Abstract: A method of assigning a unique identifier to an entity includes receiving a name of an entity and associated information about the entity; and assigning a globally unique identifier to the entity conforming to both the ISO 8000-115 and the ISO 8000-116 standards The unique identifier includes a domain portion defining a jurisdiction of the entity; a sub-domain portion having an entity type, global registration agency code for the jurisdiction, and a date of registration or formation of the entity; and a registration identifier portion of the entity in the jurisdiction. The method further includes storing the unique identifier along with the name of the entity in a database for fast retrieval of information about the entity.