Digital identity must
be defended

In future, our digital footprints will unlock transformative potential, writes SHANAAZ TRETHEWEY, COO of Comcorp SA.

The way we perceive business flourishing is undergoing a paradigm shift as digital identity and consumer consent redefine the dynamics of transactions. 

In South Africa, where an estimated 38-million people are above the age of 18, a significant proportion of the population possesses the ability to transact as adults. However, only a fraction of them (one in six) can provide verifiable income through a payslip, leading to increased risk and the need for extensive checks and balances in transactions. 

Astonishingly, the country processes approximately 4-million credit applications each month, resulting in 48-million applications annually that invariably require proof of identity, often involving multiple verification checks during the transaction process. This number doesn’t even account for verifications at healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and insurance claims to name but a few other examples.

An individual’s identity journey has evolved considerably over time. In the 1950s manual registers and handshakes to paper form was all it took, before being replaced with ID books, and smart cards that stored various personal information on a bank card. 

The advent of fingerprint revolution and biometric technology has shifted the focus to appreciating the uniqueness of individuals. Digital identity is no longer just a tool; it represents a vision of seamless interaction and integration in all sectors of our economy, but especially finance. 

Digital inclusion and the role of digital identity in enabling frictionless transactions is another crucial factor in unlocking an individual’s potential for economic engagement. Platforms that facilitate ease of funds exchange, internationally, exemplify the growing union between technology and financial activities.

Companies across the globe are already leveraging open banking capabilities to provide digital identity verification services, bypassing traditional waiting periods. In emerging economies, the speed and efficiency of digital payment platforms like WhatsApp Pay in India and Brazil for example have facilitated the flow of money, reducing reliance on cash transactions, and contributing to the formalisation of economies. 

As always, the concept of consent within the realm of digital identity holds immense significance. Trethewey emphasises the need for critical analysis of what consent entails and the opportunity it presents to revolutionise how individuals interact with the world and access products and services. 

Exploring how the future may look

As artificial intelligence proliferates and identity fraud becomes a pressing concern, the need for robust tools to ensure undeniable identity verification will only grow. Businesses must embrace the evolving landscape and adopt sophisticated solutions to combat identity fraud while harnessing the potential of AI.

There are three powerful principles to guide businesses in this transformative era: 

1. Returning to first principle:

This is vital, as adding layers to legacy systems may not address the underlying challenges effectively. The business community needs clarity on what they need to achieve. Taking a step back is key to understanding what served us well in the past but may not now.

2. Seeing the bigger picture:

Adopting a holistic approach and viewing organisations beyond silos is crucial for unlocking a broader range of commercial opportunities. Things like eliminating duplication within a singular organisation can only be done if we take a step back and take stock.

3. Competitive collaboration

This fosters the leveraging of technical skills and business strengths, amplifying market reach, and unlocking true market potential. A culture of working together rather than solely competing against each other encourages the joint pursuit of mutually beneficial opportunities.  

• Comcorp South Africa is a leading software innovator and authentication technology specialist.