A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character ISO 17442-compliant code that uniquely identifies organizations involved in financial transactions. Required under MiFID II, EMIR, and Dodd-Frank regulations, LEIs must pass an ISO 7064 Mod 97-10 check digit calculation. Enter any LEI below to verify its format, check digits, and parsed segments instantly.
Validation Checks
LEI Breakdown
Common LOU Prefixes
| Prefix | Organization | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 2138 | DTCC / Depository Trust | USA |
| 5299 | Bloomberg Finance | USA |
| 5493 | SWIFT / Bureau van Dijk | Belgium |
| 969500 | Banque de France | France |
| 254900 | WM Datenservice / Bundesbank | Germany |
| 213800 | GLEIF | Global |
| 724500 | APIR Systems | Australia |
| 984500 | London Stock Exchange | UK |
| 506700 | PJSC Moscow Exchange | Russia |
| 815600 | HKEX / Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
How to Use This LEI Number Validator
A Legal Entity Identifier is a 20-character alphanumeric code assigned to organizations that participate in financial markets. Mandated under MiFID II, EMIR in Europe and Dodd-Frank in the US, LEIs enable regulators and counterparties to uniquely identify every legal entity in a financial transaction. This LEI number validator checks the ISO 7064 Mod 97-10 check digit calculation and parses each segment of the identifier.
Step 1: Enter the LEI
Type or paste the 20-character LEI into the input field. The validator automatically converts lowercase letters to uppercase. The field accepts only alphanumeric characters (letters A-Z and digits 0-9) — LEIs never contain special characters or spaces. If you are looking up an LEI for a specific entity, visit the GLEIF LEI search at lei.info.
Step 2: Review the Validation Checklist
After clicking Validate, the tool runs four checks in sequence. First, it confirms the LEI is exactly 20 characters. Second, it verifies all characters are alphanumeric. Third, it checks that positions 5 and 6 are "00" (the reserved field). Fourth, it runs the ISO 7064 Mod 97-10 algorithm on the full 20-character string — the same algorithm used for IBAN validation. Each check shows a pass (green), warning (amber), or fail (red) indicator.
Understanding the LEI Structure
An LEI has four logical segments. Positions 1-4 (the LOU prefix) identify the Local Operating Unit that issued the LEI — for example, prefix 5493 belongs to SWIFT. Positions 5-6 are reserved and conventionally set to "00". Positions 7-18 are the entity-specific identifier assigned by the LOU. Positions 19-20 are the ISO 7064 check digits that make the entire 20-character string mathematically self-verifying. A valid LEI always passes the Mod 97-10 test.
What This Validator Does Not Check
This tool validates the format and mathematical correctness of an LEI but cannot verify whether the LEI is currently registered, active, or associated with a specific entity. An LEI that passes format validation may still be expired, transferred, or unassigned. For live registration status and entity data, use the official GLEIF LEI search at gleif.org/lei-search or the LEI Lookup at lei.info — both provide free access to the full Global LEI Index updated daily.
FAQ
What is a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)?
An LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) is a 20-character, ISO 17442-compliant alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies legal entities participating in financial transactions. Introduced after the 2008 financial crisis to improve transparency, LEIs are issued by Local Operating Units (LOUs) accredited by GLEIF (Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation). Banks, investment firms, and corporates need an LEI to trade securities, report derivatives, and meet regulatory requirements like MiFID II and EMIR in the EU.
How does LEI validation work?
LEI validation uses the ISO 7064 Mod 97-10 algorithm, the same mathematics used for IBAN check digits. The LEI is rearranged so the last two check digits move to the end of the string; every letter is converted to a two-digit number (A=10, B=11 ... Z=35); the resulting large number is divided by 97; and the remainder must equal 1. This process detects virtually all single-character errors. This validator also checks that the LEI is exactly 20 alphanumeric characters and that positions 5-6 are reserved zeros.
What does the LOU prefix in an LEI mean?
The first four characters of an LEI identify the Local Operating Unit (LOU) that issued it. Each LOU is an accredited registrar authorized by GLEIF to assign LEIs to entities in their jurisdiction. For example, 2138 is DTCC (US securities), 5493 is Bloomberg Finance, and 213800 series prefixes indicate GLEIF itself. The LOU prefix helps identify which registry to consult for detailed entity information and registration status.
Is an LEI the same as a company registration number?
No. An LEI is a globally standardized identifier specifically for financial market participants, distinct from national company registration numbers, tax IDs, or BIC codes. While a company may have a UK Companies House number, a US EIN, and a German Handelsregister number, its LEI is the single global identifier used across all international financial reporting. LEIs must be renewed annually to remain active and in good standing with GLEIF.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Yes. The LEI validator runs entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No data is ever sent to a server or stored anywhere. All check digit calculations and parsing happen locally on your device. You can disconnect from the internet and the tool will continue to work perfectly.
Where can I look up LEI details beyond format validation?
This tool validates the format and check digits of an LEI but cannot look up live entity data. For full entity details including legal name, registration status, and entity hierarchy, visit the official GLEIF LEI Search at lei.info or the Global LEI Index at gleif.org. These free registries provide real-time information on over 2.5 million registered entities worldwide.