A Legal Entity Identifier is available to any organization that is recognized as a legal entity. This includes companies, funds, trusts, charities, and many other formally registered bodies. Individual people cannot register Legal Entity Identifiers.
Organizations that engage in financial transactions or are required by regulation to use an LEI can apply. This includes most financial institutions and businesses active in markets such as equities, bonds, and derivatives.
Eligible entities for LEI
Businesses
Limited companies, sole proprietors that have a distinct listing in a business register, and branches of foreign companies.
Funds and trusts
Investment funds, trusts, and similar structured entities.
Non-profits
Registered charities, non-governmental organisations, and other recognised non-profit bodies.
Government bodies
Government departments, public agencies, and supranational organisations.
Ineligible entities for LEI
Registering an LEI may be ineligible for any of the following:
- Individuals
- Operating divisions
- Branch offices within the same country as a head office with an existing registered LEI
These entity types should all utilize the code of their parent or Head Office organization.