Ownership Illusions in Modern Finance

November 13, 2023

Ever wondered if the shares you own are truly yours? Explore the surprising truths and hidden complexities of asset ownership that could redefine your investment strategy, and find out what an investment professional thinks of the situation.

This week Paul Kiker and I dive into an eye-opening discussion, sparked by David Rogers Webb’s insightful book, ‘The Great Taking.’

Remember the whole “you’ll own nothing (and be happy)” thing? Ever wonder how they planned to pull that off? Well, wonder no more.

“Ownership” used to be a really simple thing. You either owned something or you did not. Now? It’s not so easy. When it comes to financial assets you are usually merely a claimant with nebulous standing in a long chain of more senior claimants.

The revelation that owning a share in a company might not be as straightforward as it appears was both intriguing and unsettling.