In the future, Acribia AG will increasingly rely on Hoop for commercial register changes for its clients. The results of an internal test, in which two new authorized signatories personally executed the modification, were convincing. With Hoop there is no need to send documents by mail, saving time and always having an overview of all documents and signatures. Raffaello Rickenmann, lawyer, and Andreas Kissling, Abacus consultant at Acribia, share their experiences with the Hoop platform for company constitutions and changes.
Hoop as an Interface with Cantonal Commercial Register Offices
How did you have the idea to use Hoop at Acribia?
Andreas Kissling: As an Abacus consultant, I had the opportunity to attend the first Hoop presentation in Wittenbach. Company constitutions and changes are part of our services, so we were interested in Hoop from the beginning. This presentation was followed by another one at our office, and at that point it was clear: we wanted to use Hoop and start with an internal test – a sort of experiment. First, Raffaello Rickenmann and I used Hoop to register as new authorized signatories in the commercial register.
What was the decisive factor in favor of Hoop?
Raffaello Rickenmann: The Commercial Register Office of the Canton of Zurich allows the submission of electronic documents and operates a dedicated portal for this purpose. Initially, we considered whether we wanted to work with this portal. Then Hoop entered the market. We realized that it didn’t make sense to handle the integration with the cantonal commercial register offices ourselves if Hoop could do it for us – and not just for Zurich, but for all cantons that allow electronic receipts. Hoop can be used throughout Switzerland, so there is no need to interface with the various commercial register offices of each canton.
Easy Installation of Hoop via DeepBox
How did the first modification with Hoop go?
Raffaello Rickenmann: Acribia was already using DeepBox, and a direct link to Hoop was inserted there. I am not an IT specialist, but I find Hoop very easy to use. Creating the DeepSign electronic signature took a bit more time because it was necessary to register on DeepID, but once the process was completed, everything worked perfectly. Registration on DeepID serves as a digital identity. For changes or incorporations, a DeepID identity, a qualified electronic signature via DeepSign, and the Hoop portal are required, the latter providing an overview of all operations. In DeepBox, the status of a process is always visible, as are the signatories, documents, and receipts from the Commercial Register Office.
How do modifications work without Hoop?
Andreas Kissling: It is much more complicated and involves a continuous exchange of paper documents by mail. Often, the information is incomplete or incorrect, requiring further investigation. Once completed, the documents are sent by mail to the client for signature. At times, the documentation we receive is incomplete, but the Commercial Register Office can only be forwarded the request when all documents are present.
What are the advantages of Hoop?
Raffaello Rickenmann: Hoop enormously simplifies and speeds up company changes and even incorporations. This is especially true if the parties are not physically present, for example, if they are abroad. Signature authentication also occurs automatically in the case of simple modifications, so clients do not need to visit the notary’s office in person. Thanks to automatic background checks, the error rate is also reduced.
| Without Hoop | With Hoop |
| 8 business days Are needed on average to send the documents by mail | 10 minutes are all it takes to sign with Hoop, DeepID and DeepSign |
Huge Time Savings Thanks to Hoop, DeepID, and DeepSign
Can you quantify the time saved?
Andreas Kissling: It is mainly the time required for postal mail that is saved. Generally, this takes up to a week and a half, which is eliminated with Hoop. Client support is given electronically as soon as the signatures arrive. Then it is up to the Commercial Register Office, which needs a certain number of days to register the modification. And if our clients are already familiar with DeepID and DeepSign, signing takes just a few clicks.
What could be improved about Hoop?
Raffaello Rickenmann: Fundamentally, we are satisfied with Hoop. Greater customization would be desirable, for example for the minutes. Hoop always presupposes a physical meeting. Board of directors’ resolutions are often approved by phone, email, virtually, or by circulation. The minutes should, therefore, indicate the mode of resolution approval.
What do you recommend to clients who want to make changes electronically?
One thing is clear, the electronic way is the future. It’s best to try it and see for yourself how simple and fast the process is with Hoop. Initially, it takes some practice, but you immediately notice a significant gain in efficiency. For experienced users, it’s a matter of minutes, and those who have tried it two or three times are already well on their way.
About Acribia AG
The auditing and fiduciary company Acribia AG, based in Zurich, mainly serves SMEs with a variety of services ranging from business, fiduciary, and controlling consulting to auditing, Abacus consulting for digitization, tax, and legal advice. The company employs over 40 people and is an innovative partner of Abacus for fiduciary services.
This blog article does not constitute legal advice, it is made available “as is” and makes no claim to completeness or accuracy. Hoop makes no warranty or liability as to its content. This is excluded to the extent permitted by law. Use is at your own risk. Legal advice is recommended if necessary.
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