In recent years, electronic signatures have gone from being a novelty to a necessity. Today in Chile, they’re among the most valuable tools for those working in financial advisory. They allow you to close agreements remotely, save time, and deliver clients a modern, agile, and secure experience.
But beyond efficiency, electronic signatures also introduce new challenges that are still being addressed. Are we all speaking the same digital language? What happens when a signed document isn’t accepted by another institution? That’s where two key words come in: standardization and portability.
Why Use Electronic Signatures?
The benefits are numerous—not just for large companies:
• Legal validity: Chile’s Law No. 19.799 recognizes the advanced electronic signature (FEA) as equivalent to a handwritten signature.
• Reduced costs and time: Say goodbye to unnecessary travel, paperwork, and waiting times.
• Client convenience: Signing from a phone or computer is part of delivering a strong service experience.
• Operational continuity: In urgent contexts or remote work situations, everything keeps running.
And yes—with certified platforms, it’s fully legal to sign advisory contracts, investment mandates, KYC forms, data updates, or even risk profile declarations.
What Documents Can Be Signed?
In the financial and advisory context, the following documents can be signed using an advanced electronic signature (FEA) under Chilean law:
• Financial advisory contracts
• Investment and portfolio management mandates
• Know Your Customer (KYC) forms
• Investor risk profile declarations
• Informed consents and sworn statements
• Transfer or rebalancing orders
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
• Data updates or privacy policy acceptances
The key condition is to use a certified platform approved by an accredited provider with the Chilean Subsecretariat for Economy and Small Businesses.
The Big Challenge? Getting Everyone on the Same Page
Even though the technology exists and works, there’s often a big problem: you sign a document digitally and legally—but another institution won’t accept it.
This happens because not everyone uses the same electronic signature standards or recognizes the same platforms.
That mismatch leads to friction, duplicated work, and client frustration. Additionally, digitally signed documents often can’t be reused, undermining the very portability and efficiency we’re aiming for.
What Can We Do as Advisors?
A few ideas:
• Educate clients about the legality and advantages of signing digitally.
• Choose certified, secure platforms recognized by Chilean authorities.
• Demand interoperability between institutions. A properly signed document should be valid system-wide.
• Integrate e-signatures into your daily workflow, not as an extra step, but as an integral part of the advisory process.
Digitization Is More Than Just Using Technology
Electronic signatures are a powerful tool, but their true value emerges when they’re part of a coherent, simple, and trustworthy client experience.
The next step for Chile is clear:
• Standardize electronic signature practices across institutions.
• Enable real portability of digitally signed documents.
Because signing easily is good. But signing well—and making sure it’s accepted everywhere? That’s what really makes the difference.
Are you using electronic signatures with your clients? What barriers have you faced? Share your experiences in the comments!
#Altafid #ElectronicSignature #DigitalTransformation #FinancialAdvisory #FintechChile #Innovation #Standardization #DigitalPortability #CustomerExperience
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