Nowadays, a Demat account is required to trade in securities. Several advantages come along with it. Why you need to own one is as follows:
1. Simplifies Securities Trading and Holding
• Digital Form: Share certificates would not be required as the securities would be held in electronic form.
• Easy Access: Online access and monitoring of investments from anywhere.
2. Cuts Down on Risks
•Physically Undesirable Risks Eliminated: No misplacing, stealing, or damaging of any physical certificate can take place.
•It reduces the likelihood of human manipulation of hard documents or forgery, hence reducing fraud.
3. Quick and Effective Transactions
• Settlements are done faster; basically, transactions get completed in two working days (T+2).
• Instant Transfers: Sharing transfers between accounts is easy.
4. Easy Documentation
• Automated Statements: It's simpler to keep track of investments when regular electronic statements and transaction records are sent.
• Consolidated Holdings: By merging all of your holdings into one location, portfolio management is made simpler.
5. Makes Online Trading Easier
• Integrated Platform: In most of the online trading platforms, a Demat account is a required factor to trade in them.
6. Respect for Regulations
• Requirement for Regulation: Most brokers and stock exchanges require a Demat account in order to be able to trade in the securities market.
• Compliance: Ensures that legal requirements are fully complied with.
7. Transferring Securities Is Easy
• Transfers as gifts or by inheritance of the securities are easy, and no move is needed to transfer physical ownership.
• Nomination: Provisions should be in place to ensure the orderly transfer of ownership in case of unforeseen circumstances.
8. Gaining Corporate Actions
• Dividends and Bonuses: You would also be credited with rights issues, bonus shares, and dividends automatically in your account.
• Company action record: Record and process company actions—mergers and stock splits—efficiently.
9. Lower Transaction Expenses
• Lower Brokerage Fees: Compared to maintaining actual shares, in most cases, trading through a Demat account is relatively cheap.
• No Stamp Duty: The transaction of e-share does not attract stamp duty, unlike physical share transfers.
10. Increased Accessibility
It is easier to sell securities through a Demat account, increasing availability.