Derived from the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, CUSIPs are 9-character identifiers that capture an issue’s important differentiating characteristics for issuers and their financial instruments in the U.S. and Canada.
Structure of a CUSIPExample: FactSet Research Systems Inc - Common Stock
First 6 Characters
Identifies the unique name of the:
A hierarchical alpha numeric convention linked to alphabetic issuer name
Next 2 Characters
Identifies the type of instrument:
Uniquely identifies the issues within the issuer
A hierarchical alpha numeric convention
Final Character
A mathematical formula checks accuracy of the previous 8 characters
Delivers a 1 character check result
Resulting 9 Characters
A unique identifier
The CUSIP International Numbering System (CINS) is a 9-character alphanumeric identifier that employs the same 9 characters as CUSIP, but also contains a letter of the alphabet in the first position signifying the issuer’s country or geographic region. CINS was developed in 1989 as an extension to CUSIP in response to U.S. demand for global coverage, and is the local identifier of more than 30 non-North American markets.
Structure of a CINSExample: Abingdon Capital PLC - Shares
First Character
Identifies the unique name of the territory
CGS rules-based engine governs designation
In this case: G - United Kingdom
Next 5 Characters
Combined with Country Code, uniquely identifies the issuer
In this case: Abingdon
Next 2 Characters
Identifies the type of instrument
Uniquely identifies the issues within the issuer
Final Character
A mathematical formula checks accuracy of the previous 8 characters, and delivers 1 character result
Resulting 9 Characters
A unique identifier
The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is a unique global code that identifies instruments to facilitate cross-border trading. 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.
ISO rules govern designation of the ISO Country Code:
For Equity Issues: the country where the entity is incorporated.
For Domestic Debt Issues: the country where the lead manager is located.
For International Debt Issues: the country where the Central Securities Depository is located.
The Local Identifier is assigned by the individual NNA.
Structure of an ISIN assigned by CGS
ISIN based on CUSIP or CINS
The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character, alphanumeric code based on the ISO 17442 standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It connects to key reference information that enables the unambiguous identification of legal entities participating in financial transactions.
Structure of an LEIExample: Zippy Shell Incorporated
"Business Card" Information:
The CUSIP Entity Identifier (CEI) is a 10-character code designed to uniquely identify legal entities in the syndicated loan market. CGS developed the CEI in collaboration with the Loan Syndications & Trading Association (LSTA) and emerging syndicated loan solution providers focused on modernizing the syndicated loan market.
The CEI ID structure is Alpha first character, Numeric second character, and the rest random while the last digit is a check-digit.
Entity (Fund Manager) | CEI (Alpha first character + Numeric second character + Random + Check Digit) |
BlackRock Inc | D27254GOL5 |
Vanguard Group | T1L485SE52 |
ABC Investments | B8954895F3 |
State Street Global Advisors | G5645GT989 |
Derived from the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, CUSIPs are 9-character identifiers that capture an issue’s important differentiating characteristics for issuers and their financial instruments in the U.S. and Canada.
Structure of a CUSIPExample: FactSet Research Systems Inc - Common Stock
First 6 Characters
Identifies the unique name of the:
A hierarchical alpha numeric convention linked to alphabetic issuer name
Next 2 Characters
Identifies the type of instrument:
Uniquely identifies the issues within the issuer
A hierarchical alpha numeric convention
Final Character
A mathematical formula checks accuracy of the previous 8 characters
Delivers a 1 character check result
Resulting 9 Characters
A unique identifier
The CUSIP International Numbering System (CINS) is a 9-character alphanumeric identifier that employs the same 9 characters as CUSIP, but also contains a letter of the alphabet in the first position signifying the issuer’s country or geographic region. CINS was developed in 1989 as an extension to CUSIP in response to U.S. demand for global coverage, and is the local identifier of more than 30 non-North American markets.
Structure of a CINSExample: Abingdon Capital PLC - Shares
First Character
Identifies the unique name of the territory
CGS rules-based engine governs designation
In this case: G - United Kingdom
Next 5 Characters
Combined with Country Code, uniquely identifies the issuer
In this case: Abingdon
Next 2 Characters
Identifies the type of instrument
Uniquely identifies the issues within the issuer
Final Character
A mathematical formula checks accuracy of the previous 8 characters, and delivers 1 character result
Resulting 9 Characters
A unique identifier
The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is a unique global code that identifies instruments to facilitate cross-border trading. 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.
ISO rules govern designation of the ISO Country Code:
For Equity Issues: the country where the entity is incorporated.
For Domestic Debt Issues: the country where the lead manager is located.
For International Debt Issues: the country where the Central Securities Depository is located.
The Local Identifier is assigned by the individual NNA.
Structure of an ISIN assigned by CGS
ISIN based on CUSIP or CINS
The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character, alphanumeric code based on the ISO 17442 standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It connects to key reference information that enables the unambiguous identification of legal entities participating in financial transactions.
As a national numbering agency and dedicated standards practitioner, CGS promotes the adoption and growth of LEI through a collaboration with the Global Market Entity Identifier (GMEI) Utility. CGS also integrates the LEI into entity-related products and services.
Structure of an LEIExample: Philadelphia Cheesesteak Company
"Business Card" Information:
The CUSIP Entity Identifier (CEI) is a 10-character, alphanumeric code based on the ISO 17442 standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It connects to key reference information that enables the unambiguous identification of legal entities participating in financial transactions.
Entity (Fund Manager) | CEI (Alpha first character + Numeric second character + Random + Check Digit) |
BlackRock Inc | D27254GOL5 |
Vanguard Group | T1L485SE52 |
ABC Investments | B8954895F3 |
State Street Global Advisors | G5645GT989 |
CGS identifiers cover a wide range of global financial instruments, including extensive equity and debt issues, derivatives, syndicated loans and U.S. / Canadian listed equity options and single stock futures.
American Depository Receipts
Common Shares
Exchanged-Traded Funds
Indices
Limited Partnerships
Listed Options: US and Canada
Single-Stock Options
Mutual Funds
Preferred Shares
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Rights
Unit Investment Trusts
Warrants
Asset-Backed Securities
Bankers Acceptances
Certificates of Deposit
Collateralized Debt Obligations
Commercial Paper
Corporate Bonds
Medium-Term Notes
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Municipal Bonds
Structured Products
Syndicated Loans
U.S. Federal Government Agencies
U.S. Treasuries: Bonds, Bills, Notes
Captial Securities (Hybrids)
Credit Derivatives (CLIPS)
Derivatives
Equity-Linked Notes (Hybrids)
Hedge Funds
Restricted Issues: 144A Reg D & Reg S Private Securities
Trust Preferred (Hybrids)
Variable Annuities and Other Insurance-Related Vehicles