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The OTC Markets Group, formerly known as the National Quotation Bureau (NQB), is an organization that facilitates the trade of Over The Counter (OTC) stocks and other securities. OTC Markets maintains its own tiers and listing requirements for each. An Over The Counter stock is a financial security that does not trade on a formal stock exchange. Rather, these securities are traded through a dealer network such as OTC Market Group which include electronic quoting and lower listing requirements than a formal exchange. OTC securities are highly regulated securities by FINRA and the SEC.
The OTC Markets Group was formally established in its present form in 2010, and provides information on over 10,000 OTC securities. Presently, a network of over 100 established broker-dealers (institutions that act as a financial securities broker and/or dealers) trade on the OTC Markets system.
The OTC Markets Group platform is segregated into 3 distinct market tiers: the OTCQX, the OTCQB, and the Pink. Each of these different tiers is separated based on perceived risk levels, which depend on the quality and regularity of a listed company's reporting information and disclosures.
OTCQX
The OTCQX, branded as the 'OTCQX, The Best Market,' has the most stringent listing standards of the three OTC Markets.
Noteable OTCQX companies include AcuityAds Hldgs Inc. (OTCQX: ACUIF), Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (OTCQX: NMGRF), and CV Sciences, Inc. OTCQB. The OTCQX has different eligibility requirements depending on whether a firm is international, U.S. based, or a bank.
OTCQX U.S. Standard Requirements | Initial | Ongoing |
Penny Stock Rule | Meet one of the following exemptions detailed below: Net Tangible Assets: OR Revenue: OR Bid: | |
Bid Price | $0.25 | $0.10 |
Market Cap | $10mm | $5mm |
Price Quotes by Market Makers on OTC Link ATS | 1 | 2 (within 90 days) |
Shareholders | 50 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares | 50 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares |
OTCQX Premier Requirements | Initial | Ongoing |
Penny Stock Rule | Meet one of the following exemptions detailed below: Net Tangible Assets: OR Revenue: | |
Bid Price | $4.00 | $1.00 |
Stockholders Equity | $4mm | $4mm |
Price Quotes by Market Makers on OTC Link | 1 | 4 (within 90 days) |
| Public Float | 500,000 shares | 500,000 shares |
Shareholders | 100 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares | 100 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares |
Operating history | 3 years | |
| Must meet one of the following standards: | ||
| Market Value Standard: | ||
Market Value of Public Float | $15mm | $15mm |
Market Capitalization | $50mm | $35mm |
OR | ||
| Net Income Standard: | ||
Market Value of Public Float | $1mm | $1mm |
Net Income | $750,000 | $500,000 |
Market Capitalization | $10mm | $5mm |
OTCQX U.S. Banks Standard Requirements | Initial | Ongoing |
Penny Stock Rule | Meet one of the following exemptions detailed below: Net Tangible Assets: OR Revenue: OR Bid: | |
Bid Price | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Total Assets | $100mm | $100mm |
Market Cap | $10mm | $5mm |
Price Quotes by Market Makers on OTC Link | 1 | 2 (within 90 days) |
Shareholders | 50 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares | 50 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares |
OTCQX Banks Premier Requirements | Initial | Ongoing |
Penny Stock Rule | Meet one of the following exemptions detailed below: Net Tangible Assets: OR Revenue: | |
Bid Price | $4.00 | $1.00 |
Total Assets | $100mm | $100mm |
Stockholders Equity | $4mm | $4mm |
Price Quotes by Market Makers on OTC Link | 1 | 4 (within 90 days) |
Shareholders | 100 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares | 100 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares |
Operating history | 3 years | |
| Must meet one of the following standards: | ||
| Market Value Standard: | ||
| Market Value of Public Float | $15mm | $15mm |
Market Capitalization | $50mm | $35mm |
OR | ||
| Net Income Standard: | ||
| Market Value of Public Float | $1mm | $1mm |
| Net Income | $750,000 | $500,000 |
| Market Capitalization | $10mm | $5mm |
See our full OTCQX listing requirements and standards to get listed onto OTCQX.
OTCQB Requirements
OTCQB offers early stage to fully reporting companies the benefits of being a publicly traded company. Noteable OTCQB companies including Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA), Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC), and CV Sciences, Inc. OTCQB
Eligibility Requirements:
- Comply with SEC Reporting (Exchange Act reporting standard or Regulation A), International Reporting, Bank Reporting, or OTC Alternative Reporting Guidelines as found here.
- Audited annual company financials by a PCAOB auditor according to U.S. GAAP
- Number of existing shareholders meet trading requirements
- Non-shell companies only
- Either listed on a Qualified Foreign Exchange or be a U.S. reporting company (SEC, ARS, or U.S. Bank)
- Not be subject to bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings.
- Bid Price meet trading requirements
- Free trading shares and Public Float meet trading requirements
- Utilize a transfer agent that participates in the Transfer Agent Verified Shares Program, such as Colonial Stock Transfer.
Get Started with our OTCQB Listing Consulting Services to learn more about these requirements. Also, learn about Colonial's Transfer Agent Services
OTCQB U.S. Standard Requirements | Initial | Ongoing |
Bid Price | $0.01 (30 calendar days before applying not applicable if filing Form 211, company is traded on Qualified Foreign Exchange at price equal to or greater than $0.01) | $0.01 (on at least one of the prior thirty calendar days) |
Public Float | 10% of total issued and outstanding shares | Same |
Shareholders | 50 beneficial shareholders each owning at least 100 shares | Same |
Post-qualification Requirements (in addition to those in the chart):
- Compliance with standards
- Compliance with Federal and State securities laws
- Payment of fees
- Responding to OTC's requests
- Meet on-going disclosure requirements
- Maintain a verified OTC profile
- Disclosure of convertible debt arrangements to the SEC EDGAR system or OTC Disclosure and News Services
- Annual certification confirming company profile data
- Interim event disclosure
- Non-shell companies only
If you meet the standards and requirements above, we can help you with your OTCQB listing. Please contact us.
OTC Pink
Formerly known as 'The Pink Sheets' the OTC Market Group's 'Pink' is the least regulated of the three market tiers. Branded as 'Pink, the requirements for getting listed on the Pink are as follows:
- File a Form 15c2-11 to FINRA. In order for a broker-dealer to submit your Form 15c2-11, they will most likely require your company to meet certain standards not seen here. Our team can provide guidance on this.
- Company profile has been verified through OTCIQ
- Attorney letter if company is not audited
Get Started with our OTC Pink Listing Consulting Services to learn more about these requirements. Also, learn about Colonial's Transfer Agent Services
Companies that trade on the Pink include penny stocks, shells, distressed companies, delinquent companies, and companies that have limited their disclosure.
Listing Fees
The application and annual fees for each of the OTC tiers are listed below:
Application Fees | OTCQX | OTCQB | OTC Pink |
Application Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 |
Annual Fee | $23,000 | $14,000 (or semi-annually $7,500) | $5,000 |
How to Apply
We can help guide you through the process on making your OTC listing including:
- Provide complete OTC listing consultation and support until trading
- Help you meet OTC listing requirements and compliance
- Completing application and materials required for listing
- Work with stakeholders, auditors, and legal counsel to acheive OTC listing
- Public company consulting after you are listed
Get Started with your OTC Listing
Ready for your OTC listing? Start by completing the form below.
OTC Transfer Agent Services
As a full-service transfer agency with over 30 years of industry experience, Colonial Stock Transfer can assist your firm with getting listed on the OTC Market Group's trading platform. To speak with a professional today or learn more about Colonial Stock Transfer, please contact us.
