Under the MOU, Shenzhen Securities Information and FTSE will undertake index-related research and development projects and leverage one another's strengths promoting indices to Chinese domestic and international investors.

FTSE was the first global index provider to enter the China market. Since 2001, FTSE has created a comprehensive suite of benchmark and tradable A Share indices which are widely used by domestic and international investors. Increasingly, investors are looking to supplement existing benchmark approaches with innovative indices offering unique access to the China A Share market. With an established data license agreement in place, the agreement signed today builds on an existing relationship with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and will allow for the creation of specialised A Share indices leveraging SZSE Securities Information's local market knowledge and FTSE's international indexing expertise, including proven innovations in alternatively weighted indices and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), to serve investor needs.

David Fu, Executive, Vice General Manager, Shenzhen Securities Information, said, "This MOU with FTSE is part of our effort to further improve and promote our products in line with sophisticated investor needs. The development of indices based on international standards incorporating innovative methodologies, along with FTSE's recognized reach to global investors will facilitate the growth of the China capital market, and provide more opportunities for the creation of new investment products."

Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive, FTSE Group, said, "FTSE is honoured to enter into this MOU with Shenzhen Securities Information. As a leading global index provider, FTSE works with financial institutions around the world to create indices that best reflect global investor needs. China is one of the fastest growing markets and, as the A Share market matures to be freely traded internationally, it will play a vital role both in t the global capital market and in investor portfolios. We are proud to be a pioneer at the forefront of A Share market development."

Shenzhen Securities Information Co., Ltd is the organisation authorised by Shenzhen Stock Exchange to manage its securities information.