Shares held with a certificate

[aussieal]

Hi

Quick question, my dad holds a chunky number of shares in AstraZeneca, which he's held for a long time.

Whilst watching the vaccine situation with interest, he's keen to be in a position to capitalise if there is another spike in the price on the back of the ongoing study.

What would he need to do to transfer his shares to being held digitally, and therefore speed up the process of any sale?

Thanks

Alex

[Mr Pointy]

He would need to open an account with an institution that offers share accounts. Look at places such as Hargreaves Lansdown, Halifax, iWeb, Interactive Investor etc

https://www.hl.co.uk/
https://www.iweb-sharedealing.co.uk/
https://www.halifax.co.uk/investing.html
https://www.ii.co.uk/ii-accounts/trading-account

Look at charges carefully. HL don't charge any monthly fee but it costs £12 for each trade while others charge a monthy fee but cheaper trade fees so the best choice depends on how often you are going to trade.

Whoever he signs up to be aware that the paper certificates are very valuable & expensive to replace - it can cost literally thousands. I sent mine off in batches by Royal Mail Specially Delivery ensuring that each batch had a replacement cost under the insured limit.

[Simpo Two]

Mr Pointy said:

Whoever he signs up to be aware that the paper certificates are very valuable & expensive to replace - it can cost literally thousands.

I have a Shell share certificate from 1964 - maybe it's worth more than the shares...!

[aussieal]

Thanks gents, the swift and detailed responses are much appreciated.

Suspect he'll go with Charles Stanley, he has a S&S ISA with them and seems they dematerialise certificates for £50.

[Mr Pointy]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Hargreaves Lansdown don't charge to process certificates either.

[aussieal]

Might reconsider...

Although they did seem to suggest it was done digitally, rather than via post.