A method and apparatus for maintaining control of a record which may have transferable value wherein the system provides for digitally signing a record in a partially-trusted distributed environment and allows a single unique authoritative copy to be held at a repository. The system meets the uniqueness and retainability requirements of current legislation relating to electronic transactions and allows electronic records to receive the same legal enforceability as paper documents. One or more secure servers along with maintenance control software provide the secure environment for parties wishing to complete electronic transactions to form legally enforceable agreements.