Chandra Shukla

National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)

NSDL is one of the largest central securities depositories in the World. It has established a state-of-the-art infrastructure that handles most of the securities held and settled in dematerialized form in Indian securities market. Although India had a vibrant stock market which is more than a century old, the paper-based settlement of trades caused problems like bad delivery and delayed transfer of title etc. The promulgation of Depositories ordinance in 1995 paved the way for establishment of NSDL. Using innovative and flexible technology systems, NSDL works to support the issuer companies, investors, stock brokers and other stakeholders in the securities market of the country. NSDL aims at ensuring the safety and soundness of Indian marketplace by developing settlement solutions that increase efficiency, minimize risk and reduce costs. At NSDL, we play central role in developing products and services that nurture the growing needs of the financial services industry. In the depository system, securities are held in depository accounts, which are more or less similar to holding funds in bank accounts. Transfer of ownership of securities is done through simple account transfers. This method does away with all the risks and hassles normally associated with paperwork. Consequently, the cost of transacting in depository environment is considerably lower as compared to transacting in paper certificates. NSDL provides bouquet of services to investors, stock brokers, custodians, issuer companies etc. through its wide network of Depository Partners, spread across the country and abroad also.