Electronic signatures have been around for a while, and the U.S. laws governing them are more than 15 years old. However, understanding when and how an electronic signature works in the contracting process and navigating the variety of available technologies is still perplexing to many businesses, especially in the financial services sector, which is governed by a complex regulatory backdrop. In this guest article, the first part of our two-part series on electronic signatures, K&L Gates attorneys discuss the legal landscape for electronic signatures, how an electronic signature differs from a digital signature and the legal risks associated with the adoption of electronic signatures. Part two of the series will include practical advice from other lawyers and consultants on how to implement an e-signatures program while avoiding risks and how to vet and use vendors that provide these services. See also “What the Financial Industry Should Know to Recognize and Combat Cyber Threats (Part One of Two)” (Jul. 26, 2017); Part Two (Aug. 9, 2017).