History of FactSet in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 7, 2025

FactSet Research Systems Inc. is an American financial data and software company headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. It provides integrated data and software solutions to financial professionals. In fiscal year 2023, FactSet's revenue from ASV (Annual Subscription Value) and professional services reached $2.09 billion. The company's market value is approximately $17 billion.

1977: Partnership Began

In 1977, the partnership between Howard Wille and Chuck Snyder began when they worked together on Wall Street at Faulkner, Dawkins & Sullivan.

1978: FactSet Founded

In 1978, FactSet was founded by Howard Wille and Chuck Snyder.

1981: Data Download into Visicalc

In 1981, Snyder found a way to download data from the FactSet computer into Visicalc, enabling clients to directly retrieve data from a database into a spreadsheet, significantly speeding up the data download process.

1984: Added Limited Screening Capabilities

In 1984, FactSet added limited screening capabilities to its services.

1985: Philip A. Hadley Joins as Consultant

In 1985, Philip A. Hadley joined FactSet as a consultant.

1988: Introduction of Universal Screening

In 1988, FactSet expanded screening capabilities with the introduction of Universal Screening, allowing users to stipulate their own screening criteria.

1989: Release of Private Database Service

In 1989, FactSet released its Private Database Service, enabling users to store proprietary data and integrate it with their own information for custom analysis.

1990: FactSet for Windows Released and Headquarters Moved

In 1990, FactSet for Windows was released, and the company headquarters moved from New York City to Greenwich, CT.

1993: London Office Opened

In 1993, FactSet opened its first European office in London.

June 1995: Company Name Change

In June 1995, the company changed its name to FactSet Research Systems Inc. in preparation for becoming a public company.

1995: Asia-Pacific Office Opened in Tokyo

In 1995, FactSet opened its first Asia-Pacific office in Tokyo.

1996: Began Trading on NYSE

In 1996, FactSet began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FDS.

1997: Release of Portfolio Management Workstation

In 1997, FactSet released the Portfolio Management Workstation.

1998: DIRECTIONS interface Release and Addition of Online Assistant

In 1998, FactSet released the DIRECTIONS interface and added Online Assistant, a web-based help and reference tool, to enhance product usability.

1999: Introduced 24-Hour Live Telephone Support

In 1999, FactSet introduced 24-hour live telephone support.

May 2000: Wille Retired

In May 2000, Howard Wille retired from his position as CEO and chairman of FactSet.

2000: Acquisition History

Since 2000, FactSet has made close to 15 acquisitions, seven of which have been content providers.

2002: Sales Top $200 Million

In 2002, FactSet sales topped the $200 million mark for the first time.

2004: Release of IBCentral

In 2004, FactSet released its sell-side platform, IBCentral.

2004: Headquarters Relocation

In 2004, FactSet relocated headquarters and consolidated its three Connecticut offices to Norwalk, Connecticut.

June 2008: Acquisition of Thomson Fundamentals Database

In June 2008, FactSet completed the acquisition of the Thomson Fundamentals database.

2008: Acquisition of Thomson Reuters WorldScope database

In 2008, FactSet acquired a copy of the Thomson Reuters WorldScope database, which it develops and markets as FactSet Fundamentals.

2008: Sales Top $500 Million

In 2008, FactSet sales topped the $500 million mark.

2009: FactSet Platform Launch and Data Explorers Integration

In 2009, FactSet combined its DIRECTIONS, Marquee, and IBCentral platforms into one product called FactSet. Also in 2009, FactSet integrated Data Explorers short selling data on the Factset Research Systems analytics platform.

January 2010: Partnership with FirstRain Announced

In January 2010, FactSet and FirstRain announced a partnership allowing FactSet clients to access FirstRain's web research engine.

June 2010: Acquisition of Market Metrics

In June 2010, FactSet acquired Market Metrics, a market research firm focused on surveys about advisor and insurance products.

2011: Package for colleges and universities, integration of Proquote, and addition of Trucost

Highlights of 2011 included the addition of a package for colleges and universities in January, the integration of Proquote trading functionality in April, and the addition of Trucost environmental research data in August.

June 2012: Acquisition of StreetAccount

In June 2012, FactSet acquired StreetAccount, which provides real-time company updates, portfolio and sector filtering, email alerts, and market summaries for investment professionals.

2013: Acquisition of Revere Data

In 2013, FactSet acquired Revere Data, now branded FactSet Revere, a provider of a line-of-business industry taxonomy.

February 9, 2015: Acquisition of Code Red Inc

On February 9, 2015, FactSet acquired Code Red Inc, a provider of Research Management technology to the financial community.

October 16, 2015: Acquisition of Portware, LLC

On October 16, 2015, FactSet completed its acquisition of Portware, LLC, a multi-asset execution management system (EMS) provider.

December 2016: Acquisition of Vermilion Software and CYMBA Technologies

In December 2016, FactSet acquired Vermilion Software, a client reporting software provider, and CYMBA Technologies, an order management system (OMS) provider.

March 20, 2017: Acquisition of BISAM

On March 20, 2017, FactSet acquired BISAM, a performance and risk provider, enhancing coverage of portfolio lifecycle workflows.

April 3, 2017: Acquisition of Interactive Data Managed Solutions

On April 3, 2017, FactSet completed its acquisition of Interactive Data Managed Solutions, strengthening its offerings to the Wealth Management industry.

2018: Market Data Provider for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

A key milestone for FactSet in 2018 was the selection to be the primary market data provider for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

2018: Expansion in Asia, Anniversaries, and Revenue Growth

In 2018, FactSet expanded its presence in Asia with a new office in Shanghai, celebrated 20 years in Australia and 40 years as a company, and declared strong revenue and EPS growth.

2018: Launch of Open:FactSet Marketplace

In 2018, FactSet launched the Open:FactSet Marketplace, an online platform offering financial and alternative data from various providers.

November 2020: Restructure Foundation

In November 2020, FactSet furnished over 400 affinity databases and sought to restructure its foundation with inside the cloud to Amazon Web Services (AWS).

2020: Acquisition of Truvalue Labs

In 2020, FactSet acquired Truvalue Labs, a pioneer in AI-driven environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data.

August 21, 2021: Increased customer retention rate

As of August 21, 2021, FactSet's customer retention rate increased from 91% to 95% year over year.

October 2021: Acquisition of Cobalt Software

In October 2021, FactSet acquired Cobalt Software, a Boston-based provider of portfolio monitoring solutions.

December 20, 2021: Joined the S&P 500

On December 20, 2021, FactSet joined the S&P 500.

December 27, 2021: Plans to Acquire CUSIP Global Services

On December 27, 2021, FactSet announced its plans to acquire CUSIP Global Services from S&P Global for $1.925 billion in cash.

August 31, 2023: FactSet User and Client Statistics

As of August 31, 2023, there were approximately 190,000 FactSet users, over 7,900 clients, and an annual client retention rate exceeding 95%.

2023: Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue

In fiscal year 2023, FactSet's total ASV and professional services revenues were $2.09 billion and the total market value for FactSet was approximately $17 billion.