Introduction

The RIXML Coverage Updates Standard provides publishers with a standard vehicle for communicating coverage information to clients and aggregator partners. This schema leverages major elements already defined within the RIXML Research Standard, but also provides a new top-level element and structure for specifying adds, updates, and deletes for pairings of covering entities (organizations and people) and covered entities (asset classes, asset types, security types, issuers, securities, sector/industries, regions, countries, indices, and disciplines).

The RIXML Coverage Updates Standard includes both a set of tags and a set of rules to ensure consistent usage of these tags.

The RIXML Coverage Updates Standard is part of the RIXML Standards Suite, which is also includes the RIXML Research Standard, the RIXML Interactions Standard, and the RIXML Roster Updates Standard.

Current production release:  RIXML Coverage Updates Standard 2.5

The current production version of the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard is version 2.5. It was released on September 21, 2017, and became the production version on December 15, 2017, in conjunction with the version 2.5 release of the RIXML Research Standard.

Version 2.5 does not break backward-compatibility with the initial version. That is, a RIXML coverage update record that validates against version 2.4 will also validate against version 2.5.

Older versions

Older versions of the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard can be found on the Version History page.

Documentation

Documentation for the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard is included in Data Dictionary, Implementation Guide, and release notes for the RIXML Research Standard v2.5.

Data Dictionary

Pages 137-138 of the RIXML v2.5 Data Dictionary cover the tags used in the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard, while pages 7-21 contain important information about implementing any of the standards in the RIXML Standards Suite.The purpose of the RIXML v2.5 Data Dictionary outlines the approach we took in creating the RIXML Standard Suite and also explains some fundamental concepts such as XML, object modeling, schemas, etc. Diagrams of the RIXML object model are included, as are definitions for the elements and attributes.
Download the RIXML v2.5 Data Dictionary(.pdf)

Implementation Guide

The RIXML v2.5 Implementation Guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the other components of the release. The Implementation Guide outlines the approach taken by RIXML.org in creating the RIXML standards, explains the fundamental concepts regarding tagging and XML, and provides guidance for implementing the RIXML Standards Suite. It also explains some of the core principles of the standard and defines some best practices for implementing it. 
Download the RIXML v2.5 Implementation Guide (.pdf)

Release Notes

Page 29 of the RIXML Research Standard v2.5 release notes contains information on changes in the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard. 
Download the Release Notes. (.pdf)

Reference Links

Improving efficiency and streamlining workflows are core concepts behind RIXML. Therefore, RIXML standards leverage ISO or other standards already in common use in the investment industry whenever possible.  Learn more about the other standards utilized within the RIXML Standards Suite.

Schema

There are three XSD files used by the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard.  These represent the relationships and components as defined by the object model. These files can also be used to validate individual coverage update records to ensure they are RIXML-compliant. 

The following schema files contain the tags used in the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard: 

RIXML Coverage Updates main schema – contains the coverage update-specific tags used in the RIXML Coverage Updates Standard

RIXML Common schema – contains the tags used in multiple places in the Coverage Updates Standard and/or used in more than one standard in the RIXML Standards Suite

RIXML Data Types schema – contains the valid values for the enumeration lists used in the RIXML Standards Suite

Introduction

A linkback is a mechanism by which a research provider delivers content that is stored on its portal to end users through URL links provided via research distribution aggregation vendors. When accessed, the link directs the user to a report stored in the provider’s database. The aggregation vendor stores a link to the research content, rather than storing a copy of the content itself.

As this is an emerging area, each implementation is somewhat different.  However, the members of the RIXML Linkback Working Group worked together to identify the key discussion points and decisions involved with a linkback initiative.

The Technical Implementation Guide

Based on input from member firms, the RIXML Linkback Working Group has created the RIXML Investment Research Linkback Technical Implementation Guide. The purpose of this document is to summarize the requirements, steps, and best practices for an investment research linkback implementation. It covers:

• a number of best practices surrounding implementing a linkback deployment.
• guidance regarding authentication.
• an overview of the steps involved in implementing a linkback deployment.

Research providers interested in setting up linkback solutions should consult with their research distribution vendors, as each implementation may be slightly different. Additionally, entitlements and readership reporting embargoes are not covered in this document; however, implementing a linkback framework will require the research provider and the aggregation vendor to integrate their existing entitlement strategy and embargo agreements into the linkback solution.

The RIXML Investment Research Linkback Technical Implementation Guide v1.0 was published on January 11, 2022, incorporating the feedback received during the comment period.  

Next steps

We see version 1 of the RIXML Investment Research Linkback Technical Implementation Guide as the first step.  We are encouraging member firms and others to share their insights, feedback, and observations as they implement a linkback strategy.  Once more firms have moved from the planning phase to the implementation phase, we expect to benefit from real-world experiences to develop the next version of this guide.

We will also be convening a group to discuss research reporting embargoes.  This is a topic that is closely related to linkbacks, but is also related to other delivery methods.  Because the individuals responsible for embargoes at each member firm are often not the same as for linkbacks, we will be convening a separate group.  

For more information

Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you or a member of your firm would like more information or would like to participate in the Linkbacks Working Group and have not already done so.

Summary of current and prior versions of all RIXML Standards

The RIXML Standards Suite has included the following versions:

Documentation and schema files for all versions of the standards in the RIXML Standards Suite are below: 

RIXML Research Standard

RIXML Interactions Standards

RIXML Coverage Updates Standard

RIXML Roster Updates Standard