- Home
- Introduction to the Markets
- Investing Basics
- Researching & Managing Investments
- Working With Brokers and Investment Advisers
- Investing on Your Own
- Researching Investments
- Shareholder Voting
- How do I know when to vote?
- How do I vote at a corporate election?
- What are the mechanics of voting either in person or by proxy?
- What is a “registered” owner? What is a “beneficial” owner?
- What is the difference between registered and beneficial owners when voting on corporate matters?
- What is new in 2012?
- Employment to Retirement
- Life Events
What is a “registered” owner? What is a “beneficial” owner?
As a shareholder of a public company you may hold shares directly or indirectly:
- A registered owner or record holder holds shares directly with the company.
- A beneficial owner holds shares indirectly, through a bank or broker-dealer. Beneficial owners holding their shares at a broker-dealer or bank are sometimes said to be holding shares in “street name.” The majority of U.S investors own their securities this way.