Independent research distribution platform RSRCHXchange, has doubled its research base but growth in buy-side participation has remained muted.
While it has seen a strong increase in research providers offering their products on the platform, buy-side client numbers have been growing at a rate of about 10 per week.
The platform, launched in September and aims to comply with upcoming MiFID II regulations on unbundling of research and commission payments, offers access to a range of of research content to asset managers.
“It’s our aim to bring to our fund management clients a centralised, searchable access point for research from the leading providers with whom they have existing relationships,” said Vicky Sanders, co-CEO of RSRCHXchange
“There is a clear demand for both types of research services, as well as a smarter, more efficient means of accessing that content.”
Following the platform’s launch, it now offers researchon a wide range of diverse topics including European online retail, global shipping and M&A insights.
Fellow co-CEO Jeremy Davie spoke of the impact of the upcoming MiFID II regulations on the platform’s development.
“While there is much talk about the repeated delay of ESMA’s technical guidelines, we have seen little impact on provider and client activity. The direction of travel in research regulation is clear.
“We see both users and providers of research making changes today, ahead of regulatory deadlines, because it makes business sense,” he added.