What is a HIN?
HIN stands for Holder Identification Number. ASX allocates a HIN to identify a person or entity holding securities on the CHESS subregister through a sponsoring participant.
ASX describes a CHESS-sponsored holder as the person or entity whose name is registered in CHESS as the owner of securities. A HIN is similar to an account number and can identify multiple eligible holdings under the same sponsor.
HIN, SRN and custody are different structures
| Structure | Identifier | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| CHESS sponsored | HIN | The holder is registered on the CHESS subregister and has a sponsoring participant. |
| Issuer sponsored | SRN | The holding is recorded through the issuer's share registry, usually with a different SRN for each issuer. |
| Custodial or omnibus | Provider-specific | A custodian may hold legal title while the client has a beneficial interest. Ask the provider how ownership is recorded. |
Broker-to-broker transfer
How do you transfer CHESS-sponsored holdings?
The usual process is initiated through the new sponsoring broker. ASX notes that the receiving account should match the existing registration details and that the holder must provide signed written instructions.
- 01
Open the receiving broker account
The registration details should match the existing HIN exactly, including holder names, address and any account designation.
- 02
Locate the existing HIN
The HIN appears on the CHESS welcome letter and subsequent CHESS holding statements. Your current sponsoring broker can also retrieve it.
- 03
Authorise the new sponsoring broker
Provide the signed written instruction and account details requested by the receiving broker. Joint holders generally need to sign together.
- 04
Confirm what moves separately
Open options positions, linked cash, unsettled trades and account subscriptions may need separate handling from the CHESS-sponsored securities.
Can a HIN be transferred to Volatility?
Volatility can help determine the appropriate onboarding path for eligible CHESS-sponsored holdings. The account names and registration details must align, and open exchange-traded options positions or settlement arrangements may require additional review.
See the Volatility equities account structure →Do not close the existing broker account or assume every position will move automatically before the receiving broker confirms the process.