UNUS SED LEO (ticker: LEO) is a utility token created by iFinex Inc., the parent company of the cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex, and launched in May 2019.[1] The token’s visual identity centers on a lion head symbol, a direct reference to its Latin name, which translates to “one, but a lion.”[2]
Design and History
The UNUS SED LEO logo depicts a lion head, matching the token’s name and the Bitfinex motto.[2] The name derives from a Latin phrase attributed to the medieval theologian Peter Damian, often interpreted as “one, but a lion,” which Bitfinex adopted as its official motto to reflect the relationship between the token and the exchange.[3] The phrase symbolizes a philosophy of quality over quantity, a principle that became a trademark for Bitfinex.[4]
The token was introduced in the wake of a financial shortfall at Bitfinex, and its creation was tied to a private token sale intended to offset losses from a security incident.[5] The UNUS SED LEO trademark, registered to Unus Sed Leo Limited, covers cryptocurrency exchange services, cryptocurrency payment processing, cryptocurrency trading services, and issuance of tokens of value.[6]
Meaning and Symbolism
The lion imagery in the logo is directly tied to the token’s name. “Unus Sed Leo” is Latin for “one, but a lion,” and the phrase is derived from a Latin fable about a lioness and a sow, emphasizing a focus on quality over quantity.[1] The name also symbolizes resilience and strength.[7] The lion head symbol serves as a visual representation of this motto, connecting the token’s identity to the Bitfinex platform’s stated values.
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
