What qualifies as a share certificate under the BCA?

A share certificate serves as a formal document that evidences ownership of shares in a company. Under the Business Corporations Act (BCA), this certificate is a crucial instrument as it not only represents the investment made by the shareholder but also provides essential details such as the number of shares owned and the class of shares. The issuance of a share certificate signifies the individual's legal status as a shareholder within the company, thereby enabling the holder to exercise rights associated with their shares, including voting rights and entitlement to dividends.

While evidence of investment interests and proof of membership in the company are components of the shareholding experience, they do not encapsulate the complete definition of a share certificate. These aspects are more broadly related to the implications of ownership rather than the formal document itself. Additionally, a corporate bond receipt refers to documentation associated with debt securities and does not fit within the context of share certificates, which are solely related to equity ownership.