The Bridgforte Centre for Global Impact has launched a new governance framework and the Trust Lab to boost public confidence in digital finance as financial technology grows rapidly.
The Centre unveiled its flagship policy report, Trust Architecture in Platform-Led Finance, during a global online dialogue. More than 400 central bankers, regulators, financial institutions, fintech executives, consumer advocates, researchers and development partners joined the event.
Bridgforte Founder and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Aishah Ahmad, said financial inclusion now depends on both access to digital financial services and public trust.
She said customers judge the entire financial system rather than individual institutions because they move across connected platforms. Ahmad added that leaders must build trust through strong governance instead of treating it as a communication strategy.
The report found that financial leaders at Bridgforte’s Executive Table in Lagos in February scored trust in Nigeria’s platform-led financial system at 5.4 out of 10. Participants at the global launch gave a similar score of 5.7 out of 10. The findings show that digital finance has grown faster than public confidence.
South African Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Nomfundo Tshazibana delivered the keynote address. She described trust and confidence as essential economic infrastructure. She said strong financial systems rely on credible institutions, sound governance, effective collaboration and public confidence.
Bridgforte introduced a Trust Architecture Framework with five pillars: Infrastructure Integrity, Institutional Accountability, Technology Governance, Ecosystem Coordination and Cultural Confidence.
Ahmad also launched the Trust Lab. She said the initiative will support research, policy dialogue and trust measurement. She added that the platform will help policymakers and industry leaders strengthen confidence across digital financial systems.
