What Is an SRN?
SRN stands for Security Reference Number. It’s a unique identifier used when shares are issuer-sponsored, meaning they’re held directly with the company’s share registry (like Computershare or Link Market Services).
An SRN usually starts with the letter “I” (e.g. I0123456789) and is printed on your holding or dividend statements.
If your shares are registered with an SRN, you can sell them through Unbroker — without needing a trading account.
What Is a HIN?
HIN stands for Holder Identification Number. It’s a reference number issued by a broker (like CommSec or NabTrade) to manage shares held through a trading platform. HINs are used when shares are CHESS-sponsored, meaning they are registered with the ASX under your broker’s system.
A HIN usually starts with an “X” (e.g. X0001234567) and is visible in your broker account or statements.
If your shares are held under a HIN, they must be sold through your broker — not through Unbroker.
How to Tell the Difference
| Reference Type | Starts With | Who Holds the Shares? | Can Unbroker Sell These? |
| SRN | “I” | The share registry | ✅ Yes |
| HIN | “X” | Your broker (e.g. CommSec) | ❌ No |
If you’re not sure which one you have, check your most recent holding or dividend statement. Look for a reference number starting with “I” (SRN) or “X” (HIN).
What Unbroker Can Help With
Unbroker is built for people who hold issuer-sponsored shares (SRNs) and want to sell them easily, without setting up a brokerage account.
We cannot assist with sales of broker-held (CHESS-sponsored) shares, but we’re happy to point you in the right direction if needed.
Need to Sell SRN-Registered Shares?
If you’ve located your SRN and want to sell your shares, Unbroker offers a secure, fully online service that doesn’t require any account setup.
