What Is an LEI?

Think of an LEI Number (Legal Entity Identifier) as a digital passport for businesses. It’s a 20-character alphanumeric code that gives your legal entity a unique global identity, helping others know “who you are” and “who owns whom”—no guesswork needed.

Why Was the LEI Created?

After the 2008 financial crisis, regulators realized they needed a trusted system to trace financial connections between entities. That’s why the G20 and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) introduced the LEI Code as part of the Global LEI System. The LEI system makes financial data reporting more accurate and helps in effective risk management.

It helps establish a universal reference data system to identify legal entities worldwide involved in financial transactions. Obtained through accredited Local Operating Units (LOUs) under the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), it is a crucial tool for global financial transparency.

In India, LEI.net is a recognised issuer to facilitate the LEI application process. To obtain LEI, please fill LEI registration form and contribute to the global financial network’s accuracy and efficiency.

Structure of an LEI code

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20

Why Does Business Need LEI Number?

Boost Transparency & Trust: Everyone can verify your company’s identity and ownership structure via a freely accessible global database.

Speed Up Compliance & Risk Management: Perfect for KYC checks and regulatory reporting—no more hunting for outdated documents.

Access Global Markets Easily: Many countries and financial systems now mandate LEIs—so without one, you risk missing out.

You’ll need an LEI if you're a legal entity involved in financial activities, including:

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    Borrowers with credit exposure above ₹5 crore

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    Listed companies (equity or debt)

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    Banks, NBFCs, insurance firms, investment entities, pension funds, brokers, and more

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    Entities making large payments (₹50 crore+) via NEFT/RTGS

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    Businesses active in derivatives, government securities, or cross-border trades

Why Are LEI Codes Important in India?

The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) isn’t just a regulatory requirement anymore, LEI number is becoming a key tool for business credibility and global opportunities. Here’s why Indian companies should care about LEI in India:

  • Business Loans

    1. Strengthening Business Credibility: An LEI registration in India adds a layer of authenticity to your business. Since every LEI record is stored in a global, open-access database, anyone—banks, regulators, or partners—can instantly verify your company’s details. This builds trust and confidence with stakeholders.

  • Business Loans

    2. Simplifying International Trade & Payments: For companies engaged in cross-border trade or large-value transactions, LEIs in India act as a universal language of identification. Instead of lengthy verification processes, a single LEI code confirms your identity to overseas banks and trading partners.

  • Business Loans

    3. Preventing Financial Fraud: LEIs registration makes it harder for shell companies or fraudulent entities to operate, since ownership and parent-company structures are traceable. This adds an extra layer of security to India’s financial ecosystem.

Overtime LEI Applications in India

Renewal of an LEI code

An LEI India code needs an annual renewal. This means an LEI issued on 01/02/2023 must be renewed before 01/02/2024. If the deadline passes, your LEI will become inactive until renewed. Renewing LEI numbers is necessary to ensure that the data in the Global LEI Pool is relevant and up-to-date.

LEI companies offer the renewal of LEIs for a 1-, 3- or 5-year period. Whatever the period, you will receive a notification from us 59 days before your paid expiration date ends so you can renew your LEI in time. In case of a multiyear LEI renewal, the LEI Register will update your data based on official company registries and renew the LEI code for you. We aim to keep your LEI data up-to-date and accurate.

LEI Renewal

Steps for LEI

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01

Applicant and Entity Information

Fill the form to give Applicant and Entity Information to us.

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02

Entity Address

Fill in the form to provide us with Entity Address details.

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03

Make Payment

Choose a payment method and make the payment.

LEI Registration