Arvoosuusvälittäjä

Arvoosuusvälittäjä translates to "securities intermediary" or "custodian" in English. It refers to a financial institution that holds securities on behalf of its clients, typically investors. These intermediaries play a crucial role in the financial markets by ensuring the safe custody and administration of assets.

The primary function of an arvoosuusvälittäjä is to hold securities such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments in safekeeping. This protects investors from the risks of holding physical certificates or managing their own portfolios directly. Beyond custody, they also facilitate the settlement of securities transactions. When an investor buys or sells a security, the arvoosuusvälittäjä ensures that the ownership is transferred correctly and that payment is made.

Additionally, arvoosuusvälittäjät often provide other services. These can include collecting dividends and interest payments on behalf of clients, processing corporate actions like stock splits or mergers, and providing account statements and tax reporting information. In essence, they act as a bridge between investors and the broader financial markets, simplifying the process of owning and trading securities. They are regulated entities and are subject to strict rules to protect client assets.