This is the legal proof of ownership of shares in a company. However, with the increase of electronic trading and settlement systems such as Crest, share certificates are gradually being phased out. If an investor insists on having a share certificate then he/she will have to pay more for their share deals. Financial Services Glossary
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share certificate UK US noun [C] (also stock certificate) FINANCE, STOCK MARKET
► a legal document that states the number and type of shares you own in a company: »
If you want to be able to sell your shares when trading begins, you should request a share certificate.
»Most brokers will not accept a dealing request from a small investor until the company has issued the share certificate.
Financial and business terms. 2012.