Registered Security

There are two connotations where the term "registered security" comes up in the financial world. In one, the holder of a bond has their name registered. They no longer have to present a coupon to receive their regular payments. Their name is attached to the security, so the identity of the holder is on file. It's like when the teller at your bank starts to recognize your face and you no longer have to show ID to withdraw money. Only it's a more formalized process. The other kind of registered security refers to regulatory authorities. The company issuing the security (the stock or the bond) has filed the paperwork to have it registered with the SEC, or any other relevant agency.

If you venture down a dark alley, and there's a guy there selling stock out of the back of his van, those might not be registered securities. However, if you bought five shares of AAPL on the NASDAQ, those shares do count as registered securities.