https://www.gleif.org/en/lei-system/gleif-accreditation-of-lei-issuers
An organization authorized to issue LEIs is called a Local Operating Units (LOU). LOUs supply registration, renewal and other services, and act as the primary interface with registrants for LEIs. There is a “federated” model for LEI issuance. Local Operating Units (LOUs) assign LEIs, and validate and maintain the associated reference data. Each of the LOUs make their own file of issued LEIs available free of charge. Entities may obtain an LEI from any of the LOUs, irrespective of its geographical location. The GLEIF accredits organizations seeking to become LOUs after evaluating their suitability.