PAMETNA HRVATSKA Robert Ilijaš, powered by Janaf

Guest Robert IlijašHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026

Robert Ilijaš

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

The idea of a 'digital wallet' usually conjures images of credit cards virtualized on a phone, a convenient way to pay without plastic. But Robert Ilijaš, founder and director of Identyum, sees a far broader role for these tools. His company is building an ID Wallet that virtualizes identity documents — from national ID cards and driver's licenses to diplomas and medical certificates — fundamentally redefining what a digital wallet can be. He argues that identity is 'everywhere around us,' often unseen, and that control over this ubiquitous personal data must return to the individual. This conversation explores how Identyum is building the infrastructure for that shift, and what it means for companies, citizens, and the future of data ownership.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Standard digital wallets virtualize credit cards for payments. Identyum's ID Wallet, however, applies the same principle to identity documents like national IDs, driver's licenses, and diplomas, fundamentally shifting the focus from transactions to personal data ownership.

The onboarding process for the Identyum ID Wallet is split into two phases, starting with the definition of authentication factors like a verified phone number and a PIN. This initial setup ensures secure user identity before any documents are virtualized.

Robert Ilijaš observes that identity is 'everywhere around us,' from showing an ID at a security gate to using a physical key, which he calls an extension of identity. This unseen ubiquity means the market for digital identity solutions extends far beyond obvious sectors like banking, touching nearly every interaction.

The core idea behind Identyum's ID Wallet is to return control of personal data to the citizen. In an era where personal information is often managed without user knowledge, this technology empowers individuals to decide who accesses their data and when, countering widespread data misuse.

Asked whether data can be stolen from Identyum, Robert Ilijaš states, 'No, that's impossible.' The system is designed so the company itself does not hold user data, ensuring control rests solely with the individual and making data breaches from Identyum's side structurally unfeasible.

Ferratum, a modern bank offering fast payday loans, was Identyum's first client because their service requires immediate access to funds without physical visits. Companies that prioritize speed and seamless digital onboarding are often the earliest adopters of new identity verification technologies, driving the initial market for digital transformation.

The Identyum ID Wallet and the storage of credentials within it are free for citizens. The business model charges companies for platform access, allowing them to digitally request user data with explicit consent, thus monetizing the secure exchange of information rather than the individual user.

Banks have invested 'huge money' over the last two decades in their authentication infrastructure, like mobile tokens. While identity wallets will surely change this, the transition will be gradual, likely involving a decade of parallel use before banks fully adopt external identity and authentication services.

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