An organization that manages the creation and dissemination of rules and standards in approximately every U.S. business division. ANSI is also keenly involved in the accreditation programs that supervise those standards, involving ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems. It was established in 1918 by five engineering societies and three government agencies; it is at present a nonprofit organization.
Under ANSI's management, Accredited Standards Committee X9 (ASC X9) supervises the global financial services industry and is accountable for all financial-services norms in the U.S. In that capacity, ASC X9 plays a lead role in the introduction of new banking techniques. Instances involve credit card magnetic stripes, standards for paper and electronic checks, and ATM cards. The American Bankers Association gives administrative support for ASC X9 standards.