This page summarizes LEI regulations and supervisory expectations across major jurisdictions. It is vendor‑neutral information for research and planning, not legal advice. For implementation steps and controls, see LEI Compliance.
Updated: 24 September 2025
Global governance & adoption
The LEI system was launched by the G20 and Financial Stability Board to improve transparency and risk management. Regulators worldwide reference the LEI in reporting, onboarding, and market access rules. For a maintained overview of regulatory use, see the Global LEI Foundation’s page: GLEIF — Regulatory use of the LEI.
European Union (EU)
Where the LEI appears. In the EU, the LEI is used in multiple regimes, including transaction reporting under MiFID II/MiFIR and securities financing transaction reporting under SFTR. Trading venues, investment firms, and trade repositories rely on valid LEIs to unambiguously identify entities.
- MiFID II/MiFIR transaction reporting. Investment firms include LEIs to identify clients and counterparties when reporting eligible transactions. Firms are expected to maintain current identifiers and data quality.
- SFTR. SFT reports require valid LEIs for counterparties and, where applicable, issuers; trade repositories perform completeness and correctness checks.
Practical notes. Ensure the LEI status is active on the reporting date, match registry names exactly, and align renewal with compliance calendars to avoid rejections or follow‑ups.
United Kingdom (UK)
Under UK MiFIR, firms subject to transaction reporting obligations are expected to use and maintain LEIs, including annual renewal expectations for effective systems and controls. Reporting content and processes remain closely aligned with the EU framework, with UK‑specific guidance published by the FCA.
United States (US)
In US derivatives markets, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) requires swap data reporting under 17 CFR Part 45, which references the use of legal entity identifiers for counterparties in creation and continuation data reported to swap data repositories.
Other jurisdictions
Beyond the EU, UK and US, many regulators in Canada, Asia‑Pacific and other regions reference the LEI in market and reporting rules. For cross‑border operations, check each regime’s current guidance and timelines, and ensure counterpart LEIs are active.
Reminder: Regulations evolve. Always consult the latest texts, regulator Q&As, and supervisory statements before filing.
FAQ
Is an LEI mandatory for all companies?
No. Requirements depend on the activity, instrument, and jurisdiction. Nevertheless, banks and venues often expect an active LEI for cross‑border services.
Do LEIs need annual renewal for reporting?
Yes. Maintaining a current (active) LEI and accurate data is a common expectation in EU/UK reporting frameworks and good practice globally.
Where can I verify specific rule text?
Consult official sources (e.g., ESMA, FCA, CFTC) and the latest consolidated rulebooks or technical standards. Use this page as a starting point, then follow the links in the Related reading section.