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), which identifies issuer-sponsored holdings.
- For estate sales, the holdings musty first be updated the into the name of the estate with the share registry(e.g. “Estate of John Doe”) before the shares can be sold. If you’re unsure, the registry name will usually appear on the statement (e.g. Computershare, Link, Automic).
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
- The SRN for the holding
- 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 estate sale form, 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
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.
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.
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.
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. For more, 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 three business days — including ID verification, trade execution, and payment. Ubroker offers same-day sale and settlement, enabling you to recieve your funds one business day after the sale.
Yes — if you have your SRN and ID, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker without logging into the registry.
Yes — as an overseas resident, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by posting original certified ID and a signed authority form.
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.
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.
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.
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.
