The World Bank has migrated to electronic signatures (e-Signatures) for all IBRD/IDA financing through loans, credits, and grants as well as financing agreements under Recipient-Executed Trust Fund Grants (RETFs) administered by the World Bank. The migration to e-Signatures will enable the Bank to capture all signed documents and related commitments in a timely and complete manner for inclusion in the quarterly and annual financial statements, in compliance with the financial statement reporting requirements for IBRD and IDA in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).

Starting July 1, 2023, all IBRD/IDA Financing Agreements will be supplied to Borrowers/ Recipients electronically for signature. The Bank’s requirement will be for full electronic signatures via DocuSign, where both Bank and Borrower/Recipient sign electronically. For countries that are unable to participate in an e-Signatures-only environment, a ‘dual modality’ will be available where both parties will first sign electronically; and thereafter, Borrowers/Recipients have the option of printing the e-signed copy as needed and countersigning manually, in wet ink, next to their electronic signature. Other signing options will be considered only on an exceptional basis.