The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) has entered the deployment phase for its Verifiable Legal Entity Identifier (VLEI) system, with live implementations expected to begin later this year.
The development was disclosed by GLEIF CEO Alexandre Kech during the latest episode of the ID Talk podcast. In a conversation with Editor in Chief Alex Perala, Kech outlined GLEIF’s efforts to establish a cryptographically verifiable credentialing system designed to extend identity assurance beyond individuals and to the organizations themselves.
The VLEI builds on the traditional Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system, which was established in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to address shortcomings in the identification of financial entities. While over 2.8 million LEIs have been issued globally—covering an estimated 80 percent of global trade by value—the VLEI introduces a new layer of digital infrastructure. It enables legal entities not only to verify their own identity, but also to issue and revoke credentials to individuals and systems acting on their behalf.
“This is the only system that does that in the world,” said Kech. “There is no other verifiable credential system that enables that cryptographic link between an individual acting on behalf of a company and the company.”
Kech emphasized that the VLEI is designed as a platform-agnostic protocol, capable of being integrated into both Web2 and Web3 systems. Early use cases include secure communication in telecom channels, authentication for regulatory reporting systems, and identity verification across decentralized blockchain networks.
GLEIF is currently working with a network of qualified VLEI issuers who are authorized to issue and manage credentials for organizations and their designated representatives. While the system is still in the pilot stage, Kech noted that production rollouts are anticipated in 2025.
Listen to the full interview via the media player below, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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April 15, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
