diff --git a/app/models/authentication.rb b/app/models/authentication.rb
index 8c4c6907aab..52dd992eed0 100644
--- a/app/models/authentication.rb
+++ b/app/models/authentication.rb
@@ -125,6 +125,11 @@ def self.build_credential_options
     end
   end
 
+  def native_ref
+    # to be overridden by individual provider/manager
+    manager_ref
+  end
+
   private
 
   def set_credentials_changed_on