Conflict of Interest (Benchmark)

A benchmark conflict of interest exists when the party that produces a benchmark also stands to gain from where it lands, undermining trust in the number.

If a vendor scores its own products or an exchange benchmarks its own listings, the figure is suspect; this is the failure governance is designed to prevent.

Separating benchmark operation from commercial interest is a core IOSCO principle and central to whether an index can be cited neutrally.