Thornton uses DocuSign as a fast, simple and secure way for our clients to digitally sign documents.
DocuSign is the world’s leading company for electronic signatures, with over 60 million users globally. DocuSign’s innovative technology allows for convenience and efficiency for our business and our clients. The platform allows you to sign documents anywhere, using any device. This creates faster processing times by eliminating postage, scanning and faxing.
How DocuSign Works
- You receive an email with the link to your document
- Review your document
- You can read through all the documents before signing
- Click the yellow tabs on the left-hand side of the document to take you to all required signing spots.
- Click the yellow square on the page to fill in your signature
- Click “Finish”, and you are all done!
- Once all parties have signed, DocuSign collates all signatures and sends you an email containing the finished documents.
DocuSign Frequently Asked Questions
Is DocuSign safe and secure?
Yes. DocuSign’s top priority is the privacy and security of customers’ information, documents and data. These documents are actually more secure than paper, as documents are encrypted and a complete audit trail is maintained.
The documents can only be accessed through the unique email links, due to DocuSign’s secure encryption software. Your electronic signature is unique to each user, is accessible only by you and is stored securely online. The signature is time-stamped, and DocuSign generates a certificate of completion to show when each document was viewed and signed by each user.
Once signed, Thornton will save and store your documents as per our current practices.
Is the digital signature legally binding?
Yes. Signing electronically using your digital signature has the same validity as your handwritten signature and is a legally binding equivalent.
In Australia, the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth) states that electronic signatures are acceptable whenever a signature is required by law; with the exception of migration and citizenship documents, bills of exchange, wills, power of attorney, and some real estate transactions.
Do I need a DocuSign account to sign?
No, you do not need an account. The signing is completed through the email link that your Thornton Group adviser or adviser assistant sends you. At the end of signing, DocuSign may ask if you would like to create an account, but feel free to click no.