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Custodial vs. CHESS: How do these share trading models differ?

Custodial vs CHESS sponsership

When researching brokerage platforms, you've probably heard that Australian shares are either CHESS sponsored or in a custodial model. As an investor, understanding the difference between the two can help you to decide what brokerage platform you might want to use as some will opt for one ownership model over the other.

What is CHESS ASX sponsorship?

CHESS stands for Clearing House Electronic Subregister System. It's a system used by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to manage the settlement of shares so that they can be bought and sold. When you buy or sell shares, CHESS records the change in ownership. This system provides you with a Holder Identification Number (HIN) which is linked to all the shares you own on the ASX in one place.

Pros of CHESS sponsorship 

  • Direct ownership of shares: The shares you buy are in your name, which means you have direct control over them.
  • Consolidated view of holdings: All your shares are tied to your HIN, making it easier to track your portfolio.

Cons of CHESS sponsorship 

  • Limited to Australian securities: CHESS is only for Australian securities. If you want to trade international shares, you may need a different setup.
  • Broker dependence: If your broker goes out of business, it could take some time to transfer your HIN to a new broker.

What is a Custodial model?

In a custodial model, a financial institution, known as the custodian, holds a customer's securities for safekeeping. This is intended to minimise the risk of the customer losing their assets through theft or loss. Instead of a HIN, you're given a Security Reference Number (SRN) which is unique to each parcel of shares. 

Pros of Custodial 

  • Access to international markets: Many custodial services allow you to trade both Australian and international shares.
  • Fractional shares: Although not as common on the ASX, the custodial model lets you own fractions of an international share. This can be helpful if you want ownership of expensive shares as some in the past decade have reached as high as $1,000.

Cons of Custodial 

  • Indirect ownership: The custodian technically owns the shares, which can lead to complications if the custodian runs into legal issues.
  • Fees: Custodian services often come with additional fees for their services.

See also: share trading terms explained

Which share trading model is right for you?

Ultimately, choosing between a CHESS-sponsored account and a custodial model largely depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

If you prefer direct ownership of your shares, plan to actively participate in corporate actions, and only need access to the Australian market, then you might find a CHESS-sponsored account more suitable.

On the other hand, if you're looking to trade international shares, prefer a third party taking care of your share safekeeping, or find the simplicity of selling shares through a custodian appealing, then you might prefer the custodial model.

Want to get started with share trading? Check out some of the brokerage platforms below, or have a look at our share trading page and compare providers.

Share account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Last updated 30 October 2024Important disclosures
  • Loading SVG...
    Share Trading

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $3.00
    $0.00

    Trade more than 22,000 shares, ETFs and options across the Australian, US and Hong Kong markets on the moomoo Australia platform. And only pay from A$3 for local CHESS-sponsored trades and US$0.99 for all US trades. Other fees apply. Earn up to 6.8% p.a. introductory rate for 30 days, applicable to up to AU$80,000 on uninvested cash, and get 10 free stocks with eligible deposits (T&Cs apply)

    Details
  • Loading SVG...
    Share Investing

    Standard

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $0.00
    $0.00

    CMC Markets Invest makes it easy to trade with a handy web and mobile platform, competitive pricing and thousands of securities. Buy Australian and US shares from $0 brokerage (T&Cs apply - see website for full details).

    Details
  • Share Trading

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $7.70
    $0.00

    Buy and sell with a low $7.70 flat fee per trade and access to all ASX Shares and ETFs to invest in with GO Markets. Enjoy dedicated local customer support, a regulated Australian company for trading ASX Shares and ETFs. Plus, enjoy $0 Brokerage on your next 15 trades! (T&Cs apply).

    Details

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Share account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Last updated 30 October 2024Important disclosures
  • Loading SVG...
    Share Trading

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $3.00
    $0.00

    Trade more than 22,000 shares, ETFs and options across the Australian, US and Hong Kong markets on the moomoo Australia platform. And only pay from A$3 for local CHESS-sponsored trades and US$0.99 for all US trades. Other fees apply. Earn up to 6.8% p.a. introductory rate for 30 days, applicable to up to AU$80,000 on uninvested cash, and get 10 free stocks with eligible deposits (T&Cs apply)

    Details
  • Loading SVG...
    Share Investing

    Standard

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $0.00
    $0.00

    CMC Markets Invest makes it easy to trade with a handy web and mobile platform, competitive pricing and thousands of securities. Buy Australian and US shares from $0 brokerage (T&Cs apply - see website for full details).

    Details
  • Share Trading

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $7.70
    $0.00

    Buy and sell with a low $7.70 flat fee per trade and access to all ASX Shares and ETFs to invest in with GO Markets. Enjoy dedicated local customer support, a regulated Australian company for trading ASX Shares and ETFs. Plus, enjoy $0 Brokerage on your next 15 trades! (T&Cs apply).

    Details
Cameron Thomson
Cameron Thomson
RG146
Money writer

Cameron has a Bachelor of Creative Writing and History, and a background in broadcast media from his time at 2SER Radio. This diverse set of skills has informed his analytical yet creative approach to dissecting financial data and uncovering long-term trends in consumer finance. Cameron is RG146 certified for Generic Knowledge and keeps a keen eye on current and historical deposit and savings rates on the Mozo database. Cameron is also interested in tracking the investment space, particularly share trading platforms, to help Aussie consumers save and invest their money more wisely.