OTCQX Listing and Quotation Eligibility and Requirements for International Companies

ABA Journal’s 10th Annual Blawg 100

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On May 23, 2014, OTC Markets Group, Inc., published its updated OTCQX Rules for International Companies version 6.7.  This blog summarizes those rules.  A complete copy of the rules is available on the OTC Link website, otcmarkets.com.

Background

The www.otcmarkets.com divides issuers into three (3) levels: OTCQX, OTCQB and OTC Pink.

The OTCQX has two tiers of quotation for U.S. companies: (i) OTCQX International Premier; and (ii) OTCQX International.  International issuers on the OTCQX must meet specified eligibility requirements.  Quotation is available for American Depository Receipts (ADR’s) or foreign ordinary securities of companies traded on a Qualifying Foreign Stock Exchange.

International issuers on the OTCQB must either be fully reporting and current in their SEC reporting obligations or qualify for the Rule 12g3-2(b) exemption from SEC registration for foreign private issuers.  In addition, OTCQB entities must meet minimum price standards, file annual reports and pay annual fees, but do not undergo additional quality