CGS History

A trusted originator of identifiers and descriptive data

Six decades powering identification across the global financial markets.

Our Origins

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.

Rigorous identification process

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.

Extensive coverage

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

Continuous expansion

Adds 1,000–2,000 new identifiers to the offering each day.

Online access & tools

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

Critical operations support

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

Industry standards development

Works with the industry and other numbering agencies to develop and promote new standards for the benefit of capital markets.

Timeline

The evolution
of CUSIP Global Services

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