this is the Selftrade logo

It's easy to add existing share certificates to your dealing account. Except for shares arising from an Employee Share Scheme, certificates can't be added directly to an ISA because of the H M Revenue & Customs rules - but you can sell and buy - back if you want to. Our Customer Services team will be pleased to tell you more about this. Equally, if you want to add existing investments to a SIPP Dealing account you should liaise with your SIPP Trustee.

To add certificates, simply print a CREST Transfer form

If the shares are held in joint names you either transfer them into a joint account or, alternatively, add them to your sole account - just ensure all shareholders named on the certificate sign the CREST form and enclose a letter of confirmation from the other party. *eg. 'I, John Smith, hereby give up my entitlement to 500 shares in ABC plc, which I transfer exclusively to Amanda Smith'. Please also specify the account number of the Dealing account in which the shares should be deposited.

You'll only need one CREST form for each different company in which you hold share certificates - just include the total number of shares against 'description of security'.

Give us your instructions and we'll liaise with your existing broker to transfer holdings across to your Selftrade account.

Generally, you'll be transferring the whole account rather than individual investments, so print an account transfer form (or complete the form included in the Welcome pack) or call Customer Services, who will send you the forms you need.

We'll send your authority to your existing broker and arrange for the transfer to take place. This will generally take between 14 and 30 days to complete so do bear in mind that you won't be able to deal in those investments whilst the transfer is in progress and that their value may change during this time. Depending on their own policy, you may be able to trade the stock in your account with your previous broker until they are withdrawn (though you should bear in mind that doing so may complicate the transfer once it's been started.)

Once investments have been added to your account with us, you'll be able to deal in them straightaway.

Some brokers won't transfer the actual investments but will require you to sell them and then transfer the cash balance; do check with your broker.

If you just want to transfer individual investments, rather than the whole account, simply use the transfer form and in the 'Securities and cash you want to transfer' section only include the investments you want to move across.

If you've any questions, our Customer Services team will be pleased to help.