turned it into MSCI.
- He restructured it from a small cost center into a diversified investment tools company through entrepreneurship and focus.
Why There Are 250,000 Indexes
- MSCI calculates about 250,000 indexes because investors demand many permutations across regions, sectors, and themes.
- A relatively small universe of tradable securities generates vast index combinations to meet varied investment needs.
Build Subscription-Based Data Pricing
- Charge for data and models via subscriptions because clients need continuous delivery and maintenance.
- Combine fixed subscription fees with asset-linked variable fees and transaction fees to align revenue with client usage and assets under management.