ICANN appoints Analysys Mason to geographic and reserved names panels

ICANN announced on 3 September 2026 that it has appointed Analysys Mason Limited as provider for both the Geographic Names Panel and the Reserved Names Panel in the 2026 new gTLD round.

The Geographic Names Panel will evaluate whether each applied-for string represents an eligible geographic name under the Applicant Guidebook. The Reserved Names Panel will determine whether an applied-for string is a reserved name and, where it is, verify the relevance and authenticity of the supporting documentation required from the applicant.

ICANN selected Analysys Mason through a competitive request for proposals launched in February 2026. The applicable criteria are in sections 7.1.2.2 and 7.1.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook.

The appointment does not change any current tracker record. It identifies the provider that will perform two string-level evaluations once applications enter the relevant stages of ICANN’s process.