Different transfer methods apply depending on the registrar/transfer agent that is holding your shares and the stocks you are transferring:
- Europe: If your shares are traded in Europe (e.g. Rio Tinto, Royal Dutch, SAP, HSBC, BP) and held by a European Transfer Agent, you will need to select "Free of Payment Transfer of US Securities as a method. Note that you must coordinate a matching transfer instruction with your Transfer Agent. Ensure that instructions are sent to your Transfer Agent and follow their required procedures or guidelines.
- US: If your shares are traded in the US, registered in the name of the shareholder and held with a US Transfer Agent, you will need to select "Transfer Shares Held at Transfer Agent" as a method. The Direct Registration System allows registered securities to be held in electronic form, at a Transfer Agent, without the need for a physical certificate to evidence ownership. If you have a DRS Advice/Statement from a US Transfer Agent, you may choose to electronically transfer your shares to your Interactive Brokers account using the DRS online transfer method. Please verify the transfer method with the Transfer Agent prior to submitting your request.
- Canada: If your shares are traded in Canada, registered in the name of the shareholder and held with a Canadian Transfer Agent, you will need to select "Transfer Shares Held at Transfer Agent" as a method. The Direct Registration System allows registered securities to be held in electronic form, at a Transfer Agent, without the need for a physical certificate to evidence ownership. If you have a DRS Advice/Statement from a Canadian Transfer Agent, please provide us a copy the statement and we will process your transfer request manually. Please verify the transfer method with the Transfer Agent prior to submitting your request.
See also conditions required for shares originating from an employee share plan to be transferable.