Are digital signatures valid for Australian share transfer forms?

For validity, the digital signature must reliably identify the signer and indicate their intent to sign, as per the Electronic Transactions Act. It should use secure methods like PKI-based certificates or equivalent biometric verification. The process must ensure the document's integrity, and records of the signing event should be maintained. Compliance with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) guidelines is recommended for share-related documents.

While most share transfer forms accept digital signatures, exceptions may apply if the company's constitution or the form itself mandates physical signatures, witnessing, or execution as a deed. For transfers involving land titles or certain trusts, additional state-specific rules under property laws might require wet-ink execution. Always verify with the relevant registry, such as ASIC or state land titles offices, to confirm acceptability.