Ottawa, Canada — The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) has announced the initiation of a new exploratory work item to develop a national standard titled Digital Public Infrastructure – Unified Ledger: Requirements and Framework for Tokenized Identity, Financial Instruments, and Government Records.
This proposed standard will establish a comprehensive framework for the design, implementation, governance, and interoperability of a unified ledger, an emerging form of digital public infrastructure that integrates tokenized digital identity credentials, financial instruments, government records, and real-world assets on a shared, programmable platform.
Canada has an opportunity to lead in establishing a comprehensive standard for digital public infrastructure that encompasses both financial instruments and tokenized real-world assets. By standardizing, we can shape international norms and position our well regarded financial and property sectors as global leaders in the adoption of digital infrastructure.
– Ali Abou Daya, CEO of Transactix Financial Inc
The scope of the proposed work includes the development of:
- Reference architecture and technical requirements for unified ledger infrastructure
- Data models and protocols for tokenization of identities, financial instruments, and government records
- Standards for real-world asset tokenization, including property registries and fractional ownership models
- Interoperability frameworks across jurisdictions and institutional boundaries
- Privacy, security, and access control requirements
- Governance models for multi-stakeholder environments
- Alignment with international standards and initiatives
This initiative responds to increasing demand from financial institutions, regulators, government agencies, and real estate stakeholders for a standardized approach to unified ledger infrastructure. Currently, these sectors operate across fragmented systems, creating inefficiencies and limiting the potential of digital transformation. Internationally, organizations such as the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and major central banks are actively advancing unified ledger initiatives. By launching this exploratory work, DGSI aims to position Canada as a global leader in shaping the standards that will underpin tokenized economies and digital public infrastructure.
Call to participate
The DGSI is seeking participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, government bodies, regulators, technology providers, provincial land registry authorities, and standards organizations. Input from across Canada’s regions and sectors will be essential to ensure the resulting standard reflects national priorities while aligning with international frameworks.
You can read more via the Unified ledger page.
The comment period will be opened for 60 days, beginning today and closing on July 10, 2026.
For more information or to express interest in participating in this work, please contact:
Darryl Kingston
Executive Director
darryl.kingston@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI)
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.