It is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a specific security, such as equity shares, bonds, mutual fund units, etc., across the globe.
Key Features of ISIN:
- Global Identifier: Standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 6166).
- Used worldwide for cross-border trading and settlement.
- Assigned in India by NSDL or CDSL under SEBI’s regulation.
Structure of ISIN:
An ISIN is made up of:
- Country Code (2 letters) – For India, it’s IN
- Security Identifier (9 characters) – Unique to each security
- Check Digit (1 character) – Ensures the code’s validity
Example (for a share listed in India): INE570X01014
- IN – India
- E570X0101 – Company & security-specific
- 4 – Check digit
Why ISIN Matters:
- Used for demat holdings, corporate actions, and international transactions.
- Ensures accurate identification of securities across countries and systems.
