A depository is a secure place where valuable items, such as money, documents, or securities, are stored and managed. It can refer to institutions like banks or financial organizations that hold assets on behalf of clients. Depositories ensure the safety and proper handling of these assets, providing services like storage, record-keeping, and transaction processing. In the financial world, a depository can also refer to a central securities depository (CSD), which holds securities like stocks and bonds in electronic form. This system simplifies the transfer of ownership and reduces the risks associated with physical certificates, making transactions more efficient and secure.