vLEI in the spotlight: Global hackathon to develop next generation of LEI registration

6 August 2025

The digital transformation requires a new standard for trust – especially when it comes to identifying who an organisation is and who is authorised to act on its behalf. This is precisely where the verifiable Legal Entity Identifier (vLEI) comes in, an innovative step within the established LEI system. With the launch of the Global vLEI Hackathon Series, the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) is driving forward the development of future-proof solutions based on LEI numbers and LEI registration.

Why vLEI? The future of digital LEI identity

Traditional LEI registration already provides an internationally recognised, unique identifier for companies. The vLEI takes this function to a new level: cryptographically secured, verifiable and machine-readable, the vLEI enables the digital verification of organisations and their authorised representatives – ideal for automated compliance, blockchain applications and global platforms.

GLEIF’s goal is clear: the LEI number should not only exist, but also be actively usable in real-time applications. The vLEI combines legal identity with digital authorisation – and thus represents the core of trustworthy transactions in the Web3 era.

Hackathon: Innovation meets identity

As part of the Global vLEI Hackathon Series, GLEIF is calling on developers, start-ups, policymakers and industry leaders to develop concrete solutions for the practical use of vLEI and LEI registration. The focus is on three key areas:

  • Digital assets & financial infrastructure: How can an LEI number also serve as a trusted identity on-chain?
  • Industry 4.0 & ESG transparency: How do vLEI and LEI registration help simplify processes such as Know Your Business (KYB)?
  • Global trade & SME financing: What role does vLEI play in traceability and digital document management?

International stage for the best vLEI solutions

The best teams from the hackathon will have the opportunity to present their ideas at top events:

  • SmartCon by Chainlink – New York (3 November 2025)
  • Hong Kong Fintech Week (7 November 2025)
  • GLEIF Digital Org ID Forum – Frankfurt (2 December 2025)

This will create a global dialogue on the application of LEI, LEI numbers and LEI registration in an increasingly digital economy.

Strong ecosystem around the LEI

The hackathon is just one component of GLEIF’s comprehensive strategy. With the vLEI Technical Advisory Board (founded in July 2024) and the GLEIF Partner Programme (since May 2025), two central pillars for the global LEI ecosystem have been established. The aim is to transform LEI registration into scalable, interoperable and secure digital processes, thereby making the LEI number even more usable.

Numerous partners – including Chainlink, Cardano Foundation, Swift, Giesecke+Devrient and many more – support the initiative. In addition, qualified vLEI issuers (QVIs) such as Certizen Technology, CFCA, Provenant and TradeGo strengthen the operational implementation.

Register now and help shape digital identity

Registration for the hackathon is now open via the APIX platform. Applications can be submitted until 29 August 2025, and the finalists will be announced on 7 September 2025.

Whether you are a developer, designer, visionary or industry professional, now is the time to write a new chapter in the digital trust infrastructure with the help of LEI, LEI Number and LEI Registration.

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