LEI code What Is It?

An LEI code, or LEI number, is a 20-character long code used globally to identify companies involved in securities trading. LEI, which stands for Legal Entity Identifier, is an international standard (ISO 17442) that provides a system for identifying legal entities such as businesses and organizations participating in financial transactions. Since January 3, 2018, it has been a legal requirement within the EU for companies engaged in securities trading to have an LEI code.

Frequently Asked Questions about LEI Code

When you apply for an LEI code, you are assigned a unique identification code that is then used to identify you as a legal entity in financial transactions. The LEI code must be renewed annually to ensure that your information is accurate and up-to-date.

Through our service:

  1. Enter the company name in the search field on this website to initiate a search.
  2. Provide contact information, signatory details, and payment information, and click "Order LEI."
  3. Once the payment is registered and any necessary contracts are signed, your LEI code is registered.
  4. As soon as the LEI code is registered, it will be sent to the email address you provided during the order.
  5. The LEI code becomes visible in the global registry the day after the registration is completed.

An LEI code is required for legal entities participating in financial transactions and wishing to trade on financial markets, such as buying stocks, bonds, or other securities. Many regulations also mandate obtaining an LEI code. Since the inception of the LEI system, numerous new regulations have been introduced worldwide. This situation has led to many entities across various industries now needing to apply for an LEI code.

Starting from January 3, 2018, all legal entities that want to trade on European financial markets with any type of securities or derivatives (e.g., stocks, bonds, ETFs, currency futures, swaps, interest rate swaps, etc.) must register for legal entity identification.

Currently, most legal entity identification requirements stem from the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). The primary aim of these regulations is to ensure greater transparency and stability in the global financial market.

LEI codes are primarily required by all legal entities involved in financial transactions or operating within today's financial system, particularly in the USA, UK, or EU. There are currently several mandates that state "no LEI, no trade." This means that if you do not have an LEI number when it is required, your transactions will be blocked.

With our service, the pricing model is:

1 year: $94

3 years: $199

5 years: $319

An LEI code is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After that, it needs to be renewed to remain valid. It's important to note that there is a grace period of 6 months after the expiration of the validity period during which a renewal can be done without needing to apply for a new LEI code. If renewal does not occur within the grace period, the LEI code will be considered invalid, and a new application must be made.

An LEI code is typically required to identify legal entities involved in financial transactions. This is mandated by various regulations and rules, such as MiFID II and EMIR in the EU, and the Dodd-Frank Act in the USA.

The following are examples of situations where an LEI code may be required:

  • Trading financial instruments on an exchange
  • Derivative contracts, such as options, futures contracts, and swap agreements
  • Reporting financial transactions to authorities
  • Securities issuances
  • Credit and financing agreements with financial institutions

It is always best to check with your financial institution or regulatory authority to determine if an LEI code is required in a specific situation.

All legal entities involved in financial transactions need an LEI code, including companies, fund managers, investment firms, and other financial institutions. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Companies with listed securities on an exchange
  • Fund managers and investment firms
  • Companies acting as counterparties in financial transactions, such as swap agreements, futures contracts, and options
  • Companies issuing bonds or other securities
  • Companies receiving or providing loans

It is always best to check with your financial institution or regulatory authority to determine if an LEI code is required for your specific organization or business.

An LEI code is used to identify legal entities involved in financial transactions. This is done to enhance market transparency, increase market visibility, and reduce the risk of fraud and financial crimes.

Examples of situations where an LEI code may be used include:
  • Trading financial instruments on an exchange
  • Derivative contracts, such as options, futures contracts, and swap agreements
  • Reporting financial transactions to authorities
  • Securities issuances
  • Credit and financing agreements with financial institutions

It is always best to check with your financial institution or regulatory authority to determine when an LEI code needs to be used in a specific situation.

An LEI code contains information about the legal entity or organization to which it is issued. The information includes the following:

  • Name of the legal entity or organization
  • Address of the legal entity or organization
  • A unique identification number linked to the legal entity or organization
  • The country in which the legal entity or organization is registered
  • Date of issuance of the LEI code and its validity period

This information is publicly available and serves to increase transparency in financial transactions, as well as assist authorities and other stakeholders in monitoring and regulating the market.

An LEI transfer and an LEI renewal are two distinct processes when it comes to managing a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI).

An LEI transfer involves transferring an existing LEI code from one LEI registrar to another. This can occur if the organization switches LEI registrars or if the current registrar ceases to provide LEI services. An LEI transfer typically requires the organization to contact both the existing and the new LEI registrars to facilitate the process.

An LEI renewal is a process in which the organization renews its existing LEI code to ensure that it remains valid. LEI codes must be renewed annually to ensure that the information associated with the code is current and accurate. If an LEI code is not renewed, it may be deemed invalid, and the organization could encounter difficulties in conducting financial transactions or meeting reporting requirements.

In summary, the difference between an LEI transfer and an LEI renewal is that an LEI transfer involves moving an existing LEI code from one registrar to another, while an LEI renewal is a process in which the organization renews its existing LEI code to ensure its continued validity.

If your LEI code has expired, you can renew it instead of applying for a new one. LEI codes must be renewed annually to ensure that the information associated with the code is current and accurate.

To renew your LEI code, you need to contact the LEI registrar where your LEI code is registered. The registrar can assist you in renewing your LEI code and updating the information associated with it. You may also need to pay a fee to renew your LEI code, depending on the registrar and your specific requirements.

It's important to note that if your LEI code has expired and you have not renewed it, you may need to apply for a new LEI code if you wish to continue using it. This depends on the rules and guidelines for LEI registration in your jurisdiction.

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) is an international organization established in 2009 by the G20 countries to promote financial stability. Its primary role is to coordinate the development and implementation of regulatory and supervisory policies for the global financial sector.

The FSB identifies and assesses potential risks to financial stability, develops and promotes the implementation of effective financial sector policies, and monitors and evaluates the implementation of these policies. The organization collaborates closely with other international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), and the World Bank, as well as national authorities, to promote global financial stability. The FSB's activities are overseen by its members, which include central banks, regulatory authorities, and finance ministries from around the world. The organization's work is supported by a number of standing committees and working groups that focus on specific areas, such as macroprudential policy, financial innovation, and cybersecurity.

One of the FSB's main initiatives is the development and implementation of the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system, which provides a unique identification code for legal entities engaged in financial transactions. The FSB also monitors the implementation of other international financial standards, such as the Basel III framework for banks. In summary, the FSB plays a crucial role in promoting financial stability and reducing the risk of financial crises by fostering cooperation and coordination among financial supervisory authorities and authorities worldwide.

Do you need an LEI code?

Please fill out the form below to initiate your order.

Step 1 / 2