IBAN Standards

IBAN Standard ISO13616 - International

The ISO standard for the IBAN (ISO13616) defines the structure and format of the international identifier for bank accounts. Copies of the standard can be purchased through ISO www.iso.org

The ISO standard also specifies a Registration Authority that maintains information on implementations of the IBAN standard. This document, called the IBAN Registry provides detailed information about all ISO 13616-compliant national IBAN formats. Copies of the Registry can be obtained by clicking here

IBAN Standard 48 - National

Nationally the ISO IBAN standard has been implemented according to Standard 48. The standard defines the national account number structure to be used to identify the bank, branch and account number within the IBAN. This is called the Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN).

This standard is designed to support use of the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) within the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The standard defines the international envelope placed around the BBAN. Envelope and BBAN together form the IBAN.

The complete IBAN provides an account number for international use that is capable of validation irrespective of the national account number format contained within. It is thus intended to facilitate Straight Through Processing and to improve confidence in the accuracy of the information provided in cross-border payments.

The standard also defines both the generation and validation of the IBAN.

If you are implementing Standard 48 or require a copy of the standard please click here.