What is reference data? Uses, Types & Dataset Examples

Reference data includes standardized information about financial instruments, helping ensure accurate market operations. This page features a guide and selected reference data providers.
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Eugenio Caterino
Editor & Data Industry Expert

What is Reference Data?

Reference Data is a fundamental asset that is used in credit derivatives to protect debt holders from risky borrowers. It is usually in the form of bonds, treasury notes, or other debt-supporting collaterals stated by borrowers. The purpose of reference data is to assign the risk of default to a third party in order to cushion lenders against the possibility of the borrower defaulting on the debt.

Examples of reference data include country codes, currency codes, industry classifications, and product codes. Reference data is used to provide standardized and consistent values for specific attributes or characteristics. It helps in ensuring data integrity, facilitating data integration, and enabling accurate analysis and reporting. In this page, youā€™ll find the best data sources for reference data sets.

Best Reference Databases & Datasets

Here is our curated selection of top Reference Data sources. We focus on key factors such as data reliability, accuracy, and flexibility to meet diverse use-case requirements. These datasets are provided by trusted providers known for delivering high-quality, up-to-date information.

Logo of Exchange Data International

EDI Derivatives Reference Data (>30 fields covered)

by Exchange Data International
USA
Germany
France
+30
Pricing available upon request
Logo of Cbonds

Global Corporate Actions Bond Data | Fixed Income Data API | Reference Data | 850K issues

by Cbonds
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
+247
Free sample preview
API available
Starts at
$350$315 / month
Logo of Kaiko

Cryptocurrency Data - Kaiko Reference Rates. | Benchmark Rates | Derivatives Settlement | BMR-Complaint | Daily Fixings

by Kaiko
5.0
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
+247
Free sample preview
API available
Pricing available upon request
Logo of CoinAPI

CoinAPI: Exchange Rate Crypto Data | Crypto-to-Fiat | Real-Time Feeds | VWAP | Reference Prices | Exchange Rates Crypto | Price and Volume

by CoinAPI
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
+247
Free sample preview
API available
Starts at
$1 / purchase
Logo of Stamdata

Stamdata Bond Reference Data ("stamdata")

by Stamdata
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
+6
API available
Pricing available upon request
Logo of Webautomation

Webautomation Reddit Data | Web Scraping Data | Uncover Trends, Sentiments and User Preferences | GDPR compliant

by Webautomation
5.0
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
+61
Free sample preview
API available
Pricing available upon request
Logo of Global Pricing Innovations

GPI pulseā„¢ - Global Pricing Innovations, International Reference Pricing - Pharma Data

by Global Pricing Innovations
4.8
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
+89
Pricing available upon request
Logo of GapMaps

Consumer Behaviour Data | USA | Understand Consumption Patterns and Preferences of Consumers| Consumer Sentiment Data| Consumer Marketing Data

by GapMaps
5.0
USA
Free sample preview
Pricing available upon request
Logo of Predik Data-driven

PREDIK Data-Driven I Places Data, Foot Traffic and POI Data I Enriched Dataset to Analyze User Patterns & Preferences For USA & Mexico I +3B records

by Predik Data-driven
4.2
USA
Mexico
Pricing available upon request
Logo of Exchange Data International

EDI Worldwide Fixed Income Terms and Conditions | Fixed Income Data | Fixed Income Reference Data | Bond Data

by Exchange Data International
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
+91
Free sample preview
API available
Starts at
$3,000 / purchase

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Reference Data is essential for a wide range of business applications, offering valuable insights and driving opportunities across industries. Below, we have highlighted the most significant use cases for Reference Data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Buy Reference Data?

You can explore our data marketplace to find a variety of Reference Data tailored to different use cases. Our verified providers offer a range of solutions, and you can contact them directly to discuss your specific needs.

How is the Quality of Reference Data Maintained?

The quality of Reference Data is ensured through rigorous validation processes, such as cross-referencing with reliable sources, monitoring accuracy rates, and filtering out inconsistencies. High-quality datasets often report match rates, regular updates, and adherence to industry standards.

How Frequently is Reference Data Updated?

The update frequency for Reference Data varies by provider and dataset. Some datasets are refreshed daily or weekly, while others update less frequently. When evaluating options, ensure you select a dataset with a frequency that suits your specific use case.

Is Reference Data Secure?

The security of Reference Data is prioritized through compliance with industry standards, including encryption, anonymization, and secure delivery methods like SFTP and APIs. At Datarade, we enforce strict policies, requiring all our providers to adhere to regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant data protection standards.

How is Reference Data Delivered?

Reference Data can be delivered in formats such as CSV, JSON, XML, or via APIs, enabling seamless integration into your systems. Delivery frequencies range from real-time updates to scheduled intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, or on-demand). Choose datasets that align with your preferred delivery method and system compatibility for Reference Data.

How Much Does Reference Data Cost?

The cost of Reference Data depends on factors like the datasets size, scope, update frequency, and customization level. Pricing models may include one-off purchases, monthly or yearly subscriptions, or usage-based fees. Many providers offer free samples, allowing you to evaluate the suitability of Reference Data for your needs.

What Are Similar Data Types to Reference Data?

Reference Data is similar to other data types, such as Stock Market Data, Alternative Data, ESG Data, Credit Rating Data, and Commodity Data. These related categories are often used together for applications like Investment Management.

Eugenio Caterino

Eugenio Caterino

Editor & Data Industry Expert @ Datarade

Eugenio is an editor and data industry expert with over a decade of experience specializing in B2B data marketplaces and e-commerce platforms. He has a strong background in data analytics, data science, and data management. Eugenio is passionate about helping companies leverage data and technology to drive innovation and business growth, ensuring they can easily and efficiently access the solutions they need.

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