The Future of Identity

Riley Hughes
The Future of Identity

The Future of Identity podcast talks to the people building the IDtech products of tomorrow. In each episode, Trinsic CEO Riley Hughes dives deep with founders and product builders to discuss their insights about what it takes to successfully launch an identity product. We hope you join us as we highlight the people at the forefront of making IDtech consumable for every day users and what is needed to reach mass adoption.As a leader in the self-sovereign identity movement, Trinsic has seen hundreds of companies attempt to use decentralized identity to build products that help people take control of their identity and data. Learn more about Trinsic at https://trinsic.id/.

  1. MAY 7

    Rebekah Johnson - Building a Business Identity Ecosystem at Numeracle

    On today’s episode we spoke to Rebekah Johnson, Founder & CEO of Numeracle. This was a fascinating conversation about Rebekah’s journey starting Numeracle in 2016 to bring trust back to business communications by tackling robocalling and spam in the telecom ecosystem. We talk about how Numeracle became an early identity issuer in telecom through the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN protocols which have now rolled out to subscribers of carriers like T-Mobile and how she overcame the classic chicken-and-egg problem of launching before carriers were ready. We also discuss how the business identity ecosystem compares to consumer digital identity, and what companies should do when they know a new standard is coming (like eIDAS 2.0), but it’s not here yet. We finish by exploring modern AI's impact on communications, including how to preserve trust when automated agents or AI-powered voice calls are part of the conversation. You can learn more about Numeracle at numeracle.com and connect with Rebekah on LinkedIn. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    46 min

  2. JAN 29

    Jonas Brännvall - How BankID Became Ubiquitous in Sweden

    In this episode, we speak with Jonas Branvall, Head of International Expansion at BankID Sweden, one of the most widely-adopted reusable ID systems in the world. With 99.7% of Swedish adults using BankID and over 7,500 relying parties onboard, it’s a fascinating success story in the digital identity space. I’ve been eager to explore what drives the adoption of a universally embraced digital ID system, and Jonas provides clear answers. We discuss the pivotal role of strong use cases in driving adoption, including the two major relying party use cases that helped BankID achieve its widespread success. Jonas also shares his insights on the tipping point for adoption—approximately 40% penetration—and why that marks the transition to ubiquity for both users and relying parties. BankID’s story offers a powerful model for anyone involved in launching mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), EUDI wallets, private-sector reusable ID networks, or companies looking to integrate these solutions. Join me for this insightful conversation with Jonas Branvall and learn more about BankID at https://www.bankid.com/en/.

    42 min

  3. JAN 15

    Diego Fernández - Driving Decentralized Identity in Buenos Aires with QuarkID

    In this episode of The Future of Identity Podcast, I’m joined by Diego Fernández, co-founder of QuarkID and Sovra, to discuss the innovative decentralized identity solution rolled out by the city of Buenos Aires. QuarkID has garnered international attention for its self-custodial identity wallet app, and Diego provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at its development, challenges, and growing adoption. In this episode, we explore: The journey of QuarkID, from its origin story to its evolution as a decentralized identity solution.Insights into adoption challenges when launching a self-custodial identity wallet app in February and the breakthrough moment of integrating it into the government mobile app.The impressive growth of QuarkID, with over 200,000 users onboarded in just 40 days and adoption accelerating at an increasing rate.Diego’s visionary perspective on the shortcomings of current identity systems and how improved digital identity can drive prosperity and empowerment.Practical lessons for governments and organizations looking to implement decentralized identity systems.This episode is a must-listen for professionals in digital identity, government innovation, and technology ecosystems. Whether you’re interested in decentralized identity, user adoption strategies, or creating impactful public-private partnerships, this conversation offers valuable insights. Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to share it with others who are passionate about the future of identity! Learn more about QuarkID at https://quarkid.org/. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    39 min

  4. 12/12/2024

    Jeffrey Schwartz - Acquiring Trinsic Ecosystems & Accelerating the Future of Decentralized Identity

    In this episode of the Future of Identity podcast, I’m joined by Jeffrey Schwartz, Founder and CEO of Dentity, to discuss the recent acquisition of Trinsic’s SSI platform assets, their ongoing partnership with Trinsic, and the innovations driving decentralized identity adoption. They explore the journey behind Dentity’s success in achieving market traction, building trust, and scaling decentralized identity solutions in the face of market challenges. In this episode we dive into: The strategy behind Dentity’s success and rapid adoption in the decentralized identity marketThe Trinsic Ecosystem, interoperability challenges, and creating user-friendly identity solutionsThe role of interoperability and strategic partnerships in scaling decentralized identity systemsThe future of decentralized identity and the Trinsic Acceptance Network — connecting users, platforms, and networks globally Whether you're an enterprise, developer, or identity enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights into the future of identity ecosystems and their transformative potential. You can learn more about Dentity at dentity.com. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    59 min

  5. 12/04/2024

    Ajay Gupta - Shaping California’s mDL Program and the Future of Digital Identity

    In this episode of The Future of Identity Podcast, I’m joined by Ajay Gupta, Chief Digital Transformation Officer of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, to discuss California’s groundbreaking mobile driver’s license (mDL) program. From its launch to current adoption trends and future ambitions, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how California is shaping the future of mDLs. In this episode we explore: The adoption and growth rates of California’s mDL program, including demographic insights and usage trends.Where mDLs are being used today and the balance between Android and iOS wallet downloads.The promising potential of remote verification (online use of mDLs) and why Ajay sees it as the fastest-growing channel for adoption.Key lessons for other states, DMVs, and government agencies on engaging stakeholders and demonstrating ROI for mDL programs.Practical advice for driving adoption among businesses and other relying parties.This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the future of digital identity, especially professionals working in government, transportation, or identity ecosystems. Whether you’re curious about the technical, policy, or adoption aspects of mDLs, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to share it with others who would find value in this discussion! Learn more about the CA DMV’s mDL hackathon outcomes in a free public briefing webinar on Januaty 10th. Register here. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    44 min

  6. 11/06/2024

    David Kelts - From Idemia to Decipher Identity and the Evolution of Mobile IDs

    In this episode of The Future of Identity Podcast, I’m joined by David Kelts, a leader in digital identity and mobile ID initiatives, with a career that spans significant contributions across multiple companies and initiatives worldwide. David's insights shed light on the journey of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), the evolution of identity verification, and his current role at Decipher Identity, where he’s tackling adoption challenges and working with businesses to expand use cases for digital identity. We explore: - David's early work at Idemia, including pioneering efforts in connecting driver’s licenses to online identity proofing. - The origin and adoption challenges of mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and why adoption has lagged behind expectations. - Privacy concerns surrounding digital IDs and the misconception of "phone home" tracking in mobile identity, along with how privacy regulations are influencing this space. - The role of standards organizations and government agencies, like AMVA and TSA, in fostering privacy and security in digital credentials. - The future vision for digital identity, including the potential for digital-native identity credentials, cross-border use cases, and the value of user choice in secure digital wallets. David also shares stories from working directly with states like Utah and California on mDL projects and reflects on what’s needed for broader adoption. This episode is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of digital identity and is perfect for anyone interested in the future of authentication, privacy, and user-centric identity solutions. You can learn more about Decipher Identity at decipher.id. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    43 min

  7. 10/09/2024

    Rohan Pinto - 1Kosmos's Journey from Blockchain to Passwordless Authentication

    In this episode of The Future of Identity Podcast, I’m joined by Rohan Pinto, Co-founder and CTO of 1Kosmos, a company at the forefront of decentralized identity and passwordless authentication solutions. We explore the evolution of identity management and the journey from blockchain-based beginnings to building secure, user-controlled identity systems that go beyond traditional centralized approaches. We dive into several key topics, including: - Rohan’s background in identity and access management, and his transition into building cryptographic solutions that emphasize user control over their identities. - The role of blockchain as an enabler in identity verification and why it’s not the complete solution to today’s identity challenges. - 1Kosmos’s unique approach to authentication, including their pivot from blockchain to passwordless access using biometric verification. - The challenges and potential of user-controlled identity and verifiable credentials, and why widespread adoption has been slower than expected. - Rohan’s perspective on the future of identity, including how decentralized identifiers and biometrics will reshape how we access systems and interact with digital services. Rohan shares insights from his new book and offers a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities of building a more secure, user-centric identity ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of identity, security, and the evolving digital landscape. You can learn more about 1Kosmos at 1kosmos.com. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    1h 3m

  8. 09/16/2024

    Calvin Fabre - Envoc's Role in Pioneering Mobile Driver’s Licenses in Louisiana

    In this episode, I’m joined by Calvin Fabre, President and Founder of Envoc, a company that has been at the heart of mobile driver's license (mDL) innovation in Louisiana, a state leading the nation in mDL adoption. Calvin shares the fascinating story of how his company helped bring the country’s first digital driver’s license into reality, starting with a simple idea for a “digital glove box.” We dive into a variety of topics, including: - The journey from bidding on payment processing systems to developing a groundbreaking MDL system for the Louisiana DMV - How Envoc navigated the complexities of legislation and law enforcement adoption to make digital driver's licenses legal for routine traffic stops - The importance of user feedback in expanding the LA Wallet app to include hunting licenses, concealed carry permits, and even COVID-19 vaccine cards - The unique role LA Wallet has played in verifying identity remotely, including for disaster relief and online age verification for adult content - Insights on the future of digital credentials, from frictionless onboarding to the growing adoption of MDLs in industries like banking and retail Calvin’s expertise offers a deep dive into the future of identity and digital credentials, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, law enforcement, and secure digital identification. You can learn more about Envoc at envoc.com. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more announcements related to the future of identity at trinsic.id/podcast Reach out to Riley (@rileyphughes) and Trinsic (@trinsic_id) on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you.

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Future of Identity podcast talks to the people building the IDtech products of tomorrow. In each episode, Trinsic CEO Riley Hughes dives deep with founders and product builders to discuss their insights about what it takes to successfully launch an identity product. We hope you join us as we highlight the people at the forefront of making IDtech consumable for every day users and what is needed to reach mass adoption.As a leader in the self-sovereign identity movement, Trinsic has seen hundreds of companies attempt to use decentralized identity to build products that help people take control of their identity and data. Learn more about Trinsic at https://trinsic.id/.

Information

  • Creator
    Riley Hughes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Future of Identity
  • Show Website
    The Future of Identity

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