What is an LEI and other FAQ

LEI stands for Legal Entity Identifier.

An LEI is used to identify companies active on financial markets. It is an alphanumeric code consisting of 20 digits.

An LEI delivers transparency and security of entity identification among financial parties, enabling traceability of the transactions. Use of an LEI is mandatory for any organisation subject to the EMIR reporting requirements.

Through GS1 Ireland you can apply for a new LEI or transfer or renew an existing LEI.

Contact GS1 Ireland about LEI

LEI 20 character structure

The LEI Code is structured in accordance with the ISO standard 17442 and has a 20 character alphanumeric format.

Sample Code: 1234 56 789101112131415161718 1920

1234: Four character prefix designating the LEI issuing agency  - LOU (Local Operating Unit); 

56: two-digit separation, temporarily reserved


789101112131415161718: twelve-digit identification of the legal entity


1920: two-digit checksum in accordance with the ISO 17442 standard

GLEIS stands for Global Legal Entity Identifier System

The Global Legal Entity Identifier System (GLEIS) enables the clear, unambiguous identification of participants in financial transactions.

The basis of the system is ISO 17442. This standard defines the elements of clear legal identification of the relevant legal identities involved in a financial transaction. 

Legal Entity Record Data

An LEI data record consists of an ID and its associated data, known as a Legal Entity Record Data (LE-RD).

GLEIS was expanded in 2017 to include data with which connections with parent companies could be mapped.

If a legal entity which has a holding company wishes to apply for a LEI, the relevant data must be provided while applying which, in the simplest case, is the LEI of the holding company. 

Further development of the Global Legal Entity Identifier System is carried out by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) in collaboration with the Local  LOUs. 

The Global LEI Foundation (GLEIF) is supervised by the LEI Regulatory Oversight Committee (LEI ROC).

GLEIF Database

Each LEI is associated with key data relating to the company and/or fund. This is stored in the GLEIF database.

•     Official name of the legal entity or of the fund manager
•     Registry name and registry number
•     Legal form of the company
•     Registered office of the headquarters or of the fund manager
•     ISO country code
•     Date of first issue of the LEI
•     Date of the last change of the saved information
•     Due date of the next LEI renewal