Decentralized identity has emerged as one of the most promising and complex shifts in digital identity, with major implications for IAM and ID verification.
But as adoption grows and ID wallet ecosystems emerge, so do the questions: Can decentralized identity truly deliver on its promise? Who stands to benefit or lose the most? Can it scale? And who will pay for it?
In this episode, we’re joined by two of the leading voices in identity: Charles Walton, Principal at The Agosti Group and former SVP of Identity at Avast and Mastercard, and Martin Kuppinger, Principal Analyst and Founder at KuppingerCole.(0:00) — Introduction
(5:00) — Martin’s optimism about decentralized identity’s future
(7:20) — Everyday use cases where decentralized identity could help
(8:45) — Charlie's view: why decentralized identity is the right model
(11:00) — Importance of a "fourth actor" in the ecosystem
(12:00) — Use cases gaining momentum: mobile driver's licenses and age verification
(13:00) — Martin: the need for a bigger vision, beyond pilot projects
(14:40) — Practical business realities vs. visionary storytelling
(16:00) — How decentralized identity could transform payment experiences
(17:20) — The necessity of demand-driven adoption, not just supply-driven
(18:00) — Barriers to enterprise adoption: lack of knowledge and fear of disruption
(22:00) — The role of a trust network and acceptance mark (the “fourth actor”)
(24:00) — Key traits needed for a global decentralized identity network
(26:30) — Martin: How a multi-provider trust ecosystem could work
(28:00) — Risks if wallet ecosystems become too fragmented
(30:00) — What’s holding decentralized identity back: lack of big, daily-use players
(35:00) — Business models: who pays for decentralized identity?
(40:00) — Multi-wallet world: personal vs. organizational wallets
(42:00) — How decentralized identity could simplify travel experiences
(44:00) — Decentralized identity as a tool against AI-driven fraud
(46:00) — Identity for non-human agents (AIdentity)
(48:00) — Audience Q&A: Why should consumers care about decentralized identity?
(50:00) — Organizational wallets as a potential breakthrough moment
(52:00) — How regulation can either help or hurt innovation
(54:00) — The problem with over-regulating technology choices
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