As a private investor, you can open your own direct account in the following Euroclear Central Securities Depositaries (CSD):
- Euroclear Finland (also possible for Investor Communities)
- Euroclear Sweden
- Euroclear UK & International
Generally, a key benefit of opening an account in your name directly with a CSD to hold and transfer securities, is that you hold your securities in the most secure environment and form - book-entry, electronic form. You and your stockbroker or bank avoid the burden, cost and risk associated with, for example, paper certificate handling while you also avoid the risk of intermediary default.
Excluding paper handling, where applicable, via direct membership with a CSD will typically also allow for benefits such as shorter settlement periods.
