This episode of the podcast series explores how legal modernisation and digital public infrastructure are shaping the future of global trade, with a particular focus on developing and emerging markets.
We examine the Commonwealth’s new Model Law on Digital Trade and how harmonised, digital-ready legal frameworks can reduce trade friction, unlock transparency, and accelerate cross-border commerce across member states. The conversation also looks at why implementation, not just policy design, is where real economic impact is realised.
To unpack what this means in practice, we hear from Vashti Maharaj, Adviser for Digital Trade Policy at the Commonwealth Secretariat, and Neil Shonhard, CEO of MonetaGo. Drawing on Bahrain’s national trade finance registry as a case study, they discuss public private collaboration, fraud reduction, SME financing, and why digital registries are proving to be one of the fastest ways to expand access to trade finance.
As 2026 approaches, the episode asks a forward-looking question: with the tools now proven, which partnerships and policy alignments will define the next chapter of digital trade?
