Photo: © 2009 AFP/AAP/ANDREAS SOLARO

Figures from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reveal South Australians have amassed millions of dollars in forgotten bank accounts, life insurance funds, shares and unclaimed lottery winnings.

Almost $8.5 million is being housed in forgotten bank accounts, while $10 million worth of forgotten shares are going begging.

Details of unaccounted funds are published regularly in the Government Gazette in hope that the rightful owners might wise up to their lost fortunes.

After nine years of being unaccounted for, funds are directly injected into the state government's budget.

All Australian states have similar regulations for lost monies.