Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
| What do the initials CDBL stand for? | Central Depository Bangladesh Limited |
| Will all brokers be participants? | All brokers must have access to the system (either directly or indirectly) to settle stock exchange transactions. However, only some brokers will become full service participants and will be able to manage accounts on behalf of customers. Contact CDBL for an up to date list of full service participants. (See also Participants) |
| Who, other than brokers, will be participants? | Financial institutions may become participants to manage the securities they hold. In addition banks, who offer domestic, regional and global custody services may also become participants. Contact CDBL for an up to date list of custody participants. |
| Are all listed securities eligible for holding and settlement in CDBL? | In the long term all listed securities should become eligible securities. However, when the depository starts its operations it will make securities eligible one by one (or in groups) to ensure that the system is not overloaded and that all issuers receive proper training in the operation of the system. Contact CDBL for an up to date list of securities. (See also Eligible Securities) |
| Is it safe to hold my securities in CDBL? | CDBL will not be permitted to operate until it has satisfied
the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has implemented a system
that is safe and secure. In addition the Commission has ongoing regulatory
responsibility for CDBL. All messages between CDBL and the participants will be encrypted and CDBL will have a hot standby site so that all data is duplicated. The Law makes CDBL responsible for compensating investors if they suffer loss as a result of the negligent actions of CDBL staff or management. |
| Will all shareholders need to have CDBL accounts? | A shareholder who does not trade will not be forced to have a CDBL account. However, the use of a CDBL account (either Direct or through a Participant) would remove the need to keep paper share certificates in a safe place. Quarterly statements would ensure that these investors always have an up to date record of their investments. (See also Account Opening, Direct Accounts) |
| If I hold my shares in CDBL, can I vote at company meetings? | Yes. The Law requires companies to treat account holders
as members of the company for all purposes. (See also Benefits and Voting Rights) |
| If I hold my shares in CDBL, will I receive my dividends? | Yes. The Law requires companies to treat account holders as members of the company for all purposes. In most cases you will receive your dividend from the company in the same way as you do today. However, the regulations permit companies to use facilities offered by CDBL to distribute dividends if they wish to do so. |
| How do I open an account? | You will need to open an account through a participant
unless you wish to open a Direct Account at CDBL. (See Account Opening) |
| What will it cost me? | This will depend on which participant you use. The amount the participant will charge you is not fixed by the Law or the Regulations. |
| Can I rematerialise at any time? | Yes – However, CDBL will charge your participant a fee for rematerialisation, which may be passed on to you. |
| What happens if I die? | Your securities will be transferred to your heirs or rematerialised in accordance with normal legal procedures. |
| Can I open a joint account with another person? | Yes – but you will need to agree with your participant whether both signatures or only one are required on any instructions affecting the account. |
| Should I wait until I want to sell to dematerialise my securities? | You may do this if you wish. However, in this case, you will need to wait until the issuer has confirmed that the securities have been dematerialised before the broker can enter the sell order into the market. This will take at least 48 Hours. |