Header logo
Skip to main content
  • English
    Discover SWIFT
  • Español
    Descubra nuestros contenidos en español
  • Français
    Découvrez notre contenu disponible en français
  • 中文
    了解我们提供的中文内容
  • 日本語
    日本で入手可能なコンテンツをお探しください

BIC

BIC stands for business identifier code. BIC is an international standard for identification of institutions within the financial services industry.

BICs are used in automated processing. They unambiguously identify a financial institution or a non-financial institution. The ISO 9362 standard specifies the elements and the structure of a BIC. A BIC consists of either 8 or 11 contiguous characters. These characters comprise either the first three, or all four, of the following components: party prefix, country code, party suffix, and branch identifier. The International Organization for Standardization has designated Swift as the BIC Registration Authority.

Related links
BIC (www.swift.com)
Online BIC search

11-character BIC

An 11-character BIC (optional element attached to 8-character BIC) that comprises the following components: party prefix, country code, party suffix, and branch identifier.

8-character BIC

A BIC that comprises the following components: party prefix, country code, and party suffix.

See also business party identifier.

SwiftRef BIC Plus

Trainings
Learn what BIC Plus is, its data structure, and update cycle. Understand why you need BIC Plus. Be able to access BIC Plus.
Read more

Manage SwiftRef BIC Plus

Trainings
Understand key principles to work with BIC Plus data. Understand the differences between BIC Plus and the BIC Directory 2018. Be able to interpret the life cycle of a BIC.
Read more

BIC (Business Identifier Code)

Trainings
Understand what a BIC is, its structure and its evolution, know the BIC directories and understand how a BIC is used.
Read more

How to register on swift.com under an additional BIC as part of a multi BIC profile

Trainings
Learn how to register on swift.com under an additional BIC as part of a multi-BIC profile.The version used in this video may be different from your current version. However, the actions shown in the video have remained unchanged and are therefore still valid.
Read more

Swift Test Sparring Partner: How to configure BICs and subscribe to test services

Trainings
Learn how to add, edit and remove a BIC, as well as, subscribe, edit and remove test services in the Swift Test Sparring Partner.
Read more

Swift Test Sparring Partner: How to assign and manage user access to the BICs and test services

Trainings
Learn how to assign and manage user access in Swift Test Sparring Partner.
Read more

Swift Test Sparring Partner - Associate

Trainings
Understand how to use Swift Test Sparring Partner for testing messages flows.Swift Test Sparring PartnerIntroduction to the Swift Test Sparring Partner for CBPR+Swift Test Sparring Partner: How to get access to the applicationSwift Test Sparring Partner: How to configure BICs and subscribe to test servicesSwift Test Sparring Partner: How to assign and manage user access to the BICs and test servicesSwift Test Sparring Partner: How to navigate the applicationSwift Test Sparring Partner: How to…
Read more

KYC-SA Role Families explained

Trainings
Discover the general concept of the various roles in the KYC Security Attestation (KYC-SA) application.It is recommended to watch this video before you start working with the KYC-SA.More detailed steps:There are two user types:Administrators (Swift recommends min. 2 per institution or BIC)Business Users:SubmitterApproverRequesterViewerGranterSecurity Officer
Read more

Understanding FINplus

Trainings
Learn what FINplus is, its scope, and features and functions.Learning objectives:Explain the main purpose of FINplusDiscuss how to use FINplusSequence the FINplus timelineDistinguish between FINplus different operational environments: Live, Pilot current and Pilot futureInterpret the usage of the BIC0 on the Business Application HeaderName the FINplus addressing scheme
Read more

Work with Securities Messages - Associate

Trainings
Understand the basics of the securities industry.Estimated duration: 03:35Pre TestTest your Knowledge of Securities and Swift StandardsIntroduction to Swift StandardsStandardsIntroduction to Standards MTStandards ISO 15022BIC (Business Identifier Code)MyStandardsIntroduction to ISO 20022Introduction to Standards MXIntroduction to SecuritiesFinancial Community and Messaging NeedsIntroduction to the Securities MarketIntroduction to Securities SettlementSecurities Reporting and…
Read more

Looking for a BIC?