DWAC
Pronunciation: dee-wak
Also written as: DWAC — Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian
Acronym for Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian; an electronic transfer mechanism that moves securities directly between a transfer agent and DTC participant accounts without physical certificates.
Full Definition
DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian) is a system operated through the Depository Trust Company (DTC) that allows transfer agents and broker-dealers to transfer securities electronically. A DWAC deposit moves shares from the transfer agent's books to a DTC participant's account, while a DWAC withdrawal moves shares in the opposite direction. This process is faster and more secure than certificate-based transfers. In editorial copy, 'DWAC' is rendered in all caps; its status as an acronym should be confirmed by spelling out the full form at first reference.
Usage
Usage note: Note the slash in the full form: 'Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian,' not 'Deposit and Withdrawal.' Confirm usage with the forward slash at first reference.
In Context
- "The broker initiated a DWAC withdrawal to move the client's shares from DTC back to the transfer agent's books." — Brokerage Operations Memo
- "Processing a DWAC deposit typically takes one to two business days." — Transfer Agent Procedures Manual