The problem is that the DTCC settles shares, yes even for Fidelity.
There is no problem with with custody of the shares, as the DTCC lock information on SFIO indicates.
If people are under the impression they can skirt the feds and somehow profit from this, they are sadly mistaken.
I hope everything goes as planned since I also asked a lot of questions and was assured that there wasn’t problem with this stock as FIDE*ity was concerned. But if it doesn't go through then I am no worse off. If it is the case that shares are sent back then it would appear that ST could be the problem.
All I can say is I just called ST service center advising them to close out my account. They asked no questions and said that the request to close account was forwarded to my branch office for a Monday close. I discussed the issue with the advisor and she said that once you transfer shares out of ST, they cannot come back unless YOU request it. She also said that your account CANNOT just be reopened without your consent or your doing so. So I don't know who better to ask than them (ST). I will take their word for it and continue to monitor my shares. GLTY I also believe that if your account was somehow re-opened w/o your knowledge or consent, it would constitute fraud and should/would require legal actions.