E. Dos and Don’ts for Investors

• Always deal with a SEBI registered Depository Participant for opening a demat account.
• Read all the documents carefully before signing them.
• Before granting Power of attorney to operate your demat account to an intermediary like Stock Broker, Portfolio Management Services (PMS) etc., carefully examine the scope and implications of powers being granted.
• Always make payments to registered intermediary using banking channels. No payment should be made in name of employee of intermediary.
• Accept the Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS) book from your DP only (pre-printed with a serial number along with your Client ID) and keep it in safe custody and do not sign or issue blank or partially filled DIS slips.
• Always mention the details like ISIN, number of securities accurately. In case of any queries, please contact your DP or broker and it should be signed by all demat account holders.
• Strike out any blank space on the slip and Cancellations or corrections on the DIS should be initiated or signed by all the account holder(s).
• Do not leave your instruction slip book with anyone else.
• Do not sign blank DIS as it is equivalent to a bearer cheque.
• Inform any change in your Personal Information (for example address or Bank Account details, email ID, Mobile number) linked to your demat account in the prescribed format and obtain confirmation of updation in system.
• Mention your Mobile Number and email ID in account opening form to receive SMS alerts and regular updates directly from depository.
• Always ensure that the mobile number and email ID linked to your demat account are the same as provided at the time of account opening/updation.
• Do not share password of your online trading and demat account with anyone.
• Do not share One Time Password (OTP) received from banks, brokers, etc. These are meant to be used by you only.
• Do not share login credentials of e-facilities provided by the depositories such as e-DIS/demat gateway, SPEED-e/easiest etc. with anyone else.
• Demat is mandatory for any transfer of securities of Listed public limited companies with few exceptions.
• If you have any grievance in respect of your demat account, please write to designated email IDs of depository participant or you may lodge the same with SEBI online at https://scores.gov.in/scores/Welcome.html
• Keep a record of documents signed, DIS issued and account statements received.
• As Investors you are required to verify the transaction statement carefully for all debits and credits in your account. In case of any unauthorized debit or credit, inform the DP or your respective Depository.
• Appoint a nominee to facilitate your heirs in obtaining the securities in your demat account, on completion of the necessary procedures.
• Register for Depository participant’s internet based facility or download mobile app to monitor your holdings.
• Ensure that, both, your holding and transaction statements are received periodically as instructed to your DP. You are entitled to receive a transaction statement every month if you have any transactions.
• Do not follow herd mentality for investments. Seek expert and professional advice for your investments.
• Beware of assured/fixed returns.

F. Rights of Investors

• Receive a copy of KYC, copy of account opening documents.
• No minimum balance is required to be maintained in a demat account.
• No charges are payable for opening of demat accounts.
• If executed, receive a copy of Power of Attorney. However, Power of Attorney is not a mandatory requirement as per SEBI / Stock Exchanges. You have the right to revoke any authorization given at any time.
• You can open more than one demat account in the same name with single DP/ multiple DPs.
• Receive statement of accounts periodically. In case of any discrepancies in statements, take up the same with the DP immediately. If the DP does not respond, take up the matter with the Depositories.
• Pledge and /or any other interest or encumbrance can be created on demat holdings.
• Right to give standing instructions with regard to the crediting of securities in demat account.
• Investor can exercise its right to freeze/defreeze his/her demat account or specific securities / specific quantity of securities in the account, maintained with the DP.
• In case of any grievances, Investor has right to approach Participant or Depository or SEBI for getting the same resolved within prescribed timelines.
• Every eligible investor shareholder has a right to cast its vote on various resolutions proposed by the companies for which Depositories have developed an internet based ‘e-Voting’ platform or any other way.
• Receive information about charges and fees. Any charges/tariff agreed upon shall not increase unless a notice in writing of not less than thirty days is given to the Investor.

G. Responsibilities of Investors

• Deal with a SEBI registered DP for opening demat account, KYC and other activities.
• Provide complete documents for account opening and KYC (Know Your Client). Fill all the required details in Account Opening Form / KYC form in own handwriting and cancel out the blanks.
• Read all documents and conditions being agreed before signing the account opening form.
• Accept the Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS) book from DP only (preprinted with a serial number along with client ID) and keep it in safe custody and do not sign or issue blank or partially filled DIS.
• Always mention the details like ISIN, number of securities accurately.
• Inform any change in information linked to demat account and obtain confirmation of updation in the system.
• Regularly verify balances and demat statement and reconcile with trades / transactions.
• Appoint nominee(s) to facilitate heirs in obtaining the securities in their demat account.
• Do not fall prey to fraudsters sending emails and SMSs luring to trade in stocks / securities promising huge profits.