RESO’s influence continues to expand domestically and internationally. Members from four new countries outside of North America have joined so far in 2026. There are now 43 countries involved with RESO, and that number stands to increase after the next International MLS Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye. Growth is visible in attendance, partnerships, certifications and accelerating adoption of RESO standards worldwide.
The last International MLS Forum in Toronto brought together nearly 300 attendees from 130 companies across 20 countries, underscoring how quickly the event has matured since its debut in Paris and follow-up in Milan.
Toronto also produced tangible outcomes: new partnerships were formalized between organizations in the United States, Canada, France, the United Arab Emirates and others, demonstrating that the forum has become a catalyst for cross-border cooperation.
New Revenue Funding Domestic and Global Efforts
The revenue from this global work drives better outcomes for all of RESO’s members, funding domestic and international improvements in standards and supporting software products. Between registrations, sponsorships, membership and certifications, this global work is a net financial benefit.
The Toronto event alone generated a six-figure profit for RESO’s membership. This new funding source helps RESO meet its mission in countless ways, especially as the number of U.S. MLSs continues to contract and the need for diversified global engagement grows.
A Global Network Takes Shape
International expansion and the forum have evolved from a promising idea into a global convening of leaders, standards bodies, technology innovators, brokers, developers and regulators – with RESO at the heart of the conversation, graciously invited because of its expertise and success.
The forum’s five-year goal is ambitious: 50 countries and 500 participating leaders. Based on current momentum, that target is well within reach. The Istanbul edition promises to advance the explainer sessions from the first three forums, moving the dialogue from “why global standards matter” to “how they operate in practice.”
GDX: Turning Intent into Infrastructure
The Global Data Exchange (GDX) is a federated network employing RESO standards that enables trusted, cross-border listing data exchange. GDX is becoming the global infrastructure for real estate data interoperability, making it easier for professionals and consumers to explore international opportunities. At the same time, GDX respects each market’s rules, licensing and data protections.
For years, “going global” meant custom integrations for every partner, each requiring bespoke mapping, legal agreements and technical lifts. GDX provides a standards-based connection that eliminates the need for custom builds and allows MLSs to maintain full control of their data while participating in a global network.
Recent milestones show how quickly GDX is gaining traction:
- FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GDX, connecting its reach across more than 80 countries.
- Information Technology Systems Ontario (ITSO) joined, bringing a major Canadian technology backbone into the fold.
- OneKey MLS confirmed participation, extending GDX’s footprint into New York City and surrounding markets.
- Builders Update joined as a data provider, strengthening connections to new construction.
Certification Momentum Across Borders
Listing+ became the first MLS system in Italy to achieve RESO certification following its entry into the GDX network, proving that the standards-based model travels across markets and languages exactly as designed.
Adoption matters. RESO Certification is the foundation that allows organizations to participate in GDX, integrate with partners, reduce custom development and accelerate time-to-value for technology providers and marketplaces.
Why Global Standards Matter Now
Real estate markets around the world vary widely in structure, regulation and data practices. Yet the underlying challenges are consistent: fragmented data, limited international exposure for listings and inconsistent consumer experiences.
RESO’s Data Dictionary and Web API provide the common language and transport layer that allow technology to speak to each other across vastly different markets. As more countries implement these standards, the network effect grows. Listings gain global visibility, referral networks strengthen and professionals gain access to inbound and outbound buyers in ways that were previously impractical.
Looking Ahead
The RESO Fall Conference and the Istanbul forum will push the conversation from early-stage exploration to practical implementation. Both events will show how standards, cooperation and technology can elevate real estate markets worldwide and how RESO’s global strategy is not only mission-aligned but financially sustainable.
Learn more about RESO’s involvement in international data standards at the 2026 RESO Fall Conference on October 19–21 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and on November 16–17 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
