LOU
Accredited LEI issuer within the Global LEI System.
Definition
An LOU validates an entity's reference data against authoritative sources, assigns the 20-character LEI, then transmits the record to GLEIF. The prefix (characters 1-4 of the LEI) identifies the issuing LOU. LOUs may operate directly or through Registration Agents.
Origin
Role defined within the Global LEI System under the governance of the LEI ROC (Regulatory Oversight Committee) and the operational accreditation of GLEIF (Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation), in line with ISO 17442.
Example in context
LOU prefix 5493 (e.g. in LEI 5493001KJTIIGC8Y1R12) = characters 1-4 uniquely allocated to the issuing LOU.