MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI) and UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) have unveiled a strategic collaboration focused on improving openness and reliability in the private markets sector. Announced on July 9, 2026, the partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations to tackle persistent issues like scattered information and insufficient visibility that have long hindered participants in this expanding asset class.
Private markets, encompassing areas such as private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure, have seen explosive growth as both institutional and individual investors seek higher returns and diversification beyond traditional public securities.
However, challenges including inconsistent reporting, limited standardization, and data fragmentation have made it difficult for participants to make fully informed decisions.
The new alliance aims to bridge these gaps by expanding MSCIās advanced, artificial intelligence-driven platform.
This system will integrate sophisticated tools, comprehensive datasets, and analytical capabilities tailored specifically for private and alternative assets.
MSCI brings to the table its established expertise in delivering unbiased data, robust analytical models, and industry benchmarks.
UBS, recognized as the worldās largest global wealth manager and a major player in asset management, contributes deep knowledge from its role as a prominent limited partner (LP) alongside insights from its unified global alternatives business.
By incorporating perspectives from wealth management and asset management clients, the collaboration seeks to develop a seamless, standardized framework that covers the entire investment journeyāfrom initial opportunity identification and due diligence to ongoing portfolio oversight and performance evaluation.
This integrated approach promises to empower investors with quicker access to actionable intelligence, allowing them to assess potential deals with increased assurance.
UBS will serve as an initial user of the enhanced platform, providing real-world feedback while jointly promoting wider industry acceptance and the establishment of common practices.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts across the financial sector to modernize private markets infrastructure, enabling these assets to be managed with the same level of precision and accessibility as public market investments.
Henry Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI, emphasized the importance of this development.
He noted that as private markets gain prominence in overall portfolios, stakeholders demand the same independence, depth, and ease of use they experience in listed markets.
The combined resources of both firms are intended to create essential foundational systems for the sectorās evolution.
Sergio P. Ermotti, Group CEO of UBS, highlighted the longstanding ties between the two companies and their mutual goal of elevating standards.
Drawing on UBSās extensive experience and client understanding, the partnership aims to advance next-generation solutions that streamline decision-making for private and public market strategies.
The announcement arrives amid heightened industry focus on private assets, where tools for timely benchmarking and risk assessment are increasingly vital.
By addressing core pain points through technology and collaboration, MSCI and UBS are positioning themselves at the forefront of efforts to professionalize and democratize access to these opportunities.
Investors and advisors stand to benefit from more connected ecosystems that reduce opacity and foster greater confidence in allocations.
This partnership underscores a growing trend: the convergence of data providers and major financial institutions to build more transparent, efficient markets. As private investments continue to attract capital, initiatives like this could play a pivotal role in sustaining growth while mitigating risks associated with limited disclosure.