Risk, I think you normally get a choice; issued paper cert in hand, or the issuing company has a designated bank, or brokerage house that acts as a holding company for your street name shares. But not a option to use your own house (like ST).
The last stock I had that way was MFC, and I think they used Mellon Financial Systems (Mellon Bank). The holding company will usually sell shares for you for a $15 to $35 fee per trade, and on quick notice, like while you are still on the phone. Takes about two weeks to get a check.
IMO, actually getting the certs just complicates life when you decide to sell. I know that in some cases, like going through your bank's broker, costs more to sell with a cert in hand. A LOT more. Think $150 to $300, or more, just like ALL trades cost in the old days. GLTY LC
