CUSIP Standards

Definition ∞ CUSIP Standards refer to a system for uniquely identifying North American financial securities. Administered by S&P Global Market Intelligence, a CUSIP number is a nine-character alphanumeric code that designates specific financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. These standards facilitate efficient clearing and settlement of trades by providing a uniform identification system across the traditional financial markets. They are fundamental for regulatory reporting and accurate tracking of securities.
Context ∞ The discussion around CUSIP Standards in crypto news often pertains to the potential for integrating digital assets into traditional financial frameworks. Regulators and financial institutions explore how such established identification systems might apply to tokenized securities or other digital financial products. This integration could signify a move towards greater institutional acceptance and regulatory clarity for certain digital assets.