You may not know this, but any stocks you own in your brokerage aren't owned by you. They're owned by your brokerage. In all likelihood, your shares are curre

You may not know this, but any stocks you own in your brokerage aren't owned by you. They're owned by your brokerage. In all likelihood, your shares are currently being lent to someone and used in short sales. It's entirely possible your brokerage will go bust, and you will lose every share of stock you own. SIPC insurance will protect you up to a certain amount. Even then, though, you won't have your shares returned to you -- merely the dollar value of those shares will be reimbursed.