Estate administrators and probate lawyers play a vital role in ensuring all estate assets are identified, protected and properly realised. One commonly missed item is issuer-sponsored shareholdings — securities recorded on an issuer’s subregister under a Securityholder Reference Number (SRN), not in a broker account.
Because SRN holdings sit outside a broker’s accounts and are managed by different registries, they’re easy to overlook and can delay estate finalisation.
Why SRN holdings matter
Executor responsibility. Executors are legally required to identify, account for and properly administer all estate assets. Issuer-sponsored holdings form part of that obligation, even when they sit outside a broker account.
Timing risk. SRN holdings require registry-specific processes that can take time to complete. If identified late, they can delay estate distribution, reporting and finalisation.
Complexity and compliance. Each registry applies its own documentation standards, certification requirements and value thresholds. Errors or incomplete submissions often result in rework, rejected applications or unnecessary delays.
Where Delays Commonly Occur
Registry paperwork. Each registry has its own forms, value thresholds and certification standards.
Identity and authority checks. Originally-certified documents and multiple identification verifications are often required.
Execution pathways. Many registries do not execute sales directly. Brokers require the SRN and may need CHESS conversion before settlement.
How Unbroker Helps
We specialise exclusively in issuer-sponsored share sales, providing a secure and professional workflow to sell estate shares without opening trading accounts.
We manage identity verification, registry requirements and sales execution — enabling administrators to handle transactions on behalf of executors or provide clear guidance for them to proceed directly — reducing follow-ups, unnecessary fees and settlement friction.
What You’ll Need to Sell Shares with Unbroker
1. SRN (Securityholder Reference Number) Details
Found on a holding or dividend statement — usually beginning with the letter “I”. Learn more about SRN details and where to find them. Important Note: We cannot assist with CHESS‑sponsored holdings (HIN starting with “X”). You’ll need to contact the purchasing broker to sell those. We can assist with retrieving the SRN when the registration details are known.
2. Certified ID for each executor/representative
ID verifications are completed using the 100-point system. Learn more about our ID verification process here.
3. Bank account details for an estate account or solicitor’s trust account
4. Estate authority (Will + death certificate, or probate, or letters of administration)
How Estate Administrators Can Streamline SRN Share Sales for Executors
Create awareness. Many executors assume all shares are handled the same. Call out issuer-sponsored (SRN) holdings early in client intake and explain they require a different registry-led process so document gathering starts sooner, not later.
Act on authority. With executor authority, estate administrators can manage the sale end-to-end on behalf of clients — collecting certified documents, authority and liaising with Unbroker so families don’t need to handle the paperwork.
Integrate SRN sales into your checklist. Add a specific line under “Realise or Distribute Assets”:
- Identify SRN holdings and locate holding statements; record the issuer, registry, SRN and the registered details exactly as shown.
- Confirm the required authority (will + death certificate, probate or letters of administration).
- Prepare originally certified documents and executor ID.
- Instruct Unbroker to execute the sale and record the outcome for estate reporting.
Why Use Unbroker
- Compliant, End-to-End Processing – registry-grade verification and sales execution
- Faster turnaround – completed in days, not weeks, reducing settlement friction.
- Expertise in complex scenarios — we simplify situations that registries struggle to process
- Built for executors and professionals — whether administering an estate yourself or acting for clients.
- Responsive, Australian-based support — real people, fast answers
Support Your Clients with Efficient SRN Solutions
Issuer-sponsored (SRN) holdings form part of an executor’s obligation to identify, account for and properly administer all estate assets in line with the will and legal requirements.
Although often overlooked, SRN holdings can materially delay estate finalisation if not addressed early.
Get started today or contact our team to discuss supporting your clients.
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.
