What do you want to do?

Legal Entity Identifier: Simply explained

Why the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) from WM?

WM Datenservice is one of Europe’s leading agencies for the allocation of Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs). This internationally standardized and globally valid identifier for financial market participants has the objective to unequivocally identify contracting parties and can be used to comply with a variety of reporting requirements.

WM Datenservice is a central service provider for the German financial industry allocating not only LEIs but also German Securities Identification Numbers (WKNs) and International Securities Identification Numbers (ISINs) to securities issued by German issuers. The company began allocating LEIs in April 2013 and was endorsed as global LEI allocation agency in October 2013. WM Datenservice has already allocated more than 151,000 LEIs to customers in 169 countries (status: Nov 2020). WM Datenservice has been a GLEIF-accredited LEI issuer since 13 April 2017.

We respond to all your questions on LEI application, renewal, or transfer using our in-depth knowledge and high level of expertise.

This is why you should use WM Datenservice to apply for an LEI:

• Proven data expertise
• One of Europe’s leading LEI allocation agencies
• Convenient LEI online application and management
• Specialized LEI-Helpdesk and outstanding customer service
• Certified data privacy and security

What is the format of the LEI?

The LEI format is based on ISO Standard 17442 and follows Financial Stability Board (FSB) specifications. The LEI consists of a 20-digit alphanumeric code. It has the following pattern: