Digital Wallets Aligned with Open Standards
An introduction to four digital wallet projects that are based on open standards and open source.
Abstract
In this article I present four digital wallets that are based on open standards and open source. I discuss the key features of each wallet as well as some of the terminology. While my review of the available digital wallets in this area is not exhaustive, the goal is to highlight some open wallet projects and give the reader an idea of what is happening in this space.
Introduction
The Open Wallet Foundation (OWF) which is part of the Linux Foundation was established in October 2023. It is an initiative aimed at developing open-source software and standards for digital wallets. While the foundation is still relatively new, it is working to create interoperable, secure, and privacy-preserving digital wallet solutions. Specific wallets based directly on the OWF toolkit are still in development or early stages of user testing. In this article we present three examples based on OWF, and another that is not however it is open sourced:
1. Trinsic
Trinsic is a prominent platform in the decentralized identity (DID) space, focusing on enabling developers and organizations to build self-sovereign identity (SSI) solutions, including digital wallets. Trinsic is designed to support open standards like W3C Verifiable Credentials (VCs) and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), which are foundational to interoperable and secure digital identity ecosystems.
Key Features of Trinsic:
Support for Open Standards
Trinsic is built to comply with W3C Verifiable Credentials and DID standards, ensuring interoperability with other systems and wallets that adhere to these standards.
It also supports DID methods like did: key, did: web, and others, allowing flexibility in how identities are created and managed.
Wallet SDKs and APIs
Trinsic provides Software Development Kits (SDKs) and APIs for developers to integrate decentralized identity capabilities into their applications.
Supported platforms include JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Go, Java, and more.
Credential Issuance and Verification
Trinsic enables organizations to issue verifiable credentials (e.g., digital driver’s licenses, diplomas, or membership cards) and verify them securely.
It supports zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), allowing users to share only the necessary information without revealing sensitive data.
i. Sign Up: Create an account on the Trinsic website.
ii. Explore Documentation: Check out their comprehensive developer documentation.
2. Sovrin Wallet
Sovrin Wallet is a key component of the Sovrin Network, which is one of the most well-known decentralized identity (DID) networks.
The Sovrin Network is built on the principles of self-sovereign identity (SSI), empowering individuals and organizations to control their digital identities without relying on centralized authorities. The Sovrin Wallet is designed to support open standards like W3C Verifiable Credentials (VCs) and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), making it a robust tool for managing digital identities and credentials.
Key Features of the Sovrin Wallet:
Support for Open Standards
The Sovrin Wallet adheres to W3C Verifiable Credentials and DID standards, ensuring compatibility with other SSI ecosystems and wallets.
It uses the Sovrin DID method (did:sov), which is specifically designed for the Sovrin Network.
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)
Users have full control over their identities and credentials, stored securely in their wallets.
Credentials can be issued, stored, and verified without relying on centralized intermediaries.
Credential Management
The wallet allows users to store and manage verifiable credentials (e.g., digital IDs, diplomas, certifications).
Users can selectively disclose information using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), enhancing privacy.
Download the Wallet: The Sovrin Wallet is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android.
3. Microsoft Entra Verified ID
Microsoft Entra Verified ID (formerly known as Azure AD Verifiable Credentials) is Microsoft's solution for decentralized identity and verifiable credentials. As a founding member of the OpenWallet Foundation, Microsoft has been actively contributing to the development of open standards for digital identity and wallets. Their solution is designed to be interoperable, secure, and privacy-preserving, aligning with the principles of self-sovereign identity (SSI).
Key Features of Microsoft Entra Verified ID:
Support for Open Standards
Microsoft Entra Verified ID is built on W3C Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), ensuring compatibility with other systems that adhere to these standards.
It uses the ION network, a Bitcoin-based decentralized identity network, for anchoring DIDs.
Interoperability
Designed to work seamlessly with other decentralized identity ecosystems, enabling cross-platform credential sharing and verification.
Supports integration with third-party wallets and identity systems.
Official Documentation: Microsoft Entra Verified ID Documentation.
4. Connect.Me
This wallet was developed by Evernym and they describe it as “the world's most advanced general purpose digital wallet. Its purpose is to empower individuals to gather, hold and share digital credentials in the most secure and privacy preserving way possible. It uses Hyperledger Indy to talk to distributed ledgers and Hyperledger Ursa for performing advanced cryptographic operations such as signing, proof generation and holder binding.”
Key Features of Connect.Me:
• Form private, secure connections with other entities in the Sovrin ecosystem
• Gather and store digital credentials
• Present digital proofs of part or all of your credentials, privately and securely
• Answer secure messages from any connection you have
Get the source code from https://github.com/evernym/ConnectMe.
Conclusion
In this article I introduced four open wallet projects. This is an area where there is a lot of development that happening. The open source space is very dynamic with new projects starting all the time, while others are growing, stagnating, or dying depending on the level of community support. I encourage readers to let me know of any additional projects that are based on open standards and open source.