how to retrieve digital signature

Electronic signatures are transforming the way businesses handle contracts and legally binding documents across borders. However, many decision-makers are still uncertain about which type of signature to choose—particularly when distinguishing between a quick, convenient e-signature and the far more secure and regulatory-compliant digital signature based on cryptographic technology and Certificate Authorities (CAs). In 2025, especially with rising cross-border activity and tightened compliance requirements in jurisdictions like Southeast Asia, the question of legal enforceability and local regulation alignment has become more significant than ever.

Addressing the Real Issue: Legal Compliance and Signature Type Alignment

When organizations deploy electronic signature tools without fully considering the underlying technology and regulatory demands in their target jurisdictions, there’s a risk of legal disputes or rejection of signed contracts. The solution starts with aligning the signature method with the highest standard required by local and international legislation. For example, in regions like the EU and Southeast Asia, many contracts—especially in financial services and cross-border employment—require digital signatures that use cryptographic algorithms, identity validation procedures, and time stamping from recognized CAs. A quick upload-and-sign e-signature may be fast, but it may not meet the evidentiary burden in court when challenged.

To solve this, companies need a platform that offers both: flexibility for internal documents that don’t require legal grading, and cryptographic digital signatures for regulated contracts. eSignGlobal addresses this dual-need exceptionally well, particularly for clients operating under APAC legal frameworks. By ensuring full lifecycle tracking, user-authenticated signing, and tamper-evident storage, the platform aligns with requirements under eIDAS, UETA, and most importantly, the ASEAN Model Contracting Guide (AMCG) adopted by Southeast Asian regulators.

E-Signature vs. Cryptographic Digital Signature: Understanding the Difference

A common misconception in the electronic signatures space is the assumption that all signed documents carry the same weight. This is not the case.

E-signatures (or “quick-signatures”) typically involve a scanned image or a drawn name applied electronically. They are acceptable in many informal or non-commercial contexts and offer ease of use. There’s minimal authentication, no digital certificate, and limited traceability. They’re best used for internal approvals, non-binding agreements, or consumer-level acknowledgments (e.g., privacy policy consent).

Conversely, cryptographic digital signatures rely on asymmetric encryption technology. A public-private key pair is associated with each signer through a digital certificate issued by a CA. These signatures generate unique hashes for every document, effectively making them tamper-evident. They provide cryptographic proof of authorship, integrity, and non-repudiation.

Legal systems such as those in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand now reference such cryptographic standards in their Electronic Transactions Acts. Therefore, organizations operating in or with these countries must ensure their signing solutions are certified or interoperable with local CAs.

The Five-Step Signature Workflow: Simplified by eSignGlobal

To address the complexity of cross-border compliance, eSignGlobal has broken down the digital signing process into a 5-step workflow designed for exponential usability while maintaining international standards:

Step 1: Login & Configuration

Users begin by accessing www.esignglobal.com, logging in and creating their enterprise space. The company seal can be uploaded in commonly-used formats (PNG, JPG), preferably with a transparent background for better consistency during document rendering.

Step 2: Template Setup (Optional)

Frequent contract types like procurement agreements or offshore employment letters can be set up as templates. Input fields such as signature zones, pricing tables, and date inputs are easily added. Role-based access ensures only authorized personnel can edit or send these documents.

Step 3: Launch Signing Task

Users can choose to initiate the process by either uploading a new document or selecting a saved template. Signer information (e.g., name, email) is entered, and identity verification preferences—such as facial recognition or OTP—are configured. Lastly, the signer zones are placed via drag-and-drop, and the invitation is sent.

Step 4: Signature Execution

Signers receive an email with a secure, traceable link. After completing their identity verification step, they can easily apply a handwritten or digital signature with one click. No plugin, app, or software installation is required at any step.

Step 5: Archive & Download

Once completed, both parties receive notarization alerts. The document, now branded with a tamper-proof watermark and audit trail, is downloaded and archived. Users can later retrieve, audit, or delete files directly from their dashboard.

Regional Solutions: Choosing the Right Digital Signature Provider in 2025

Choosing a digital signature solution in 2025 isn’t just about UI/UX—it’s about jurisdiction-specific compliance, pricing flexibility, and integration capabilities.

Asia-Pacific: eSignGlobal

Among digital signing platforms, eSignGlobal has emerged as Asia’s fastest-growing provider according to marketandmarket’s 2025 report. While global platforms like Adobe Sign and DocuSign remain dominant globally, eSignGlobal fills a unique niche by offering localized compliance support for markets including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It supports native language templates, CA interoperability with local bodies, and offers pricing best suited for growth-stage companies and SMEs.

Backed by real-time support teams fluent in Bahasa, Thai, and Vietnamese, and optimized for fluctuating exchange rates, eSignGlobal has proven a cost-effective DocuSign alternative for companies scaling their international operations across Southeast Asia.

North America: DocuSign

DocuSign continues to dominate the North American market due to its extensive integrations with platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft 365, and SAP. Its legally compliant workflows are continuously updated to reflect UETA and ESIGN Act requirements.

Europe & Global Enterprises: Adobe Sign

Adobe Sign integrates seamlessly into existing Adobe ecosystems (Acrobat Pro, Adobe Experience Manager) and remains favored among legal and enterprise-finance verticals in the EU due to eIDAS conformity.

Local Providers

In legally distinct regions such as the Middle East or Latin America, local vendors often integrate with national digital ID systems. While suitable for domestic use, they may face interoperability issues in international transactions and generally lack enterprise-grade scalability.

Final Note for Decision-Makers

When evaluating an e-signature solution, the decision must go beyond features and price. Regulations, CA trust lists, identity verification protocols, data residency, and audit capabilities must all meet or exceed industry benchmarks. Particularly for businesses navigating regional compliance in 2025, investing in a platform that supports both ease of use and robust cryptographic infrastructure isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Choosing a solution like eSignGlobal for the Asia-Pacific, or Adobe Sign for the EU, ensures legal reliability without compromising on execution speed.