Cede & Co.
Cede & Co.: The nominee name of the Depository Trust Company (DTC). Most U.S. stocks and bonds are registered on issuers' books in the name of Cede & Co., which holds legal title for DTC's participating banks and brokers, who in turn hold for their customers. Investors' interests are protected as security entitlements under UCC Article 8.

What cede & co. means
In practice, you will see cede & co. in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where cede & co. comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Street name.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses cede & co. in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Capitis diminutio: latin for "diminution of status" (also spelled capitis deminutio).
- Caption: the heading of a court document identifying the court, the parties, the case number and the document title.
- Cash: currency and coins.
- Cause of action: a set of facts that gives a person the right to sue and seek relief from a court, such as breach of contract or negligence. A complaint states one or more causes of action.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.
