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Loan Against Demat Shares

An overview of loans against demat shares, including their structure, working mechanism, eligibility conditions, and associated considerations.

Last updated on: April 02, 2026

A loan against demat shares is a lending arrangement in which shares held in a demat account are pledged as collateral to obtain funds. The pledged securities remain in the account while being marked in favour of the lender.

This facility is associated with short-term funding requirements and operates within defined lending and regulatory frameworks.

What Is a Loan Against Demat Shares

A loan against demat shares is a secured lending facility in which shares held in a demat account are pledged as collateral to obtain funds. The pledged shares remain in the borrower’s demat account but are marked in favour of the lender. In case of non-repayment, the lender may liquidate the pledged securities to recover dues.

This facility is offered by banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and brokerage institutions. The sanctioned amount is determined based on the market value of the pledged shares and the applicable loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.

Types of Shares Accepted for Loan Pledging

Lenders typically maintain a list of approved securities eligible for pledging. These may include:

  • Shares listed on recognised stock exchanges such as NSE and BSE

  • Large-cap or blue-chip equities with established trading volumes

  • Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), depending on lender policies

  • Securities that meet internal liquidity and volatility criteria
     

The list of eligible securities varies across lenders and is subject to periodic review.

How Does It Work

The mechanism involves pledging eligible securities from a demat account in favour of a lender. The mechanism generally involves:

  • Identification of eligible securities based on lender criteria

  • Initiation of pledge request through depository systems such as CDSL or NSDL

  • Assessment of pledged securities based on market value and LTV norms

  • Sanction of loan amount and disbursement
     

Ownership of the pledged shares remains with the borrower unless the pledge is invoked.

Eligibility and Loan-to-Value Limits

Eligibility criteria are defined by lenders and regulatory guidelines. Common parameters include:

  • Resident status as per applicable norms

  • Active demat account with a registered depository participant

  • Availability of approved securities for pledging

  • Minimum portfolio value as specified by the lender
     

Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios determine the proportion of funds that may be sanctioned against the pledged securities. Regulatory guidelines prescribe limits for certain lenders, and these must be maintained throughout the loan tenure.

Interest Rates, Tenure and Charges

Interest rates, tenure, and charges vary depending on lender policies, borrower profile, and loan structure. Key components include:

  • Interest rates based on product type and market conditions

  • Loan tenure, which may vary across lenders

  • Processing fees and pledge-related charges

  • Maintenance or renewal charges for overdraft facilities
     

Interest in overdraft structures is typically calculated on the utilised amount.

Loan Against Demat Shares vs. Personal Loan

Feature Loan Against Demat Shares Personal Loan

Collateral

Secured (shares pledged)

Unsecured

Interest Rate

May vary based on collateral value

Typically higher due to unsecured nature

Approval Basis

Based on pledged securities and LTV

Based on credit profile

Processing Time

Depends on pledge verification

Based on lender assessment

Prepayment

Depends on lender terms

Depends on lender terms

Key Features of Loan Against Demat Shares

This facility is associated with certain structural characteristics:

  • Collateral-Based Structure: Shares are pledged while ownership remains with the borrower unless invoked

  • Corporate Benefits: Dividends and other corporate actions may continue to be credited, subject to lender terms

  • Loan Structure: May be offered as a term loan or overdraft facility

  • Usage Flexibility: Withdrawal and repayment structures vary based on loan type

  • Interest Structure: Interest may apply only on utilised amounts in overdraft arrangements

Risks and Considerations

The following risks are associated with this facility:

  • Market fluctuations affecting the value of pledged shares

  • Margin requirements if LTV thresholds are breached

  • Liquidation of pledged securities in case of default

  • Limited eligibility of securities for pledging

  • Charges and fees depending on lender terms

Documents Required for Loan Against Demat Shares

The documentation requirements may include:

  • PAN card

  • Aadhaar or address proof

  • Demat account statement

  • Pledge agreement

  • Income proof (salary slips or ITR, if applicable)

  • Recent photograph

Process Overview of Loan Against Demat Shares

The process generally involves:

  • Selection of a lender offering loans against securities

  • Submission of application and KYC details

  • Initiation of pledge request through NSDL/CDSL platforms

  • Authorisation of pledge using OTP-based validation

  • Evaluation and approval by the lender

  • Disbursement of funds upon successful verification
     

Timelines may vary depending on lender processes and documentation.

Conclusion

A loan against demat shares is a secured lending arrangement where securities are pledged to obtain funds. The facility operates within defined valuation, margin, and regulatory frameworks. Its structure reflects the interaction between market value of securities, lender policies, and risk conditions associated with pledged assets.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

Financial Content Specialist

Reviewer

Roshani Ballal

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the value of pledged shares falls?

A decline in the value of pledged shares may result in margin requirements or partial repayment obligations, depending on lender policies.

Dividends may continue to be credited to the borrower, subject to lender terms and conditions.

The facility may be structured as either a term loan or an overdraft, depending on the lender.

Pledged shares are generally not available for sale until the pledge is released, subject to lender approval.

In case of default, the lender may liquidate pledged securities to recover outstanding dues.

Pledging shares does not typically trigger tax liability unless the shares are sold.

The loan amount is determined based on the market value of pledged shares and applicable LTV limits.

Eligible shares are determined by lender-approved lists, typically including liquid and listed securities.

Disbursement timelines vary depending on lender processes and verification requirements.

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