Dealing with Bereavement

.icon-with-text-container { display: flex; /* Enables Flexbox for the container */ align-items: center; /* Vertically aligns items in the middle */ /* Optional: Add some spacing between the icon and the text */ gap: 15px; /* Provides spacing between flex items */ } .icon-div { /* Remove float and any fixed margins/paddings if present */ /* float: none; */ } .icon_title { /* Remove padding-top as align-items will handle vertical centering */ padding-top: 0 !important; margin: 0; /* Remove default margin from h3 to prevent unexpected spacing */ } .rounded-pink-div { background-color: #febfca; border-radius: 15px; /* Adjust this value for more or less rounded corners */ padding: 20px; /* Optional: Adds some space inside the div */ width: 100%; /* Optional: Set a width for the div */ height: auto; /* Optional: Set a height for the div */ } .rounded-grey-div { background-color: #D3D3D3; border-radius: 15px; /* Adjust this value for more or less rounded corners */ padding: 20px; /* Optional: Adds some space inside the div */ width: 100%; /* Optional: Set a width for the div */ height: auto; /* Optional: Set a height for the div */ } .table-borderless td { border-right: 0px !important; border-bottom: 0px !important; } .fine-print { color: #3a3a3a!important; } .clear { clear: both!important;} /* @media (min-width: 1024px) { .icon_title { padding: 10px 0 0 70px!important; } } */

3 Steps to close your loved one’s accounts

Step 1: Notify DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBSHK”) and submit a request for account information

To begin, the family member of the deceased ("Family Member") should inform DBSHK of their loved one's passing and request a complete list of all DBSHK bank accounts held by the deceased. This request must be submitted in writing.Please visit one of our branches in Hong Kong SAR with the following documents:

Death Certificate: The original or a certified true copy of the death certificate.

Deceased's Identity Document: The original or a certified true copy of the deceased's identity document (Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)).

Representative's Identity Document: The original or a certified true copy of the identity document (HKID, China ID, or other valid passport) of the Family Member making the request.

Proof of Relationship or Will: Documentation proving your relationship with the deceased (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate) or the original or a certified true copy of the deceased's will.

Upon verification of the required documents, the Bank will provide in writing a list of all the DBSHK bank account numbers of the deceased (including those with a zero or nominal balance) and their respective balances as of the date of death.

Important Note on Joint Accounts

For any joint accounts, the principle of survivorship generally applies.

This means that all rights to the joint account automatically transfer to the surviving account holder(s), and the funds therein do not form part of the deceased's estate. Therefore, the balance of joint accounts will not be included in the Bank's reply regarding the deceased's individual accounts.

Step 2: Obtain Legal Documents

The Family Member is required to apply for specific legal documents to manage the deceased's estate. The type of legal document needed depends on whether the deceased left a will and the value of their estate.Types of Legal Documents:

Grant of Probate: This is required if the deceased left a valid will, appointing an executor to administer the estate.

Grant of Letters of Administration: If the deceased did not leave a Will, an administrator will be appointed by the court to manage the estate.

Home Affairs Department's Confirmation Notice: This simplified process may be applicable for estates with a value below HK$50,000.

Including All Bank Accounts

There is a guideline from the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) that all bank accounts for the deceased, regardless of whether they have a zero or nominal balance, must be explicitly indicated on the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration for the release of funds or account closure.

If an account is not listed in the legal document, DBSHK will not be able to release funds from that account or close the account until the probate document is formally amended to include it.

Step 3: Account Closure and Funds Release

Once the relevant legal document has been obtained, the executor (for Grant of Probate) or administrator (for Grant of Letters of Administration) must visit a DBSHK branch to proceed with the closure of accounts and release of funds.Documents to be presented at the branch:

Legal Document: The original or a certified true Grant of Probate, Grant of Letters of Administration, or Home Affairs Department's Confirmation Notice.

Identity Document of Executor/Administrator: The original or a certified true identity document of the executor or administrator.

Account Closure Form: This form will be provided by the Bank.

Payment Instruction Form: This form will be provided by the Bank to specify how the funds should be disbursed.

Notes:

The duration for account closure can vary depending on the type and number of accounts held by the deceased.

Special Considerations

Deceased before 11 February 2006: If the death occurred before 11 February 2006, the Family Member must first attend the Estate Duty Office of the Inland Revenue Department to apply for and obtain the necessary estate duty clearance papers before proceeding with the probate application.

Request through a Solicitor Firm: If the request is made through a solicitor firm, an authorization letter issued by the executor or administrator is required.

What to do with the outstanding balance in mortgage loans, personal loans, credit cards, investment and insurance?Please visit a branch and inform us about the death with the required documents (as listed in "Step 1” above).As the handling of each individual case can vary based on its specific circumstances, we recommend visiting our branch to discuss the feasible options.

Dealing with Bereavement

Useful Links for Deposits

Useful Links for iBanking

Others

Need help?

Markets