TDCC's eCounter Will Be Launched Next Year, Building a Complete Shareholder Services 4e Ecosystem
2024/11/20
In line with the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC)'s promotion of financial technology and the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA)'s efforts to expand the use of electronic signatures, TDCC plans to build the eCounter platform. This platform will enable shareholders of public companies to use digital signatures for online applications, such as opening shareholder account and updating their basic information with the company or transfer agents, without the need for in person visits. The development of the eCounter system will be completed by March 2025, with public companies encouraged to sign agreement for its use, and the system will be officially launched on May 15th.
MODA expressed gratitude to the FSC for its support in promoting the widespread use of electronic signatures. It pointed out that the eCounter platform developed by TDCC not only integrates market consensus but also provides shareholders with a convenient user experience. Furthermore, it is the first electronic platform supervised by the FSC to utilize electronic certificates and digital signature technology following the revision of the Electronic Signatures Act. This undoubtedly serves as a successful model of smart government and digital transformation.
Bing-Huei Lin, Chairman of TDCC, expressed his sincere gratitude to FSC and MODA for their guidance in the planning and development of the eCounter platform. Their support facilitated smooth cooperation between TDCC, Taiwan Stock Affairs Association (TWSAA), Taiwan Securities Association (TSA), and the transfer agents, thereby enhancing the platform's security and functionality. Chairman Lin further pointed out that, following the introduction of eVoting, eMeeting, and eNotice services under the shareholder eServices initiative, the addition of the eCounter platform completes the creation of a full 4e shareholder services ecosystem, offering shareholders a richer digital experience and more diverse application scenarios.
Based on the concept of inclusive finance, the eCounter platform is provided free of charge to shareholders and public companies. The service utilizes digital signature technology that complies with the legal definition of the Electronic Signatures Act, and is planned to initially provide shareholder account opening and basic information update services via a web browser (PC version) in May next year. The mobile version will be launched in subsequent phases. Additional shareholder services will be gradually incorporated into the platform, aiming to fully address the inconveniences shareholders face when handling transactions in person.
Once the eCounter platform is launched, it is expected to eliminate over one million paper forms annually, resulting in an estimated reduction of approximately 8.2 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. As the range of services expands, the carbon reduction benefits will become more significant. This innovative initiative not only reflects TDCC’s proactive response to the needs of the environment, shareholders, and public companies, but also demonstrates its long-term commitment to digitalization and environmental sustainability, aligning with the goal of achieving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sustainability.