Global Commons Certification
Put financial services to work for the global commons.
Global Commons Certification is a voluntary, early-stage program for financial-service providers and the institutions that use their services. Choose which type of certification is best for you.
Designed for a practical start: Provisional Members can begin with minimal commitment.
Choose your pathway
Which option fits your needs?
Your choice of certification depends on whether you are a financial services provider, a client of financial services, or a global commons champion that is ready to make an institution-wide commitment.
Exploratory Bank Commitment
Provisional financial-service member
Best for banks, fintechs, payment companies, and other financial providers. Offer one or more certified products or services, contribute an agreed portion of eligible transaction-related revenue, and invite customers to participate. Typical start: one product, service, portfolio, or pilot.
Exploratory Corporate Commitment
Provisional corporate member
Best for companies and other organizations that purchase financial services. Use one or more Global Commons Certified accounts or products. Typical start: one account, provider relationship, or defined pilot.
Broader commitment
Charter member
Best for organizations prepared to make an institution-wide commitment. Operate all financial products with Global Commons Certification and adopt appropriate bylaw or charter language. Typical scope: organization-wide financial products.
This is a plain-language overview. The signed Certification Agreement defines the exact scope and obligations for each participating organization.
What participation involves
A defined commitment, matched to your role
Not every organization has the same responsibilities. The agreement should identify exactly which legal entity, product, service, account, and location are included.
01
Offer or use certified services
Financial service providers can certify a defined offering. Corporate members can begin by choosing one or more certified accounts or services.
02
Support shared global systems
Participating financial service providers contribute an agreed portion of eligible transaction-related revenue to the Global Commons Fund.
03
Invite participation
Customers who join receive an invitation to learn about Global Commons Commission processes.
How to get started
From interest to a defined application
Certification begins with a conversation. Together, we can identify the most suitable pathway and the practical scope for your organization.
Step one
Choose a pathway
Decide whether you provide financial services, use them, or want to explore Charter Membership.
Step two
Define the scope
Identify the legal entity, service, account, geography, or pilot you want considered.
Step three
Contact the Commission
Introduce your organization, and share your location, intended scope, and contact information.
Step four
Review the agreement
Confirm commitments, terms, communications, brand use, and other applicable requirements.
Step five
Complete due diligence
Conduct the organizational and operational reviews appropriate to your situation.
Step six
Apply and communicate clearly
If approved, publicize your certification.
Current program status
What certification means today
The Global Commons Commission is building this voluntary initiative in stages.
✓ Certification applies only to the named legal entities, services, and accounts in approved locations and contexts.
✓ Detailed standards for assessment, monitoring, renewal, corrective action, and appeals are still being developed.
✓ Certification does not replace regulatory authorization, deposit or custody protection, fiduciary review, or other required due diligence.
✓ An application or exploratory conversation should not be described publicly as certification.
Common questions
What organizations often ask
These answers provide a starting point. The Certification Agreement and written confirmation from the Commission govern each organization’s participation.
Must we move all of our banking relationships?
No. You may begin as a Provisional Member, which means using one or more certified accounts or engaging in a clearly defined pilot. Charter Membership is the broader pathway covering all financial products.
Take the next step
Start with a focused conversation.
Tell us whether your organization is a client of financial services or provides financial services. Tell us where you operate, and the services, account types, or pilot you would like to explore.