a) Wide DP network : CDSL has a wide network of DPs offering demat services across the country and thus providing investors an opportunity to select a DP of their choice depending on the location and other conveniences.

b) On-line DP services : CDSL's centralised database provides on-line depository services across the country. All DPs are electronically connected to CDSL thereby making the depository services available at the door-step of investor.

c) Availability of wide spectrum of securities : The equity shares of almost all A, B1 & B2 group companies are available for dematerialisation on CDSL. CDSL extends demat facilities practically for all categories of securities which include equity, bonds, debentures, commercial papers, government securities and units of Mutual Funds. A BO can also hold warehouse receipts pertaining to commodities, in a demat account. However, a separate account should be opened for holding warehouse receipts.

d) Competitive fee structure : CDSL's fees are very reasonable and competitive, which makes it possible for DPs to offer demat services to investors at an affordable cost.

e) easi and easiest : Through CDSL's unique internet facility Electronic Access to Securities Information - easi, BOs can view and print a statement of their demat account. BOs can also get the status of the last 7 days transactions in easi. BOs also get a facility of knowing the daily valuation of the securities held in their demat account, as of the previous day's closing price on BSE.
easiest is an internet based facility which permits BOs/CMs to submit debit/credit transaction instructions which can be off-market, on-market,inter-depository and early pay-in transactions. Easiest also has a facility for bulk upload of transactions, which enables a BO/CM to create the instruction file offline and thereafter upload the same through easiest. Moreover, all the facilities and benefits of easi are automatically made available to the BOs registered for easiest.

a) On-line information to users : With the CDSL's centralised database architecture, on-line depository services are available to BOs with the latest status of their demat accounts.

b) Safety of data : In case any system-related problem develops at the DPs end, it does not affect the BOs interest in any way as the CDSL database is maintained centrally.

c) Audit and inspection : CDSL conducts regular audit of its DPs to ensure compliance of the stringent operational and regulatory requirements.

d) Helpdesk : CDSL's prompt and courteous helpline facility is available to DPs and investors to obtain any clarification and guidance.

e) Always meeting users requirements : Continuous updation of procedures and processes in tune with the evolving market practices is another hallmark of CDSL's system.

a) Computer systems : CDSL has state-of-the-art computer systems, data storage devices and communication networks which ensure the security and integrity of all data uninterruptedly. All data at CDSL is automaticaly mirrored and transmitted to a Disaster Recovery Site, which is located away from the main site. (CDSL has also received the prestigious ISO 27001 Certification, which is an internationally recognised information technology industry standard for benchmarking Information Security Management Systems. CDSL has obtained the certification for its main site as well its Disaster Recovery Site (DRS).)

b) System access : Only a person at the DPs end who has been preauthorised by CDSL can access the CDSL system.

c) Unique BO account number : Each BO in CDSL is allocated a unique account number. This avoids wrong transfer of securities in the event the transferee's account number is keyed-in wrongly at the DP's end.

d) Insurance cover : CDSL has obtained adequate insurance cover for any unlikely loss occurring to a BO due to the negligence at CDSL and/or the DP.

a) Individual and non-individual investors have a choice to open a demat account with any CDSL DP. Individual investors could be Indian residents or NRIs. Non-individual investors include Corporates, FIs, FIIs, Mutual Funds, Trusts etc. Also under the scheme of two-way fungibility of ADR/GDR, non-residents can open a demat account with a CDSL DP.

b) An investor should consider the fee structure, locational convenience and the track record of the DP before selecting a DP for opening their demat account.

c) A demat account can be maintained even with 'nil' balance, as there is no requirement of holding any minimum-security balance in a demat account.

d) If securities are already held in joint names, the demat account should be opened in the order of names in which the securities are held. If the securities are held by an individual jointly with different persons, separate demat accounts will have to be opened for each such combination. However, if the same persons hold securities in different order of their names, one single demat account in names of all these persons (not exceeding 3 persons) would be sufficient, provided the facility of transposition-cum-demat is used.

e) At the time of opening the demat account or anytime thereafter, individuals having a demat account in a single or joint name/s can make, a nomination. In the unfortunate event of demise of one of the joint holders, the securities can be transmitted in the name(s) of the surviving holder(s). But, in the event of demise of the sole holder or all the joint holders, the securities can be transmitted in the name of the nominee. A resident Indian can nominate an NRI or another resident Indian and similarly an NRI can nominate a resident Indian or another NRI. Non-individuals including societies, trusts, body corporates, kartas of HUF and holders of power of attorney, cannot make a nomination.

a) Certified true copy of Board Resolution, duly certified by Managing Director/Company Secretary, authorizing opening of demat account and specifying the name of persons authorized by the Board to operate the said demat account. The resolution must specify the manner of operation of the account and authority given to the authorised signatories to open and operate the account.

b) Names of the authorized signatory (ies), designation, photograph and their specimen signatures duly verified by Managing Director/Company Secretary or any other person authorized by the board.

c) Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Corporate Investor.