Definition ∞ The CUSIP (Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures) Standard is a nine-character alphanumeric code that identifies North American securities for efficient clearing and settlement. This standardized identification system helps market participants track and process financial instruments. It provides a consistent reference for a wide range of assets.
Context ∞ While primarily a traditional finance standard, the CUSIP Standard gains relevance in digital asset discussions concerning the tokenization of real-world assets and regulatory compliance. News reports may discuss how traditional identifiers could be integrated with blockchain-based securities to bridge conventional and digital markets. The debate revolves around whether new digital asset identifiers are needed or if existing standards like CUSIP can be adapted for tokenized assets.