Legal Entity Identifier Code your unique 20-character global identifier.

The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character alphanumeric code issued under the global ISO 17442 standard that uniquely identifies a legal entity transacting in financial markets. The LEI system was created after the 2008 global financial crisis to bring transparency to inter-entity financial transactions, and is governed globally by the Global LEI Foundation (GLEIF) and locally in India by Legal Entity Identifier India Limited (LEIL), a subsidiary of the Clearing Corporation of India.

The Reserve Bank of India has progressively mandated the LEI across a wide range of transactions — over-the-counter derivatives, non-derivative markets, large value payments in RTGS and NEFT, large borrower exposures, and now even individual transactions above prescribed thresholds. Without a current and renewed LEI, the relevant transactions cannot be processed. The LEI is issued for one year and must be renewed annually with updated entity details; lapsed LEIs lose their status and the entity is unable to transact in regulated markets until the LEI is renewed.

Our LEI practice handles end-to-end LEI lifecycle for Indian companies, LLPs, partnerships, trusts, HUFs, and individuals where applicable. We assess the requirement based on RBI mandates, file the fresh LEI application with Legal Entity Identifier India Limited, complete the validation and verification process, procure the 20-character LEI code, and set up the annual renewal calendar. We also handle LEI transfer from another LOU, change of entity details, and reactivation of lapsed LEIs.