Continental offers comprehensive cross-border agency services, supporting the seamless transfer of stock across borders on behalf of public issuers. Serving as a co-agent or dual agent for over 200 public companies, Continental partners with the issuer’s primary transfer agent to facilitate U.S.-based transactions. For Canadian issuers, we frequently collaborate with TSX Trust, the largest Canadian-owned transfer agent, though we can also work with other Canadian providers based on the issuer’s preference.
To further support cross-border trading, issuers typically appoint a DTC participant to sponsor the application process for DTC eligibility. Once approved, issuers unlock key benefits such as:
- Elimination of paper certificates
- More efficient trading of securities
- Lower transaction costs
- Increased trading volume and liquidity
DTC eligibility is critical, as many U.S. broker- dealers will not trade securities that are not DTC eligible. This eligibility also significantly reduces trading costs for both institutional and retail investors, enhancing overall market accessibility.
What is a Co-Agent?
A co-agent is a U.S.-based recordkeeping partner selected by an issuer to assist the primary agent in processing stock transactions. While the co-agent does not maintain shareholder records, they play a vital role in facilitating the transfer of book-entry shares or certificates within the United States and report daily activity back to the primary agent
What is a Dual-Listed Transfer Agent?
A dual-listed transfer agent supports issuers that trade equity on multiple markets by partnering with a transfer agent in another country. Dual listings help enhance share liquidity, broaden investor reach, and diversify capital raising opportunities beyond the issuer’s home market.
What is DTC?
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTC, also known as DTCC) is the backbone of U.S. securities settlement. It facilitates automated clearing and settlement of trades, holding a large portion of U.S. securities in “book” form under its nominee name, CEDE & Co. Through DTC, banks and brokerage firms efficiently move and service securities in the U.S. financial markets.
Written by Karri Van Dell & Steve Vacante
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