BIC-VALIDATION

The structural validation algorithm of a SWIFT BIC.

Definition

ISO 9362 structure: 4 letters (Institution Code), 2 letters (Country Code, ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), 2 alphanumeric (Location Code), 3 alphanumeric optional (Branch Code). No internal checksum (unlike IBAN). Validation = strict pattern match + lookup in SWIFT BIC Directory.

Origin

ISO 9362 published in 1994, last revised 2022.

Example in context

BNPAFRPP = BNPA (BNP Paribas) + FR (France) + PP (Paris HQ). 8 characters, default branch.

Related terms

• BIC — validated identifier.