WHAT IS AN LEI CODE?
LEI code in simple terms
● LEI - Legal entity identification number.
● A unique identification code for entities which trade in financial markets (stocks, bonds, futures, forex, etc.)
● Every deal conducted in the markets will connect to the other counterpart with an LEI.
● Used for regulators to oversee financial markets.
● LEI connects financial markets, companies and regulators.
● The issuing of an LEI code is conducted under GLEIF-accredited LOUs.
● GLEIF - Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation
● NO LEI, NO TRADE.
Renewal of an LEI code
An LEI needs annual renewal. This means that an LEI issued on 02/01/2018 will have to be renewed before 02/01/2019. If the deadline has passed, your LEI code will become inactive until renewed again. This renewal process is necessary to ensure the data in the Global LEI Pool is relevant and up to date.
LEI Register offers the renewal of LEIs for 1-, 3- or 5-year period. Whatever the period, you will receive a notification from LEI Register a month prior to the deadline. In the case of multi-year LEI renewal, the LEI Register will take the responsibility to check your data before renewal and renew your LEI on a yearly basis. Our aim is to keep your data up to date.
An LEI code is standardized with ISO certificate 17442. This consists of a combination of 20 numbers and letters.
- Numbers 1-4 always show the ID of the LOU which has issued the LEI code.
- Numbers 5-6 have always a value of 0.
- Numbers/Letters 7-18 are unique to each entity.
- Numbers 19-20 are for verification purposes.
LEI code is all about connecting the dots!
The vision of GLEIF is to have one universal registration number for all entities around the globe. This is an identifier that would provide standardised and high-quality reference data.
"We believe that ultimately there should be one identity behind every business. Having an LEI will help to achieve this objective."
GLEIF - Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation.
Who can issue LEI?
Issuance of LEI codes is governed by GLEIF. The GLEIF is the foundation which controls the issuance of LEI codes. The GLEIF does not itself issue LEIs, they are instead issued through a network of public and private companies acting as LOUs. Their purpose is to supply registration, the renewal of LEI codes, and act as a gateway for organisations that wish to obtain an LEI code. A list of LOUs can be found here.
The LEI Registry is not an LOU. Instead, the LEI Registry acts as Registration Agent. Our task is to help companies and public entities obtain reliable information about an LEI, and manage communication between LOUs and entities wishing to apply for an LEI. We check data provided with publically available services such as Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). More information about Registration Agents can be found here.