Regulation Spotlight
ISO 17422
Overview
ISO 17442 defines the structure and essential elements of the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI). It forms the foundation for the Global LEI System (GLEIS), providing a standardised method to identify legal entities on a global, standardised scale.Objectives and scope
The standard sets the 20-character alphanumeric format, validation principles, and reference data attributes for LEIs. It ensures uniqueness, persistence, and global interoperability across jurisdictions and use cases.
ISO 17442 is the basis for GLEIF’s operational model and defines:
- Legal Name
- Registered Address
- Registration Authority
- Entity Category
- Relationship data (Level 2) – connections to parent, child and sibling organisations
These attributes support reliable cross-border identity verification and risk analysis.
Why organisation identity matters
ISO 17442 underpins the entire trust infrastructure of the Global LEI System. It guarantees that every LEI corresponds to one legal entity, enabling consistent identification for regulators, financial institutions, and corporations worldwide.
RapidLEI support and next steps
As a GLEIF-accredited LEI Issuer, RapidLEI issues LEIs fully compliant with ISO 17442:2020. RapidLEI automated workflows ensure accurate data capture and fast validation, supporting enterprise-scale and API-driven LEI management.
