Why Smarter Identity Verification Is the Foundation of Digital Trust

Across Australia and New Zealand, business leaders are rethinking how identity verification (IDV) fits into modern digital journeys. The goal is no longer simply stronger checks, but higher trust and compliance that does not introduce friction. Research from Docusign and Entrust shows this shift clearly: 70% of organisations see technology investment as the most effective way to mitigate identity fraud, with 74% planning to increase investment in IDV.

In regulated industries, the challenge isn’t “verify more,” but “verify smarter.” Effective IDV must deliver strong assurance at critical moments, embed seamlessly into digital experiences, and align with local expectations around data sovereignty and regulatory standards.

At Docusign, we believe secure agreements and great user experiences should never be a trade-off. Identity should act as an invisible accelerant; present when needed, frictionless when done right, and auditable by design. 

That philosophy underpins our partnership with IDVerse®, a trusted local IDV provider widely adopted in regulated industries across the region. Through our integration, we enable organisations to introduce high-assurance verification into the familiar Docusign workflows that their customers already know and trust. And all this, without disrupting processes or increasing risk complexity.

Trust without the trade-offs

Modern IDV is defined by its ability to build trust with minimal disruption. Through this integration, organisations can access advanced document and biometric (liveness) verification aligned with Australia’s Trusted Digital Identity Framework (TDIF). Built-in Document Verification Service (DVS) checks are also available to add, for an additional level of security. 

With IDVerse accredited under the Australian Digital ID Act 2024, compliance and risk teams gain confidence while customers move forward without unnecessary friction. Local, in-region (Australia) data residency further supports data sovereignty requirements and simplifies governance.

This combination (TDIF alignment, local data storage, and real-time DVS checks, etc.) helps organisations move beyond the outdated “security versus experience” mindset. Verification becomes a natural part of the agreement lifecycle, strengthening trust while preserving momentum.

Assurance that scales with risk

Not every agreement carries the same level of risk. Docusign’s flexible Identify portfolio allows organisations to apply the appropriate  level of verification for each scenario. For higher-risk transactions, workflows can include biometric and document verification alongside built-in DVS checks, matching identity information directly with the issuing authority. For lower-risk use cases, Phone Authentication offers a familiar, low-friction option via one-time passcodes.

All verification outcomes are securely captured and surfaced through Docusign ID Evidence or the Certificate of Completion, supporting audits, dispute resolution, and regulatory reporting.

Embedded where work happens

IDV delivers the most value when it’s embedded directly into the flow of work. With Docusign, verification steps are completed within the agreement experience itself. No redirects or disconnected systems, keeping users engaged while strengthening trust at every step.

Real-world impact across industries

Insurance

Australian insurance providers face mounting pressure from fraud, manual identity checks, and strict KYC/AML requirements. However, traditional onboarding processes are no longer fit for purpose (slow, costly, and resource intensive etc.). 

AI-driven verification helps insurers reduce fraud, meet Australian compliance requirements, and remove manual bottlenecks. Integrated DVS checks instantly match customer biographical details against the original issuing authority, delivering high confidence verification in real time.

The result is faster onboarding, stronger trust, and a smoother customer experience—giving insurers a clear competitive advantage in an increasingly digital market.

Real Estate

Australian real estate firms must balance speed with security across tenancy applications, property sales, and auction registrations. However, Manual ID checks and paperwork slow transactions, can frustrate clients, and can produce  increased fraud and compliance risks.

Through Docusign’s integration with IDVerse®, agencies can deliver a seamless digital process where customers verify identity, complete the necessary biometric and DVS checks, and sign contracts remotely, reducing fraud, streamlining compliance, and accelerating property transactions while building trust.

Hiring and Onboarding

The process of onboarding new employees in Australia is currently fragmented, largely driven by manual identity and work-rights checks that often leave candidates frustrated. 

Typically resource-intensive and manual, these traditional processes can increase candidate fraud risk and potentially expose the businesses to Fair Work and immigration compliance breaches.  

Through Docusign and IDVerse®, HR teams can consolidate identity verification, biometric and DVS checks, and digital contract signing into one secure workflow, reducing risk, accelerating onboarding, and delivering a modern first impression.

Ultimately, identity verification is no longer a standalone compliance step. It’s a core enabler of digital trust. Organisations that treat IDV as an integrated part of their agreement experience are better positioned to reduce risk, meet regulatory expectations, and move at the pace customers now expect. As digital transactions continue to accelerate, the ability to verify identity seamlessly and proportionately will increasingly define who leads in the agreement economy.

Contact Docusign to learn more about how you can both streamline and secure your digital agreements.