bearers

Bearers are individuals or entities that bear or carry something, or who possess a document or item that entitles them to rights. The term comes from the verb to bear, meaning to carry, and is used in various contexts to denote possession or delivery authority rather than ownership.

In everyday language, a bearer is someone who physically carries an object or delivers something. In ceremonial settings, bearers are designated individuals who carry a flag, banner, casket, or other items during processions and rituals.

In finance and law, bearer instruments are negotiable documents or securities whose rights pass to the holder by possession alone, without recording ownership in a registry. Common examples include bearer shares, bearer bonds, bearer checks, and bearer receipts. Transfer of these instruments occurs simply through delivery rather than endorsement or registration. While bearer instruments can simplify transfer and provide anonymity, they also pose risks, such as loss, theft, and a lack of verifiable ownership, which complicates enforcement and regulation. Due to these concerns, many jurisdictions have reduced their use, imposing restrictions or converting them to registered forms or dematerialized records.

In information systems and logistics, the concept of a bearer appears in contexts such as certificates, badges, or cargo-release documents, where possession of the document authorizes certain actions or claims. The precise definition and regulatory treatment of a bearer depend on the applicable law, contract, or institutional rules.