Unbroker vs Full-Service Brokers & Online Trading Platforms

When you’re ready to sell shares, you’ll usually see two common options: full-service brokers (who provide advice and portfolio management) and online trading platforms.

These services are excellent if you’re an active investor who wants to buy, sell, and manage a portfolio over the long term. But if you just want to sell issuer-sponsored shares (with an SRN) quickly and without the hassle of opening a trading account, they can feel like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

That’s where Unbroker is different.

Different Services, Different Goals

  • Full-service brokers focus on investment advice, research, and relationship management — often with higher recurring costs.
  • Online trading platforms cater to people who want to actively trade, requiring ongoing accounts, platform access, and a DIY approach.
  • Unbroker is built solely for execution-only, one-off share sales. No portfolios. No ongoing client relationship. Just a secure, compliant sale when you need it.

We’re not here to upsell you or keep you trading. We exist for one reason: to help you sell shares easily, once, and move on.

Unbroker: Made for Simplicity

Our service is designed for people who:

  • Hold issuer-sponsored shares with an SRN (Shareholder Reference Number)
  • Don’t want to open a new brokerage account
  • Only need to sell once, or a handful of times
  • Are managing a deceased estate, SMSF, trust, or company shareholding
  • Want a fully online, jargon-free process
  • Prefer clear pricing and no unnecessary fees

If you just want to sell your shares without becoming a long-term client, Unbroker is the right fit.

How We Compare

Feature Unbroker Online Trading Platforms Full-Service Brokers
Requires ongoing account ✅ No ❌ Yes ❌ Yes
Upsells, advice, or portfolio reviews ✅ Never ⚠️ Often ❌Regularly
Handles complex holdings ✅ Yes (SMSF, estates, POA, etc.) ❌ No (individual only) ⚠️ Sometimes
Paperwork & setup time ✅ Fast & online-only ⚠️ Account forms, ID upload ❌ Meetings, calls, documents
Licensed & compliant ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
One-off sale process ✅ Purpose-built ❌ Not designed for it ❌ High-cost structure
Service fee model ✅ Fixed percentage, no hidden fees ❌ Transaction + ongoing fees ❌ Advice, admin & trailing fees

No Ongoing Accounts. No Unnecessary Fees.

With Unbroker, there are no subscriptions, trailing commissions, or “client obligations.” You’re not locked into a relationship with a broker or platform — just one clear, compliant transaction.

Trusted by Professionals

Unbroker isn’t just for individuals. Our clients include:

  • Executors managing estates
  • Accountants and solicitors acting for clients
  • Individuals cashing out one-time holdings
  • Companies, trustees and SMSFs
  • People who simply want to move on from a legacy investment

We work directly with Australia’s share registries and settlement systems, so you can trust that your transaction is handled correctly from start to finish.

When Unbroker Is the Right Fit

If you’re thinking…

  • “I just want to sell my shares and move on”
  • “I don’t want to open a trading account”
  • “I’m handling this on behalf of someone else”
  • “I’ve had these shares forever and just want to cash out”

…then Unbroker was built for you.

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.

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