A CommSec account owned by a trust is an account opened with CommSec using a trust deed (a legal document setting out rules for establishing and operating the trust), such as a self-managed super fund, retirement fund or family trust account. A CommSec account owned by a trust may have a title like: John Smith and Anna Smith <Smith SMSF>.

Once we receive notification that one of the account holders or in this case, a ‘trustee’ has passed away, we will ‘lock’ the account. We then require:

• a certified copy¹ of the Death certificate²
• a certified¹ trust deed amended to acknowledge the death of one trustee and replace them with another.

Please email the documentation to commsecestatesmanagement@cba.com.au or post to CommSec Estates Management, Locked bag 22, Australia Square, NSW 1215.

Once received, the shares are nearly ready to be sold or transferred. If there are no shares within the account, the account will be closed. If there are shares, however, a new CommSec Trading Account will need to be opened, reflecting the new trust structure. To do this, please apply here.

We’re here to help

If you have any questions, please contact us on 13 15 19 or +61 2 9115 1417 if calling from outside Australia, 8am to 7pm (Sydney time). Alternatively, you can email commsecestatesmanagement@cba.com.au

For more information on CommSec Estate Management, please click here.

Important information

1. A certified document must include the statement “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document” and include the full name, signature, date or certification and qualification/occupation of the certifier. 
2. A Death certificate is an official document issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages containing the information registered when someone passes away, including the date, place and cause of death.