Triple Entry Accounting (TEA) stands at the intersection of accounting and computer science. Building on the foundation of traditional double-entry bookkeeping, TEA addresses long-standing issues such as data silos, slow reconciliation, and the potential for multiple conflicting “versions” of the books.
By introducing a shared, cryptographically signed entry for every transaction, TEA turns records into instantly verifiable facts. This innovation strengthens accuracy and trust while extending accounting’s applications into real-time, digital-age commerce.
Double-entry bookkeeping records each transaction twice — debit and credit — but both entries remain under one organization’s control. This balances the books internally but still leaves room for manipulation and creates reconciliation challenges between parties.
Triple Entry Accounting adds something fundamentally different: a single, shared entry stored on a tamper-evident ledger and validated by cryptographic signatures. Rather than “your copy, my copy, and one on a blockchain,” in practice there’s only one authoritative record visible to all parties. This principle is often summed up as: “I know what you see is what I see.”
Accessible to all relevant parties in real time.
Secured by cryptographic signatures and proofs (blockchain is one option, not the only technology).
Seamless cross-organization data matching
Stronger audit, compliance, and governance capabilities.
Public verification without exposing confidential transaction details, via pseudonymous or permissioned designs when appropriate.
Standardized third entries enable reconciliation between different accounting systems, industries, and jurisdictions without complex integrations.
Although Triple Entry Accounting had been written about before, Ian Grigg’s paper gave the concept its practical shape and momentum, sparking research and experimentation across academic and business communities.
That momentum eventually led to the creation of TEAconf — a forum for advancing Triple Entry Accounting and its applications, and a space where ideas are developed, tested, and shared. Guided by the principles embedded in TEA’s very mechanics, TEAconf brings together academics and business leaders to present and discuss the latest research, form partnerships, set future directions, and develop new applications for this innovative framework.
After two successful editions, TEAconf 3 will take place on November 19-21, 2026, in sunny Malta at the Salini Hotel. For the first time, the program will include an optional introductory course on TEA basics — recommended for anyone who wants a solid grounding before diving into the sessions.
A Call for Papers is now open, inviting contributions from researchers, practitioners, and innovators. The TEAconf community has already published multiple peer-reviewed papers, contributing to both the academic foundation and real-world application of Triple Entry Accounting.
We’ve also launched TEAtalks, our podcast featuring conversations with experts and practitioners in the field, and an online course is in development — subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when it’s live.
Meanwhile, the first enterprise-ready TEA tool is in its pilot phase — you can learn more about it on our Practice page.
If you’d like to get involved beyond submitting a paper, visit our Opportunities page to explore other ways to contribute, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Whether you’re an academic, a business leader, or simply curious about the future of accounting, TEAconf is your place to connect, share ideas, and be part of a growing global conversation on transparency, trust, and innovation.