Unlisted Trading Privileges (UTP)
Candlefocus EditorUnlisted securities are securities that are not listed on any stock exchange. Common types of unlisted securities include privately-held companies, pink sheet securities, bulletin board stocks, and penny stocks. Historically, buying and selling of these types of securities were done on an over-the-counter basis, meaning that buyers and sellers communicate directly with each other.
With UTP, unlisted shares can be traded on exchanges even if the company has not satisfied the exchange requirements. All eligible broker-dealers are able to participate in the over-the-counter trading of unlisted securities. Eligible broker-dealers are those who are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and meet the minimum financial requirements to participate in UTP.
UTP programs assists investors in obtaining information about these investments, as well as helps to stabilize the market for these investments and reduce fraud. UTP provides various protections for investors by requiring the disclosure of material information such as financial statements and other information pertaining to the issuer of the security. This helps ensure that investors have access to all of the information necessary to make an informed investment decision.
The scope of UTP has been extended in recent years to include hedge funds and other alternative investments. By allowing for the over-the-counter trading of these investments, UTP programs help expand opportunities for investors to access more sophisticated investment strategies.
Overall, unlisted trading privileges are important for ensuring an orderly and fair market for investments not listed on an exchange. By providing more information and protection to investors, UTP laws provide greater opportunity for investors to protect themselves from fraud and make smart investments.