LEI CODE

An LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) Code is a globally recognised 20-character alphanumeric identifier used to uniquely identify legal entities participating in financial transactions. LEI registration enhances transparency, strengthens risk management, and reduces financial fraud by ensuring that every entity involved in regulated transactions can be clearly identified across global financial markets.

With increasing regulatory mandates from the RBI, SEBI, and global regulators, obtaining and maintaining an active LEI code is essential for businesses engaged in high-value or regulated financial transactions.

IndiaFilings helps you obtain and renew your LEI code effortlessly, ensuring end-to-end compliance and smooth coordination with issuing authorities.

What is an LEI Code?

LEI full form stands for Legal Entity Identifier. An LEI is a unique 20-digit alphanumeric code assigned to legal entities such as companies, LLPs, trusts, funds, banks, and financial institutions.

The LEI system follows the ISO 17442 standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and is governed globally by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF).

In India, LEIs are issued by Legal Entity Identifier India Limited (LEIL), an RBI-recognised Local Operating Unit (LOU).

Structure of an LEI Code

An LEI consists of 20 characters, structured as follows:

•  Characters 1–4: Code of the issuing Local Operating Unit (LOU)
•  Characters 5–6: Fixed as “00”
•  Characters 7–18: Unique identifier of the legal entity
•  Characters 19–20: Check digits for verification

This standardised structure ensures global interoperability and accuracy.

Purpose of LEI Registration

The primary objective of LEI registration is to improve transparency, traceability, and risk assessment in the financial system. LEIs enable regulators, banks, and market participants to clearly identify:

•  Who is involved in a transaction
•  Ownership and parent–subsidiary relationships
•  Counterparty exposure and systemic risk

Applicability of LEI Code in India (Latest RBI & SEBI Norms)

LEI registration is mandatory for the following entities:

Financial Institutions

•  Banks, NBFCs, insurance companies, AIFs, and mutual funds

Market Participants

• Entities registered with SEBI
•  Issuers, guarantors, borrowers, and security providers in public securities

High-Value Transactions

•  Entities undertaking RTGS transactions of ₹50 crore or more
•  Corporates with aggregate exposure of ₹50 crore or more from banks or NBFCs
•  Entities with fund-based or non-fund-based exposure of ₹5 crore or above

Derivatives & Forex Markets

•  Participants in OTC derivatives and forex transactions

 Without an active LEI, banks may restrict or reject transactions.

Importance of LEI Code

LEI registration plays a critical role in today’s financial ecosystem:

•  Improved Transparency: Clear identification of entities worldwide
•  Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory for many RBI and SEBI reporting frameworks
•  Risk Management: Helps assess counterparty and credit risk
•  Fraud Prevention: Enables traceability of transactions
•  Operational Efficiency: Simplifies reporting and compliance
•  Market Integrity: Supports systemic stability in financial markets

Validity & Renewal of LEI Code

•  LEI codes are valid for 1 year
•  Annual renewal is mandatory to keep the LEI active
•  Failure to renew results in inactive status, which can block financial transactions

Renewal reminders are sent 59 days before expiry, ensuring sufficient time for compliance.

Documents Required for LEI Registration

As per LEIL guidelines, the following documents are required:

•  Audited Financial Statements
•  Letter of Authority or Board Resolution
•  PAN & Entity Registration Proof
•  Parent / Ultimate Parent Details (if applicable)
•  Auditor’s Certificate (where applicable)

How to Get LEI Code in India

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Download the prescribed formats from LEIL and compile all required documents.

Step 2: Online Registration

Create an account on the LEIL portal using an authorised email ID and fill in:

•  Entity details
•  Direct and ultimate parent details (if applicable)

Step 3: Payment & Submission

Pay the applicable fee online or via demand draft and submit documents with the reference number.

Step 4: Verification

LEIL verifies the information and may request clarifications or additional documents.

Step 5: LEI Issuance

Upon successful verification, the LEI code is issued and shared via email.

Why Choose IndiaFilings for LEI Registration?

•  End-to-end LEI registration & renewal support
•  Assistance with documentation & authorisation formats
•  Faster processing with expert handling
•  Compliance with RBI, SEBI & global standards
•  Affordable pricing & transparent process

Obtain Your LEI Code with IndiaFilings

Ensure seamless compliance with global financial regulations by securing your LEI Code through IndiaFilings. Our experts handle everything—from documentation to issuance—so you can focus on your business.

 Get your LEI code today with IndiaFilings and stay compliant in the global financial ecosystem!