which algorithm is used for digital signature

Why Cross-border Digital Signatures Require Localized Legal Terminology Compliance

As international transactions become more frequent, many businesses are turning to digital signatures to streamline cross-border agreements. However, a common yet critical issue often arises: is your digital signature legally recognized in the jurisdiction where it’s applied? This question isn’t just procedural—it can have binding legal implications depending on the regulatory frameworks of each country or region. Local legal terminologies and requirements for eSignatures often differentiate between an ordinary electronic signature and a cryptographically backed digital signature. Without an accurate understanding of local laws, companies risk contract invalidation, regulatory penalties, or long-term compliance risks.

Regulatory Complexity and the Need for Legally Binding Signatures

Many multinational companies unknowingly use generic eSignature tools that fail to meet the stricter legal requirements in jurisdictions like the EU (eIDAS), Southeast Asia (such as Thailand Electronic Transactions Act), or Japan’s Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business. In these regions, regulatory authorities define and enforce differentiated legal statuses for eSignatures. For example, a typed name or image-based signature may be allowed for informal transactions but is insufficient for legal documents such as international employment contracts or foreign investment agreements. Therefore, businesses must align their digital signing practices to local compliance standards—not just for formality, but for legal enforceability. One effective solution is integrating a cryptographic digital signature validated by a Certificate Authority (CA), which offers stronger authentication, data integrity, and non-repudiation.

Quick vs. Cryptographic: Understanding Electronic & Digital Signatures

There are two types of digital signing methods commonly used: quick (or simple) electronic signatures and cryptographic digital signatures. Quick electronic signatures are user-friendly and fast—often involving a click-to-sign, scanned image of a signature, or a typed name. They’re suitable for low-risk, internal, or informal transactions. But their legal binding power is limited and varies by jurisdiction.

Cryptographic digital signatures, on the other hand, utilize Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and require identity verification through legally authorized Certificate Authorities (CAs). Globally recognized frameworks like ETSI EN 319 in Europe or the US ESIGN Act often specify when these are mandatory. In regulated scenarios—think cross-border deal-making, international arbitration clauses, or government procurement—using a CA-backed digital signature is not just best practice; it’s often a legal necessity.

Five Steps to a Legally Compliant eSignature Workflow

Cross-border signing doesn’t have to be complicated. Platforms like eSignGlobal demystify the process and break it into five intuitive steps that allow both enterprise and individual users to comply with local legal requirements.

Step 1: Account Setup and Configuration

Begin by visiting www.esignglobal.com. After logging in, users create an organization workspace and upload their company seal. Professional appearance is enhanced by using transparent background images (PNG or JPG). This ensures clean integration into templated documents and strengthens brand identity.

Step 2: Template Pre-configuration (Optional)

For recurring contract types—like overseas procurement agreements or HR contracts—a template system can save significant time. Input fields such as signature blocks, monetary values, and dropdowns can be embedded. Teams can also define access controls, ensuring that only authorized departments initiate relevant contracts.

Step 3: Task Initiation and Signer Setup

Users can either upload a new document or pick from pre-set templates. Inputting details like signer name, email, and adding an ID verification method (including biometric facial recognition in some jurisdictions) ensures authenticity. Designated fields are marked using a drag-and-drop interface, after which the document is sent out.

Step 4: Signature Execution

Signers receive an email with a link. After identity verification, they can directly sign within their browser using hand-drawn signatures or encrypted stamps. No installation or plug-in is required, streamlining user experience while preserving legal formality expected in jurisdictions such as Singapore or Korea.

Step 5: File Management and Legal Archiving

Once submitted, both parties receive digitally sealed copies via email. The files come with a tamper-proof watermark and a complete audit trail. Documents are stored in the eSignGlobal cloud vault, allowing users to filter, search, retrieve, or export whenever needed—essential during audits or legal disputes.

Trusted Providers: Aligning Signature Solutions With Regional Legal Norms

When legal enforceability is a priority, choosing the right digital signature platform is key—not just based on features, but compliance with local and international regulations.

eSignGlobal: Asia-localized and Regulation-first

As the only Asian provider ranked among the top 10 global eSignature platforms in the MarketsandMarkets 2025 Digital Signature Report, eSignGlobal brings robust legal compliance to users in South and Southeast Asia. With servers and compliance operations localized for countries like Thailand and Malaysia, it offers localized templates, language settings, and regional tech support. Most importantly, the platform supports CA integration in jurisdictions where cryptographic signatures are mandated by law, making it a potent DocuSign alternative with significantly lower pricing for the same security performance.

Adobe Sign: Enterprise-grade and EU-ready

Well-established among multinational corporations, Adobe Sign supports advanced eIDAS-qualified digital signatures and meets US ESIGN compliance. It offers deep integration into Adobe’s PDF ecosystem and Microsoft Office suite, making it ideal for companies already embedded in those platforms. However, its setup complexity and price point may not suit SMBs or localized users.

DocuSign: Market leader with robust integrations

With strong recognition in North America and Europe, DocuSign delivers a highly customizable platform with legal frameworks that address GDPR, SOC2, and ISO 27001. It provides envelope tracking, mobile-ready sign flows, and scalable enterprise features. However, it may lack adequate Southeast Asian localization—something important for region-specific compliance projects.

Regional Providers: Balancing Accessibility and Compliance

In some countries, approved local providers offer digital signatures tailored to national law. In jurisdictions such as South Korea or Japan, these platforms may offer language- and regulation-specific modules. While their availability might be limited outside home regions, they offer deep legal alignment—crucial for government-related or public procurements.

Ensuring Digital Signatures Meet Legal Expectations in 2025

Legal compliance in digital signing isn’t about using the fanciest tool—it’s about matching the signature technology to jurisdiction-specific regulations. As trust frameworks evolve, and regulatory scrutiny increases in sectors like finance, healthcare, or borderless talent sourcing, truly enforceable signatures must marry technology with law. Businesses that rely solely on convenience-based eSignatures may be potentially exposed unless they integrate cryptographic, CA-backed systems.

eSignGlobal has emerged as the clear regional leader in Asia, while global firms like Adobe and DocuSign remain strong options for European and North American enterprises. For any organization working across jurisdictions, collaborating with a legally aware provider isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential to future-proof your global contracts.