What is Dematerialisation?
Dematerialisation is a process of converting paper-based securities into electronic or digital format. You can hold financial securities in Dematerialised form in something known as a demat account.
Individuals must submit a Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) to start the conversion process of paper-based securities into the Dematerialised form. Let us elaborate on the process.
Step 1. Open a Demat Account
The first step is to open your Demat account with a stockbroker.
Step 2. Raise a request for the Dematerialisation of securities
- Connect to your stockbroker to access the Dematerialisation request form (DRF). Fill in the form and submit it duly signed to your broker. Accompany the DRF with the physical share certificate(s) and KYC documents. You need to surrender the physical share certificate. Mention 'Surrendered for Dematerialisation' on each of your physical share certificates.
- Obtain the acknowledgement from the stockbroker.
- The broker will process your request basis the receipt of DRF and surrendered shares. The broker forwards the request to the Registrar and Share Transfer Agent (STA). They will also share the physical certificates to the depository.
- If the DRF is found legitimate, physical share certificates are destroyed, and the same securities will reflect in your Demat account.
What is Rematerialization?
Rematerialisation refers to the conversion process of digital securities into physical certificates. Rematerialized securities cannot be traded on stock exchanges operating online.
This process involves the following steps:
- An individual must submit the REMAT Request Form (RRF) to their stockbroker to start the Dematerialization process.
- The broker will then approach the depository and forward the request and form to the Registrar and Transfer (R&T) agents.
- The Registrar will verify the form and confirm the print of physical certificates of securities.
These are the Dematerialization and rematerialization processes to facilitate investors
Key Differences Between Dematerialisation and Rematerialisation
Feature | Dematerialisation | Rematerialisation |
---|
Definition | The process of converting physical securities into electronic form. | The process of converting electronic securities into physical form. |
Benefits | More convenient, secure, and efficient. Can be done if there is a need for physical certificates. | Costs There are usually no maintenance charges for dematerialised securities. There may be a fee for rematerialisation. |
Restrictions | Not all securities can be dematerialised. | Rematerialisation cannot be done for all securities. |
Process | The investor submits a dematerialisation request to their depository participant (DP). The DP then cancels the physical certificates and creates electronic records of the securities in the investor's demat account. | The investor submits a rematerialisation request to their DP. The DP then creates physical certificates of the securities and delivers them to the investor. |
Other Differences: Dematerialisation vs Rematerialization
Here you can find the difference between Dematerialisation and rematerialisation:
Security:
Regarding security, Dematerialisation in the online trading system ensures the security of financial assets. There is a lesser chance of fake or late deliveries, theft, etc.Convenience:
Dematerialisation is an easy and transparent process with a SEBI-registered broker. Rematerialization is a cumbersome process.Ease of Trading:
Dematerialised securities can be easily traded online via your online Demat accounts. Rematerialized securities cannot be traded further.Cost of Maintenance:
There is no cost to maintain Rematerialized securities because the investor takes responsibility for their securities. On the other hand, Dematerialised securities must be held in a Demat account only with the stockbrokers. Therefore, stockbrokers levy an account maintenance charge (AMC) for their services.