A governance framework for structured trade
MANIDASO has introduced the initial public summary of its Trade Governance Framework.
The framework defines how proposed trade activity should enter, progress through and conclude within the MANIDASO system.
It is designed to address a recurring weakness in domestic and cross-border trade: different parties may participate in the same transaction without sharing a sufficiently clear record of eligibility, agreed conditions, custody, performance and responsibility.
The framework does not remove commercial risk. It establishes a structure through which risk can be identified, allocated, monitored and recorded more consistently.
Core governance principles
Verified entry
Participation in a MANIDASO-governed trade is not established merely by creating an account, submitting a listing or making an enquiry.
The relevant buyer, supplier, organisation, product and supporting information may be reviewed before the trade is authorised to progress.
Verification is proportionate to the circumstances and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a party will perform every obligation.
Conditional progression
A trade progresses when the applicable conditions for the next stage have been satisfied.
The presence of a product listing does not automatically authorise payment. Payment does not automatically authorise dispatch. Dispatch does not constitute confirmed delivery.
Each stage must be assessed against the relevant evidence and recorded status.
Recorded responsibility
Responsibility should be identifiable when goods, documents, funds or custody move between parties.
The framework therefore records material handovers and decisions rather than relying solely on informal communications.
Evidence before decision
Material approvals, exceptions, payment releases and dispute outcomes should be supported by evidence appropriate to the trade.
Evidence may include identification records, company information, product documentation, photographs, inspection records, payment confirmations, shipment documents and delivery acknowledgements.
Permanent trade record
Relevant trade activity is connected through a MANIDASO Trust File.
The Trust File is designed to preserve the material record of the trade, including the parties involved, applicable conditions, events, documents and decisions.
Application across the platform
The framework is implemented through the principal MANIDASO modules:
- Mart records the proposed commercial opportunity.
- Verify assesses relevant eligibility and evidence.
- Pay records payment structure and progression conditions.
- Move records custody and shipment events.
- Trust File maintains the connected trade record.
- Resolve records exceptions, disputes and outcomes where required.
Scope and limitations
The framework is an operating model for MANIDASO platform activity. It does not replace applicable law, contractual terms, customs requirements, financial regulation, insurance obligations or the independent responsibilities of participating parties.
Where regulated services are required, MANIDASO intends to work with appropriately authorised providers rather than presenting an unregulated service as regulated activity.
The framework will continue to develop as operational testing produces evidence about what works, what fails and what requires stronger control.
