Dematerialisation And Digitisation

Dematerialisation: Digitising the UK shareholding framework
The UK market is entering a significant shift as share ownership moves to full digitisation. This transformation is modernising processes and creating a more efficient future for issuers and investors.

Dematerialisation removes paper share certificates and replaces them with fully electronic records, paving the way for a fully digital shareholder experience - faster communications, smoother payments, and a more efficient UK share ownership model supported by government and industry.

With Equiniti’s industry-leading expertise and digital‑first capabilities, we guide issuers and shareholders through every stage of the transition, from planning and migration to clear stakeholder communications.

This hub provides ongoing updates, expert insights, and key milestones as the UK market moves toward a fully digital shareholding framework.

Progress To Date And Recommendations

Industry progress on dematerialisation and EQ’s key recommendations for advancing the digitisation of share ownership.

Equiniti's Preparations

Providing guidance, updates, and practical support to help issuers and shareholders navigate the shift to digital shareholding.

Dematerialisation FAQs

Your FAQs answered by us. Read on to discover what the transition to DEMAT means for your company and your shareholders.

Dematerialisation Glossary

This glossary sets out some key terms issuers need to understand as the UK moves to a fully digital shareholding system.

Destination Demat: EQ’s Digital Journey

We’re accelerating the shift to fully digital share ownership, transforming how shareholders engage, transact, and connect.
From innovative platforms to real, measurable progress, discover how EQ is leading the way in dematerialisation and shaping the future of shareholder experience.

Watch the video to see what’s next.

Supporting Shareholders Through Dematerialisation

For Step 1 (Removal of paper share certificates and establishment of digitised registers), one of the objectives for the DEMAT (Dematerialisation Market Action Taskforce) is to develop a plan, working with industry, to implement and communicate the move to all stakeholders, making them aware of how the process will affect them.

For Step 3 (All shares transition into the intermediated securities chain), the government has set out the criteria for assessing readiness for Step 3, which includes relevant stakeholders being informed about how it affects them and what they need to do. Importantly, the interests of vulnerable and older investors are to be considered and accounted for in the transition plan.

LATEST WEBINAR: Stay Ahead of the UK’s Shift to Digitisation and Full Dematerialisation

In this on‑demand webinar, industry experts break down the latest regulatory progress, what it means for issuers, and the practical steps you should be taking now. You’ll also hear how shareholders will be supported throughout the transition and get an inside look at EQ’s operational readiness as the market moves away from paper certificates.

Watch now to learn:

The current state of DEMAT and the regulatory direction shaping the UK market
What issuers can do today to prepare for dematerialisation
How shareholder needs will be managed and supported
How EQ is gearing up for a paperless future

Get informed. Get prepared. Watch the webinar on demand.

Watch the session

Dematerialisation Live Feed

Latest developments:

Articles of Association

As part of dematerialisation readiness issuers are considering how to reunite with lost or “gone away” shareholders. To support this, we have undertaken research on changes to Articles of Association, one change looking at forfeiture periods. This high level summary details main categories of change.

Dematerialisation and Digitisation of a Shareholding Framework

As the UK continues its journey to remove paper share certificates and move to a proposed fully intermediated model of holding shares, we look further afield to understand what was happening in other jurisdictions. Our in depth article showcases what issuers can learn from other markets.

Your DEMAT Journey Starts Here

Existing EQ clients can speak directly with their Relationship Manager for personalised support.

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Dematerialisation: Digitising the UK shareholding framework