Are you worried about losing track of your shares, or concerned that they might delist if you don’t act quickly? Fortunately, there are strategies and tools available to help you find your shares and ensure they remain in your control.
Many investors face the challenge of locating their shares, especially when records have been misplaced or accounts have moved across platforms. Keep reading to learn how to find shares registered in your name and what steps you can take to keep your investment safe.
What Is Share Ownership?
Before revealing the search process, it’s essential to understand what it means to own shares. Shares represent ownership in a company and entitle you to a portion of the profits, usually in the form of dividends. Knowing the type of share ownership you have is crucial, as it determines how you can access your shares. Owning shares can be direct, or indirect through something such as an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).
Why Shares Might Be Hard to Find
Misplaced Documentation – One of the most common reasons shares become difficult to track is due to misplaced or lost documentation. Account details, transaction records, or transfer details can easily get lost over time, making it challenging to verify ownership.
Name Changes – If you’ve changed your name due to marriage or other reasons but haven’t updated your share records, it can create confusion and difficulty in confirming share ownership.
Changes in Share Registries – Companies often change their share registrars, and this means your shares could have moved without your knowledge. If you’ve changed address and missed important communications it can be difficult to keep track of your holdings.
Inheritance and Forgotten Investments – Sometimes shares are inherited without full knowledge, or long-term investments are simply forgotten. It’s important to keep a record of all investments, even those that seem small or insignificant.
Steps to Find Your Shares
Verify Your Records – The first step in locating your shares is to gather all relevant documentation. This includes any broking account numbers, correspondence from brokers, and other holding-related communications. Even the smallest piece of information can provide vital clues about your shareholdings.
Contact the Share Registry – Once you have gathered your documents, reach out to the relevant share registry for that company. They maintain records for listed companies and can help you verify your share ownership. Provide them with as much information as possible, such as your name, address, and any known share details.
Utilise Electronic SRN Searches – Many registries and platforms now offer electronic searches using a Shareholder Reference Number (SRN) or Holder Identification Number (HIN). These tools can quickly verify if shares are registered in your name.
If you’re wondering, “how do I find my shares through these searches?”—the process typically involves entering the numbers into the registry’s website for immediate results.
Check With Your Broker – Your broker can be an invaluable resource in tracking down your shares. Contact them with your account details and request a comprehensive statement of your holdings. If your shares have been delisted, brokers can often provide information on any conversion or transfer into other securities.
Explore Online Platforms – There are various online platforms dedicated to helping investors find lost shares. These services can search through multiple registries and identify any shares registered in your name. Although there might be a fee, these platforms can save you significant time and effort.
Consult Public Records – If all else fails, consider looking into public records. Some shares may have been transferred to a government body, especially if they were considered unclaimed. Checking with governmental financial institutions can sometimes uncover shares you previously held.
Preventing Missing Shareholdings
Keep Your Information Updated – Ensure your contact details, such as your address, email, and phone number, are current with all registries and brokers. This will help prevent any correspondence related to your shares from going astray.
Leverage Digital Tools – Use digital portfolio management tools to track your investments. These platforms can help you consolidate information and ensure you have a comprehensive view of your shareholdings.
Regular Monitoring and Alerts – Set up regular reviews of your share accounts and consider setting up alerts for any changes in your holdings. Vigilance can quickly address any discrepancies or notices from registries.
Consult Financial Advisers – For more complex situations, consider hiring a financial adviser. Professionals can offer tailored advice and strategies to safeguard and maximise your investments.
Are there any risks of my shares expiring?
Shares do not “expire,” however there are circumstances where you might lose control over them. This could happen when shares are accrued in your name through things like Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRPs) or bonus issues and your holdings are not on the CHESS system.
In some jurisdictions around the world, unclaimed shares may be sold, with proceeds held by the government until claimed. However, this doesn’t happen in Australia. Knowing the specific laws in your country and how they apply to unclaimed shares can prevent the risk of losing your investment.
Be aware of any ongoing costs associated with your shares. This mainly relates to shares in a fund where management fees are deducted. If the value of your holding falls or is too low, fees can erode the entire value of the holding.
Conclusion
To maintain control over your investments, it’s important to find shares registered in your name in a timely manner. By understanding how to navigate the complexities of share ownership, contacting the appropriate registries, and leveraging find my shares tools, you can protect your wealth effectively.
Remember, proactive management and close attention to evolving records are your best defenses against losing track of your assets. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently manage and safeguard your investment portfolio, ensuring your hard-earned money works for you.
No Comments