If you're wondering about how safe your shares purchased through pearler are, or what happens to your holdings if something happens to pearler, you've come to the right place.

We're a startup, so it makes sense to be asking these questions! We also expected these concerns, and so have structured our platform to remove undue risks as much as possible for you, our customers.

As you're about to find out, the steps we've taken mean that shares held with pearler are as safe as shares held with Commsec, NABtrade, or any other big Australian broker - and that's because you own your shares directly.

Or in more precise language, you are the beneficial owner of the shares you purchase through pearler because investments made through pearler are CHESS-sponsored.

What does CHESS-sponsored mean?

The ASX keeps a list of who owns every share listed on the exchange. For shares that are CHESS-sponsored, the ASX keeps a record for you based on the personal details you use to set up an account.

When you set up an account with pearler, or another broker who offers CHESS-sponsored holdings, you are given a unique identifier called a HIN (Holder Identifier Number). If you set up an account with pearler, we send you confirmation of the HIN and also keep a record safe for you in case you're ever unsure.

With some ID and your HIN, you can do everything you'd ever need to do with your holdings, including sell your shares through pearler, OpenMarkets (our intermediary broker), or through another broker altogether.

This means that, no matter what happens to pearler, OpenMarkets or any other broker you might be with, your holdings can only be added-to, sold or moved to another broker, based on instructions you provide.

Do I need to do anything else to protect my shares?

You don't need to do anything with your HIN, it's yours and can't be taken from you. If you want to do anything with your holdings, you will only ever need to prove your identity as it relates to your HIN.

Obviously, you should take reasonable steps to protect your identity, not just to make sure your shares are safe, but in general! We take security of your personal data very seriously, that's why if we ever get an odd request from you (for example, to withdraw money into a new bank or roll your holdings to a new broker) we will take extra steps to make sure it's you, like having a phone call or asking for additional ID.

We want to make sure our customers are comfortable, so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via help@pearler.com or on live chat during trading hours.

If this was helpful, you might also be interested in reading our blog on how pearler protects your cash.

Thanks for reading,

Nick

At Pearler, we pride ourselves on the quality of the general financial advice we give. Please note though, that this advice has not been tailored for you. You have unique financial goals, circumstances and needs which may make this advice inappropriate, and it is important that you know whether it applies to you. If you are unsure we urge you to speak to someone you trust who is competent with money and understands your individual needs, whether they be a trusted friend or accredited professional.