The standard settlement date for a sale or purchase is currently 3 days after dealing (T+3 in Stock Exchange jargon). Over more recent times many market counterparties, who handle a reasonable proportion of London’s share transactions, have introduced a premium for non-standard purchases.

Clients who hold certificates for their shareholdings cannot meet T+3 settlement so are obliged to deal for T+10 in order to allow enough time for the paper chase of forms to go literally up and down the country. Most brokers, including James Brearley & Sons, charge a higher fee for dealing for clients who use share certificates.

The alternative is to use our Nominee Service. We hold your shares in the same way that your Bank holds your money. It is fair to draw the comparison that holding share certificates is rather like keeping your cash in a box under the bed.