A pilot for a new Digital Verification Orchestrator (DVO) is now underway, aiming to streamline the secure and efficient sharing of information between financial institutions.
The initiative, established in February 2026, has developed a DVO Blueprint outlining its purpose, governance, and practical implementation recommendations. This pilot is being led by UK Finance and involves major financial institutions.
The DVO is described as a voluntary, consent-based trust layer, not a national identity card, designed to unlock significant benefits for the financial sector and support economic growth. The City of London Corporation's Securing Growth: the Digital Verification Opportunity report, published in March 2025, highlighted the need for such an orchestrator to combat fraud and improve the speed and efficiency of sharing personal and organisational information.
The Digital Verification Orchestrator Initiative, chaired by Ezechi Britton MBE, has brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including major financial institutions, FinTechs, and trade associations. The DVO Blueprint, published in June 2026, sets out the proposed purpose and governance of the DVO, along with practical recommendations for its implementation.
The pilot phase, involving organisations such as Lloyds Banking Group, Natwest, Visa, Barclays, HSBC, Santander, and Nationwide, is a crucial step towards scaling digital verification across the UK's financial services sector. The City Corporation is also working with the government to embed relevant DVO capabilities within the Digital Verification Services Trust Framework.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK's competitiveness as a global hub for financial and professional services, promoting innovation and leadership in technology. The City of London Police, as the national lead force for fraud and cyber crime, plays a key role in building a secure ecosystem for these services.