An LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) is a unique 20-character alphanumeric code necessary for trading and reporting derivative contracts within the European Economic Area (EEA), in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties, and trade repositories (EMIR).
Under MiFID II and the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), market operators must collect an LEI for each issuer with securities admitted to trading. All investment firms subject to MiFID II are required to maintain a valid LEI.
Saxo Bank’s policy is a direct response to these global rules. As a Danish-origin bank operating internationally (including in the Middle East), Saxo must abide by EU regulations. Saxo’s terms state that “all corporate clients…have to provide an LEI”.
Here is how you can quickly request your LEI:
Use the link to the GLEIF website: Get an LEI: Find LEI Issuing Organizations - LEI – GLEIF
Scroll down and select the country where the company is registered/incorporated
- Chose one provider and click on the website link
- Sign up and follow the steps from the provider to request the LEI
After submitting your request and paying the fee, the provider will email you the LEI within a couple of days. Please note that you may need to update your LEI periodically.