> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fiinpro.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fiinpro.com/english/methodology/industry-classification/icb-methodology.md).

# ICB methodology

**Reasons for FiinPro-X's Choice of ICB** 

ICB was first published in Version 1.0 in 2001 and has since been widely used in 72 countries, with over 60,000 companies classified. ICB was developed by reputable and long-lasting financial organizations such as Dow Jones & Company Inc, "DJ," and the London Stock Exchange and The Financial Times, "FTSE".2.2 

**Latest ICB Table** 

The latest ICB Version 4.0 was released in June 2009 and includes 10 Level 1 industries, 19 Level 2 industries, 41 Level 3 industries, and 114 Level 4 industries (See Appendix 1). The biggest difference compared to the previous version is that ICB has promoted Real Estate to a Level 2 sector and details in this sector at Levels 3 and 4.