Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) Code

Understand the LEI Code and Why Your Organisation Needs One

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a unique 20-character alphanumeric code assigned to legal entities that participate in financial transactions globally. Introduced under the G20 financial reforms, LEI codes are issued by accredited Local Operating Units (LOUs) and are used by regulators, banks, and counterparties worldwide to identify parties to financial contracts with precision.

In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and SEBI have mandated LEI codes for various categories of borrowers, market participants, and entities engaged in certain over-the-counter derivative transactions. If your organisation borrows above prescribed thresholds or participates in financial markets, obtaining an LEI code through our LEI Registration Services is mandatory. LEI is also increasingly required alongside Import Export Code and MSME registration for large trade finance transactions.

Key Features of an LEI Code

Global Standard

Recognised under ISO 17442 and used across 200+ countries for entity identification.

Unique Identity

Each LEI is unique to the legal entity and does not change over the entity's lifetime.

Annual Renewal

LEI codes must be renewed annually to maintain active status and regulatory validity.

Publicly Searchable

LEI data is available on the Global LEI Foundation (GLEIF) database for counterparty verification.

RBI & SEBI Mandated

Required by RBI for large borrowers and by SEBI for market participants and OTC derivatives.

Multi-Jurisdiction Use

A single LEI is valid globally and can be used across multiple jurisdictions and regulators.

Who Needs an LEI Code in India?

Non-individual borrowers with aggregate fund-based and non-fund-based credit limits above ₹5 crore
Entities participating in OTC derivative markets regulated by RBI
Entities participating in securities markets regulated by SEBI
Large value payment transactions above the RBI-prescribed threshold
Entities reporting to trade repositories under SEBI regulations

Benefits of Having an LEI Code

Enables participation in regulated financial markets and derivative transactions
Required for large value credit facilities from banks and financial institutions
Improves transparency and counterparty identification in cross-border transactions
Publicly verifiable on the GLEIF database, enhancing counterparty trust
Supports regulatory reporting obligations under RBI and SEBI frameworks
Facilitates smoother onboarding with international financial counterparties

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an LEI code look like?

An LEI code is a 20-character alphanumeric identifier structured as follows: the first four characters identify the issuing LOU, characters five and six are reserved zeros, characters seven to eighteen are entity-specific, and the last two are check digits calculated to verify the code's integrity.

Is an LEI code the same as a GSTIN or CIN?

No. An LEI is a globally unique identifier issued under an international standard for use in financial transactions. A GSTIN is a tax registration number under the Indian GST system, and a CIN is a corporate identification number issued by the MCA. These serve different regulatory purposes and none can substitute for the other.

Who issues LEI codes in India?

In India, LEI codes are issued by accredited Local Operating Units (LOUs) such as Legal Entity Identifier India Ltd (LEIL), which is a subsidiary of the Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) and is accredited by the Global LEI Foundation (GLEIF).

How often does an LEI need to be renewed?

An LEI code must be renewed annually. Failure to renew results in the LEI being marked as lapsed on the GLEIF database, which can prevent the entity from participating in regulated financial transactions until the renewal is completed.

Can an individual obtain an LEI code?

No. LEI codes are issued only to legal entities such as companies, LLPs, trusts, and other organisations. Natural individuals acting in their personal capacity are not eligible for an LEI code.