LEI vs Business Registration Number in United Kingdom. An LEI is different from a Companies House number. A company registration number identifies a business locally, while an LEI provides a global identifier for financial transactions.
Two different identifiers
Your Companies House registration number proves the entity exists in United Kingdom. The LEI is a globally recognised identifier under ISO 17442 used in financial reporting and counterparty checks worldwide.
Why You May Need Both
The registration number is for domestic legal existence; the LEI is for financial-market identity. They complement, not replace, each other.
How the LEI Number and Company Number Connect
The LEI’s Level 1 reference data includes the Companies House registration number, linking the entity’s global LEI record with its UK company registration.
Apply, transfer, or renew
Apply for your LEI
Transfer (free)
Renew
Get your LEI
Fast-Track LEI issuance in 2 to 4 UK working hours is available subject to data completeness, applicant authority, and successful compliance validation. Transfers from another GLEIF-accredited LOU are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — it identifies you locally; the LEI is the global financial identifier.
Yes, for entities active in financial transactions or reporting.
Yes — it is recorded in the LEI's Level 1 data.
Yes. A UK company can provide its Companies House registration number during the LEI application process so its legal name, address and registration details can be checked against the official register.