A secure future for digital agreements in Hong Kong with iAM Smart+ and Docusign

By Charlie Loo, Principal Solution Consultant, Docusign

When the Hong Kong government first introduced iAM Smart in 2020, businesses in highly regulated industries like banking and financial services took notice. The digital platform promised an easier way to verify customers’ identities and collect signatures on important processes like opening a bank account or applying for a loan.

Yet for a lot of financial services institutions and other commercial businesses, the process of adding iAM Smart to existing operating models was too complicated, costly and time-consuming. Many gave up trying.

Until now. Docusign’s integration with iAM Smart+ through Tradelink provides a seamless, easy path to adoption for organisations with complex digital systems.

First, a step back. What is iAM Smart+?

iAM Smart+ is the advanced version of Hong Kong’s one-stop digital services platform. The ‘+’ adds the capability for citizens to perform digital signing on top of all the other iAM Smart functions – like using a single digital identity to log in to various government and commercial online services; automated form-filling; and receiving personalised updates on government services, bill payment reminders and more.

Within iAM Smart+, the digital signing feature is legally backed under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553). It uses the iAM Smart-Cert to apply a digital signature that has the same legal status as a wet-ink signature for statutory documents.

To apply for an iAM Smart+ account, citizens must register in person at self-registration kiosks or registration counters, which are found in various locations across Hong Kong (learn more about how to register for iAM Smart+). 

Importantly, for any organisation looking to leverage the benefits of iAM Smart+ (which we’ll explore below), the process of integrating the platform into existing agreement systems is now a lot easier with Docusign. Why? Docusign has literally thousands of pre-built integrations, making it quick and easy to add the functionality to existing software tools, including internal applications, without leaving them. 

How does digital signing work on iAM Smart+?

Seamless digital signing is made possible by using Docusign as the agreement platform via Tradelink Document Management and Signing Service (DMSS), which uses iAM Smart+ as the identity provider and signing authority. This all may sound confusing – but for organisations and end users, it boils down to a simple, seamless process.

Essentially, the integration ensures that the person signing the document is verified against their official government digital identity.

Here’s how it works: 

1. Signing is initiated: The user receives a Docusign envelope (email link) requiring a signature.

2. The user selects a verification method: Within the Docusign interface, the user selects the option to sign using iAM Smart+ (this option is enabled by the sending organisation via Docusign’s gateway or API integrations). 

3. The iAM Smart app opens: The user is prompted to open their iAM Smart mobile app to authorise the signature.

4. Their identity is verified: The user authenticates their identity on their mobile device using biometrics (face ID or fingerprint).

5. A digital certificate is created: Once authenticated, the iAM Smart+ account applies a recognised digital certificate (iAM Smart-Cert) to the Docusign document.

6. The agreement is complete: The document is returned to Docusign as ‘Signed,’ with a tamper-evident seal and audit trail proving the signer’s identity.

It can all happen within a matter of minutes – securely and conveniently, from any mobile device, anywhere.

Most importantly, Docusign and iAM Smart+ provide peace of mind

With iAM Smart+, Docusign provides an additional layer of assurance and legitimacy to transactions that require identities to be verified or signatures to be collected. This is particularly the case in heavily regulated industries.

The key benefits to businesses and, by default, their customers, include:

• Credibility: By adopting the iAM Smart+ platform and its integration with Docusign, organisations are positioning themselves as digital leaders who use modern technologies to deliver secure, reliable and future-ready agreements.

• Trust: These are platforms built to protect users. Layers like biometric authentication help prevent fraud and counter identity theft, which in turn help win the trust of customers.

• Compliance: By using iAM Smart+, the signature is recognised under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553). This is crucial for statutory documents, government forms, and high-value commercial contracts where ‘Qualified’ digital signatures are required.

Ultimately, it all adds up to greater peace of mind for both businesses and customers.

To see how easy it is to get started, get in touch for a demo or chat about how Docusign can help with your agreement process beyond eSignature.