CGS ISIN

There are currently over 120 recognized National Numbering Agencies (NNAs) throughout the world which are responsible for the assignment of ISINs in their respective countries. CGS is responsible for the assignment of ISINs in the U.S. and in other areas where designated or appointed.

CGS has agents in countries such as Canada, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands and is also the representative agency for many countries in the Caribbean and Pacific region. Because of this, it was necessary to develop a separate identification system to designate CGS-assigned securities from these jurisdictions. A CUSIP or CINS identifier will always be in position 3 to 11 of a CGS ISIN.

ISIN Structure

A CGS ISIN is a 12-character identifier made up of three parts:

• First 2 characters — the ISO country code (e.g. the country where the entity is incorporated for equity issues, or where the lead manager/depository is located for debt issues)
• Next 9 characters — the local identifier assigned by the individual NNA; a CUSIP or CINS identifier will always appear in positions 3–11 of a CGS ISIN
• Final character — a check digit

Example: Air Canada Inc — Class A Shares → CA + 008911703 + 4 = CA0089117034

CGS ISIN Benefits

• Globally recognized cross-border securities identification under ISO 6166
• CUSIP or CINS identifier embedded directly in positions 3–11
• Coverage across the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the Caribbean/Pacific region CGS represents

CGS Sub-NNA Country Code →