
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)
London Stock Exchange is accredited by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) as an authorised Local Operating Unit (LOU) for the global allocation of Legal Entity Identifiers (LEI).
What is the LEI code?
The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) initiative is designed to create a global reference data system that uniquely identifies every legal entity or structure, in any jurisdiction, that is party to a financial transaction.
Endorsed by the G20, the establishment of a Global LEI System (GLEIS) is critical to improving measurement and monitoring of systemic risk. Global, standardised LEIs will enable regulators and organisations to more effectively measure and manage counterparty exposure while also resolving long standing issues on entity identification across the globe. To aid global allocation of LEIs, Local Operating Units (LOUs) have been formed and must be sponsored by local regulators to assign and maintain LEIs to firms on a cost recovery basis.
The use of the LEI has been mandated by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for the reporting of derivative transactions to Trade Repositories under European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). Under MiFID II and Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), market operators are required to collate an LEI for each issuer with securities admitted to trading. All investment firms subject to MiFID II will be required to retain a valid LEI. Firms subject to the MiFID II transaction reporting obligations will not be able to execute a trade on behalf of a client who is eligible for an LEI and does not have one.
Our GLEIF accreditation
London Stock Exchange issues LEIs to legal entities using the requirements set by GLEIF and the agreed principles outlined by the LEI Regulatory Oversight Committee (LEI ROC).

What are the benefits of using London Stock Exchange as a LOU?
Further to demonstrating our ability to perform as a LOU, our proven track record with reference data software solutions is further displayed in our LEI offering. Utilising our UnaVista platform, our service provides a number of benefits to you:
All LEI data in one place - inc a consolidated file
The user interface provides an advanced look-up service to access all LEI reference data in one database. You will be able to view, filter, manipulate and extract data which has been consolidated through a single tool. This includes a downloadable consolidated file of all of the global LEIs.
Accuracy and reliability
The consolidated database ensures all LEI records are cross referenced before a new LEI is created to ensure avoidance of duplicates. Following this, entity validation against global sources is carried out, so you can be confident the LEI obtained is unique and accurate.
Experience
London Stock Exchange has contributed to the development of international standards for the financial services industry for many years and participated in the ISO process for the development and creation of ISO 17442:2012 – Legal Entity Identifier. Continued participation in LOU and international standards working groups ensures we have the most current subject matter knowledge.
As the UK’s National Numbering Agency for provision and maintenance of ISIN and CFI reference data, we have over 20 years experience in validating and maintaining data and will use this experience to provide you with high quality data and knowledgeable customer service.
Advanced functionality
LEIs will be allocated using the LSEG's regulatory reporting platform, UnaVista. Users can register to access UnaVista to search the database from anywhere in the world as well as request LEI allocation. UnaVista also offers a wide range of advanced functionality including:
- Self-registration – Set yourself up quickly and simply
- Advanced search and filter – helps you find the information you need quickly
- Bulk - for 10 or more LEI requests
- Challenges – assists with the proactive maintenance of entity data
- Easy to use interface – very little training required
- Interactive dashboards – get an overview of the data in a view that suits you
What is the cost of obtaining an LEI?
London Stock Exchange will be charging fees on a cost recovery basis. There is an initial allocation cost of £65+vat and annual maintenance cost of £50+vat per LEI. In line with the principle of the global LEI system related to sustainable funding, both costs are inclusive of the LEI licence fee which is passed onto the Global LEI Foundation (GLEIF). For firms who require a bulk allocation of more than 100 LEIs there is pricing based on economies of scale.
How you can request or renew your LEI?
Registration for individual LEI allocation requests started on 5 August 2013. Bulk upload functionality is also now available for firms that require 10 or more LEIs to be allocated.
For more details on how to request your LEI please see our two guides below
Timeline for LEI approvals
London Stock Exchange is working to process all submitted LEI requests as soon as possible.
All submissions are validated as per the GLEIF/ROC validation standards. If there is any missing information on your LEI request, your record will be placed on hold to seek the required details which will inevitably delay the issuance of the LEI.
In order to ensure your LEI is processed as quickly as possible, please check your request is complete and accurate and that you have provided us with the necessary supporting documents as required.
- If you are applying for a Trust, please provide us with a HMRC tax return form or trust deed that confirms the name and address of the trust
- If your entity is registered on a business registry that is not publicly available, please provide us with certificate of incorporation or registry documents that confirm the entity name and address
One of the key benefits of the Legal Entity Identifier is the annual renewal and verification of the data, ensuring trustworthy high quality data. The quality of this data means that firms can rely on it to reduce counterparty risk and improve their operational efficiencies.
With over 1m LEIs now in existence, the importance of timely renewal of your LEI(s) has increased. Firms are required to contact their Local Operating Unit with updated information, who then in turn manually re-verify the data. With this in mind firms are being encouraged by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) to take action early. Any LEI that is not actively re-verified within one year of its creation will become ‘lapsed’, potentially providing complications when it comes to certain regulatory reporting regimes and in some cases will affect organisations ability to trade.
GLEIF have written a blog to help firms understand the LEI renewal process and the potential consequences of lapsed data. For more information please see their blog here.
As your Local Operating Unit (LOU), we will send you an email renewal reminder 60 days, 30 days then 7 days before your renewal date. This email will contain a step by step guide on how to submit your renewal. You can submit your LEI for renewal up to 60 days before the renewal date.
Where you can find more information
For more information view our FAQ section on LEIs, get in contact with your account manager or email us at lei@lseg.com. You can also download our LEI Welcome Pack which has all the information you need to get started.
Alternatively to speak with a member of the LEI team please call +44 (0)20 7797 3300.
London Stock Exchange LEI Limited is the GLEIF accredited entity and all references to ‘London Stock Exchange’ should be construed as references to ‘London Stock Exchange LEI Limited'
For more information regarding transfers and authorisations please find the forms below.
LEI Level 2 data FAQ
Request details
Submit your details and one of our experts will be in touch to start the conversation or call us to speak with a member of the LEI team +44 (0)20 7797 3300.