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June 14, 2026
The Dispatch

Definition

Ledger (Trading Account)

A ledger is the running record of all debits and credits in your trading account, showing your cash balance with the broker over time.

Your trading ledger tracks every money movement: funds added, trade settlements, brokerage, taxes, dividends credited, and amounts withdrawn. A positive balance means the broker owes you money; a negative (debit) balance means you owe the broker.

Under SEBI rules, brokers must run-down (settle and return) idle client funds periodically (the monthly/quarterly settlement of accounts). Reviewing your ledger helps you verify charges and ensure unused money is not lying with the broker indefinitely.

Related terms

  • Contract NoteA contract note is the legal document your broker issues confirming the details of trades executed on your behalf each day.
  • MarginMargin is the upfront money a trader must keep with the broker as collateral to take a leveraged futures or options position, set by the exchange to cover potential losses.
  • BrokerageBrokerage is the fee your stockbroker charges for executing your buy and sell orders, and it is only one part of your total trading cost.

Plain-English explainer from The Dispatch Investors Encyclopedia. General information, not financial advice.