For the insurance industry, in which long-term stakeholder confidence and sensitive data management are critical, addressing digital trust is particularly urgent. Despite the availability of frameworks, such as Information Systems Audit and Control Association’s (ISACA) Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework (DTEF), the lack of tailored guidance for specific industries, including insurance, remains a significant gap. This study bridges this gap by developing an enhanced management-oriented digital trust framework specifically tailored to the insurance sector.

To achieve this, the design science research (DSR) methodology was employed. This iterative research process encompassed the Awareness, Suggestion, Development, and Evaluation phases, combining insights from a literature review, stakeholder workshops, and survey-based validation. The resulting digital trust for Insurance (DT4I) framework introduces the Assurance Node to ISAC’s DTEF, comprising four domains: transparency, responsibility, integrity, and resilience. These domains were designed to address the identified challenges, such as fostering trust in digital interactions, aligning organizational practices with stakeholder expectations, and enhancing operational and regulatory resilience. Validation through workshops with C-level executives and Likert-scale-based surveys confirmed the framework’s relevance and practical applicability. Feedback highlighted the framework’s clarity and strategic value while identifying the need for further development to include detailed implementation mechanisms, such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), and actionable activities.

These insights emphasize the framework’s potential for both theoretical advancements and practical impact. This study contributes to the academic discourse by synthesizing fragmented concepts into a holistic and actionable framework while addressing the insurance industry’s specific needs. The study also provides practitioners with a structured approach to navigating digital trust challenges. Future research should refine the DT4I framework by integrating operational guidance, validating its applicability across industries, and aligning it with emerging technologies.