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Buyer of record

Also called: holder of record, shareholder of record

In one line

The party officially recorded on the company's cap table as owning the shares after a transfer.

In plain English

Whoever ends up listed in the company's share register is the holder of record — in a direct secondary it's the buyer; in an SPV deal it's the vehicle. Companies care who this is.

If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old

The name written in the club's ownership book next to a toy — the person the club officially counts as the owner.

Why it matters when you sell

Who becomes holder of record affects whether the company will approve your sale, since it decides who joins the cap table.

Related terms

Direct secondarySpecial purpose vehicle (SPV)Board approvalTransfer agent

Put it to use

How to find a buyer

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Sources

A general market-practice term. See how we define and source the glossary in our methodology. General information, not advice.

Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.