Everyone needs trustworthy digital, verifiable credentials for their achievements but digital credentials are only as trustworthy as the organizations that issue them. Standards for issuing credentials provide tamper-evident, verifiable records of achievement, but true reliability also depends on knowing that the issuer of the credential is verified.
This is when an Issuer Identity Registry (IIR) can be the solution. An IIR is a machine-readable directory of credential issuers, and integrating the IIR with Credential Engine’s Credential Registry publishing system and applying trust-centered governance, we ensure every credential can be traced to a trusted source. Credential Engine’s Issuer Identity Registry and Credential Registry combined become the backbone of reliable ecosystems.
But we need public collaboration.
Background: Credential Engine and the Digital Credentials Consortium completed a year-long research and proof-of-concept project. We built an IIR and published an IIR Research Report and Governance Framework. Now, we’re putting those learnings into action—integrating the IIR with the Credential Registry and defining its governance.
As an Advisory Group member, you will:
- Advise on Governance: Use our Governance Framework, organized around Ability, Integrity, and Benevolence, to shape IIR participation and accountability policies and practices.
- Steer Integration: Guide how the IIR connects with the existing Credential Registry publishing workflows.
- Help Credential Engine Implement: Engage with the IIR directly and recommend or support early integration partners.
- Grow Participation: Propose outreach ideas to onboard issuers, verifiers, and platform providers, ensuring broad ecosystem support.
Who Should Join: Any organization or individual who wants to support trusted global ecosystems.
Experience with IIRs is not necessary, although this will touch on technical concepts. This group is intended for a broad group of stakeholders:
- Issuing or verifying digital credentials;
- Planning to issue or verify digital credentials in the near future;
- Building credential-issuing or verifying platforms (digital wallets, LMS, HR/recruiting systems);
- Advocating for people to receive valuable digital credentials;
- Wanting to learn more and contribute, you are welcome!
Advisory Group Schedule & Format: We anticipate approximately six one-hour virtual meetings between September 2025 and February 2026 (exact dates forthcoming). Meetings will be held via Zoom in an interactive format, with input during and between sessions. To scope and guide our collaboration, the group will operate under a plan and charter.
Join the Advisory Group: Click here to join: https://forms.gle/mshr2EEbMKwYZRFw6. Once we have received your interest in joining, you will receive the schedule, Zoom links, agendas, and materials.
Outcomes: Once the group has completed its work, the expected outcomes are:
- IIR is integrated with the Credential Registry publishing system, directly supporting credential issuers with publishing information about credentials offered.
- Implemented governance as public information to ensure a trust in participation with the IIR that elevates trust in Ecosystems.
- Ongoing participation opportunity with clear guidance to participate as credential issuers, verifiers, recipients of LERS and advocates.
References:
- Short Explainer Graphic: Building Trust in a Digital World: Scalable Solutions for Verifiable Credential Ecosystems
- Research Report & Governance Framework: https://credentialengine.org/resources/issuer-identity-registry-research-report-governance-framework/
- Slide Deck (June 18 2025): Copy of C3 Webinar: Building Trust in a Digital World: Scalable Solutions for Verifiable Credential Ecosystems 2025-June-18
Contact: For questions, email info@credentialengine.org