A depository can be compared to a bank. A depository holds securities of investors in electronic form.

Depositories in India

Ø      1  NATIONAL SECURITIES DEPOSITORY LIMITED

          NATIONAL SECURITIES DEPOSITORY LIMITED [NSDL] is a depository promoted  by National Stock Exchange of India Limited, IDBI,UTI,SBI and other financial institutions.  NSDL commenced operation in November 1996.

Ø 2  CENTRAL DEPOSITORY SERVICE [INDIA] LIMITED

        CENTRAL DEPOSITORY SERVICE (INDIA) LIMITED [CDSL] Is a depository promoted by The Stock Exchange, Mumbai jointly with SBI, Bank Of India,HDFC Bank and other financial institutions.CDSL commenced its operations in July 15^th 1999. 

Depository participant

     A depository participant (DP) is an agent of the depository who is authorized to offer depository services to the investors. Cochin Stock Brokers Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of  Cochin Stock Exchange is a depository participant of the CSDL.CSBL Started its DP operation on May 2001.