NEW YORK, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The CUSIP Service Bureau (CSB), the leading provider of unique issuer and instrument identifiers, today announced the introduction of CUSIP Request, a new Web-based system for processing requests for securities identifiers.

The new system, using an online form and attachments, reduces the time it takes to submit an application for CUSIP identifiers while providing a way to attach required documents to the online application. Previous request methods were still partially paper-based or email-based and would not allow for supporting attachments to remain paired with the accompanying online application.

"We have received much positive feedback from issuers regarding the new CUSIP Request system," said Jim Taylor, Managing Director for Standard & Poor's, which operates the CSB for the American Bankers Association. "We continuously seek to deliver our services in ways that increase our value to the market, in particular by making our services more efficient and easier to use."

With the new online system, applicants seeking CUSIP identifiers can go to http://www.cusip.com/, click on the "CUSIP Request" link on the left-hand side of the home page and complete the application, attaching supporting documentation into the online submission. Requestors receive a 10 percent discount per request for using the online CUSIP Request System.

For additional information, please e-mail sp_marketing@standardandpoors.com.

About the CUSIP Service Bureau

The CUSIP Service Bureau (CSB) is dedicated to driving efficient trading, clearing and settlement of financial instruments throughout capital markets worldwide. CSB enables enormous efficiencies and cost savings by providing a unique common language for handling instruments across institutions, exchanges and nations, and originates over 70% of all identifiers used in securities transactions. With nearly 40 years of experience, CSB is operated for the American Bankers Association by Standard & Poor's, two leading organizations dedicated to promoting strength and profitability of the global financial services industry. For more information, visit http://www.cusip.com/

About Standard & Poor's

Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies , is the world's foremost provider of financial market intelligence, including independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research and data. With approximately 8,500 employees, including wholly owned affiliates, located in 21 countries, Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for more than 140 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit http://www.standardandpoors.com/.

CONTACT: Media Information:
Christopher Capot
KNB Communications
+1-212-505-2441 x116
ccapot@knbpr.com
John Hall ABA
Public Relations
+1-202-663-5473
jhall@aba.com
Product Information:
Peter J. McNally
Assistant Manager - Operations
Standard & Poor's Securities Classification
+1-212-438-6580
Cusip_comments@standardandpoors.com

Web site: http://www.cusip.com/
http://www.standardandpoors.com/