IBKR's default setting for distributing shareholder communications (e.g., proxy materials and annual reports) is electronic delivery. This means that if you are a record-date holder with settled shares eligible to vote, you should expect to receive shareholder materials with voting and/or meeting attendance instructions via e-delivery after the record date.
E-Delivery Eligibility Factors
While e-delivery distribution is the default, it depends on several factors:
- The Issuer: Per regulation and/or at their choice, the Issuer ultimately decides whether shareholder materials will be distributed via e-delivery or postal mail. In general, many Canadian issuers tend to instruct postal mail and do not typically send e-delivery to non-Canadian residents.
- Regulation: For certain contested or special meetings, voting materials, prospectuses, and/or other regulatory materials may be distributed via postal mail.
- Regulatory Agencies: Intermediaries and brokerage firms must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the regulatory agencies in each market (including the SEC), which may mean that sending proxy and regulatory materials cannot be suppressed.
- Shareholder Preference: Shareholders may opt-out of e-delivery for US and Canadian markets only. Note that it is not recommended that shareholder materials are sent via postal delivery overseas as materials may not reach the recipient in a timely manner.
Note: In certain instances, shareholder communications will be sent via postal mail even if you have elected electronic delivery. See 'Why do I still receive physical mail if I requested electronic delivery of shareholder communications?' for details.
Ensure You Receive E-Delivery
To ensure future eligible shareholder correspondence arrives in your inbox, please add the following email addresses to your address book (whitelist):