The new FTSE All-World Index could become a major competitor to Morgan Stanley Capital International's (MSCI) indices in the Asia Pacific.
FTSE International director Graham Colbourne said FTSE and joint-venture partner ING Barings had begun marketing the index after going live last Friday.
Mr Colbourne and ING international portfolio research analyst Elliott Flynn expect 'great enthusiasm' for the new index based on several differentiating factors from index groups.
'I think there is no doubt that in this region, MSCI is the market leader,' Mr Colbourne said.
'Having said that, what will tend to happen is that funds will change their benchmarks when they change their mandates, so what we're going to do is to be opportunistic by talking to them (fund managers) and telling them there is now a choice.' The All-World Index builds on FTSE's existing World Index with 49 countries and almost 2,600 stocks.
The new index adds data on 19 emerging markets, including the mainland, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and India.
ING Barings provides the data, which is on top of existing coverage of the advanced emerging markets and developed market sectors.