Holder Identification Number (HIN): What Every Australian Investor Should Know

If you’ve dived into the world of Australian shares, you’ve probably seen the acronym HIN pop up in your brokerage account. But what exactly is a Holder Identification Number, and why does it matter for investors in 2025? Whether you’re buying your first parcel of ASX shares or considering switching brokers, understanding your HIN is essential for protecting your portfolio and making the most of your investment options.

What is a Holder Identification Number (HIN)?

A Holder Identification Number, or HIN, is a unique number issued by the ASX (Australian Securities Exchange) and managed by CHESS (the Clearing House Electronic Subregister System). It acts like an account number for your shareholdings, linking your name and personal details to the shares you own through a CHESS-sponsored broker.

When you open a brokerage account with a CHESS-sponsored provider, you’re assigned a HIN. This number is unique to you and can be used across multiple shareholdings with that broker. It’s distinct from the Securityholder Reference Number (SRN), which is used when shares are held directly with the company’s share registry (known as issuer-sponsored holdings).

• CHESS-sponsored HIN: Shares are held in your name, on your behalf, by the broker via the ASX CHESS system.

• Issuer-sponsored SRN: Shares are held directly with the company’s share registry, not through a broker.

For most active investors, a HIN offers better flexibility, security, and ease of transfer between brokers.

Why Does a HIN Matter for Investors?

In 2025, the Australian investing landscape continues to shift, with a growing focus on transparency, investor protection, and digital innovation. Here’s why having a HIN is more important than ever:

• Ownership Clarity: With a HIN, your shares are registered in your name—not pooled with other investors. This means you’re the legal owner, not just a beneficiary of a broker’s nominee account.

• Easy Transfers: Want to switch brokers for better features or lower fees? With a HIN, you can transfer your entire portfolio quickly, without selling your shares or triggering capital gains tax events.

• Enhanced Security: If your broker collapses, your HIN-protected shares remain in your name, safeguarded from the broker’s creditors.

• Direct Communication: ASX-listed companies and registries can contact you directly for dividends, voting, and corporate actions, ensuring you don’t miss out on important updates.

In response to several high-profile broker failures and increased scrutiny from ASIC in 2024, new rules have reinforced the importance of CHESS-sponsored holdings and HIN transparency. Some digital brokers now automatically provide a HIN for every new account—no more pooled nominee accounts for retail investors.

How to Get and Use Your HIN in 2025

Getting a HIN is straightforward: open a brokerage account with a CHESS-sponsored broker (like CommSec, SelfWealth, or nabtrade) and your HIN will be allocated automatically. You’ll find it in your account settings or on contract notes from your broker. Here are a few tips for 2025:

• Switching Brokers: If you want to move to a new broker, request a HIN transfer. Your shares move with you—no need to sell or re-register.

• Multiple HINs: You can have more than one HIN if you have accounts with different brokers. Each HIN is unique to you and that broker.

• Investing via Apps: Not all investing apps offer CHESS-sponsored HINs. Check before you sign up—otherwise, your shares may be held in a pooled nominee structure.

• Record-Keeping: Always keep your HIN handy. You’ll need it for share transfers, dividend enquiries, or when responding to registry correspondence.

Recent CHESS replacement project updates from the ASX in early 2025 have also made it easier for investors to view and manage their holdings online, with enhanced digital registry tools and mobile HIN management rolling out across major platforms.

HIN vs. SRN: What’s Right for You?

While a HIN is generally preferred for active and long-term investors, there are still situations where issuer-sponsored SRNs make sense—such as participating in certain company offers or for infrequent investors who want to avoid broker fees. However, most Australians benefit from the convenience, security, and flexibility of a HIN, especially as the ASX moves closer to full digital registry integration in 2025.

Real-world example: After the 2024 broker shake-up, many investors with pooled nominee accounts faced delays and uncertainty. Those with HINs, however, were able to transfer their shares to new brokers with minimal fuss, highlighting the practical value of direct ownership.