Concept Guides
Trust Framework

Trust Framework Types

Trust Frameworks facilitate secure, reliable interactions across a variety of domains, from national data sharing to private organizational networks and enterprise systems. While these frameworks vary in design and implementation, reflecting the specific needs and challenges of their respective domains, their primary goal is consistently centered on enabling secure data sharing and communications.

International and National Trust Frameworks

International and national trust frameworks play a key role in enabling secure, efficient data exchanges across vast geographical regions. These frameworks, overseen by authoritative governing bodies, establish a structured environment where Data Providers are mandated to share customer-permissioned data with third-party entities, fostering an ecosystem of transparency and collaboration.

At the heart of these frameworks is a central governing organization responsible for orchestrating the operations and ensuring the integrity of the system. This entity's duties encompass managing a Centralized Directory and overseeing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) specifically tailored for widespread participation. Such infrastructures are crucial for maintaining security standards and enabling seamless, trustworthy data exchanges on a large scale.

Different levels of trust frameworks
Different levels of trust frameworks


Open Data and Open Finance Initiatives

Globally, a surge in open data initiatives reflects the growing recognition of the value of data sharing in enhancing service offerings, driving competition, and catalyzing innovation. Notably, sectors like banking, telecommunications, insurance, and energy are at the forefront of this movement.

As a prominent example, Open Banking frameworks across various nations illustrate the commitment to reshaping the financial services landscape by mandating banks to share consumer data securely with third parties, thereby enriching consumer choices and fostering a competitive market.

Document image


Beyond banking, initiatives in telecommunications, insurance, and energy sectors, such as Australia's Consumer Data Right (CDR), demonstrate the broader application of national trust frameworks. These initiatives not only enhance transparency and consumer empowerment but also pave the way for a new era of innovation and service excellence in various industries.

Private Trust Frameworks

Private Trust Frameworks enable organizations to establish a controlled environment, a "circle of trust," where secure access to exclusive resources is provided. These frameworks are particularly beneficial for organizations looking to leverage their data and APIs to create new revenue streams or enhance operational efficiency.

  • Access and Monetization: Organizations can allow controlled access to proprietary or value-added APIs, creating opportunities for monetization through service fees.
  • Certification and Onboarding: A meticulous process is in place for certifying and onboarding Data Consumer customers, transforming them into vital distribution channels for the organization's services and applications.
  • Infrastructure and Management: The operational backbone of Private Trust Frameworks includes a robust Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and a live directory of participants, all overseen by a dedicated Certificate Authority responsible for the issuance and revocation of public keys.

Private Trust Frameworks offer organizations a mechanism to capitalize on their digital assets while maintaining control and ensuring security, fostering innovation and potentially opening new revenue avenues.

Enterprise Trust Frameworks

Within enterprises, Trust Frameworks serve as the foundation for secure, interconnected systems, allowing seamless and secure interactions across various business units and jurisdictions.

  • Decentralized Data: In large organizations, data is typically dispersed across multiple strategic business units or lines of business, necessitating a framework that ensures secure and efficient data sharing and communication.
  • Internal API Ecosystem: Financial institutions and other large enterprises employ trust technologies to govern and streamline their internal API ecosystems, facilitating interoperability and secure data exchanges within the organization.
  • Innovation Platform: An Enterprise Trust Framework can act as a platform that empowers individual business units or entities to innovate and evolve, enabling them to register and offer their services within a cohesive, organization-wide ecosystem.

By adopting an Enterprise Trust Framework, organizations can harness the potential of their internal data and services, promoting innovation and collaboration while ensuring data security and compliance across all levels of the enterprise.