Share Registrars

Companies which choose to manage their own share registry may employ or appoint share registrars. Some firms providing share registry services also have their own share registrars.

The Profile of Share Registrars

Share registrars may be individuals or entities employed or commissioned by companies or share registry firms to manage their respective companies' share registries. A share register may be a system or a firm which manages shares and shareholders information. Share registrars are commissioned to register or enter the names of shareholders in the share register of the company.

Share registrars update entries in the share register upon the instructions of companies that hired them. They should meticulously and accurately enter pertinent data in the share register to avoid any confusion that may cause problems in the company.

The Duties of Share Registrars

Share registrars are involved in the registration of the buying and selling of shares and stocks. They enter into the shares registry pertinent data on the share trading activities of the company.

Share registrars are also tasked and authorised to dispatch share certificates and dividend cheques to respective shareholders of the company. Share registrars help ensure that shareholders get their share certificates and dividend cheques right on schedule. They also make sure that appropriate share certificates and dividend cheques are sent to their respective owners.

Another resonsibility of share registrars is to handle phoned, e-mailed, or faxed enquiries of investors. Share registrars are tasked by the company that hired them to provide assistance to shareholders. However, share registrars must be careful not to divulge confidential matters to shareholders as stated or instructed by the company. That's why share registrars will not provide or confirm Security Holder Reference Number (SRN) over the phone.

Share registrars are also tasked to provide customer service to shareholders. Aside from handling enquiries from shareholders, share registrars also handle complaints. For instance, if a shareholder feels that his SRN is compromised, he has to notify share registrars of his concerns in writing. Share registrars will then advise the shareholder on steps or process of SRN replacement.

Aside from dealing with the companies' shareholders, share registrars may also deal with statutory bodies such as stock exchanges. Share registrars also perform key roles during the companies' Initial Public Offering (IPO) of stocks and shares. Share registrars are responsible for the lodging of prospectuses. Share registrars also coordinate with officials from stock exchanges and securities.