The digital identity of tomorrow: how Topicus is helping to build eIDAS 2.0

What if you could share your diploma, identity document or income details with a bank, employer or government agency in a secure and controlled manner with just one click of a button – without having to send a copy of your passport? That is exactly the promise of eIDAS 2.0, a European regulation that takes the digital identity of citizens and companies to a new level. Topicus is at the table on behalf of the sector to help think about how this legislation and regulation will take shape in the Netherlands.  

Bernd Kottier (left), product owner at Topicus, and Steijn de Kok (right), business consultant at Topicus, participate in national working groups that allow them to directly influence decision-making around eIDAS 2.0. “We sit at the table with government agencies, banks, wallet developers and cryptography experts,” says Bernd. “The fact that we, as a software company, have been given that place shows that we are seen as a serious knowledge partner.”  

"Suppose you apply for a loan. At the moment you have to collect and upload all kinds of documents. But with the wallet you can soon share that information directly from your phone with the bank, quickly and safely."

Business consultant

The digital wallet

The term eIDAS stands for electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services . In plain language: it is about digital identification, signatures and the trust that comes with it. “Ten years ago, it was mainly about qualified signing,” says Bernd. “You had to be able to prove that a signature was really yours and that the content of the document was unchanged. This was done using cryptographic techniques (encrypting or decrypting data so that only authorized persons can view it).” 

With eIDAS 2.0, something revolutionary is now added: the digital wallet. An app linked to your identity from the Personal Records Database (BRP), which gives you control over which data you share – and with whom. Bernd: “That is not only convenient, but also a major step in combating identity fraud. You no longer have to show or send your ID. For example, if you are in the supermarket, thanks to your wallet you can simply show that you are over 18, without sharing personal data such as your date of birth.” 

Steijn adds: “Or suppose you apply for a loan. At the moment, you have to collect and upload all kinds of documents. But with the wallet, you will soon be able to share that information directly from your phone with the bank, quickly and safely.” Not only within the Netherlands: the entire system has been set up in Europe and is legally enforced, which will also make opening a bank account in another EU country a lot easier in the future. 

At the table for national decision-making

Topicus is involved in the application of eIDAS within its Akkuro Lending platform, where data exchange takes place between banks, accountants and appraisers. “These processes become a lot more efficient and secure with eIDAS,” Bernd explains. “For example, an appraiser signs a valuation. Thanks to the qualified signature, the bank knows for sure that the report is authentic. This also has positive consequences for the bank's capital buffer - and therefore for how much they can lend and the interest they have to charge for it.” 

"Thanks to the qualified signature, the bank knows for sure that the report is authentic. This also has positive consequences for the bank's capital buffer - and therefore for how much they can lend and the interest they have to charge for it."

Product owner

The technical challenges

Technically, eIDAS 2.0 is still very much in development. “The framework is not yet completely fixed,” says Steijn. “Wallet providers in the Netherlands are in a difficult position, because what they are building now may have to change again in three months due to the requirements that will apply then or eventually.” 

For Topicus, the challenge lies mainly in preparing existing platforms for this new way of sharing data. “We will soon have to be able to communicate with the European wallet systems,” says Steijn. “That also means: dealing with GDPR requirements, pseudonymizing data, and integration via APIs with other parties.” 

Privacy by design for citizens, companies and governments

The impact is broad. From making it easier to become a customer at a European bank to being able to safely show your diplomas or age in the supermarket. “And all that without sharing unnecessary data,” says Bernd. “That is privacy by design.” 

For governments it means less administration. For companies more certainty about the identity of customers and business relations. And for citizens above all: convenience and control. 

"I truly believe that this will fundamentally change our service provision. Our ambition is to be an early player. This way we can optimally support our customers."

Business consultant

The vision of the future: not only following, but also shaping

According to the plan, every citizen in Europe should be able to create a free digital wallet by the end of 2026. But whether and how quickly it will be used en masse depends on adoption. “Ultimately, the citizen decides,” says Steijn. “The government has to offer it, but use is voluntary. Nevertheless, we think it can go quickly.” 

It is clear: eIDAS 2.0 affects almost all domains in which Topicus is active. “By the end of 2027, there will be an obligation for multiple sectors to support digital identification,” says Bernd. “All our business lines must be ready for that.” 

“I really believe that this will fundamentally change our service provision at Topicus. That is why it is great to think along about how we are going to position ourselves in this,” says Steijn. Our ambition is to be an early player. This is so that we can support our customers in complying with legislation and at the same time see where we can add value ourselves. Not only follow, but also shape.” 

Bernd agrees: “It is a complex issue with real social impact. And it is satisfying to be able to make a substantive contribution on behalf of Topicus.”