Wet-Ink Signatures vs. Electronic Signatures: a Mauritius case study

• In today's fast-paced digital world, signing documents is a fundamental part of business and personal transactions.
• Traditionally, this involved a "wet-ink" signature, physically signing a paper document with a pen. However, electronic signatures, popularised by platforms like DocuSign, have revolutionised the process.
• This blog post:-
  • Is written following a recent episode I had in Mauritius with some corporate documents [see case below] and
  • It will break down the differences between wet-ink and electronic signatures, explore their pros and cons, and explain why businesses globally are shifting toward digital options.
• Whether you're a small business owner, a legal professional, or just curious, you'll gain practical insights to make informed decisions.

A Real-World Example: Challenges with Electronic Signatures in Mauritius

• Recently, while handling a corporate document in Mauritius, I encountered some unexpected hurdles with electronic signatures.
• An FSC-regulated entity(ACME) informed me:-
• That the Registrar General does not accept forms with digital signatures, requiring a handwritten (wet-ink) signature instead.
• Their organisation refuses to use electronic signatures, viewing them as no better than email attachments.
• As a result, I arranged an in-person meeting to obtain the relevant wet-ink signature, which ACME surprisingly did not require to be independently verified.
• This was surprising, given that digital signatures are standard in 21st-century commerce when used properly. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius supports them under the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) 2000 and its amendments. And the ETA and the Finance Act 2025 also provide electronic filings with the Registrar General (subject to certain provisions being provided for)
• The FSC's October 2023 Guidelines on Digital Signatures outline technical requirements that platforms like DocuSign can meet, including AATL-trusted certificates and PAdES LTV standards for long-term validation.
• These ensure electronic records are legally admissible and enforceable in the financial sector.
• And for certain documents submitted to the Registrar General, such as deeds or those requiring registration, the ETA allows electronic signatures – albeit
• It mandates a declaration confirming they are "secure" under Section 16 (uniquely linked to the signatory, under their sole control, and tamper-evident).
• Wet-ink signatures remain acceptable without this declaration, and in practice, some entities or specific forms (e.g., land registry documents) still require originals with wet-ink.
• Recent updates in the Finance Act 2025 have further enabled electronic filings with the Registrar General if accompanied by the required declaration, but adoption varies.
• This experience highlights that while Mauritius is progressing toward digital acceptance, especially in financial services, practical challenges persist and underscore the importance of understanding local requirements, even in jurisdictions with supportive laws.
• This experience also led me to write this blog

Wet-Ink Signatures vs. Electronic Signatures

• What Are Wet-Ink Signatures?
• A wet-ink signature is the traditional method of signing a document by hand with ink on paper.
• This practice dates back centuries and remains required in certain legal contexts, such as wills, deeds, and notarised agreements in some jurisdictions.
• These signatures provide a tangible record of intent and are universally recognised in most legal systems.
• They often require in-person presence or mailing of documents, which may involve witnesses or notaries to add validity.
• What Are Electronic Signatures?
• Electronic signatures (e-signatures) are digital equivalents of wet-ink signatures, allowing users to sign documents electronically using software such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or similar tools.
• They can range from simple typed names or clicked checkboxes to advanced cryptographic methods that verify identity and prevent tampering.
• Legally binding in most countries under laws such as the U.S. ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation, e-signatures use audit trails, timestamps, and encryption for security.
• Platforms like DocuSign enable remote signing on any device, making them ideal for global or remote teams.
• Pros and Cons: A Side-by-Side Comparison
• To help you evaluate which method suits your needs, I have prepared a detailed comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of wet-ink and electronic signatures.
• This is based on industry best practices and may vary by context, such as document type or legal requirements.

Wet-Ink Signatures

• Good –
• Universally accepted and legally binding in nearly all jurisdictions.
• Provides a personal, tangible sense of commitment, often preferred for high-stakes documents like property transfers.
• No need for technology; simple and accessible for non-digital users. –
• Harder to forge without physical access, though not impossible.
• Bad
• Time-consuming: Requires printing, physical delivery, and in-person meetings or mailing.
• Vulnerable to forgery, loss, or damage (e.g., fire, misfiling).
• Higher costs for paper, ink, postage, and storage.
• Inconvenient for remote or international parties.
• Lacks built-in audit trails, making disputes harder to resolve without witnesses.

Electronic Signatures

• Good
• Faster and more convenient; documents can be signed remotely in minutes, reducing turnaround time. –
• Enhanced security through encryption, audit trails, and tamper-detection. –
• Cost-effective by eliminating printing, shipping, and storage expenses. –
• Environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste. –
• Scalable for businesses handling high volumes of documents.
• Bad
• Dependent on technology; requires internet access and compatible devices. –
• Not universally accepted for all document types (e.g., some wills, powers of attorney, or specific government forms in jurisdictions like Mauritius' Registrar General). –
• Potential security risks if not properly configured (e.g., weak passwords). –
• Initial setup costs for software subscriptions. –
• Learning curve for less tech-savvy users; may face resistance from entities preferring traditional methods.

When you choose between the two, please consider your specific needs. For example,

• If you're dealing with sensitive legal documents that require notarization or registration with bodies like Mauritius' Registrar General, wet-ink might be mandatory or preferred.
• For routine contracts like NDAs or invoices, electronic signatures often provide superior efficiency.

Why Businesses Around the World Are Moving to Electronic Signatures

The shift to electronic signatures isn't just a trend; practical benefits and market growth drive it. As of 2026, the global digital signature market is valued at around $13.70 billion, with projections to reach $154.52 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 35.4%. Here's why businesses are making the switch:

1. Speed and Efficiency: Traditional signing can take days or weeks due to mailing and coordination. E-signatures enable instant approvals, accelerating business cycles. For instance, companies report up to 80% reduction in contract processing time. This is crucial in remote work environments, where 75% improvement in account management throughput has been observed.
2. Cost Savings: Businesses save on paper, printing, shipping, and storage. Adopting e-signatures can yield ROI in under three months for 73% of organisations, through reduced operational costs and faster revenue generation. Small businesses, in particular, benefit from streamlining processes without physical infrastructure.
3. Enhanced Security and Compliance: With features like encryption and audit trails, e-signatures reduce fraud risks compared to easily forged wet-ink ones. They comply with global standards, making them ideal for industries like finance and healthcare.
4. Improved Customer Experience: Customers expect convenience. E-signatures allow signing on the go via mobile devices, boosting satisfaction and loyalty. This aligns with digital transformation trends, where remote collaboration is essential.
5. Environmental and Scalability Benefits: Going paperless reduces waste and supports sustainability goals. For growing businesses, e-signatures scale easily, handling high volumes without added hassle.
6. Global Accessibility: With remote work on the rise, e-signatures bridge geographical gaps, enabling seamless international deals.

To get started with e-signatures,

• Choose a reputable provider, ensure compliance with local laws, and train your team on best practices like using strong authentication.
• Always verify jurisdiction-specific requirements, and follow the guidance if so offered, as seen in the Mauritius example.
• GUIDELINES FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURE - Financial Services Commission - https://www.fscmauritius.org/media/166501/guidelines-for-digital-signature-231023.pdf

Conclusion

• Wet-ink signatures offer tradition and tangibility but fall short in speed and scalability. Electronic signatures, while technology-dependent, offer unmatched efficiency, security, and cost savings, which explains their rapid adoption worldwide.
• As businesses continue to digitise, evaluating your workflow against these pros and cons will help you decide the best approach.
• If you're ready to transition, start small with low-risk documents to build confidence. The future of signing is digital. Embrace it to stay competitive but always check local regulations to avoid surprises.

References

Here is a list of all web sources cited in this blog post for easy reference when copying to a Word document:

1. GUIDELINES FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURE - Financial Services Commission - https://www.fscmauritius.org/media/166501/guidelines-for-digital-signature-231023.pdf
2. Adapt And Evolve – The Financial Services Commission Of Mauritius Issues Guidelines For Digital Signature | Appleby - https://www.applebyglobal.com/news/adapt-and-evolve-the-financial-services-commission-of-mauritius-issues-guidelines-for-digital-signature
3. Mauritius: Registrar General mandates Declaration for Secure Electronic Signatures in Agreements | Bowmans - https://bowmanslaw.com/insights/mauritius-registrar-general-mandates-declaration-for-secure-electronic-signatures-in-agreements
4. E-signature Legality in Mauritius - Flowmono Blog - https://blog.flowmono.com/e-signature-legality-in-mauritius
5. Legality of Electronic Signatures in Mauritius - SigniFlow ® - News and Blog Media - https://www.signiflow.com/media/legality-of-electronic-signatures-in-mauritius
6. Mauritius: Registrar General mandates Declaration for Secure Electronic Signatures in Agreements | Bowmans - https://bowmanslaw.com/insights/mauritius-registrar-general-mandates-declaration-for-secure-electronic-signatures-in-agreements
7. effecting legal arrangements and executing documents by electronic means – Mauritius - Appleby - https://www.applebyglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/Mauritius.pdf
8. E-signature Legality in Mauritius - Flowmono Blog - https://blog.flowmono.com/e-signature-legality-in-mauritius
9. Banking & Finance 2025 - Mauritius | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners - https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/banking-finance-2025/mauritius/trends-and-developments