Investing and trading in the stock market have recently gained widespread popularity.
Opening multiple Demat accounts initially for evaluating brokers or testing different investment strategies is common. As investors accumulate multiple Demat accounts over time, it can be challenging to keep track of them.One must have an online trading app and a Demat account to trade and own stocks in India.
By consolidating the shareholdings into a single Demat account, one can view all their stocks in one place and get a clear picture of their return on investment. It is possible to transfer shares between Demat accounts either offline or online. The offline method involves manually completing a Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS) and submitting it to the broker. The online method involves using an electronic platform provided by a depository such as the Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL) in India.
Who is a part of the share transfer process?
Investors may decide to port their investments from one stockbroker to another for various reasons, such as the quality of the services offered, the ease of conducting transactions, and the availability of brokerage or research services.
When transferring shares, the following participants are required:
- Current broker
- Investor
- New broker
- Depository firms, NSDL and CDSL
How can I transfer shares between Demat Accounts?
Shares can be transferred between Demat accounts in two ways: online and offline.
1. Manual Transfer Method
One must obtain a DIS (delivery instruction slip) from the broker to manually transfer shares from one Demat account to another. The DIS has some required fields that must be completed before the transfer process starts.
The required fields are:
- The investor must provide the Beneficiary Owner ID (BO ID), a 16-digit identification number assigned to the broker. The DIS must include the BO IDs of both the current and new brokers.
- Next, include the international securities identification number (ISIN) for each share transferred. The ISIN is a unique identifier that helps to identify each share in the Demat account.
- Finally, the mode of transfer must be specified on the DIS. To transfer shares from one account to another within the same depository, the “off-market transfer” option must be picked. The “inter-depository transfer” option must be chosen if the transfer occurs between different depositories.
The account holder must provide a signature upon completing the required fields on the delivery instruction slip (DIS). Once the signed DIS is submitted to the current broker, the process is complete.
2. Online Transfer Method
In India, the CDSL offers a feature known as Electronic Access to Securities Information and Execution of Secured Transactions, i.e., EASIEST, that allows transferring shares between Demat accounts online.
To commence the process,
- First, login to the CDSL website
- Tap on register online
- Now, pick the EASIEST option
- Fill the details
After completing the required information, a copy of the form must be given to the DP (Depository Participant). The depository participant will subsequently transmit the form to the central depository for verification.
After a brief waiting period, the login credentials will be mailed to the concerned party. Once logged in using these credentials, the party can view their broker’s list and transfer shares between Demat accounts.
Conclusion
Moving shares from one Demat account to another is a straightforward process that can be done either offline or online.
Following the steps outlined above, one can move their securities to a different Demat account, whether to transfer ownership or move to another brokerage firm.
It is significant to note that transferring shares can have tax implications. Therefore, before proceeding with a transfer, it is essential to understand potential consequences to avoid surprises.
Read more: The Best Figures For Evaluating A Trading Strategy for Indian Stock Market
