FTSE Russell Taps Chainlink to Take Stock Indexes Onchain
Big banks expand tokenization as rules solidify
Global index provider FTSE Russell has teamed up with Chainlink to broadcast its benchmark equity and digital asset indexes onchain. The integration brings data for the Russell 1000, Russell 2000, Russell 3000, the FTSE 100 Index, and several crypto benchmarks to multiple blockchains through DataLink, an institutional publishing service powered by Chainlink’s oracle network.
The Russell family of indexes, widely used to track US small and mid caps, underpins products tied to more than $18 trillion in assets worldwide. FTSE Russell said the move advances its strategy to support innovation around tokenized assets and exchange-traded funds, giving developers and institutions tamper-resistant price feeds for next-generation financial products.
The launch follows FTSE Russell’s January rollout of digital asset indexes with SonarX to standardize crypto market benchmarks, and its 2023 collaboration with Grayscale on five sector indexes spanning smart contract platforms, utilities, and consumer products. Together, the initiatives aim to give institutions consistent methodologies across traditional and digital markets.
The shift comes as major financial firms accelerate blockchain adoption. JPMorgan is extending tokenization via its private Kinexys network, bringing private equity funds onchain. Goldman Sachs and BNY are offering tokenized money market funds with round-the-clock settlement and onchain ownership tracking, signaling demand for programmable assets that operate beyond banking hours.
Citigroup recently noted that clearer rules, especially around stablecoins in the United States, are catalyzing institutional uptake. With regulatory visibility improving and high-quality data now available natively onchain, builders can create tokenized ETFs, automated risk tools, and settlement rails that bridge capital markets and DeFi. FTSE Russell’s partnership with Chainlink positions its indexes as foundational infrastructure for this emerging, always-on financial stack.
