Trinidad and Tobago advanced its digital transformation agenda this week as three national institutions, the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), the National Payment and Innovation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NPIC-TT), and the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), signed a landmark agreement to introduce a national electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) platform. The event took place at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain and was witnessed by Senator The Honourable Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance.
What is NOBIS
NOBIS is a locally developed eKYC platform that allows citizens to verify their identity and open accounts entirely online. Built by the Innovative Centre, the technology arm of NPIC-TT, NOBIS replaces paper-heavy, in-person verification with a faster, more secure, and fully digital process. For citizens, it means less time spent travelling and waiting. For institutions, it means compliant onboarding with a standard that can be applied at national scale.
“Our customers want convenience without sacrificing trust.” — Nigel Edwards, CEO, UTC
Who is involved and why it matters
The partnership brings together UTC, one of the country’s leading financial institutions, NPIC-TT through its Innovative Centre, and TSTT, the national telecommunications provider. Each plays a defined role. UTC will be among the first to adopt the platform for investor onboarding. The Innovative Centre designed and built the technology for national requirements. TSTT will deliver the secure telecommunications and cloud infrastructure needed for a resilient rollout.
“This is about nation-building through technology.” — Keino Cox, Acting CEO, TSTT
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to modernise payment systems and public service delivery. By establishing a common approach to digital identity verification, agencies and regulated institutions can rely on consistent standards, while citizens benefit from a familiar and repeatable experience.
Built in Trinidad and Tobago, for Trinidad and Tobago
NOBIS is designed and engineered locally. The Innovative Centre created the platform to meet international standards while reflecting local operating realities, including security, scalability, and the needs of both financial services and public agencies.
“It’s scalable, secure, and built right here in Trinidad and Tobago.” — Dawn Nelson, Vice President, Financial Sector Transformation, NPIC-TT
Developing the platform locally builds capacity, protects sensitive data within national boundaries, and makes iterative improvement faster.
What citizens and agencies can expect
Under the agreement, the same eKYC technology will be extended free of charge across ministries and state agencies. That means a single verified digital identity can support multiple services over time. Citizens will be able to apply for passports, renew driver’s licences, pay Government fees, and access other public services online, all using one trusted identity process. Agencies gain a consistent, auditable approach to verification, shorter onboarding times, and fewer paper-based steps.
Minister Swaratsingh described the agreement as tangible progress in the country’s digital evolution, noting the value of collaboration between public and private institutions to make everyday services easier, more transparent, and more resilient.
Rollout and next steps
The national rollout begins with UTC’s digital onboarding later this year. Following that phase, ministries and state agencies will adopt the platform according to their service priorities. As adoption grows, NOBIS is expected to provide the foundation for a unified national digital identity standard, positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a regional leader in secure and inclusive digital services.
The bigger picture
A standardised eKYC layer is a critical building block for a modern digital economy. It reduces duplication, strengthens compliance, and enables service innovation across both public and private sectors. By aligning identity verification around a robust national platform, the country sets the stage for faster service delivery, improved access, and stronger trust between institutions and citizens.
L-R Nigel Edwards, CEO, UTC; Keino Cox, Acting CEO, TSTT; Senator The Honourable Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance; John Outridge, CEO, NPIC-TT, Dawn Nelson, Vice President, Financial Sector Transformation, NPIC-TT