Demat Nominee: Hi everyone, Yogesh here. With over seven years of experience in the banking sector, I understand the importance of financial planning and security. One crucial aspect of this is ensuring your investments are protected and seamlessly transferred to your loved ones in the event of your absence. This is where the demat account nomination comes in.
Recently, I decided to add a nominee to my demat account online. The process was surprisingly simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Process to add demat nominee online
1. Choose Your Platform:
There are two primary ways to add a nominee online:
- Through your Depository Participant (DP): Most DPs, like CDSL or NSDL, offer online nomination facilities. Visit your DP’s website and look for the “Nominate Online” or similar option.
- Through NSDL e-Services: You can also use the central depository, NSDL’s, portal for online nominations. Head to https://eservices.nsdl.com/instademat-kyc-nomination/.
2. Enter Your Details:
Regardless of the platform you choose, you’ll need to provide your DP ID, Client ID, and PAN to authenticate yourself. You’ll then receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number for verification.
3. Nominate or Opt-Out:
Once authenticated, you’ll be presented with two options: Nominate or Opt-Out. Choose Nominate to proceed with adding a nominee.
4. Enter Nominee Details:
Here, you’ll need to enter your nominee’s information, including their name, relationship to you, date of birth, and percentage of shareholding. You can add up to three nominees, specifying the percentage of shares each will inherit.
5. E-Sign and Submit:
Finally, you’ll be required to electronically sign the nomination form using your Aadhaar. You’ll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number for verification. Once verified, your online nomination will be submitted successfully.
Additional Tips:
- Keep your nominee details updated: It’s crucial to ensure your nominee’s information is accurate and up-to-date. If there are any changes, update them through the online portal or by contacting your DP.
- Review your nomination periodically: It’s recommended to regularly review your nominee details and make changes if necessary.
- Seek professional guidance: If you have any doubts or face difficulties during the online nomination process, consult your DP or a financial advisor.
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Is it Compulsory to Add Nominee in Demat Account?
While adding a nominee to your demat account is not compulsory as of today, March 3, 2024, it is highly recommended by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and considered a very prudent financial step. Here’s why:
- Smooth Succession: In the unfortunate event of your passing, having a nominee ensures your demat holdings are seamlessly transferred to your designated beneficiary, avoiding delays and complexities associated with legal procedures.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your investments are secured and will reach your loved ones offers peace of mind and financial security for them during a difficult time.
- Avoids Legal Hassles: Without a nominee, the process of transferring your demat holdings to your legal heirs can be lengthy and involve legal procedures, causing unnecessary stress and delays for your family.
Therefore, even though it’s not mandatory, adding a nominee is a responsible and practical step to safeguard your investments and ensure their smooth transfer to your intended beneficiaries.
How many Nominee in Demat Account
You can add a maximum of three nominees to your demat account in India.
As per the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), you have the flexibility to choose up to three individuals and designate the percentage of your holdings you wish each nominee to inherit.
Remember, the total shareholding percentage allocated to all nominees should not exceed 100%.
What are the Rights of Nominee in Demat Account?
It’s important to understand that a nominee in a demat account is not automatically the owner of the securities. They hold a specific set of rights after the account holder’s demise. Here’s a breakdown of the key rights a nominee enjoys:
- Claiming Securities: Upon the account holder’s death, the nominee has the right to claim the securities held in the demat account. This includes shares, bonds, mutual fund units, and other dematerialized holdings.
- Repatriation: The nominee can initiate the process of transferring the inherited securities to their own demat account. This allows them to manage the investments or sell them as per their discretion.
- Receiving Dividends/Interest: Once the securities are transferred, the nominee becomes entitled to receive any future dividends or interest payments associated with those holdings.
- Exercising Membership Rights: Depending on the type of securities held, the nominee might be able to exercise certain membership rights attached to them. This could involve voting rights in shareholder meetings for company stocks.
However, it’s crucial to remember that nominees don’t have the following rights:
- Trading During Account Holder’s Lifetime: The nominee cannot trade or sell any securities held in the demat account while the account holder is alive.
- Inheriting the Assets: The nominee doesn’t automatically become the legal owner of the securities. They simply have the right to claim and manage them after the account holder’s passing. This inheritance might be further subject to the terms of the account holder’s will or legal heir decisions.
In essence, the nominee acts as a designated recipient who facilitates a smoother transfer of the demat holdings to the rightful beneficiaries after the account holder’s death.
Who can be Nominee in Demat Account?
While you can’t nominate entities like trusts or corporations, you have flexibility in choosing a person as your demat account nominee. Here’s who can be nominated:
Eligible Nominees:
- Individuals: You can nominate your spouse, children, parents, siblings, or any other individual close to you.
- Minors: Even minors can be nominated, but you’ll need to provide the details of their legal guardian who will manage the holdings until they become an adult.
Points to Consider:
- Number of Nominees: You can nominate up to three individuals as your demat account nominees.
- Shareholding Percentage: You can specify the percentage of your holdings each nominee will inherit. This helps with transparent distribution and avoids potential conflicts.
- Nominee’s Understanding: It’s crucial to communicate your decision to your chosen nominee and ensure they understand their responsibilities associated with handling your demat holdings after your passing.
Remember:
- Regular Updates: Keep your nominee’s details, especially contact information, updated in your demat account to ensure smooth communication and avoid delays in the transfer process.
- Reviewing Nominations: It’s recommended to periodically review your nominee details and make changes if necessary due to life events like marriage, birth of a child, or any other significant changes.
By following these guidelines and choosing a trustworthy individual as your nominee, you can ensure your demat holdings are transferred smoothly and efficiently to your loved ones after your passing.
How to check Nominee in Demat Account
The method for checking your nominee in a demat account depends on your Depository Participant (DP). Here are two common approaches:
1. Through your DP’s online portal:
- Visit your DP’s website. Most DPs, like CDSL or NSDL, offer online services for managing your demat account.
- Log in to your account using your login credentials.
- Navigate to the section related to “Demat Account Details,” “Nominee Details,” or similar options. This might be under “My Profile,” “Account Management,” or “Holding Details” sections, depending on the specific DP platform.
- You should be able to view your current nominee details, including their name, relationship to you, and shareholding percentage.
2. Contacting your DP directly:
- If you’re unable to locate the information online or prefer an alternate method, you can contact your DP’s customer support team.
- Provide your account details and request to know your registered nominee.
- The DP representative will verify your information and share your nominee details.
Here are some additional points to remember:
- It’s important to keep your contact information updated with your DP to ensure smooth communication and avoid any delays in receiving information.
- If you find any discrepancies or outdated information regarding your nominee, initiate an update through your DP’s online portal or by contacting their customer support.
Remember, having an accurate and updated nominee on your demat account is crucial for ensuring a smooth and timely transfer of your investments to your designated beneficiaries in the event of your passing.
