NSDL, the first and largest depository in India, established in August 1996 and promoted by institutions of national stature has established a state-of-the-art infrastructure that handles most of the securities held and settled in dematerialized form in the Indian capital market. Although India had a vibrant capital market which is more than a century old, the paper-based settlement of trades caused substantial problems like bad delivery and delayed transfer of title, etc. The enactment of Depositories Act in August 1996 paved the way for establishment of NSDL.
Using innovative and flexible technology systems, NSDL works to support the investors and brokers in the capital market of the country. NSDL aims at ensuring the safety and soundness of Indian marketplaces by developing settlement solutions that increase efficiency, minimize risk and reduce costs. At NSDL, we play a central role in developing products and services that will continue to nurture the growing needs of the financial services industry. In the depository system, securities are held in depository accounts, which is 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 a depository environment is considerably lower as compared to transacting in certificates.
NSDL provides bouquet of services to end investors, stock brokers, stock exchanges, custodians, issuer companies etc. through its network of more than 260 Depository Participants / Business Partners. NSDL has been able to win the trust of crores of investors and other intermediaries, thus standing true to its tag line −Technology, Trust and Reach. We at NSDL believe that ‘Every Indian should not only become an ‘Investor’ but a ‘Prudent Investor’ indeed.