A registered shareholder refers to an individual or entity whose ownership of shares in a particular company is recorded on the company's official shareholder register. When someone becomes a registered shareholder, their name, contact details, and the number of shares they own are officially documented and maintained by the company or its transfer agent.
Being a registered shareholder signifies that the individual or entity has direct ownership rights and is legally recognized as a shareholder. This entitles them to exercise certain privileges, such as receiving dividend payments, voting on key corporate matters, and participating in shareholder meetings.
The registered shareholder holds a distinct advantage compared to beneficial or street shareholders, as they have a direct relationship with the company. This means that they can readily communicate with the company's management or transfer agent, receive company communications and financial reports, and have their shares easily transferred or sold as per their discretion.
Registered shareholders are often required to provide certain personal information, such as their name, address, social security number, or tax identification number, to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with legal or regulatory requirements. Companies may also charge a nominal fee for maintaining these records.
Overall, the concept of a registered shareholder highlights the significance of maintaining an accurate and up-to-date record of individuals or entities who hold ownership stakes in a particular company.
The word "registered" in the term "registered shareholder" is derived from the Latin word "regestrum", which means "record". It is related to the noun "registrar", which refers to an official responsible for keeping records. In the context of shareholders, "registered" indicates that the ownership of shares has been officially recorded and recognized by the company or its registrar. It signifies that the shareholder's details, such as name, address, and the number of shares owned, are listed in the company's official register of shareholders. Hence, a registered shareholder is an individual or entity whose ownership of shares is officially recorded by the company.