Although the use of e-signatures has been around for some time now, the move to the superior level Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) is now transforming business operations for law firms across the country. This higher level of digital seal is especially crucial in the UK, where the law fully recognises and validates their usage.
Qualified e-signatures hold advanced security and integrity features and use Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) standards together with the most advanced NFC-based identity certification technology which reads the chip in an ePassport and can prove that the signer is who they say they are.
The eIDAS (Electronic Identification Authentication and Trust Services) regulation in the European Union defines qualified e-signatures as advanced e-signatures created by a qualified signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate for e-signatures.
Improved Business Process Efficiency
One of the key benefits of qualified e-signatures is their ability to enhance business process efficiency.
Manual signature processes can be time-consuming and prone to human error, so integrating qualified e-signatures into their system will save solicitors and accountants time and significantly reduce the risk of errors.
The integration of qualified e-signatures also allows for real-time tracking and confirmation of signatures and transactions, ideal for conveyancing.
Compliance
Qualified e-signatures play a vital role in adhering to compliance requirements. The signatures are associated with digital certificates, providing a high level of identity validation and guaranteeing the integrity of the signed document.
They prove to be a reliable way of maintaining regulatory standards in the legal and accountancy sectors.
Enhancing security and trust
Following and maintaining compliance standards, the integration of qualified e-signatures also boosts the security of digital transactions.
These signatures are uniquely linked to the signatory and the data of the signed document, so if any changes were made after the signature, then they would be detected easily.
Additionally, the use of encryption and digital certificates provides an extra layer of security, mitigating cyber threats. These security measures will assure clients, who will feel able to build a strong trusting relationship with you.
Increased interactivity
Qualified e-signatures, backed by eIDAS regulations, promote improved interactivity between solicitors and their clients.
It enables them to seamlessly interact and transact with each other, regardless of the systems being used.
This feature paves the way for increased collaboration, improved customer experience, and expanded market reach, providing solicitors and accountancy firms with a competitive edge.
Supporting remote business operations
If solicitors and accountants have a system with an integrated qualified e-signature process, it means that they can securely execute and authenticate documents online. This means that documents can be signed from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical meetings and removing geographical barriers.
Integrating qualified e-signatures into law and accountancy firms’ processes is proving invaluable in streamlining their projects.
In addition, by using VirtualSignature’s SmartForms solution you can fully automate your digital document and completion workflow and integrate qualified e-signatures seamlessly. The VirtualSignature platform can be accessed by portal login as well as via an API that has been designed to easily plug-in to a number of case and document management systems, such as Visualfiles, Proclaim, iManage, Advanced P4W, Intapp and Cloudify which means firms can save time and costly software development fees.
Get in Touch
VirtualSignature-ID is a UK Government approved Identity Service Provider (IDSP) that offers professional services firms a suite of end-to-end eSignature, ID verification, AML and KYC solutions that can be incorporated into existing workflows and case, practice and document management systems. If you would like to find out more about how VirtualSignature.com can help with your digital onboarding or discuss a particular solution that will fit your organisation’s requirements, then give our team a call on 0333 335 5176 or contact us and we’ll be pleased to demonstrate how the platform works.
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