Expanding Opportunities for Issuers & Global Investors
By Anastasia Samaras
This week, The Upstream team hosted the 12th episode of their “Upstream Up Close” series on Twitter Spaces. This ongoing series features 10–15 minute discussions on the exciting world of digital collectibles, Web3, and trading on the Upstream, MERJ Exchange market, platform. Episode 12 delved specifically into the Upstream Dual Listing Program, a key initiative designed to bridge the gap between international investors and companies.
Listen HERE to Upstream Up Close: Dual Listing Program
Upstream’s Dual Listing Program is a key initiative offering companies that are listed on global stock exchanges such as NASDAQ, NYSE, OTC, Euronext, ASX, NSX, TSX, CSE etc., to dual list on Upstream and access a global investor base who can trade their shares from anywhere in the world. Upstream is only available to international investors. No U.S. investors may trade on Upstream. *
Last week we had Impact Analytics join our community with their dual listing on Upstream and are looking forward to Petvivo’s upcoming listing Tuesday, March 5th.
The Challenge: Addressing Global Investment Hurdles
As it stands today, it is very difficult for global retail investors to access U.S., Canadian, and other securities without going through a cumbersome process. This may be limiting issuers’ ability to raise capital, increase liquidity, and access new investors. There are hurdles typically involved for issuers trying to access a global investor base and for investors attempting to access these securities.
- Direct exchange access. Many foreign stock markets lack a direct, app-based trading solution to reach investors seamlessly. International investors typically use on-line or local brokerages/banks to make these trades on their behalf offering windows to these markets. These intermediaries may come with things like ‘payment for order flow’ which comes with a lack of transparency on whether they’re getting the best possible prices and T+2 settlement.
- Limited hours. Investors may face trading hours that may not match U.S. market hours for example. Trading hours on exchanges are typically limited to just 4–8 hours per day, which is a very small trading window when you’re thinking on a global scale.
- International traders often may face challenges when depositing or withdrawing funds due to currency restrictions and banking regulations. Some investors may gain access through select brokers, but the process may be tedious for everyday investors.
Simplifying Global Investment
Upstream addresses these hurdles by giving retail investors direct access to dual-listed equities from all over the world right from their smartphones. Most trading apps offer windows into exchanges but Upstream offers direct access to the exchange and the dual-listed equities, democratizing trading for all.
To address the limited technology integration, Upstream offers streamlined onboarding for international investors including in-app KYC identity verification; account funding with a credit/debit card, PayPal, USD, and USDC, and advanced trading tools.
Local trading hours, along with fewer market access points for investors, may affect liquidity and trading volume. We’re globally available (excluding the U.S.), so you’re not limited by local markets trading hours. With Upstream we provide 20-hour trading days, 5 days a week — a huge window for international trading and T+0 settlement meaning all trades are executed peer to peer in real time.
This extended access allows international traders to participate in the market regardless of their time zone, capturing larger trading windows and the ability to participate in real-time.
Upstream puts marketing at the forefront
Upstream puts marketing at the forefront of the dual listing process. We believe this offers a huge upside for issuers by keeping investors or potential investors well informed while helping to foster trust and awareness for these issuers working to connect with investors.
Issuers are given a benefits package to help drive buzz around their listing. We provide over $100,000 in IR value through our media community network to increase visibility for their listing. Our media community includes IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork), InvestmentPitch Media, Spotlight Growth, New to the Street, and ADVFN to help generate visibility.
We also offer deeper shareholder engagement. We offer innovative web3 tools like our complimentary digital collectible for all users to celebrate listing days, and exclusive digital coupon programs to offer products from the issuer, or discounts on company services, driving loyalty and attracting new customers, with the goal of boosting engagement worldwide.
Word of the segment: Upstream Dual Listing Program
It’s not just a collaboration; it’s a game-changing strategy between Upstream and issuers, offering streamlined dual listings. It’s about forging connections, creating opportunities, and fostering a community where everyone thrives.
Listen here: https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1BRJjPpABXBKw?s=20
If you’re interested in learning more about dual listing visit upstream.exchange/getlisted.
If you missed the episode or you’re interested in learning more about smart contracts, listen anytime, anywhere by clicking the link above.
Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes on YouTube.
Disclaimers
U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream.
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not permitted. NFTs have no royalties, equity ownership, or dividends. NFTs are for utility, collection, redemption, or display purposes only. Anyone may buy and sell NFTs on Upstream. All orders for sale are non-solicited by Upstream and a user’s decision to trade securities must be based on their own investment judgment.
Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges, a National Numbering Agency, and a member of ANNA. MERJ is regulated in the Seychelles by the Financial Services Authority, https://fsaseychelles.sc/, an associate member of the International Association of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). MERJ supports global issuers of traditional and digital securities through the entire asset life cycle from issuance to trading, clearing, settlement, and registry. It operates a fair and transparent marketplace in line with international best practices and principles of operations of financial markets. Upstream does not endorse or recommend any public or private securities bought or sold on its app. Upstream does not offer investment advice or recommendations of any kind. All services offered by Upstream are intended for self-directed clients who make their own investment decisions without aid or assistance from Upstream. All customers are subject to the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agree to be bound by its terms of use and privacy policy. Company and security listings on Upstream are only suitable for investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with speculative investments, often in early and development-stage companies. U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream. There can be no assurance the valuation of any particular company’s securities is accurate or in agreement with the market or industry comparative valuations. Investors must be able to afford market volatility and afford the loss of their investment. Companies listed on Upstream are subject to significant ongoing corporate obligations including, but not limited to disclosure, filings, and notification requirements, as well as compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified, and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (ii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iii) loss of one or more key executives or brand ambassadors; and (iv) changes in legal or regulatory requirements in the markets in which we operate. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.