Before we get started, familiarise yourself with these key terms:
Holder Identification Number (HIN): A HIN is a unique number that identifies you as a CHESS Sponsored Shareholder with a broker. A HIN usually starts with the letter “X” followed by ten numbers (e.g. X0001234567).
CHESS: CHESS stands for Clearing House Electronic Subregister System. It's the computer system used by the ASX Settlement PTY Limited (ASX) to record shareholdings and manage the settlement of share transactions.
CHESS Sponsored Shares: Shares that are registered with a stock broker (like CommSec or another broker). CHESS Sponsored Shares are allocated a HIN by the broker.
Securityholder Reference Number (SRN): An SRN is used to identify the owner of shares that are administered and maintained by a share registry (i.e. the shares are Issuer Sponsored).
Find your HIN for shares held by CommSec.
Is an Off Market Transfer right for me?
You need complete an Off Market Transfer if:
The current owner (seller) and the new owner (buyer) are different parties (whether a different CommSec client, another account owned by you and in your name, any other account that is not registered in your name); and
The shares are currently held on a CommSec account, they will be transferred into a CommSec account, or both.
Off Market Transfers incur a fee of $54 per stock, which is charged to the buyer’s account.
What do I need to check before I start my transfer?
Your CommSec Client ID and password to download the form online.
That the details of the account the stocks are currently held in are correct. Your name, salutation, postal address, account number and HIN must exactly match those registered on the shares.
That the details of the destination owner or account are correct. The name, salutation, postal address, trading account number and HIN must exactly match those registered on the shares.
The quantity of shares being transferred.
That the details of the new owner (known as the buyer in this transfer) are correct.