LEI & digital identity
LEI vs. vLEI — what's the difference?
Three ways the identifier (LEI) differs from the credential that proves it digitally (vLEI).
The names are similar, but an LEI and a vLEI do different jobs.
1. A number vs. a credential
An LEI is a 20-character code assigned to a legal entity. It says “this entity has this number”, but it doesn’t prove that whoever quotes the number actually is that entity.
A vLEI is a digital credential that carries the LEI. Whoever receives it can verify with software that it was issued to that entity by an issuer qualified by GLEIF.
2. Not just the entity, but people too
An LEI identifies the organization. A vLEI can additionally prove a person acting in a role for that organization — for example, “Jane Doe, CFO of Company A” — in a single credential.
3. From lookup to verification
LEI data is looked up in GLEIF’s database. A vLEI is verified when presented. Because verification relies on cryptographic signatures, it can be automated without anyone comparing documents by hand.
See the vLEI Guide for the full structure and issuance steps.