Being able to exercise financial discipline and understanding how investments work are important life skills. And an early start could hold the key to a secure financial future. Even minors can get a taste for investing through a demat account. Age is no obstacle, for one does not have to be 18 years old to open demat account and start investing.
How to open demat account for minor
While a minor can hold a demat account, it must be opened by their guardian (either a parent or a court-appointed legal guardian). The guardian operates the account on behalf of their young ward.
The account opening process is quite standard, but there are some deviations. For starters, not all depository participants (DPs) provide demat accounts for minors. So, one should check if the facility is available. Next, upon choosing a suitable DP, the following documents must be submitted to them:
- Demat account opening form, duly filled in
- Two Know-Your-Customer (KYC) forms for minor and guardian
- Age proof of minor
- PAN card and address proofs of both minor and guardian
The application form and other documents can be submitted online or offline. Certain account opening fees will apply, although the charges tend to vary across DPs. Following receipt of the documents, the DP will verify the application. Once the processing is complete, the account details will be issued.
Restrictions of demat account for minor
A minor can hold a demat account provided certain conditions are met:
- The account must be opened and operated by the guardian until the child turns 18.
- There cannot be a joint holder.
- The account can be used only for delivery trading. Intraday and derivatives trading are not permitted.
Advantages of demat account for minor
Demat account opening early on has certain benefits:
- It teaches financial planning to children from an early age.
- The transfer formalities are simple once the child attains majority. In contrast, the transmission process for a regular account requires more paperwork.
- Guardians can use the account to invest in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other instruments to save for the child’s future.
Procedure when minor turns major
Once the minor account holder turns 18, they must submit new account opening and KYC forms. Upon completion of the formalities, the guardian’s name and signature will be replaced by the newly major account holder’s name and signature. All holdings will be transferred to the new account. The account holder will now also become liable to cover the tax implications.
Procedure when guardian expires
If the guardian passes away before the minor attains majority, a notarised or attested copy of the deceased person’s death certificate must be provided. The minor’s demat account will remain frozen until the new guardian completes the formalities. In case the new guardian is appointed by the court, a copy of the court order must also be provided. The signature of the new guardian will then replace that of the deceased.
Conclusion
Having access to a demat account from a young age can instil financial confidence in a child. It may also help to open an account with a well-known broker like Kotak Securities that provides a wide range of educational resources and tools. That would enable the young account holder to hone their monetary skills from the very beginning.
