GLEIF
Open Data
The Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) connects to key reference information that enables clear and unique identification of legal entities participating in financial transactions and other official interactions.
To facilitate fast and easy access to the entire LEI population, the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) maintains the Global LEI Index. This authoritative, global directory greatly enhances transparency in the global marketplace.
The Global LEI Index is the only global online source that provides open, standardized, and high-quality legal entity reference data. Any interested party can access and search the Global LEI Index free of charge via the GLEIF website using the LEI search tool.
The ‘Common Data File Format’ defines how LEI Issuers report their LEIs and LEI reference data.
The data on GLEIF’s website is provided under a Creative Commons (CC0) license. Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools.
Global Open Data Integration Network (GODIN) Initiative
In March 2025, GLEIF and Open Ownership launched the Global Open Data Integration Network (GODIN) to foster open data practices and collaboration among organizations that publish open data or set open data standards. GODIN aims to enhance global data interoperability and accessibility by aligning open data with widely recognized global frameworks such as the Global Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) System and the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard.
Organizations that join GODIN will gain access to a collaborative network of like-minded organizations, fostering shared expertise, resources, and best practices. They will benefit from improved data interoperability through LEI integration, enhanced accessibility and usability of their open data, and opportunities to co-develop innovative tools and solutions.
Data users will benefit from more connected, high-quality public open data, equipping businesses with the tools they need to unlock its full potential—driving innovation and fostering a more informed, transparent, and accountable marketplace.
International Open Data Charter
In January 2016, GLEIF formally endorsed the International Open Data Charter. The Charter defines open data as “digital data that is made available with the technical and legal characteristics necessary for it to be freely used, reused, and redistributed by anyone, anytime, anywhere”.
The overarching goal of the International Open Data Charter is to foster greater coherence and collaboration to promote the adoption and implementation of shared open data principles, standards, and good practices across sectors worldwide.
Adherents to the Open Data Charter “agree to follow a set of six principles that will be the foundation for access to data and for the release and use of data”. These principles mandate that data should be:
- Open by default.
- Timely and comprehensive.
- Accessible and usable.
- Comparable and interoperable.
- For improved governance and citizen engagement.
- For inclusive development and innovation.
GLEIF fully supports the Open Data Charter and is proud to commit to its six principles.
For more information, refer to the sources below.
For more information, refer to the sources below.