City of Elk Grove
Sacramento County, CA
2010 – 2013
In 2012, the City of Elk Grove opened an extended Longleaf Drive and new 160-foot long, 58-foot wide, four-span, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete slab bridge over Elk Grove Creek. Though small, this important project supported economic growth through improved access to local businesses.
Blackburn provided geotechnical recommendations for the project. We evaluated the feasibility of spread footing, driven pile, and cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) pile foundation alternatives for bridge support. Due to scour issues and potential difficult pile driving conditions, we provided recommendations for CIDH piles to support the bridge. Blackburn also provided geotechnical support and quality assurance materials testing during construction. We provided services on time and within budget.


Riverfront Recapture to Transform 60-Acres of Riverfront Land into Community Park, Expand Access, and Create Regional Connections
Riverfront Recapture has purchased 60 acres of riverfront land on the Hartford-Windsor town line to build a new community park. This acquisition will allow Riverfront Recapture to complete a regional trail connection between the Hartford and Windsor Riverwalks and connect even more people with the Connecticut River.
“As we celebrate our organization’s 40th anniversary, we’re thrilled to continue the work of recapturing the riverfront. This land purchase gives us a rare opportunity to conserve one of the last riverfront parcels in the region and significantly expand public access to the Connecticut River. The redevelopment plan represents a transformational investment in the multimodal transportation system along the Connecticut River, will drive economic development, and improve the environment and community health in the underserved neighborhoods surrounding the park. We are very grateful to our project investors for making it possible,” said Michael Zaleski, President and CEO of Riverfront Recapture.
The purchase of this property was funded by private investors, including a leadership gift from the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The William and Alice Mortensen Foundation, and The Mowell Family Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, with generous legal support from Robinson + Cole.
The State of Connecticut Bond Commission provided funding for redeveloping public areas of the park and constructing the trail connection via the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Additional funding for trail development comes from a Community Connectivity Grant, awarded to the town of Windsor in partnership with Riverfront Recapture by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT).
Plans for the property include the creation of Garmany Cove, a nine-acre cove which will be the site of Riverfront Recapture’s envisioned paddle sport and outdoors center, featuring rowing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, and stand-up paddle boarding. Additional concepts include new trails, space for a 10-acre commercial development, and infrastructure such as a fishing pier, docks, and maintenance facilities. A poor-quality wetland will be replaced by an ecologically developed floodplain wetland. Hundreds of new trees will be planted to provide habitat corridors across the meadows. The park will support recreation, youth programs, community events, and festivals. The new trail will complete a seven-mile multi-use public transportation system extending from South Windsor to Hartford with connections to East Hartford and Glastonbury. The future park, trail, and commercial development are directly adjacent to federal opportunity zones in Hartford and Windsor. The project will improve access to greenspace and the Connecticut River and positively impact the environment and community health.
Project Resources & Media:
- Project Concept Plan
- Hartford Business Journal: Riverfront Recapture buys 60-acre Hartford-Windsor parcel, plans community park
- Hartford Courant: Riverfront Recapture announces 60-acre expansion that will connect trails, add cove for paddle sports
- Journal Inquirer: Land added for park on Hartford-Windsor line


Water is the most precious resource on Earth. But with more and more storms, floods, and droughts, it’s not always where we need it. The UN says 4 billion people—half the world’s population—face severe water shortages at least one month a year.
Botanical Water Technologies(BWT) from Australia found a way to recover the water usually wasted making alcohol, juice, ketchup, and sugar. BWT estimates 3 trillion liters of water are wasted this way every year. If that water were recovered, it could be reused, commercially sold or gifted to people who need it most.
The company had a working process for capturing, purifying and creating the world’s most sustainable drinking water with technology housed in shipping containers and connected up to existing systems that process fruit, vegetables, or sugar cane. The next challenge was creating a marketplace for buyers and sellers of plant-sourced water that would support three different transactions:
Sales of actual water for food, beverage and other manufacturers
Sales of “water impact credits” (WICs) to help fulfill corporate water stewardship goals
Bulk donations of water to the world’s most vulnerable people
BWT asked Fujitsu to develop a world-first: Botanical Water Exchange (BWX) that securely tracks every drop of water from producer to end consumer. That exchange is powered by the leading open-source framework for enterprise blockchains, Hyperledger Fabric.
The BWX exchange went live in the second quarter of 2022. The platform is now testing all functions and features with a selection of key partners in the U.S., Australia, and India. A standard water harvesting unit (WHU) can harvest ~460,000 liters or ~122,000 gallons per day. The BWX doesn’t only allow producers and buyers to trade. It also covers production planning, logistics planning, and value chain management. In addition, it interfaces with the WHU’s software for audit and certification purposes, tracing over 170 touchpoints and sensors per WHU.
The Hyperledger Foundation team worked with Fujitsu and BWT on a case study covering the business plan, technical requirements and implementation details. The case study also highlights plans to build out the network and expand the ecosystem, including creating a real-time wall display that quantifies the amount of water harvested and delivered, along with the positive impact made to people and the environment. The goal is to deliver water to 100 million of the world’s most vulnerable people by 2025.
The compelling network economics of centralized platforms prove an existential threat to traditional businesses. Companies that control the most powerful platforms are rewarded with exponential growth, insurmountable competitive advantage, high multiples, and access to cheap capital. Needing centralized platforms to validate counterparty identities and automate transactions, non-platform companies are often forced into business arrangements that see their business models commodified and their value chains held hostage.
Corporate support for open source collaborative efforts are, in part, a response to the centralizing tendencies of Web2. Open source blockchain technologies such as those hosted by Hyperledger Foundation promise to leverage the existing trust within corporate transaction networks by automating traceability, settlement, and audit processes. Public and private Distributed Ledger Technologies, together with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) open standards — Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) — enable the creation of decentralized Zero Trust Networks. These networks allow companies to avoid centralized platforms when digitizing extended value chains and automating multiparty transactions while lowering the cost of trust.
Zero trust is a security model that assumes all network traffic is untrusted until proven otherwise. Organizations do not automatically trust traffic, even if it originates from a seemingly trusted source. Instead, all traffic is validated before being allowed to pass. By implementing strict access controls and continuous authentication of all entities entering the network for all transactions, zero trust:
Improves security by reducing the attack surface and minimizes the potential for data breaches
Strengthens compliance by helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and industry standards for data protection
Provides greater visibility into network traffic and activities, allowing organizations to identify and prevent potential threats
To develop and implement zero trust Web3 technologies for multiparty business processes, 35 companies joined together in early 2018 to launch MOBI, the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative, a global nonprofit smart mobility alliance of forward-thinking vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), NGOs, government agencies, financial institutions, smart city leaders, and technology companies.
Since its launch, MOBI has continued to grow its membership and to date has created and released 17 blockchain-based standards to enable a zero trust environment for multiparty applications. These standards include:
MOBI VID (2019) was the first W3C DID-compliant vehicle identity based on the internationally accepted vehicle identification number (VIN) standard
MOBI Trusted Trip (2021) applied W3C VCs and DIDs guidelines to link trusted identity and location into a verifiable trip
Citopia is a federated Web3 marketplace leveraging VCs (or transactions) and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) cryptography to enable any entity to verify that another entity was present at a location, completed a trip, and performed relevant activities. Citopia VCs are machine-readable, privacy-preserving verifications for business automation in a zero trust ecosystem. These transaction verifications can be performed by any ecosystem stakeholders and do not rely on centralized certificate authorities.
The ITN is the first cross-industry permissioned network where participants agree to common identity standards and shared governance. As the first Zero Trust Certificate Authority for IoT, eCommerce, and business automation, the ITN acts as a global trust anchor for digital business. It is protocol, cloud, and technology agnostic. It’s currently built on Hyperledger Fabric with a Arbitrum One (EVM compatible optimistic layer 2 rollup on Ethereum) to anchor DIDs onto Ethereum as well. Plans call for this to be a multichain network.
Using the ITN, organizations can create secure digital services that are locally highly performant while also decentralized. The ITN is backed by three global industry consortia (MOBI, MEF, AAIS).
Together, Citopia and the ITN form the foundation for a community-owned and -operated Web3 infrastructure for connected ecosystems and IoT commerce. MOBI and its members are currently focusing on a selection of foundational use cases, including:
Platform agnostic global battery passports
Using in-vehicle telematics to provide real time accident data for reports and collision repair, using Web3 technology for data privacy
Multiparty supply chain track-and-trace
Zero-knowledge proof of vehicle location
Multimodal trip planning, booking, and payment
Maintenance and recall traceability
Figure 2: Working together to enable zero trust business automation, Citopia and the ITN offer end users and providers security, privacy, speed, and control.
Although Citopia and the ITN have some similarities to other industry networks, there are important differences that will enhance the speed, privacy, security, and regulatory compliance of connected ecosystems.
First, any organization can use Citopia and the ITN services. However, membership is required to run nodes on Citopia and/or the ITN.
Second, whereas most Web3 solutions combine DIDs registry (the ITN) and transactions processing (Citopia) on the same infrastructure/company, we choose to separate them into two distinct organizations, each with its own legal structure, governance, network, and operators. This increases decentralization by reducing the market power and information advantage of any single organization. Neither Citopia nor the ITN gets such dominant network effects that users can’t switch/leave, hence neither can abuse its position, rent seek, or meaningfully change the economics of the ecosystem.
Third, the separation permits Citopia to use any DIDs registry network following W3C DIDs standard, meaning that Citopia users aren’t locked to the ITN (and vice versa) and can use other networks.
Fourth, both Citopia and the ITN are vendor, technology, and protocol-agnostic, allowing applications interoperability and scaling of complex, cross industry, multiparty value chains.
Finally, through using Citopia and the ITN, DIDs are the only things registered and stored on chains. All personal and competitive information resides in the Self-Sovereign Digital Twin (SSDT) stored locally on the owner’s device or provider’s server and remains under the control of the owner, making the scraping and collection of data impractical, eliminating honeypots, reducing attack vectors, and improving security for all users.
Through Citopia and the ITN, companies have the opportunity to combine the best of both worlds — building and leveraging applications that meet enterprise security, privacy, and compliance requirements while avoiding vendor or technology lock-in. Companies can retain their brand, their business models, and their customers without paying significant economic rent to a centralized certificate authority, platform, or data monopolist. They can reap the full benefits of value chain automation and digital efficiency in a shared zero trust ecosystem where the network effects accrue to the community. More information on MOBI’s standards, Web3 infrastructure, and multiparty pilots can be found on our website.
For more on displacing centralized platforms with zero trust networks, join Mobi’s Tram Vo and leaders from across the insurance market for a discussion about proving the efficacy and value of enterprise-level blockchain. It will cover the technical and business challenges the insurance market, like other multiparty industries, must tackle in the move to Web3.
The webinar, Measuring and Proving Enterprise-scale Blockchain Technology in the Insurance Industry, will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 1pm ET / 10am PT. To register, go here.
Hyperledger Fabric performance is a question that comes up frequently as users try to compare it to transactional databases or other blockchain platforms in terms of the maximum TPS (Transactions Per Second). Performance in a Hyperledger Fabric network is complex because in an appropriately deployed network there will be many organizations participating, each with their own hardware and networking infrastructure, along with different solution characteristics such as number of channels, chaincode implementations and policies.
Hyperledger Fabric 2.x has performance improvements over Hyperledger Fabric 1.4. Fabric 1.4 is now out of LTS and should not be used in production environments. Fabric 2.5 is the latest LTS version and includes the new peer Gateway service. When used with the new gateway SDKs, applications will demonstrate improved performance relative to applications based on the legacy SDKs.
Hyperledger Fabric documentation now has a section on Performance Considerations that can be found in the 2.5 and latest versions of the Hyperledger Fabric documentation. This content provides useful insight into helping to achieve a performant Fabric network. It doesn’t include information about certain scalability concerns such as large numbers of PDCS, channels, organizations, etc.
In conjunction with the new Performance Considerations documentation, the community has leveraged Hyperledger Caliper for some initial performance benchmarks for Hyperledger Fabric 2.5. This post shares the benchmark results for a sampling of Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 builds to give an example of transactions per second (TPS) achieved, based on a very specific chaincode running on dedicated hardware.
Hardware and Topology
The Hyperledger Fabric topology used was two peer Organizations (PeerOrg0, PeerOrg1) with a single peer node in each and one Ordering Service Organization (OrdererOrg0) with a single orderer service node configured for Raft. TLS was enabled for each node.
Each node had the same identical hardware
Intel(R) Xeon(R) Silver 4210 CPU @ 2.20GHz
40 Cores made up of 2 CPUs. Each CPU has 10 physical cores supporting 20 Threads in total
64Gb Samsung 2933Mhx Memory
MegaRAID Tri-Mode SAS3516 (MR9461-16i) disk controller
Intel 730 and DC S35x0/3610/3700 Series SSD attached to disk controller
Ethernet Controller X710/X557-AT 10GBASE-T
The machines were all on the same switch.
Hyperledger Fabric was deployed natively to three physical machines (i.e., the native binaries were installed and executed; no container technology such as Docker or Kubernetes was used).
Hyperledger Fabric Application Configuration
LevelDB was used for the state database
Gateway Service Concurrency limit was set to 20,000
A single application channel was created and the 2 peers and orderer were joined to this channel
The application capabilities were set to V1_4 so as to use the old lifecycle deployment. All other capabilities were set to V2_0 (capability level should not impact performance).
No system channel exists only the application channel
Go chaincode without the Contract API was deployed (fixed-asset-base from hyperledger Caliper-Benchmarks)
Endorsement policy 1 Of Any was specified for the chaincode
No private data was used
Default Fabric policies and configurations (note that in 2.5 SendBufferSize now defaults to 100) excluding anything previously mentioned
No range queries or JSON queries
The network was enabled for TLS, but not mutual TLS
Hyperledger Caliper 0.5.0 was used as the load generator and for the report output. Caliper was bound to Fabric 2.4, which means it used the peer Gateway Service to invoke and evaluate transactions. All transactions were generated from the same organization to its gateway peer.
The load itself was defined from fixed-asset in Hyperledger Caliper-Benchmarks.
Caliper used four bare metal machines to host remote Caliper workers and also to host a single Caliper manager to generate the load on the Hyperledger Fabric Network. In order to generate enough workload on the Fabric network, we have to use multiple Caliper workers, which equate to the number of current clients connecting to the network. In the results section, the number of Caliper workers is provided.
Diagram of overall Topology
These results were generated against the latest builds of Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 and utilized the default node and channel config values. Specifically the following block cutting parameters were used:
In order to be able to push enough workload through without hitting concurrency limits, the gateway concurrency limit was set to 20,000.
In summary the following benchmarks are presented here:
Blind write of a single key with 100 Byte Asset Size (a create asset benchmark)
Blind write of a single key with 1000 Byte Asset Size (a create asset benchmark)
Read/Write of a single key with 100 Byte Asset Size (an update asset benchmark)
Read/Write of a single key with 1000 Byte Asset Size (an update asset benchmark)
The following should also be noted
Only a single channel is used and thus the peer doesn’t utilize its full resources (as described earlier a peer can achieve more throughput if more than one channel is utlized).
The chaincode is optimized for these tests. Real world chaincode will not be as performant.
The Caliper workload generator is also optimized for pushing transactions. Real world applications will also have a client implementation generating the workload which will introduce some latency.
The Caliper workload generator is sending transactions to a single gateway peer on the same organization. Real world applications are likely to have multiple organizations sending transactions concurrently. There is the potential for higher TPS results if the workload is sent to from multiple organizations rather than just the same organization.
Utilizing the gateway service means that blocks are not received by the client (Caliper) via the delivery service to determine whether a transaction has completed, improving the performance of the client and the network compared to using the legacy node SDK.
Blind Write of a single key 100 Byte Asset Size
A Blind write is a transaction that performs a single write to a key regardless of whether that key exists and contains data. This is a Create Asset type of scenario.
Caliper test configuration:
fixed-tps, tps: 3000
The TPS here is the peak. Trying to push beyond this resulted in unexpected failures and a drop in overall throughput.
Blind Write of a Single Key 1000 Byte Asset Size
Caliper test configuration:
fixed-tps, tps: 3000
Here we see that we can achieve roughly the same throughput (i.e., the peak) but latency increases.
Read Write of a Single Key 100 Byte Asset Size
This is a test where the transaction will randomly pick an already existing key with data, read it, then modify that key. The world state was loaded with 1 million assets for this test to reduce the chance of using the same key in two concurrent transactions resulting in MVCC_READ_CONFLICT validation errors. In this example, the TPS rate was low enough and fortunate that no MVCC_READ_CONFLICT validation errors were received.
Caliper test configuration:
fixed-tps, tps: 2550
Note that the above results were done with an expectation of no failures. We see that the fabric network was not reaching capacity in this test as latency remains very low.
Read Write of a Single Key 1000 Byte Asset Size
The above was repeated using a 1000 byte asset size.
Caliper test configuration:
fixed-tps, tps: 1530
Note that the above results were done with an expectation of no failures. We see that the Fabric network was not reaching capacity in this test as latency remains very low.
I would like to thank Shivdeep Singh for running the Hyperledger Caliper benchmarks to get the results presented in this blog and Dave Enyeart for reviewing the content.
The Use Case for Blockchain and Intellectual Property
IPwe is revolutionizing the intellectual property (IP) system using blockchain. Intangible assets represent 90% of the S&P 500’s value, but patents, a large percentage of those intangibles, are underutilized and undervalued. There are approximately 25 million active patents worldwide, but the asset owners generally misunderstand their holdings, causing low utilization and commercialization rates, including financing, due to a lack of transparency and standardized asset valuation metrics that asset classes have. This amounts to over $1 trillion in lost IP opportunities annually.
Blockchain-based technologies, specifically NFTs, allows patent data to be managed efficiently and securely by consolidating it into a single digital wrapper representing the asset. Beyond that, blockchain further enables smart contracts, meaning that when specific contractual events occur, the smart contracts directly read from the blockchain and automatically trigger a predefined reaction, making human intervention no longer necessary. Smart contracts create efficiency and transparency and enable micro-transactions, such as small-volume patent licensing deals, to be economically viable for businesses for the first time. They alleviate suffocating by transaction costs. Furthermore, trails of evidence on the blockchain safeguard that every action and smart contract automation can be audited properly.
Blockchain Meets IP: How IPwe is Changing the Game with Hybrid Casper Blockchain and Hyperledger Fabric Network
IPwe is leveraging blockchain technology to transform the IP landscape by tokenizing the majority of the world’s patents as patent NFTs, referred to as IPwe Digital Assets, representing the largest enterprise blockchain NFT deployment in history. These 25 million IPwe Digital Assets store verifiable ownership data and auditable, compliant records for each patent, allowing enterprises to confidently manage their IP in the next-generation Web3 ecosystem. Additionally, IPwe Digital Assets are populated with public data from leading patent datasets, providing IP owners with a transparent digital representation of asset ownership. With verified data about each patent stored on NFTs, transactions can happen faster than ever before because enterprises no longer have to spend weeks or months manually verifying patent data, and smart contracts will trigger the transactions automatically.
Hybrid Casper Blockchain and Hyperledger Fabric Network
In September 2022, Casper Labs and IPwe developed and launched a dynamic NFT blockchain solution, IPwe Digital Assets. The solution uses the permissioned distributed ledger technologies of open source Hyperledger Fabric and the public Casper Blockchain to securely store verified public and private information about each patent. The integration capitalizes on the data security and trust inherent on a Hyperledger Fabric network and enables Casper to securely bring assets locked on the private ledger to the public chain.
Why A Hybrid Network Approach
A hybrid blockchain combines the capabilities of private and public blockchains, taking advantage of each. The private blockchain offers secure, permissioned data storage—an essential feature that’s particularly crucial for highly regulated industries. Meanwhile, the public blockchain brings scale and immutability, enabling a more open and transparent ledger.
To showcase the potential of a hybrid network, Casper Labs and IBM recently performed the first atomic cross-chain swap of fungible and non-fungible tokens between an instance of a Hyperledger Fabric permissioned network and the Casper Blockchain.They used a Hyperledger Lab, Weaver, to achieve the cross-chain functionality. (Weaver is now part of Hyperledger Cacti.) The result was a hybrid blockchain, uniquely equipped with the enhanced security of a consortium network running Hyperledger Fabric and the public verifiability and open market access offered by the Casper public blockchain.
The Significance of IPwe’s 25 Million Patent NFTs
Beyond just tokenizing patents, IPwe provides a solution called Smart Intangible Asset Management (SIAM), a comprehensive SaaS tool for IP valuation and management. By reading from the patents NFTs, IPwe’s advanced AI algorithms determine a benchmark value for each IPwe Digital Asset and IP portfolio, providing enterprises with unrivaled insights and enabling smarter and more informed business decisions.
One of the key benefits of IPwe Digital Assets is the ability to aggregate data for more efficient management and analysis by storing all relevant data in one location, readily accessible on the blockchain from anywhere. Typically, patent data is not kept in one central repository but is highly fractionalized across multiple public and private databases, causing enterprises to spend weeks verifying their own patent data. Another advantage of IPwe Digital Assets is data verification, as the data stored on the NFT becomes more valuable once verified. When adding data points to an IPwe Digital Asset, IPwe and other third parties confirm its level of trustworthiness, such as whether all existing “public” records show the same owner for a patent. Private asset data is also an important aspect of the NFT. IPwe’s goal is to ensure that enterprises will be able to add all current private data to their IPwe Digital Assets – not just who owns it, but who is licensing it, who is commercializing it, who is financing it. All this information can be used to confirm the asset’s true value.
In conclusion, using a hybrid Casper Blockchain and Hyperledger Fabric network, IPwe is deploying 25 million patent NFTs, the largest enterprise blockchain deployment in history. On top of that, IPwe’s SIAM solution allows enterprises to fully utilize these patent NFTs to transact, manage, and value their IP. This revolutionary implementation of blockchain technology will enable IPwe to bring liquidity to the IP space, where currently approximately 95% of IP assets are not transacted or commercialized.
Join IPwe’s upcoming webinar on February 8th to learn more about this revolutionary SaaS platform and how IPwe aims to transform the IP landscape and bring liquidity into the market by tokenizing patents as NFTs.
Everyone agrees that doing business in the EU creates a mountain of paperwork. Many forms deal with customs, duties, and taxes across the 27 EU members and with trading partners in other countries.
Filling out all these forms demands a lot of resources. And missed opportunities pile up when overloaded staff don’t claim the exemptions they’re entitled to under various trade treaties.
Take, as an example, the Long Term Supplier Declaration (LTSD), which certifies the materials and country of origin for any product or material. This form must be updated by every supplier every 24 months. More than 80% of these forms are still handled on paper, creating a huge risk of honest mistakes and deliberate fraud.
Every year, Siemens AG exchanges about 10,000 of these forms with suppliers at an estimated cost of €120 to €150 for completing each paper-based LTSD form. That means handling a single EU customs form on paper costs Siemens more than a million Euros a year.
The Digital Tax Transformation at Siemens teamed up with colleagues at Henkel to see if they could use blockchain technology to make the processes smoother, faster, more secure, and more transparent. Their aim was to
Prove that digitized tax forms save time and money
Build an open, flexible platform that can support many partners
Showcase the network to companies across the EU
They opted for Hyperledger Fabric as the platform because it is built for permissioned networks, with good security and privacy, and strong community support. It took a team of Microsoft developers in Europe just three days to build a working prototype that could handle an LTSD form on-screen instead of on paper. Right away, the benefits were obvious. Before, the complicated paper-bound process took days, if not weeks. Now, thanks to pull-down lists and tax codes, the LTSD forms never need to be printed. If both buyer and seller use the new system, a whole form can be done in minutes, with far less risk of errors or fraud.
To build out the full blockchain network, Microsoft recommended KrypC, an experienced solution provider that was already operating several other networks built with Hyperledger Fabric. KrpyC built taXchain, a very flexible network where any member can run their own node or use a managed node; write their own APIs or have those written for them; and process a small, medium, or large number of tax forms.
The LTSD form is now running on the network, linked to a database of 7,000 possible materials. APIs link the network to an SAP pilot system at Siemens. The blockchain stands ready to record and certify precise data based on each LTSD, in a tamper-proof format that government authorities and trading partners can trust.
In a huge vote of confidence for its innovative design, taXchain recently won the prestigious Taxcellence award from Handelsblatt, a renowned financial newspaper in Germany.
The Hyperledger Foundation team worked with KrypC and Siemens on a case study that details the planning and development of taXchain as well as next steps for growing the network. It also highlights the long-term opportunity to transform the traditional chore of processing B2B taxes from a cost center to a profit center.
Hello, I’m Great Umegbewe. I am currently a sophomore studying Computer Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During the fall of 2022, I had the chance to work on Fablo, a Hyperledger Lab, as part of the Hyperledger Mentorship Program. I was mentored by Jakub Dzikowski and Piotr Hejwowski and found the experience to be both valuable and enjoyable. This blog post will share some of my insights from this experience.
Fablo is a simple tool to generate a Hyperledger Fabric blockchain network from a config file and run it on Docker. Its main goal is to provide a super-easy start with Hyperledger Fabric. It uses a declarative approach to define components in a network, in a single file named fablo-config.json. This where users can define channels, chaincodes, organizations and engines (Docker or Kubernetes). Before I came in, only Docker was supported as an engine. I worked on adding support for Kubernetes.
Before the mentorship, I had previous experience working with Kubernetes and Bash, but none with Hyperledger Fabric. This mentorship helped me learn about Hyperledger Fabric and its components. It also taught me a whole lot about open source software and how the work of a maintainer isn’t that easy.
Hats off to Jakob Dzikowski and Piotr Hejwowski. They are really amazing maintainers and mentors.
To contribute to Fablo, I needed to learn how Fablo worked and understand Hyperledger Fabric. Again my mentors were very helpful with this.
I initially started by defining the various components on yaml’s with the images of peers, CAs, etc. This worked in one direction, but was daunting and had several problems. Luckily, Hyperledger had a Kubernetes Operator hlf-operator with a kubectl plugin that managed all aspects from the deployments, statefulsets and persistent volumes. With this abstraction what was left is to:
Write the shell scripts wrapped around the operator plugin to accommodate the required components (channels, chaincodes, CAs, peers).
Add support for Kubernetes engine in the fablo-config.
Template the shell scripts.
Create a snapshot and unit testing.
What comes next?
This has been a valuable experience. I was really challenged and my skills have improved so much. For the foreseeable future, I will continue working on Fablo and other open source projects. Big thanks to my mentors. Hopefully, I will become a maintainer for Fablo too.
Hyperledger Bevel is an automation framework for rapidly and consistently deploying production-ready DLT platforms. This mentorship project enhances Hyperledger Bevel to perform a live upgrade of a Hyperledger Fabric network from version 1.4.x to 2.2.x and provide an operations guide to perform the steps. This project uses Ansible, Kubernetes, Helm, Hashicorp Vault and Hyperledger Fabric.
My mentors for this project were Sownak Roy and Jagpreet Singh Sasan. Their support and guidance has been immensely helpful for implementation of this project.
This development work has automated the steps to upgrade the Hyperledger Fabric network, which shall increase the productivity to carry out such upgrades.
What did you learn or accomplish?
Before the start of this project, I had a basic understanding of setting up a Hyperledger Fabric network using Docker Compose. Hyperledger Bevel provided insights on how to automate and set up a production grade Hyperledger Fabric network on Kubernetes platform in various cloud providers.
I learned how Ansible, Helm charts and Flux are tied together for this implementation. Ansible does the automation for deployment pipeline, Helm charts are the reusable packages for Kubernetes components, and Flux implements the GitOps model so that current Hyperledger Fabric Network state is available for the operator.
My mentors validated my approach and provided feedback. I learned about multiple orderer organizations in a Hyperledger Fabric network and improved the upgrade automation for such scenarios. I was able to set up the network in a local minikube environment and will be updating the Hyperledger Bevel documentation for the same. This will provide new developers who do not have a cloud Kubernetes environment to set up and learn Hyperledger Bevel.
I worked primarily on SharePoint development during my career but last year started looking into blockchain technologies as it provides immense potential to bring trust to the internet. There are so many use cases in real-life scenarios that ultimately can be solved by these technologies
The productivity that blockchain solutions bring to the table will be a win-win solution for enterprises as well as customers. This is an evolving technology that is community driven and, being open source, provides opportunity for all to learn and contribute. This mentorship program provided me a similar opportunity and now, along with Linux Foundation certification, my work is noticed by employers. I wholeheartedly thank my mentors and Linux Foundation for this opportunity and wish to keep contributing to this ecosystem.
Study and develop chaincode and smart contracts following ERC standards.
Prototype a cross-chain bridge between Hyperledger Fabric and EVM-based blockchains. Hyperledger Technologies: Hyperledger Fabric, Hyperledger Besu, Hyperledger Cactus.
Imre Kocsis, assistant professor, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Budapest, Hungary.
László Gönczy, assistant professor, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Budapest, Hungary.
Impact yielded from work:
This work constitutes an add-on to the existing efforts to enable interoperability between permissioned networks. Moreover, we contribute to the community by developing a cross-chain bridge between Hyperledger Fabric and EVM-based blockchains using the Secure Asset Transfer Protocol (SATP), a protocol under standardization at the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
What did you learn or accomplish?
Create a report on blockchain interoperability solutions.
Implement a prototype of the designed cross-chain bridge solution in Hyperledger Cactus.
Develop an academic paper.
At the beginning there were a lot of unknowns: a new area, protocols, and new technology. After all, I am glad about the final product and all the lessons learned.
Lessons learned and advice:
The community is here to help. We had fruitful discussions with various members of the Hyperledger community, which proved to be valuable for the final project.
The best is always yet to come. Believe me when I say things will always be better than they are at the moment — bugs appear, and sometimes we need to take a step back to take two steps forward.
Hyperledger Fabric was considered the most adopted enterprise blockchain solution.
Hyperledger Cactus provides the building blocks for interoperability.
The integration of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) with interoperability solutions seems to be the way forward to perform identity management.
What comes next?
The addition of SSI in our work seems a good next step as a way to remove some assumptions made in the solution design.
I envision to continue working and advancing the existing interoperability research. I aim to continue contributing to Hyperledger Cactus (now Hyperledger Cacti), the Hyperledger project directed toward interoperability.
An SLA defines the services delivered by a provider to a client and the metrics for measuring those services. If the actual services received by the client do not meet the SLA guarantees promised by the provider, the agreement has been violated. In that case, the provider may owe the client a refund or whatever penalty is defined in the SLA.
The solution brief includes a high-level overview of a proposed solution for self-assessing SLAs. This proposed solution uses Hyperledger Fabric blockchain technology to tackle the gray areas of conventional SLA assessment.
This unique architecture provides a trusted and privacy-preserving network that can precisely monitor and compute SLA metrics, with full transparency for both provider and client.
Achieving effective SLA self-assessments will benefit everyone in the ecosystem by building trust, removing friction, streamlining processes, and saving costs.
The Problem: Lack of transparency
An effective SLA clearly defines all performance metrics and parameters.
But in most conventional SLAs, the provider assesses their own performance using their own tools and frameworks. The client generally has no way to see how these metrics are monitored or calculated. This increases the risk of biased results that favor the provider.
This lack of transparency means the client could well suffer from misunderstandings, missed violations, and insufficient refunds. All this undermines trust between the provider and the client.
The Solution: Using blockchain for transparent self-assessment
This solution brief proposes a novel architecture that is based on the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain framework and Hyperledger Fabric Private Chaincode (FPC). As shown in the figure below, the installed Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) provides secure and private monitoring, and computation of all performance metrics governed by the SLA.
Both client and provider benefit from the presented solution, which builds trust where little previously existed. More details are provided in the full white paper.
The scientific research performed on SLA Self-Assessment and applied to the telecom context adheres to work accomplished under the Pledger project.
The Hyperledger Telecom Special Interest Group would like to thank the following people who contributed to this solution brief: Nima Afraz, David Boswell, Gordon Graham, Nikolaos Kapsoulis, Antonios Litke, Alexandros Psychas, Vipin Rathi, and Theodora Varvarigou.
Hyperledger technologies are serving as the open source foundation for a rapidly growing range of production solutions and applications. Companies across Asia are putting Hyperledger technologies to work to boost trade, fight fraud, streamline financial transactions, authenticate data, verify identities and more.
As part of our spotlight on #HyperledgerAsia, we’ve collected a sampling of the many Hyperledger-powered solutions reshaping how business is done in markets across Asia. Read on for details:
Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN)
GSBN was founded by eight global shipping lines and terminal operators as a not-for-profit consortium to provide one standardized source of immutable data to all users in real-time. Built using the Oracle Blockchain Platform implementation of Hyperledger Fabric in multi-cloud deployment, GSBN supports modern and efficient global trade through data exchange. GSBN rolled out its first use case, Cargo Release, over several months, beginning in China and Southeast Asia in August 2021.After the initial deployment, GSBN gained support from terminals across the globe. Cargo Release expanded its footprint into Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in March 2022. Four months later, Cargo Release launched in Latin America, starting with ports across Mexico and Panama.
GSBN is using a permissioned blockchain with strong data governance where only authorized parties are granted the right to contribute and consume shipping related data. By leveraging immutability of the blockchain and data field level privacy through cryptography, participants in the supply chain such as Terminals, Carriers, Shippers, Freight Forwarders, Truckers, Customs and Financial Institution now also access Trade Finance and Electronic Bill of Lading applications, as well as Cargo Release, all enabled by trusted shipping data. Read the details in this case study.
marketsN is a secure B2B platform from KoineArth built on the Oracle Blockchain Platform, which is powered by Hyperledger Fabric. It has been deployed by Hindalco Industries Ltd. (a subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group) for monitoring the supply chain for outsourcing operations, including contract manufacturing with 25+ vendors (tollers) in a 4-tier supply chain network. marketsN enables them to see the inventory available at each vendor at any given point in time, replacing a three day manual process using Excel spreadsheets, many phone calls, and on-site visits, while avoiding the need for subsequent reconciliation since the data comes directly from the vendors. The solution also helps vendors to plan their own production based on shipment info to Hindalco clients, balance quantity, lower-tier supplier information, and other data on blockchain which allows them to better optimize their resources. They plan to also enable online invoice generation to automate the billing and payments cycle.
MDL (Medium Distributed Ledger)
Medium has developed an enterprise-type, high-performance blockchain solution, “MDL,”’ with an advanced core blockchain based on Hyperledger Fabric that can achieve speeds of up to 15,000 TPS. Its usability is maximized through the “MDL Manager,” which allows users to easily install, manage and monitor the blockchain.
MDL is currently being supplied to the Korea Expressway Corporation as a mutual settlement system for the tolls collected on the public and private highways in the country. Before the adoption of the blockchain-based mutual settlement system, there were more than 20,000 complaints a year about payment mismatches. Now, as a result of the new system, not only are data errors and omissions prevented but the processing performance of the system has increased. Settlement data, even in areas with high traffic volume, is now stably handled, reducing the amount of overpayment, manpower, and complaints.
Open Trade Blockchain (OTB)
Open Trade Blockchain is a cross-border trade documentation blockchain from Global eTrade Services (GeTS) that connects China & ASEAN economies It’s built on the Hyperledger Fabric-based Oracle Blockchain Platform and is used to provide security and visibility across all trade documents – helping to contain investment risk and facilitate growing trade with simplified verification procedures and data harmonization. Single-Windows or Single-Window Front-end Services can integrate with OTB to provide more value-added services for the local trade community.
This cross border blockchain-based trade platform has been extended to support collaboration across Taiwan, Singapore and New Zealand with the aim of improving the efficiency of cargoes under their Free Trade Agreement. For example, 3M Taiwan Ltd. reports that the cross border blockchain solution not only helps to reduce time for preparing and transmitting customs clearance documents from half a day to five minutes but has also solved documentation preparation challenges for Singapore exporters working remotely.
RAG Fraud Blockchain
The RAG Wangiri Blockchain was launched in March 2020 as a partnership of telcos and vendors created by Risk & Assurance Group (RAG) and Orillion Solutions with a common aim of reducing the number of wangiri fraud calls received by phone users. SORAMITSU recently joined the partnership and created a new Hyperledger Iroha-based infrastructure that can work with an expanded range of frauds. Renamed RAG Fraud Blockchain, this next-generation blockchain ledger serves as a fraud intelligence exchange where members that contribute data earn the right to access others’ data. The telcos that actively contribute their data will earn the right for continued free access, while other firms and organizations, including software vendors and law enforcement agencies, may pay for access or else be granted visibility of strictly limited subsets of the common ledger.
Secure Logistics Document Exchange (SLDE)
The Secure Logistics Document Exchangewas facilitated by the Government of India and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry with an aim to replace the physical exchange of trade documents with a secure digital platform for generation, storage and exchange of documents. Built using Aadhaar-based authentication mechanism and the Hyperledger Fabric-based Oracle Blockchain Platform as a secure ledger, it offers an audit trail for the title of ownership/authenticity of documents and provides end-to-end visibility on transfer of documents.
The SLDE platform, developed by CargoExchange, supports an end-to-end digital trade ecosystem that includes banks, shippers, customs, freight forwarders, and export and import companies and aims to address the issues related to physical movement of logistics related documents such as slow speed, limited transparency and lack of audit trails. Using SLDE, Axis Bank has successfully executed industry-first blockchain-enabled domestic trade transactions with ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and Lalit Pipes & Pipes Ltd. YES BANK used the system to support a deal involving Mukka Proteins, a Mangaluru-based marine product manufacturer and exporter, and Golden Beach Line (importer), an Oman-based trading company, with the forwarding agent Shipwaves Ltd.
SnapCert is a blockchain-based Credential Authentication platform for universities, colleges and institutes. Offered as a SaaS platform by Snapper Future Tech, SnapCert equips education customers to issue and verify credentials on a blockchain, ensuring no fraudulent credentials can be issued in their name.
SnapCert is built on Hyperledger Fabric and interoperable with non-Oracle Hyperledger instances that may be deployed on third-party clouds. It uses cloud infrastructure and REST APIs to build powerful products. The platform issues SSI (self-sovereign identity) credentials that follow W3C’s DID (decentralized identity) and verifiable credentials standard. It is also compliant with privacy and security compliance mandates (e.g., GDPR).
SnapCert offers secure digitization, generation, authentication, sharing, and verification of any kind of academic certificate as well as digital credentials for enterprises.
Trust Your Supplier
Trust Your Supplier (TYS) is a next-generation cloud-based supplier management platform built on Hyperledger Fabric that accelerates supplier onboarding, lowers procurement operating costs, ensures global regulatory compliance, and provides real-time visibility of supply chain risk across an encrypted blockchain environment.
TYS continues to expand the solution, allowing network participants to manage and monitor their suppliers across the globe. TYS was recently deployed into China and Japan, which brings the count of countries where TYS is available in Asia to 36. Additionally, suppliers in China can work in the TYS app using Simplified Chinese.


The Early Educator Apprenticeship is designed for working adults, and includes paid on-the-job training, coaching, community-based college coursework, professional learning communities, wage increases as professional targets are met, and individualized guidance to help participants advance on the CA Child Development Permit Matrix.
The Apprenticeship has benefited from Workforce Accelerator Fund grants received from the California Workforce Development Board, and a California Apprenticeship Initiative grant received from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Our partners – the Mexican American Opportunities Foundation (MAOF), the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), and Los Angeles Trade Tech College (LATTC) – have also made invaluable contributions to the success of the Apprenticeship.
Currently, more than 30 center-based child care workers are enrolled in the Early Educator Apprenticeship. The apprentices are predominantly women of color, ranging in age from mid 20’s to mid 60’s, mostly Mexican-American and recent immigrants, and working mothers. The first cohort of home-based (FCC) apprentices will launch in the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys in November 2016. And plans are underway to create a pre-apprenticeship that would support kinship care providers (i.e., license exempt) to become licensed and enter the Apprenticeship.
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In today’s digital age, mobile applications have become an essential tool for businesses to engage with their customers and drive sales. The e-commerce industry, in particular, has witnessed a significant shift towards mobile platforms, as more and more consumers prefer the convenience of shopping on their smartphones. In Dubai, a city known for its technological advancements and thriving business landscape, the demand for e-commerce mobile applications is expected to soar in the coming years.
The Rise of E-commerce Mobile Applications in Dubai
Dubai is a global hub for business and tourism, attracting millions of visitors and expatriates from around the world. With a rapidly growing population and a high smartphone penetration rate, the city presents immense opportunities for e-commerce businesses. The convenience of mobile shopping, coupled with the city’s robust infrastructure and digital ecosystem, has made e-commerce mobile applications an indispensable tool for businesses in Dubai.
Key Trends Shaping E-commerce Mobile Application Development in Dubai
As the e-commerce industry continues to evolve, so do the trends in mobile application development. To stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of consumers, businesses in Dubai need to be aware of the following key trends:
1. Personalization and Customization
Consumers today expect personalized experiences when using mobile applications. E-commerce businesses in Dubai are leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to analyze customer data and deliver personalized recommendations and offers. By tailoring the shopping experience to individual preferences, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and drive higher conversion rates.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing the way consumers shop online. In Dubai, e-commerce businesses are incorporating AR and VR features into their mobile applications to provide immersive shopping experiences. Customers can virtually try on clothes, visualize furniture in their homes, or even explore virtual showrooms. These technologies not only enhance the shopping experience but also help reduce the rate of product returns.
3. Voice Commerce
Voice assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, have gained popularity in recent years. E-commerce businesses in Dubai are leveraging voice commerce to provide a seamless and hands-free shopping experience. Customers can now use voice commands to search for products, place orders, and track deliveries. This trend is expected to gain further traction as voice recognition technology continues to improve.
4. Mobile Wallet Integration
With the rise of mobile payments, integrating mobile wallets into e-commerce mobile applications has become crucial. Dubai, being a global financial hub, has seen a surge in mobile wallet usage. By offering secure and convenient payment options, businesses can streamline the checkout process and reduce cart abandonment rates.
5. Social Commerce
Social media platforms have become powerful marketing channels for e-commerce businesses. In Dubai, businesses are integrating social commerce features into their mobile applications, allowing customers to discover and purchase products directly from social media platforms. This trend not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps businesses reach a wider audience and drive sales.
Contact Us for E-commerce Mobile Application Design and Development
If you are a business in Dubai looking to capitalize on the growing e-commerce mobile application trend, Digital Alta is here to help. With our expertise in mobile application design and development, we can create a customized and user-friendly mobile application that aligns with your business goals and caters to the unique needs of your target audience.
Contact us today at +971 50 970 5957 or email us at email@example.com to discuss your e-commerce mobile application requirements. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist you in taking your business to new heights in the digital realm.
Embrace the e-commerce mobile application revolution in Dubai and stay ahead of the competition. Contact Digital Alta today!


November 21, 2019: The Pan-African investment fund Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) announces the signing of an agreement to partially sell its shares in Oragroup to the Social Welfare Institute – General State Pension Fund (IPS-CGRAE) of Ivory Coast, which would become, after approval by the WAEMU Banking Commission and regulators in other currency areas, the main shareholder of the Pan-African banking group with 61.45% of the capital.
With a balance sheet total of CFAF 2,171 billion ($3.7 billion), 510,926 customers, 152 branches, 1,857 employees, CFAF 127 billion in net banking income, CFAF 130 billion in equity and CFAF 30 billion in net income as of December 31st, 2018, Oragroup is the leading independent banking group in the sub-region.
The agreement also includes several institutional shareholders of Oragroup (Proparco, DEG, BIO and BOAD) with a partial sale of their shares. On the strength of the banking group’s growth prospects and development plan, ECP will remain a shareholder in Oragroup alongside IPS-CGRAE, one of the major shareholders with nearly 20% of the capital in a dynamic of continuity over the long term. In addition, BOAD retains a long-term 40% stake in Orabank Ivory Coast and its branches: Orabank Burkina, Orabank Guinea Bissau, Orabank Mali, Orabank Niger, and Orabank Senegal.
This transaction follows the introduction of Oragroup on the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) in April 2019, representing 20% of its capital, the largest transaction since the creation of the BRVM in 1998 and a regional capital market raising of CFAF 56.92 billion (€86 million). IPS-CGRAE had subscribed to this public offering for 9% of Oragroup’s floating capital.
“ECP is very proud of the progress made since investing in Oragroup in 2008. Together, we have created a leading banking group with a Pan-African focus. ECP’s strategy is to create value in its investments by bringing company operations up to international standards to promote the emergence of regional champions over time. The initial public offering and this transaction validates this strategy. ECP is convinced that with CGRAE, Oragroup will continue its strong growth trajectory,” explains Vincent LE GUENNOU, Co-CEO of Emerging Capital Partners.
“With the support of exceptional revenues, the acquisition of Oragroup is a historic milestone for the State Employees’ General Retirement Fund, which has become a key player in the development financing of our regional economies. Investing today to better finance the pensions of tomorrow is very clearly our roadmap. As a social welfare institution, IPS-CGRAE wishes to optimize its financial capacities as an investor in order to intensify the progress towards the sustainable growth of our economies for the benefit of populations, pensioners, and public officials. With the Oragroup teams in whom we have complete confidence, we will continue in this direction. In addition, as part of a large project of pan-African institutional that the IPS-CGRAE will promote, social welfare funds of the sub-region will be invited to participate in the operation and make their contribution to the development of the group in each country of presence.” says Abdourahmane Tiémoko BERTE, Director General of the Institute of Social Welfare – General Fund of Retirement of State Agents. The synergy with IPS-CGRAE and its 83,000 members will sustainably strengthen the banking group’s performance and improve product offerings for the well-being of retirees and government officials in Ivory Coast and the sub-region.
Since 2008, with the support of ECP, Oragroup has developed its geographical footprint and its activities through organic and external growth, with the acquisition in 2012 of the assets of the Togolese Development Bank and in 2013 of The Solidarity Regional Bank with BOAD. The Group’s net banking income and assets increased 12-fold between 2008 and 2018, a significant result in the sector. As for Oragroup’s commercial brand, Orabank, it was launched in 2011 and has since established itself as a benchmark brand.
Over the last 10 years, Oragroup’s growth trajectory has been recognized with a ranking in the Top 5 in several of its countries of presence (No. 1 in Togo) and numerous awards: the African Banker Awards in 2015 and 2017 for “Best Regional Bank in West Africa,” the “Best Bank” of Burkina Faso in 2017 and 2018, Togo and Senegal in 2018 by the Financial Times group. Finally, the long-term A and short-term A2 investment ratings obtained from Bloomfield in May 2018 and August 2019 confirm the Group’s solidity and performance.


With its remit across public life, the Committee is maintaining a close watch on standards issues arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognising the unique and unprecedented nature of the challenge for the public sector, continuing to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life is vital to maintaining trust in government and our institutions throughout this crisis. In a series of blogs, the Committee will discuss the relevance of these principles to the current crisis. We are not considering the government’s practical response to the crisis, e.g. the availability of PPE or length of lockdown, but rather monitoring any impact on standards and the Nolan Principles.
In this blog, independent member of the Committee, Dame Shirley Pearce, discusses the value of selflessness and the demands made on public sector workers during the Coronavirus crisis.
The Nolan Principle of Selflessness asks that those engaged in public roles act solely in the public interest. This means placing the needs of the public ahead of their own personal needs and progression.
It is a challenging principle at the best of times since we all, naturally, tend to be motivated by our own needs and those of our families. And at a time when we are all stretched by the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges to the principle of selflessness are particularly great.
We work to satisfy many complex needs. At the simplest transactional level, we work to earn money to enable us and our families to thrive and progress in the world.
But financial reward is not the only factor that determines how and where we work. Most people try to choose areas of work that also meet their psychological and social as well as financial needs. The ability to provide services that improve the lives of others is often a powerful motivator for those who work in the public sector. So selflessness makes good sense to most public office holders and can even provide reward in itself.
But it isn’t always easy. The principle of selflessness addresses the potential conflict between the benefit to the provider and the recipient of the public sector service.
It requires that at all times those providing public sector services should not allow their own interests and advantages to influence how they respond. The needs of the recipient and their formal entitlements should be what determines the intervention and action of the provider. Public sector roles vary in the extent to which discretion can be used in the interactions and outcomes post holders can deliver to their clients. Social security decisions for example are constrained by rules and rights. Those in health and social care management may be more nuanced and an individual’s decision can influence the outcomes more directly.
This principle has been uniquely tested in the current pandemic. We have seen NHS staff asked to take on high risk roles and retrain to play a role in the front line. In considering how to respond to this demand, staff have had to balance the risks of becoming ill themselves with the need to provide an effective service to their patients. Those who have agreed to be part of the front line have provided the ultimate example of selflessness, putting the needs of their patients above their own personal well-being. And those who have contracted the virus as part of their work and have died so tragically have paid the ultimate price of selflessness. The concept of what is a reasonable level of selflessness in life and death situations has been brought to the fore in the COVID-19 crisis. We do expect staff to go the extra mile in a crisis, but most in health and social care did not see their lives as under threat before now. What is reasonable for us to expect? We do not, for example, expect benefits staff to hand over their own money, but we do expect nurses to work an extra shift.
Senior staff have a particular responsibility in this crisis to ensure that the demands on their staff do not go beyond the expectations of their contract or profession and that their staff are properly supported and protected to take on new responsibilities.
For example, the initial shortage of PPE created ethical tensions we would not normally expect as staff had to determine their response to working with suboptimal protection. There is no right or wrong in these situations and each person should be respected for the way they have, individually decided to respond to this extreme challenge to their selflessness. But they and we need to be sure that they have not done so because they have been pressured or bullied.
Amongst care workers we have seen examples of those who have moved into care homes with their residents so that the risk of the virus entering the home is reduced. In so doing they have put their own fate into the same place as the residents and, showing extreme levels of selflessness, have put the needs of the residents above those of their own family. Whilst we honour those who have made the extreme sacrifice, we must also be clear that it is not something that is legitimate for us to expect. If there is no alternative, then we should deeply regret that we expect it, and we should give serious consideration to how we acknowledge people’s sacrifice and how to learn lessons to avoid asking it of others in the future.
Selflessness does not just happen in extreme situations such as the pandemic. Selflessness forms part of daily life of effective public sector workers and is something that we all should value and support, but not rely on or exploit, as we work our way out of this crisis.


Whether you are applying for a green card, seeking naturalization, or sponsoring a relative’s immigration, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may require you to present your tax documents.
The interplay between tax filing status, residency, and immigration status is complex. The American tax system categorizes individuals into ‘Resident Aliens’ and ‘Nonresident Aliens,’ each with distinct tax obligations based on their time spent in the U.S. and their immigration status. For those applying for the U.S. citizenship, tax returns serve as critical proof of naturalization eligibility, with the USCIS requiring specific tax documentation to assess applicants’ good moral character and adherence to federal laws.
In this article we’ll discuss the USCIS tax return requirements, necessary documents, the impact of your tax status on your immigration applications, and how to ensure compliance with U.S. tax laws. By understanding these tax requirements, you can avoid potential pitfalls that might jeopardize your immigration status or delay the processing of your green card or citizenship application.
1. What Are the USCIS Tax Return Requirements?
The process of immigration to the United States involves numerous paperwork and strict adherence to the regulations set by the USCIS. Among these requirements, the necessity for tax returns stands out as a critical element that underscores an applicant’s financial responsibility and adherence to U.S. laws.
– The Role of Tax Returns in USCIS Applications
Tax returns are essential for several reasons in the context of immigration. Firstly, they serve as proof of the sponsor’s ability to support an immigrant financially, ensuring that the immigrant does not become a public charge. This is particularly relevant in family-based green card applications, where the sponsor must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, accompanied by their most recent tax returns.
Moreover, tax documents reflect the applicant’s compliance with U.S. laws, an aspect USCIS scrutinizes to determine one’s eligibility for certain immigration benefits. For instance, consistent tax filing can indicate good moral character, a requisite for citizenship through naturalization.
– Tax Status: Resident Alien vs. Nonresident Alien
Understanding your tax status is pivotal, as it directly influences your tax filing obligations and, by extension, your immigration process. The U.S. tax system classifies individuals into two broad categories based on their immigration status and presence in the country: Resident Aliens and Nonresident Aliens.
- Resident Aliens are generally green card holders or meet the Substantial Presence Test, requiring them to pay taxes on their global income just like U.S. citizens.
- Nonresident Aliens are individuals who do not hold a green card and do not meet the presence requirements. Their tax obligations are limited to income earned from U.S. sources.
These distinctions are crucial because your tax filings under these categories can impact your immigration applications and status. For example, USCIS and other federal agencies may interpret the way you file your taxes—as a Resident or Nonresident Alien—as indicative of your ties to the U.S., which can influence decisions on applications for adjustment of status or naturalization.
Further reading: Learn about the difference between a Green Card and Visa
– Implications for Immigration
The intersection of tax laws and immigration status is complex, and navigating it requires careful attention to ensure compliance on both fronts. The tax documents you are required to present can vary based on the specific immigrant visa category you seek. Generally, the government may request copies of your tax returns and evidence of tax payments to verify financial stability and legal compliance.
Understanding and correctly handling your tax return requirements are fundamental steps in safeguarding your immigration journey. Failing to file tax returns, or filing them incorrectly, can lead to adverse immigration consequences, including delays in processing applications or denials of certain benefits. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with immigration and tax professionals to ensure that your tax status and filings support, rather than hinder, your immigration objectives.
2. Required Tax Documents for Immigration Applications
Navigating the USCIS requirements for tax returns involves understanding the specific documents you need to gather and submit with your immigration application. Here is an outline of the essential tax documents for all green card sponsors and additional requirements for certain immigration situations.
– Tax Documents for All Green Card Sponsors
All sponsors are required to submit a copy of their individual Federal income tax return, including all W-2s, for the most recent tax year. This is a fundamental requirement that demonstrates green card sponsors financial capability and compliance with U.S. tax laws. If you were not required to file a tax return, you must provide a statement or evidence explaining why, which could include evidence of non-taxable income or income below the filing threshold.
Additionally, including copies of each Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income is essential. These documents give a comprehensive view of your financial status, further supporting your application. For a more thorough assessment, you may also submit tax information for the most recent three tax years, pay stubs from the last six months, and/or an employment verification letter if deemed necessary.
– Additional Documents for Specific Immigration Situations
- Self-Employed Sponsors: If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide a copy of your Schedule C, D, E, or F from your most recent Federal income tax return. This document should establish your income from your business, providing a clear picture of your financial stability.
- Active Military Sponsors: For those on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and sponsoring a spouse or child, proof of active military status and income that meets 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is required. This concession is a recognition of the service and sacrifice of military personnel.
- Using Household Income or Assets: If you’re using the income of household members or dependents to qualify, additional documentation will be needed. This includes a separate Form I-864A for each person whose income you are using and proof of their residency in your household and relationship to you. Also, if assets are being used to qualify, documentation establishing location, ownership, date of acquisition, and value of these assets is required.
- Joint Sponsors and Substitute Sponsors: Joint sponsors or substitute sponsors must prove their U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or U.S. national status. This could include a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), depending on the sponsor’s status.
Preparing the correct tax documents is crucial for a successful immigration application. The requirements can vary significantly based on your specific situation, including whether you are self-employed, a military sponsor, or using assets or household income to meet financial requirements. Carefully review your situation against USCIS guidelines and consider consulting with an immigration professional to ensure you gather and submit all necessary documentation accurately.
3. Tax Filing Status and Its Impact on Immigration
Understanding the relationship between tax filing status and immigration is critical, as it can influence one’s ability to adjust status, obtain a green card, or even naturalize as a U.S. citizen.
– Tax Filing Compliance and Immigration Status
The United States tax system differentiates between ‘Resident Aliens’ and ‘Nonresident Aliens’ for tax purposes, based on factors such as green card possession or substantial presence in the country. This classification has significant implications for tax filing obligations and, by extension, immigration processes.
For immigration purposes, demonstrating tax compliance is crucial. The USCIS scrutinizes tax filings as part of assessing an applicant’s adherence to U.S. laws, which is particularly important for those seeking permanent residency or citizenship. Inconsistent tax filing or failure to file can be viewed as indicators of poor moral character or a lack of financial stability, potentially jeopardizing immigration applications.
– The Consequences of Incorrect Tax Filing
Incorrectly filing your taxes, such as filing as a Nonresident Alien when you meet the criteria for Resident Alien status, can have serious repercussions for your immigration status. Such errors may suggest to USCIS that you do not consider the U.S. your permanent home, affecting your eligibility for certain immigration benefits, including the possibility of naturalization.
Moreover, deliberate attempts to evade taxes or misrepresent financial status through tax filings can lead to legal challenges, including deportation proceedings. It’s not merely a matter of financial penalties; the integrity of your tax filings reflects on your character and eligibility for immigration benefits.
– Ensuring Compliance with Tax and Immigration Laws
To navigate the intersection of tax laws and immigration successfully, it’s essential to:
- Understand your tax filing status: Determine whether you’re considered a Resident Alien or Nonresident Alien for tax purposes and file your taxes accordingly.
- Maintain accurate records: Keep detailed records of your income, tax filings, and any communications with the IRS. These documents can be invaluable in clarifying your situation to USCIS if needed.
- Seek professional advice: Given the complexity of both tax and immigration laws, consulting with professionals in both fields can provide clarity and help avoid costly mistakes. Immigration attorneys and tax advisors can offer tailored advice based on your specific circumstances.
By carefully managing your tax filings and understanding their implications for your immigration status, you can avoid unnecessary complications. Proactive and informed management of your tax obligations is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth immigration process, safeguarding your status in the U.S., and moving closer to achieving your immigration goals.
4. Tax Returns and Citizenship Eligibility
For individuals applying to become U.S. citizens through naturalization, tax returns are not just financial documents; they are integral proofs of their commitment to the country’s laws and societal responsibilities showing good moral character.
Naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, a key requirement for U.S. citizenship. Consistent and accurate tax filing is a significant indicator of this character trait. The USCIS views tax compliance as a reflection of an applicant’s adherence to U.S. laws and responsibilities as a resident. Failure to file tax returns, or filing them incorrectly, can lead to questions about an applicant’s moral character and potentially derail their citizenship application.
– Required Tax Documentation for Citizenship and How Many Years
When applying for citizenship through naturalization, individuals are generally required to present tax returns for the last five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. These documents must be certified tax transcripts obtained from the IRS. The submission of these documents serves two purposes: it demonstrates the applicant’s financial stability and their compliance with U.S. tax laws over a significant period.
Furthermore, presenting tax returns can also help address any concerns regarding an applicant’s continuous residence or physical presence in the United States, as required by USCIS for naturalization.
– Handling Tax Issues Before Applying for Citizenship
Citizenship applicants with outstanding tax issues are advised to resolve these before applying for naturalization. This can involve setting up a payment plan with the IRS for any owed taxes. Importantly, evidence of such a payment plan and receipts for payments made can be presented during the naturalization interview to demonstrate compliance and good faith effort to fulfill tax obligations.
This proactive approach to resolving tax issues not only helps to reinforce the applicant’s good moral character but also ensures that the naturalization process is not hindered by unresolved financial liabilities.
– Key Takeaways for Naturalization Applicants
- Ensure Compliance: Regular and accurate filing of tax returns is crucial. Verify that your tax status accurately reflects your residency status and that you meet all filing requirements.
- Gather Documentation: Obtain certified tax transcripts for the required period before your naturalization interview. This demonstrates a history of compliance and financial responsibility.
- Address Outstanding Issues: If you have unresolved tax issues, address them promptly. Engage with the IRS to establish a payment plan if necessary and keep records of any arrangements and payments.
5. Special Considerations for Different Immigration Forms
The USCIS utilizes a variety of forms to process different immigration benefits, each with its unique set of requirements, including those related to tax returns. Here are the special considerations related to tax documentation for some of these key immigration forms.
– Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
For those sponsoring family members for U.S. immigration, Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a critical document. It requires sponsors to demonstrate their financial ability to support the immigrant to ensure they do not become a public charge. Sponsors must submit their most recent tax returns, along with W-2s and additional evidence of income, such as pay stubs or employment letters, to meet these requirements. This documentation is crucial for establishing the sponsor’s income level against the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
– Green Card Applications and Tax Returns
Tax returns play a significant role in green card applications, particularly those based on marriage. Joint tax returns can serve as evidence of a bona fide marriage, which is a key requirement for marriage-based green card applications. The USCIS often views jointly filed tax returns as an indicator of a couple’s financial interdependence and commitment. In cases where a joint sponsor is involved, their tax returns are also required to ensure they meet the income requirements to support the immigrant.
– Naturalization and Continuous Residence
Applicants for citizenship through naturalization (Form N-400) must show continuous residence in the U.S. Tax returns can be valuable in demonstrating this requirement, providing a clear record of the applicant’s presence and financial activity in the U.S. over the required period. Consistently filed tax returns are also indicative of the applicant’s good moral character, a necessity for naturalization.
– Addressing Tax Issues for Visa Adjustments
Individuals applying for adjustments of their visa status (Form I-485) must be in compliance with all U.S. laws, including tax laws. In situations where applicants have not filed taxes or have outstanding tax liabilities, resolving these issues becomes crucial before submitting their application. Documentation of tax filing or resolution of tax issues can support the application process, demonstrating the applicant’s commitment to adhering to U.S. laws.
6. How to Address Tax Issues in Immigration Applications
Dealing with tax issues is a critical step for immigrants and sponsors in the U.S. immigration process. Tax compliance plays a significant role in various immigration applications, and unresolved tax issues can impact one’s immigration status or application outcomes. Here are strategies to address tax issues effectively, ensuring a smoother immigration process.
– Identify and Resolve Outstanding Tax Liabilities
Before proceeding with any immigration application, it’s crucial to identify any outstanding tax liabilities. The IRS offers various programs and options for individuals to resolve unpaid taxes, including payment plans and offers in compromise. Engaging with the IRS to address these liabilities and obtaining documentation of any arrangements or resolutions is essential. This documentation can then be presented to USCIS as evidence of tax compliance.
– Obtain Tax Transcripts
For many immigration applications, including naturalization and applications requiring the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), certified tax transcripts from the IRS are needed. Tax transcripts provide a more official record of your tax filings than copies of tax returns and are often required by USCIS to verify income and tax compliance. Requesting transcripts early in the application process can prevent delays, as obtaining these documents from the IRS may take time.
– Consult with Tax and Immigration Professionals
The intersection of tax and immigration laws can be complex, and individual situations may require specialized advice. Consulting with tax professionals can help ensure that your tax filings are in order and that any outstanding issues are appropriately addressed. Similarly, immigration attorneys can provide guidance on how tax issues may affect your immigration application and help navigate any potential challenges.
– Document Non-Filing Years
If there were years you were not required to file a tax return, it’s important to document the reasons for non-filing and gather any supporting evidence. This might include proof of insufficient income, residency outside the U.S., or other valid exemptions. Providing a clear and truthful explanation, supported by documentation, can help address any questions from USCIS regarding gaps in tax filing history.
– Prepare for Immigration Interviews
During immigration interviews, particularly for naturalization or green card applications, be prepared to discuss your tax filings and any issues that have been resolved. Practicing responses to potential questions about your tax history can help you present your situation confidently and accurately. Bringing documentation to the interview, including tax transcripts and evidence of resolved tax issues, can also support your case.
7. How to Get Tax Transcripts from the IRS for USCIS Applications
Obtaining tax transcripts from the IRS is an essential step for many USCIS applications, as it verifies your income and tax compliance. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to request these documents:
- Step 1: Determine the Type of Transcript You Need
- Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your tax return as it was originally filed. Suitable for most USCIS applications.
- Tax Account Transcript: Provides basic data including return type, marital status, adjusted gross income, and taxable income.
- Decide which one fits the requirements of your application.
- Step 2: Online Request
- Visit the IRS website and use the “Get IRS TAX Transcript Online” feature. You’ll need to create an account or log in, providing your SSN, date of birth, filing status, and mailing address from your latest tax return.
- Select the type of transcript you need and the year. You can view, download, and print your transcript immediately.
- Step 3: Phone Request
- Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. You’ll need to provide your SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the numbers in your street address.
- Follow the prompts to select the type of transcript and the tax year you need.
- Step 4: Mail Request
- Step 5: In-Person Request
- If you prefer, you can visit a local IRS office to request a transcript in person. Check the IRS website for Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator and make an appointment if required.
– Troubleshooting Common Issues with Obtaining IRS Tax Documents for Immigration
- If you encounter difficulties with the online system, such as verification problems, try the phone or mail request options.
- For issues related to accessing transcripts for a year not available online, contact the IRS directly for assistance.
- Obtaining your tax transcripts from the IRS is a key step in preparing your USCIS application, demonstrating your financial history and compliance with tax laws. By following these steps and planning ahead, you can ensure that this part of your application process is as smooth as possible.
8. Immigration Attorney Support for Tax Matters in USCIS Applications
Preparing your USCIS application can be a complex process, especially when it comes to ensuring all your documentation, including IRS tax reports and transcripts, is in order. Don’t let this crucial step become a stumbling block on your path to achieving your immigration goals. Start the process early, and ensure you have all the necessary documentation well in advance of your immigration application deadline.
If you find yourself needing assistance or have questions about obtaining your tax transcripts from the IRS for your immigration application, consider seeking help from an experienced immigration attorney in Atlanta, GA at Glenn Immigration LLC. They can provide valuable guidance, help troubleshoot any issues you might encounter, and ensure your green card or citizenship application is as strong as possible.
Remember, the effort you put into preparing your immigration application now can save you time and stress later, bringing you one step closer to your goal. So, take action today: review your tax documents, request any transcripts you need from the IRS, and move forward confidently with your USCIS application.
9. FAQs Regarding USCIS Tax Return Requirement
What does USCIS look for in tax returns?
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) verify tax returns for consistency with income statements, proof of financial stability, and to verify marital status and dependents for applications like green card and citizenship ensuring applicants meet financial requirements for their immigration process.
How many years of tax returns are required for citizenship?
For U.S. citizenship via naturalization, applicants must bring their certified tax returns or transcripts for the last 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) to their citizenship interview. This requirement confirms consistent tax compliance, an essential aspect of the good moral character evaluation by USCIS.
How many years of tax returns are required for a green card?
For green card applications, USCIS requires applicants to submit their tax returns for the last 3 years. This documentation supports the Affidavit of Support form (I-864), proving the green card sponsor’s (or cosponsor’s) ability to financially support the immigrant, ensuring they will not become a public charge.
Does immigration ask for tax returns?
immigration authorities, such as USCIS, commonly request tax returns to verify an applicant’s income, tax compliance, and financial stability. This is crucial for various processes, including green card applications, citizenship, and family sponsorship, ensuring applicants meet the necessary financial requirements.
What tax returns are needed for immigration?
For immigration purposes, the U.S. requires applicants to provide recent tax returns, usually the last 3 years, including both federal and state returns. They should correspond with forms like I-864 (Affidavit of Support) for family-based green cards or prove financial stability for employment or adjustment of status.
Do I need a tax return for Form I-130?
While Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, itself does not require tax returns, subsequent steps in the family-based green card process, such as the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), will. The I-864, required to obtain a green card, demonstrates the financial ability of the sponsor to support the immigrant.
What is the 7-year tax exemption for immigrants?
There is no 7-year tax exemption for immigrants. All U.S. residents, including immigrants, are subject to U.S. tax laws from the time they earn income in the U.S. However, some non-resident aliens may not owe U.S. taxes on certain income from abroad, but this does not constitute a blanket “7-year tax exemption.”
What is the “Immigration Tax Return Status”?
The Immigration Tax Return Status refers to the examination of an immigrant’s compliance with U.S. tax laws, often used by immigration authorities like USCIS during various application processes. It assesses whether the applicant has filed tax returns appropriately, reflecting their income and financial stability.
Does the IRS report to immigration?
The IRS and immigration authorities (like the USCIS) operate independently, and strict privacy laws protect taxpayer information. The IRS generally does not share individual tax return information with other federal immigration agencies due to these protections, except under specific circumstances outlined by law.
Does USCIS check if you owe taxes?
USCIS does not check if you owe taxes, but they do require evidence of tax filing and compliance as part of various application processes, such as those for a green card or citizenship. While USCIS focuses on whether applicants have filed their taxes, tax debts could potentially impact applicant’s good moral character.
How many years of tax returns are required for a green card sponsor?
A green card sponsor is typically required to submit the most recent 3 years of tax returns as part of the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). This documentation proves the sponsor’s financial stability and ability to support the immigrant above the poverty line, ensuring the immigrant will not become a public charge.
How can I obtain tax return transcripts for USCIS immigration purposes?
To obtain tax return transcripts for USCIS immigration applications, you may visit the IRS website and use the “Get Transcript” tool, call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946, or submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Ensure you request the tax return transcript required by USCIS for the relevant years.