The LEI code itself is just a number. There’s another file, or LEI data record, which accompanies each LEI which is presented in a standard format so it can be read and understood by multiple applications. This CDF (Common Data File) format file contains:-
- The Entity Legal Name.
- The Entity Legal Form (Now referred to a ELF)
- The Entity Legal Status expressed as either ACTIVE or INACTIVE
- The Registration Authority which is usually the business register where the Legal entity is formed
- The Legal Address and Headquarters addresses (Which may be the same)
- Date of the first LEI issuance
- Date of last update of the stored information
- Date and reason the LEI expires
- Optionally additional information if the LEI is DUPLICATED or ANNULLED or the Legal Entity is MERGED or RETIRED