One of the most important
requirements for entities engaging in cross-border financial transactions is the legal Entity Identifier(LEI). A unique 20-digit number called the LEI is
used to identify legal organisations and facilitates the assessment of counterparty
risk. Under the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL), which serves as the
Local Operating Unit recognised by the Global Legal Entity Identifier
Foundation, the Legal Entity Identifier India Ltd. (LEIL) is in charge of
managing LEI registration and issuance in India.
The first step in ensuring a smooth LEI registration process in India is to ascertain your eligibility using the criteria established by the RBI, such as entities having an aggregate exposure of more than Rs5 crore to both funds and non-funds. Subsequently, the LEI application form must be submitted with the necessary paperwork, which includes the PAN card, identification evidence, address proof, and incorporation certificates. Online payment options are available for the registration cost. The LEI issuing organisation then verifies the information, and if it is deemed acceptable, the unique 20-character LEI number is assigned. The code must then be renewed yearly in order to be kept in the Global LEI database by paying the renewal fees.
Benefits of having an LEI
RBI Master Direction: The RBI has issued a Master Direction requiring the LEI for all cross-border transactions that exceed $250,000 or its equivalent, as well as for bill discounting and trade financing that exceeds certain thresholds.
Reporting to RBI: Every year, entities holding an LEI are obliged to report the status of its renewal as well as its regulatory databases to the RBI.
KYC purpose: The LEI must be submitted annually as part of the KYC for banking and trading accounts for entities required to receive it in accordance with exposure criteria.
Regulatory filings: In order to more accurately evaluate risks and conglomerates, SEBI and IRDAI have made it mandatory to provide LEI in regulatory filings in order to uniquely identify organisations.
Financial Documents: Quoting LEI is currently required for capital market transactions, export/import remittances, and paying dividends or interest to foreign investors.
Annual Renewals: Per regulatory requirements, an LEI must be renewed annually within a year of its issuance or the previous renewal; otherwise, it expires. The last renewal date must be reported by entities.
Seedling Associates
leverage their expertise in financial compliance to provide end-to-end guidance
and support for your LEI registration needs in India. By assessing eligibility,
compiling documentation accurately, managing the application process on LEIL
portal, tracking status with follow-ups, and ensuring annual renewal
compliances - they offer a comprehensive solution that makes procuring LEI
seamless for your entity. Any queries or clarifications needed from the issuing
authority is managed professionally by the Seedling team through their
understanding of regulations around LEI. Right from submitting the application
to maintaining LEI codes as per latest rules, Seedling Associates becomes your
reliable partner taking care of the whole process and easing your compliance
burden when it comes to unique global legal entity identification codes
mandatory for overseas remittances or capital market transactions.
According to regulatory regulations, entities engaging in financial
transactions must register with LEI.
The time varies, but it
can be accelerated with the right paperwork and help.
The prominence of LEI-related information in search engine results is
improved by cluster keywords.
If at all feasible, seek professional help to ensure a
more seamless and effective process.
Updates to LEI data should be made as soon as there are substantial
modifications to business specifics.