OpenCorporates introduces plei:An open ID to bridge the global legal entity data gap

On 10th February 2026, OpenCorporates, the world’s largest open database of legal entities, announced the launch of the plei (proto legal entity identifier). This new open identifier system aims to provide a universal, no-cost legal identifier for every legal entity worldwide, irrespective of size or jurisdiction. 

The plei is designed to complement the existing Global Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system by addressing significant coverage gaps, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entities in supply chains and trade finance.

Addressing the limitations of the global LEI system

Despite the Global LEI system’s success in standardising legal entity identification, its coverage remains limited. This is especially true for entities that have not obtained a formal LEI due to cost or administrative barriers. 

The plei system leverages the ISO 17442 identifier format, identical to that used by the Global LEI, ensuring compatibility and data integrity. By basing identifiers on official proof of existence from primary registers, OpenCorporates ensures that the plei maintains high data quality and integrates seamlessly with the Global LEI framework.

“Our mission has always been to promote corporate transparency and make company data work for the public good. The plei allows the LEI framework to be utilised in scenarios where limited coverage previously made it impossible. We are providing a bridge that makes the entire ecosystem more robust, more inclusive, and significantly more affordable,” said .” said Chris Taggart, Founder of OpenCorporates.  

Enabling digital transformation in global trade

The plei system responds to the urgent need for digital transformation in international commerce by offering a standardised identifier that is widely accepted and scalable. This is particularly important for representing the vast majority of SMEs, which have traditionally been underserved by existing identification frameworks. 

The plei builds upon existing identity frameworks and the largest open database of legal entities globally, making it accessible and scalable through OpenCorporates’ open availability model.

“Supply chain agility and transparency break down when businesses cannot be identified quickly and securely. The plei changes that on a global scale. By giving every company a standardised, free and open identifier, it unlocks automation, trust and inclusion for millions of SMEs, supports sustainability goals, and lays the foundation for verifiable, flexible, and scalable supply chains and financial services,” quoted Stephan Wolf, Chair of Verifiable.Trade. 

Key features of the plei System

The plei would have universal coverage. Initially, the system will launch with all legal entities in the U.S. and will broaden to include global jurisdictions throughout 2026. It will also have seamless Integration. For entities that already have a Global LEI, it will serve as the main identifier. If an entity with a plei later acquires a formal LEI, the plei system will automatically update the record.

The plei simplifies the process of official LEI registration. Advancing a plei to a full LEI requires significantly less administrative effort than registering a new one from the beginning. Lastly, data will be accessible in the Common Data File (CDF) format and through major data platforms, ensuring compatibility with existing financial and regulatory processes.

More on plei

The plei operates under an open license. The identifier will be accessible for free to the general public through a newly established portal, p-lei.com, and will also be available in bulk for users focused on public benefit. 

To maintain long-term stability and integrity, a governance board will oversee the system. This board is responsible for ensuring that the identifier remains open and dedicated to serving the public good, a commitment that is already reflected in the Articles of Association of OpenCorporates, a certified B-Corp.

At present, the plei is in alpha testing, available only for select core users. From 10th February, OpenCorporates will make a sample file available for public download. Stakeholders, developers, and transparency advocates can test the data and provide feedback.