Registered Holder Direct Name Ownership 2026

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Registered Holder Direct Name Ownership 2026

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Registered Holder Direct Name Ownership 2026

The global landscape of registered holder direct name ownership is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing investor demand for transparency and control over their assets. In 2022, the market for direct ownership of stocks and securities was valued at approximately $4 billion, with projections indicating a growth rate of over 12% annually through 2026. Factors such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, and a shift towards decentralized finance are influencing this trend, making it crucial for investors and financial institutions to adapt to the changing dynamics of name ownership.

1. United States

The United States leads the market with a share of approximately 40% of registered holder direct name ownership. In 2022, there were over 150 million registered shareholders, with a market capitalization of $40 trillion in publicly traded companies. The rise of online trading platforms has facilitated direct ownership, allowing more investors to manage their portfolios independently.

2. Canada

Canada holds a significant position in direct name ownership with around 10% of the global market. The Canadian Securities Administrators reported that approximately 40% of Canadian investors prefer direct ownership, showcasing a growing trend. The total number of registered accounts reached over 15 million in 2022.

3. United Kingdom

The UK accounts for about 8% of the registered holder direct name ownership market. In 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority noted that direct ownership in the UK grew by 15% year-on-year, with over 12 million individuals holding shares directly in public companies. This trend is fueled by increasing awareness of investment options.

4. Australia

Australia’s registered holder direct name ownership stands at roughly 7% of the global market share. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reported that direct share ownership increased by 10% in 2022, with over 11 million Australians holding shares directly. This reflects a growing preference for self-directed investment.

5. Germany

Germany represents around 5% of the global market. According to the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, direct name ownership rose by 8% in 2022, with over 8 million registered shareholders. The trend is driven by increasing financial literacy among the population.

6. France

France holds approximately 4% of the registered holder direct name ownership market. In 2022, the French Autorité des marchés financiers reported a 7% increase in direct ownership, with around 6 million investors opting for direct shares. The French market is characterized by a strong retail investor base.

7. Japan

Japan accounts for about 4% of the market share, with the Tokyo Stock Exchange reporting over 30 million individual accounts in 2022. Direct ownership has seen a 5% increase year-on-year, driven by rising interest in domestic equities among younger investors.

8. Switzerland

Switzerland represents roughly 3% of the global market. In 2022, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority reported that direct ownership increased by 6%, with around 3 million registered shareholders. The Swiss market benefits from a strong tradition of wealth management.

9. Brazil

Brazil holds about 3% of the registered holder direct name ownership market. The Brazilian Securities Commission indicated that the number of direct investors grew by 20% in 2022, with approximately 6 million individuals participating in the stock market, reflecting a surge in retail investment.

10. India

India accounts for approximately 2% of the market share. The Securities and Exchange Board of India reported a 25% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with over 10 million new retail investors entering the market, driven by the rise of digital trading platforms.

11. Netherlands

The Netherlands represents around 2% of the global market. In 2022, the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets noted a 5% increase in direct ownership, with over 3 million individuals holding shares directly. The market is characterized by a high level of financial education.

12. South Korea

South Korea holds roughly 2% of the market share. The Financial Services Commission reported a 15% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with approximately 5 million investors choosing to hold shares directly. The trend is driven by the popularity of mobile trading applications.

13. Singapore

Singapore accounts for about 2% of the registered holder direct name ownership market. The Monetary Authority of Singapore indicated that direct ownership grew by 9% in 2022, with around 1.5 million shareholders opting for direct ownership. The market is known for its investor-friendly regulations.

14. Italy

Italy represents around 1% of the global market. The Italian Securities and Exchange Commission reported a 3% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with approximately 2 million registered investors. The market is gradually seeing more interest from retail investors.

15. Spain

Spain holds about 1% of the market share. In 2022, the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores noted a 4% increase in direct ownership, with over 1.5 million individuals participating in the stock market. The trend is fueled by efforts to increase financial literacy.

16. Mexico

Mexico accounts for roughly 1% of the registered holder direct name ownership market. The Mexican Stock Exchange reported a 10% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with around 1 million investors participating directly in the equity markets.

17. Hong Kong

Hong Kong represents around 1% of the global market. The Securities and Futures Commission reported a 5% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with over 2 million investors choosing to hold shares directly. The market is characterized by a high level of international participation.

18. Russia

Russia holds about 1% of the market share. The Central Bank of Russia reported a 6% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with approximately 3 million registered investors. This reflects a growing trend toward individual investing in the Russian capital markets.

19. Taiwan

Taiwan accounts for roughly 1% of the registered holder direct name ownership market. The Financial Supervisory Commission reported a 7% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with around 1.5 million shareholders opting for direct ownership.

20. South Africa

South Africa represents about 1% of the global market. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority reported a 5% increase in direct ownership in 2022, with approximately 2 million investors taking direct control of their investments. This trend reflects a growing interest in equities among South Africans.

## Insights
The registered holder direct name ownership market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing digitalization and a shift towards self-directed investment. By 2026, the global market is expected to surpass $6 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The rise of fintech solutions and platforms that enhance investor engagement and education are pivotal in this transformation. Additionally, as financial literacy improves globally, more investors are likely to seek direct ownership options, further fueling market expansion. With a diverse range of countries and players contributing to this trend, the landscape will continue to evolve, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in investment strategies.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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