Frequently Asked Questions

Ekvam Associates was founded by a group of IIM graduates who personally witnessed how difficult it was for their parents to recover old investments. What should have been a routine process turned into years of red tape, unclear instructions, and procedural dead ends.
We built Ekvam to solve this problem using structured systems, clear documentation flows, and disciplined follow-ups.

No. Ekvam Associates is an independent management services firm.
We are not affiliated with the Government of India, any regulator, or any authority. We do not use government logos or claim official representation.

Many people try recovering shares on their own and face:

• Repeated rejections due to minor errors
• Conflicting instructions from different entities
• Long periods with no response

Our role is to reduce uncertainty by managing documentation, sequencing, and follow-ups professionally—so the process does not stall.

Once engaged, we:

• Trace and consolidate holdings
• Prepare and correct documentation
• Liaise with companies, RTAs, and related entities
• Handle follow-ups and objections
• Manage the process end-to-end until closure

You remain informed, but not burdened.

Common reasons include:

• No activity or communication for several years
• Change of address or signature mismatch
• Death of the holder without transmission
• Physical certificates not dematerialised

Over time, such holdings may even be transferred to the IEPF Authority.

Yes. Physical shares are not worthless.
However, they must be regularised and processed correctly to be usable or transferred.

There is generally no expiry on recovering shares or dividends.
However, procedural complexity increases with time, especially if holdings move to IEPF.

It starts with a free consultation.
We review available information, assess feasibility, and explain the likely route before any engagement.

No.
Many clients approach us with partial or missing documents. We guide you on what is essential and what alternatives may be possible.

In many cases, recovery is still possible.
Companies have defined procedures for issuing duplicate shares, subject to documentation and verification.

Timelines vary based on:

• Case complexity
• Entity response times
• Documentation readiness

We provide milestone-based clarity rather than unrealistic timelines.

The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) holds shares and dividends that remain unclaimed for a specified period.
This is a regulatory mechanism, not a loss of ownership.

Yes.
Eligible claimants can recover shares and dividends from IEPF by following the prescribed process.

Yes, it is possible.
However, many claims face delays or rejections due to documentation gaps or sequencing errors. We assist by managing this process professionally.

Yes.
Legal heirs can recover and transmit shares subject to documentation and compliance.

• Transfer: Voluntary transfer between living persons
• Transmission: Transfer due to death of the holder

Transmission follows a different legal and procedural route.

Not always.
Requirements vary depending on the value, company policies, and family structure. We guide the correct path.

Yes.
NRIs do not need to visit India. Our on-ground team manages the execution, while documentation and updates are handled remotely.

Yes. We assist with PAN applications, corrections, and alignment required for recovery and compliance.

Not in all cases.
Requirements depend on the nature of the claim and current regulations.

In many cases, yes.
We guide NRIs through the remote account opening and coordination process where permitted.

After initial documentation, involvement is minimal.
We operate with a single point of contact, clear checklists, and milestone updates.

No.
The initial consultation is completely free.

Fees are:

• Based on case complexity
• Shared upfront
• Raised milestone-wise

There are no hidden charges.

We work through formal agreements and defined authorisations.
Clients are informed at every stage, and no action is taken without documented consent.

These are corporate actions that can affect the number of shares held over time. Many legacy portfolios include such changes without the holder’s awareness.

Holdings in physical form or transferred to IEPF will not appear in a demat account until properly recovered and credited.