The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) has released its most comprehensive report to date: “Digitalising Global Trade: A Roadmap to Interoperability and Trust at Scale.” This milestone publication outlines the blueprint for transitioning global trade from document-heavy processes to data-first, interoperable ecosystems—and the LEI plays a central role.

Whats in the ICC report?

The report identifies 189 core data elements across 36 trade documents and proposes three technical routes to achieving interoperability across borders and sectors. It also introduces frameworks and principles for aligning digital trade infrastructures across jurisdictions.

Key highlights include:

• The “verify once, use many” trust framework

• A push toward data-first systems, moving away from document-based processes

• The critical use of verifiable credentials like the vLEI (verifiable Legal Entity Identifier) to enable trusted, scalable identity verification

• Emphasis on semantic and technical alignment via tools like KTDDE (Key Trade Document and Data Elements) and KIGs (Key Interoperability Guidelines)

Why This Matters for LEI Adoption

The report explicitly acknowledges that standardized digital identifiers, such as the LEI and vLEI, are essential for enabling trust at scale in trade. By using LEIs in supply chain, logistics, financing, and customs procedures, trading parties can be uniquely and globally identified—removing ambiguity and reducing friction in cross-border transactions.

The vLEI adds an additional layer by embedding these identifiers into verifiable credentials that can be digitally signed, timestamped, and exchanged in real-time, ensuring authenticity and non-repudiation.

“The LEI is no longer just a financial identifier—it’s becoming a passport for participation in the digital trade ecosystem,” said Darragh Hayes, CEO of LEI Worldwide. “With frameworks like the ICC’s roadmap, we’re seeing the infrastructure laid for scalable, interoperable trade that includes every actor—from SMEs to global banks.”

A Call to Action for Stakeholders

The ICC DSI urges governments, banks, platforms, and standards bodies to:

• Adopt global digital identity standards like the LEI and vLEI

• Support regulatory frameworks that mandate standardized identifiers

• Invest in open and interoperable data infrastructure for trade

Access the Report

You can download the full ICC DSI 2025 Report here:
👉 Download the Report