Registered Holder
A shareholder whose name appears directly on the books of the transfer agent or the issuing corporation as the owner of record of shares.
Full Definition
A registered holder (also called a shareholder of record) is an investor whose name is recorded on the company's official share register maintained by the transfer agent. This is distinct from a beneficial owner, who holds shares in 'street name' through a broker or bank but whose name does not appear on the transfer agent's records. Registered holders receive communications, proxy materials, and dividend payments directly from the transfer agent. The distinction is critical in corporate actions and voting contexts. Editors should not hyphenate 'registered holder' and should distinguish it carefully from 'beneficial owner' and 'nominee'.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate. Contrast carefully with 'beneficial owner': a beneficial owner holds through a broker and is not on the transfer agent's books. This distinction frequently arises in proxy materials and corporate action documents.
In Context
- "Registered holders who wish to participate in the exchange offer must tender their shares directly through the Transfer Agent." — Exchange offer prospectus
- "As a registered holder, you will receive your dividend cheque by post unless you have elected direct deposit." — Shareholder services guide