Can an individual have an LEI?
As the name suggests, Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is meant for legal entities, not individuals. To date, a person or group cannot register for an LEI. In contrast, having an LEI is a requirement for legal entities worldwide.
What is an LEI?
A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character code, that allows the identification of any organization or legal entity on a worldwide database. The Global LEI System (GLEIS) was established following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis when the need for a more transparent system became evident.
The GLEIS enables you to identify market participants on a single, standardized database freely. The public LEI database contains information about a company’s name, address, where it is registered, and whether it is a branch or owned by another parent company.
The LEI database has greatly simplified dealing with international clients as there’s no longer a need for time-consuming background checks, where previously the only information being relied upon was the company’s own internet presence and local registry listings, often leading to hours of translating and web browsing with little confidence of the authenticity.
Who is eligible for LEI?
As the name suggests, LEIs are required for any legal entity that regularly incorporates financial transactions. This includes buying stocks, bonds, and other securities.
A legal entity is any company or organization with legal rights and responsibilities, including tax filings. It is a business that can enter into contracts either as a vendor or a supplier and sue or be sued in a court of law.
In general, any financial institutions such as banks, investment and insurance companies, credit unions, and brokerages are eligible or rather required to obtain an LEI number. EU authorities are even instructed to refuse investment trades unless both sides have an up-to-date LEI number.
Can an individual have an LEI?
Individuals, on the other hand, are not yet required to have an LEI. Furthermore, it’s impossible to obtain an LEI without a legal entity.
Simply put, LEI will not be needed in customer transactions where both the remitter and beneficiary are individuals.
An LEI will be required in transactions where either one or both parties are non-individuals.
Why is LEI number required?
The LEI number was introduced as a critical measure to improve the quality and precision of financial data systems for better risk management following the Global Financial Crisis. Essentially, it’s a business passport that identifies your company and allows you to check if your counterpart is who they claim to be.
It’ll provide access to the global directory of financial market participants. The LEI search interface triumphs over former time-consuming background checks, allowing you to browse the GLEIF database systematically. It can also be easily integrated into your Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
How to obtain an LEI?
The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), in partnership with the Local Operating Units (LOUs) responsible for issuing LEI numbers, is carrying out advanced development of the Global Legal Entity Identifier System (GLEIS). LOUs such as Ubisecure Oy (RapidLEI) may partner with a Registration Agent such as LEI Register. Our role is to provide support and efficient service to market participants who need an LEI for their organization.
LEI Register is also responsible for authenticating data and managing communication between LOUs. We understand the value of time and have worked tirelessly to become the fastest secure registration service in the world.
