Question 1

What is a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)?

Accepted Answer

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a unique 20-character alphanumeric code used to identify legal entities in financial transactions worldwide. It acts as a global reference ID for your organization, created to improve transparency and risk management in the financial system.

Each LEI is associated with reference data about the entity – such as its official name, registered address, and ownership structure – essentially answering the questions of “who is who” and “who owns whom.” In other words, an LEI makes it easy for regulators and counterparties to uniquely recognize a company or organization across the globe.

Question 2

How do I apply for an LEI?

Accepted Answer

Submit your company or trust details in the online form, entering the registered office exactly as in the registry. We validate, issue the LEI through our accredited LOU, and email the LEI, certificate, and invoice, typically within a few hours.

Question 3

How long does issuance take?

Accepted Answer

Most straightforward applications clear within the same business day-often in under two hours once payment is confirmed. Complex ownership structures or brand-new incorporations may take a little longer if supporting evidence is needed.

Question 4

Do prices include taxes?

Accepted Answer

Listed prices include the mandatory GLEIF contribution. Local taxes (such as VAT, GST, HST, or sales tax) are only added where required by law and are itemised on your checkout summary and invoice. You will always see the final amount before you pay.

Question 5

Who must obtain an LEI?

Accepted Answer

Common examples include: (1) investment firms and trading venues reporting trades under MiFID/MiFIR or EMIR; (2) banks, building societies, and treasury teams submitting data to central banks or payment regulators; (3) corporates and funds issuing or trading securities, repos, or stock lending transactions; (4) high-value payment participants instructed by their banks; and (5) entities accessing wholesale FX, commodities, or cross-border trade finance. Many corporates also adopt LEIs voluntarily because overseas counterparties require them.

Question 6

How long is an LEI valid?

Accepted Answer

An LEI is valid for one year at a time. Renew annually to keep the record active and compliant. Multi-year options are available to handle renewal automatically each year.

Question 7

How much does an LEI cost?

Accepted Answer

We publish transparent pricing for 1, 3, and 5 year terms. Every plan includes the GLEIF contribution and comes with a digital LEI certificate at no extra cost.

Frequently asked questions

Top questions

Apply & Issuance

Pricing & Billing

Renewal & Validity

Transfers & Management

Regulatory requirements

About the LEI System

Frequently asked questions

Top questions

Apply & Issuance

How do I apply for an LEI?

What information or documents are required?

Pricing & Billing

How much does an LEI cost?

Do prices include taxes?

Renewal & Validity

Do I need to renew my LEI?

Can I renew for multiple years?

How long is an LEI valid?

Transfers & Management

Can I transfer my existing LEI to you?

Is an LEI issued here valid worldwide?

Regulatory requirements

Why do organisations need an LEI?

Who must obtain an LEI?

When is an LEI checked in payment systems?

About the LEI System

What is a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)?

Who issues LEI codes?

How is the LEI structured?