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Transfer Shares Between Parties

Transfer shares between existing shareholders or to new parties. Use electronic signing for new transfers or record a completed transfer if it was executed offline.

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Which method should I use?

  • Sending transfer docs for signing? Use Method 1, electronic signing.

  • Transfer already completed offline? Use Method 2, record it directly.

Method 1: Send a transfer for electronic signing

Use this when you need a share transfer form signed by both parties through Cake.

N.B. Only available for Australian companies 🇦🇺

  1. Go to Cap Table → Transfers.

  2. Click + Start new transfer.

  3. Follow the prompts to create your transfer group, then click View details.

  4. Navigate to Contracts and attach the Share Transfer Form. The form auto-populates with shareholder details when sent.

  5. Under Transfers list, click + Add transfer and enter:

    • Transferor (seller): The current shareholder selling shares

    • Transferee (buyer): The shareholder receiving shares, or add a new contact

    • Share class: The type of shares being transferred

    • Number of shares: How many shares are being transferred

    • Amount paid: The agreed purchase price

  6. Click Send to email the transfer documents to both parties.

Both parties receive an invitation to review and sign the share transfer form through their My Cake portal. The status "Waiting for stakeholder details" will display until the stakeholder has logged in, confirmed their contact details, and signed the form.

Method 2: Record a completed transfer

Use this when the share transfer form has already been executed offline and you just need to record the transfer in Cake.

  1. Go to Cap Table → Transfers.

  2. Click Add historical transfer.

  3. Enter the transfer details:

    • Transferor and Transferee: Select or add the parties involved

    • Share class: The type of shares transferred

    • Number of shares: How many shares changed hands

    • Amount paid: The agreed purchase price

    • Transfer date: When the transfer was completed

  4. Click Transfer to record the transaction.

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Transferring RSA shares

If a shareholder holds RSA shares, they can transfer only the shares that have vested by the transfer date. Unvested RSA shares stay with the original holder, and their vesting schedule doesn't move with the transfer.

When you record a transfer, the Number of shares field shows Max available to transfer. That's the holder's total shares in that share class, less any RSA shares still unvesting on the transfer date.

For example, a holder has 10,000 RSA shares and 4,000 have vested. They can transfer up to 4,000. If you enter more, Cake shows "Shareholder does not have enough shares to transfer."

Note: Need to move unvested shares, for example to a family trust? Contact support before you record the transfer.

What happens next

Both parties' shareholdings update automatically. The transfer appears in Cap Table → Transaction logs. You can issue updated share certificates from the Outstanding shares tab.

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