LEI
Legal Entity Identifier
Definition
A 20-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies legally distinct entities participating in financial transactions worldwide. The LEI system enables regulators and market participants to identify counterparties consistently across jurisdictions, supporting transaction reporting, risk management, and systemic risk monitoring.
Regulatory Context
LEIs are mandatory for transaction reporting under MiFIR, EMIR, and SFTR in the EU, and under various SEC and CFTC rules in the US. The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) oversees the LEI system and accredits local operating units.