AIM Companies and the Legal Entity Identifier Requirement, European Capital Markets Update
The London Stock Exchange published AIM Notice 47 ("Notice") on 13 October 2017 in respect of the requirement that all AIM companies with securities admitted to trading on AIM obtain a Legal Entity Identifier ("LEI") code. It is noted that this requirement ensures compliance with the obligations under MiFID II and the Market Abuse Regulation, which require market operators, such as the London Stock Exchange, to collate LEI codes for each issuer with securities admitted to trading.
The LEI is a unique 20-digit, alpha-numeric code and connects to key information enabling clear and unique identification of legal entities participating in financial transactions.
Existing AIM companies are required to register for their LEIs by 30 November 2017, and the Notice directs AIM companies to a help sheet on LEIs setting out the procedure for companies to follow in order to obtain their LEIs from the London Stock Exchange.
It is noted that the AIM application form for admission of new securities to trading to AIM has been amended to require an LEI and that this amended form will now be applicable to all AIM companies and prospective applicants seeking admission to trading on AIM.