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🌍 US & Europe · Docs & rolesTransfer agent
Also called: share registrar
In one line
The party that maintains the official record of share ownership and processes transfers when shares change hands.
In plain English
The transfer agent (or the company's cap-table provider) keeps the share register and records your sale once it's approved. They make a transfer 'official'.
If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old
The person in charge of the club's ownership book, who updates it whenever a toy changes hands.
Why it matters when you sell
Your secondary isn't complete until the transfer agent records it, so they're part of the closing process.
Related terms
Put it to use
When you're ready to go deeper, there's an optional Equity Toolkit and Report.
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.