Conversion of Russian issuers' ADRss (GDRs) into Local Shares (2024)

Conversion of Russian issuers' ADRss (GDRs) into Local Shares (1)

The current social context allows the conversion of Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into shares with an extended deadline. Even if it is a complex situation, there are solutions at hand in this regard, but it is recommended that you contact our lawyers in Russia to fully understand what this entails. We invite you to discover what brokerage accounts in Russia mean, with the help of our specialists.

Implications of Russian ADRs (GDRs) and what you can do

As we mentioned above, the current political and social context made the Russian government take some decisions regarding listing companies registered in Russia from foreign exchanges, respectively removing listings of such firms. Here we are talking about American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) or Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and their conversion into local shares respectively. We will review some interesting aspects in this regard:

  • As long as there are no sanctions, Russian ADRs (GDRs) can be transferred or converted into local shares with the help of brokerage accounts in Russia.
  • The conversion procedure involves opening an account, using a valid passport, proof of address, main financial profile, and information about the tax ID.
  • The transfer of securities can be done with International Securities Identification Codes.
  • Where necessary, information will be provided about additional sources of income, depending on the securities.
  • Russian ADRs (GDRs) can be transferred to local shares in a Russian C-type or S-Type depository.
  • It should be emphasized that the process of conversion of Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into local shares also depends on the list of countries that have imposed restrictions against Russia, which makes matters more complicated. But, with the help of our Russian lawyers, you can solve it.
  • We mention that you can convert Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into local shares without traveling to Russia.
  • You can also open several brokerage accounts in Russia, with the help of simplified schemes, respectively the applications sent by email and a power of attorney.

We, therefore, invite you to get in touch with our law firm in Russia and find out more information about the conversion of Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into local shares.

Key information about the conversion of Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into local shares

The conversion of Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into local shares can be quite complex, given the current situation, but there are solutions for investors. In this case, brokerage firms can help, but not all of them can make the respective conversion, so you must be careful when choosing specialists in this field.

It is good to know that the Russian custodian is no longer needed for the conversion process. Also, the deadline for conversion was December 23, 2022, but there is the possibility of extending this period for certain companies.

Statistics about the Russian economy

We invite you to discover some important statistics and information regarding the Russian economy for 2021, and estimation data for the end of 2022:

  • GDP per capita is estimated at approximately USD 14,665.
  • According to data for July 2022, inflation was approximately 13.4%.
  • In 2021, the GDP in Russia grew by 4.7%.

We invite you to contact our law firm in Russia to find out comprehensive information about the conversion of Russian issuers' ADRs (GDRs) into local shares. Also, we are at your disposal with details about brokerage accounts in Russia.

Conversion of Russian issuers' ADRss (GDRs) into Local Shares (2024)

FAQs

How to convert Russian ADRs to ordinary shares? ›

As long as there are no sanctions, Russian ADRs (GDRs) can be transferred or converted into local shares with the help of brokerage accounts in Russia. The conversion procedure involves opening an account, using a valid passport, proof of address, main financial profile, and information about the tax ID.

What is the conversion rate for Russian ADR? ›

Conversion tables

The current value of 1 ADR is RUB 0.04 RUB.

What will happen to Gazprom ADRs? ›

Russian ADRs That Can Be Converted To Regular Shares

As announced last May, the Russian energy giant has decided to discontinue its ADR program. As of February 4th, 2023, holders of Gazprom ADRs cannot convert them to ordinary shares or receive payment of sale proceeds if the Depositary sold your shares.

What is the federal law #114 FZ? ›

Initially, Russian Federal Law No. 114-FZ of April 16, 2022 (Delisting Law) prompted the termination of a range of DR programs which required the conversion of the relevant DRs into the underlying Russian shares as contemplated by the DR programs (Standard Conversion).

Can GDR be converted into shares? ›

With GDRs, foreign companies can trade in any country's stock market except the US stock market. Those holding GDRs can convert them into shares by surrendering the receipts to the bank. They are listed on Non-US stock exchanges like the London Stock Exchange or the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Can ADRs be converted? ›

The holder of an ADR has the right to convert the ADR to shares of the underlying asset stock.

How does ADR conversion work? ›

Voluntary Election Tool for American Depository Receipt (ADR) Conversions. An ADR trades like a stock but is composed of ordinary shares of a foreign corporation. ADRs provide a convenient and cost-effective way to buy foreign shares without incurring foreign tax obligations on each transaction.

Is an ADR conversion taxable? ›

And for those countries that maintain tax treaties with the US, dividends are paid without foreign withholding. However, like investment gains or income from domestic securities, proceeds from an ADR holding may be subject to US income or capital gains taxes and may be subject to backup withholding.

How to convert Lukoil ADR to ordinary shares? ›

What is the ADR-to-Share conversion ratio? The conversion ratio of ADRs into Shares of PJSC LUKOIL is 1:1.

Can Americans buy Gazprom? ›

Since the 1990's, the government has maintained a two-tier system for investing in Gazprom; by law, only Russian residents can buy domestic shares in Gazprom, while foreigners are only allowed to own American depository receipts, which are less liquid and occasionally more expensive.

What happens to ADR stock if it is delisted? ›

Bottom Line. A stock can be removed from the exchange and delisted either voluntarily or involuntarily. When this happens, the stock either moves to private status and is restructured or it trades over-the-counter.

Can you buy Gazprom stock in US? ›

Public Joint Stock Company Gazprom is a Russian oil & gas integrated business traded on the London market and trading over the counter in the US as an EDR, or European Depositary Receipt.

What is Russian data Privacy law No 152 FZ? ›

Russian Federation

The law defines the principles and conditions of the processing of personal data by establishing a general prohibition on the processing of personal data without the consent of the data subject (although the law provides for the cases in which such consent is not required).

What is Federal Law No 296 FZ on limiting greenhouse gas emissions? ›

296-FZ On limiting greenhouse gas emissions. This law defines the basis for the legal regulation of relations in the field of economic and other activities that are accompanied by greenhouse gas emissions and are carried out in Russia.

What is the difference between ADRs and GDRs? ›

ADRs are shares of a single foreign company issued in the U.S. GDRs are shares of a single foreign company issued in more than one country as part of a GDR program. Companies can issue depositary receipts in individual countries or they may choose to issue their shares in multiple foreign markets at once through a GDR.

What is the conversion ratio of a GDR? ›

Conversion ratio: The conversion ratio is the number of shares of the underlying company that are represented by each GDR. This ratio can vary from one GDR to another, and it may be adjusted over time to reflect changes in the underlying shares.

What is the difference between ADR GDR and ADR? ›

With the help of ADR, foreign companies can trade in US stock market, through various bank branches. On the other hand, GDR helps foreign companies to trade in any country's stock market other than the US stock market, through ODB's branches. ADR is issued in America while GDR is issued in Europe.

How long does ADR conversion take? ›

After the client successfully applies for the conversion, generally the conversion will be completed within 10 business days, the specific time is subject to the clearing broker. However, due to the clearing broker processing efficiency, if the stock is still not converted more than 10 business days.

What is the difference between ADR and ordinary shares? ›

American Depositary Shares vs Ordinary Shares

ADS are common stocks of a foreign company trading in the US market. In contrast, ordinary shares belong to US-based domestic companies. An investor can convert their ADS into ordinary shares, but the ordinary shares of a US-based company cannot be converted into ADS.

Is an ADR considered a stock? ›

The stocks of most foreign companies that trade in the U.S. markets are traded as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). U.S. depositary banks issue these stocks. Each ADR represents one or more shares of foreign stock or a fraction of a share.

Is there a minimum value required for ADR conversion? ›

Frequently Asked Questions. Is there a minimum value required for conversion? IBKR does not require a minimum value of ADRs or underlying shares to proceed with a conversion.

What is the downside of ADR? ›

What Are the Disadvantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution? The biggest downside is that they may not always be fair. For example, there can be bias in the arbitration process as each party hires its own arbitrator. In negotiation, the party with the most leverage usually gets its way.

What are the four correct methods of ADR? ›

The most common types of ADR for civil cases are mediation, settlement conferences, neutral evaluation, and arbitration.

What happens to dividends in ADR? ›

Investors who purchase the ADRs are paid dividends in US dollars. The foreign bank pays dividends in the native currency, and the dealer/broker distributes the dividends in US dollars after factoring in currency conversion costs and foreign taxes.

Do ADRs pay dividends in US dollars? ›

How are ADR dividends paid? Investors who purchase the ADRs are paid dividends in U.S. dollars. The foreign bank pays dividends in the native currency, and the custodian bank distributes the dividends in U.S. dollars after factoring in currency conversion costs, foreign taxes, and any pass-through fees.

How are ADR dividends taxed in the US? ›

Dividends on ADRs are taxed in the much the same way as they are on your US shares: withholding tax is still deducted from the dividends before they hit your Hatch account (so you don't need to do anything to fulfil your overseas tax obligations for your investments through Hatch).

How do I know if my stock is an ADR? ›

For example, Honda Motor does not have a foreign suffix yet is also an ADR. That's why the best way to make absolutely certain a stock is an ADR is to look it up on one of the aforementioned ADR sites. Simply key in your ticker or company name in the search field and hit enter.

How much are ADR shares fees? ›

ADR Fees are custody fees, sometimes referred to as Depositary Services Fees, to compensate the depositary banks for inventorying the non-U.S. shares and performing registration, compliance, dividend payment, communication, and record keeping services.

How do you trade ADR stocks? ›

How to Buy ADR stock
  1. Decide how much you want to invest. Determine the total number of shares or dollars you wish to allocate towards purchasing the ADR stock. ...
  2. Pick a broker. Since ADRs trade like regular stocks, you'll be able to use any broker that trades stocks. ...
  3. Purchase shares of the ADR.

What will happen to my Russian stocks? ›

Will Russian Stocks Get Delisted? They already have been. The Russian government passed a law in April 2022 prohibiting Russian companies from having their shares traded outside Russia via depository receipts. DRs are issued for shares in a foreign company and are traded on a local stock exchange.

Can US citizens invest in Russian stock market? ›

While everyday investors may not be able to invest directly in the Russian stock market, you may have some exposure to the country through mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and American depositary receipts (ADRs), which are certificates issued by U.S. banks that represent a certain number of shares in foreign ...

Can US citizens own Russian stocks? ›

U.S. investors are prohibited from buying both new and existing debt and equity securities issued by an entity in the Russian Federation, according to new Treasury Department guidance.

Are delisted shares worthless? ›

When a security gets delisted, it ceases to trade on a major exchange. That said, technically, the holding of an investor is intact, and he can still trade in the security, provided there are willing buyers. However, in reality, the ownership right to the security becomes worthless.

How do I get my money back from a delisted stock? ›

Promoter or acquirer will buy back the shares through a reverse book building process. Promoters are required to make a public announcement of buyback by sending out a letter of offer to eligible shareholders and a bidding form. In this case, you, as an eligible shareholder can exit by tendering your shares.

How do I sell delisted ADR shares? ›

If you own delisted shares, you can still sell them on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) or on the Pink Sheets, which have more relaxed regulations and few listing requirements. OTC trading is volatile, and this level of risk is typically not suitable for beginning investors.

Can you still invest in Russian companies? ›

There are a variety of ways to invest in Russia. Some of the most common methods include investing in Russian stocks and ETFs (exchange traded funds). With Admirals, you can invest in a variety of different Russian companies that are listed on exchanges in the United States, the UK and elsewhere.

Why is Gazprom stock so cheap? ›

Heavy capital spending is one reason the company's trading at a discount. Since it has 18% of global gas reserves, the largest in the world, Gazprom spends lots of money taking that gas out of the ground and transporting it over long distances to market.

Are Gazprom shares suspended? ›

The London Stock Exchange has suspended trading in 27 companies with strong links to Russia, including the energy and banking firms Gazprom and Sberbank.

Does Russia monitor Internet usage? ›

Russia's System of Operational-Investigatory Measures (SORM) requires telecommunications operators to install hardware provided by the Federal Security Service (FSB). It allows the agency to unilaterally monitor users' communications metadata and content, including phone calls, email traffic and web browsing activity.

What are the localization requirements for Russia? ›

Russia passed a data localization law in 2014 (forcing anyone with data on Russians to keep a copy in Russia), a stored communications law in 2016 (requiring telecom operators to keep user communications for 30 days), a sovereign internet law in 2019 (envisioning a domestic internet isolatable from the global one), and ...

What is the CDI law in Russia? ›

The main purpose of the CDI Law is to ensure that Russia's critical data infrastructure1 is secure and stable in the face of cyber attacks2. The CDI Law will come into force on 1 January 2018; the implementing regulations have yet to be adopted by the Russian executive authorities.

What is Russian Federal Law 276 FZ? ›

276-FZ of July 29, 2017, on Amendments to the FLIITIP, prohibits owners of information and telecommunications networks and information resources (websites, website pages, information systems, and programs for computers and electronic equipment) to provide access to websites and information resources that are designated ...

What is federal law 63 FZ? ›

According to section 1 of article 2 of Federal Law 63-FZ, an electronic signature is information in an electronic form attached to or otherwise linked to other information in an electronic form (the information to be signed) and used to identify the person signing the information.

What is 115 FZ federal law? ›

Measures taken against legalization (laundering) of criminally gained income and financing of terrorism shall include: Obligatory procedures of internal control; Obligatory control; Banning on informing clients and other persons on measures taken against legalization (laundering) of criminally gained income and ...

What is a Russian ADR? ›

Russian DRs are also depository receipts that certify the right to ownership of a share. The depository receipts are issued by so-​called DR program banks (also issuers), mostly leading international investment banks such as Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM), Citi Bank or JP Morgan.

Can you sell ADR shares? ›

If an ADR is listed on an exchange, you can buy and sell it through your broker like any other share.

How to convert Alibaba ADR to Hong Kong shares? ›

How to convert your Alibaba ADRs to Hong Kong shares? If you prefer to hold regular shares rather than an ADR, you must request the conversion through your broker. The conversion process might take up to two business days (depending on Hong Kong and US working hours) following your submission.

What is the difference between the ADR and GDR? ›

ADRs are shares of a single foreign company issued in the U.S. GDRs are shares of a single foreign company issued in more than one country as part of a GDR program. Companies can issue depositary receipts in individual countries or they may choose to issue their shares in multiple foreign markets at once through a GDR.

What is the disadvantage of ADR stock? ›

Disadvantages. The unsponsored ADRs may not comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The investors might have limited companies for the selection as all the foreign companies are not available as ADRs. An investor needs enough capital investment.

What happens if my ADR gets delisted? ›

The Bottom Line. A delisting does not directly affect shareholders' rights or claims on the delisted company. It will, however, often depress the share price and make holdings harder to sell, even as thousands of securities trade over-the-counter. New York Stock Exchange.

What happens if Alibaba ADR gets delisted? ›

What Happens If a Stock Is Delisted? When delisted, the stock becomes no longer publicly listed on the stock market. In Alibaba's case, it wouldn't be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

What is the difference between BABA US and 9988 HK? ›

BABA is the primary listing(IPOed 2014) and 9988 is the secondary listing(IPOed 2019) for Alibaba Group. One BABA is equal to 8 shares. The lot size for BABA is 1 and the lot size for 9988 is 100.

Do ADRs trade on exchanges? ›

ADRs may be listed on a major exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange or may be traded over the counter (OTC). Those that are listed can be traded, settled, and held as if they were ordinary shares of US-based companies.

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