How to transfer an LEI number
If your company’s LEI number is currently managed by another service provider, you can transfer it to LEI Universal. No new LEI number is issued during a transfer — only the service provider changes, that is, the provider through which the LEI number is managed and renewed from then on.
Transferring is free. If the LEI number is due for renewal or has already lapsed, it can be transferred and renewed in the same process.
What does transferring an LEI number mean?
The LEI system is coordinated by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation, or GLEIF. GLEIF itself does not issue LEI numbers to companies. Numbers are issued and managed by accredited LEI issuers, known as LOUs.
Every LEI number has a managing LEI issuer within the GLEIF system. That issuer is responsible for verifying the data associated with the number, renewing it and submitting it to the GLEIF database.
Transferring an LEI number means that management of an existing number is moved from one service provider to another. A company cannot change the data in the GLEIF database itself; this is done through an LEI issuer or a registration agent.
LEI Universal is a registration agent and manages the LEI number transfer process in cooperation with an accredited LEI issuer.
When is it worth considering an LEI number transfer?
It can be worth considering an LEI number transfer in cases such as the following:
- the renewal fee is unreasonably high;
- there are added charges that were not clearly shown at the outset;
- the renewal process is slow or inconvenient;
- there is no local customer support;
- the company wants a multi-year package with annual renewal management;
- the LEI number has lapsed and you want to renew it through a different service provider.
Changing service provider does not affect the use of the LEI number at a bank, with a broker or in other financial transactions. What matters is that the LEI number is valid and linked to the correct legal entity.
How to transfer an LEI number
An LEI number can be transferred in a few steps:
- Enter your LEI number or company name in the application form. The system finds the company’s details in the GLEIF database.
- Choose a suitable package. Select a package for 1, 3 or 5 years.
- Check the company details.
- Sign the Letter of Authorization (LoA). A Letter of Authorization is required for the transfer. It confirms that the company authorises LEI Universal to manage its LEI number.
- Make the payment. Once payment is made, the transfer of the LEI from the current service provider is initiated. When the transfer is complete, a confirmation is sent to your email address.
What documents are needed for a transfer?
In most cases, only a signed Letter of Authorization is needed to transfer an LEI number. The Letter of Authorization can be signed on our website immediately after you submit the application.
Other documents are only requested in special cases — for example, when the applicant does not have the authority to submit the application on behalf of the company.
How long does a transfer take?
Transferring an LEI number usually takes up to 7 business days. The actual time depends mainly on how quickly the current service provider confirms the transfer.
In some cases the transfer can happen more quickly. If the current service provider asks the company for additional confirmation, or the data needs further checking, the process may take longer.
Do the LEI number or company details change?
The LEI number does not change during a transfer. The same 20-character number remains linked to the company even after the service provider changes.
The company’s LEI record also remains in the GLEIF database. If the transfer is carried out together with a renewal and the company’s register data has changed in the meantime, it is brought up to date during the renewal.
Can a lapsed LEI number be transferred?
Yes. A lapsed LEI number can be transferred and renewed in the same process.
If the LEI number’s status is lapsed, there is no need to apply for a new number. The existing number is transferred, the company’s data is checked again, and after renewal the number’s status becomes valid once more.
What happens if the current service provider does not respond?
LEI number transfers follow a standard process. Accredited LEI issuers are required to process transfer requests and to follow GLEIF’s rules. If the current service provider does not respond to the LEI number transfer request, we contact them ourselves.
Frequently asked questions
Is transferring an LEI number free?
Yes. Transferring an LEI number to LEI Universal is free. If the LEI also needs renewing, you pay only for the selected renewal package.
Is a new LEI number issued during a transfer?
No. No new LEI number is issued. The existing LEI number stays the same.
How long does a transfer take?
A transfer usually takes up to 7 business days. The timing depends mainly on confirmation from the current service provider.
Can a lapsed LEI number be transferred?
Yes. A lapsed LEI number can be transferred and renewed in the same application.
Does the company need to contact the current service provider itself?
No. A signed Letter of Authorization (LoA) is required, but we use it to initiate the transfer. The current provider may ask the organization to confirm the transfer.
Does my LEI number or its data change during a transfer?
The LEI number stays the same. If the transfer includes a renewal, any confirmed changes to the company’s reference data are updated. Only the provider managing the LEI changes.