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Legal entity identifier

Legal entity identifier (LEI) in Ireland, get your 20-character company code

An LEI is a 20-character code that identifies a legal entity in financial markets. Most trading companies never need one. If a bank, broker or regulator has asked for yours, this page explains what it is, who issues it and how to keep it valid.

Apply for an LEI Talk to our team
20
characters in a legal entity identifier
  • Issued by accredited operators
  • Renewed every year
  • Searchable in a public index
Anatomy of an LEI

What the 20 characters mean

An LEI follows the ISO 17442 standard.

ILLUSTRATIVE FORMAT

Legal Entity Identifier

1Characters 1 to 4Prefix of the issuing operator
2Characters 5 and 6Reserved
3Characters 7 to 18Specific to your entity
4Characters 19 and 20Check digits
1
A prefixIdentifies the operator that issued it.
2
Reserved charactersCurrently set aside by the standard.
3
Your entityThe part that is unique to your company.
4
Check digitsCatch typing errors when the code is entered.
Do you need one?

Five questions

1
Does the company trade securities or derivatives?Trading venues and brokers ask for an LEI.
Yes: you need oneNo: next
2
Is it a fund or investment vehicle?Funds and managers usually need one.
Yes: you need oneNo: next
3
Do you report under MiFID, MiFIR or EMIR?These rules require an LEI for reporting.
Yes: you need oneNo: next
4
Has a bank or broker asked for one?They will say why.
Yes: applyNo: probably not
5
Is it an ordinary trading company?With no market activity, you likely do not.
Yes: skip itNo: ask us
Your CRO number is not an LEI and does not replace one.
The lifecycle

From application to renewal

StartGather the detailsLegal name, CRO number and registered address.
ApplyPick an accredited issuerOnly approved operators can issue an LEI.
VerifyDetails are checkedMatched against the CRO record.
IssueYou receive the codeIt does not change if you move between issuers.
PublishPublic recordAnyone can look it up.
RenewEvery yearOr on a multi-year plan.
LapseIf you forgetBanks and brokers may refuse to deal with you.
Jargon

Terms you will see

LEILegal Entity Identifier.
GLEIFThe Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation, which oversees the system.
LOULocal Operating Unit: an accredited issuer.
ISO 17442The international standard for the LEI.
MiFIREU rules on markets in financial instruments.
EMIREU rules on derivatives reporting.
In practice

Who ends up needing one

Illustration

A fund manager

New fund set up in Ireland and needs an LEI before it can trade.

LEI needed
Illustration

A trading company with a broker

Its broker asks for an LEI before opening an account.

LEI needed
Illustration

A consultancy

Only invoices clients and files with the CRO.

No LEI needed
Straight answers

Common mix-ups

✕
MythMy CRO number is my LEI.
✓
FactThey are separate identifiers. The CRO number is for the Irish register.
✕
MythAn LEI is for life.
✓
FactIt must be renewed every year or it lapses.
✕
MythEvery company needs one.
✓
FactMost do not. Only those with market activity or a specific request.
Quick answers

Questions about LEIs in Ireland

Do I need an LEI for an ordinary Irish company?

Usually not. They are needed for securities trading, funds and certain financial reporting.

Does my CRO number replace an LEI?

No. They are different identifiers.

How long is an LEI valid?

One year from issue. It must be renewed, and multi-year plans are available.

What happens if it lapses?

Banks and investment firms may refuse to deal with the entity until it is renewed.

Who issues LEIs?

Accredited operators approved under the global system.

Is an LEI public?

Yes. The reference data is searchable in the global index.

Can I move my LEI to another issuer?

Yes. The code stays the same.

What do you need to apply?

The legal name, CRO number and registered address.

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Need an LEI for your company?

Send us the company name and CRO number. We confirm you need one and arrange it.

Apply for an LEI Talk to our team
  • The company name and CRO number
  • The registered office address
  • Who asked for the LEI, and why
  • Whether you want annual or multi-year renewal