DIRECT ANSWER
Definition
A CRD number is a registration identifier used in securities-industry records for firms and individuals. In investment-adviser research, it is a key identifier for locating adviser firm and representative records through IAPD; FINRA BrokerCheck uses CRD records for broker and brokerage-firm research. The number identifies a record, not a regulator endorsement or performance rating.
At a glance
- Full name
- Central Registration Depository number
- System family
- CRD / IARD / IAPD
- Identifies
- A registered firm or individual record
- Not the same as
- CIK or SEC file number
How CRD numbers are used
A CRD number provides a more stable lookup key than a name, which can change or be shared by multiple entities. Adviser Form ADV records display the firm’s CRD number, and public systems allow searches by CRD.
How to look up a CRD number
Use IAPD for investment adviser firm and representative records and BrokerCheck for brokerage firms, brokers, and records that connect across both systems. Search by the person or firm name when the CRD is unknown; search by CRD when you need to disambiguate similar names. IAPD’s public search separates firm and individual records, so choose the record type before treating a matching number as the answer.
| Record you need | Public starting point |
|---|---|
| Investment adviser firm | IAPD firm search |
| Investment adviser representative | IAPD individual search |
| Broker or brokerage firm | FINRA BrokerCheck |
| Person or firm with multiple registrations | Check both linked records and confirm the CRD |
Firm and individual CRD numbers are different records
CRD numbers can identify firm records and individual records. A person’s CRD is not the CRD of the firm where the person works, and a firm may have branches or related entities with separate records. A data product must preserve the record type rather than assuming every CRD refers to an adviser firm.
Are CRD numbers public?
CRD is a regulatory registration system, while public disclosure is provided through tools such as BrokerCheck and IAPD. Public reports can display the CRD number and disclosable registration information. Not every field maintained in a regulatory system is necessarily part of the public report.
CRD number vs. CIK
A CRD belongs to the registration-record family. A CIK identifies an EDGAR filer account. One organization may have both, and a larger organization can have multiple related entities or filer accounts, so the relationship is not universally one-to-one.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a CRD number?
Search the person or firm in IAPD or FINRA BrokerCheck, choose the matching firm or individual record, and confirm the name, location, record type, and registration history before using the displayed CRD number.
Does everyone have a CRD number?
No. CRD numbers are associated with securities-industry registration records for firms and individuals; they are not general-purpose personal or business identifiers.
Is a CRD number the same as a CIK?
No. A CRD identifies a securities-registration record, while a CIK identifies an SEC EDGAR filer account.
Can a firm and an individual have the same CRD record?
No. Firm and individual records are distinct. Always preserve the record type together with the CRD number.
SRC
Primary sources
Definitions and regulatory claims on this page are grounded in the following official public resources.
- FINRA Central Registration Depository
- FINRA BrokerCheckPublic lookup for brokers, brokerage firms, and connected adviser information.
- Official IAPD searchPublic lookup for investment adviser firms and representatives.