Trägeranteile

Trägeranteile, often translated as "carrying shares" or "bearer shares," represent a type of stock ownership where the shares are not registered in the name of any specific individual. Instead, ownership is determined by physical possession of the share certificate. The person holding the certificate is considered the legal owner and is entitled to all rights associated with the shares, such as voting rights and dividend payments.

Historically, Trägeranteile were used to facilitate anonymous and easily transferable ownership of a company. This anonymity could be advantageous for investors seeking privacy, but it also presented challenges for regulatory oversight and prevented companies from knowing their actual shareholder base. The ease of transfer meant that ownership could change hands simply by delivering the physical certificate, making them highly liquid but also susceptible to loss or theft.

Due to concerns about money laundering, tax evasion, and the lack of transparency, many jurisdictions have significantly restricted or abolished the issuance of Trägeranteile. Modern corporate law generally favors registered shares, where the company maintains a register of shareholders. This ensures accountability and allows companies to communicate directly with their owners. While some countries may still permit them under specific circumstances, their prevalence has drastically diminished in global financial markets.