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1. Is it possible for documents to be executed electronically (whether by the manual insertion of a digital signature or the use of an e-signing platform) under the laws of this jurisdiction? If so, is this limited to only particular types of finance documents?

Pursuant to the Electronic Signatures Act of Taiwan (ESA), it is permissible to sign documents using electronic signatures with the counterparty's consent. In addition, where a digital signature meets the requirements listed in the ESA (e.g., being supported by a certificate issued by an approved certification service provider and being valid and within the purposes of use), it can be employed in an electronic document. Although the ESA provides no statutory limitation on the types of documents that can be executed by electronic signatures, it provides flexibility for the government authorities to make exceptions regarding the use of electronic signatures by stipulating laws or regulations. For example, the FSC, the competent authority for the financial services industry in Taiwan, imposes a restriction on the application of electronic signatures to a negative pledge undertaking as mentioned in Article 30 of the Banking Act, being a written document where a borrower, mandator or the party on behalf of which the guarantee is issued makes an undertaking not to provide its assets as collateral for obligations owed to a third party.

2. Where the witnessing of a signing is contemplated, is it possible for the witness to verify the signature over a live video call?
Under Taiwanese law, there is no witness requirement when signing a finance document. Therefore, whether a document is required to be signed under witness is subject to the agreement of the parties. It is therefore possible for the witness to verify the signature over a live video call if the financial institution that is a party to a financing transaction is willing to accept such an approach.
3. Is it possible to register/perfect security electronically without wet ink signatures?
No. The relevant authorities/state agencies still require wet ink signatures.
4. Are there any other legal restrictions that may prevent the parties from executing a finance transaction electronically?
No.