Depository Participant Registration
Have you ever heard of a Depository Participant (DP)? If not, don’t worry! It’s not a term that is commonly known outside of the finance industry. However, if you are planning to invest in the Indian stock market, becoming registered as a depository participant is an important step to take. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what a DP is, why you would need to register as one, and how you can go about it. So, if you’re ready to take your investment game to the next level, let’s get started!
1. Introduction to Depository Participants
When it comes to securities trading, investors rely on intermediaries to execute their transactions. One important intermediary is the Depository Participant (DP). A DP acts as a mediator between the investor and the depository, which is the financial institute responsible for keeping their financial assets. The depository holds these assets in electronic form, and a person cannot contact them directly. Instead, investors must open a Demat account through a DP, who acts as the link between them and the depository. Overall, a DP is an essential player in the securities industry, helping investors and traders access a range of trade options.
In India, there are two primary depositories: the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and the Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL). Entities that qualify to become a DP are regulated by the Depositories Act of 1996 and the SEBI (Depositories & Participants) Regulations of 1996. These include scheduled banks, institutions engaged in granting financial services, state financial corporations, clearing houses, and non-banking financial companies. A DP must also be registered under SEBI and meet certain eligibility criteria set by NSDL and CDSL. In general, DPs have the responsibility of providing depository services to investors, such as trading account maintenance, dematerialisation, and rematerialisation of securities.
There are several reasons why investors need a DP. Firstly, DPs eliminate unnecessary paperwork, making trading more efficient, transparent, and secure. Secondly, electronic processes reduce the risk of fraud and loss/theft of physical assets. Thirdly, since DPs execute all their business online, they can manage affairs with a bulk of investors in a much more convenient way. Lastly, DPs provide investors with regular statements of their accounts, detailing their transactions and securities held, acting as a vital source of information to manage their wealth effectively.
In summary, a DP is an essential intermediary that provides depository services to traders and investors. They make trading more efficient and secure by eliminating paperwork and reducing the risk of fraud and loss/theft of physical assets. DPs are regulated by the Depositories Act of 1996 and the SEBI (Depositories & Participants) Regulations of 1996. Investors need a DP to open a Demat account and to trade with their securities. They provide a vital source of information to manage investments effectively.
2. National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) registration process
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) provides depository services to investors in India. To become a registered Depository Participant (DP) with NSDL, an application must be submitted in the prescribed format along with the necessary supporting documents and fees. After the complete set of documents is received, the application will be placed before the concerned committee of NSDL for approval. Upon approval, the applicant will need to procure necessary infrastructure and hardware, and staff must attend a training program conducted at NSDL Mumbai office to familiarize themselves with the NSDL system. Upon completion of necessary testing, the application will be sent to SEBI for acceptance. Once accepted, the participantship will be activated in a pilot environment for testing purposes, and the necessary fees must be paid. Finally, the participant will enter into an agreement with NSDL as a registered DP.
Existing CDSL DP applicants will not need to send their application to SEBI and will instead be processed internally at NSDL. The applicant will still need to complete the necessary infrastructure and staff training requirements, followed by network and system testing, and a pre-activation inspection by NSDL. The applicant will then need to forward the necessary fees payable to SEBI and NSDL and enter into an agreement with NSDL as a registered DP.
The NSDL website recommends that potential DP registrants visit their website to see the list of necessary documents needed for the application process. The NSDL system is accessible to investors through the DP registered with them, and investors need to open a depository account with the DP to avail the depository services such as trading account maintenance, dematerialization, rematerialization of securities, and more. Becoming a registered DP requires meeting the eligibility criteria set by the Depositories Act 1996 and SEBI (Depositories & Participants) Regulations 1996, as well as the eligibility criteria set by the NSDL and CDSL in their Bye-Laws. Overall, becoming a registered DP with NSDL requires following a detailed process and meeting strict eligibility criteria, but can provide significant benefits to investors seeking to access depository services in India.
3. Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) registration process
Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956 and registered as a Depository under SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulation 1996 and Depositories Act 1996. To register as a Depository Participant (DP) with CDSL, the interested individuals/corporate/HUF etc. need to go through a formal job recruitment process managed by the CDSL HR Department. The DP registration process involves providing complete PAN and first 4 digits of the Date of Birth (DDMM) of the first/sole account holder as recorded in CDSL system to generate a password. After registration, the user can access the Electronic Access to Securities Information (easi) services that enable balance enquiry, transaction details and other services that CDSL may provide from time to time in its absolute discretion.
The BO facility provides policyholders with the option to store insurance policies electronically to undertake changes, modifications and revisions in the eIA account/insurance policy with speed, accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and cost reduction in the issuance and maintenance of insurance policies. CDSL has a central database where all data is automatically mirrored at the Commodity Central Repository Limited (CCRL) for Commodity Market Stakeholders. The parent company, CDSL, has floated CDSL IFSC Limited (CDSL IFSC), a wholly-owned subsidiary operating as a foreign depository in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Financial Tec City.
CDSL has a stringent policy and systems in place to ensure confidentiality of data with strong physical and electronic security measures. The company values ethics, reputation, and transparency. To ensure the security of personal information, CDSL and its DPs may hold and process Personal Information on computer or otherwise used for statistical analysis. The BO agrees that CDSL may disclose to other institutions in strict confidence as reasonably necessary for reasons such as sending physical statement of account and to the DP where the BO holds an account. CDSL may also introduce new services within easi from time to time, which will notify BOs as and when they are made available.
4. Entities eligible to become a Depository Participant
To become a Depository Participant (DP), an entity must meet certain eligibility criteria. The Depositories Act 1996 and SEBI (Depositories & Participants) Regulations 1996 provide a list of entities that qualify to become a DP. These entities include Scheduled Banks approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), State Financial Corporations, institutions engaged in granting financial services, custodian of securities, clearing house or clearing corporation of a stock exchange, stock broker, and non-banking financial company. Registrar of Issue and Transfer Agents who have a minimum net worth of Rs.10 crore can also qualify. However, the NSDL and CDSL, the two depository institutions in India, have their own additional eligibility criteria, which include minimum net worth requirements for stock brokers, financial institutions, and registrars of issue and transfer agents.
5. Types of securities held in a demat account
A Demat account holds various types of securities. These securities include shares, debentures, bonds, government securities, and mutual fund units, among others. Securities held in a Demat account are held in an electronic format, eliminating the need for physical certificates. Using a Demat account, one can buy and sell securities in a paperless manner, straight from the trading platform. This allows investors to trade seamlessly and provides better security for their investments. Furthermore, it also allows investors to easily transfer their securities from one account to another. In short, a Demat account provides an easy and safe platform for investors to trade securities.
Apart from eliminating the need for physical certificates, securities held in a Demat account offer other benefits. One significant advantage is eliminating the risks associated with physical certificates, such as bad delivery, fake securities, delivery delays, and theft, among others. Additionally, it also eliminates the issue of odd lots, as even one share can be traded in the Demat account, and there is no need for paperwork involved in transferring securities. It also records changes in an investor’s address with the Depository Participant automatically, which, in turn, registers the change with all companies in which the investor holds securities, eliminating the need for separate correspondence. Finally, it enables efficient transmission of securities, making it convenient for investors.
A Demat account can hold both equity and debt investments, making it a one-stop-shop for investors to manage their investments. Many investors utilize Demat accounts for their long-term investments. Holding investments long-term provides benefits such as avoiding market fluctuations, allowing investments to grow, and minimizing transaction fees associated with trading frequently. Investors also have access to many market research tools, making it easy to monitor market trends.
A Demat account can help investors diversify their portfolio by investing in different securities. By investing in a mix of securities, investors can spread their risks and increase their chances of earning higher returns. Investors can view and track their investment performance at any time, making it easier to make informed investment decisions. Overall, a Demat account is a convenient and safe way to hold and manage various types of securities with ease.
In conclusion, a Demat account offers numerous benefits to investors. It provides a safe and secure platform for investors to hold securities in an electronic format. It eliminates many of the risks associated with physical certificates and paperwork. A Demat account provides flexibility for investors to trade securities easily, record changes in their address, transmissions of securities, and more. Finally, an investor can use a Demat account to diversify their portfolios, gain access to many market research tools, and track performance.
6. Role of Depository Participants in trading and investment
Depository Participants (DPs) play a crucial role in the trading and investment process in India by providing convenient and efficient services to investors. DPs act as intermediaries between investors and depositories, facilitating the seamless transfer and registration of securities. They provide various services such as opening investor accounts, dematerializing and rematerializing shares, and enabling the transfer of securities. Additionally, DPs offer portfolio management, mutual fund distribution, and IPO intermediation services to investors. Through their services, DPs help investors access financial markets more easily and efficiently.
Furthermore, the role of DPs in improving the safety and security of investor holdings should not be ignored. DPs maintain electronic records of investor shares, eliminating the risks associated with physical share certificates, such as loss or damage. They also facilitate loans against shares and ensure the smooth functioning of transactions, a critical aspect of trading and investment. DPs work to protect investor interests, and SEBI continues to strengthen the regulations governing their operations.
When selecting a DP, it is essential to consider various factors such as mobile and desktop platform robustness, reputation, and applicable charges. Investors must choose a DP that meets their specific needs without compromising service quality. Many DPs provide customized services to meet the unique needs of investors, and investors must choose carefully to ensure the best possible experience.
In conclusion, the role of DPs in the Indian securities market cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in facilitating the trading and investment process, improving investor access to securities, and protecting investor interests. By providing convenient, efficient, and secure services, DPs have become a necessary component of the Indian securities market, and their importance is only set to grow in the future.
7. Agreement between the DP and the depository
An is made and entered into between the Depository Participant (DP) and the Client for the purpose of holding and transacting in electronic warehouse receipts. The DP is registered as a participant in the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), and it has set up a facility to extend depository services offered by NSDL to warehouse receipts. The Client is required to pay charges to the DP for opening and maintaining an account, carrying out the instructions of the Client, and for other services as agreed between the DP and the Client.
The DP reserves the right to revise the charges by giving not less than thirty days’ notice to the Client. It will not levy account closure charges if the client chooses to close the account. The DP agrees to maintain a separate account of its warehouse receipts held in dematerialized form and not co-mingle the same with the warehouse receipts held by the Client.
The DP will make transfers to and from the Client’s account only on the basis of a written order, instruction, direction, or mandate duly authorized by the Client. It undertakes to provide a transaction statement to the Client at least monthly intervals unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Client agrees to operate the beneficial owner account solely for the purpose of holding and transacting in electronic warehouse receipts and be responsible for costs and consequences of receiving credit of any other securities into this account.
If the Client gets any erroneous credit of securities or warehouse receipts in this account, he/she will assist the DP in restoring the securities into the account from which the securities were received in the client’s account at no cost to the client. The client may seek delivery of the commodity represented by electronic warehouse receipts from the warehouse that has issued the electronic warehouse receipt, and the DP and NSDL shall not be responsible for delivery of the commodities against the electronic warehouse receipts.
The client hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified and hold the Depository Participant and NSDL harmless from and against any loss, claim, damage, injury or other cost and expense relating to the delivery of the commodity. The DP shall resolve all legitimate grievances of the Client within 30 days. The Client may give written standing instructions with regard to debiting or crediting of electronic warehouse receipts in its account, and the DP shall act accordingly.
8. Training and infrastructure requirements for DP registration
Training and infrastructure requirements are vital aspects of depository participant registration. The training requirements involve books of accounts and procedures for opening and maintaining investor accounts. Moreover, they also involve training regarding the functioning of depository systems, data management, and technology-based operations. For a potential DP to gain the necessary skills, they may need to attend training programs or seminars organized by the depository they wish to register with, or any other licensed depository. In addition, to be a registered DP, one must have adequate infrastructure that includes a robust IT system with servers, software, and systems that can maintain, update, and manage large volumes of data. The environment should have backup facilities to ensure that the client’s data is secure in case of failure in the primary system.
Apart from training and infrastructure, the depository participant registration process requires adequate human resources as well. There must be an adequate number of employees who can handle the tasks, including opening client accounts, verifying client details, and maintaining client accounts. The employees must be sufficiently trained on the NSE Industrys, Securities Regulations, and also on the DP regulations. The employees must also receive regular updates on changing laws, rules, and regulations, which is crucial to remain compliant.
Ensuring adequate compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policy is another essential requirement. The regulations require a depository participant to have an effective compliance framework that includes a suitable compliance officer that can ensure full compliance with guidelines issued by regulators. The compliance officer’s role is to supervise and ensure that the organization adheres to all applicable laws and policies to which it is subject. Moreover, to ensure compliance, the depository participant must also have a mechanism for gatekeeping its operations by filling out suspicious transaction reports and conducting ongoing monitoring of clients’ transactions daily.
Finally, a successful DP registration process requires that the applicant have a good reputation in the market. The individual or institution applying to become a registered DP should have a solid financial track record, a reputation in the market for fair dealing, and no history of defaults or violations. A good reputation is the foundation for customer trust and confidence. It also helps the DP attract new clients, increasing its market share as well as revenue.
9. Fees and charges for DP registration
Tax filing can be a stressful process, but individuals can take taxes off their minds by utilizing the services of a Depository Participant (DP) to manage their stock securities. A DP is an agent or registered stockbroker of a depository that holds securities of an investor and provides services related to those securities. Investors cannot contact the depository directly but can open and maintain a Demat account through the DP. The Depositories Act 1996 defines a DP as a person registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act 1992, with the SEBI specifying the list of entities eligible to become a DP.
There are two depository institutions in India, and a DP may operate under any one of these two depositories. The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) are the two depository institutions. The NSDL is promoted by the National Stock Exchange Unit Trust of India and Industrial Development Bank of India, while the CDSL is promoted by the Bombay Stock Exchange Bank of India and State Bank of India. To register as a DP, one must meet threshold eligibility criteria, as set by SEBI and the NSDL or CDSL.
In terms of the SEBI (Depositories & Participants) Regulations1996, only certain entities can become a DP. These entities include institutions engaged in providing financial services promoted by the above-mentioned parties jointly or severally, a clearing corporation or clearing house of a stock exchange, or a state financial corporation established under the State Financial Corporations Act 1951, among others. To become a DP with CDSL, one must meet the eligibility criteria laid down under Regulation 19 sub regulation (a) to (d) of the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations 1996 and admission criteria as enumerated in CDSL Bye-Law 5.2.
The minimum net worth requirement for a stockbroker to become a CDSL DP is INR 2 crores, while a stockbroker having a net worth of at least INR 1 crore may be admitted under the category of its Limited Depository Participant, with the condition that they increase their net worth to INR 2 crores to be at par with existing brokers. DPs admitted in this category can only open up to 5000 accounts until they meet the net worth requirement. The admission of a DP that satisfies these threshold criteria is considered on its merits by the Membership Committee of the CDSL.
Demat accounts maintain securities electronically and facilitate securities transactions to be processed efficiently. This saves time and money for issuers with entire issues of securities held in demat form. Dematted securities are also less susceptible to loss, theft, mutilation, or misuse by faking or forging certificates, reducing instances of bad delivery. All non-cash corporate actions can also be handled through demat form at low costs and without hassle. The CDSL’s centralized database enables issuers to monitor changes in holdings and identify any anomalies effectively.
Intending DPs must forward the prescribed registration form, duly completed, to CDSL and accompany it with list of directors and the last three years’ shareholding pattern, a brief profile of the intending DP, list of entities of which directors or promoters are also promoters, a net worth certificate computed as per CDSL’s prescribed format, and certified true copies of the last three years’ annual reports, among other annexures. Fees and charges for DP registration are set by the SEBI and the NSDL or CDSL, with charges varying depending on the services provided. Overall, employing the services of a DP can ease an individual’s tax filing processes and provide significant benefits to companies in terms of cost and time savings.
10. Benefits of using a Depository Participant for investors
Investors in India can benefit greatly from using a Depository Participant (DP) to manage their securities. The DP acts as a mediator between the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) or the Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) and traders or investors. By opening a Demat account with a DP, investors can store securities in a dematerialized format, making trade more convenient and efficient. The DP eliminates the need for excessive paperwork, making transactions safer and faster. Since the processes of a DP are executed electronically, it also eliminates the possibility of fraud. Investors can receive alerts on their mobile phones or email for every transaction in their demat account. A DP can also manage bulk transactions effectively, as the processes are streamlined and digital. Overall, investors can benefit greatly from using a DP as they save time, improve efficiency, and are safer.