Buying Shares Directly Without a Broker

How do I buy shares directly from companies or from other sharesholders without using a broker? Is it even possible?

Hi there,

Many Swiss companies only allow their shares to be traded through stock brokers. However, there are some companies which allow you to buy shares directly from their transfer agent. This is the service provider which records the transfer of share ownership on behalf of the company. Typically the transfer agent also maintains the company's share register, which tracks changes in stock ownership.

You will normally still need to have a custody account, and in Switzerland these are typically provided by stock brokers in combination with brokerage accounts. In many cases it may be easier to buy stocks using a broker than to buy shares directly from companies (when that is an option).

Best regards from Moneyguru

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