FAQ
What is an ISIN?
An International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is a code that uniquely identifies a security globally for the purposes of
facilitating clearing, reporting and settlement of trades. Its structure is defined in ISO 6166. The ISIN code is a 12-character alphanumeric
code that serves for uniform identification of a security through normalization of the assigned National Number, where one exists, at trading
and settlement.
Each country has a national numbering agency responsible for issuing ISINs. Often these are national stock exchanges, central banks, but also
financial regulators or financial data provider or clearing houses and rating agencies. A global governing body is the Association of National
Numbering Agencies (ANNA) (Source: Wikipedia).
What does '144A' mean?
144A stands for SEC rule 144A. Rule 144A is a legal "safe harbor" that allows certain private securities to be traded without going through the SEC's full registration process.
Think of it as a special trading lane for institutional investors.
Key requirements:
- Minimum trade size: $500,000
- Who can buy: only "Qualified Institutional Buyers" (QIBs) - large institutions with at least $100 million in investable assets
- What can be traded: restricted securities that normally couldn't be easily resold
- Increased liquidity: before rule 144A, these securities were much harder to sell. Now institutions can trade them among themselves freely.
- Attracts foreign companies: the rule makes it easier for non-U.S. companies to raise capital in American markets without the burden of full SEC registration.
- Streamlined process: companies don't need to provide detailed financial statements to buyers in many cases.
What does 'EMTN' mean?
EMTN, or ETMN, stands for Euro Medium-Term Note. Medium-Term Notes typically have amounts ranging from $100 million to $1 billion and have become a major source of financing in international
financial markets. They offer:
- Flexible maturity periods (typically 1-10 years)
- Customizable terms for issuers
- Continuous issuance capability
- Maturity: Medium-term (between short-term commercial paper and long-term bonds)
- Flexibility: Can be tailored to specific investor needs
- Market: Popular in both US and European markets
Can I apply for an ISIN on this website?
No. In countries where a National Numbering Agency (NNA) recognized by the Association of National Numbering Agencies
(ANNA) operates, this organization issues the ISIN for securities whose issuer is
registered or domiciled in the country where the NNA operates.
For debt securities the NNA who issues the ISIN is either one of the international securities clearing organizations or the responsible NNA in
accordance with ISO 6166.
In the case of those countries where no NNA exists, a substitute agency allocates the number.
Examples of NNAs are Euroclear and Clearstream.
Note: ANNA and NNAs have no dealings or affiliation with any third party offering commercial services for assisting to obtain or maintain
ISINs. Similarly, any threats from these organizations to purge a valid ISIN from certain systems if “maintenance fees” or other
monies are not paid should be viewed with skepticism. To avoid incurring unnecessary costs, we strongly recommend requesting your ISIN only from
an official NNA. The full list of official NNAs can be found here.
Can I apply for a CUSIP on this website?
No. CUSIP is a registered trademark of the American Bankers Association. This website is not affiliated with the American Bankers Association.
Can I apply for a SEDOL on this website?
No. SEDOL is a registered trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group of companies (LSEG). This website is not affiliated with LSEG.
Which theme is used on this website?
It is inspired by Mantis Admin Template, which is created by CodedThemes, but using only Bootstrap 5 resources to make it lighter and faster.