How to add nominee in Demat Account - A Guide

5paisa Research Team

Last Updated: 29 Jan, 2025 06:52 PM IST

Demat Account Nomination - How to Add Nominee
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A Demat account is an essential financial tool that allows investors to hold securities like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in electronic form, ensuring convenience and security. One critical yet often overlooked aspect of managing a Demat account is the nomination facility. Nomination is a process that allows the account holder to designate a person (known as the nominee) who will receive the account's holdings in the event of the account holder's demise.

The primary purpose of a nomination is to streamline the transfer of assets, avoiding lengthy legal procedures such as succession certificates or probate. By appointing a nominee, investors can ensure that their financial assets are easily accessible to their loved ones without unnecessary delays or complications.

Adding a nominee to your demat account in India is a crucial step to ensure the seamless transfer of your securities to your chosen beneficiary in the event of your demise. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that all demat account holders must either appoint a nominee or explicitly opt out. Failure to comply may result in your account being frozen for debits.

What is Nomination in Demat Account?

Nomination in a demat account involves designating a person to inherit and manage the securities held in the account after the account holder's death. This facilitates a seamless transfer of assets, reducing the risk of legal disputes or delays.

By nominating someone, you ensure that your investments are accessible to your loved ones and prevent your assets from becoming unclaimed. Nomination is particularly important as family members may not always be aware of your investment details, making this process a practical way to secure their future.

Who is a Nominee?

A nominee is a person appointed to inherit the assets held in a demat account upon the account holder's demise. Serving as a custodian, the nominee is authorized to manage and transfer the securities in the account. Selecting a reliable nominee is essential to ensure that your securities are managed responsibly and distributed according to your intentions.

Importance of Adding a Nominee in Demat Account

Adding a nominee to your demat account serves as a vital measure to protect your investments. In the event of your passing, the nominee can directly transfer the securities to their name without undergoing lengthy legal formalities. This avoids the complexities and delays associated with the probate process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of assets to your beneficiaries.

Eligibility Criteria for Nominees

When choosing a nominee for your demat account, consider the following key points:

  • Eligible Nominees: Nominees can include immediate family members such as parents, siblings, spouse, or children, as well as trusted individuals outside the family.
  • Minors as Nominees: Minors can be appointed, but in such cases, you must provide the details of a guardian to manage the assets until the nominee reaches adulthood.
  • Restrictions on Nominees: Non-individual entities such as the Karta of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), companies, or societies cannot be designated as nominees. Nominees must be real persons, ideally someone within your close family or trusted friend circle.
     

How to add Nominee’s name in 5paisa Demat Account

5paisa makes it easy to add the name of the Nominee to any Demat account. 

Through the App 

Step 1: Log in to 5paisa Mobile App

Step 2: Click on User (At bottom)

Step 3: Click on Your Name (At the Top-Left)

Step 4: Top right-click on Manage

Step 5: Click Nominee Details

Step 6: Add/Update Nominee or Opt-Out

Step 7: E-sign

Through the Web

Step 1: Log in to 5paisa.com

Step 2: On top right Click on Profile Icon

Step 3: Click on Profile

Step 4: Click on My Profile

Step 5: Click on Nominee Details

Step 6: Add/Update Nominee or Opt-Out

Step 7: E-sign
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding a nominee to your demat account ensures a hassle-free transfer of assets, offers peace of mind, and spares your beneficiaries the complexities of the probate process. This simple step helps protect your investments and guarantees their seamless transition.

More About Demat Account

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. For detailed disclaimer please Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many depository participants offer online platforms that allow you to easily add a nominee to your demat account. 5paisa’s convenient feature enables you to complete the nomination process quickly and securely from the comfort of your home.
 

Yes, it is mandatory. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that all Demat account holders must add a nominee by the specified deadline. Failure to comply will result in the freezing of the Demat account, preventing any transactions from being carried out until a nominee is added.
 

Yes, you can nominate a friend as your demat account nominee, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements specified by the depository participant. The nominee must be a real person, and you will need to provide their complete details during the nomination process.

In the unfortunate event of the account holder's demise, the nominee can claim the securities by providing the necessary documents, such as the death certificate of the account holder and identity proof of the nominee, to the depository participant. Once the documents are verified, the securities are transferred to the nominee's name.
 

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