Simple. Secure. Seamless.
Part of the United Kingdom LEI knowledge hub — back to the United Kingdom pillar.
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.
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.
The registration number is for domestic legal existence; the LEI is for financial-market identity. They complement, not replace, each other.
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 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.
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.