Ukio Bank rolls out latest e-signature services

VILNIUS - Lithuanian bank Ukio Bank has begun implementation of the most modern electronic banking services, it says, and is offering the third electronic signature option to its customers, reports news agency LETA. The technology allows for the possibility to sign documents by means of an electronic signature in the bank’s electronic banking system Eta Bankas; electronic signature certificates are therein contained in a Personal Identity Card of the individual at the Republic of Lithuania.

The system, implemented at Ukio, is the first commercial decision for which an electronic signature certificate in a Personal Identity Card will be used. Up to now, users of electronic signature certificates could sign only while using the services provided by state enterprises.
Ukio is the first in Lithuania which provides this possibility to connect to the electronic banking system and to sign by all three means of electronic signature possible in Lithuania - mobile electronic signature, electronic signature in USB key and electronic signature using Personal Identity Card.

“We were seeking to offer our clients all three existing options of electronic signature, since we think that it is the most modern, safest and the most convenient personal identification means. Today we have provided the possibility to connect to the electronic banking system using the official document of Lithuania - a brand new personal identity card. We suppose that offering all three electronic signature options will allow for an increase in popularity of electronic identification and will encourage the use of this form of signing,” said Jolita Kiausiene, Director of Electronic Banking.
The Personal Identity Card is the main personal document for a national of Lithuania, proving their personal identity, therefore, the card may be used for personal identification in electronic space and for electronic data signatures. Brand new personal identity cards have been issued since Jan. 1, 2009.

In 2005, Ukio was the first bank in Lithuania to have granted the possibility to sign, by electronic means, using a mobile telephone. Ukio says it intends to continue further development of electronic signature applications, including a service for remote agreements. Development in the electronic banking environment is intended bring forward the possibility for persons or companies to conclude and to sign agreements having legal power.