[ESMA 70-872942901-35 MiFIR transparency Q&A, Q&A 8.2]

According to table 3 of Annex I of RTS 1 and table 2 of Annex II of RTS 2, APAs will be identified by either a MIC or a 4-character code. ESMA considers that the best way to ensure a harmonised and unequivocal identification of APAs and trading venues is to provide for a harmonised allocation of the identifier, such as MICs. While there is no legal obligation for APAs to use MICs, ESMA recommends that APAs request the MIC code from the ISO 10383 Registration Authority (SWIFT). The creation, maintenance and deactivation of MICs is free of charge.