What is a share ledger?
A share ledger (aktiebok) is a Swedish limited company’s record of its shares and shareholders. Every Swedish limited company must have one. Among other things, it is used to determine who can exercise shareholder rights and to assess ownership in the company. This is set out in Chapter 5, Section 1 of the Swedish Companies Act.
What is the ledger used for?
It identifies the shares and the persons entered as their owners. Changes in ownership need to be reflected in the record. In a company that is not a central securities depository company (avstämningsbolag), the board is responsible for keeping, preserving and making the ledger available under Chapter 5, Section 7. Different provisions apply to depository companies.
A share ledger is not the same as a cap table or shareholder overview. An overview may show ownership percentages and potential dilution; the statutory ledger must satisfy legal requirements for content and updates. See share ledger versus shareholder list.
Must it be kept on paper?
No. Chapter 5, Section 2 permits automated processing. Other forms are also allowed for companies that are not depository companies. The medium does not remove the requirements for content, preservation and access.
If you want to keep the share ledger digitally, you can do so in Kvanta.