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  <xs:element id="msci_CommonStockOutstandingMember" abstract="true" name="CommonStockOutstandingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNet" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ThreePointEightSevenFivePercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyOneMember" abstract="true" name="ThreePointEightSevenFivePercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyOneMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRightOfUseAssets" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRightOfUseAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidTaxes" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssuesToDirectors" abstract="false" name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssuesToDirectors" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_MinimumPerformancePeriod" abstract="false" name="MinimumPerformancePeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ScheduleOfIntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationTable" abstract="true" name="ScheduleOfIntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_BurgissGroupLimitedLiabilityCompanyMember" abstract="true" name="BurgissGroupLimitedLiabilityCompanyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiabilities" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignDerivedIntangibleIncomeNetOfGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncome" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignDerivedIntangibleIncomeNetOfGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncome" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedGrantsInPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedGrantsInPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AcquiredTechnologyAndSoftwareMember" abstract="true" name="AcquiredTechnologyAndSoftwareMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_TroveResearchLtdMember" abstract="true" name="TroveResearchLtdMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AssetBasedFeesMember" abstract="true" name="AssetBasedFeesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedConversionsInPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedConversionsInPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_TreasuryStockValueIssuedToDirectors" abstract="false" name="TreasuryStockValueIssuedToDirectors" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPostVestingRestrictionPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPostVestingRestrictionPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_RecurringSubscriptionsMember" abstract="true" name="RecurringSubscriptionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxValue" abstract="false" name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionNonvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionNonvestedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_SeniorUnsecuredTrancheATermLoanUnderTermLoanAFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorUnsecuredTrancheATermLoanUnderTermLoanAFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_NetIncomeLossPerShareAbstract" abstract="true" name="NetIncomeLossPerShareAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedConversionsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedConversionsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" abstract="true" name="IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_MovementInEquitySharesRollForward" abstract="true" name="MovementInEquitySharesRollForward" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" abstract="false" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AllOtherPrivateAssetsSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="AllOtherPrivateAssetsSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermOperatingLeaseLiabilities" abstract="false" name="IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermOperatingLeaseLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedCost" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedCost" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract" abstract="true" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_DebtInstrumentsFirstInterestPaymentDate" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentsFirstInterestPaymentDate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:gMonthDayItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOutstandingAggregateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOutstandingAggregateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_CommonStockOutstandingLineItems" abstract="true" name="CommonStockOutstandingLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ImpairmentRelatedToSubleaseOfLeasedProperty" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentRelatedToSubleaseOfLeasedProperty" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorUnsecuredNotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AnalyticsSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="AnalyticsSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ThreePointTwoFiveZeroPercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" abstract="true" name="ThreePointTwoFiveZeroPercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_NonRecurringMember" abstract="true" name="NonRecurringMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_FourPointZeroZeroZeroPercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" abstract="true" name="FourPointZeroZeroZeroPercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_VariableRateTrancheATermLoansDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember" abstract="true" name="VariableRateTrancheATermLoansDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardsVestedAndExpectedToVestWeightedAveragePrice" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardsVestedAndExpectedToVestWeightedAveragePrice" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLongTermOperatingLeaseLabilities" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLongTermOperatingLeaseLabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedNumber" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedNumber" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCumulativeAdjustedEarningsPerCommonSharePerformanceGoalWeight" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCumulativeAdjustedEarningsPerCommonSharePerformanceGoalWeight" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_SupplementalDisclosuresOfNonCashFinancingActivitiesAbstract" abstract="true" name="SupplementalDisclosuresOfNonCashFinancingActivitiesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember" abstract="true" name="SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCumulativeRevenuePerformanceGoalWeight" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCumulativeRevenuePerformanceGoalWeight" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndUnvestedForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_SupplementalDisclosuresOfNonCashInvestingActivitiesAbstract" abstract="true" name="SupplementalDisclosuresOfNonCashInvestingActivitiesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_OtherEuropeMiddleEastAndAfricaCountriesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherEuropeMiddleEastAndAfricaCountriesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" abstract="false" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AccountsReceivableIncreaseDecrease" abstract="false" name="AccountsReceivableIncreaseDecrease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_LongTermDebtsMember" abstract="true" name="LongTermDebtsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ThreePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyOneMember" abstract="true" name="ThreePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyOneMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_CreditAgreementMember" abstract="true" name="CreditAgreementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" abstract="false" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_DefinedBenefitPlanMinimumInvestmentReturnRate" abstract="false" name="DefinedBenefitPlanMinimumInvestmentReturnRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" abstract="true" name="RevenueRecognitionLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" abstract="false" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AccruedCompensationPolicyPolicyPolicyTextBlock" abstract="false" name="AccruedCompensationPolicyPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ThreePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyMember" abstract="true" name="ThreePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationWindfallTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" abstract="false" name="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationWindfallTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_AsiaAndAustraliaMember" abstract="true" name="AsiaAndAustraliaMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" abstract="false" name="IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCostsAndTransactionCosts" abstract="false" name="BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCostsAndTransactionCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_IndexSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="IndexSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_TreasuryStockPolicyPolicyTextBlock" abstract="false" name="TreasuryStockPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_PriorCreditAgreementMember" abstract="true" name="PriorCreditAgreementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_OtherAmericaCountriesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherAmericaCountriesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationExcludingForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" abstract="false" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationExcludingForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_WriteOffOfSoftwareDevelopmentMember" abstract="true" name="WriteOffOfSoftwareDevelopmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_CommonStockOutstandingTable" abstract="true" name="CommonStockOutstandingTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ScheduleOfVestedAndUnvestedShareBasedAwardsActivityTableTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfVestedAndUnvestedShareBasedAwardsActivityTableTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ESGAndClimateSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="ESGAndClimateSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_OpenMarketPurchasesOfCommonStockMember" abstract="true" name="OpenMarketPurchasesOfCommonStockMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="msci_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionNonvestedAggregateIntrinsicValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionNonvestedAggregateIntrinsicValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
