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LEI vs Business Registration Number in United Kingdom An LEI is not the same as a United Kingdom business registration number from Companies House. The registration number identifies you locally; the LEI identifies you globally and uniquely in financial transactions.
Your Companies House registration number proves the entity exists in United Kingdom. The LEI is the globally recognised ISO 17442 identifier 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 records the Companies House registration number, linking your global identity to your local registration.
Apply for your LEI
Transfer (free)
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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.