Secure your bond’s identity with precision, compliance, and expert handling.
Introduction
A CUSIP number (Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures) is the unique identifier assigned to securities traded in the United States. It ensures that every bond, stock, or financial instrument can be clearly recognised by custodians, transfer agents, and clearing systems.
Obtaining a CUSIP may appear straightforward online, but in reality the application process is technical, documentation-heavy, and closely reviewed for compliance. Errors or omissions can lead to rejection or delays that cost time and investor confidence.
At The Bond Service, we manage every stage — from document preparation and regulatory formatting to the formal application — so issuers receive their CUSIP quickly and correctly the first time.
Understanding CUSIP Numbers
CUSIPs are nine-character alphanumeric codes issued by CUSIP Global Services (CGS) and operated under the American Bankers Association (ABA).
They provide a permanent identification system for financial instruments including corporate, municipal, and private placement bonds.
Each code embeds issuer and issue information, linking directly to other identifiers such as ISIN and LEI for global traceability.
Without a valid CUSIP, a bond cannot be efficiently cleared, settled, or listed on trading and reference platforms such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv, or DTCC (Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation).
The Technical Process of Getting a CUSIP
Although CGS provides public guidance, a compliant application requires:
Formal supporting documentation — including the draft or executed bond, term sheet, and any associated trust or offering documents.
Issuer verification — proof of incorporation, registration, or legal existence.
Authorised agent submission — many issuers must use a recognised intermediary to handle correspondence and data validation.
Accurate classification — proper security type, issue form (registered, bearer, book-entry), and country of issuance.
Regulatory conformity — consistency with offering circular details, identifiers, and listing intentions.
Even small inconsistencies between documents can result in delayed issuance or additional review by CGS. For first-time issuers, these technical steps are rarely intuitive.
Common Issues That Cause Delays
Incomplete or unsigned supporting documents.
Conflicting information between term sheet and trust deed.
Omission of transfer-agent or registrar details.
Incorrect legal structure for the issuing entity.
Misclassification of security type or jurisdiction.
These problems frequently occur when issuers attempt to apply directly. Working with an experienced intermediary eliminates guesswork and ensures a compliant, fully documented submission.
The Bond Service Approach
Our team prepares and submits CUSIP applications as part of a structured issuance process.
We ensure every document matches regulatory expectations and that the application package aligns with other identifiers such as ISIN and LEI.
Our service includes:
Drafting or reviewing bond documentation to CGS standards.
Coordinating with CUSIP Global Services and related bodies.
Aligning data with ISIN and LEI records for cross-market recognition.
Ensuring complete compliance with U.S. and international settlement systems.
This approach prevents costly errors and guarantees that your bond data integrates cleanly into global trading infrastructure.
Factual Information
A CUSIP links a specific bond to its issuer and terms. It also forms the foundation for related identifiers used in electronic clearing and global settlement. For international issues, the ISIN typically embeds the CUSIP, making accuracy at this stage critical for later listing and custody.
CUSIP numbers are permanent once issued; incorrect data cannot be amended without re-application. This makes professional oversight essential.
Additional Information
The Bond Service routinely assists issuers seeking parallel identifiers such as ISIN, LEI, and listing codes for Bloomberg or Refinitiv. Combining these processes reduces turnaround time and ensures consistent data across all market systems.
Our clients include funds, corporations, and SPVs that require precise documentation to satisfy custodians, trustees, and investors.
Conclusion
Securing a CUSIP is not just an administrative task — it is a regulatory foundation for any bond issuance.
Accuracy, compliance, and supporting documentation all determine whether your identifier will be accepted and linked correctly across global systems.
With The Bond Service, every step is managed by professionals who understand the technical and regulatory expectations of CUSIP Global Services.
We make the process smooth, compliant, and efficient from submission to approval.
Next Steps
Contact The Bond Service to begin your CUSIP application or integrate it with your full issuance documentation package.
Our team ensures your bond receives the recognition it deserves in global financial systems.