Share Recovery Process – How It Works
Recovering old or unclaimed shareholdings is rarely a single-step exercise. The process involves multiple institutions, documentation layers, and compliance checks that vary depending on the specific history of each holding.
At Ekvam Associates, we manage this process end-to-end on behalf of our clients, so families do not have to navigate procedural complexity on their own. Below is a detailed explanation of how share recovery typically works, and how we handle each stage.
Free Initial Consultation & Case Understanding
Every case begins with a free consultation. During this discussion, we:
- Understand the client’s situation and background.
- Identify whether the holder is resident or NRI.
- Capture available details such as names, companies, folio numbers, or certificates (if available).
- Assess whether the case involves transmission, IEPF, demat conversion, or multiple complexities.
This step helps us determine what can be pursued and what route is applicable. No recovery work begins without a clear understanding of the case.
Tracing Holdings & Portfolio Estimation
In many cases, families are unsure of the full extent of legacy holdings. At this stage, we:
- Trace and identify shareholdings across companies where possible.
- Consolidate information across multiple folios or certificates.
- Estimate the overall portfolio size and scope of recovery.
This step is especially important for old physical shares, multiple company holdings, or cases where paperwork is incomplete. The objective is to bring clarity before proceeding further.
Engagement & Authorization
Once the scope of work is clear:
- We enter into a formal agreement with the client.
- Authorization letters are executed to allow us to liaise on the client’s behalf.
- The engagement is structured with clear milestones and transparency.
From this point onward, Ekvam Associates manages the process end-to-end.
Liaison with RTAs and Companies
A significant portion of share recovery involves coordination with Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs), listed companies, and depository participants. Our team:
- Communicates directly with the concerned institutions.
- Submits applications in the correct sequence.
- Handles clarifications, objections, and follow-ups.
Years of hands-on experience help us avoid common delays and procedural dead-ends.
Documentation Preparation & Corrections
Legacy share recovery often requires multiple corrections and updates before recovery is possible. We handle:
- Preparation of all required forms and declarations.
- Correction of name mismatches, address changes, or signature variations.
- KYC updates and compliance alignment.
- Documentation planning for deceased holder cases (where applicable).
Clients are guided clearly, with checklists and minimal back-and-forth.
Account Opening & KYC Support (Including NRIs)
Where required, we support demat account readiness, bank account coordination, and KYC completion.
For NRI clients, this process is handled remotely, with structured guidance and India-side coordination by our on-ground team. NRIs do not need to visit India for execution.
Duplicate Share Handling (If Required)
In cases where physical share certificates are missing, damaged, or unavailable, we coordinate the process for:
- Issuance of duplicate shares.
- Required declarations and indemnities.
- Company-specific procedural requirements.
IEPF Filing & Claim Processing (If Applicable)
If shares or dividends have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), we manage:
- Filing of the IEPF claim after receipt of the Entitlement Letter (EL).
- Coordination with the concerned company and IEPF Authority.
- Documentation flow and follow-ups.
Once approved, the shares are released from IEPF and processed for credit.
Credit to Demat Account & Closure
After successful processing, shares are credited to the client’s demat account, and a closure summary is prepared. Clients receive clarity on what has been recovered and regularised. All relevant references and records are shared for future use.
Important Notes About the Process
- The share recovery process is not linear; some steps may be skipped or added depending on the case.
- Timelines vary based on entity responses and case complexity.
- Outcomes depend on documentation completeness and regulatory requirements.
We ensure the process remains structured, predictable, and well-communicated, even when complexity increases.