Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs)

Overview

Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are negotiable certificates issued by a foreign depository bank representing shares of an overseas company. They enable companies from emerging markets to raise capital abroad and give international investors access to foreign stocks without navigating local markets. GDRs are denominated in foreign currency, convertible into the underlying shares after a lock‑in period, and entitle holders to dividends.

Understanding GDRs

  • Definition: GDRs are certificates issued by a depository bank representing shares of a company from another country.

  • Capital raising: They allow companies to access international capital markets without direct foreign listings.

  • Structure: Each GDR corresponds to a specific number of underlying shares held by a custodian bank in the home country.

  • Trading venues: GDRs are listed on exchanges such as London and Luxembourg, making them available to global investors.

  • Investor benefit: They provide exposure to foreign equities while avoiding local regulatory complexities.

How Global Depositary Receipts Work

A company deposits its shares with a custodian bank in its home country, and a foreign depository bank issues GDRs representing those shares. The GDRs are listed on overseas stock exchanges, allowing investors to trade them without directly dealing with the underlying shares. Dividends and shareholder rights are passed through the depository bank to GDR holders. After a lock‑in period, investors can convert GDRs into the underlying shares.

Example of a Global Depositary Receipt

  • Issuance: A European bank holds shares of an Indian company and issues GDRs on the London Stock Exchange.

  • Representation: Each GDR may represent multiple underlying shares, enabling fractional exposure.

  • Trading: International investors buy the GDR instead of local shares, avoiding the complexities of foreign market participation.

  • Dividends: Dividends are received by the depository bank, converted to the investor’s currency and paid to GDR holders.

Price movements: If the company performs well, the GDR price rises, allowing investors to benefit from capital appreciation on an international platform.

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Published Date : 02 Apr 2026

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