Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is an LEI and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a unique 20-character code used to identify legal entities participating in financial transactions. It's required under regulations like MiFID II, EMIR, and SFTR. If your business trades securities, derivatives, or interacts with financial institutions, you will likely need an active LEI.

Question 2

How do I search for an LEI?

Accepted Answer

Use the search bar above. Enter either the company name or the LEI code. The tool returns the official record, including LEI status (active, lapsed), next renewal date, legal name and registration details, parent entity information (where available), and a direct link to the official GLEIF record. Results are pulled from the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) database.

Question 3

How do I check if an LEI is active or expired?

Accepted Answer

Search the entity or LEI code. The result will show the current registration status: Issued/Active – valid and up to date; Lapsed – renewal overdue; Retired/Merged – no longer in use. You'll also see the next renewal date, which indicates when the LEI must be renewed to remain active.

Question 4

Can I find a company using just its name?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enter the legal entity name into the search. The tool will return matching entities along with their LEI codes. If the name is common, use filters like country or check the company number to confirm the correct match.

Question 5

Where does the data come from?

Accepted Answer

All results are sourced from the GLEIF Global LEI Index, the official global database for LEIs. The data is updated regularly to reflect changes in status, ownership, and registration details.

Question 6

What information is included in an LEI record?

Accepted Answer

A standard LEI record includes: legal entity name, registered address, country of formation, registration authority and company number, LEI issuance and renewal dates, status (active, lapsed, etc.), and parent company relationships (Level 2 data, if reported).

Question 7

How often should an LEI be renewed?

Accepted Answer

LEIs must be renewed annually. If not renewed, the status becomes lapsed, which can prevent transactions or regulatory reporting.

Question 8

What is LEI Level 2 data?

Accepted Answer

Level 2 data shows who owns whom. It identifies the direct and ultimate parent entities of a company. Not all LEIs include this information, as it depends on whether the entity has reported it.

Question 9

Is this an official LEI database?

Accepted Answer

This tool is not the issuing authority, but it connects directly to the official GLEIF dataset. Every result includes a link to the original GLEIF record for verification.

Question 10

Can I register or renew an LEI here?

Accepted Answer

LEI Search is a lookup tool. To register or renew an LEI, you can proceed through LEI Worldwide, an official GLEIF Registration Agent. The process typically takes a few minutes.

Question 11

Why can't I find an LEI for a company?

Accepted Answer

Possible reasons: the company has never registered for an LEI, the name entered doesn't match the legal name, or the entity is not required to have an LEI. Try searching with the exact registered name or company number.

Question 12

Is the tool free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LEI Search is free and available without login. It's designed to give quick access to verified LEI data without friction.

Question 13

How accurate is the data?

Accepted Answer

The data reflects the latest available records from GLEIF. However, updates depend on when entities renew or update their information. Always refer to the official GLEIF link provided for final verification.

Question 14

Can I integrate this search into my own platform?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An API is available for financial institutions and platforms that want to embed LEI search and application functionality directly into their systems.

Legal Entity Identifiers registered in Hong Kong (HK)

Active LEIs in Hong Kong

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