All applicants now undergo a biometric identity and verification check. The customer is asked to take a selfie of themselves and their driving licence or other photographic ID, and facial recognition tools compare the two sources.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline, said: “This technology is pretty impressive, with algorithms extracting biometric data from the selfie and comparing it to the image on the driving licence to determine whether the signer is genuine.​

“Fraud during motor finance applications is pretty rare but this provides a new layer of security, and delivers a fast and easy online eSign process for applicants.”

He added that Startline was currently investing heavily in new technology. As well as the biometric eSign, a new business portal has been introduced to ensure car dealers and other introducers now receive funds much more rapidly.

“Payout times for motor finance have been reduced by 30% following the introduction of the portal. We place huge emphasis on being able to make payouts as quickly as possible once a car buyer has been approved for finance. The new technology, which represents a significant investment, is a genuine step forward in this area.”