Yearly Archives: 2025

Spotlight on Paays

1. What is the mission and vision of Paays?

Building the foundation of trust in Auto Finance. Empowering Dealers and Lenders to serve their customers better, faster and more securely.

2. Why is trustworthy digital identity critical for existing and emerging markets?

Auto Finance and the Automotive Sector more generally, relies on trustworthy digital identity verification to ensure that people are who they say there, and the information being provided is authentic.

3. How will digital identity transform the Canadian and global economy? How does your organization address challenges associated with this transformation?

Paays is enabling thousands of Auto Dealers in Canada with the technology to perform digital identity verification, protect their businesses and employees, and reduce or eliminate criminal opportunities for fraud.

4. What role does Canada have to play as a leader in this space?

Canada has a significant opportunity to be a leader in digital identity and trust services, across many industries, including Auto Finance.

5. Why did your organization join the DIACC?

Paays joined DIACC to partner with a leading organization and it’s members, focused on bringing digital identity and trust services to the Canadian marketplace.

6. What else should we know about your organization?

Paays has a singular, laser-focused approach to building the foundation of trust in Auto Finance!

Spotlight on Keyless

1. What is the mission and vision of Keyless?

Our vision is for a safer, more private world. Keyless is on a mission to redefine how the world authenticates – enabling people to securely access services with a simple look, without compromising their biometric data.

2. Why is trustworthy digital identity critical for existing and emerging markets?

We can answer this with a simple example: mule accounts. Fraudsters will pay people to open bank or crypto accounts using their real ID, then take over and use those accounts to launder money. On paper, the account looks legitimate – but the person using it isn’t who the bank thinks it is.

This kind of fraud is only possible when identity assurance is weak. With trustworthy digital identity, this can be stopped by verifying who is really behind the screen not just at sign-up, but every time they log in, send a payment, or change account details.

3. How will digital identity transform the Canadian and global economy? How does your organization address challenges associated with this transformation?

Digital identity is the foundation for secure online interactions. It drives inclusion, cuts costs, and reduces fraud. When companies can trust their users, they grow faster and more confidently.

Keyless sits within consumer apps – often in banking and fintech, but also in government and university portals. Whenever a user performs a sensitive action, like logging in or approving a payment, Keyless triggers an authentication selfie using the device’s camera. Unlike text messages, call centers, or even FaceID, this process actually proves who the user is – not just that they have access to a device or mobile number.

4. What role does Canada have to play as a leader in this space?

Canada is already taking significant steps toward becoming a global leader in digital identity. The government is actively developing a nationwide digital ID program designed to make accessing both public and private services faster and more secure.

By continuing to invest in public-private collaboration, Canada can lead the way in building trusted, inclusive digital ecosystems that other countries look to for guidance.

5. Why did your organization join the DIACC?

We joined DIACC to help shape the future of digital identity in a way that’s secure, user-friendly, and preserves citizen privacy. We believe in collaboration and are excited to contribute our expertise in biometric authentication and privacy-preserving technologies.

6. What else should we know about your organization?

Within the biometric authentication space, Keyless is known for its privacy-preserving approach. Uniquely, we authenticate users without storing their facial biometric data anywhere – keeping their biometric information completely private.

Advancing Digital Trust for Government Service Modernization

Current Landscape

Governments worldwide are accelerating their digital transformation efforts to meet the growing expectations of citizens and businesses. Canada is no exception, with public sector services increasingly moving online to improve efficiency, accessibility, and security. However, this shift brings significant challenges, including data privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, and the need for seamless, interoperable services across jurisdictions.

When DIACC was established in 2012, its mission was to create a secure digital ecosystem. Today, this goal is even more critical for modernizing government services while ensuring security, privacy, and usability. DIACC has evolved from research to certifying real-world digital trust solutions, setting audit standards, shaping policies, and connecting businesses and government to strengthen Canada’s digital economy.

Digital trust—which empowers individuals, businesses, and government agencies to engage online securely and transparently—is essential for delivering reliable public services. Without it, citizens may lack confidence in digital government initiatives, limiting their adoption and effectiveness.

By prioritizing digital trust, Canada can strengthen its public service infrastructure, enhance citizen confidence, and improve service delivery. Interoperable frameworks such as the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework™ (PCTF) ensure that digital services remain secure, adaptable, and trusted while protecting personal electronic information between government agencies and service providers.

Advancing Digital Trust to Modernize Government Services

1. Driving Efficiencies, Cost Savings, and Economic Growth

Governments can leverage DIACC, the PCTF, and PCTF certification along with technical standards to help streamline processes, reduce costs, and create economic opportunities through:

  • Reducing Implementation Costs: Standardized digital trust solutions lower costs associated with developing, integrating, and maintaining digital trust capabilities.
  • Enhancing Service Efficiencies: Digital credentials and interoperable frameworks minimize redundancies and enable faster, more secure service delivery.
  • Unlocking Interprovincial Trade: A unified digital trust framework will enable seamless service delivery to Canadians across Canada, regardless of province of residence. 
  • Facilitating Labour Mobility: Efforts to reduce interprovincial trade across Canada mean the importance of secure and portable digital credentials has never been greater. Reducing bureaucratic licensing and certification verification barriers will ensure workers can move between provinces more efficiently.
  • Boosting Public-Private Collaboration: By aligning digital trust standards with industry best practices, governments can foster innovation and attract investment in secure digital services.

2. Strengthening Public Confidence in Digital Services

For government digital services to succeed, citizens must trust them. Implementing robust digital trust solutions allows governments to:

  • Ensure secure and seamless access to online services
  • Protect citizens’ data from fraud and misuse
  • Increase adoption of digital services by providing verifiable trust measures
  • Improve operational efficiency by reducing manual verification processes

3. Enhancing Trust Through the DIACC PCTF

The DIACC PCTF provides a framework for governments to:

  • Strengthen identity verification in digital government services
  • Improve efficiency in service delivery by reducing reliance on physical documents
  • Enhance interoperability across departments and jurisdictions
  • Ensure compliance with privacy and security standards through auditable criteria

4. Protecting Citizens from Fraud and Identity Theft

Fraud prevention is a top priority for digital government services. To mitigate risks, governments should:

  • Implement secure identity verification measures for accessing digital services
  • Use verifiable credentials for social benefits, permits, and tax filings
  • Ensure public education initiatives on digital trust and security best practices

5. Enabling Seamless Intergovernmental Collaboration

All federal, provincial, and municipal governments must collaborate to support a trustworthy digital ecosystem. Digital trust frameworks like the PCTF facilitate:

  • Secure data exchange across agencies while maintaining privacy
  • Interoperable digital identity solutions for seamless citizen experiences
  • Compliance with national and international regulatory requirements

6. Leveraging Digital Trust for Innovation in Public Services

Governments can harness digital trust to:

  • Develop secure digital identities for all citizens and businesses
  • Improve emergency response coordination through trusted data-sharing networks
  • Support AI-driven public service applications with built-in trust safeguards

Best Practices and the Way Forward

1. Adopt Existing and Emerging Digital Trust Technologies to Address Pain Points

Government agencies should leverage trusted digital trust, verification, and credentialing solutions aligned with the PCTF. Implementing PCTF-certified solutions will enhance security, efficiency, and trust in digital service delivery. While whole-of-government modernization is needed, our stakeholders recommend rapidly unlocking digital driver’s licences, passports, permanent resident cards and verified income to address the economic urgency. 

2. Collaborate for Consistency and Interoperability

DIACC fosters collaboration between governments, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to promote consistent digital trust practices, using standards and certifications to ensure security and privacy across public services.

3. Educate and Empower Citizens and Public Sector Leaders

DIACC is committed to advancing digital trust in government through:

  • Public awareness campaigns on the benefits and security of digital services
  • Training and resources for government officials on digital trust implementation
  • Policy recommendations to support the adoption of digital trust frameworks

Conclusion

Modernizing government services requires a foundation of digital trust. By recognizing frameworks like the PCTF, governments can enhance service delivery, protect citizens’ data, and foster trust in digital public services.

Together, we can build a future where government services are more efficient, secure, and accessible to all Canadians while reinforcing Canada’s leadership in digital trust and innovation.

Download the paper here.

DIACC-Position-Advancing-Digital-Trust-for-Government-Service-Modernization_ENG

The Digital ID and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations (March 2025)

Submitted by: Joni Brennan, President

List of recommendations

Recommendation 1: That the government prioritize digital trust in four areas critical to Canada’s leadership and the privacy, security and protection of our people and industries, including:

  • Digital Trust in Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMBs) and E-Commerce;
  • Digital Trust in Finance and Regulatory;
  • Digital Trust in Public Sector Modernization and Citizen Services; and
  • Digital Trust in Public Safety.

Recommendation 2: That the government recognize the necessity of embracing and prioritizing verification and authentication tools as part of its AI strategy.

Recommendation 3: That the government allocate the funding needed to support the adoption of digital trust tools to the benefit of government, businesses, and citizens alike.

Introduction

In today’s geopolitical and economic climate, Canada needs to urgently act to maximize economic security, growth and productivity — all of which depend on a foundation of trust. In an era where digital transactions drive commerce, investment, and public services, ensuring the authenticity of identities, data, and financial interactions is essential for stability and long-term success.

Without secure and privacy-respecting verification, businesses face higher fraud risks, increased compliance costs, and reduced consumer confidence. Investors and trading partners demand transparent, verifiable transactions and economic resilience, which depend on our ability to safeguard financial systems, facilitate secure trade, and unlock the full potential of AI-driven innovation. Strong verification systems are also key to removing barriers to interprovincial and international trade, ensuring Canadian businesses can compete in global markets with trusted credentials.

Yet, new threats to economic stability are emerging at an unprecedented pace. The spread of misinformation, AI-generated fraud, and identity theft undermines business operations, weakens consumer confidence, and creates vulnerabilities in financial markets. AI enables the rapid manipulation of information and identities, making it more difficult for organizations to verify legitimacy and protect against fraud.

Without urgent action, these challenges will erode trust, slow economic growth, disrupt financial systems, and weaken Canada’s competitive position. Labour mobility is also at risk—without trusted digital credentials, skilled professionals such as doctors, engineers, and tradespeople face delays in moving where needed most, affecting both businesses and public services.

Canada can drive economic security, labour mobility and digital trust by strengthening identity verification, authentication, and fraud prevention measures. By prioritizing trust as a national asset, we can enhance economic competitiveness, attract investment, and build a future where innovation thrives in a secure and resilient digital environment.

About DIACC

The Digital Identification and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) was created following the federal government’s Task Force for the Payments System Review, with a goal to bring together public and private sector partners in developing a safe and secure digital ecosystem.

DIACC is committed to accelerating digital trust adoption and reducing information authenticity uncertainty by certifying services against its Pan-Canadian Trust Framework — a risk mitigation and assurance framework developed collaboratively by public and private sector experts that signals trustworthy design rooted in security, privacy, inclusivity, accessibility, and accountability.

Recommendations

Against this backdrop, DIACC offers three recommendations for the federal government:

Recommendation 1: That the government prioritize digital trust in four areas critical to Canada’s leadership and the privacy, security and protection of our people and industries, including:

  • Digital Trust in Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMBs) and E-Commerce;
  • Digital Trust in Finance and Regulatory;
  • Digital Trust in Public Sector Modernization and Citizen Services; and
  • Digital Trust in Public Safety.

Digital Trust in Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMBs) and E-Commerce

Canada’s e-commerce sector is growing faster than ever due to emerging technology and changing customer habits. While this creates significant opportunities, it also presents challenges for small and medium businesses (SMBs), their partners, and customers. With a significant amount of business happening online, SMBs must navigate a growing competitive landscape of online security risks and earn customer trust to help unlock interprovincial and international growth opportunities. By prioritizing digital trust, Canada can foster a robust e-commerce environment that empowers SMBs, enhances consumer confidence, and boosts economic growth. Interoperable frameworks such as the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF) foster digital trust by protecting personal electronic information as it travels across an organization, ensuring that e-commerce systems remain secure, adaptable, and trusted.

By prioritizing digital trust and implementing authentication and verification tools, the government can help drive the following benefits:

  • enhanced customer trust and loyalty;
  • streamlined business processes by automating identity verification and reducing the need for manual checks;
  • faster, more efficient operations and reduced administrative costs, allowing businesses to allocate resources more effectively;
  • data minimization and the secure handling of personal information, increasing customer confidence;
  • a competitive advantage for Canada’s SMBs by helping them innovate and offer their customers new, secure digital services; and
  • a reduction in incidents of fraud, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses. These savings can be reinvested into other business areas, driving growth and innovation and improving overall business performance.

Digital Trust in Finance and Regulatory

The finance and regulatory sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation. While the industry pioneers new technology and moves away from conventional platforms, it faces rising fraud, privacy breaches, and growing consumer skepticism fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and challenges verifying information in an AI-driven world. As a result, the government is encouraged to build on the existing regulatory framework and develop new regulations to facilitate secure digital transactions, including compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.

Further, digital trust and verification services will be critical as the government moves forward with its commitments to open-banking, with interoperability also being paramount as the federal framework and existing provincial frameworks work together. Similarly, the government has committed to reducing incidents of mortgage fraud and strengthening proof of borrower and title insurance, and digital trust and verification services can and should play a critical role in making that commitment a reality.

By prioritizing digital trust, Canada can secure its financial systems and enhance competitiveness in the global economy. Interoperable frameworks like the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF) ensure systems remain resilient, adaptable, and trusted.

Digital Trust in Public Sector Modernization and Citizen Services

Public services are undergoing rapid digital transformation, adopting new technologies to improve efficiency and accessibility. At the same time, they face significant challenges and barriers including data security risks, privacy concerns, and public skepticism fueled by misinformation.

As public services continue to move online, digital trust and verification services will be critical for ensuring that services are secure and accessible. From online healthcare consultations to digital government services, these technologies provide the necessary security infrastructure to protect public interactions and data.

By implementing digital trust solutions, the federal government will be able to provide secure, user-friendly online access to services; streamline identity verification for faster service delivery; facilitate seamless data sharing between agencies; reduce administrative burdens and operational costs; and improve service delivery times and citizen satisfaction.

Digital Trust in Public Safety

The public safety sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, embracing new technologies to enhance emergency response, law enforcement, and disaster management. However, this shift also brings challenges such as data security risks, privacy concerns, and the need for reliable information verification in critical situations.

Implementing robust digital trust solutions can significantly improve emergency response by enabling secure, real-time data sharing between agencies; verifying the authenticity of emergency communications; and facilitating rapid and accurate identification of individuals in crisis situations.

Public safety agencies are encouraged to leverage technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance their digital trust capabilities and improve emergency response. AI can be used for real-time data analysis and decision-making, while blockchain can ensure the integrity and immutability of critical information.

DIACC encourages collaboration between public safety agencies, technology providers, and other stakeholders to develop standardized digital trust practices, and interoperable frameworks like the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF) ensure that public safety systems remain secure, adaptable, and trusted.

Together we can create a public safety ecosystem that leverages digital trust to protect citizens, respects privacy, and solidifies Canada’s position as a secure and effective emergency management leader.

Recommendation 2: That the government recognize the necessity of embracing and prioritizing verification and authentication tools as part of its AI strategy.

In today’s world, where AI is becoming smarter every day, and information can be generated and manipulated at unprecedented speed and scale, ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of information is critical. It is vital to maximize the benefits of an AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)-fueled data ecosystem for Canada while also fostering citizen trust and protecting their safety.

To effectively address the challenges we’re facing while realizing the benefits of AI, the federal government should prioritize verification and authentication tools as part of its broader AI strategy. Prioritization must include funding, collaboration, and urgent action to support the development, adoption and certification of tools that verify information authenticity while protecting privacy and empowering Canadians. Governments, banks, telcos, tech companies, media organizations, and civil society must work together to deploy open, standards-based solutions and services to verify the authenticity of information.

The economic imperative of investing in these capabilities is clear. According to a study by Deloitte, the Canadian economy could unlock an additional 7 per cent (CAD $7 trillion) in economic value through AI and AGI technologies. People and organizations can only realize this potential for the good of society by investing in tools, processes, and policies that support verifying the authenticity of the information generated and processed by AI and AGI technologies.

Recommendation 3: That the government allocate the funding needed to support the adoption of digital trust tools to the benefit of government, businesses, and citizens alike.

Today, solutions can signal verified trust by getting certified against a technology-neutral risk and assurance framework like DIACC’s Pan-Canadian Trust Framework, developed collaboratively by public and private sector experts.

Verifiable information authenticity relies on critical principles, including provenance and traceability: provenance establishes the origin and history of information, ensuring it comes from a reliable source, while traceability allows for audibility of the flow of information, enabling people, businesses, and governments to verify its accuracy and authenticity. These principles are essential in combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which can have far-reaching consequences in an AI-fueled world.

Provenance and traceability are potent information authenticity tools that can help:

  • businesses and professionals reduce liabilities and meet obligations to verify information about their clients and their operations;
  • citizens and residents interact securely and efficiently with governments;
  • customers and clients transact with privacy and security anywhere, anytime;
  • industries manage decision-making and securely supply chains using trusted data;
  • producers verify essential data related to environmental, safety, and operational goals and
  • creators track intellectual property to ensure fair payment and cultural protection.

Conclusion

A proactive approach—rooted in collaboration between government, industry, and technology leaders—will ensure that Canada remains a trusted hub for global trade, seamless labour mobility, and secure financial transactions. We can unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen international partnerships, and fuel long-term prosperity by enabling frictionless and verifiable trade, business, and employment interactions.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to provide our input in advance of Budget 2025 and as we collectively move forward on the path to a digitally and economically prosperous Canada.

Advancing Digital Trust to Fuel E-Commerce Growth and Empower Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Download the paper here.

Current Landscape

Canada’s e-commerce sector is growing faster than ever due to emerging technology and changing customer habits. While this creates significant opportunities, it also presents challenges for small and medium businesses (SMBs), their partners, and customers. With significant business happening online, SMBs must navigate a growing competitive landscape of online security risks and earn customer trust to help unlock interprovincial and international growth opportunities.

When DIACC was established in 2012, its mission was to create a secure digital ecosystem. Today, this goal has become even more critical for the e-commerce sector, particularly for SMBs striving to scale up and remain competitive in a global market.

Digital trust, which empowers individuals, governments, and businesses with secure and transparent ways to engage online confidently, has become critical for businesses that want to assure customers that their interactions and personal data are secure.

By prioritizing digital trust, Canada can foster a robust e-commerce environment that empowers SMBs, enhances consumer confidence, and boosts economic growth. Interoperable frameworks such as the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework™ (PCTF) foster digital trust by protecting personal electronic information as it travels across an organization, ensuring that e-commerce systems remain secure, adaptable, and trusted.

Advancing Digital Trust to Fuel E-Commerce Growth and Empower SMBs

1. Strengthening SMB Competitiveness and Growth

Implementing robust digital trust solutions is crucial for SMBs to compete in e-commerce. By adopting these technologies, SMBs can:

  • Enhance customer trust and loyalty
  • Reduce fraud-related losses
  • Streamline operations and reduce costs
  • Expand into new markets more confidently

2. Enhancing Trust Through the DIACC PCTF

DIACC encourages e-commerce businesses to adopt the PCTF as a tool to:

  • Implement secure and efficient customer onboarding processes
  • Authenticate identities to reduce fraud in online transactions
  • Improve supply chain management through verified digital credentials

3. Fostering Consumer Confidence

To address consumer skepticism and promote trust in e-commerce platforms, we recommend:

  • Implementing clear, user-friendly privacy policies
  • Adopting visible trust signals, such as PCTF certification badges
  • Providing transparent data handling practices

4. Enabling Seamless Cross-Border Transactions

Digital trust frameworks can help SMBs expand into other Canadian provinces and internationally by:

  • Facilitating secure cross-border identity verification
  • Ensuring compliance with various regional regulations
    • Building trust with customers and partners across Canada and internationally

5. Leveraging Digital Trust for Innovation

SMBs can use digital trust solutions to:

  • Implement personalized shopping experiences that are secure and privacy-respecting
  • Develop trusted AI-powered customer service tools
  • Create innovative loyalty programs based on verified identity information

Best Practices and the Way Forward

1. Adopt Existing and Emerging Technologies

SMBs should leverage existing and emerging digital trust solutions that align with the PCTF. PCTF certification fosters verified trust across smart devices, digital credentials, wallets, and information-sharing networks. It will enhance their capabilities and ensure their competitiveness.

2. Collaborate for Standardization

DIACC encourages collaboration between SMBs, larger enterprises, and regulators to establish standardized digital trust practices in e-commerce.

3. Educate and Empower

DIACC is committed to educating SMBs and consumers about digital trust through:

  • Hosting sector-specific workshops and certifications to promote best practices in digital trust
  • Real-world case studies demonstrating the benefits of digital trust in e-commerce
  • Advocacy for regulations that support SMBs in implementing digital trust solutions

Conclusion

The e-commerce sector, particularly SMBs, urgently needs robust digital trust solutions to thrive in the digital economy. By adopting frameworks like the PCTF, SMBs can enhance their competitiveness, build consumer trust, and drive innovation.

Together, we can create an e-commerce ecosystem that empowers SMBs, protects consumers, and solidifies Canada’s position as a leader in the global digital marketplace.

DIACC-Position-Digital-Trust-to-Fuel-E-Commerce-Growth-and-Empower-SMBs-ENG

Outlier Becomes First Canadian Firm Accredited as a DIACC Auditor 

Toronto, March 4, 2025 – DIACC proudly announces that Outlier Solutions Inc. (Outlier Compliance Group) has achieved accreditation as an official auditor. This milestone underscores Outlier’s commitment to enhancing the safety and consistency of Canada’s digital identity ecosystem.

Outlier underwent a thorough evaluation based on ISO 17020 requirements as part of a rigorous accreditation process. This demonstrated its qualifications to conduct comprehensive Pan-Canadian Trust Framework™ (PCTF) audits. This accreditation empowers Outlier to deliver independent and impartial assessments, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of digital identity solutions. 

“Independent, high-quality assessments are essential to building a secure and trustworthy digital identity ecosystem,” said Joni Brennan, DIACC President. “Outlier’s accreditation as a DIACC auditor marks an important step toward ensuring that digital identity solutions meet rigorous, transparent standards. Their expertise will help organizations demonstrate compliance while strengthening confidence in the digital economy.”

By providing reliable third-party assessments, Outlier promotes a culture of compliance across the digital space. This reflects its dedication to fostering transparency and creating a robust digital ecosystem. Outlier’s commitment to high-quality, impartial assessments aligns with DIACC’s mission to enhance confidence in digital services while tackling emerging risks associated with fraud and misinformation.

“Outlier Compliance Group is thrilled to become the first Canadian compliance consulting firm accredited as a DIACC auditor. This momentous step aligns with our dedication to providing top-tier compliance-related services and highlights our commitment to upholding the highest standards (as opposed to check-the-box compliance)”, said David Vijan, Co-Founder and CEO of Outlier. “We believe certifications such as the PCTF will shape the future of Canada’s digital identity ecosystem and foster greater trust, protection, innovation, and industry collaboration.” 

For more information about DIACC certification, which enhances trust and security in the digital landscape, please email us at voila@diacc.ca 

About Outlier Compliance Group

Founded in 2013, Outlier is a Canadian-born, boutique compliance consulting firm helping companies in both established and emerging sectors navigate increasingly complex Canadian regulatory requirements.

Outlier core staff members have over ten thousand hours of deep industry experience in heavily regulated industries working as in-house compliance practitioners before moving into the world of consulting.

Outlier believes that good compliance is good business.

About DIACC 

Founded in 2012, DIACC is a non-profit organization that unites public and private sector members to enhance participation in the global digital economy by leveraging digital trust services. By promoting vital design principles and PCTF adoption, DIACC champions privacy, security, and people-first design approaches. For more information, please visit https://diacc.ca

Advancing and Evolving Digital Trust in the Finance and Regulatory Sectors

Download the paper here.

Current Landscape

The finance and regulatory sectors are undergoing rapid digital transformation. While the industry pioneers new technology and moves away from conventional platforms, it faces rising fraud, privacy breaches, and growing consumer skepticism fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and challenges verifying information in an AI-driven world.

When Finance Canada’s Electronic Task Force for Payments System Review created DIACC in 2012, its goal was to unite public and private sector partners to develop a secure digital ecosystem. This goal remains, but the need to support a future-focused ecosystem underpinned by verification and authentication is more urgent than ever.

By prioritizing digital trust, Canada can secure its financial systems and enhance competitiveness in the global economy. Interoperable frameworks like the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework™ (PCTF) ensure systems remain resilient, adaptable, and trusted.

Advancing and Evolving Digital Trust in the Finance and Regulatory Sectors

1. Strengthening Economic Competitiveness and Growth

Preventing fraud and building consumer trust are economic imperatives. Fraud costs taxpayers and businesses millions annually, and to ensure Canada remains competitive, we must adopt robust digital trust solutions to reduce fraud’s financial and operational impact. Adopting the right measures will also help Canada attract international investment, foster innovation in financial services, drive growth, and create jobs.

2. Enhancing Trust Through the DIACC PCTF to Complement KYC and AML

DIACC encourages its members in finance and payments to adopt the PCTF as a tool to:

  • Complement Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations by enhancing remote customer onboarding;
  • Authenticate identities with trusted verification systems to reduce fraud in online transactions, digital wallets, and mobile banking; and
  • Improve regulatory reporting efficiencies by using verifiable credentials for entity identification.

The PCTF is a critical resource for advancing interoperability, which supports trusted cross-institutional collaboration and strengthens the financial ecosystem.

3. Fostering Consumer Autonomy and Addressing Misinformation

Public skepticism fuelled by misinformation and disinformation creates friction in adopting digital financial platforms. To tackle this, we can do the following:

  • Respect consumer autonomy: DIACC advocates for voluntary digital solutions that preserve traditional verification methods while offering enhanced, secure options.
  • Promote digital literacy: Educational campaigns can strengthen consumer confidence by helping Canadians identify trustworthy institutions.
  • Use “trust signals”: Institutions should adopt trust signals, such as verified logos or PCTF certification badges, to reassure customers of secure practices.

These efforts respect the diverse preferences of Canadians while promoting confidence in digital services.

4. Proactive Fraud Prevention and Responsible Innovation

Fraud prevention is not just about mitigation—it’s about staying ahead. To reduce incidents such as mortgage fraud and title insurance scams, we must:

  • Adopt an approach that complements existing client identification methods and includes verifiable credentials, mobile driver licenses and trust registries; financial institutions should integrate DIACC PCTF-aligned solutions to strengthen borrower identification and secure digital proof of ownership.
  • Leverage responsible AI for risk detection — fraud prevention measures must include responsible AI and real-time analytics to detect anomalies, mitigate risks, and reduce operational costs.

5. Open Banking and the Future of Finance

The government’s commitment to open banking presents opportunities for financial innovation and introduces risks without secure digital trust frameworks. DIACC’s members are encouraged to:

  • Use the PCTF to establish interoperable risk management practices, ensuring trusted data sharing across institutions.
  • Mitigate risks in consumer-permissioned data sharing by implementing robust verification systems that prioritize data privacy and transparency.
  • Align with global open banking standards to ensure Canadian institutions remain competitive and attract international investment.

Open banking offers an opportunity to empower Canadian consumers and small businesses while strengthening the role of domestic innovation on the global stage.

Best Practices and the Way Forward

1. Enhance Digital Trust with Emerging Technologies

Canada must adopt emerging technologies to stay globally competitive. Financial institutions can use verifiable data and responsible AI to enhance fraud detection, wallets, credentialing, and compliance.

2. Collaborate for Global Competitiveness

Collaboration with international regulators and organizations is essential for aligning Canadian frameworks with global norms, enabling secure cross-border transactions and strengthening Canada’s financial ecosystem.

3. Educate and Empower Through Advocacy and Metrics

DIACC is committed to educating Canadians on digital literacy and trust while addressing inclusivity challenges, including:

  • Hosting sector-specific workshops and certifications to promote best practices in digital trust.
  • Amplifying simple, real-world use cases to demonstrate the benefits of digital trust solutions, such as fraud reduction and consumer empowerment.
  • Advocating for enhanced regulations prioritizing secure transactions and privacy while preserving consumer choice.
    • Publishing annual metrics on fraud prevention and consumer trust improvements to ensure transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The finance and regulatory sectors urgently need services with interoperable assurance and trust to meet the growing demands of digital transformation.

By working together, we can:

    • Educate citizens to strengthen digital literacy while addressing inclusivity challenges.

    • Amplify the role of governments and domestic and world banks in strengthening trust.

    • Determine how governments and organizations can best leverage the DIACC Pan-Canadian Trust Framework to complement KYC and AML regulations, build assurance, and mitigate risks for the benefit of all Canadians.

Through education, collaboration, and the strategic use of trusted solutions, we can solidify Canada’s position as a global leader in the digital economy while safeguarding trust, privacy, and economic opportunity for all Canadians.

DIACC-Position-Digital-Trust-For-Finance-and-Regulatory-Sectors-ENG_v1.1

Request for Comment & IPR Review: PCTF Law Society Profile and PCTF Glossary

This review period has closed as of March 20, 2025.

Notice of Intent: DIACC is collaborating to develop and publish the Law Society Profile of the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF) to set a baseline interoperability of identity services and solutions used in the legal sector. During this public review period, DIACC is looking for community feedback to ensure that the conformance criteria is clear and auditable.

Accompanying this review period is the PCTF Glossary that has been updated to reflect all current terms and definitions found across the suite of PCTF documentation.

To learn more about the Pan-Canadian vision and benefits-for-all value proposition please review the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework Overview.

Document Status: These review documents have been developed by members of the DIACC’s Trust Framework Expert Committee (TFEC) who operate under the DIACC controlling policies and consist of representatives from both the private and public sectors. These documents have been approved by the TFEC for public comment.

Summaries:

The PCTF Law Society Profile is the first industry-focused profile of the PCTF and is intended to help regulated lawyers make informed decisions on how best to adopt digital trust services and solutions for things like remote client verification and fraud reduction.

The PCTF Glossary provides definitions and examples for terms that appear across DIACC PCTF documentation, to ensure all stakeholders have a shared and consistent understanding of terms used in the context of the PCTF. As terms and usage can vary across industry, the Glossary is recommended reading for anyone wanting a strong baseline understanding of the PCTF.

Invitation:

  • All interested parties are invited to comment

Period:

  • Opens: February 3, 2025 at 23:59 PT | Closes: March 20, 2025 at 23:59 PT

When reviewing the Law Society Profile Conformance Criteria, please consider the following and note that responses to this question are non-binding and serve to improve the PCTF.

  1. Would you consider the Conformance Criteria as auditable or not? That is, could you objectively evaluate if an organization was compliant with that criteria and what evidence would be used to justify that?

Review Document: PCTF Law Society Profile

Review Document: PCTF Glossary

Intellectual Property Rights:

Comments must be received within the comment period noted above. All comments are subject to the DIACC contributor agreement; by submitting a comment you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions therein. DIACC Members are also subject to the Intellectual Property Rights Policy. Any notice of an intent not to license under either the Contributor Agreement and/or the Intellectual Property Rights Policy with respect to the review documents or any comments must be made at the Contributor’s and/or Member’s earliest opportunity, and in any event, within the comment period. IPR claims may be sent to review@diacc.ca. Please include “IPR Claim” as the subject.

Process:

  • All comments are subject to the DIACC contributor agreement.
  • Submit comments using the provided DIACC Comment Submission Spreadsheet.
  • Reference the corresponding line number for each comment submitted.
  • Email completed DIACC Comment Submission Spreadsheet to review@diacc.ca.
  • Questions may be sent to review@diacc.ca.

Value to Canadians:

The DIACC’s mandate is to collaboratively develop and deliver resources to help Canadians to digitally transact with security, privacy, and convenience. The PCTF is one such resource and guides the digital trust and identity verification ecosystem interoperability by putting policy, standards, and technology into practice aligning with defined levels of assurance. The DIACC is a not-for-profit coalition of members from the public and private sector who are making a significant and sustained investment in accelerating Canada’s Identity Ecosystem.

Context:

The purpose of this review is to ensure transparency in the development and diversity of a truly Pan-Canadian, and international, input. In alignment with our Principles for an Identity Ecosystem, processes to respect and enhance privacy are being prioritized through every step of the PCTF development process.

DIACC expects to modify and improve these Recommendations based upon public comments. Comments made during the review will be considered for incorporation into the next iteration and DIACC will prepare a Disposition of Comments to provide transparency with regard to how each comment was handled.

Treefort Achieves DIACC Certification, Elevating Identity Verification Standards Across Canada

Toronto, January 27, 2025 — The Digital ID and Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) proudly announces that Treefort has received the prestigious Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF) Verified Person certification for its groundbreaking Identity Verification (IDV) platform. This certification, focused on the PCTF’s Verified Person Component, positions Treefort as a frontrunner in delivering secure, trusted, and reliable identity verification services, which are essential in the fight against fraud in Canada.

In an era increasingly plagued by misinformation, deepfakes, and questions about the integrity of information, Treefort’s innovative IDV solution shines as a beacon of trust. With technology designed to verify identities with lightning speed, Treefort incorporates advanced security features to combat fraud and establish authenticity in digital transactions.

“Securing digital identities is our passion, and Treefort’s PCTF certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Jay Krushell, Chief Legal Officer, Treefort. “In today’s world, where the authenticity of information is routinely challenged, our certification provides unparalleled confidence, allowing legal professionals to verify identities with certainty.”

The rigorous certification journey involved a meticulous third-party evaluation under the DIACC’s stringent certification model, which aligns with internationally recognized ISO/IEC standards. DIACC Accredited Auditors left no stone unturned, assessing Treefort’s identity-proofing functions and advanced information security measures. This forward-thinking approach reinforces Treefort’s status as a trusted partner in securing digital identities and counteracting the threats of misinformation and identity fraud.

With this DIACC certification, Treefort solidifies its place among Canada’s elite identity verification providers and earns a prestigious three-year Trustmark, subject to annual surveillance audits. 

“This is exciting news for the digital landscape; Treefort’s certification exemplifies their leadership in the identity verification space and strengthens the overall trust in digital transactions across the nation,” added Joni Brennan, DIACC President. 

Organizations searching for robust identity proofing and credential management solutions can now approach Treefort with enhanced peace of mind, knowing DIACC’s rigorous independent audit process supports them. In a climate where validating the source and integrity of information is paramount, Treefort stands out as a reliable source of verified identities, cutting through the noise of disinformation.

The PCTF framework is your go-to for risk management and assurance. It validates the reliability of private-sector digital trust services by addressing critical aspects such as privacy, security, and interoperability, helping to combat fraud and breaches at every turn.

For more information about how to become a certified provider and the incredible benefits of PCTF certification, reach out to voila@diacc.ca  

About Treefort
Treefort is leading the charge in Identity Verification solutions, tirelessly working to provide innovative and secure services to businesses across Canada. Our goal is to empower organizations with the tools they need to combat fraud and ensure compliance, forging a safer digital landscape for all. For more information, please visit https://treeforttech.com/ 

About DIACC
Founded in 2012, DIACC is a non-profit organization that unites public and private sector members to enhance participation in the global digital economy by leveraging digital trust services. By promoting vital design principles and PCTF adoption, DIACC champions privacy, security, and people-first design approaches. For more information, please visit https://diacc.ca.

Spotlight on Canchek

1. What is the mission and vision of Canchek?

To provide the Canadian investment industry with an economical and reliable method of legally identifying clients they do not meet in person. The service must be (and is) compliant with the guidelines of FINTRAC and the various provincial law societies.

2. Why is trustworthy digital identity critical for existing and emerging markets?

Canchek primarily provides Canadian investment firms with anti-money laundering solutions. FINTRAC requires that firms use technology to identify clients that they do not meet in person, and Canchek introduced Canchek-eID as a convenience for its over 250 customers in Canada during the recent pandemic. The service has become an essential component of their client onboarding process.

3. How will digital identity transform the Canadian and global economy? How does your organization address challenges associated with this transformation?

The main benefit of this technology in our market space is streamlining the onboarding process of new clients for our customers. Our main challenge is balancing the power of the technology with consumer rights to privacy and ensuring continuing compliance with federal and provincial legislation in that regard. Besides our own due diligence, we often work with the legal departments of our customers to inform them of our security measures and compliance with the regulations they are subject to.

4. What role does Canada have to play as a leader in this space?

Canada is a trusted international player with strong privacy laws and a respected IT industry that can promote greater efficiency in international transactions.

5. Why did your organization join the DIACC?

To help us keep abreast of Canadian federal and provincial (e.g. Quebec Rule 25) legislation that affects the delivery of the Canchek-eID verification service. We also wanted to increase awareness of this service in the marketplace.

6. What else should we know about your organization?

Canchek began business in 2016 with a group of entrepreneurs well known in the Capital Markets industry, especially with regard to technology innovation. Canchek’s primary business is providing anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing services to Canadian financial firms. Since the company’s inception, a wide variety of customers, ranging from small to large national and internationally known firms, now use our AML technology. The electronic ID verification service represents approximately five percent of our revenue.

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