
EU LEI Requirement: Why It’s Mandatory and How It Works
What to Know Before Entering EU Financial Markets If your company plans to enter the European Union’s financial markets—by opening a securities account or starting to use investment services—you’ll likely discover that you must obtain a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) before taking any further steps. Many businesses are unaware that without a valid LEI, it’s impossible to trade on stock exchanges, place trade orders, or even open a securities account. This is not just administrative formalism—it’s a binding regulatory requirement across the EU that ensures transparency and security within the financial system. What Is an LEI and Why Does the EU Require It? The LEI is a 20-character international identifier that uniquely identifies legal entities involved in financial transactions. It works like a digital passport for your company. It clearly shows who you are, what you own, and how you’re







