Legal entity identifier (LEI)

A 20-character code that identifies a legal entity worldwide, issued under the Global LEI System.

Source

ISO 17442; GLEIF

Last reviewed

October 16, 2026

An LEI is a reference code defined by the ISO 17442 standard and issued through organisations accredited by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF). Each code points to one legal entity and its basic registration details, including who owns it where that is reported.

LEIs help match a brand to the entity behind it, which matters when one crypto group runs several entities with different licences. VASPnet recommended wider use of legal entity identifiers in its responses to FATF's consultation on Recommendation 16 and to the European Commission's MiCA review.

Related research

Reports

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21 Aug 2026

Response to FATF’s consultation on the Guidance on implementation of Recommendation 16

VASPnet’s recommendations on counterparty identification, proportionate due diligence and consistent party identification across fiat and virtual asset payment chains.

Articles

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06 Oct 2026

VASPnet’s response to the European Commission’s MiCA review

Among the top 100 VASPs, 44% are regulated in at least one jurisdiction while holding a warning or facing enforcement action in another. VASPnet’s response to the Commission’s MiCA review sets out why regulatory status must be assessed entity by entity.