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Share ledger / register

Also called: share register, Aktienbuch, shareholders' register

In one line

The company's official book recording who owns its shares — the authoritative record a transfer must update to be valid.

In plain English

The share ledger is the legal list of shareholders. A sale isn't truly complete until the register is updated to show the new owner, often via the transfer agent or (in civil-law countries) a notary.

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

The official ownership book of the club. Your toy sale only really counts once your friend's name is written in it.

Why it matters when you sell

Your secondary only closes when the register is updated, so this record is the finish line of any sale.

Related terms

Transfer agentBuyer of recordNotarised share transferCapitalization table

Put it to use

How to find a buyer

Hold private-company shares? Our free estimator shows what your stake could be worth and whether you can sell — no sign-up. Value my equity (free) → · Back to the glossary →
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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.