What is reference data? Uses, Types & Dataset Examples
- Overview
- Datasets
- Providers
- Use Cases
- Attributes
- FAQ
- Overview
- Datasets
- Providers
- Use Cases
- Attributes
- FAQ
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, you’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.
Symbol Master | US options Reference Data | Global Market Coverage
Global Fixed Income Reference Data | Bond Data | ESG Data | 850K issues
Derivatives Reference Data | up-to-date exchange traded Futures and Options
Global Corporate Actions Bond Data | Fixed Income Data API | Reference Data | 850K issues
Global Corporate Actions Stock Data | Stock Reference Data | Dividends and Splits | 80K stocks
Worldwide Fixed Income Terms and Conditions | Fixed Income Data | Fixed Income Reference Data | Bond Data
Option Analytics Service | Reference Data | Options Data | covers 10 Million options and futures
Stamdata Bond Reference Data ("stamdata")
Global Credit Default Swap (CDS) Data | 2000+ Reference Entities | Bond Credit Rating | Fixed Income Data
Global ETF Data | ETF Dividends | Reference ETF data | ETF Holdings | 9K ETF
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Top Reference Data Providers & Companies
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Cbonds
CoverageUSAUK+248VWe use the Cbonds API and are very satisfied with the data quality and the interface. Everything works smoothly, and the support has been reliable. We appreciate the service and look forward to continuing our cooperation.
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Exchange Data International
CoverageUSAUK+248With EDI you get high quality, affordable financial data customized to precisely fit your operational requirements.ISO9001CertifiedISO27001Certified1.5 mSecurities -
ISIN2LEI
CoverageUSAUK+238ISIN2LEI.eu is a RegTech start-up founded in 2018 by Johan Hol. We went officially live on September 1st, 2018 and provide linked open data on Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs) and International Securities Identification Numbers (ISINs). Johan is working in the financial sector for over 10 years. He worked at BNY Mellon on regulatory reporting for pension funds and insurance companies. He started his own business in 2015 with key focus on data management and regulatory reporting. ISIN2LEI.eu makes data available in a user-friendly webportal, where you can easily search and drilldown to the details. Data can be exported to CSV and PDF and you can create your own list of favorite LEIs and ISINs. Next to that we have an API and Excel AddIn which can be integrated in clients' systems and processes. -
Stamdata
CoverageUKGermany+49The Nordic bond markets are our main expertise and where we have spent the last 20 years focusing on bonds and other fixed income instruments. We provide our customers with the most complete database available in the Nordic market through multiple delivery and accessibility options.QualityComplianceExpertisSupportAutomationOperational Risk -
Kaiko
CoverageUSAUK+248VKaiko has an excellent product offering across exchanges and derivative exchanges such as deribit which set it apart from other data providers. Their customer service is top tier, and I can't thank the team enough for helping me debug or help me pull data i was looking. The ability to slack them anytime with questions really set them apart in my mind
Popular Use Cases for Reference Data
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.
Main Attributes of Reference Data
Below, we outline the most popular attributes associated with this type of data—features that data buyers are actively seeking to meet their needs.
| Attribute | Type | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| String | The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN). | View 10 datasets | |
| String | The name of a country. | View 8 datasets | |
| Float | The latitude of a point on earth's surface. Commonly abbreviated as "lat". | View 8 datasets | |
| String | The ticker symbol of a stock. | View 8 datasets | |
| String | The name of a city. | View 7 datasets | |
| String | The name of a company or business, might be the legal or brand name. | View 7 datasets |
Frequently Asked Questions
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, Cryptocurrency Data, Alternative Data, ESG Data, and Credit Rating Data. These related categories are often used together for applications like Investment Management.
