ISO 6166:2021
(Main)Financial services — International securities identification number (ISIN)
Financial services — International securities identification number (ISIN)
This document provides a uniform structure for the identification of financial instruments as well as referential instruments (see Annex A) using a unique identification code and associated minimum descriptive data (see Annex B).
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6166
Redline version
compares Eighth edition to
Seventh edition
Financial services — International
securities identification number (ISIN)
Reference number
ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
©
ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
IMPORTANT
This marked-up version uses the following colour-coding in the marked-up text:
Text example 1 — Text has been added (in green)
— Text has been deleted (in red)
Text example 2
— Graphic figure has been added
— Graphic figure has been deleted
1.x . — If there are changes in a clause/subclause, the corresponding clause/
subclause number is highlighted in yellow in the Table of contents
DISCLAIMER
This marked-up version highlights the main changes in this edition of the document
compared with the previous edition. It does not focus on details (e.g. changes in
punctuation).
This marked-up version does not constitute the official ISO document and is not intended to
be used for implementation purposes.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principles . 2
4.1 Constituents. 2
4.2 Financial instruments Instruments for which the ISIN is allocated . 3
4.3 Assignment of related codes . 3
5 Registration Authority (RA) . 3
5.1 Name and contact details of the RA Registration Authority . 3
5.2 Service provision . 4
6 ISIN allocation . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Descriptive elements . 4
6.2 6.3 Existing ISINs and existing securities instruments without ISINs . 4
Annex A (normative) ISIN allocation Allocation of prefixes. 5
Annex B (normative) Minimum descriptive elements for each category/ or issue type .9
Annex C (normative) Formula for computing the modulus 10 “double-add-double” check digit .12
Annex D (normative) Basic information and minimum descriptive data
elements Information requirements for ISIN allocation .14
Annex E (informative) Examples.15
Bibliography .18
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii
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ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. 2 (see www .iso .org/ directiveswww .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received. (see www .iso .org/ patentswww .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
The committee responsible for this document isThis document was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 68, Financial services, Subcommittee SC 48, Securities and related financial instrumentsReference
data for financial services.
This seventheighth edition cancels and replaces the sixthseventh edition (ISO 6166:2001ISO 6166:2013),
which has been extended to cover necessary technical changes, the Registration Authority function as
well as the usage of the ISIN recordtechnically revised.
The main changes to the previous edition are as follows:
— clarification that the scope covers financial instruments as well as referential instruments;
— addition of new instrument types to which the ISIN code can be allocated (derivative products with
EZ and ZZ prefix, baskets, emission allowances and carbon credits);
— addition of new minimum descriptive elements (Annex B).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
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ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
Introduction
With the rapid expansion of the international securities business, there isinternational business
in financial instruments, there was a need for a universally applicable international securities
identification number (ISIN).
No worldwide numbering system existed at the time of the publication of the first edition of this
International Standarddocument. Countries with a developed securities businessfinancial market
identified issues of securities by means of code numbers, which are without any significance outside the
country concerned. SecuritiesInstruments of the same issue arewere identified by means of different
numbers in the country where they arewere physically held and/or booked. As a result,, booked or both,
with the result that the national numbers may not be applicable in cross-border transactions.
Because of its strong rationalization effect, an internationally applicable numbering system substantially
facilitates and supports international securities businessbusiness in financial instruments. Such a
system is provided by this International Standarddocument. Since the publication of the first edition
of this International Standard, thedocument, its scope has expanded from a focus on securities to a
much broader range of financial instruments. In addition, since the publication of the first edition,
the Registration Authority (RA) relieshas relied on the work of national numbering agencies (NNAs)
which play an integral role in this rationalization effort and in the implementation of this International
Standarddocument.
In preparing this International Standarddocument, care has been taken to conserve the national
systems to the maximum possible extent, not only because of the good routine and valuable experience
collected in this field but also to facilitate the adoption of the worldwide system. Moreover, it is aimed
at creatingprovides a system which is easy to apply internationally and at establishingestablishes
an information network which ensures that the required information can be obtained worldwide
immediately.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
Financial services — International securities identification
number (ISIN)
1 Scope
This International Standarddocument provides a uniform structure for the identification of fungible
and non-fungible securities and financialfinancial instruments as well as referential instruments (see
Annex A) using a unique identification numbercode and associated minimum descriptive data (see
Annex B).
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3166 (all parts), Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions
ISO 4217, Codes for the representation of currencies and funds
ISO 8601 (all parts), Date and time format
ISO 10962, Securities and related financial instruments — Classification of financial instruments (CFI) code)
ISO 17442 (all parts), Financial services — Legal entity identifier (LEI)
ISO 18774, Securities and related financial instruments — Financial Instrument Short Name (FISN)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
fungible
equivalent, substitutable, interchangeable, and not individualized
Note 1 to entry: A fungible financial instrument ranks pari passu in all respects with a different version of the
same financial instrument and can be exchanged into the other version and vice versa at any time.
3.2 3.1
ISIN
international securities identification number
ISIN
alphanumeric code which uniquely identifies a specific security or other financial financial or referential
instrument
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ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
3.3 3.2
ISIN record
record which uniquely identifies a specific security or other financial financial or referential instrument
and consists of the ISIN and the minimum descriptive data elements
Note 1 to entry: For the minimum descriptive data elements, see Annex B.
3.4 3.3
ISIN guidelines
internal document developed and maintained by the Registration Authority to promote a uniform
process for allocation, registration and dissemination of the ISIN to the financial markets industry
3.4
issuer
legal entity in which the instrument creates an interest
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A.
3.5
issuer
borrower
Note 1 to entry: In the case of debt instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the
branch is to be considered as the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.6
issuer
legal entity that creates or administers the instrument
Note 1 to entry: In the case of shares or units in collective investment vehicles such as investment funds, mutual
funds or hedge funds, the fund is to be considered as the issuer, not the fund management company. However, in
the case of an insurance fund, an interest is created in the insurer, which therefore is the issuer. In the case of
other instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the branch is to be considered as
the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.5 3.7
negotiable
〈legal ownership of financial instrument〉 readily transferable
from one counterparty to another by delivery or endorsement
3.8
referential instrument
indicator used as a reference for financial instruments
EXAMPLE Baskets, commodities, currencies, indices and reference rates.
4 Principles
4.1 Constituents
The ISIN shall consist of the following (see Annex E for examples):
a) A prefix using the alpha-2 country codecodes or reserved codes specified in ISO 3166, a prefixthe
ISO 3166 series; “XS”, “EZ” or “ZZ” as specified in Annex A, Table A.1; or other prefixes as may be
determined by the RA (refer to the Registration AuthorityRA website for a complete list of ISIN
prefixes);.
2 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
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ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
b) the basic numberThe basic code, which is nine characters (alphanumeric) in length. Where the
existing national numbercode consists of nine characters, this numbercode may be used; where.
Where the existing national numbercode consists of fewer than nine characters, this also may be
used, but zeros shall be inserted in front of the national numbercode. Where a national check digit
exists, it shall be regarded as part of the basic numbercode within the nine characters;.
c) A check digit, computed using the modulus 10 “double-add-double” formula as specified in Annex C.
4.2 Financial instruments Instruments for which the ISIN is allocated
At a minimum, the ISIN is allocated to financial instrumentsor referential instruments in the following
list (see Annex A) identified in. It is allocated to these instruments ISO 10962with the following
principles.:
a) Equities, debt instruments, entitlements and structured products
The ISIN is allocated to the financial instrument regardless of whether or not it is negotiable.
However, in the case of individual bank loans the ISIN is only allocated if the instrument is
negotiable.
The ISIN is allocated when the financial instrument is negotiable.
b) Derivatives
b) Derivatives
The ISIN is allocated to those instruments that are traded in their own right, regardless of whether
or not the underlying instrument may havehas been assigned an ISIN.
c) Referential instruments
c) Referential instruments
The ISIN is allocated to these entitiesproducts, which are not financial instruments, when they are
underlying or reference assets to financial instruments.
d) Others (combined instruments, other assets)
d) Other instruments (combined instruments, emission allowances and carbon credits, other assets)
For the groupgroups “combined instruments” and “emission allowances and carbon credits”, the
ISIN is allocated when they are traded or admitted to trading. The group “other assets (insurance
policies, real estate deeds, etc.)” may in any case be identified by an ISIN.
The ISIN is allocated to these instruments regardless of the technology used for creating the respective
instruments (e.g. both to instruments in paper form and to instruments in electronic form, including
tokenized instruments).
4.3 Assignment of related codes
Whenever an ISIN is allocated to a financial or referential instrument, a CFI code (see ISO 10962) and an
FISN (see ISO 18774) should also be assigned to the respective instrument.
5 Registration Authority (RA)
5.1 Name and contact details of the RA Registration Authority
The name and contact detailsinformation of the organization acting as RA for this International
Standarddocument can be found at http:// www .iso .org/ iso/ maintenance _agencies .htm #6166https://
www .iso .org/ maintenance _agencies .html.
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ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
Requests for information and enquiries about this International Standarddocument and its
implementation can be directed to the RA.
5.2 Service provision
The RA is responsible for the provision of the following services:
a) to promote and make all efforts to ensure the proper use of this International Standard and
uniqueness of ISINs allocateddocument and to ensure the uniqueness and prevent the reuse of
allocated ISIN codes;
b) to support the exchangeproduction of ISINs and the provisionto ensure the initial distribution of
the ISIN record (see Annex B) to users;
c) to continuously adapt the ISIN guidelines for allocation and registration of ISINs to meet the needs
of the market;
d) to respond to enquiries and information requests related to this International Standarddocument
in a timely manner.
6 ISIN allocation
6.1 General
The RA shall ensure that ISINs are allocated following the principles of Clause 4 of this International
Standard and in accordance with the details described in Annex A.
ISINs shall be assigned in a timely manner in order to meet the market needs (see, as specified in
Annex D).
6.2 Descriptive elements
The RA shall ensure that a minimum set of descriptive elements is delivered for each financial or
referential instrument to which an ISIN is assigned, as specified in Annex B.
6.2 6.3 Existing ISINs and existing securities instruments without ISINs
All existing ISINs assigned in accordance with previous editions of this International Standarddocument
shall remain unchanged. However, the allocation of ISINs for existing securities and financialfinancial
and referential instruments without ISINs shall be based on the most recent edition.
4 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
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ISO 6166:redline:2021(E)
Annex A
(normative)
ISIN allocation Allocation of prefixes
Table A.1 — Allocation of prefixes
a
Category Type of issue Prefix
Equities Shares
— ordinary, convertible, preferred, preference Alpha-2 country code of the country where
shares, and others the issuer is legally registered or, in the ab-
sence of registration, has their legal domicile
Depositary receipts
— representing equities The rules applicable to the underlying equi-
ties also apply to this instrument type
Units
— investment trusts, mutu- Alpha-2 country code of the country where
al funds, and hedge funds the issuer is legally registered or, in the ab-
sence of registration, has their legal domicile
Equities Shares Alpha-2 country code of the country where
— ordinary, convertible, preferred, preference the issuer is legally registered or, in the ab-
shares and others sence of registration, has their legal domicile
Depositary receipts The rules applicable to the underlying equi-
— representing equities ties also apply to this instrument type
Collective invest- Collective investment vehicles Alpha-2 country code of the country where
ment vehicles — shares or units in collective inve
...
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6166
Eighth edition
2021-02
Financial services — International
securities identification number (ISIN)
Reference number
ISO 6166:2021(E)
©
ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 6166:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 6166:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principles . 2
4.1 Constituents. 2
4.2 Instruments for which the ISIN is allocated . 3
4.3 Assignment of related codes . 3
5 R egistration Authority (RA) . 3
5.1 Name and contact details of the Registration Authority . 3
5.2 Service provision . 3
6 ISIN allocation . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Descriptive elements . 4
6.3 Existing ISINs and existing instruments without ISINs . 4
Annex A (normative) Allocation of prefixes . 5
Annex B (normative) Minimum descriptive elements for each category or issue type .7
Annex C (normative) Formula for computing the modulus 10 “double-add-double” check digit .10
Annex D (normative) Information requirements for ISIN allocation .12
Annex E (informative) Examples.13
Bibliography .15
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii
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ISO 6166:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 68, Financial services, Subcommittee SC 8,
Reference data for financial services.
This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition (ISO 6166:2013), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes to the previous edition are as follows:
— clarification that the scope covers financial instruments as well as referential instruments;
— addition of new instrument types to which the ISIN code can be allocated (derivative products with
EZ and ZZ prefix, baskets, emission allowances and carbon credits);
— addition of new minimum descriptive elements (Annex B).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO 6166:2021(E)
Introduction
With the rapid expansion of international business in financial instruments, there was a need for a
universally applicable international securities identification number (ISIN).
No worldwide numbering system existed at the time of the publication of the first edition of this
document. Countries with a developed financial market identified issues of securities by means of
code numbers, which are without any significance outside the country concerned. Instruments of the
same issue were identified by means of different numbers in the country where they were physically
held, booked or both, with the result that the national numbers may not be applicable in cross-border
transactions.
Because of its strong rationalization effect, an internationally applicable numbering system
substantially facilitates and supports international business in financial instruments. Such a system
is provided by this document. Since the publication of the first edition of this document, its scope has
expanded from a focus on securities to a much broader range of financial instruments. In addition,
since the publication of the first edition, the Registration Authority (RA) has relied on the work of
national numbering agencies (NNAs) which play an integral role in this rationalization effort and in the
implementation of this document.
In preparing this document, care has been taken to conserve the national systems to the maximum
possible extent, not only because of the good routine and valuable experience collected in this field
but also to facilitate the adoption of the worldwide system. Moreover, it provides a system which is
easy to apply internationally and establishes an information network which ensures that the required
information can be obtained worldwide immediately.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6166:2021(E)
Financial services — International securities identification
number (ISIN)
1 Scope
This document provides a uniform structure for the identification of financial instruments as well
as referential instruments (see Annex A) using a unique identification code and associated minimum
descriptive data (see Annex B).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3166 (all parts), Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions
ISO 4217, Codes for the representation of currencies
ISO 8601 (all parts), Date and time format
ISO 10962, Securities and related financial instruments — Classification of financial instruments (CFI) code
ISO 17442 (all parts), Financial services — Legal entity identifier (LEI)
ISO 18774, Securities and related financial instruments — Financial Instrument Short Name (FISN)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
international securities identification number
ISIN
alphanumeric code which uniquely identifies a specific financial or referential instrument
3.2
ISIN record
record which uniquely identifies a specific financial or referential instrument and consists of the ISIN
and the minimum descriptive data elements
Note 1 to entry: For the minimum descriptive data elements, see Annex B.
3.3
ISIN guidelines
document developed and maintained by the Registration Authority to promote a uniform process for
allocation, registration and dissemination of the ISIN to the financial industry
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 1
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ISO 6166:2021(E)
3.4
issuer
legal entity in which the instrument creates an interest
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A.
3.5
issuer
borrower
Note 1 to entry: In the case of debt instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the
branch is to be considered as the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.6
issuer
legal entity that creates or administers the instrument
Note 1 to entry: In the case of shares or units in collective investment vehicles such as investment funds, mutual
funds or hedge funds, the fund is to be considered as the issuer, not the fund management company. However, in
the case of an insurance fund, an interest is created in the insurer, which therefore is the issuer. In the case of
other instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the branch is to be considered as
the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.7
negotiable
readily transferable from one counterparty to another by
delivery or endorsement
3.8
referential instrument
indicator used as a reference for financial instruments
EXAMPLE Baskets, commodities, currencies, indices and reference rates.
4 Principles
4.1 Constituents
The ISIN shall consist of the following (see Annex E for examples):
a) A prefix using the alpha-2 country codes or reserved codes specified in the ISO 3166 series; “XS”,
“EZ” or “ZZ” as specified in Annex A, Table A.1; or other prefixes as may be determined by the RA
(refer to the RA website for a complete list of ISIN prefixes).
b) The basic code, which is nine characters (alphanumeric) in length. Where the existing national code
consists of nine characters, this code may be used. Where the existing national code consists of
fewer than nine characters, this also may be used, but zeros shall be inserted in front of the national
code. Where a national check digit exists, it shall be regarded as part of the basic code within the
nine characters.
c) A check digit, computed using the modulus 10 “double-add-double” formula as specified in Annex C.
2 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
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ISO 6166:2021(E)
4.2 Instruments for which the ISIN is allocated
At a minimum, the ISIN is allocated to financial or referential instruments in the following list (see
Annex A). It is allocated to these instruments with the following principles:
a) Equities, debt instruments, entitlements and structured products
The ISIN is allocated to the financial instrument regardless of whether or not it is negotiable.
However, in the case of individual bank loans the ISIN is only allocated if the instrument is
negotiable.
b) Derivatives
The ISIN is allocated to those instruments that are traded in their own right, regardless of whether
or not the underlying instrument has been assigned an ISIN.
c) Referential instruments
The ISIN is allocated to these products, which are not financial instruments, when they are
underlying or reference assets to financial instruments.
d) Other instruments (combined instruments, emission allowances and carbon credits, other assets)
For the groups “combined instruments” and “emission allowances and carbon credits”, the ISIN is
allocated when they are traded or admitted to trading. The group “other assets (insurance policies,
real estate deeds, etc.)” may in any case be identified by an ISIN.
The ISIN is allocated to these instruments regardless of the technology used for creating the respective
instruments (e.g. both to instruments in paper form and to instruments in electronic form, including
tokenized instruments).
4.3 Assignment of related codes
Whenever an ISIN is allocated to a financial or referential instrument, a CFI code (see ISO 10962) and an
FISN (see ISO 18774) should also be assigned to the respective instrument.
5 R egistration Authority (RA)
5.1 Name and contact details of the Registration Authority
The name and contact information of the RA for this document can be found at https:// www .iso .org/
maintenance _agencies .html.
Requests for information and enquiries about this document and its implementation can be directed
to the RA.
5.2 S ervice provision
The RA is responsible for the provision of the following services:
a) to promote and make all efforts to ensure the proper use of this document and to ensure the
uniqueness and prevent the reuse of allocated ISIN codes;
b) to support the production of ISINs and to ensure the initial distribution of the ISIN record (see
Annex B) to users;
c) to continuously adapt the ISIN guidelines for allocation and registration of ISINs to meet the needs
of the market;
d) to respond to enquiries and information requests related to this document in a timely manner.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 3
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...
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6166
Eighth edition
Financial services — International
securities identification number (ISIN)
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO 6166:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 6166:2020(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 6166:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principles . 2
4.1 Constituents. 2
4.2 Instruments for which the ISIN is allocated . 3
4.3 Assignment of related codes . 3
5 R egistration Authority (RA) . 3
5.1 Name and contact details of the Registration Authority . 3
5.2 Service provision . 3
6 ISIN allocation . 4
6.1 General . 4
6.2 Descriptive elements . 4
6.3 Existing ISINs and existing instruments without ISINs . 4
Annex A (normative) Allocation of prefixes . 5
Annex B (normative) Minimum descriptive elements for each category or issue type .7
Annex C (normative) Formula for computing the modulus 10 “double-add-double” check digit .10
Annex D (normative) Information requirements for ISIN allocation .12
Annex E (informative) Examples.13
Bibliography .15
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ISO 6166:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 68, Financial services, Subcommittee SC 8,
Reference data for financial services.
This eighth edition cancels and replaces the seventh edition (ISO 6166:2013), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes to the previous edition are as follows:
— clarification that the scope covers financial instruments as well as referential instruments;
— addition of new instrument types to which the ISIN code can be allocated (derivative products with
EZ and ZZ prefix, baskets, emission allowances and carbon credits);
— addition of new minimum descriptive elements (Annex B).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO 6166:2020(E)
Introduction
With the rapid expansion of international business in financial instruments, there was a need for a
universally applicable international securities identification number (ISIN).
No worldwide numbering system existed at the time of the publication of the first edition of this
document. Countries with a developed financial market identified issues of securities by means of
code numbers, which are without any significance outside the country concerned. Instruments of the
same issue were identified by means of different numbers in the country where they were physically
held, booked or both, with the result that the national numbers may not be applicable in cross-border
transactions.
Because of its strong rationalization effect, an internationally applicable numbering system
substantially facilitates and supports international business in financial instruments. Such a system
is provided by this document. Since the publication of the first edition of this document, its scope has
expanded from a focus on securities to a much broader range of financial instruments. In addition,
since the publication of the first edition, the Registration Authority (RA) has relied on the work of
national numbering agencies (NNAs) which play an integral role in this rationalization effort and in the
implementation of this document.
In preparing this document, care has been taken to conserve the national systems to the maximum
possible extent, not only because of the good routine and valuable experience collected in this field
but also to facilitate the adoption of the worldwide system. Moreover, it provides a system which is
easy to apply internationally and establishes an information network which ensures that the required
information can be obtained worldwide immediately.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6166:2020(E)
Financial services — International securities identification
number (ISIN)
1 Scope
This document provides a uniform structure for the identification of financial instruments as well
as referential instruments (see Annex A) using a unique identification code and associated minimum
descriptive data (see Annex B).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3166 (all parts), Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions
ISO 4217, Codes for the representation of currencies
ISO 8601 (all parts), Date and time format
ISO 10962, Securities and related financial instruments — Classification of financial instruments (CFI) code
ISO 17442 (all parts), Financial services — Legal entity identifier (LEI)
ISO 18774, Securities and related financial instruments — Financial Instrument Short Name (FISN)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
international securities identification number
ISIN
alphanumeric code which uniquely identifies a specific financial or referential instrument
3.2
ISIN record
record which uniquely identifies a specific financial or referential instrument and consists of the ISIN
and the minimum descriptive data elements
Note 1 to entry: For the minimum descriptive data elements, see Annex B.
3.3
ISIN guidelines
document developed and maintained by the Registration Authority to promote a uniform process for
allocation, registration and dissemination of the ISIN to the financial industry
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ISO 6166:2020(E)
3.4
issuer
legal entity in which the instrument creates an interest
Note 1 to entry: In the case of shares or units in collective investment vehicles such as investment funds, mutual
funds or hedge funds, the fund is to be considered as the issuer, not the fund management company. However,
in the case of an insurance fund, an interest is created in the insurer, which therefore is the issuer. In the case
of debt and other instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the branch is to be
considered as the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.5
issuer
borrower
Note 1 to entry: In the case of shares or units in collective investment vehicles such as investment funds, mutual
funds or hedge funds, the fund is to be considered as the issuer, not the fund management company. However,
in the case of an insurance fund, an interest is created in the insurer, which therefore is the issuer. In the case
of debt and other instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the branch is to be
considered as the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.6
issuer
legal entity that creates or administers the instrument
Note 1 to entry: In the case of shares or units in collective investment vehicles such as investment funds, mutual
funds or hedge funds, the fund is to be considered as the issuer, not the fund management company. However,
in the case of an insurance fund, an interest is created in the insurer, which therefore is the issuer. In the case
of debt and other instruments issued or created by an international branch of a legal entity, the branch is to be
considered as the issuer, not the parent entity.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A.
3.7
negotiable
readily transferable from one counterparty to another by
delivery or endorsement
3.8
referential instrument
indicator used as a reference for financial instruments
EXAMPLE Baskets, commodities, currencies, indices and reference rates.
4 Principles
4.1 Constituents
The ISIN shall consist of the following (see Annex E for examples):
a) A prefix using the alpha-2 country codes or reserved codes specified in the ISO 3166 series; “XS”,
“EZ” or “ZZ” as specified in Annex A, Table A.1; or other prefixes as may be determined by the RA
(refer to the RA website for a complete list of ISIN prefixes).
b) The basic code, which is nine characters (alphanumeric) in length. Where the existing national code
consists of nine characters, this code may be used. Where the existing national code consists of
fewer than nine characters, this also may be used, but zeros shall be inserted in front of the national
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ISO 6166:2020(E)
code. Where a national check digit exists, it shall be regarded as part of the basic code within the
nine characters.
c) A check digit, computed using the modulus 10 “double-add-double” formula as specified in Annex C.
4.2 Instruments for which the ISIN is allocated
At a minimum, the ISIN is allocated to financial or referential instruments in the following list (see
Annex A). It is allocated to these instruments with the following principles:
a) Equities, debt instruments, entitlements and structured products
The ISIN is allocated to the financial instrument regardless of whether or not it is negotiable.
However, in the case of individual bank loans the ISIN is only allocated if the instrument is
negotiable.
b) Derivatives
The ISIN is allocated to those instruments that are traded in their own right, regardless of whether
or not the underlying instrument has been assigned an ISIN.
c) Referential instruments
The ISIN is allocated to these products, which are not financial instruments, when they are
underlying or reference assets to financial instruments.
d) Other instruments (combined instruments, emission allowances and carbon credits, other assets)
For the groups “combined instruments” and “emission allowances and carbon credits”, the ISIN is
allocated when they are traded or admitted to trading. The group “other assets (insurance policies,
real estate deeds, etc.)” may in any case be identified by an ISIN.
The ISIN is allocated to these instruments regardless of the technology used for creating the respective
instruments (e.g. both to instruments in paper form and to instruments in electronic form, including
tokenized instruments).
4.3 Assignment of related codes
Whenever an ISIN is allocated to a financial or referential instrument, a CFI code (see ISO 10962) and an
FISN (see ISO 18774) should also be assigned to the respective instrument.
5 R egistration Authority (RA)
5.1 Name and contact details of the Registration Authority
The name and contact information of the RA for this document can be found at https:// www .iso .org/
maintenance _agencies .html.
Requests for information and enquiries about this document and its implementation can be directed
to the RA.
5.2 S ervice provision
The RA is responsible for the provision of the following services:
a) to promote and make all efforts to ensure the proper use of this document and to ensure the
uniqueness and prevent the reuse of allocated ISIN codes;
b) to support the production of ISINs and
...
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