How to Register

Opening an Account

• 1. Client Instructions to open an account with John Keells Stock Brokers
  • The Client has to submit the duly completed client account opening forms together with the relevant documents to the participant as set out below in the documents required in Section 1.2
  • The Client shall ensure that there is full compliance with the KYC rules of the financial intelligence unit of Sri Lanka in opening the CDS accounts with John Keells Stock Brokers.
  • After reviewing the account opening documents inclusive of the relevant documents, John Keells Stock Brokers shall submit the forms in order to open the CDS account on behalf of the client.
  • It is the responsibility of the Client to take all possible steps necessary to prove their identity as per FIU Regulations.
  • The CDS shall reject incomplete account opening documentation, giving reasons for rejection and handing over same to the Broker.
• 2. Documents required for new and existing applicants
  • 2.1 Resident individuals with normal identification must submit the following :
    • A clear photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC). If the NIC is not available, a copy of a valid passport as at the date of the account being opened at the CDS should be submitted.
    • If an existing CDS account holder registered under an NIC has lost/misplaced the NIC and is unable to submit a copy through the new participant, then the CDS shall accept a copy of a valid passport which bears the NIC number. This should be submitted together with a sworn affidavit stating that the NIC is not available.
    • If both the NIC and passport are not available, a copy of the driving license should be submitted together with an affidavit confirming the fact that both the NIC and passport are not available.
    • CDS form 1
    • CDS form 1 (A)
    • Proof of residency document as per the rules issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka valid within the last three months
    • CDS form 20 applicable for DEX transactions on the Debt Securities Transaction Platform (DEX)
    • Note: If the account is to be opened using a Power Of Attorney (POA) a copy of a valid POA is required.
  • 2.2 Non-resident Individuals must submit the following :
    • A copy of a Sri Lankan valid passport for Sri Lankan nationals or
    • A copy of a valid foreign passport for non-nationals
    • Proof of residency document as per the rules issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka
    • If a non-national applicant wishes to open an account giving a local correspondence address, that person should provide sufficient information regarding the correspondence address (e.g. Valid residential visa)
    • Note: If the account is to be opened using a Power of Attorney (POA) a copy of a valid POA is required
    • CDS form 1
    • CDS form 1 (A)
    • Share Investment External Rupee Account (SIERA) / Rupee Account for Non Resident Sri Lankan Investment (RANSI) account details with documentary proof (for transaction purposes).
    • If an existing local account holder opens a foreign individual account, CDS 1 (C) has to be submitted.
    • If a resident Sri Lankan becomes a non-resident, that person would have to open a new (foreign) account. In such an instance the following documents relating to opening a foreign client account needs to be submitted.
      • CDS form 1 and form 1 (A)
      • CDS form 1 (C) Appendix 3 – III)
      • Proof of residency document as per the rules issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka valid within the last three months
      • Share Investment External Rupee Account (SIERA) / Rupee Account for Non Resident Sri Lankan Investment (RANSI) account details with documentary proof (for transaction purposes)
      • Copy of valid passport
  • 2.3 Local Companies must submit the following :
    • A copy of the certificate of incorporation of the company. If the company has changed its name, a copy of the certificate of name change issued by the registrar of companies is required.
    • A copy of the articles of association of the company
    • An extract of the resolution passed by the board of directors to open the CDS account. In the alternative, the company may provide certification of the relevant section in the account opening form itself (CDS form 2)
    • A recent dated letter from the company secretary indicating the names, addresses, NIC or passport numbers, and occupations of all existing directors.
    • A recent dated letter from the company secretary confirming the top shareholders (names and addresses) up to a maximum of ten shareholders.
    • For companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, a directors list and a shareholders list is not applicable.
    • CDS form 2 completed by the company in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association of the company and / or the new companies act (No. 7 of 2007) of Sri Lanka.
    • CDS form 2 (A) completed by the company in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association of the company and / or the new companies act (No. 7 of 2007) of Sri Lanka.
    • Note: If an authorized person signs the CDS application form on behalf of the applicant company, then the following must be submitted:

      1. A copy of the Power of Attorney / board resolution authorizing such person to sign on behalf of the company

      2. A copy of the national identity card / passport of such person

  • 2.4 Foreign Companies must submit the following :
    • A copy of the incorporation of the company or equivalent document issued by the registrar of companies / applicable authority where the company is incorporated.
    • If the company has changed its name, a copy of the certificate of the name change issued by the registrar of companies /applicable authority where the company is incorporated
    • A copy of the articles of association of the company or equivalent document
    • A copy of the certificate of good standing issued within a period of one year by the registrar of companies /applicable authority where the company is incorporated
    • A certified extract of the resolution passed by the board of directors to open the CDS account. Alternatively, the company may provide certification in the relevant section in the account opening form itself (CDS form 2)
    • Certificate to commence business issued by the registrar of companies / applicable authority where the company is incorporated (where applicable)
    • A recent dated letter from the company secretary confirming the names, addresses, occupations and passport numbers of the directors of the company.
    • If the company is listed in a regulated stock exchange, only the names of directors and the name of stock exchange (web site reference is sufficient) should be given. If the director/s is also a company, then the following information must be provided:
      • Name of the director of the company
      • Date of incorporation
      • Place of incorporation
      • Registered address
      • A recent dated letter from the company confirming the top 10 shareholders / members names and addresses. (This is not applicable if the company is listed on a stock exchange. In that event, a web site reference is sufficient.)
    • Where the application includes a Global Custodian and the application is forwarded through a Custodian bank, a copy of the SWIFT message or similar document issued by the Global Custodian instructing the local custodian bank to open the account on behalf of the beneficiary company should be submitted together with a declaration from the Global Custodian that a custody arrangement or agreement exists between the Global Custodian and the beneficiary.
    • CDS form 2 completed by the company in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association of the company.
    • CDS form 2 (A).
    • Share Investment External Rupee Account (SIERA) / Rupee Account for Non Resident Sri Lankan Investment (RANSI) account details with documentary proof (for transaction purposes).
    • Note: If an authorized person signs the CDS application form on behalf of the applicant company, then the following must be submitted:M
    • A certified copy of the Power of Attorney / board resolution authorizing such person to sign on behalf of the company
    • The copy of national identity card / passport of such person(s) should be submitted
    • Certification
  • 2.5 Funds must submit the following :
    • Copy of the document relating to the establishment of the fund (Prospectus, Trust Deed and other legal documents) which should contain the following :
      1. Full name of the fund
      2. Date and place of the establishment of the fund
      3. Investment objectives or purpose of the fund
    • Copy of the document relating to the appointment of the manager of the fund or trustees
    • If the fund manager/ trustee is a company
      1. Name of the fund manager company
      2. Date of incorporation
      3. Place of incorporation
      4. Registered address should be given
    • If the fund / trustee(s) is not an incorporated entity, individual names and addresses of the persons who are responsible for the management of the fund should be given.
    • A copy of the letter issued by the supervisory authority of the relevant country (within a period of one year)
    • Where the applicant is titled in the names of the “registered Holder / Global Custodian/ Beneficiary” and forwarded through a custodian bank, a copy of the SWIFT message or similar document issued by the Global Custodian instructing the local custodian bank to open the account on behalf of the beneficiary company should be submitted together with the declaration of the Global Custodian that a custody arrangement or agreement exists between the global custodian and the beneficiary.
    • A copy / copies of the custody agreement(s)
    • Details of the beneficiaries / unit holders of the fund
    • CDS form 2
    • CDS form 2 (A)
    • Share Investment External Rupee Account (SIERA) / Rupee Account for Non Resident Sri Lankan Investment (RANSI) account details with documentary proof (for transaction purposes).

Certification

All supporting documents to be submitted to the CDS should be certified / attested / authenticated for purposes of validating by persons mentioned below. Such certification should state that the document is a certified true copy.

1. If the account is coming through a global custodian, documents should be certified by the custodian bank.
2. By a solicitor, attorney-at-law, notary public, practicing in the country where an applicant resides.