How to Find Forgotten Shares in Australia

Old shares can be surprisingly easy to lose track of. People move house, change email addresses, inherit paperwork or forget small holdings created through demutualisations and employee plans. The good news is that there are several practical ways to investigate.

1. Start with your own records

Search old tax returns, dividend statements, broker reports, bank deposits, email accounts and filing cabinets. Look for company names, ASX codes, registry logos, HINs, SRNs and dividend payment descriptions.

2. Check whether the company still exists

An old certificate does not guarantee that the investment still trades under the same name. The company may have merged, demerged, been taken over, changed name, entered external administration or been delisted. Search ASX announcements and company records before assuming the shares are worthless.

3. Search unclaimed money records

ASIC's Moneysmart service provides a search pathway for unclaimed money from shares and investments. State and territory agencies may also hold certain unclaimed amounts, including dividend or estate-related money. Start with Moneysmart's unclaimed register.

4. Contact the likely registry

If you know the company name, identify its current registry and ask what evidence is needed to locate the holding. The company may have changed name, merged or appointed a different registry, so recent investor information is useful.

5. Decide what to do once located

After confirming ownership and value, you can consider retaining, selling, transferring or donating the shares. Small parcels can be inconvenient to sell where brokerage and administration absorb a meaningful part of their value.

Ready to take the next step?

Located a forgotten parcel you no longer want to manage? It may be possible to turn it into support for charity through Donate Your Shares Australia.

General Information Disclaimer

This article contains general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Requirements vary between holdings, brokers, registries and personal circumstances. Consider obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional.