CUSIP Applications
Securities traded in the stock market are classified by a unique identification number, known as a CUSIP number. The term CUSIP is an acronym for Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures. CUSIP numbers can be assigned to different classes of stocks, bonds, or other securities that are registered in the U.S. or Canada.
Each CUSIP number consists of nine alphanumeric characters. These alphanumeric characters of a CUSIP classify an entity in 3 different ways as shown below:
Obtaining a CUSIP
Companies who wish to trade their securities in the stock market must obtain a CUSIP number by submitting an application to CUSIP Global Services. One of the following documents related to the corporate action must be submitted with the application:
• Board Resolution
• Prospectus
• Certificate of Amendment
• Court Order
• Plan of Merger or Reorganization
• Registration Statement
• Proxy Statement
Companies may need to modify or obtain a new CUSIP when one of the following occurs:
• Name change
• Stock split
• Spin-off of an existing subsidiary
• New class of securities is offered
