The Conveyancing Association (CA) has launched a guide for conveyancing firms to help them understand and utilise digital signatures, electronic signatures and e-signature platforms.
The guide aims to help firms understand the main differences between digital and electronic signatures, and what is acceptable to HM Land Registry covering options such as Mercury Signatures, Conveyancer Certified Signatures, and Qualified Electronic Signatures.
It also provides information on how firms can communicate with clients on the importance of digital signatures and the options available to them.
The guide urges firms to collaborate closely with lenders to understand their specific requirements and preferences in this area.
The CA is involved with the Working Group chaired by UK Finance to enable lenders who will accept digital signatures to include this in their Part 2 responses to the UK Finance Lender Handbook, which will be digitalised this year.
In addition, the guide asks firms to stay informed of updates and guidance in this area, particularly from HM Land Registry.
It suggests they consider adopting the simple electronic signature platform approach as a transition towards more advanced digital signature solutions.
Conveyancing Association director of delivery Beth Rudolf says: “The use of digital and electronic signatures within the home buying and selling process has the potential to provide a variety of benefits, not just in terms of helping tackle potential fraud – a significant risk for conveyancing firms – but also with regards to helping speed up the whole process.”
“Having a quicker and more secure way of doing this clearly brings benefits, but this is also an area that is changing, and could change further in the future with a move towards Qualified Electronic Signatures.”
