Markit, the financial information services group and index provider, has created the ETF Encyclopedia, offering information on exchange-traded products (ETPs) around the world.
The Encyclopedia, due to be launched this week, presents information on ETPs including the product name, issuer, listings, currency and market makers.
It includes whether there are options available on the products, the underlying benchmark, whether the products are Ucits compliant and product registrations.
The database also shows the holding type, whether the products use swaps or futures, while looking at tracking error and the level and type of collateral.
Markit director of product development Bernie Thurston says: "It's a start in helping to enhance transparency, it's a first step along the way."
He explains the product enhances transparency, showing the growth of the market, which complements other potential developments such as the possible inclusion of ETF trade reporting in the second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Mifid).
Thurston says: "Given the growth of the ETF market, it would not be surprising if ETF trade reporting was on the agenda for Mifid II. This would improve transparency and show how the market is growing."
He adds: "Our trade data will also help estimate the growth of the market."
