How to Get a Medallion Guarantee Stamp Outside the US

If you or your client need to sell, transfer, or update ownership details for US or Canadian shares held at a transfer agent (such as Computershare, EQ or TSX Trust), you will be asked to provide a Medallion Guarantee Stamp. For shareholders and professionals in Australia, this requirement often seems confusing especially because banks here do not issue Medallion Stamps. The Medallion Guarantee Stamp system is a US based securities protection framework, and only approved members of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP) can provide it.

This guide explains what a Medallion Signature Guarantee is, why US transfer agents require it, and the exact steps to obtain one quickly and correctly from Australia.

What Is a Medallion Signature Guarantee?

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is a specialised certification recognised by US and Canadian transfer agents. It verifies a person’s identity and signature when authorising securities transfers, changes of ownership, or updates to shareholder details. Unlike a notary stamp, which is not accepted for securities transactions, a Medallion Stamp can only be issued by STAMP program members who take financial liability for the authenticity of the signature.

If you hold US or Canadian shares directly with a transfer agent—such as Computershare US, AST, EQ, Broadridge, or Continental you may need a Medallion Stamp for transactions including:

• Selling or transferring shares

• Updating name, address, or bank details

• Handling deceased estate shareholdings

• Processing Rule 144 restricted stock

• Disposing of RSUs (Restricted Stock Units)

• Dematerialising paper share certificates

How to Get a Medallion Signature Guarantee in Australia

Because Australian banks do not participate in the STAMP program, the process typically involves working with one of the few authorised providers outside the US. Firms such as Carnbrea & Co. are approved to issue Medallion Stamps for both individuals and professional intermediaries.

Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Initial Contact

Provide details about your situation and what the transfer agent is requesting. Often the transfer agent’s email or letter outlines the exact forms required. You can start by contacting a Medallion Stamp provider directly by phone or email.

2. Document Review

The provider will confirm the correct transfer agent forms and request supporting documents such as:

• DRS statements

• Originally Certified ID

• Deceased estate documentation (if applicable)

• Company or trust paperwork

This step ensures the request will be accepted the first time—avoiding costly delays with US transfer agents.

3. Identity Verification & Signature

As required by the Medallion Guarantee Stamp Program, your signature must be witnessed so that the provider can confirm your identity.

4. Stamp Issued

Once everything is in order, your documents are stamped with the Medallion Signature Guarantee. Many cases can be completed same day, depending on complexity and documentation requirements.

5. Submission to the Transfer Agent

You then courier or post the original stamped documents to the transfer agent in the United States or Canada.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Medallion Signature Guarantee from Australia is straightforward when you work with an authorised and knowledgeable provider. With the right guidance, most requests whether personal, corporate, or estate-related can be completed quickly and without the long delays that often occur when dealing with US transfer agents directly.

If you or your client needs a Medallion Stamp, start by confirming the exact requirements from the transfer agent and contacting a STAMP-approved provider to guide you through the process.

This information is provided by Carnbrea & Co Limited ABN 33 004 739 655, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 233763. Any advice included in this document is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it is appropriate to you. If a product we recommend has a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a Prospectus, you should read it before making a decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Derivatives are leveraged products which means gains and losses are magnified and you may lose substantially more than your initial investment. We do not endorse any information from research providers that we provide to you, unless we specifically say so.