LEI The Global LEI System

Global LEI System: a Network of Federated Services



The Global Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) System is a federated system including Local Operating Units (LOUs) under contract to the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), end users accessing the LEI Repository via an open data license, and other partners collaborating with or supporting GLEIF through an individual agreement. The Regulatory Oversight Committee carries out the regulatory oversight of the Global LEI System.

Global LEI System as a legal network


Master Agreement

The Local Operating Units (LOUs), i.e. the LEI issuing organizations, are required to meet certain standards of service and quality, to maintain free and open access to LEI reference data, and to act in ways that minimize the risk of market capture. The Master Agreement is the contract that defines the rules and technical standards adhered to by the LOUs and GLEIF. It also defines:

  • The services provided by GLEIF to the LOU or to the open public.
  • The mandatory services provided by the LOU to the Global LEI System.

Open Data License

The Open Data License ensures that the LEI and LEI reference data is open and free public access is guaranteed for all end users. This means the data is non-proprietary with no restrictions on access and is readily available on a continuous basis. Unrestricted access to the LEI and LEI reference data is a core service of GLEIF to the public.

Individual Agreement

An Individual Agreement applies where GLEIF engages service providers or where a service provider requests GLEIF provide a guarantee, for example a service level metric.