What is an LEI and why do I need one?

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a unique 20-character code used to identify legal entities participating in financial transactions. It's required under regulations like MiFID II, EMIR, and SFTR. If your business trades securities, derivatives, or interacts with financial institutions, you will likely need an active LEI.

How do I search for an LEI?

Use the search bar above. Enter either the company name or the LEI code. The tool returns the official record, including LEI status (active, lapsed), next renewal date, legal name and registration details, parent entity information (where available), and a direct link to the official GLEIF record. Results are pulled from the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) database.

How do I check if an LEI is active or expired?

Search the entity or LEI code. The result will show the current registration status: Issued/Active – valid and up to date; Lapsed – renewal overdue; Retired/Merged – no longer in use. You'll also see the next renewal date, which indicates when the LEI must be renewed to remain active.

Can I find a company using just its name?

Yes. Enter the legal entity name into the search. The tool will return matching entities along with their LEI codes. If the name is common, use filters like country or check the company number to confirm the correct match.

Where does the data come from?

All results are sourced from the GLEIF Global LEI Index, the official global database for LEIs. The data is updated regularly to reflect changes in status, ownership, and registration details.

What information is included in an LEI record?

A standard LEI record includes: legal entity name, registered address, country of formation, registration authority and company number, LEI issuance and renewal dates, status (active, lapsed, etc.), and parent company relationships (Level 2 data, if reported).

How often should an LEI be renewed?

LEIs must be renewed annually. If not renewed, the status becomes lapsed, which can prevent transactions or regulatory reporting.

What is LEI Level 2 data?

Level 2 data shows who owns whom. It identifies the direct and ultimate parent entities of a company. Not all LEIs include this information, as it depends on whether the entity has reported it.

Is this an official LEI database?

This tool is not the issuing authority, but it connects directly to the official GLEIF dataset. Every result includes a link to the original GLEIF record for verification.

Can I register or renew an LEI here?

LEI Search is a lookup tool. To register or renew an LEI, you can proceed through LEI Worldwide, an official GLEIF Registration Agent. The process typically takes a few minutes.

Why can't I find an LEI for a company?

Possible reasons: the company has never registered for an LEI, the name entered doesn't match the legal name, or the entity is not required to have an LEI. Try searching with the exact registered name or company number.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes. LEI Search is free and available without login. It's designed to give quick access to verified LEI data without friction.

How accurate is the data?

The data reflects the latest available records from GLEIF. However, updates depend on when entities renew or update their information. Always refer to the official GLEIF link provided for final verification.

Can I integrate this search into my own platform?

Yes. An API is available for financial institutions and platforms that want to embed LEI search and application functionality directly into their systems.

What is an LEI and why do I need one?

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a unique 20-character code used to identify legal entities participating in financial transactions. It's required under regulations like MiFID II, EMIR, and SFTR. If your business trades securities, derivatives, or interacts with financial institutions, you will likely need an active LEI.

How do I search for an LEI?

Use the search bar above. Enter either the company name or the LEI code. The tool returns the official record, including LEI status (active, lapsed), next renewal date, legal name and registration details, parent entity information (where available), and a direct link to the official GLEIF record. Results are pulled from the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) database.

How do I check if an LEI is active or expired?

Search the entity or LEI code. The result will show the current registration status: Issued/Active – valid and up to date; Lapsed – renewal overdue; Retired/Merged – no longer in use. You'll also see the next renewal date, which indicates when the LEI must be renewed to remain active.

Can I find a company using just its name?

Yes. Enter the legal entity name into the search. The tool will return matching entities along with their LEI codes. If the name is common, use filters like country or check the company number to confirm the correct match.

Where does the data come from?

All results are sourced from the GLEIF Global LEI Index, the official global database for LEIs. The data is updated regularly to reflect changes in status, ownership, and registration details.

What information is included in an LEI record?

A standard LEI record includes: legal entity name, registered address, country of formation, registration authority and company number, LEI issuance and renewal dates, status (active, lapsed, etc.), and parent company relationships (Level 2 data, if reported).

How often should an LEI be renewed?

LEIs must be renewed annually. If not renewed, the status becomes lapsed, which can prevent transactions or regulatory reporting.

What is LEI Level 2 data?

Level 2 data shows who owns whom. It identifies the direct and ultimate parent entities of a company. Not all LEIs include this information, as it depends on whether the entity has reported it.

Is this an official LEI database?

This tool is not the issuing authority, but it connects directly to the official GLEIF dataset. Every result includes a link to the original GLEIF record for verification.

Can I register or renew an LEI here?

LEI Search is a lookup tool. To register or renew an LEI, you can proceed through LEI Worldwide, an official GLEIF Registration Agent. The process typically takes a few minutes.

Why can't I find an LEI for a company?

Possible reasons: the company has never registered for an LEI, the name entered doesn't match the legal name, or the entity is not required to have an LEI. Try searching with the exact registered name or company number.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes. LEI Search is free and available without login. It's designed to give quick access to verified LEI data without friction.

How accurate is the data?

The data reflects the latest available records from GLEIF. However, updates depend on when entities renew or update their information. Always refer to the official GLEIF link provided for final verification.

Can I integrate this search into my own platform?

Yes. An API is available for financial institutions and platforms that want to embed LEI search and application functionality directly into their systems.

MiFID II LEI Requirements: What You Need to Know

MiFID II and Legal Entity Identifiers

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) came into force on January 3, 2018, bringing sweeping changes to European financial markets. One key requirement is the mandatory use of LEI codes for transaction reporting.

Who Needs an LEI Under MiFID II?

Any legal entity trading financial instruments in EU markets must have an active LEI code, including:

Investment firms and banks
Asset managers and fund managers
Pension funds and insurance companies
Corporate treasuries engaged in hedging activities
Non-financial corporations trading securities or derivatives

MiFID II Transaction Reporting Requirements

Under MiFID II, investment firms must report all transactions in financial instruments to their national competent authority. Each transaction report must include:

The LEI code of the executing firm
The LEI code of the client (if a legal entity)
The LEI code of the decision maker
The ISIN code of the instrument traded

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to obtain or maintain an active LEI code can result in:

Inability to execute trades in EU markets
Regulatory fines from national authorities
Suspension of trading privileges
Reputational damage

How to Check Your LEI Status

You can verify your LEI status using our free LEI lookup tool. Simply enter your company name or LEI code to check if your LEI is active, lapsed, or needs renewal.

LEI Renewal Deadlines Under MiFID II

LEI codes must be renewed annually. Most Registration Agents send renewal reminders 60-90 days before expiration. It's recommended to renew at least 30 days before your LEI expires to avoid any lapse in trading capability.