Registrar services are the functions performed for an issuer of securities by a share registrar, known in the United States as a transfer agent. The central task is keeping the share register accurate: recording transfers of ownership, changes of name and address, and the issue and cancellation of shares, and reconciling the register with the central depository.
Around that task the registrar pays dividends, administers reinvestment and scrip alternatives, sends out annual reports and meeting notices, receives proxy votes and counts them at the shareholder meeting, and answers shareholder enquiries. It also acts as receiving agent in rights issues, takeovers and initial public offerings, and may run employee share plans. Registrars are appointed and paid by the issuer and are regulated in most markets, with duties to protect shareholder data and guard against fraudulent transfers. Related work includes securities registration and share transfer processing; for bonds the equivalent record is the bondholder register.