An electronic money institution (ELMI) is a regulated entity permitted under the EU framework to issue electronic money. Its business is limited primarily to electronic-money services and to financial or non-financial activities directly associated with them. This narrower scope is reflected in a lighter prudential regime than that applicable to institutions conducting the broader business of a bank. The designation identifies a specialised issuer within the regulated payments sector.
Source: European Central Bank (ECB) (source). This glossary entry is an independently worded adaptation of the cited information.