Demat Account Definitions: Related Terms Explained
Demat Account: The Complete Guide A Demat account, short for a dematerialized account, is a type of banking account that dematerializes physical securities.
Demat Account: The Complete Guide
A Demat account, short for dematerialized account, is a type of banking account that dematerializes physical securities. This account is used to hold securities and shares in electronic format. The main purpose of opening a Demat account is to hold shares that have been bought or dematerialized (converted from physical to electronic shares).
What is a Demat Account?
A Demat Account is a must for individuals who want to buy or sell shares in the Indian stock market. It is an account where your shares in electronic format are kept. The account holds the certificates of your financial instruments like shares, bonds, government securities, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Key Features of Demat Account
1. Easy and Convenient Way to Hold Securities
It offers a safe and easy way to hold securities as compared to possession of physical securities (shares, stocks, and bonds).
2. Reduced Paperwork
It reduces the paperwork for the transaction of securities, and also provides quick transfer of securities.
3. Reduced Transaction Cost
No stamp duty is required on transfer of securities, and the cost of transaction is also reduced with demat account.
4. Quick Settlements
Dematerialization avoids lengthy processes of physical certificates such as immediate transfer of securities.
5. Easy Accessibility
An investor can access their demat account online without any geographical limitations.
Terminology Related to Demat Account
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Depository
A depository is similar to a bank and holds securities (like shares, debentures, bonds, government securities, mutual fund units etc.) in an account. In India, there are two depositories - National Securities Depositories Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL). -
Depository Participants
A Depository Participant (DP) is described as an agent of the depository. They are the intermediaries between the depository and the investors. The relationship between the DPs and the depository is governed by an agreement made between the two under the Depositories Act. -
Beneficial Owner
Beneficial Owner (BO) is a person who has the benefits of ownership even though the title is in another person's name. In a demat account context, the person in whose name the demat account is opened and who has the rights to deal with the demat account is considered to be the Beneficial Owner of the account. -
Dematerialization
Dematerialization is the process by which physical certificates of an investor are converted to an equivalent number of securities in electronic form and credited to the investor's account with his Depository Participant. -
Rematerialization
Rematerialization is the process by which a client can get his electronic holdings converted into physical certificates. The client has to submit the Remat Request Form (RRF) to their DP for this.
How Does a Demat Account Work?
When buying shares, your broker will transfer the shares to your account on the T+2 day (T being the trading day). These shares are maintained in custody by the depository participant. When selling your shares, your demat account will be debited with the number of shares sold.
A Demat Account has made the share trading process much smoother and safer by eradicating the risk of physical damage, theft, and fraud in paper share certificates. It is an essential component for trading and investing in the Indian stock market.
Demat Account Versus Trading Account
While both are critical for trading in stocks, a Demat account and trading account serve different purposes.
Demat Account
This account holds the shares you own in an electronic or dematerialized form. Think of it as a bank locker where you store your securities.
Trading Account
This account is used to buy and sell shares in the stock market. Think of it as a cashier at a bank counter; you need to go through a cashier to deposit or withdraw money. Similarly, you need to go through your trading account to buy or sell shares.
Therefore, while a Demat account stores your shares, you need a trading account to perform the actual buying and selling of shares.
The Process of Opening a Demat Account
Opening a Demat account is a simple process, much like opening a bank account. Here are the steps usually involved:
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Choose a Depository Participant (DP): You can open a Demat account with any DP of your choice. Some DPs include brokerage firms, online agencies, or banks.
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Fill up the account opening form: You need to fill in the account opening form and provide the necessary documents. The documents required generally include PAN card, Aadhar card, address proof, identity proof, and income proof.
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In-Person Verification: The DP carries out an in-person verification to confirm the details provided by you.
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Receive your Demat Account details: Once the application is processed, the DP will provide you with an account number or client ID.
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Access your Demat Account: You can access your Demat account online using the login ID and password provided by your DP. You can start trading once the account is active.
Maintenance of a Demat Account
Just like a bank account, a Demat account also requires regular maintenance. This maintenance comes in the form of annual maintenance charges (AMC). These charges are levied by the DP for the services provided and are usually a fixed sum that needs to be paid annually. It's advisable to compare the AMCs of different DPs before choosing one.
Advantages of a Demat Account
- Safeguards against loss, theft, or damage of share certificates
- Quick and convenient way of holding securities
- Easy and immediate transfer of shares
- Reduction in paperwork and transaction cost
- Option to hold various investments under a single account
- No odd lot issue: In physical shares selling, there's a concept of 'Market Lot,' where you can't sell less than a certain number of shares (like less than 50 shares). This concept doesn't exist in a Demat account.
Understanding the functionality and usage of a Demat account is crucial for any individual planning to enter the world of stock trading. Not only does it provide ease of transactions, but it also ensures a secure and efficient way of managing your securities. As the world moves towards digitization, having a Demat account is not just beneficial, but essential for every investor.
Who are Depository Participants?
Depository Participants are agents of the depository. They are intermediaries between the depository and the investors. The relationship between the DPs and the depository is governed by an agreement made between the two under the Depositories Act.
In India, a DP can be a financial organization like a bank, a broker, or a custodian acting on behalf of the depository to provide Demat services. Some of the main DPs in India are HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
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Role of Depository Participants
The primary role of DPs is to provide a link between the account holders and the depository. Some of their functions include:
Maintaining Demat accounts: DPs maintain the Demat accounts of investors, including updating account information and ensuring proper handling and regulation of the accounts.
Dematerialization and Rematerialization: They are responsible for converting physical certificates into electronic form and vice versa.
Settlement of trades: DPs ensure the timely settlement of trades that occur through the account.
Providing periodic statements: They are responsible for providing periodic statements of accounts to the investors and updating them about the status of their holdings.
ISIN in Demat Account
While discussing a Demat account, it's essential to understand the term ISIN.
What is ISIN?
ISIN stands for International Securities Identification Number. It's a unique 12 digit alpha-numeric code that identifies a security. Equity shares, bonds, government securities, rights, mutual funds, etc., all have separate ISINs.
Role of ISIN
ISIN makes it easier to identify securities. No two securities can have the same ISIN, making it a definitive point of reference. In your Demat account, each security you own will be identified by its ISIN.
Risk and Security Measures of a Demat Account
While a Demat account has made trading secure and straightforward, it is not without risks. There's always a chance of cyber threats and fraud. However, depositories and DPs take multiple security measures to safeguard Demat account holders:
Two-factor authentication: This involves a username, password, and another layer of verification, such as an OTP, which ensures that the account holder is the person trying to access the account.
Encryption: Data encryption is a method where information is encoded and can only be accessed or decrypted by a user with the correct encryption key.
Alerts: DPs provide SMS or email alerts for all transactions happening in the Demat account. This helps in the early detection of any unauthorized transactions.
While these safety measures are in place, as an account holder, you must also ensure to keep your login details confidential, avoid accessing your account from public computers, and change your password periodically.
A Demat account is an essential tool for investors in today's digital age. It simplifies the process of holding and managing investments and enables seamless transactions. By understanding all its related terms, you can use it effectively and make the most out of your investments.
Nominee in Demat Account
The concept of a nominee is important in the context of a Demat account.
What is a Nominee?
A nominee is a person chosen by the Demat account holder, who will be entitled to all rights, duties, assets, and liabilities in the event of the account holder's death. The nominee can be a member of the family or even a friend.
Role of a Nominee
The nominee ensures that the assets held in the Demat account are transferred to the rightful person without any legal hassles in case of the demise of the account holder.
Freezing of Demat Account
You might come across this term while dealing with a Demat account.
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What is Freezing of a Demat Account?
Account freezing is a facility provided by depositories that enables the account holder to freeze their Demat accounts for a certain period. This can be done at the request of the account holder or by the regulatory body under specific circumstances.
Role of Account Freezing
Account freezing ensures that no debits or credits are made from the Demat account during the freezing period. This can protect the investor during times of uncertainty or if they feel their account is at risk.
Power of Attorney (PoA) in Demat Account
The term Power of Attorney (PoA) is crucial in the context of a Demat account.
What is Power of Attorney?
Power of Attorney in the context of a Demat account is a legal document that gives an intermediary such as a broker, the power to operate the investor's account on their behalf.
Role of PoA
PoA can be beneficial in managing transactions effectively, especially when the investor cannot handle the transactions due to various reasons. However, it's essential that the PoA is given to a trusted person or entity as it involves granting access and control over one's investments.
Pledge in Demat Account
Pledging is another term you will often hear in the context of a Demat account.
What is Pledging?
Pledging is the act of offering shares held in a Demat account as collateral to get loans.
Role of Pledging
Pledging helps investors to get liquidity without selling their securities. This can be particularly useful in case of need for short-term funds.
By understanding all these related terms, you can effectively manage your Demat account and navigate the world of investments with greater ease.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Understanding the Basics: A savings account is a deposit account held at a financial institution that provides principal security and a modest interest rate. The account allows individuals to deposit money, keep it safe, and withdraw funds, all while earning interest.
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Key Related Term - Interest Rate: The interest rate is a crucial term related to savings accounts, determining the return on the money deposited in the account. Banks and other financial institutions usually set this rate.
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Significance of Minimum Balance: The minimum balance is a specified amount that a customer must maintain in their savings account. Understanding this term is crucial as non-maintenance of the minimum balance may attract penalties.
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Role of ATM/Debit Card: An ATM or debit card, issued by the bank or financial institution, allows savings account holders to access their funds conveniently. It can be used for various transactions, including cash withdrawal, online shopping, and bill payments.
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Importance of Bank Statements: Bank statements are official summaries of financial transactions occurring over a specific period on a savings account. These statements help account holders track their expenditures, deposits, and check the interest earned.