The rapid growth of digital trade ecosystems has made establishing trust challenging due to increased complexity, lack of transparency, and reliance on intermediaries. Traditional trust mechanisms like reputation systems, legal contracts, and regulatory oversight often fall short, especially in cross-border or decentralized transactions, increasing risks and limiting efficiency. This study examines how blockchain-based information systems enhance trust by leveraging transparency, immutability, smart contracts, and decentralized verification, while considering the moderating roles of organizational readiness and regulatory compliance. Using a mixed-methods approach—including a literature review, expert interviews, and a survey of 1,015 digital trade participants—quantitative data were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling and qualitative data through thematic analysis. Results show that transparency and immutability form the foundation of trust via smart contracts, with decentralized verification boosting accountability and impartiality. Organizational readiness and regulatory alignment significantly influence these effects. Overall, blockchain mechanisms strengthen traditional trust methods and open new paths for trust formation, offering practical guidance for implementation and a framework for managing trustworthy, transparent, and accountable digital commerce.