CGS Data Search
Apply for a new identifier

We are the trusted originator of quality identifiers and descriptive data.

In July 1964, the New York Clearing House Association approached the American Bankers Association to develop a way to improve operating efficiencies across the industry by developing a standard method of identifying securities. The Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (CUSIP) was created to work on this issue.

This resulted in the establishment of the CUSIP system and, in 1968, the CUSIP Service Bureau was formed to administer the system. Over the years, the organization's core competencies in securities identification and data management, as well as their strong relationships with industry stakeholders positioned it as a catalyst for innovation. As coverage expanded to include new financial instruments and geographies, CGS emerged as the overarching entity for all CUSIP offerings.

We are the trusted originator of quality identifiers and descriptive data.

  • Implements a rigorous process with experienced analysts to provide universally recognized identifiers for financial instruments issued by corporations, municipalities and government agencies around the world

  • Covers more than 26 million unique financial instruments and related descriptive data, including derivatives, hybrids, syndicated loans and U.S. and Canadian listed options

  • Adds 1,000-2,000 new identifiers to the offering each day

  • Enables ready access to time-sensitive information with online capabilities that include powerful tools for searches and alerts

  • Ensures the smooth execution of critical functions from compliant new issues to Securities Master File maintenance, income processing and more

  • Works with the industry and other numbering agencies to develop and promote new standards for the benefit of capital markets
  1. 1964
  2. 1968
  3. 1972
  4. 1975
  5. 1977
  6. 1983
  7. 1983
  8. 1984
  9. 1989
  10. 1989
  11. 1990
  12. 1993
  13. 1994
  14. 1994
  15. 1998
  16. 1998
  17. 2003
  18. 2003
  19. 2004
  20. 2006
  21. 2006
  22. 2007
  23. 2009
  24. 2011
  25. 2012
  26. 2013
  27. 2014
  28. 2016
  29. 2017
  30. 2018
  31. 2020
  32. 2021
  33. 2022
  34. 2023

The evolution
of CUSIP Global Services

  1. 1964

    CUSIP system is established. The New York Clearing House Association approaches the ABA to develop the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (CUSIP).

  2. 1968

    CSB (now CGS) was formed. ABA selects Standard & Poor’s (now S&P Global Market Intelligence) to manage CGS.

  3. 1972

    All clearing corporations begin using CUSIPs, making them the mandatory identifier for all brokerage firms.

  4. 1975

    The Federal Reserve Bank’s automated book entry system uses CUSIPs to accelerate the transfer of United States Treasury Securities.

  5. 1977

    The SEC establishes a lost and stolen securities recovery program using CUSIPs.

  6. 1983

    The MSRB rules that all trade confirmations of municipal bonds must have a CUSIP identifier

  7. 1983

    CUSIPs are assigned to Certificates of Deposit (CDs).

  8. 1984

    The National Securities Clearing Corporation establishes an electronic transfer program for municipal bonds based on CUSIPs, replacing paper certificates.

  9. 1989

    CUSIP International Numbering System (CINS) is introduced for non-North American securities actively traded internationally.

  10. 1989

    Private Placement Numbers (PPNs) for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners are assigned.

  11. 1990

    CUSIPs are assigned to commercial paper issues.

  12. 1993

    CUSIP Xpress enables one-hour requests for straight-through processing.

  13. 1994

    CUSIPs are assigned to private limited partnerships for the Securities Pricing and Reporting Service (SPAR).

  14. 1994

    CUSIPs are assigned to corporate transferable and non-transferable securities for the Midwest Securities Clearing Corporation.

  15. 1998

    CUSIPs are assigned to bankers acceptances.

  16. 1998

    CUSIPs are assigned to TBAs (To Be Announced) for Federal Agency Mortgage Pools.

  17. 2003

    CLIPS/RED CUSIP-like identifiers are assigned to credit default swap entities in joint effort with Markit Partners.

  18. 2003

    CUSIPs are assigned to indices.

  19. 2004

    CUSIPs are assigned to syndicated loans.

  20. 2006

    144A Service is launched providing CUSIPs for 144A, Accredited Investor and Registered issues, and CINS for Regulation S issues

  21. 2006

    CGS Municipal Issuer Access is launched

  22. 2007

    CGS CUSIP New Issue Alert is launched.

  23. 2009

    CGS Business Entity Identifiers are launched.

  24. 2011

    CGS expands TBA algorithm to cover new types of federal agency pools.

  25. 2012

    CGS launches its Hedge Fund Service to uniquely identify over 11,000 hedge fund products.

  26. 2013

    CGS takes prominent standards role in development of global Legal Entity Identifiers.

  27. 2014

    CUSIPs are assigned to private placements (crowdfunding).

  28. 2016

    CGS issues CUSIPs for physical precious metals.

  29. 2017

    CGS becomes an investor in the Derivative Service Bureau (DSB).

  30. 2018

    CUSIP PULSE, data feed offering real-time dissemination of CGS identifiers, is launched.

  31. 2020

    CGS adds Government Stimulus Program coverage.

  32. 2021

    CGS adds Green Bond Indicator fields.

  33. 2022

    FactSet acquires CUSIP Global Services from S&P Global, becoming just the second operator to manage the CUSIP system.

  34. 2023

    The CUSIP Entity Identifier (CEI) is launched to uniquely identify legal entities in the syndicated loan market.