What is Dematerialisation of Securities?
Holding and trading shares and securities in their physical form can pose a risk of forgery, loss of certificates, and delays in the transfer of securities. Dematerialisation is the conversion of physical share certificates into an electronic format to overcome the hassles of keeping physical copies of securities. Dematerialization meaning refers to the process where physical securities are transformed into electronic form, thereby eliminating the risks associated with physical certificates. A depository, such as National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) or Central Depository Services (India) Ltd. (CDSL), is responsible for storing the shares electronically.
Process of Dematerialization
The process of dematerialization is outlined below:
- Opening a Demat Account: The process begins with opening a Demat account with a Depository Participant (DP) of your choice. Dematerialization meaning starts with this essential step, allowing investors to convert their physical certificates into electronic form.
- Submitting a Dematerialization Request Form (DRF): The certificate holder must take a Dematerialization Request Form (DRF) from the DP and submit it along with the physical share certificates. They should mention ‘Surrendered for Dematerialization’ on each certificate.
- Processing the Request: The DP processes the dematerialisation request and forwards the certificates to the company, registrars, and transfer agents.
- Confirmation and Electronic Conversion: Upon approval, the physical certificates are destroyed, and the depository confirms the dematerialisation. The asset holdings are then reflected in an electronic form in the shareholder’s Demat account.
Now that you know the meaning of dematerialisation and its process, let’s understand its benefits.
Read Also: Difference between Dematerialisation and Rematerialisation
Benefits of Dematerialisation
- Ease of Management: Managing electronic versions of share certificates is much easier than physical securities. Investors can handle their securities using just a computer or smartphone.
- Cost Efficiency: Dematerialisation reduces the cost of holding share certificates. There is no stamp duty on electronic certificates, and holding charges are nominal. A shareholder can buy even a single share or odd lots as per their choice and capacity.
- Safety and Security: Electronic dealings eliminate risks such as fraud, theft, or damage associated with physical certificates. Dematerialization extends to providing a secure and efficient way to manage investments.
- Liquidity: Electronic securities are more liquid compared to their physical counterparts. Shareholders can readily secure loans against electronic securities.
The Process of Dematerialization of Shares
Converting share certificates into an electronic form takes about two to four weeks. Here’s how the process unfolds:
- Opening a Demat Account: An investor needs a Demat account to request the dematerialisation of shares and securities they hold.
- Selecting a Depository Participant: The investor chooses a DP or stockbroker through whom they want to convert their shares into a dematerialized form. Understanding the dematerialization meaning is crucial as it involves converting physical assets into an electronic format.
- Completing KYC: The investor completes the account opening process by filling out a form, submitting relevant documents, and completing KYC requirements.
- Submitting the Dematerialisation Request: The investor submits their request for dematerializing the share certificates.
Read Also: Guidelines for the Transfer and Dematerialisation of Re-lodged Physical Shares
Problems with Dematerialisation
While dematerialisation offers numerous benefits, it also has some potential issues:
- System Dependence: The entire process relies on technology, which may be vulnerable to technical glitches or system failures.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Although dematerialisation reduces the risks associated with physical certificates, it introduces cybersecurity threats, such as hacking or data breaches.
- Limited Access: Investors in remote or less technologically advanced regions may face challenges in accessing depository services and managing their Demat accounts electronically. In such cases, understanding the dematerialization meaning becomes critical to navigating potential challenges.
- Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Investors must adhere to strict regulations and compliance requirements, which can sometimes be complex and time-consuming.
Conclusion
Dematerialisation of securities is essential for keeping securities safe from nuisances like fraud and theft. It speeds up the transaction of shares between parties and reduces the costs involved.