The essentials
What is a CFI code?
A Classification of Financial Instruments code is a six-letter description of an instrument's structural characteristics. ISO 10962 defines the standard; SIX acts as the Registration Authority and publishes the code-set used by this site.
The code is categorical. It describes what an instrument is, rather than uniquely identifying a particular security. An ISIN identifies an issue; a CFI classifies it.
Useful distinction: many instruments can share the same CFI code. Treat the CFI as a compact classification, not as an identifier.
Code anatomy
The six positions
The first character identifies the broad category and the second identifies its group. Positions three to six describe attributes whose meaning depends on that category and group.
| Position | Role | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
1 | Category | The broad instrument family, such as equity, debt or option. |
2 | Group | The instrument type within that family. |
3 | Attribute 1 | A group-specific characteristic. |
4 | Attribute 2 | A second group-specific characteristic. |
5 | Attribute 3 | A third group-specific characteristic. |
6 | Attribute 4 | A fourth group-specific characteristic. |
The important trap is to avoid assigning one universal meaning to positions three to six. For an equity they may describe voting rights, transfer restrictions, payment status and form. For an option they describe an entirely different set of characteristics.
In practice
Worked examples
ESVUFR · common share
E is equities and S is common or ordinary shares. The remaining characters describe voting, unrestricted transfer, fully paid status and registered form. Open this code in the interactive workbench to inspect each full definition.
DBFUFR · bond
D is debt instruments and B is bonds. The following attributes are interpreted using the bond-specific definitions in the code-set.
OCESCS · listed option
O denotes listed options. Its later characters describe option-specific characteristics, including the underlying asset and exercise or delivery features.
A common character
What does X mean?
X commonly represents an attribute that is undefined or unavailable within a particular group. It does not always mean that the instrument itself is invalid. Its precise meaning should be read from the definition for that exact position and group.
Authority and limits
Can this site assign an official CFI?
No. The composer helps you reason through the published code-set, while the decoder explains a code you already have. Official classifications should come from the relevant numbering agency, reference-data provider or other authoritative source in your workflow.
For the underlying standard resources, use the SIX financial data standards page.
Common questions
Practical points
Does the workbench retain entered codes?
No server-side history is used. Scenario saving is optional and stays on your device. The tool runs in the browser and places the current code in the page URL so that the result can be bookmarked or shared.
Does a valid CFI prove a trade report is correct?
No. It only proves that the six letters resolve against the included CFI code-set. The separate UK MiFIR view maps FCA CFI-dependent field statuses, but it does not determine reportability or replace an ARM or firm validation process.
Why can definitions be long?
The code-set contains technical distinctions that matter. The workbench shows short labels for scanning and keeps the complete definition available on demand.
Use the CFI workbench
Enter or compose a code, inspect all six positions and switch directly to the UK MiFIR field mapping.
Open the workbench →