Worldwide Service Provider
Email: info@msgintl.net
WHAT IS A MEDALLION STAMP?
A barcoded stamp which has an invisible security compound in the ink that can be read by special “Stamp 2000 Plus” scanners used by transfer agents and investment houses providing certification that the signature being guaranteed is genuine: this is a statutory requirement when transferring or administering shareholdings and other investments within and outside North America. The medallion acts to limit the liability and loss by safeguarding against forged signatures which began after the 9/11 disaster to prevent cross border fraud.
N.B. A Notary Public is unable to provide this service as it can only be offered by one of three recognised medallion signature guarantee programs:
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STAMP (Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program)
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SEMP (Stock Exchanges Medallion Program)
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MSP (New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program)
DOES THE VALUE OF THE ASSET MATTER?
Yes, the medallion stamp that operators possess has a maximum surety value assigned, which means some shareholders with higher value holdings may struggle to find a medallion service provider outside the US and Canada.
Stamps have a prefix that indicates their surety limit, which limits how much they can guarantee the transaction for:
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A: $1,000,000
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B: $750,000
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C: $500,000
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D: $250,000
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E: $100,000
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F: $100,000 (Credit Unions per transaction)
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X: $2,000,000
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Y: $5,000,000
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Z: $10,000,000
In addition, any transfer agent who is a member of the Securities Transfer Association receives $4,000,000 insurance against stolen or counterfeit medallion stamps.
WHEN IS THE MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE REQUIRED?
If your investments are held by a US or Canadian transfer agent or custodian, you will require the stamp to:
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Transfer assets to another person or entity;
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Transfer assets to a beneficiary upon the death of a shareholder;
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Correct registration details - change of address or name, such as from maiden to married name;
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Corporate actions e.g. exchanging old shares for new shares after a takeover or merger;
WHAT IS THE COST OF A MSG?
Flat rate fee of GBP 295.00 (Incl. Tax) for individual assets up to USD 500,000 in value.
Please make contact with our team for asset values above USD 500,000 where our partners should be able to assist.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN MSG
In order to process your medallion request, the following documents will normally be required (this will be confirmed):
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Two forms of certified copy ID for each signatory from A and B.
A) Valid passport, photo drivers license or government issued identification card bearing your signature; B) Certified copy utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months.
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A photocopy of your stock certificate or the most recent account or investment statement as proof of ownership
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Where not the beneficial owner of the investment, you will need to submit certified proof for the authorised signatories such as:
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Trustee - Trust Deed
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Attorney - Power of Attorney
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Executor - Grant of Probate
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Company Director - Signatory List OR Corporate Resolution PLUS Incorporation Certificate
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N.B. Notarised ID documents (not certified) are required for any medallion related cases outside the UK.
HOW LONG DOES THE MSG PROCESS TAKE?
Upon receipt of the relevant documents and the appropriate fee, the medallion stamped document(s) will normally returned by our partners within 3 to 5 working days.
Medallion Signature Guarantee
As part of the process in administering North American assets, investors are often required to obtain what is called a ‘Medallion Signature Guarantee’ (MSG) sometimes referred to as a ‘gold medallion’ or 'medallion stamp'.
MSG International through its partners can assist with the provision of Medallion Signature Guarantees covering assets of nearly all value from very simple transfers to the more complex cases for both individuals and institutions worldwide.