What Is GLEIF?
-
GLEIF, the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation, runs the global system behind every LEI. It doesn't issue LEIs itself. Instead, it sets the rules, accredits the organizations that do, and keeps all LEI data free and public.
-
-
*
What GLEIF Does
GLEIF is a not-for-profit foundation set up by the Financial Stability Board in 2014 and based in Basel, Switzerland. It operates the Global LEI System, the network of organizations that issue and maintain LEIs worldwide. Its main responsibilities are:
- Accrediting LEI issuers and checking that they follow the same rules
- Monitoring the quality of LEI data and publishing the results
- Publishing every LEI record for free through the Global LEI Index, downloadable data files, and an API
- Promoting the use of the LEI beyond financial regulation, for example in payments, supply chains, and digital identity
-
*
Does GLEIF Issue LEIs?
No. LEIs are issued by Local Operating Units (LOUs), which GLEIF accredits. Many companies never deal with an LOU directly and apply through a partner that works with one instead. The table below shows how these roles fit together.
-
*
Who Does What in the LEI System
Organization Role FSB and G20 Endorsed the LEI as a global standard after the 2008 financial crisis LEI ROC A group of public authorities from around the world that oversees the whole system, including GLEIF GLEIF Operates the Global LEI System, accredits LOUs, and publishes LEI data LOUs (LEI issuers) Issue, verify, and renew LEIs Registration Agents Help companies apply for and renew LEIs through an LOU. GoGetSSL is a Registration Agent. Validation Agents Usually banks that obtain LEIs for their clients using data from their own onboarding checks -
*
What This Means for You
Because every issuer follows the same GLEIF rules, an LEI works the same way no matter where you registered it. Its data sits in the same public index, and anyone can check it there for free.
The shared rules also mean you're not tied to one provider. You can move your LEI to another issuer at any time, and the code stays the same.
-
