Axis Bank Limited / Recovery of IEPF Shares 

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Recovery of shares from the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a crucial process for Axis Bank Limited shareholders who have lost access to their investments. Due to reasons such as change in address, incorrect bank or demat details, non-updation of KYC, or lack of shareholder awareness, certain dividends remain unclaimed. When dividends remain unclaimed for seven consecutive years, the corresponding dividend amounts and shares are transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013.

Axis Bank Limited is one of India’s leading private sector banks, known for its strong financial fundamentals, wide branch network, and customer-focused banking solutions. Incorporated in 1993 as UTI Bank and later renamed Axis Bank in 2007, the bank is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Axis Bank offers a comprehensive range of services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, treasury operations, wealth management, and digital banking solutions.

Historical background

Axis Bank Limited began its journey in 1993 under the name UTI Bank Limited. This was a time when India had just started economic liberalisation, which allowed private banks to enter the banking sector. The bank started working in 1994 with the aim of becoming a professionally managed and technology-based bank. It was promoted by the Unit Trust of India along with major public sector insurance companies. The main idea behind setting up the bank was to provide modern banking services and to create competition in a banking system that was mostly controlled by public sector banks.

In its early years, the bank focused on building a strong foundation. It followed safe banking practices, improved internal controls, and used modern technology to manage its operations smoothly. As the Indian economy grew, UTI Bank slowly expanded its services. It started offering retail banking, corporate banking, treasury services, and financial support to small and medium enterprises. The bank also opened more branches and ATMs in cities and semi-urban areas so that more people could easily access banking services.

An important turning point came in 2007, when UTI Bank was renamed Axis Bank Limited. This change gave the bank a new identity and showed its focus on growth and innovation. After this, Axis Bank paid special attention to digital banking, improved customer services, and expanded its reach across the country. Today, Axis Bank is known as a reliable and customer-friendly private bank in India.

Financial Performance of Axis Bank Limited 

Axis Bank Limited delivered a stable and balanced performance for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2025, showing steady growth despite a challenging economic environment. During the first half of FY26, the Bank’s core operating profit reached Rs.20,010 crore, supported by consistent net interest income and healthy growth in fee-based income. Both deposits and advances recorded double-digit growth, reflecting strong customer confidence and expanding business operations.

The Bank continued to strengthen its loan portfolio with a clear focus on retail, small business, SME, and mid-corporate segments. Its financial position remained solid, supported by a strong capital adequacy ratio, sufficient liquidity buffers, and well-maintained asset quality, reflected in low levels of gross and net non-performing assets with adequate provisioning. Alongside this, Axis Bank reinforced its digital leadership by expanding its UPI market share and increasing its credit card base. The launch of new digital safety and inclusion initiatives further underlined the Bank’s customer-first approach, demonstrating financial resilience, innovation, and operational discipline that position it well for sustainable long-term growth

Process to Recover Shares or Dividends from IEPF (Axis Bank Limited) 

Step 1: Check Unclaimed Dividend or Share Status

The first step is to verify whether any dividend amount or shares of Axis Bank Limited have been transferred to the IEPF.

You can check the status through:

IEPF Authority Website

Visit the official IEPF portal and enter your Folio Number (for physical shares) or DP ID–Client ID (for demat shares) to verify whether any amount or shares have been transferred to the IEPF.

This step helps confirm the exact number of shares and dividend amount eligible for recovery.

Step 2: Contact Axis Bank’s Registrar (RTA)

Axis Bank Limited has appointed a Registrar and Share Transfer Agent (RTA) to manage shareholder-related services.

KFin Technologies Ltd, Karvy Selenium,

Tower- B, Plot No. 31 & 32,

Financial district, Nanakramguda,

Serilingampally Mandal,

Hyderabad,

Telangana,500032

Email : einward.ris@kfintech.com

Tel. :040 - 67161500 / 18003454001

 You must contact the RTA to obtain an Entitlement Letter, which confirms:

  • Number of shares transferred to IEPF

  • Unclaimed dividend amount

  • Claimant’s identity as the rightful shareholder

  • List of supporting documents required

Documents generally required at this stage:

  • PAN Card and Aadhaar Card

  • Shareholding details (Folio Number or DP ID–Client ID)

  • Client Master List (CML)

  • Cancel cheque of the bank ( Bank link with DEMAT account)

  • Old dividend warrants, if available

  • Death Certificate If Shareholder Deceased

After verification, the RTA issues the Entitlement Letter, which is mandatory for filing the IEPF claim. 

Step 3: File IEPF Form-5 on MCA Website

Once the Entitlement Letter is received, the claimant must file IEPF Form-5 online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.

Steps to Access & File IEPF-5:

  • Go to MCA Portal: Visit the MCA website

  • Login: Log in with your registered credentials.

  • Navigate: Go to "MCA Services".

  • Find IEPF-5: Under IEPF Services select IEPF-5 Web Form - Claiming unpaid amounts & shares.

  • Fill Online: Complete the web form with your details, PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and claim specifics.

  • Submit & Get SRN: Submit the form online to generate a Service Request Number (SRN) and acknowledgement.

  • Download & Print: Print the filled Form IEPF-5 and the acknowledgement

Details required in IEPF Form-5:

  • Name, address, PAN, and Aadhaar

  • Company name – Axis Bank Limited

  • Number of shares claimed

  • Year-wise dividend details

  • Bank account details

  • Demat account details (DP ID and Client ID)

After submission:

  • Download the filled IEPF Form-5

  • Download the SRN Acknowledgment

Both documents must be printed and signed. 

Step 4: Prepare the Document Set for Physical Submission

The claimant must prepare a complete document set and submit it to Axis Bank Limited’s Nodal Officer (IEPF).

Mandatory Documents:

  • Signed IEPF Form-5

  • IEPF SRN Acknowledgment

  • Indemnity Bond (as per IEPF Rules, on non-judicial stamp paper)

  • Advance Stamped Receipt (duly signed by claimant and witnesses)

  • Entitlement Letter issued by RTA

  • Self-attested copies of PAN and Aadhaar

  • Cancelled cheque

  • Client Master List (CML) issued by the Depository Participant

  • Original share certificates (if shares were held in physical form)

If the Applicant Is a Legal Heir / Successor

If the original shareholder is deceased, additional documents are required:

  • Death certificate of the original shareholder

  • Legal heir certificate / succession certificate / probate / registered will

  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from other legal heirs, if applicable

  • Identity and address proof of all legal heirs

Such cases generally involve enhanced scrutiny and may take longer to process. 

Step 5: Submission to Axis Bank Limited’s Nodal Officer

The complete document set must be sent via Speed Post or Courier to the Nodal Officer (IEPF) of Axis Bank Limited at the bank’s registered office address.

Details to be mentioned:

Nodel officer : Mr. Sandeep Poddar (Company Secretary)

Address:Axis Bank Ltd., "TRISHUL", Third Floor, Opp. Samartheshwar Temple, Law Garden, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad - 380 006.

Contact No: 08061865098

Email: shareholders@axisbank.com. 

Step 6: Verification by Axis Bank Limited

Upon receipt of documents, Axis Bank Limited:

  • Verifies the claimant’s details with historical records

  • Checks authenticity and completeness of documents

  • Ensures compliance with IEPF Rules and guidelines

After verification, the bank submits a verification report to the IEPF Authority, generally within 30 days. 

Step 7: Approval by IEPF Authority

The IEPF Authority reviews the documents and verification report submitted by Axis Bank Limited. If found satisfactory:

  • Shares are credited to the claimant’s demat account

  • Dividend amount is transferred to the claimant’s bank account

This completes the IEPF recovery process for Axis Bank Limited shareholders. 

Final Word

The process of recovering shares and dividends from the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) may seem complicated at first, but it is actually meant to protect the interests of shareholders. If dividends or shares of Axis Bank Limited are transferred to the IEPF because they were not claimed for several years, the shareholder does not lose their rights. The law clearly gives every rightful shareholder, or their legal heir, a chance to claim back what belongs to them.

Axis Bank Limited, along with its Registrar and IEPF Nodal Officer, helps shareholders throughout this process. By checking unclaimed amounts, collecting the required documents, filling out IEPF Form-5, and submitting the papers correctly, shareholders can successfully recover their shares and dividend money. Although the process takes some time and patience, it is safe, transparent, and well-regulated.

To avoid such situations, shareholders should regularly keep track of their investments, update their address, bank, demat, and KYC details, and stay informed about dividend payments. Even if shares or dividends are transferred to the IEPF, timely action and proper guidance can make the recovery smooth and stress-free, allowing shareholders to fully enjoy the benefits of their investment in Axis Bank Limited. 

FAQ's

Q1. What is IEPF?

Ans. IEPF is a fund created by the Government of India where unclaimed dividends and shares are transferred if not claimed for seven consecutive years.

Q2. Why are Axis Bank shares transferred to IEPF?

Ans. Shares are transferred due to reasons such as non-claim of dividends, incorrect bank or demat details, or failure to update KYC.

Q3. Does the shareholder lose ownership after transfer?

Ans. No, ownership is not lost; the shareholder or legal heir has the right to reclaim the shares from IEPF.

Q4. How can I check unclaimed Axis Bank shares?

Ans. Unclaimed shares can be checked on Axis Bank’s Investor Relations website or through the official IEPF portal.

Q5. What is an Entitlement Letter?

Ans. It is a confirmation letter issued by the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA) stating the shares and dividends transferred to IEPF.

Q6. Which form is used to claim shares from IEPF?

Ans. IEPF Form-5 is filed online on the MCA website to initiate the claim process.

Q7. Is physical document submission required?

Ans. Yes, supporting documents must be sent to Axis Bank’s IEPF Nodal Officer for verification.

Q8. Can legal heirs claim IEPF shares?

Ans. Yes, legal heirs can claim the shares by submitting succession-related documents.

Q9. How long does the process take?

Ans. The IEPF claim process generally takes around 3 to 6 months, subject to document verification.

Q10. How can transfer to IEPF be avoided?

Ans. By regularly claiming dividends and keeping KYC, bank, and demat details updated with the company.

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