Being named an executor of a deceased estate means you’re responsible for managing and distributing the estate’s assets. If the estate includes shares registered in the deceased’s name, you may need to sell them and distribute the proceeds to beneficiaries.
This process can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never handled shares before. That’s why Unbroker provides a secure, fully online solution designed specifically for executors, without the need for a brokerage account or trading platform.
How to Sell Shares as an Executor
Step 1: Locate the Shareholding Details
Begin by finding a recent holding statement or dividend statement for the shares. You’ll need the SRN (Security Reference Number) holding details.
This identifies issuer-sponsored holdings which usually start with the letter “I” (or occasionally another letter, depending on the registry). If you have a statement but can’t see your SRN listed, we may still be able to help you sell your shares. You can start the process here.
Important: We cannot assist with CHESS‑sponsored holdings (HIN starting with “X”). You’ll need to contact the broker that purchased the shares to sell those.
For more information on SRN details and where to find them can be found here.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
To process the sale, you’ll need to provide:
- A certified copy of:
- The Will and Death Certificate, or
- Probate, or
- Letters of Administration
- ID for each executor or legal representative. View our ID verification process here.
- The SRN holding details
- The number of shares you wish to sell
- Bank account details in the name of the estate or a solicitor’s trust account
Step 3: Complete the Online Sale Form
Go to Unbroker’s online sale form, select “Deceased Estate”, enter the shareholding details, upload the required documents, and submit securely online.
If anything is missing or unclear, our team will contact you promptly, so your application doesn’t stall.
Step 4: Verification
Our compliance team reviews your application to confirm:
- Your legal authority to act as executor
- The validity of ID and estate documents
- That funds will be paid only into an eligible estate or solicitor trust account
This step typically takes 1 business day, provided documents are complete and legible.
Step 5: Sale Execution
Once verified, the shares are sold on-market — usually the same or next business day.
Step 6: Funds Transferred
Proceeds are transferred one business day after settlement into the estate’s bank account or a solicitor’s trust account.
Make It Easier with Unbroker
Handling a deceased estate can feel overwhelming, but selling shares doesn’t have to be complicated.
With Unbroker, executors can:
- Sell issuer-sponsored shares fully online
- Avoid brokerage accounts, platform setup, or unnecessary paperwork
- Rely on a compliant, secure process with support available when needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — if your shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your personal name, you can sell them online without opening a trading account. For more information, click here.
Yes — shares registered in joint names can be sold online through Unbroker, as long as both shareholders complete the ID verification process. For more information on how to sell your joint holdings, click here.
100 points of ID is a document-based identity check used in Australia. You’ll need to provide certified copies of documents—like a passport, licence, or utility bill—that add up to 100 points. For more information on 100 points of ID click here.
If your shares are issuer-sponsored and you have the SRN, you can sell them quickly online using Unbroker—no trading account required. To learn more about selling issuer-sponsored shares in Australia, click here.
Yes — if your shares are issuer-sponsored, you can sell them online through Unbroker without opening a trading account or using a full-service broker. For a quick guide to selling shares with Unbroker, click here.
Yes — if you're acting under a valid Power of Attorney, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by providing the required documents and ID. To find out what’s required when selling shares under a Power of Attorney, click here.
An SRN identifies shares held directly with a share registry, while a HIN is used for shares held through a broker. Unbroker can only sell shares registered with an SRN. To learn more about the difference between an SRN and a HIN, click here.
Yes — if you’re acting as an executor or legal representative for an Estate, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by providing the required estate documents and ID. For more information on selling shares belonging to an estate, click here.
That’s fine — both shareholders can authorise the funds to be paid into one person's account using a signed authority form provided by Unbroker.
A one-off share sale lets you sell issuer-sponsored shares without opening a trading account or using a full-service broker — perfect for casual or one-time sellers.
Unbroker specialises in one-off share sales — no trading account, no upsells, and no ongoing fees. We're built for people who just want to sell and move on. For a detailed comparison, click here.
Most share sales settle within one to three business days — including ID verification, trade execution, and payment. Unbroker offers same-day sale and settlement, enabling you to receive your funds one business day after the sale. For more information on sales and settlement timelines, click here.
Yes — if you have your SRN and ID, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker without logging into the registry. Click here for more information.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the company’s name, they can be sold through Unbroker with the proper documentation and ASIC verification. Click here to see our full guide on selling shares held company.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the name of your trust or SMSF, you can sell them through Unbroker by providing the deed, trustees ID and any supporting documents. To learn more, see our full guide on selling shares held by a family trust or SMSF here.
Yes — if your ESS shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your name, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account. For more information on selling shares from an ESS, click here.
Yes — as an overseas resident, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by posting original certified ID. For more information on our international ID requirements, click here.
We’re required by law to verify the identity of each registered shareholder before processing a sale — it helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with ASIC and anti-money laundering regulations. For more information on ID verification, click here.
Your SRN is usually found on a holding statement or letter from the share registry — it’s required to sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker. For more information about what an SRN is, click here.
Yes, it’s still possible to sell shares if you can’t find your SRN. In many cases, Unbroker can retrieve your SRN for you and handle the sale process without needing to contact the registry. For more information, click here.
Yes — as long as you're using a licensed and compliant provider like Unbroker. We verify all sales, protect your information, and never ask for upfront payments. For more details on how Unbroker keeps your transactions secure, click here.
Yes — as a parent or legal guardian, you can authorise the sale of shares held by a minor by providing certified ID and signing an authority form.
Yes — as long as your IPO shares are issuer-sponsored and no longer subject to escrow, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account. To get started today, click here.
If you’ve lost your holding statement, you’ll need to contact the share registry to request a replacement. Once you have your SRN, you can sell your shares through Unbroker.
Yes — as long as you can provide certified evidence of the name change (e.g. marriage certificate or name change certificate), Unbroker can help process your share sale. For more information, see our full guide on selling shares when your name has changed here.
Funds are paid one business day after settlement.
Depending on whether you choose Same Day Sale & Settlement or Standard settlement, you’ll receive your money within 1–3 business days. For more information, click here.
Yes — you don’t need a TFN to sell your shares through Unbroker.
However, if no TFN is recorded on your shareholding, the registry may withhold tax from any dividends you’ve received. This doesn’t affect the sale itself.
If the shareholder can’t sign, someone else may be authorised to act under a valid Power of Attorney or court order. We’ll need certified documents confirming their authority before we can proceed. To find out what’s required when selling shares under a Power of Attorney, click here.
Yes — shares registered with an account designation can be sold through Unbroker, provided the authorised person completes the required verification process. Click here to learn how the process works.
