Subbranches have the same sorting code as the main bank office, but to uniquely identify them they have a two-digit suffix after the sorting code. Although sort codes in both countries have the same format, they are regulated by different authorities as each country has its own banking system. For example, sorting code 00-00-00 would represent the main bank office, and the first subbank office registered would have the suffix 01.
Sorting code and BIC allocation
Members have ranges of sorting codes that they can allocate to bank offices.