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A nominee refers to an individual chosen by an account holder to receive the benefits or proceeds of an investment in the event of the account holder’s death. The nominee acts as a trustee or custodian of the assets and is designated to ensure a smooth transfer of assets to the rightful person without going through the court process.

However, it is important to note that the nomination does not confer ownership rights. The nominee’s role is primarily that of a trustee, responsible for executing the wishes of the deceased account holder or adhering to legal requirements regarding the distribution of assets.

The benefits of having nominees in investments

Facilitates Smooth Asset Transfer:

• Nomination ensures a seamless transfer of investment assets to the designated nominee in the event of the investor’s demise.
• This helps avoid delays and simplifies the process for the beneficiaries.
• Minimizes the potential for disputes and ensures a smoother transfer of ownership.

Reduces Court Hassles & Legal Complications:

• By designating a nominee, investors can bypass the court process, which can be time-consuming and involve legal complexities.
• This expedites the distribution of investment assets to the intended beneficiaries.
• This also reduces paperwork & legal costs.

Safeguards Investor’s Intentions:

• Nominees act as custodians, safeguarding the investor’s intentions regarding the distribution of investment assets.
• They play a crucial role in executing the wishes of the deceased investor.

Efficient Handling by Financial Institutions:

• Financial institutions find it easier to handle the transfer of investment assets when a nominee is specified.
• The presence of a nominee streamlines administrative processes, making it more efficient for beneficiaries to access and manage the investments.

Provides Financial Security for Beneficiaries:

• Nominating a person as a nominee is a proactive measure to provide financial security for the investor’s family and loved ones.
• It ensures that the benefits of the investments are smoothly transferred to the intended recipients.

The markets regulator SEBI extended the deadline for demat and mutual fund account holders to submit a nomination until June 30, this year. Prior to this, December 31, 2023, was the cutoff date for designating a beneficiary or withdrawing from it by filing a declaration form.

The aim of the action is to assist investors in safeguarding their assets and transferring them to their legitimate heirs. Additionally, SEBI requested that asset management companies (AMCs), depository participants, and Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs) encourage owners of demat accounts and mutual fund units to fulfill the requirement for nomination or to opt out of it by sending a communication via email and SMS every two weeks to all owners of such units who are not in compliance with the nomination requirement.