e-ID and QES: How Digital Identity and Signature Revolutionise Corporate Actions

Introduction

In the first part of our series, we explained how the new e-ID, as a state-recognised digital identity, simplifies secure identification in corporate processes – from participating in virtual general meetings to notarizations and identifying beneficial owners.

In this second part, we turn to the Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). As the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature, the QES forms, together with the e-ID, the foundation for fully digital and legally binding Corporate Actions. We explore how the two systems interact, eliminate inefficiencies, and create tangible benefits for users of the Konsento platform.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?
2. Challenges in issuing the QES
3. Interoperability of e-ID and QES – a look abroad
4. Benefits for Swiss users and corporate action processes
5. Use cases of the QES on the Konsento platform
6. Conclusion

What is the Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?

The QES is the most secure form of electronic signature and is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature. It fulfils the requirements of Articles 13 and 14 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO), in particular Art. 14 para. 2bis CO, which states that a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten one.

Key characteristics of the QES:

• It is based on a qualified certificate issued to a specific person.
• It is created using a secure signature creation device (QSCD) that prevents unauthorised use.
• The signing process requires clear authentication of the signer.
• Each signature is cryptographically protected and verifiable.

The QES is thus the key instrument for digitally signing legally binding documents such as board minutes, capital increase reports, and commercial register filings.

Challenges in issuing the QES

Before using a QES, an individual must first be formally identified so that a qualified certificate can be issued in their name. Today, this is typically done through Video-Ident or Self-Ident procedures where identity and documents are verified digitally.

While secure, these procedures can be cumbersome:

• Each certification provider runs its own identification process.
• Users must register again with every provider.
• The same identification steps are repeated across platforms.

During signing, users must authenticate again – often with an SMS code, app, biometric data, or password. These measures enhance security but reduce user convenience.

Integrating the e-ID can unlock significant efficiency gains: it replaces redundant identification steps and allows the same verified identity to be used both for issuing and applying a QES.

Interoperability of e-ID and QES – a look abroad

Several countries have already successfully connected digital identity and electronic signature systems:

• Estonia uses its national e-ID as the direct foundation for qualified electronic signatures. Citizens can sign documents securely and instantly with their digital identity.
• In the EU, eIDAS 2.0 introduces the European Digital Identity Wallet, which combines identity, certificates, and signature functions in one app, recognised across Europe.

These examples show that when e-ID and QES are interoperable, legally valid electronic signatures can be seamlessly integrated into any digital process – without duplication or manual checks.

Benefits for Swiss users and corporate action processes

For Swiss users and Konsento clients, the combination of e-ID and QES delivers a twofold efficiency boost:

1. During certificate issuance:
   The e-ID serves as an official proof of identity to obtain the qualified certificate – eliminating the need for separate video identification.
2. During signing:
   The same e-ID can be used as a secure authentication mechanism, ensuring a consistent and reusable process.

The results are:

• faster workflows without redundant checks;
• reduced complexity for users;
• greater trust in digital processes;
• a solid legal basis for electronic notarizations and resolutions.

Use cases of the QES on the Konsento platform

The Konsento platform already integrates QES workflows from leading providers, making them easily accessible for boards and investors.

Examples of legally valid digital signatures using QES:

• Minutes of general meetings and board meetings
  → The QES enables digital signing of minutes, even during virtual general meetings, without physical presence.
• Share transfer declarations
  → Transfer documents are created directly in Konsento and can be digitally signed by the seller with full legal validity.
• Subscription forms and set-off declarations for capital increases
  → Investors sign digitally; the board signs the capital increase report; the notary certifies the process.
• Commercial register filings and certifications
  → Documents are signed electronically by the board and submitted securely via Konsento’s digital channel.

Benefits for clients include:

• seamless, media-free processes;
• efficient collaboration across distances and borders;
• significant time savings in document handling;
• reduced errors and greater convenience for all parties.

Conclusion

The combination of e-ID and QES paves the way for fully digital, legally binding, and efficient corporate action processes.

Konsento is evolving into the LegalTech collaboration platform of the future – connecting investors, directors, notaries, auditors, and commercial registers in a seamless digital ecosystem.

Even though the e-ID is not yet widely available, Konsento users can already benefit from integrated QES solutions. The upcoming e-ID will bring further efficiency gains through standardised identification, faster workflows, and enhanced legal certainty.

What was once a vision is becoming reality: a fully digital, legally compliant, and collaborative corporate lifecycle – from decision to notarization.

Explore efficient Corporate Action processes today:
Want to see how Konsento makes your corporate workflows faster and more secure? Book a demo and discover how to digitalise your share register, general meetings, and capital increases.