Trace Missing Shareholders
To assist organisations such as share registrars, transfer agents, or other corporate companies, we offer services to trace missing shareholders. Just as we assist those with escheated or unclaimed share holdings, we have a dedicated genealogy team to help if you have lost or missing shareholders. They can also help if you are responsible for maintaining the register. In order to begin, call our genealogy department on 0203 985 9551.
Lost Shareholders
Transfer agents and registrars spend an awful lot of time and energy tracing lost shareholders. This is because when a shareholder is deemed missing there is statute law that says effort has to be made to find the individuals. A missing shareholder also is unable to vote. This has a negative effect on the shareholdings in general. If shareholders cannot be found after 12 years, typically their shares are sold. This does not necessarily mean the money is lost. However, the stock is no longer an investment for the shareholder. In the US and Canada, if stocks and shares are sold, this is where the escheated program takes over.
Why Do Shareholders Go Missing?
There are many reasons why shareholders go missing or become lost. The main and most obvious reason is the death of the shareholder. Beneficiaries of the estate might not realise that the deceased owned shares. Other reasons could be because the shareholder married or perhaps simply moved to a new house. When moving to a new house or marrying, there is a lot to do. If shares have not been particularly fruitful over the term of a shareholders ownership, dealing with them seems to be something that people never get around to. Similar to putting off making a will.
Asset Recovery
Many of the larger organisations have their own company to search for missing shareholders to carry out asset recovery. Although these are separate companies, they are usually part of the same group. These separate companies typically charge the missing shareholder to reunite them with the stock or missing shareholding. As we are completely separate and not tied to any particular share registrar or transfer agent, we are completely impartial. Contact us for more information. We are able trace individuals on a contingency basis or on “charge missing shareholder” basis.
0203 985 9551
“I live in Ireland and became an Executor to a Will where Verizon Shares had to be sold in America. Having spoken to various people on how to sell these shares and doing research, I managed to find IWC Probate and Will Services. From start to finish I dealt with a lady called Loren Jarvis by e-mail and telephone. Loren made my life so much easier - dealing with all the form filling and organising a Medallion Stamp. Her approach is very professional and she will keep you informed during the process. I would have no hesitation in recommending this Firm to anybody who needs to sell shares in America and I hope Solicitors in Ireland will learn from my experience and use this Company. Secondly the fee rate is not extortionate like some FIRMS.”
0203 985 9551