The ISIN – International Securities Identification Number is a code which uniquely identifies each series of securities / financial instruments.

The format of the ISIN Code is defined in the ISO Standard 6166 as being composed of 12 alphanumeric characters, structured as follows:

PTEEEYTT
XXX1
  • A prefix of two characters using the alpha-2 country code specified in ISO Standard 3166 or a prefix “XS” (or other prefixes) as specified in Annex A of ISO Standard 6166 (refer to Registration Authority website for more information on ISO standards);
  • A basic code which is composed of 9 alphanumeric characters: the first six positions are taken from the Central Securities Depository code (CSD Code), followed by 3 alphanumeric characters which identify each issue or series;
  • For securities not registered in the centralised securities system, a code with the same structure will be assigned and based on the same principles underlying the assignment of codes to securities registered in the centralised system.
  • For financial instruments, a basic code with rules defined by INTERBOLSA is used for each type of instrument.
  • A Check digit which is computed using the modulus 10 “Double-Add-Double” formula and which allows to check the validity of the ISIN code.

INTERBOLSA’s recommendation regarding the LEI Code

The LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) Code was created following a recommendation from the G20, with the aim of identify, clearly and unequivocally, all legal entities that intervene in financial transactions, in any jurisdiction.

The LEI Code is already a requirement foreseen and required in European Union directives and regulations.

INTERBOLSA, as National Numbering Agency and a member of ANNA – Association of National Numbering Agencies, recommends, based on the Guidelines for the assigning of ISIN codes, that all entities with securities for which an ISIN code has been assigned, be identified by a LEI Code .

The EURONEXT Group, of which INTERBOLSA is a member, has a duly accredited entity for issuing these codes, Euronext Dublin.