Twin-Domain Convergence Identity: A Framework for Institutional Namespace Standards in Regulated Digital Asset Infrastructure

Abstract

This paper introduces the Twin-Domain Convergence Identity framework — a systematic approach to institutional namespace architecture that pairs .com DNS domains with .eth ENS domains as the dual-layer identity standard for regulated digital asset infrastructure.

The framework addresses a structural problem that existing namespace standards have not solved: regulated digital asset infrastructure must simultaneously satisfy two incompatible audiences operating on two incompatible rails. Compliance teams, regulators, and General Counsel operate on the Web2 DNS rail — requiring human-readable, legally referenceable identity. Software architects, protocol engineers, and autonomous AI agents operate on the Web3 ENS rail — requiring machine-readable, cryptographically resolvable identity that executes without DNS intermediary.

Drawing on Ian Grigg's Ricardian Contract framework (1996–2015), the W3C Decentralized Identifiers and Verifiable Credentials specifications, the UK Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, and the US GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act legislative frameworks, this paper demonstrates that the Two-Rail Problem has been independently identified by legal theorists, technical standards bodies, and legislative authorities across four jurisdictions — but has not been resolved by any existing namespace standard.

The Twin-Domain Convergence Identity framework resolves this gap by pairing .com as the Ricardian Contract layer — human-readable, legally referenceable, institutionally brandable — with .eth as the W3C DID-compliant programmable routing layer — machine-readable, on-chain resolvable, protocol-embeddable.

Market demand validation is provided through three case studies demonstrating independent institutional adoption of identical namespace terms, primary source recognition in institutional search contexts, and thematic authority exceeding established high-authority reference domains.

Keywords: institutional namespace, Verifiable Credentials, Convergence Identity