Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are negotiable certificates issued by depositary banks which represent ownership of a given number of a company’s shares which can be listed and traded independently from the underlying shares. These instruments are typically used by companies from emerging markets.
GDRs can be listed on either the Main Market or the Professional Securities Market. A GDR will be used to access two or more markets, usually London and the US. They are often launched for capital raising purposes, so the US element is generally either a Rule 144(a) ADR or a Level III ADR, depending on whether the issuer aims to tap the private placement or public US markets.
These securities are quoted and traded in US dollars on the International Order Book and the associated dividends are paid to investors in US dollars. GDRs are settled in either DTC or Euroclear Bank enhancing their cross border liquidity.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) can also be listed and traded in London.
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