The guide aims to help companies 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.

Another aim is to inform firms on how to communicate with clients on the importance of digital signatures and the options available to them, including the differences between wet ink and digital signatures.

The guide urges firms to collaborate closely with lenders to understand their specific requirements and preferences in this area, including whether they will accept digital signatures, as well as asks firms to stay informed on updates and guidance, especially from HM Land Registry and suggests considering adopting the Simple Electronic Signature Platform Approach.

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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 UKF Lender Handbook, which is being digitalised this year to make it more accessible digitally to lenders, advisers and conveyancers alike.

Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at the Conveyancing Association, commented: “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, given that securing signatures can be both labour and time-intensive.

“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.

“It therefore makes sense for us at the CA to launch an initial Guide for firms in this area which we will update as and when required, but can also be used as a strong starting point in terms of firms educating themselves.”