<P> ISINs consist of two alphabetic characters , which are the ISO 3166 - 1 alpha - 2 code for the issuing country , nine alpha - numeric characters ( the National Securities Identifying Number , or NSIN , which identifies the security , padded as necessary with leading zeros ) , and one numerical check digit . They are thus always 12 characters in length . When the NSIN changes due to corporate actions or other reasons , the ISIN will also change . Issuance of ISINs is decentralized to individual National Numbering Agencies ( `` NNA '' ) . Since existing national numbering schemes administered by the various NNAs form the basis for ISINs , the methodology for assignment is not consistent across agencies globally . </P>
<P> ISINs consist of two alphabetic characters , which are the ISO 3166 - 1 alpha - 2 code for the issuing country , nine alpha - numeric characters ( the National Securities Identifying Number , or NSIN , which identifies the security , padded as necessary with leading zeros ) , and one numerical check digit . They are thus always 12 characters in length . When the NSIN changes due to corporate actions or other reasons , the ISIN will also change . Issuance of ISINs is decentralized to individual National Numbering Agencies ( `` NNA '' ) . Since existing national numbering schemes administered by the various NNAs form the basis for ISINs , the methodology for assignment is not consistent across agencies globally . </P>
the first two characters in isin code for a security represents
the first two characters in isin code for a security represents
the ISO 3166 - 1 alpha - 2 code for the issuing country
the ISO 3166 - 1 alpha - 2 code for the issuing country