A Depository is a facility for holding securities, which enables Securities Transactions to be processed by book entry. To achieve this purpose, the Depository may immobilize the Securities or dematerialise them (so that they exist only as electronic records). India has chosen the Dematerialization route. In India, a Depository is an organization, which holds the beneficial owner’s Securities in Electronic form, through a registered Depository Participant (DP), a Depository functions somewhat similar to a commercial bank. To avail of the services offered by a depository, the investor has to open an account with it through a registered DP. Here in India only two types of Depository Services i.e. (1) National Securities Depository Ltd (2) Central Depository Securities Ltd

Dematerialization is a process by which physical certificates are converted into electronic form.

"Beneficial Owner" is a person who wishes to open Demat Account with NSDL/CDSL for the purpose of holding Securities in the electronic form and persons name is recorded as such with NSDL/CDSL.

A Depository Participant (DP) is an agent of the Depository who is authorized to offer depository services to investors. Financial Institutions, Banks, Custodians and registered Stock Brokers complying with the requirements prescribed by SEBI & Depositories can be registered as DP. Further information on DP, can be accessed from NSDL website www.nsdl.co.in & CDSL website www.cdslindia.com

Issuer means any entity making an issue of securities.

ISIN(International Securities Identification Number) is the identification number given to a security of an issuer at the time of admitting such security in the depository system.