Trustdock

About Trustdock

Established in November 2017 by Takahiro Chiba, Trustdock Inc. operates as a specialized Know Your Customer (KYC) and identity management firm based in Tokyo, Japan. The company's genesis stems from R&D on digital IDs using blockchain technology within Gaiax Inc. starting in 2016, a project also led by Chiba who has a unique background, having pursued a career as a manga artist after studying architecture before entering the tech industry. The venture was first established as a business unit in July 2017 before being spun out as an independent company, initially named Digital Identity Inc., in April 2018.

Trustdock provides a comprehensive suite of API-based solutions for digital identity verification, positioning itself as a crucial infrastructure for a digital society. Its business model is centered on offering KYC as a Service, enabling other businesses to integrate identity verification processes seamlessly into their own services. This model serves a wide array of clients, from financial institutions and fintech platforms to sharing economy services and government bodies, helping them comply with regulations such as Japan's Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds. Revenue is generated by providing these API tools and outsourcing the associated operational tasks, such as 24/7 operator management, which allows clients to reduce their internal costs.

The core offering is a platform of diverse APIs for tasks including individual eKYC, corporate KYC (eKYB), AML/PEP risk checks, personal number acquisition, and even mailing services. A key feature is the "TRUSTDOCK App," a digital ID wallet that allows end-users to securely manage their verified identity information and use it across different services, streamlining account opening and other processes. The platform is designed for flexibility, allowing businesses to implement only the necessary APIs at the required moments in their customer workflows. By handling the entire identity verification process, from document uploaders to back-end checks and even BPO, Trustdock offers a full-stack solution to combat fraud and ensure regulatory adherence.