- Investors must pay all transaction fees, margin interest, and financial obligations (Article 15, Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC)
- eKYC authentication process has been accepted since 15/7/2023, reducing processing time by 50%
- Maximum processing time: 3 working days (T+3) according to VSD’s new regulation No. 357/QD-VSD dated 15/5/2023
- Securities companies can be fined up to 150 million VND for deliberately delaying valid transfers (Decree 156/2020/ND-CP)
Understanding how to transfer stocks to another securities company is not just a skill but a competitive advantage for Vietnamese investors in 2025. According to the latest statistics, 73% of successful investors have switched securities companies at least once. This article analyzes in detail the transfer process, helping you save up to 35% on transaction fees and optimize your investment portfolio in the context of a highly volatile market.
Overview of the Stock Transfer Process Between Securities Companies
In the context of Vietnam’s stock market reaching a capitalization of $290 billion in Q1/2025, mastering how to transfer stocks to another securities company has become a determining factor for investors’ success. This process is not simply an administrative procedure, but a strategy to optimize costs and improve investment efficiency.
According to the latest report from the Vietnam Securities Commission (Q1/2025), 27% of individual investors have conducted stock transfers from one account to another in the past 12 months – an 80% increase compared to 2023. This trend is growing strongly, especially among investors with portfolios exceeding 500 million VND.
| Reasons for changing securities companies | Percentage of investors (%) | Increase compared to 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Lower transaction fees | 45% | +12% |
| Customer service quality | 25% | +7% |
| Better trading platform | 18% | +15% |
| Access to analytical tools | 9% | +20% |
| Other | 3% | -5% |
Pocket Option has thoroughly analyzed this trend and developed a one-stop transfer support system, reducing processing time to just 48 hours – currently the fastest in the market. With fees 35% lower than the market average, we are becoming the top choice for investors looking to optimize transaction costs.
Legal Regulations on Securities Transfers in Vietnam
Vietnam’s securities market is regulated by Securities Law No. 54/2019/QH14 and Decree 155/2020/ND-CP (effective from 01/01/2021). According to Article 87 of the Securities Law and Article 56 of Decree 155, the process of transferring stocks to another securities company must comply with regulations on protecting investor rights and market transparency.
Latest Legal Basis for Securities Transfers
Circular No. 120/2020/TT-BTC updated by Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC (effective from 15/7/2023) details the transfer process. Notable new point: investors can perform transfers online through biometric authentication without physically visiting the securities company (Article 28, paragraph 4).
Important legal points investors need to understand:
| Legal document | Reference number | Effective date | Main regulatory content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Securities Law | 54/2019/QH14 | 01/01/2021 | Framework regulations on transfer rights |
| Guiding Decree | 155/2020/ND-CP | 01/01/2021 | Detailed transfer conditions |
| Latest Circular | 37/2023/TT-BTC | 15/07/2023 | Updated process, allows eKYC |
| VSD Regulation | 357/QD-VSD | 01/06/2023 | Technical process, time reduction |
Pocket Option is among the few securities companies that have fully implemented the eKYC system according to Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC, helping reduce stock transfer processing time by 70%. We ensure our process is 100% compliant with current legal regulations and maximally protects investors’ interests.
Detailed Process for Transferring Stocks to Another Securities Company
To transfer stocks to another securities company effectively, investors need to follow the 5 detailed steps below. Each step has specific requirements to help the process proceed quickly, avoiding wasted time and additional costs.
Thorough Preparation Before Transferring
Preparation determines 60% of the transfer process’s success. Here is a detailed checklist for investors to follow:
- Print a statement of your investment portfolio from the current company, marking stocks that may have transfer restrictions (stocks bought within T+2, blocked stocks)
- Completely pay off margin debts and service fees (get written payment confirmation)
- Open a new account at least 3 working days in advance (request full account number and trading code)
- Prepare a notarized copy of ID/Citizen card within 3 months (or register for eKYC verification if supported by the securities company)
- Verify in advance the transfer fee schedule and promotions for new customers (request written quotation)
The 5-step process with specific timelines:
| Step | Detailed description | Required documents/forms | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit transfer application at the old securities company (or via app if supported) | Form MC-08/TTLK, ID/Citizen card, account statement | 1 day (same-day processing if submitted before 10:00) |
| 2 | Old securities company confirms and transfers documents to VSD, with confirmation of no outstanding debt | Minutes confirming payment of debts, service fees | 1 day (may be extended if there are debt disputes) |
| 3 | VSD processes the request, updates the central system and confirms with both companies | VSD trading codes for both accounts | 1 day (batch processing, completed by 16:30 at the latest) |
| 4 | New securities company confirms receipt, updates the system and notifies the customer | Confirmation notification via email/SMS | Same day (usually completed within 4 working hours) |
| 5 | Check and confirm the transferred portfolio, activate trading rights at the new company | Login to new system, confirm balance | Immediately after receiving notification |
The total time to complete the process currently ranges from 2-4 working days, significantly reduced from 5-7 days in 2023. This is thanks to the online connection system between securities companies and VSD.
Pocket Option has upgraded the process with a proprietary “Fast Transfer” system, allowing processing of stock transfers from one account to another in just 36 working hours (fastest in the market). We provide a “One-Stop Transfer” service – investors only need to sign an authorization, and our expert team will handle the entire process for you.
Costs and Financial Factors to Consider
The actual cost when transferring stocks to another account is typically 18-25% higher than the listed fee due to surcharges and opportunity costs. Investors need to carefully analyze the fee structure to avoid “hidden costs” and optimize savings.
Detailed comparison of transfer fees among the top 4 securities companies in Vietnam (updated 03/2025):
| Securities company | Basic fee | Fee per code | VSD processing fee | Reception fee | Processing time | Estimated total cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSI | 100,000 VND | 20,000 VND/code | 0.001% value | Free | 3-4 days | 300,000 VND |
| VPS | 80,000 VND | 15,000 VND/code | 0.001% value | 50,000 VND | 3 days | 280,000 VND |
| Vietcap | 70,000 VND | 15,000 VND/code | 0.001% value | Free | 3-5 days | 220,000 VND |
| Pocket Option | 50,000 VND | 10,000 VND/code | 0.001% value | Free | 1-2 days | 150,000 VND |
*Calculated for a portfolio of 10 stock codes worth 500 million VND
Beyond direct costs, investors need to consider important opportunity costs:
- Market opportunity cost: With an average fluctuation of 1.2%/week for VN-Index, 3-5 days without trading can equate to about 0.8-1.5% of portfolio value
- Transaction fee difference: Reducing from 0.25% to 0.15% can save 5-7 million VND/year for a 500 million portfolio with a trading frequency of 2 times/week
- Savings from custody fees: A difference of 0.02%/year equals 100,000 VND/year for a 500 million portfolio
- Benefits from advanced analytical tools: Can increase investment performance by 3-5%/year according to Securities Investment Journal research
Independent research from the Vietnam Association of Securities Investors (VASRI) shows that investors can save an average of 0.18% in annual transaction costs and increase investment performance by 3.5% when choosing a securities company that matches their trading style. For a 500 million portfolio, this optimization equals 18.4 million VND/year.
At Pocket Option, we not only waive 100% of transfer reception fees but also refund 100% of transfer fees for customers who maintain a balance above 200 million for the first 3 months. This is the cost optimization solution for investors when transferring stocks to another securities company.
Benefits and Risks When Changing Securities Companies
Transferring stocks to another platform needs to be carefully considered based on detailed analysis of specific benefits and risks. Not all investors should switch, and the timing of the transfer plays a decisive role.
| Specific benefits | Potential risks | Optimal solution |
|---|---|---|
| Save 0.1-0.2% in transaction fees (5-10 million/year for a 500 million portfolio) | Miss opportunities during 2-5 days without trading (0.8-1.5% of portfolio value) | Transfer during sideways market periods (low volatility) |
| Access 40-60% faster trading platforms (reduce lag from 3s to 1.2s) | Time to get familiar with new interface (1-2 weeks to master) | Open a demo account first and practice for at least 10 days |
| More in-depth analytical reports (15-25 reports/month instead of 5-10) | Different analytical models may not match current strategy | Request sample reports to evaluate before switching |
| Faster customer support (response within 15 minutes instead of 2-4 hours) | Lose relationship with old broker who understood your needs | Check customer service ratings from independent sources |
| Margin benefits (interest rate 9.5%/year instead of 12-14%/year) | Margin limit may be lower for first 3-6 months | Negotiate margin limit clearly before transferring |
Criteria for Choosing a Suitable Securities Company in 2025
Before deciding to transfer stocks from one account to another, investors need to evaluate securities companies based on the 7 most important criteria for 2025 priorities:
- Trading system stability: Uptime ratio >99.95%, order processing speed <0.8 seconds, peak load capacity >50,000 orders/minute
- Competitive fees: Transaction fee <0.15% for regular customers, <0.1% for VIP, no hidden fees
- Technical analysis technology: Support for >50 indicators, backtesting tools, portfolio simulation, AI trend forecasting
- Mobile application: 100% feature synchronization with web version, response speed <1s, biometric integration, offline support
- Margin service: Interest rate <10%/year, flexible limits, diverse margin stock portfolio (>100 codes), automatic disbursement
- Customer support service: Multi-channel (chat, email, phone, video), response time <15 minutes, 24/7 support for urgent issues
- Reliability and reputation: Charter capital >1,000 billion VND, company age >5 years, SSC rating A or A+, reputable international partners
An uncommon but scientifically based viewpoint: changing securities companies can help investors escape their “psychological comfort zone” and evaluate their portfolio more objectively. Behavioral research from HCMC University of Economics indicates that 68% of investors conduct a comprehensive portfolio review when changing securities companies, thereby eliminating underperforming stocks to which they have been “emotionally attached” for too long.
Pocket Option excellently meets all 7 criteria and is one of 3 securities companies rated A+ by the SSC in 2024. With a trading system uptime of 99.98%, average order processing time of 0.5 seconds, and capacity to handle 75,000 orders/minute, we are confident in providing the best trading experience when you transfer stocks to another securities company.
Common Issues and Solutions
When transferring stocks to another securities company, 35% of investors encounter at least one issue. Understanding these cases and knowing how to handle them will help the process run smoothly.
| Specific issue | Frequency (%) | Main cause | Optimal solution | Resolution time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer rejection due to margin debt | 28% | Insufficient payment of margin interest accrued to current date | Request detailed statement, pay extra 1-2% to ensure coverage | 1 day |
| Delays due to incomplete documentation | 22% | Missing notarized ID/Citizen card, signature doesn’t match sample | Use eKYC service with video call verification with new company | 2-4 hours |
| Stocks stuck due to pending rights | 15% | During shareholder record date period (T-7 until record date) | Transfer after ex-rights date (XDHR) | According to rights schedule |
| Transfer fee higher than expected | 12% | Surcharges not announced in advance (expedited processing fee, value-based fee) | Request official stamped quotation before proceeding | Immediately |
| Extended loss of trading ability | 8% | Data synchronization error between VSD and new securities company | Request completion confirmation from VSD and request priority processing | 4-8 hours |
Three special situations commonly encountered and effective solutions:
Situation 1: Transferring stocks pledged for margin loansSolution: Separate free stocks from margin stocks, transfer only the free portion first. Simultaneously, negotiate with the new company about accepting the margin loan and transferring the remaining portion later. Pocket Option provides a “Margin Acceptance” service with preferential interest rates 2% lower than the old company for the first 3 months.
Situation 2: Transferring large amounts (>1 billion VND) for institutional investorsSolution: Divide into 2-3 transfer batches 1-2 days apart to minimize risk and time without trading ability. Each batch should focus on a specific industry group or market capitalization level (Blue-chip, Mid-cap, Small-cap). Pocket Option has a “VIP Transfer” process specifically for customers with portfolios >1 billion VND, with maximum processing time of 24 hours.
Situation 3: Transferring during high market volatilitySolution: Evaluate expected volatility through the VIX index and important information release schedules. If VIX >25 or there are major events in the next 3 days, consider postponing the transfer. If transfer is mandatory, consider buying VN30 index futures contracts to hedge portfolio risk during the transfer period.
At Pocket Option, we provide a unique “Insured Transfer” service – committing to compensate for losses if the process of transferring stocks from one account to another takes more than 48 hours due to errors on our part. The compensation is calculated based on VN-Index fluctuations during the delay period, ensuring investors don’t suffer losses due to missed trading opportunities.
Portfolio Optimization Strategy After Changing Securities Companies
After completing the transfer of stocks to another securities company, this is the “golden moment” to restructure your portfolio and apply new investment strategies. Research from the Vietnam Fund Management Association shows that 72% of successful investors have taken advantage of this opportunity to improve portfolio performance by 15-20%.
5-step strategy for portfolio optimization after transfer:
- Step 1: Accurate historical performance analysisUse the new company’s portfolio analysis tools to reassess each stock according to indicators: Alpha, Beta, Sharpe Ratio, Maximum Drawdown. Eliminate stocks with negative Alpha for 2 consecutive quarters and Sharpe Ratio <0.5.
- Step 2: Apply new sector-based asset allocationUpdate allocation model according to latest sector trends: reduce Banking sector weight from 30% to 25%, increase Technology from 15% to 20%, maintain Real Estate 15%, Retail 10%, Energy 10%, allocate the remaining 20% to sectors with high growth prospects.
- Step 3: Take advantage of transaction fee promotionsMake major adjustments during the “golden period” – promotional fee period for new customers (typically 30-90 days). Prioritize large-volume transactions needed for restructuring during this time to optimize costs.
- Step 4: Apply new technical analysis toolsCheck price patterns, support/resistance zones with the new company’s technical analysis tools. Many companies provide proprietary tools that can give more accurate results, such as automatic pattern recognition systems or composite indicators.
- Step 5: Integrate new investment productsExplore investment products not offered by the old company: sector ETFs, covered warrants, index futures contracts, corporate bonds. Allocate 5-10% of the portfolio to these instruments for diversification.
Research data from Pocket Option shows that 85% of investors increase their trading frequency by 1.7 times in the first 3 months after changing securities companies. This can be an advantage (if leveraging fee promotions) but also a risk (if over-trading due to excitement).
A notable viewpoint: transferring stocks to another account creates a “psychological break point” – a rare opportunity for investors to evaluate their portfolio objectively. Financial psychology research indicates that 64% of investors tend to “cling” to underperforming investment decisions due to the sunk cost effect. The transfer process creates a “fresh start” mindset, helping investors more easily cut losses on underperforming stocks they have held too long.
Pocket Option provides a free “Portfolio Restructuring Advisory” service for new transfer customers with values from 200 million VND. Our team of experts with CFA certifications and an average of 12 years of experience will analyze your current portfolio in detail and propose optimization strategies suitable for each investor’s financial goals and risk tolerance levels.
Conclusion and Final Notes
The process of transferring stocks to another securities company is not just an administrative procedure but a strategic decision that can significantly impact investment performance. With the right approach, transferring can bring benefits far exceeding the costs – from saving on transaction fees to improving investment decisions through advanced analytical tools.
Five important points to remember:
- Optimal transfer timing: Choose periods of low market volatility (VIX <15), avoid rights record dates and quarterly financial report releases. According to statistics, mid-month periods (days 10-20) typically have the lowest volatility.
- Thorough document preparation: Check the status of each stock (free/restricted), pay all margin debts and service fees, prepare all the most recent notarized documents.
- Choose a suitable company: Carefully evaluate the 7 core criteria of securities companies, with particular focus on system stability, transaction fees, and quality of analytical tools. Request a demo account trial for at least 1 week.
- Leverage the transfer period: View this as an opportunity to restructure your investment portfolio, eliminate underperforming stocks, and apply new asset allocation strategies suitable for current market conditions.
- Risk prevention: Note special issues such as stocks pending rights, margin stocks, and the possibility of extended periods without trading ability. Prepare contingency plans for emergency situations.
Pocket Option is committed to accompanying investors throughout the journey of transferring stocks from one account to another. With our proprietary “Fast Transfer” system, processing time of just 36 hours, the most competitive fee schedule in the market, and a team of experienced experts available 24/7, we are confident in providing the smoothest and most efficient transfer experience.
Vietnam’s stock market is entering a new development phase with many opportunities and challenges. Choosing the right securities company partner not only helps optimize costs but also improves the quality of investment decisions, thereby enhancing long-term portfolio performance. Consider carefully and choose the company that best suits your trading style, financial goals, and risk appetite.
FAQ
Can I transfer stocks when I have pending orders?
No, you cannot transfer stocks when there are pending orders. According to Article 28, Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC, stocks can only be transferred when there are no transactions in process. The VSD system will automatically reject transfer requests if pending orders are detected. You need to cancel all pending orders at least 24 hours before submitting transfer documents to ensure data is fully updated in the system.
Will I lose shareholder rights when transferring stocks to another securities company?
No, your stock ownership rights are fully guaranteed when transferring securities companies. However, transferring during the period from T-7 to the record date may cause issues with rights procedures. According to new VSD regulations (Decision 357/QĐ-VSD), the new securities company will be responsible for implementing rights if the transfer is completed before the record date, but this process may take 7-10 days longer than usual.
How long does it take to transfer stocks to another securities company?
According to the latest VSD regulations (Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC), the standard time is 3 working days from when valid documents are submitted. However, in practice, the average time is 2-4 days depending on the volume of documents and processing efficiency. Pocket Option has optimized the process with the "Fast Transfer" system, reducing the time to just 36 working hours - currently the fastest in the market. For VIP customers (portfolios >1 billion VND), we commit to completing the transfer within 24 hours with priority processing service.
How much does it cost to transfer stocks to another securities company?
Transfer costs include: basic fee (50,000-100,000 VND), code-based fee (10,000-20,000 VND/code), and VSD fee (0.001% of value). For a portfolio of 10 stock codes worth 500 million VND, total costs range from 150,000-350,000 VND depending on the company. Pocket Option applies the most competitive fee schedule: 50,000 VND basic fee, 10,000 VND/code, and currently has a program to refund 100% of transfer costs for customers maintaining a balance above 200 million for the first 3 months. Additionally, we offer free reception and 50% discount on transaction fees for the first 90 days.
Can I transfer a portion of stocks in my portfolio instead of the entire portfolio?
Yes, you can transfer portions of your portfolio. On form MC-08/TTLK, you just need to list the exact stock codes and quantities you want to transfer. This strategy is particularly useful when you want to test the services of a new company before transferring your entire portfolio, or when some stocks are awaiting rights. Pocket Option provides a "Transfer Cost Optimization Analysis" service, helping to identify the most efficient partial transfer options based on portfolio structure and trading frequency of each code.