Who typically issues stock certificates in the correct owner’s name?

The transfer agent is the entity responsible for issuing stock certificates in the correct owner's name. This role involves maintaining the records of a company's shareholders and ensuring that ownership documentation is accurate and up-to-date. When a person purchases stock, the transfer agent manages the issuance of the stock certificates, reflecting the new owner’s information.

Additionally, the transfer agent is tasked with processing dividend payments, handling stock splits, and managing the transfer of shares when they are bought or sold. This ensures that the ownership records remain consistent and reliable, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and regulatory compliance.

In contrast, custodians hold and safeguard the securities on behalf of clients but do not issue stock certificates. Market makers facilitate the buying and selling of stocks in the market but are not involved in issuing certificates. Brokers act as intermediaries in the buying and selling process but do not handle the actual issuance of stock certificates. Therefore, the transfer agent plays a vital and specific role in the issuance of stock certificates to shareholders.