Guest post by Tom Barrett (President & Founder, EnCirca)
The domain industry is at an interesting stage. The infrastructure that we have relied on for decades is about to converge with decentralized technologies shaping the next generation of the Internet.
At EnCirca, we’ve spent the better part of two decades serving regulated industries, helping enterprises establish trust through specialized domain extensions like .BANK, .PHARMACY, and .CPA. We have always been open to innovation and incorporating Web3 functionalities has always been high on the list.
However, there has always been an issue. For years, blockchain-based naming services attempted to replicate what DNS already does, often from the outside, in isolation from ICANN’s governance. But isolated systems eventually reach their limits. They offer no recourse for bad actors, introduce collision risks, and are utterly incompatible with the rest of the internet.
When we decided to explore Web3, we weren’t looking for hype. We were looking for real utility.
That’s why we’re proud to be the first registrar to partner with D3 and integrate with Doma Protocol and launch MyPublicWallet, a hosted Web3 identity solution, at the recent DomainFi Blueprint event in Hanoi during ICANN 82. I sincerely believe that the “DomainFi” framework that’s being championed by D3 will make Web3 usable, secure, and compliant for the millions of domain name registrants who rely on us today. Here’s a video of our launch demo.
Tokenization Done Right: Practical, DNS-Compliant, and Registrar-Centric
What sets Doma apart is its respect for the existing DNS lifecycle. Unlike other blockchain naming systems, Doma doesn’t ask registrars to abandon their processes or delegate control to registries. Instead, it empowers registrars to serve as the bridge from Web2 to Web3, offering tokenization and Web3 functionality while keeping registrars on an ICANN-compliant path.
That registrar-first philosophy is critical. Domains can’t be reduced to mere NFTs which can be transferred between wallets willy-nilly.
We are introducing a controlled, auditable framework for transforming domain names into on-chain assets, complete with new types of registrar locks, lifecycle monitoring, and integration paths that preserve domain integrity.
The Power of Simplicity: Web3 Without the Chaos
One of the greatest barriers to Web3 adoption has always been onboarding.
Most users don’t want to download MetaMask, memorize seed phrases, or fund gas fees in volatile crypto. And frankly, they shouldn’t have to. Web3 should not require a crash course in cryptography.
When we were creating MyPublicWallet, we wanted to make sure we were building a digital identity solution that didn’t require you to touch crypto. It provides a public-facing wallet that users can use for login, on-chain domain control, profile hosting, and authentication.
There are no installations. No private key management. No friction.
We’re now offering this wallet not only to our customers, but also to any ICANN-compliant registrar that wants to future-proof their offerings.
Beyond Speculation: Real-World Use Cases for Tokenized Domains
While the speculative promise of trading domain NFTs on marketplaces is often the headline, the deeper value of domain tokenization lies elsewhere:
- SSO and Authentication: Domains linked to wallets can act as decentralized login credentials. Imagine a “Log in with Google” option that respects user sovereignty.
- DeFi Compatibility: MyPublicWallet supports over 400 wallet types and can connect domain identity to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana ecosystems.
- Immutable Profiles on IPFS: Tokenized domains can anchor profiles with contact info, NFT galleries, POAPs, and verifiable credentials.
- Domain Locks and Lifecycle Controls: Using wallets for domain locking adds a new dimension of security and control that’s simply not possible in traditional interfaces.
There is an important point to note here. We should always prioritize utility over novelty. Domain tokenization isn’t valuable because it’s on the blockchain, it’s valuable because it extends what domains can do.
Why This Matters Now
With browsers, brands, and regulators increasingly focusing on digital identity and consumer protection, the DNS community cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. We need to lead.
As a registrar, our job is not only to register domain names but to empower people and organizations to use them in meaningful, secure, and increasingly decentralized ways. That’s why we chose Doma. That’s why we built MyPublicWallet. And that’s why we’re inviting the rest of the industry to join us. Do not replace DNS. Evolve it.
About the Author
Tom Barrett is the founder and president of EnCirca, an ICANN-accredited domain registrar specializing in secure digital identities for regulated industries. A veteran of the domain name system with a focus on DNS innovation and policy, Tom is currently pioneering efforts to bridge Web2 and Web3 through tokenized domain infrastructure and hosted identity solutions.
