Understanding CUSIP Numbers: How to Track Securities

Aug 16 / Dynamo Jakk
In the complex world of finance and investments, staying informed about securities is crucial for making informed decisions. CUSIP numbers, short for Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, play a vital role in identifying and tracking various financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, and other securities. In this blog, we'll explore what CUSIP numbers are and how you can use them to track securities effectively.

What Are CUSIP Numbers?

CUSIP numbers are unique nine-character identifiers assigned to financial securities to facilitate trading, settlement, and identification.


These alphanumeric codes are like fingerprints for securities, allowing investors, traders, and financial professionals to quickly access information about a particular security. Each CUSIP number is unique to a specific security and remains associated with that security throughout its lifetime.

How to Track Securities Using CUSIP Numbers:

  1. Financial News Websites: Leading financial news platforms like Bloomberg, Reuters, Yahoo Finance, and Google Finance offer CUSIP number search features. Simply input the CUSIP number, and you'll receive comprehensive details about the corresponding security.

  2. Online Brokerage Platforms: If you have access to an online brokerage account, you can use its search function to track securities by CUSIP numbers. This feature provides real-time data, including price movements and trading history.

  3. Financial Data Providers: Specialized financial data providers like FactSet, Morningstar, and S&P Global Market Intelligence offer extensive databases with information on securities identified by their CUSIP numbers. These platforms are go-to sources for detailed financial insights.

  4. Securities Regulators: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provides the EDGAR database, where you can search for publicly traded companies and their securities using CUSIP numbers. This is a valuable resource for accessing official reports and disclosures.

  5. CUSIP Number Lookup Services: Numerous websites and databases offer dedicated CUSIP lookup services. These platforms allow you to input a CUSIP number and retrieve essential information about the associated security.

  6. Financial Professionals: Financial advisors, analysts, and industry experts often have access to comprehensive databases that include CUSIP information. Their expertise can guide you in making well-informed investment decisions.

Why Tracking Securities Matters:


Tracking securities using CUSIP numbers is essential for several reasons:

- Investment Decision-Making: Access to real-time data helps investors make informed decisions about buying, selling, or holding securities.

- Portfolio Management: Investors can manage their portfolios effectively by monitoring the performance of individual securities.

- Risk Assessment: Tracking securities allows for better risk assessment and management, helping investors anticipate potential market shifts.

- Compliance and Regulation: Regulatory bodies and organizations use CUSIP numbers to ensure transparency and compliance in financial markets.

- Discovering Unclaimed Securities: Another critical reason for tracking securities is the potential to locate any securities that may exist in your name without your knowledge. Unclaimed or forgotten securities can represent a significant portion of one's financial assets. By utilizing CUSIP numbers, you can uncover these hidden assets and take appropriate action.

In the ever-evolving world of finance, CUSIP numbers provide a standardized and efficient way to identify and track securities. Whether you're an individual investor or a financial professional, harnessing the power of CUSIP numbers can empower you with valuable insights into the world of investments. Stay informed, make data-driven decisions, and navigate the complexities of the financial landscape with confidence.

Here are the links for each category mentioned:


Financial News Websites:

  1. Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/
  2. Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/
  3. Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/
  4. Google Finance: https://www.google.com/finance)

Online Brokerage Platforms:

  1. E*TRADE: https://us.etrade.com/home
  2. Charles Schwab: https://www.schwab.com/
  3. Fidelity: https://www.fidelity.com/
  4. Interactive Brokers:   https://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/home.php

Financial Data Providers:

  1. FactSet: https://www.factset.com/
  2. Morningstar: https://www.morningstar.com/
  3. S&P Global Market Intelligence:   https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/

Securities Regulators:

  1. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR): https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html

CUSIP Number Lookup Services:

  1. CUSIP Global Services: https://www.cusip.com/cusip/

Remember that some of these platforms may require account registration or subscription for access to detailed financial information. Always ensure you are using reputable and trusted sources for your financial research and decision-making.

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