So I founded an RIA as a C-corp earlier this year and have some silent partners (family) that helped capitalize the firm. Can they legally own shares in the firm or must they be licensed in order to do so?

Are there specific ways an investor or potential board member could own shares (share, indirectly such as through another corporation, which is advised by the RIA, to purchase shares in the RIA)?

I want to know because I'd like to offer some potential board members shares in the company in exchange for sweat equity (also, new hire's on my investment research side).

Any info around this would help. 

Thanks!

-Economister