Arvoosuustili

Arvo-osuustili, commonly written arvo-osuustili or arvo-osuustili, is a securities account used in Finland to hold dematerialized securities registered in the book-entry system. The account is opened and maintained by a Finnish bank or brokerage that acts as the account operator, and the underlying register and settlement of securities are handled within the Finnish central securities depository framework (Arvopaperikeskus Oy, APK).

Purpose and function

The arvo-osuustili is used to record ownership of securities such as shares, bonds and certain funds, and to enable the transfer and settlement of these securities between accounts. It also serves as the point through which corporate actions, dividends and interest are credited to the holder. Because securities are held in electronic form, the arvo-osuustili provides a centralized and standardized way to manage ownership and transfers.

Opening and operations

To obtain an arvo-osuustili, an individual or entity must use a financial services provider authorized to maintain securities accounts and provide the necessary identity verification. The account is linked to the customer’s identity and may be held with a single operator or across multiple institutions, depending on the customer’s arrangements. When a trade is settled, the securities are transferred to the buyer’s arvo-osuustili, and relevant cash flows are settled separately through the banking system.

Ownership and scope

Anyone legally capable to hold securities in Finland—individuals, households, and corporate entities—can have an arvo-osuustili. The system is designed to support secure registration of ownership, efficient settlement, and timely receipt of corporate actions in the Finnish market.