FactSet’s CEO Shift: Sanoke Viswanathan’s Fintech Leadership Leap
Explore FactSet’s strategic CEO transition as Sanoke Viswanathan from JPMorgan takes the helm, driving fintech innovation, global growth, and data-driven finance leadership into a new era.
Key Takeaways
- Sanoke Viswanathan appointed FactSet CEO starting September 2025
- Phil Snow retires after 30 years, 10 as CEO
- Viswanathan brings JPMorgan fintech and global banking expertise
- FactSet serves 8,600+ clients with $2.2 billion revenue in 2024
- Leadership change signals push for digital innovation and global expansion
FactSet Research Systems, a Connecticut-based financial technology powerhouse, is turning a new page in leadership. After a remarkable 30-year journey, including a decade as CEO, Phil Snow is stepping down in September 2025. Enter Sanoke Viswanathan, a JPMorgan Chase veteran with a rich background in international consumer banking and fintech innovation. This leadership handoff isn’t just a routine shuffle—it’s a strategic pivot aimed at turbocharging FactSet’s digital transformation and global footprint. With revenues hitting $2.2 billion in fiscal 2024 and a client base spanning over 8,600 institutions, FactSet stands at a crossroads where technology meets finance. This article unpacks the significance of this CEO transition, Viswanathan’s credentials, and what it means for the future of financial data analytics.
Navigating Leadership Change
Leadership transitions in major companies often feel like tectonic shifts, and FactSet’s upcoming CEO change is no exception. Phil Snow, who has been the company’s steady hand for 30 years and CEO for the last decade, is stepping down in September 2025. Under his watch, FactSet didn’t just grow—it doubled its revenue and earned a spot in the prestigious S&P 500 index. Snow’s departure isn’t a sudden exit but a well-planned handoff, with him staying on as a senior adviser to ensure the company’s momentum doesn’t falter.
The board’s choice of Sanoke Viswanathan as Snow’s successor signals a clear strategic direction. Viswanathan’s background at JPMorgan Chase, where he led international consumer banking and wealth management, brings a fresh perspective rooted in fintech innovation and global market expertise. This isn’t just about filling a seat; it’s about steering FactSet into a future where data-driven finance and technology converge. The company’s 12,400 employees across 35 offices worldwide will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.
Viswanathan’s Fintech Edge
Sanoke Viswanathan’s resume reads like a fintech playbook. Starting at JPMorgan in 2010 as head of corporate strategy, he climbed the ranks to become CEO of international consumer and wealth banking by June 2024. His roles included chief strategy and growth officer and chief administrative officer of JPMorgan’s corporate and investment bank. Before JPMorgan, he was a partner at McKinsey & Co., co-heading their global corporate and investment banking practice. This blend of consulting and banking experience equips him with a sharp eye for innovation and growth.
Viswanathan’s appointment reflects FactSet’s ambition to harness cutting-edge technology like AI and machine learning to enhance its analytics platforms. His fintech background is a perfect match for FactSet’s need to evolve in a rapidly changing industry. As he said, FactSet’s “central role in global financial markets” and “excellence in client service” drew him in. His leadership is expected to accelerate product development and expand FactSet’s global reach, especially in Asia and Europe, where demand for financial data is booming.
FactSet’s Growth Story
FactSet’s journey under Phil Snow’s leadership is a textbook example of steady, strategic growth. The company serves more than 8,600 global clients and nearly 220,000 individual users, generating approximately $2.2 billion in revenue for fiscal 2024—a 6% increase year over year. This growth is no small feat in the competitive financial data space, where giants like Bloomberg and S&P Global dominate.
FactSet’s headquarters at 45 Glover Ave. in Norwalk, Connecticut, is more than just an office; it’s a hub for innovation with about 12,400 employees spread across 20 countries. Notably, 70% of its workforce is in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling a strong focus on emerging markets. This global footprint and client base provide a solid foundation for Viswanathan to build upon as he leads the company into its next phase.
Compensation Reflecting Expectations
Sanoke Viswanathan’s compensation package at FactSet underscores the high stakes and expectations tied to his new role. He will receive a $1 million base salary and be eligible for an annual cash bonus up to 200% of that salary. For fiscal years 2026 and 2027, he’s set to receive a one-time performance-vesting stock option award worth $22 million. Starting in 2028, annual equity awards could be worth $11 million, with the exact form decided by the board.
Additionally, FactSet will provide a $13 million cash “make-whole award” to compensate for forfeited JPMorgan incentives, with $10 million subject to repayment if he leaves without cause in the first year. One-time equity awards include $26 million in restricted stock units. These figures aren’t just numbers—they’re a statement of confidence in Viswanathan’s ability to drive FactSet’s growth and innovation forward.
Market Outlook and Industry Impact
The market’s reaction to FactSet’s leadership change has been cautiously optimistic. With 16 analysts offering a one-year price target averaging $442.29—just a 2% upside from the current $433.64 price—the stock is viewed as a steady hold. Brokerage consensus rates FactSet at 3.2 on a 1-to-5 scale, signaling a neutral stance. However, GuruFocus estimates a fair value of $521.81, suggesting a potential 20.33% upside, reflecting confidence in the company’s fundamentals and growth prospects.
FactSet operates in a fiercely competitive arena alongside Bloomberg, S&P Global, and Refinitiv. Viswanathan’s fintech and global banking expertise is expected to help FactSet innovate faster and capture new market segments. His leadership could be the catalyst that propels FactSet’s digital transformation, enhances client solutions, and expands its international footprint, making this transition a pivotal moment for the company and its stakeholders.
Long Story Short
FactSet’s CEO transition from Phil Snow to Sanoke Viswanathan marks more than a change in title—it’s a deliberate step toward embracing the future of fintech. Snow’s legacy of doubling revenue and expanding FactSet’s global reach sets a high bar, but Viswanathan’s fintech savvy and international banking experience position him to elevate the company further. With a hefty compensation package reflecting high expectations, Viswanathan is tasked with accelerating innovation through AI, expanding into new markets, and deepening client relationships. For investors and clients alike, this leadership change signals a commitment to staying ahead in a fiercely competitive landscape. The relief of a smooth transition, backed by Snow’s advisory role, adds confidence. As FactSet navigates this new chapter, its story is a vivid reminder that in finance, evolution is survival—and leadership is the engine driving that journey.