Bearer Bond
Candlefocus EditorBearer bonds are certificates with attached coupons that can be redeemed for interest payments. Because bearer bonds are issued in physical form, they must be stored securely and often require specialized custody arrangements. The owner of a bearer bond is whoever is in possession of it at any point in time. Also, because the ownership of a bearer bond is considered as unregistered, these securities are as vulnerable as cash to theft or loss.
Bearer bonds first began to be issued in the 19th century and were a common form of debt securities until the mid-20th century. Today, bearer bonds are less common and are typically issued in large denominations, such as those of $1,000 or more. Governments, including the US and UK, and private organizations typically issue bearer bonds as a form of financing and as a tool for raising money from the public.
Although bearer bonds do not provide the protection of registered bonds, they are still popular due to their flexibility and ease of transfer. With a bearer bond, an owner can easily transfer the bond to another person if they choose to and they can also choose to hold onto the bond and benefit from the interest payments.
In conclusion, bearer bonds are an attractive way to invest due to their ease and flexibility, but they are not without risk. Bearer bonds are as vulnerable as cash and can easily be lost or stolen, so proper security is essential when investing in them.