World Trustmark and Trade Alliance (WTA) is launching Trade Entity Credit Reports as the first tier of a Three‑Tier Trust Ecosystem established at the 6 January 2026 meeting. This initiative builds on the Secretariat’s plan to publish replicable case studies and accumulate institutional knowledge to strengthen member trust and cross‑border trade credibility. The Rakuten model in Japan is identified as the core case, demonstrating a lightweight entry point with basic reports priced at USD $400 and clear expansion potential in Thailand and Malaysia. Regular project updates will be posted on the WTA website to track milestones and share lessons learned.
Objective — WTA & Shenzhen Institute of Standards and Technology (SIST) Collaboration: WTA proposes a joint project with SIST to co‑develop standardized credit reporting templates, pilot interoperable data exchanges, and adapt the Rakuten approach for regional markets. The collaboration will focus on technical alignment, shared governance principles, and a phased rollout that prioritizes ease of adoption for small and medium trade entities. Together, WTA and SIST will design a replicable model that members can implement locally while benefiting from mutual recognition across jurisdictions. This partnership will also explore capacity building for local partners to operate and sustain reporting services.
How to join: WTA invites members, industry partners, credit bureaus, and technology providers to join the Trade Entity Credit Reports working group. Interested organizations are encouraged to nominate experts for the working group recruitment round that the Secretariat will announce by month‑end. Participation will include case development workshops, pilot site selection, and contribution to public‑facing guidance documents. Members who join early will have opportunities to shape the service model and pilot scope.
Support and funding: To scale the initiative, WTA seeks financial support from members and partners to underwrite pilot costs, platform integration, and outreach in target markets. Contributions will fund Secretariat coordination, expert mobilization, and the creation of open resources for wider adoption. Donors will be acknowledged in project communications and can opt to sponsor specific pilots or capacity‑building streams. The Secretariat will issue a preliminary press release announcing the project launch and funding opportunities.