Selling issuer-sponsored shares can be straightforward, but delays may occur when information is missing, documents do not match, or the correct authority has not been provided.
Unbroker helps reduce avoidable delays by giving clients clear guidance, reviewing each application carefully and identifying outstanding requirements before the shares are sold.
Support is available before you begin, while completing the application and after submission, helping your sale progress as efficiently as possible.
What Commonly Delays a Share Sale?
A share sale cannot usually proceed until the required shareholder, identity, authority and payment information has been confirmed.
Common causes of delay include:
- incorrect or incomplete SRN details;
- missing identification;
- unclear or expired documents;
- incomplete deceased estate paperwork;
- missing company, trust or SMSF documents;
- insufficient evidence that someone has authority to act;
- missing signatures or consents;
- incorrect banking information; or
- an application being completed for the wrong type of holding.
Many of these issues can be resolved. However, the application may need to remain on hold until the correct information is received.
Getting the Right Information From the Start Application
One of the simplest ways to avoid delays is to understand what will be required before submitting the application.
The documents needed will depend on how the shares are registered and who is requesting the sale.
For example, the requirements for an individual shareholder will usually differ from those for:
- joint shareholders;
- a deceased estate;
- a company;
- a trust;
- an SMSF;
- an attorney acting under a Power of Attorney;
- a parent or guardian acting for a minor; or
- a professional adviser assisting a client.
Unbroker provides support before submission to help clients understand the general process and the likely requirements for their circumstances.
Collecting the correct documents early can reduce unnecessary follow-up and help the application move more quickly once submitted.
Guidance While Completing the Application
Unbroker’s secure online application is designed to collect the information needed to process the sale.
However, you are not expected to work everything out alone.
If you are unsure about a question, document or application pathway, you can contact the Unbroker team for assistance while completing the application.
This may include questions about:
- whether the shares are issuer-sponsored;
- where to find the SRN;
- how the shareholder name should be entered;
- who needs to complete identity verification;
- which authority documents apply;
- what supporting documents should be uploaded; or
- which bank account can receive the proceeds.
Resolving these questions before submission can help prevent the application from being delayed later.
Checking the Application Early
Once submitted, Unbroker reviews the information and documents provided.
This helps identify anything that is missing, unclear or inconsistent before the transaction progresses to execution.
The review may include checking:
- the registered shareholder details;
- the company and number of shares being sold;
- the SRN and holding information;
- identity verification;
- authority to sell;
- supporting estate, company, trust or SMSF documents;
- signatures and consents; and
- nominated banking details.
If something further is required, your account manager will contact you and explain what needs to be provided.
The aim is to identify issues early rather than allowing them to cause problems closer to the sale or settlement date.
Clear Requests for Missing Information
Delays can become longer when clients do not understand what is missing or why it is required.
Unbroker aims to make additional document requests clear and practical.
Where further information is needed, we explain:
- what is missing or inconsistent;
- what document or correction is required;
- why it is needed; and
- how it can be provided.
This helps reduce repeated follow-up and gives clients a clearer path to completing the application.
Avoiding Delays With Complex Shareholdings
More complex ownership structures often require additional documents before the shares can be sold.
For example:
Deceased Estates
The documents required will depend on factors such as the value of the holding, whether probate or letters of administration have been granted and who has authority to act for the estate.
Companies
Company sales may require confirmation of the company details, directors, authorised signatories and the authority to complete the transaction.
Trusts and SMSFs
Trust and SMSF applications may require trust deeds, trustee information and documents confirming who is authorised to act.
Power of Attorney
Where an attorney is acting for the shareholder, the Power of Attorney and supporting identification and authority documents will need to be reviewed.
Unbroker regularly handles these types of applications and can help explain the relevant process.
Accurate Banking Information
Incorrect banking details can delay payment and may result in funds being transferred to the wrong account.
Clients should carefully check that:
- the account name is correct;
- the BSB and account number are accurate;
- the account is able to receive the payment; and
- the banking information complies with the requirements of the transaction.
Banking details should be checked before the application is submitted.
If clarification is required, Unbroker will contact you before the proceeds are paid.
Keeping the Sale Moving After Approval
Once all requirements have been completed, the application can be approved for execution.
Unbroker then coordinates the remaining stages of the transaction, including:
- executing the sale;
- issuing the contract note;
- confirming the settlement date;
- managing settlement; and
- transferring the net proceeds after settlement.
Clients are contacted if anything further is required, and support remains available throughout the process.
This provides a clear path from application through to payment.
How You Can Help Avoid Delays
Before submitting your application, check that:
- the shares are issuer-sponsored and have an SRN;
- the shareholder name is entered exactly as registered;
- all required shareholders have been included;
- identification is current, clear and complete;
- any name differences have been explained;
- the correct estate, company, trust or authority documents are available;
- all required signatures and consents have been completed; and
- the banking information has been entered carefully.
The requirements will vary depending on the type of holding.
If you are unsure, contact Unbroker before submitting your application.
Why Use Unbroker?
Unbroker specialises in one-off issuer-sponsored share sales.
Our service combines:
- a secure online application;
- support before and during submission;
- clear guidance about likely document requirements;
- review of each submitted application;
- a dedicated account manager;
- assistance resolving missing or inconsistent information;
- experience with straightforward and complex holdings; and
- support through sale, settlement and payment.
The objective is to identify avoidable issues early and help the transaction progress as efficiently as possible.
Ready to Sell Your Shares?
Prepare your holding details, identification and supporting documents, then complete your application through Unbroker’s secure online process.
If you are unsure what will be required, contact our team before you begin.
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.
