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The LEI number (Legal Entity Identifier) is a globally recognised identifier used to uniquely identify legal entities involved in financial transactions. In Israel, the LEI number plays an increasingly important role due to the country’s advanced financial sector, strong technology ecosystem and extensive international business activity. Israeli banks operate under strict regulatory supervision from the Bank of Israel and must comply with international standards related to transparency, risk management and financial reporting. The LEI number allows banks to clearly identify corporate clients, link them to global group structures and ensure consistent identification across cross-border transactions, capital markets activity and regulatory disclosures.
Business bank account requirements and regulatory expectations in Israel
When opening a business bank account in Israel, banks conduct detailed due diligence on corporate customers, including assessments of ownership, control, business activities and expected transaction volumes. An LEI number may be requested for companies involved in international trade, investment activity, securities transactions or complex financial structures. From a regulatory perspective, the LEI supports compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, counter-terrorist financing rules and international reporting obligations. For banks, the LEI improves data accuracy, reduces operational risk and facilitates cooperation with foreign financial institutions and regulators.
Major Israeli banks and bank-by-bank use of the LEI number
Bank Leumi is one of Israel’s largest and oldest banking institutions, serving a broad spectrum of corporate clients, multinational companies and financial institutions. With extensive international operations and correspondent banking relationships, Bank Leumi may rely on the LEI number to identify businesses engaged in cross-border transactions, capital markets activity and global treasury operations.
Bank Hapoalim is a leading commercial bank with a strong focus on corporate banking, investment services and international trade finance. It supports Israeli companies operating globally as well as foreign businesses with activities in Israel. The LEI number is commonly used within its compliance and reporting frameworks to enhance transparency and ensure alignment with international financial regulations.
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank is well known for its strong presence in both retail and business banking, including support for real estate, construction and mid-sized enterprises. While many of its clients are domestically focused, regulatory standards still apply, and the LEI number may be relevant for corporate customers involved in regulated financial transactions or international operations.
Israel Discount Bank (commonly known as Discount Bank) provides a wide range of corporate and commercial banking services, including financing, payments and international banking solutions. With subsidiaries and branches abroad, the bank operates within a global regulatory environment where the LEI number supports consistent corporate identification and risk management across jurisdictions.
The First International Bank of Israel (FIBI) serves corporate, commercial and private banking clients, including technology companies and internationally active businesses. As part of its regulatory and compliance infrastructure, the LEI number may be used to support customer identification, financial reporting and cooperation with international counterparties. Across the Israeli banking sector, the LEI contributes to greater transparency, stronger risk controls and smoother integration into the global financial system.
Bank Hapoalim is a leading commercial bank with a strong focus on corporate banking, investment services and international trade finance. It supports Israeli companies operating globally as well as foreign businesses with activities in Israel. The LEI number is commonly used within its compliance and reporting frameworks to enhance transparency and ensure alignment with international financial regulations.
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank is well known for its strong presence in both retail and business banking, including support for real estate, construction and mid-sized enterprises. While many of its clients are domestically focused, regulatory standards still apply, and the LEI number may be relevant for corporate customers involved in regulated financial transactions or international operations.
Israel Discount Bank (commonly known as Discount Bank) provides a wide range of corporate and commercial banking services, including financing, payments and international banking solutions. With subsidiaries and branches abroad, the bank operates within a global regulatory environment where the LEI number supports consistent corporate identification and risk management across jurisdictions.
The First International Bank of Israel (FIBI) serves corporate, commercial and private banking clients, including technology companies and internationally active businesses. As part of its regulatory and compliance infrastructure, the LEI number may be used to support customer identification, financial reporting and cooperation with international counterparties. Across the Israeli banking sector, the LEI contributes to greater transparency, stronger risk controls and smoother integration into the global financial system.