What is the Difference Between NSDL and CDSL? | Espresso

The 4 Key Differences Between NSDL and CDSL

The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) are government-registered central depositories used to hold securities like stocks, mutual funds, bonds, property, etc., in an electronic format.

Published on 12 January 2023

What is NSDL?

NSDL, which stands for National Securities Depository Limited, is the largest and oldest electronic depository of securities in India, incorporated in 1996 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was the first of its type to offer trading and settlement of securities in Demat form.

The NSDL comprises a wide range of features, from dematerialization and rematerialization to transfers between depositories and off-market transfers. Lending and mortgage of securities are also part of the NSDL's list of offerings.
Also Read: Indian Depository Reciept

What is CDSL?

The Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) is India's second-largest electronic depository of securities, incorporated three years after the NSDL in the same city. In addition to holding financial securities electronically, it also provides facilities for trade and settlement of orders.
Also Read: Indian Stock Market & its Settlement Process

Regarding services offered to investors, there's no significant distinction between opening a Demat account with an NSDL-registered or CDSL-registered depository participant. Both are regularized by the government and hold comparable value. However, there are a few subtle differences that you need to consider.

CDSL vs NSDL: What's the Difference?

  • Stock Exchange

    One of the most glaring disparities between the companies is that the National Securities Depository Limited keeps electronic copies of stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc., traded on the National Stock Exchange.

    On the other hand, the Central Depository Securities Limited stores electronic securities traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange. However, exchanges can use both depositories for settlement and trading of securities.

  • Demat Account Number

    Demat accounts held with the NSDL consist of two alphanumeric digits: 'IN' followed by 14 numeric digits.

    Central Depository Services Limited accounts typically have 16 numeric digits, making them easy to distinguish.

  • Promoters 

    The National Securities Depository Limited is promoted by the National Stock Exchange of India and other premier banks plus financial institutions such as the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) and Unit Trusts of India (UTI).

    Alternatively, the Bombay Stock Exchange and banks like the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, and Standard Chartered Bank promote the Central Depository Securities Limited.

  • Establishment

    The National Securities Depository Limited was formed three years before the CSDL and had already pioneered the concept of dematerializing physical shares in the country.

    However, when it comes to the total number of depositors, the most recent data suggests that the CSDL has surpassed the NSDL with around 1.5 crore active accounts compared to the 1.1 crore accounts on the NSDL.

    Investors can easily open a trading account with a Depository Participant linked with either depository. Make sure to choose a reliable and trusted broker who can provide you with state-of-the-art trading platforms and the best Demat account features. Also, keep a lookout for benefits like zero Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC).

Conclusion

It's easy to conclude that there is not much of a difference between NSDL and CDSL. Both depositories are registered with the Government of India, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and offer almost identical services to investors — holding electronic copies of their stocks. The question of which one's better depends on the stock exchange you primarily look at for your trading.

Ultimately, it's your DP that picks a depository for you. As an investor, you have very little say on the matter. More prominent depository participants like the State Bank of India and others are registered with the NSDL and CDSL. Provided they hold valid power vested to them by an attorney, brokers can credit or debit securities from either of these depositories on behalf of their customers.

Chandresh Khona
Team Espresso

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