We need food, clothing, shelter and a demat account! Yes, in the precarious world of uncertainties and over-burdening inflation, we need hope in the form of investing. And, we cannot talk about investing without talking about demat account opening, stock, bond, ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) and option trading. To effectively do all these investments, we need to open demat account suitable to our needs.
A stock trading app allows you to buy and sell securities conveniently from your device, while a Demat account holds your shares in electronic form, eliminating the need for physical certificates. Together, they provide a secure and efficient way to trade in the stock market.
Let us first understand what is demat account what is the use of it, demat account benefits, making a demat account and what is the main function of a demat account.
What Is Demat Account Meaning
Demat stands for dematerialisation of shares from physical to electronic format.The depository NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) introduced dematerialisation in 1996. At present the securities markets regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has mandated the dematerialisation of stocks to ensure secure storage and trading practices in the securities markets.
Earlier, there was no mandate to open demat account online or demat and trading account opening. Trades were executed and paper documents were used for shares and other securities for storage and receipts. People were not aware of what is demat account what is the use of it. Then came dematerialisation and converted the entire trading process in a dematerialised format adding the electronic essence to trading and investing.
Thus, the trading demat account was introduced and then came various versions of it for different types of investors. These online demat accounts are maintained by brokers.
What Are The Types Of Demat Accounts In India?
Currently, for investors, there are two types of online demat account opening available in India. These are the two-in-one and the three-in-one online demat accounts. Let us look at these two types in detail:
Two-in-one Demat Account
The two-in-one trading demat account is a combination of only the demat and trading account. One has to load the funds required for trading in the trading account before placing any trade. Another way to trade using this trading through margin or pledging of existing holdings in your portfolio. Demat account opening in these accounts is pocket-friendly since it involves zero account opening fees and lower or zero brokerage fees. Therefore, it won’t harm your pocket if you have no holding in the demat account as there are no account opening or maintenance charges. If you check what percentage of Indians have demat account, you might understand that the major proportion of them use the two-in-one demat account.
Three-in-one Demat Account
When you open demat with a three-in-one account, you open demat account that is a combination of demat, trading and bank account. Choosing a demat App with this type of demat account can be comparatively more convenient, but expensive than the two-in-one account. With it you can just use your demat login, place trade and the money would be automatically deducted from your bank account on execution. The account opening and maintenance charges for such online demat account opening are higher.
What Are The Other Segregations Of Demat Account
In terms of investor types, there are three types of demat accounts available in India. These three demat account types are as follows:
- Regular: This demat account is for Indian residents. This account can be used for trading in domestic securities like stocks, bonds, ETFs, derivatives like options trading and more.
- Repatriable: For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who can repatriate funds.
- Non-Repatriable: For NRIs who cannot repatriate funds.
To open a demat account, choose a Depository Participant (DP), submit documents, and complete the KYC process. Once your demat login is ready, you can enjoy the benefits of simplified trading, enhanced security, and online access.
How Does A Demat Account Work?
A demat account acts like a digital locker or a digital safe for your stocks, bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, and more. Here, your investments in various financial instruments are saved in an electronic format. With the digital configuration, it serves the purpose of keeping your documents safe in electronic format and saves you from the hassles of paper storage and exchange.
Here is a breakdown of how a demat account works:
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Dematerialisation Of Securities
When you buy a security (stocks, bonds, ETFs and more), they are all converted from a physical certificate to a digital entry in your demat account. Imagine having papers of documents as your investments and compiling them for the future. Dematerialisation saves you from this hassle.
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Centralised Storage
Your demat account is linked to a depository, like NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) or CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited), which stores your securities securely.
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Ease Of Trading
With the demat account buying and selling securities becomes much simpler as transactions can be executed electronically.
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Security Of Transactions
A demat account offers security of transactions and provides a digital safe for your investments. Unlike physical certificates, which can get lost or damaged, your investments are safe and secure in a demat account. With a demat login created, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investments are protected.
What Are The Benefits Of Demat Account
Demat accounts offer numerous benefits, including:
1. A World Of Seamless And Convenient Trading:
- 24/7 Accessibility: You can place trades for securities from anywhere and anytime using your laptop, computer, or mobile device as per the market trading hours.
- Real-Time Tracking: You can monitor your investments in tick-time. This ensures that you are always up-to-date on market moves and swings.
- Efficient Transactions: A demat account can help you execute trades quickly and efficiently, without the need for physical paperwork.
2. Transparency And Accountability:
- Detailed Records: With the demat account you have access to comprehensive transaction history and account statements for on-the-go tracking.
- Communication For Informed Investing: You are able to receive notifications and alerts on corporate actions, dividends and market updates for making informed investment decisions.
- Minimised Margin of Errors: With a digitalised format of demat you can minimise the risk of errors associated with manual record-keeping.
3. Peace Of Mind With Nomination:
- Ensuring Smooth Succession: Your demat account can help you designate a beneficiary to take control of your demat account in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.
- Simplify the Process: It is easier to streamline the process of transferring ownership of your investments to your chosen beneficiary.
4. Enhanced Security:
- Protection Against Loss: Dematerialisation helps you safeguard your investments from physical theft, loss, or damage.
- Reduced Counterparty Risk: It helps you mitigate the risk of dealing with fraudulent intermediaries.
- Regulatory Protection And Control: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the securities markets regulator provides oversight and protection to your investments.
By leveraging these benefits, demat accounts provide a secure, efficient, and convenient platform for investors to manage their financial portfolios.
How To Access My Demat Account
You can access your demat account by using your demat login credentials on your demat App.
Conclusion
A demat account is a digital locker and an essential tool to trading in the securities markets. It can be used to trade in stocks, bonds, ETFs and derivatives like options trading. These accounts are also embedded with learning modules, research reports, presentations and stock buying tips for investors to get an edge over their investments. To explore the cutting-edge trading techniques and research on the securities market, explore the HDFC Sky platform here.