Recovery of Shares

How to Recover Unclaimed Shares and Dividends of Axis Bank Ltd from IEPF?

How to Recover Unclaimed Shares and Dividends of Axis Bank Ltd. from IEPF

Did you or anybody in your family invest in Axis Bank Limited shares during the 1990s or early 2000s? If so, these investments could amount to a lot of money today. Over the years after Axis Bank was established, India’s financial markets started changing. For many people, that meant many investors ventured into private sector banks like Axis Bank for high growth. While a lot of people could see this value, a significantly larger number forgot about their investments or did not claim dividends during that time.    

Unclaimed shares are financial assets that remain unclaimed for a long time. According to the Companies Act of 2013 in India, these shares are transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), a fund set up by the Government of India. This transfer protects shareholders and ensures that money is not left idle without being claimed by the rightful owners or their heirs. Shares may become unclaimed for various reasons, often leading to situations that can make it hard for individuals to reclaim their shares. The good news is that the IEPF has a clear process for reclaiming unclaimed shares. With proper guidance, this process can be straightforward and manageable.

This guide will help you recover unclaimed Axis Bank shares and their dividends from the IEPF. Whether you are a current shareholder, an heir, or a legal representative, this article will simplify the process. We will break down the steps clearly, giving you the information and resources needed to reclaim your assets successfully.

About Axis Bank Limited

Axis Bank Limited is one of India’s leading private sector financial institutions. Founded in 1993 (payment systems began in 1994 after the British Bank of the Middle East was licenced after privatisation in spot banking with a capital infusion of Rs. 1131 crore from their customer deposits), Axis Bank was one of the first private sector Indian banks back after liberalisation to receive the approval for banking through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Over the years, Axis Bank has built a name for being a household name in banking. This offers products and services across the sector, including retail banking, wholesale banking, treasury, investment banking, and insurance. With over 5,480 branches, more than 14,530 self-service terminals, and banking in 2,800+ cities, the bank is well entrenched in urban and rural landscapes of banking. Axis Bank operates international solutions with its Indian corporates. The bank has been active and is committed as a major national institution in the financial inclusion agenda, and supports women leaders from the front with women’s self-help groups.

The Growth of Axis Bank Limited

AXIS Bank Limited has constructed itself and is now one of India’s leading private-sector financial institutions since launching in 1994.  Starting as one of the first banks to receive RBI approval post-liberalization, it has evolved into a full-service bank offering a wide range of services, including retail and wholesale banking, treasury, insurance, investment banking, and more.

With over 5,480 branches and 14,530+ ATMs in more than 2,800 cities, plus an expanding international presence, the bank has solidified its national and global footprint. With a focus on digital solutions and customer-first service, it has further established its position in India’s competitive banking environment.

Axis Bank has demonstrated exceptional growth in the Indian equity market. Its stock price was around Rs. 5 in 2000. By June 2024, the stock price had increased to over Rs. 1170, which shows that the bank has had sound financial management, customer trust, and a consistent level of annual performance.

AXIS Bank’s steady growth is reflected financially and through increasing shareholder value, as evidenced by two stock splits in the last decade. The bank has not only expanded its services but also continued to contribute to financial inclusion through programs like Self-Help Groups to support women entrepreneurs. By combining innovation, inclusive growth, and sound financial strength, AXIS Bank has positioned itself as a committed and resilient organization in the financial services sector.

Calculating Stock Split Value

It is important to understand stock splits in connection with the original value of remaining investments. Axis Bank has a series of stock splits:

  • 28 July 2014: Stock split in a 5:1 ratio
  • 2011: Face value changed from Rs. 10 to Rs. 2
  • 2019: Another split of 2:1, making each Rs. 2 share now Rs. 1
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If you originally owned 100 shares, you would have ended up with:

  • 100 shares x 5 (2014 split) = 500 shares
  • 500 shares x 2 (2019 split) = 1,000 shares

These multiplications significantly impact the value of your holdings.

Reasons Axis Bank Shares Go Unclaimed

The following are the reasons why your shares go Unclaimed:

  1. Investor forgetfulness: Many shareholders forget about old investments.
  2. Relocation: Moving cities without updating addresses.
  3. Death of shareholder: Nominees may not know of the shareholding.
  4. Loss of shareholding in physical certificates: Many earlier shares were held on paper.
  5. No nomination: No nominated records complicate the process of claiming.

These cases lead to unclaimed dividends for over 7 years, after which the shares with earnings are transferred to the IEPF.

About IEPF

The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) was set up by the Government of India under section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013, and managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Its responsibility is:

  • To recover unclaimed shares and dividends to the rightful owners
  • To provide investor education
  • To protect investors from misuse and interest

Previously, there was no organized way to recover or track inactive investments. With IEPF, there has been a system, structure, and transparency since 2016. 

Who can Claim the Unclaimed Shares from IEPF?

The following person can claim the Unclaimed Shares from IEPF:

  • The original shareholder whose shares were transferred to the IEPF.
  • Heir/nominee/successor of deceased shareholder.

Legal heirs must first complete a share transmission process with Axis Bank and receive an entitlement letter before applying to the IEPF.

Dividend History of Axis Bank Limited

Axis Bank has paid consistent dividends since 1997. Below is the detailed dividend history of Axis Bank Limited: 

Announcement DateEx-DateFace ValueDividend TypeDividend (%)Dividend (Rs)
27-04-202307-07-20232Final501.00
28-04-202207-07-20222Final501.00
25-04-201904-07-20192Final501.00
28-04-201706-07-20172Final2505.00
26-04-201607-07-20162Final2505.00
29-04-201509-07-20152Final2304.60
25-04-201412-06-201410Final20020.00
25-04-201305-07-201310Final18018.00
27-04-201214-06-201210Final16016.00
22-04-201108-06-201110Final14014.00
20-04-201020-05-201010Final12012.00
20-04-200914-05-200910Final10010.00
21-04-200822-05-200810Final606.00
17-04-200717-05-200710Final454.50
17-04-200616-05-200610Final353.50
21-04-200520-05-200510Final282.80
29-04-200428-05-200410Final252.50
06-05-200309-06-200310Final222.20
02-05-200226-06-200210Final200.00
05-05-200104-06-200110Final150.00
25-04-2000Interim15
22/04/1999Final12
22/04/1998Final10

These figures indicate strong earnings and a commitment to rewarding shareholders.

Dates for Unclaimed Dividend Transfer to IEPF

Below is the list of dividend declarations and the last date for claiming the dividend before transfer to IEPF:

Dividend for the year endedDate of Declaration of DividendLast Date for Claiming Dividend
March 31, 2012July 13, 2012July 12, 2019
March 31, 2013June 27, 2013June 26, 2020
March 31, 2014June 25, 2014June 24, 2021
March 31, 2015July 21, 2015July 20, 2022
March 31, 2016July 21, 2016July 20, 2023
March 31, 2017July 24, 2017July 23, 2024
March 31, 2018June 29, 2018June 28, 2025

Unclaimed dividends post these dates are transferred to the IEPF. Check your records and act quickly if you fall into these categories.

How to Check Whether Axis Bank Limited Unclaimed Shares are in IEPF?

To check whether your Axis Bank Limited Shares are in the IEPF, follow the given steps:

1. Open the IEPF website

2. Find the search tool for unclaimed shares/dividends

3. Enter:

  • Investor name
  • Father’s or Husband’s name
  • Folio Number or DP-ID-Client ID in the required style

4. Press “Search”, and if the details match, you can file your claim.

Recovery of Unclaimed AXIS Bank Shares from IEPF

Follow the process given below to recover Unclaimed Shares and Dividends of Axis Bank Limited:

Step1. Filing IEPF Form-5

  • Visit MCA/IEPF website
  • Complete IEPF-5 regarding shareholding, bank, Aadhar/Demat details
  • File it and Save the SRN (Service Request Number)

Step2. Preparing the documents

  • Take a printout of IEPF-5
  • Acknowledgment with SRN
  • Indemnity Bond on stamp paper
  • Advance Receipt (executed by Claimant and witnesses)
  • Original Share Certificate or Demat Statement
  • ID and Bank proof (Aadhaar, Passport, cancelled Cheque, etc.)
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Step3. Submission of Document to Nodal Officer (Axis Bank)

  • Place all documents in an envelope superscribed as “Claim for a refund from IEPF Authority”

Step4. Document Verification by Company

  • Axis Bank, with a limited time frame of 15 days to verify documents and to prepare and send a report to the IEPF Authority

Step5. Final Action by IEPF

  • IEPF can process and take action on the claim within 60 days.
  • If approved, shares are credited to your Demat account, and dividends to your bank account

Time Taken to Claim Unclaimed Dividends from IEPF

While the law requires processing within 60 days of company verification of a claim, the real-time frame to claim Unclaimed Dividends from the IEPF takes around 8-12 months due to routine checks of all documents required, compliance review, and processing lists.

To speed up the process and get the recovery of shares and dividends done from IEPF, talk to Enterslice consultants.

Value of Claiming Axis Bank Unclaimed Shares and Dividends

Previously insignificant old investments in Axis Bank shares can now be valued in lakhs or even crores of rupees. By recovering these shares, you are not only preserving your wealth but also taking financial assets into the future for your children, grandchildren, and beyond. You are also ensuring that your rightful funds are never retained by the Government for a lifetime of unclaimed fund ownership.

Claiming unclaimed shares and unclaimed dividends is more than just getting back old money. It represents financial awareness, legacy, and wealth management. Here are our top reasons to claim your holdings:

  1. Large Amounts of Money: What once started as a small investment decades ago could be worth lakhs or crores, forfeiting this is forfeiting wealth.
  2. Importance of Legacy and Heirship: For legal heirs and successors of deceased shareholders, claiming shares is an essential step to honour and respect the financial legacy of deceased family members.
  3. Wealth Management: The assets you recover, in shares and dividends, will appear as assets on your net worth calculation and could be used as savings, investments, or monetary goals.
  4. Don’t Lose Money to the Government: After the specified timeline, the funds belong to the government, and if you reclaim them, you will at least get back what was yours.
  5. Financial Literacy: The act of reclaiming assets leads to families having to check their finances on a fairly regular basis and thus creates a greater level of financial literacy and health.

How Can Enterslice Help?

IEPF claims require a lot of paperwork, continuity of process, thorough reviews, and attention to all procedural requirements. Missing something can lead to rejections, which could be excruciating waits, as we all know, with a bureaucratic process.

Enterslice can help with:

  • Filings of Form IEPF-5 by experts
  • Assist in the legal documentation of heirship.
  • Liaison with Axis Bank nodal officer.
  • Assistance till approval of a claim.

Our legal team tries to eliminate errors, especially difficult with matters of inheritance, where the heir may have little or no information about the shareholder’s error and can shorten processing times.  

To Wrap Up

Axis Bank shares from the past are more than just old certificates; they have financial value that may be considered unclaimed and available for the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). A share purchased years ago may have increased many times in value due to share splits, bonus shares, and dividends. Whether you or your legal heir is involved, you should reclaim IEPF funds as soon as possible.

The process requires careful paperwork and specific steps, but you can achieve it with some effort or professional help. We, Enterslice, can simplify the process by handling legal requirements, completing the necessary documents, and communicating with authorities about your claim.

Don’t let time reduce the value of past investments. Start looking through old documents, talk to family members, and check any inherited materials. You might discover a valuable financial asset.

When every rupee matters, ignoring unclaimed investments is like leaving money behind. You need to take action to reclaim what is yours, but we hope your investments are important enough to motivate you to protect your financial future.

READ  How to Recover Unclaimed Shares of HCL Technologies Ltd from IEPF?

Let your past investments help secure your future. To get expert assistance in recovery of unclaimed shares and dividends of Axis Bank Limited from IEPF, visit https://enterslice.com/.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are unclaimed shares and dividends?

    Unclaimed shares and dividends mean equity holdings and earnings from dividends that a shareholder has not claimed or accessed for a longer period, typically a span of seven years. When dividends go unclaimed for a duration of seven years, both shares and unclaimed dividends become vested with the IEPF under Sections 124 and 125 of the Companies Act, 2013. Some causes behind shares or dividends remaining unclaimed could be forgotten investments, misplaced documents, or the death of the shareholder. They are not lost permanently; however, rightful claimants are entitled to reclaim such shares/dividends through a prescribed procedure.

  2. Who can claim unclaimed Axis Bank shares from IEPF?

    The rightful claimants of Unclaimed Axis Bank Shares are:
    ●  The original shareholder who failed to claim dividends or dematerialize shares.
    ●  Legal heirs, successors, or nominees of a deceased shareholder.
    Heirs are required to complete the process of share transmission at Axis Bank prior to approaching the IEPF and may file a claim only upon receipt of entitlement documents from the company.

  3. How can I check whether I have unclaimed shares or dividends in Axis Bank Limited?

    To check if you have Unclaimed Shares in Axis Bank Limited, go to the website of IEPF (http://www.iepf.gov.in). Use the search tool for unclaimed and unpaid amounts. You will need:
    ●  The investor's name
    ●  The father's or husband's name
    ●  Folio Number or DP-ID-Client-ID
    Matching of the data will indicate unclaimed amounts. If the name appears, proceed to file Form IEPF-5.

  4. Where should I send the documents after submitting my IEPF refund application?

    After submitting your IEPF refund application, send all required and duly attested documents to the Nodal Officer at Axis Bank, located at the corporate office of the RTA (Registrar and Share Transfer Agent). Mark the envelope with: “Claim for Refund from IEPF Authority.”

  5. What is the average duration of the complete IEPF recovery procedure?

    The standard IEPF guidelines require claims to get processed within 60 days after verification, yet most cases experience delays because of:
    ●  Document discrepancies
    ●  Legal verification
    ●  Processing backlog
    Generally, it may take 8 to 12 months. Regular follow-ups and complete documentation can expedite the process.

  6. What happens if I make an error in Form IEPF-5?

    Incorrect or incomplete details may result in rejection or require resubmission. Common errors include:
    ●  Mismatched PAN or Aadhaar details
    ●  Wrong DP-ID or Folio Number
    ●  Missing documents
    You may need to file a revised application and reinitiate the process.

  7. Do legal heirs have any claim on the Axis Bank shares held by the deceased shareholders?

    Yes, legal heirs have a claim on the Axis Bank Shares held by the deceased. They must first complete a process of transmission of shares at the Axis Bank by providing the death certificate, succession certificate, or legal heir certificate. Upon the transmission of the shares in the name of the heir, they can file a claim before the IEPF.

  8. What if I do not have a Demat account while filing a claim before the IEPF?

    Demat accounts are a must to receive back shares from IEPF. If you do not possess a Demat account, then please open one through a registered Depository Participant (DP). Make sure the Demat account is actually in the name of the claimant. Your DP ID and Client ID will be needed during the filing of Form IEPF-5, and no shares will be credited without a valid Demat account, thereby blocking the claim.

  9. Can I claim Axis Bank shares if they were gifted or transferred to me but not recorded?

    An unrecorded gift or transfer must be regularized either by share transmission or by transfer to the company. If these are not registered, IEPF will not recognize your claim unless:
    ●  You obtain legal instruments, such as a gift deed, an affidavit, etc.
    ●  Transmission of the shares is made to your name officially through Axis Bank itself.
    Make sure that the company's RTA has updated the changes in ownership before filing Form IEPF-5.

  10. What happens if I do not claim shares or dividends from the IEPF?

    If you do not claim your shares and dividends from IEPF, those Unclaimed shares and dividends stay with the IEPF. Though there is presently no statute of limitation, failure to act:
    ●  Bar you from claiming your wealth, which gets accumulated thereby
    ●  Complicate the matter of documentation with the lapse of time
    ●  Lead to disputes between families in cases of legal heirship
    You may lose returns on investments long forgotten. It’s wise to act early to preserve wealth.

  11. What is the procedure for reclaiming Unclaimed Shares if the shareholder is a joint holder?

    To reclaim Unclaimed Shares for joint shareholder shares, all holders must agree to claim:
    ●  If both joint holders are alive, then the primary holder should file the claim.
    ●  Where one joint holder is dead, the survivor must submit the death certificate and complete the transmission process of the shares in his/her sole name before applying to the IEPF.
    Each and every situation can differ in documentation, so care must be taken to verify.

  12. Is professional help necessary to reclaim Axis Bank shares from IEPF?

    Professional help to reclaim Axis Bank shares from IEPF is not mandatory, but strongly recommended for:
    ●  Complex legal heir cases
    ●  Missing documents or physical certificates
    ●  Procedural compliance
    Our seasoned professionals at Enterslice offer end-to-end support, including document preparation, legal help, liaison with Axis Bank, and form submission. This reduces error risk and accelerates claim approval.

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