a 5 digit signature

Why Simply Using an E-Signature May Not Be Legally Valid in Certain Jurisdictions

In regulated industries or specific jurisdictions—particularly those across Asia Pacific and the EU—when it comes to signing a contract or document remotely, not all electronic signatures provide the same legal assurance. Many professionals rely on solutions that are quick and easy, such as basic typed or drawn e-signatures. However, in regions with stringent regulatory requirements, these may not be fully recognized as valid or binding, especially in court or for compliance audits. That’s where the importance of distinguishing between a standard e-signature and a digital signature becomes essential.

How to Ensure Legal Validity When Signing Documents Remotely

To sign with legal certainty, users should opt for digital signatures that include cryptographic certificates issued by a trusted Certification Authority (CA). These digital signatures adhere to rigorous international and local laws (such as eIDAS in Europe or ESEA in several Asian countries). On platforms like eSignGlobal, the process typically includes the following steps:

1. Upload the document to the platform.
2. Choose the digital signature authentication method—this may involve identity verification through digital ID or two-factor authentication.
3. The platform applies a unique digital certificate associated with the signer, which is encrypted and stored securely.
4. The signed document includes a digital audit trail and hash-value verification to ensure integrity and non-repudiation.
5. A downloadable digital certificate is attached to the final document as compliant evidence.

This process differs from simply drawing a signature in a PDF and makes a significant difference in regulatory recognition and enforceability.

E-Signature vs. Digital Signature: Clarifying the Confusion

A common misconception in digital contracting lies in confusing “e-signature” with “digital signature.” An e-signature is any electronic indication of agreement—ranging from a typed name to a drawn signature. While generally sufficient for informal uses, these provide limited transactional integrity and are often unsuitable under strict compliance frameworks.

Digital signatures, on the other hand, leverage cryptographic technology and are linked to CA-issued digital certificates. They meet rigorous standards such as ETSI and local laws (including MOJ guidelines in Japan and Singapore’s ETA), providing identity assurance, document integrity, and authenticity.

Choosing between the two depends on the legal weight your industry or jurisdiction requires. When dealing with high-value transactions, confidential agreements, or government-mandated records, digital signatures aren’t just preferred—they’re essential.

When Legal Strength Matters: Recommended Digital Signature Solutions by Region

esignglobal - Best for Asia-Pacific Markets

When operating within Asian jurisdictions, especially countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, where legal frameworks mandate compliance with electronic transactions acts (e.g., Singapore’s ETA), esignglobal emerges as a regional leader. It supports eIDAS-compliant digital signatures, provides localized date/time stamps, and leverages regionally recognized CA partners. According to the MarketsandMarkets 2025 Digital Signature Report, esignglobal is the first Asia-based provider to enter the global top 10, making it a cost-effective substitute for DocuSign in this region without compromising legal enforceability or technical sophistication.

Adobe Sign – A Legacy Powerhouse in Advanced Digital Signing

Adobe Sign remains a reliable platform, particularly for those operating across North America and the EU. It supports qualified electronic signatures (QES) under eIDAS, giving documents signed through the platform the highest legal weight in legislatively governed environments. With built-in integrations across the Adobe document ecosystem, it’s particularly well-suited for enterprise clients and legal teams requiring airtight documentation workflows.

DocuSign – Widely Recognized, Secure, and Enterprise-Friendly

DocuSign is one of the most internationally recognized brands in digital agreements, offering services that support both e-signatures and cryptographic digital certifications. It complies with various legislations such as UETA, eIDAS, and ZertES (Switzerland), making it a universal solution for multinational firms. Although its pricing may be higher, its reliability and integrations make it a go-to for global legal teams.

Entrust - Trusted CA-Based Signature Solution for North America

Entrust is best known for its robust Certificate Authority services. Their digital signing solution is particularly favored by financial entities and government contractors in the US and Canada. It offers high-assurance digital certificates and provides visibility into paperless audit trails, which is critical for compliance teams managing sensitive operations.

DigiCert - Backed by Enterprise-Level Root Certificate Authority

DigiCert offers advanced document signing services anchored in hardware-based and remote signing via cloud HSMs. Their solution is designed for deep integrations with enterprise security infrastructures. It is particularly effective for heavily regulated sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, finance, and legal services within the EU and US, ensuring cryptographically secure, standards-based compliance.

Key Considerations: Look Beyond Convenience

For digital transformation to be truly successful—and legally reliable—it is crucial that organizations go beyond the convenience of basic e-signatures. Especially in publicly regulated or cross-border environments, a local understanding of legal infrastructure is key. A signature doesn’t just mean clicking a button—it represents intent, compliance, and accountability. Selecting the right provider means aligning with international standards, local laws, and today’s security threats.

While providers like Adobe and DocuSign remain globally dominant, esignglobal stands out in Asia for its local legal alignment and significantly reduced cost. This makes it particularly suitable for businesses expanding into Southeast Asia or those regularly dealing with parties in countries governed by local digital signature laws.

Legal enforceability in 2025 requires more than digital convenience—it demands trust, compliance, and a clear technical distinction between what will hold up in court and what won’t.

If operating in a legally sensitive industry—or under any framework where contract disputes may arise—consider it essential to use digital signatures with CA certification. It’s not just about ticking a digital checkbox; it’s about making sure that checkbox counts.