Start with what exists
Many families know that 'there were some shares' but nothing more. Tracing is the work of turning that into specifics: which companies, which folio or demat account, how many shares, and in whose name.
We help you search the right places in the right order, and explain what each result means so you can decide on the next step.
What this service involves
Reviewing your papers
Certificates, dividend warrants, bank entries, application forms, old tax papers.
Identifying the company today
Allowing for renames, mergers, demergers and listing changes.
Finding the current RTA
Using company investor-relations pages and exchange filings.
Establishing status
In the folio, in a suspense account, or transferred to IEPF.
Who may need this service
Heirs of an investor
Who suspect shares exist but have no list.
People with partial information
A company name or a folio number and nothing else.
Common problems we see
Illegible documents
Faded certificates or handwritten records.
Corporate changes
The company renamed, merged or delisted.
Multiple folios
Shares split across spelling variants of the same name.
How the process generally works
The exact steps depend on the company, the type of holding and the facts of your case. This is a general outline.
- 1
Gather every clue
Papers, bank passbooks, family memory.
- 2
Identify entities
Match clues to listed companies and their present names.
- 3
Contact the right RTA
Request holding details using proper identification.
- 4
Record findings
A simple holding register for next steps.
How IEPF Assist can help
- Structured search of your records
- Identifying present company names and RTAs
- Suggesting the next application
We are an independent consultancy. We help you prepare, organise and follow up — the decision on your request always rests with the company, the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), the depository or the relevant authority.
Expected stages and possible delays
We cannot promise a completion date, because processing depends on third parties. Common reasons for delay include:
- Records that need reconstruction
- Slow RTA responses
- Name or address mismatches
Frequently asked questions
Can you tell me which shares I own without any documents?
How do I find a company's RTA?
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Discuss your case with us
Tell us what you know about the shares or documents. We will explain the likely route and what to keep ready.
Request ConsultationLast updated 18 Oct 2026. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.