For more than a century, stock certificates have served as proof of ownership in a company. The first stock certificate was reportedly issued in 1601. The Dutch East India Company introduced the idea. A stock certificate is a legal document that proves ownership of shares. Companies printed them on paper for decades. The certificates display...Read More

Shareholder meetings are a cornerstone of corporate governance for publicly traded companies. These meetings give investors a voice in major decisions. It allows them to make their decisions known. They can decide on items like electing board members or approving mergers. Not every shareholder can attend meetings in person, though. The good news is they...Read More

Most companies sell stocks and bonds. They will need a good means to keep track of who owns what when they sell stocks and bonds. Someone needs to be in charge. They need someone to give both issuers and investors the help they need. This is a job for transfer agents. Transfer agents act as...Read More

When it comes to buying, selling, or managing shares, two key players often come into the picture. These are the transfer agents and brokers. Both are integral to the financial markets, but their roles are very different. Issuers and investors alike need to understand their respective roles. You must also know when you might need...Read More

A company sometimes decides to issue shares. It does this through an initial public offering (IPO), private placement, or other means. Share registration is one of the most important procedures in this process. The official way to record the names of shareholders is through share registration. It also keeps track of how many shares you...Read More

Two acronyms usually pop up when shareholders move their shares – DRS and DWAC. These terms often crop up when talking to a broker and a transfer agent. DRS and DWAC are both electronic systems. Both avoid paper certificates and aim to make share movement faster and safer. They serve different purposes, though. Choosing the...Read More

The word “CUSIP number” may come up when you buy stocks, bonds, or other securities. The U.S. banking system uses this special number to keep track of securities. The Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures is the acronym for CUSIP. It is a nine-character alphanumeric code that points to a certain financial security. It’s the...Read More

Mergers and acquisitions are some of the most complicated business transactions. These high-stakes transactions are challenging because they involve financial negotiations and legal agreements. It also entails managing equity ownership. This is where transfer agents come in. A transfer agent operates in the background, but it plays a critical role. These professionals handle shareholder records,...Read More

Managing securities is hard. That’s why you need to choose the correct business to handle stock transfers. A transfer agent services provider can help a business deal with shareholders. STC Securities and Legacy Stock Transfer are two transfer agents that stand out. Both are leaders in their fields and provide new ways to solve problems....Read More

Efficiency and security are critical in the fast-paced world of stock trading. Especially when it involves transferring securities. One of the best ways to do this is through the DWAC system. DWAC is the acronym for Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian. It’s a service provided by the Depository Trust Company. The DTC is the world’s largest securities...Read More