Transfer shares from an employee stock program to a trading account

Employee stock plans are a form of compensation where companies issue company stock to their employees. If you leave your employer, or you've given permission to transfer your shares, then you can move your funds to another financial institution.

Transferring your shares into a self-directed investing account is a good choice if you’re looking to keep your shares as-is.

Before you begin

  • Make sure you can transfer your shares.
    It’s best to contact your employer or reach out to the institution holding your funds to determine how many units can be transferred. In most scenarios, you'll be able to transfer vested shares, which are shares that are secured in your possession.
  • Make sure you are transferring shares into an account of the same type.
    If your funds are coming from a personal, non-registered account, then they’ll need to be moved into an account of the same type. You won’t be able to transfer shares from a personal account directly into a registered account (like an RRSP or TFSA).

Transfer from Computershare, Solium, Shareworks, AST Trust

Step 1. Download an account statement or DRS statement

We’ll ask you to provide these documents when you set up the transfer in Wealthsimple.

Note: A Direct Registration Statement (DRS) allows us to set up a transfer directly with our back office – here is an example. We'll need to view the number of vested units before we can set up the transfer on our end.

Step 2. Set up the transfer in Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple app Web
Note: Your transfer must be to the same account type as your originating institution. For example, you can't transfer shares from a non-registered account into a registered account (like an RRSP or TFSA).
  1. Sign into the Wealthsimple app on your mobile device.
  2. Tap the Move tab Screenshot 2023-09-05 at 10.12.59 AM.png at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Select Move an account to Wealthsimple.
  4. Tap Get started.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete your account transfer.
  6. Once completed, submit your transfer request.
Note: Your transfer must be to the same account type as your originating institution. For example, you can't transfer shares from a non-registered account into a registered account (like an RRSP or TFSA).
  1. Log in to your Wealthsimple account.
  2. Select Move from the top menu.
  3. Select Transfer an account to Wealthsimple.
  4. Open the Account type menu.
  5. Choose the account type you'd like to transfer.
  6. Select Next to continue.
  7. Follow the prompts to complete your account transfer.
  8. Once completed, submit your transfer request.

Note: If you’re not sure whether to transfer your funds as cash or as-is, check out this guide for more information.

Step 3. Set up the transfer with your stock plan provider (optional)

Once you’ve set up the transfer request in Wealthsimple, you can also request the transfer from the account holding your shares. This will often lead to a faster transfer.

Information you’ll need

  • Brokerage name: Wealthsimple Investments Inc.
  • Address: 201-80 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5V 2J4
  • Transfer details
    • CUID or Broker Code: CSIT
    • Dealer Number: 7829
    • Rep Code: HX1
    • Account number: You can find your account numbers in the My Documents section of our website.

Note: Employee stock plan transfers can take 5-10 business days to complete. It is completely normal if there is a gap between the time the shares have left your account and when they show up in your Wealthsimple account.

If anything further is needed from you, we'll be in touch via email. Otherwise, we'll let you know when your transfer has completed. If you have specific questions about your transfer, or you’re having troubles setting up your transfer online, please get in touch with our team.

Transfer from another employee stock plan provider

Step 1. Download your forms and account statements

If you’ve received forms from your stock plan provider or employer, please fill them out (and scan them, if applicable) before beginning the transfer. You’ll need them when it comes time to upload your documents.

Step 2: Set up the transfer in Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple app Web
Note: Your transfer must be to the same account type as your originating institution. For example, you can't transfer shares from a non-registered account into a registered account (like an RRSP or TFSA).
  1. Sign into the Wealthsimple app on your mobile device.
  2. Tap the Move tab Screenshot 2023-09-05 at 10.12.59 AM.png at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Select Move an account to Wealthsimple.
  4. Tap Get started.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete your account transfer.
  6. Once completed, submit your transfer request.
Note: Your transfer must be to the same account type as your originating institution. For example, you can't transfer shares from a non-registered account into a registered account (like an RRSP or TFSA).
  1. Log in to your Wealthsimple account.
  2. Select Move from the top menu.
  3. Select Transfer an account to Wealthsimple.
  4. Open the Account type menu.
  5. Choose the account type you'd like to transfer.
  6. Select Next to continue.
  7. Follow the prompts to complete your account transfer.
  8. Once completed, submit your transfer request.

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