In the past, CommSec previously offered a “one-off trade” solution that let holders of issuer-sponsored shares (identified by an SRN) sell on the ASX without needing to open a full trading account. This was particularly useful for people with a small parcel they simply wanted to sell without committing to a trading account.
In recent years however, CommSec has stopped providing the one-off trade option for issuer-sponsored shares – meaning many casual or occasional sellers are now left frustrated, needing to jump through extra steps only to dispose of a few holdings and move on.
If you’re affected by this change, Unbroker can help – specialising in selling issuer-sponsored shares without opening a trading account.
What are “Issuer-Sponsored” Shares?
Issuer-sponsored shares are holdings managed directly by a company’s share registry (e.g., Computershare, MUFG, Automic) rather than through a broker’s CHESS system.
These shares are identified by a Securityholder Reference Number (SRN) usually beginning with the letter “I”.
Unlike CHESS-sponsored shares (which have a HIN), issuer-sponsored shares are not automatically linked to a trading account — hence why a one-off sell option is valuable for casual sellers.
What’s Changed with CommSec?
To sell issuer-sponsored shares with CommSec today, you must open a CommSec Share Trading Account in the same name that the shares are registered under and transfer the shares from the share registry into a CommSec account (issuer-to-CHESS transfer) before a sell order can be placed.
This change shifts issuer-sponsored share sales back to the traditional broker/transfer model, which adds steps and time for users who previously enjoyed the simpler sell-only option – confusing or frustrating for people who hold a small parcel of shares they simply want to sell.
A Better Alternative: Sell With Unbroker
If you want a faster and more streamlined service without opening a full trading account and completing unnecessary forms, Unbroker offers a clear alternative:
- Built for One-Time Sellers — Unbroker handles share sales without ongoing accounts or portfolio services.
- Same-day sale and settlement options — funds reach your account within one business day
- Hassle-free process — we verify your details and handle the sale from start to finish
- Support for all holding types — including estates, trusts, SMSFs, companies, POAs, and overseas shareholders
- Built for complex situations — even complicated holdings are managed smoothly and clearly
- Shareholder-focused support — real people, fast answers, Australian owned and operated
Unbroker’s service is designed specifically for people who want to sell and move on – no ongoing accounts, no upsells, and no need to learn trading platforms you won’t use again.
What You’ll Need to Sell Your Shares with Unbroker
To complete your sale with Unbroker all required details can be uploaded directly through our online share sale form, and your ID check can be completed securely via the verification link emailed to you once your application is submitted.
You will need:
1. Your Holding Details
Found on your holding or dividend statement – Learn more about SRN details and where to find them.
2. 100 Points of Identification for Each Registered Shareholder
ID verifications are completed using the 100-point system. Learn more about our ID verification process here.
3. Bank Account Details
The bank account must be in the same name as the registered holder or entity (e.g., trust, SMSF, company, estate).
4. Supporting Documents (If required)
Depending on the ownership structure, you may need to provide additional documentation:
- Trusts or SMSFs – Trust Deed/SMSF Deed.
See our Family Trust or SMSF guide. - Deceased estates – Death Certificate, Will, or Probate/Letters of Administration.
See our full guide to selling estate shares. - Power of Attorney or Guardianship – Certified POA/guardianship orders.
See our guide to selling under Power of Attorney. - Name changes – Marriage certificate, change of name certificate.
See our guide to selling shares when your name has changed here.
Once Unbroker receives your application, we manage the verification, market execution, and settlement for you – so you don’t have to navigate any registry portals or trading platforms
Why This Matters
For many casual investors who acquired shares through IPOs, employee share plans, or inheritance, CommSec’s removal of the one-off sale option has introduced extra steps that don’t add value when all you want to do is sell a parcel and move on.
What typically frustrates sellers is not just the requirement of a traditional trading account, but the additional complexity that comes with it:
- Opening and maintaining an ongoing brokerage account you won’t use
- Completing registry-to-broker transfers before you can even place a trade
- Navigating unfamiliar platforms and processes that are designed for frequent traders
Many users simply want:
- A quick way to sell shares without ongoing fees
- To avoid unnecessary account setup or login requirements
- A straightforward process that gets shares sold and funds received without multiple systems or transfers
Unbroker brings back the simple one-off sale experience many sellers are looking for – with clear steps, transparent pricing, and support tailored to one-time sellers.
Ready to Sell?
If you want to avoid opening a new trading account, completing multiple forms and share registry processes to transfer your shares before selling:
Sell with Unbroker — no trading account required, easy online process, fast settlement and Australian-based support.
Get started now with Unbroker and convert your SRN shares to cash – the way selling issuer-sponsored shares should work.
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.
