How Do You Get a Gold Medallion Stamp?
Medallion stamps provide special certification that verifies that signatures on securities transfers are authentic. Banks, credit unions and brokerage firms all offer this service but must belong to one of three medallion programs for it to take effect.
As medallion stamps expose financial institutions to substantial liabilities, they typically only offer them at a fee to established customers who are known and trusted.
Banks
Signatures are standard in legal and business documents, but some require an extra level of security in the form of a medallion signature guarantee (MSG for short). Not to be mistaken with notary stamps, MSGs serve to verify who signed various types of documents. Only certified banks and financial institutions such as commercial banks, credit unions or broker-dealers participating in either Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or one of three New York Stock Exchange Medallion programs can issue such stamps.
Most financial institutions do not grant medallion stamps to anyone off the street as this could expose them to significant financial liabilities. To qualify, you must be an existing customer of either a bank, credit union, or broker-dealer and possess valid photo identification as well as current statements that prove your ownership or investment ownership and, where necessary, proof that you have authority for signing transfers of shares or investments.
Credit Unions
Credit unions are an alternative form of financial institution that provide members with banking and investment services. Credit unions are owned by their members, using savings collected in an on-going community effort as loan guarantees between members. They’re regulated by both federal and state regulatory bodies.
Many banks, credit unions and brokerage firms are reluctant to extend medallion signature guarantees to individuals without already holding accounts with them because granting one could expose the institution to significant financial liability if later discovered that any document was falsified.
Cost of medallion signature guarantees will depend on which bank you visit; their service resembles that of a notary but includes additional processes, such as conducting background checks and document verification checks more comprehensively than notaries do. Some banks require statements from both the securities’ holding bank as well as court-approved domestic relations orders (if transferring shares to someone else) along with two forms of current, non-expired government-issued ID.
Brokerage Firms
Attracting a medallion signature guarantee when transferring securities is one of the key steps in safeguarding against fraud and validating transfers. Such guarantees can be secured from various financial institutions – commercial banks, credit unions, broker-dealers – that offer them. In order to qualify as recognized signature guarantors these institutions must follow certain guidelines and procedures while being part of a medallion program and providing documentation proving ownership or identity.
A medallion signature is a stamp and signature combination used to verify the transfer of bonds or stocks between accounts, gifting assets or administering estates. Financial institutions that offer medallion signature guarantees may hesitate to grant one directly outright, as it opens them up to substantial financial liability risks; typically these guarantees are granted only to customers that have been customers of at least several months’ standing.
Other Financial Institutions
Signing legal and business documents usually entails signatures; however, certain documents require additional security in the form of an MSG stamp (Medallion Signature Guarantee Stamp for short) or notary public stamp. You can find them at banks and credit unions.
Certification stamps provide proof that signatures authorizing transfers of securities are authentic. Financial institutions that issue them must participate in one of three medallion programs and accept liability for any potential loss; hence their issue typically is restricted to well-established clients for a nominal fee.
Dependent upon the bank or financial institution, review and approval processes may take up to seven business days for approval, with specific verification requirements depending on the nature of transaction. Overseas investors should contact their chosen bank, broker dealer, or credit union in advance in order to establish whether or not they provide MSGs as well as any special needs they might require for verification.
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