Over-The-Counter (OTC) Securities
Over-The-Counter (OTC) securities are securities not listed on a national securities exchange . These securities generally trade on Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) which are quotation mediums and might include electronic interdealer quotation systems that display quotes from broker-dealers for many OTC securities. Presently there are only two interdealer quotation systems, Global OTC ATS (part of NYSE Group), and OTC Link ATS (operated by OTC Markets). "Market makers " and other broker-dealers who buy and sell OTC securities can use these ATSs to publish their bid and ask quotation prices. Each ATS, has different eligibility requirements for quoting OTC securities on their systems. Investors may review these requirements on the websites of Global OTC ATS ( https://www.globalotc.com ) and OTC Link ATS ( http://www.otcmarkets.com ) . In addition, some companies that issue OTC securities do not file periodic reports or audited financial statements with the SEC, making it very difficult for investors to find current, reliable information about those companies. Investors should take extra care to thoroughly research any OTC security issued by a company that does not provide current information.
Concept at a glance
Definition and explanation
Over-The-Counter (OTC) securities are securities not listed on a national securities exchange . These securities generally trade on Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) which are quotation mediums and might include electronic interdealer quotation systems that display quotes from broker-dealers for many OTC securities. Presently there are only two interdealer quotation systems, Global OTC ATS (part of NYSE Group), and OTC Link ATS (operated by OTC Markets). "Market makers " and other broker-dealers who buy and sell OTC securities can use these ATSs to publish their bid and ask quotation prices. Each ATS, has different eligibility requirements for quoting OTC securities on their systems. Investors may review these requirements on the websites of Global OTC ATS ( https://www.globalotc.com ) and OTC Link ATS ( http://www.otcmarkets.com ) . In addition, some companies that issue OTC securities do not file periodic reports or audited financial statements with the SEC, making it very difficult for investors to find current, reliable information about those companies. Investors should take extra care to thoroughly research any OTC security issued by a company that does not provide current information. [1]
Source-supported connections
Frequently asked questions
What does Over-The-Counter (OTC) Securities mean in the cited reference?
Over-The-Counter (OTC) securities are securities not listed on a national securities exchange . These securities generally trade on Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) which are quotation mediums and might include electronic interdealer quotation systems that display quotes from broker-dealers for many OTC securities. Presently there are only two interdealer quotation systems, Global OTC ATS (part of NYSE Group), and OTC Link ATS (operated by OTC Markets). "Market makers " and other broker-dealers who buy and sell OTC securities can use these ATSs to publish their bid and ask quotation prices. Each ATS, has different eligibility requirements for quoting OTC securities on their systems. Investors may review these requirements on the websites of Global OTC ATS ( https://www.globalotc.com ) and OTC Link ATS ( http://www.otcmarkets.com ) . In addition, some companies that issue OTC securities do not file periodic reports or audited financial statements with the SEC, making it very difficult for investors to find current, reliable information about those companies. Investors should take extra care to thoroughly research any OTC security issued by a company that does not provide current information. [1]
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Securities connection map
Select a node to inspect the relationship and source.
Links retain their source-specific meaning. Award-time affiliations and links to related reading are not claims about current appointments or economic causation.
Sources and review dates
Reviewed 23 October 2026. Historical dates and award-time affiliations retain their original context. A review date is not an event date. Background sources are identified separately from official records.