Dematerialisation in Nigeria: From Paper Certificates to Digital Shares — A Practical Guide for Shareholders

Still holding on to old paper share certificates? You’re not alone, but doing so puts your investments at increasing risk.

In Nigeria’s rapidly digitising capital market, dematerialisation (the conversion of physical share certificates into electronic records) is no longer optional. It has become essential for securing your investments, ensuring quicker dividend access, and staying aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.

At Coronation Registrars, we are committed to helping shareholders transition smoothly into a safer and more transparent way of managing their investments through our digital platform, ShareholderLive.

Learn more about our digital shareholder services on website: https://www.coronation.ng/institutional/about-us/registrars/

What Exactly Is Dematerialisation?

Dematerialisation is the process of converting physical share certificates into electronic (digital) records held in a Central Securities Depository (CSD).

Instead of depending on fragile paper certificates, which can be lost, damaged, forged, or delayed during verification, your shares are securely stored in digital form.

Think of it as upgrading from a physical passbook to online banking:

Same value. Same ownership. Significantly enhanced safety, speed, and convenience.

Why Shareholders in Nigeria Should Dematerialise their Shares Now

Dematerialisation offers strong personal, financial, and regulatory advantages. Delaying it can lead to avoidable complications.

1. Protect Your Investment

Paper certificates are vulnerable to:

• Loss or theft
• Fire or water damage
• Age‑related fading
• Fraudulent duplication

Digital records eliminate these risks completely.

2. Prevent Delays in Receiving Dividends

Verifying physical certificates can take weeks or months, leading to:

• Returned or unpaid dividends
• Dormant or inactive accounts

Digital holdings streamline dividend processing and reduce delays.

3. Avoid Verification Bottlenecks

As the Nigerian capital market shifts to full digital operations, handling physical certificates is increasingly slower and more cumbersome. Digital shares remove this bottleneck.

4. Sell or Transfer Shares More Easily

If you plan to sell or transfer your shares in the future, dematerialisation gives you instant readiness for transactions.

5. Align with Capital Market Digitisation

Regulators and market operators are advocating for a fully digital ecosystem. Dematerialisation keeps you compliant and ready for future developments.

What Happens After You Dematerialise Your Shares?

You continue to enjoy all benefits of share ownership, including:

• Your name remains on the company’s register
• You receive dividends and corporate updates as usual
• Real‑time visibility of your investments
• Reduced risk of dormant dividends
• A fully digital shareholder experience through platforms like ShareholderLive

Who Needs to Dematerialise Their Shares?

Dematerialisation is strongly recommended if:

• You hold old or inherited paper share certificates
• You have unclaimed or returned dividends
• You want to buy or sell shares quickly
• You want to avoid verification delays
• You prefer fast, digital processes

If you fall into any of the categories above, you can begin your dematerialisation immediately via ShareholderLive; https://shareholderlive.coronationregistrars.com

Getting Started with ShareholderLive

Dematerialisation is now available on the ShareholderLive web platform — faster, safer, and more convenient than ever.

Below is your enhanced step-by-step guide.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Dematerialise Your Shares in Nigeria

Step 1 — Log In

• Visit shareholderlive.coronationregistrars.com
• Log in using your registered email
• From your dashboard, select Dematerialisation under Quick Links or Other Services

Step 2 — Identify Eligible Shares

• The system automatically displays your non‑dematerialised shares
• Click Dematerialise My Shares to proceed

Step 3 — Agree to Terms

• Review and accept the Terms and Conditions
• Declining returns you to your dashboard

Step 4 — Choose a Stockbroker

• Select a SEC‑licensed stockbroker from the dropdown list
• All listed brokers are integrated for seamless processing

Step 5 — Complete the Dematerialisation Form

• Fill in required details
• Upload necessary documents

Step 6 — Submit and Route

• Submit your request
• It is automatically routed to your selected broker
• You’ll receive an email confirming submission and broker details

Step 7 — Cancel if Needed

• If your request is still with your broker, a Cancel button will appear
• You’ll receive a cancellation confirmation email

Step 8 — Track Your Progress

• Monitor your dematerialisation status through the Dematerialisation History page on ShareholderLive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I dematerialise my shares in Nigeria?

You can dematerialise through ShareholderLive by logging in, selecting your eligible shares, choosing a stockbroker, and submitting your request.

2. Is dematerialisation compulsory in Nigeria?

While not yet mandatory for all shareholders, the capital market is moving fully digitally. Dematerialising ensures seamless access to dividends and transactions.

3. How long does dematerialisation take?

Timelines vary depending on your chosen stockbroker, but digital routing significantly speeds up the process compared to physical verification.

4. Do I lose ownership after dematerialising?

No. Your ownership remains intact. Dematerialisation only changes the format of your share certificates.

5. Can I still receive dividends after dematerialising?

Yes, you receive dividends faster and more reliably.

Get Started Today! Protect Your Investment and Unlock the Power of Digital Ownership

Dematerialisation is a smart, forward‑looking decision that safeguards your investment and gives you quicker, more transparent access to shareholder benefits.

Start your dematerialisation journey now: https://shareholderlive.coronationregistrars.com

Need Assistance?

Email: clientservices@coronationregistrars.com
Phone: 0201 227 2570