CrestCo Ltd. is the central securities depository for the U.K. markets and Irish stocks. More specifically, Crest operates an electronic settlement system, which was established in 1996 and is used to settle a vast number of international securities. The company can also physically hold stock certificates on the behalf of customers. Taobiz explains Crest By holding securities as well as maintaining an electronic clearing system, Crest can provide for same-day clearing of securities transactions if needed. Its overall ability to provide a fast transfer of title for the securities it handles is its most important advantage to investors.