Lester Aldridge has increased its Medallion Signature Guarantee capacity to US$1,000,000, enabling the firm to support a wider range of higher-value North American securities transactions for clients, executors and professional advisers. This enhancement provides greater flexibility for those dealing with US and Canadian shareholdings and further strengthens the firm’s specialist offering in this area.

As one of a limited number of providers in the United Kingdom authorised to act as a STAMP Medallion Signature Guarantor, we continue to invest in our service to help UK and international clients navigate the often-complex requirements of US and Canadian transfer agents.

Oliver Phipps, Partner and head of Lester Aldridge’s International Private Wealth team, said:

“We are seeing increasing numbers of estates and private investors holding North American securities. By increasing our Medallion Signature Guarantee capacity to US$1,000,000, we are able to support a wider range of clients and professional advisers with access to a service that remains difficult to obtain outside North America.

This enhancement allows us to assist with higher-value transactions more efficiently, while continuing to provide the high levels of service and expertise our clients expect.”

What does this mean for clients?

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is required for many transactions involving North American stocks and shares, including transfers following a bereavement, gifts of securities and, in some cases, instructions to sell holdings. The guarantee protects transfer agents and financial institutions against the risk of fraudulent or unauthorised transfers. You can find out more about Lester Aldridge’s Medallion Signature Guarantee service and experience in this area here.

Previously, some higher-value holdings could require additional planning or multiple stages of transfer due to transaction value limits. Our increased guarantee capacity means that a greater number of transactions can now be handled more efficiently, helping clients progress matters with reduced complexity.

While we primarily provide Medallion Signature Guarantees in relation to deceased estate matters, we can sometimes assist with other qualifying transactions, subject to our eligibility and risk assessment requirements.

This enhancement is particularly beneficial for:

Executors and administrators dealing with substantial North American share portfolios.
Beneficiaries inheriting US or Canadian securities.
Shareholders seeking to transfer or re-register higher-value holdings.
Professional advisers acting for clients with international assets.

Supporting clients with North American assets

Obtaining a Medallion Signature Guarantee outside North America can be challenging. Whilst many US and Canadian investors can obtain a guarantee through their financial institution, access to the service in the UK, Ireland and Europe remains limited. As a result, Lester Aldridge’s dedicated Medallion Signature Guarantee service continues to play an important role for individuals and professionals requiring assistance with North American securities.

Our International Private Wealth team regularly assists clients with:

Medallion Signature Guarantees;
Transfers of US and Canadian shares;
Estate administration involving North American assets;
Affidavits of domicile;
Collection of unclaimed or escheated assets;
Completion of transfer agent documentation; and
Related notarial and legalisation requirements.

Continuing to invest in our service

The increased limit reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting clients with international estates and cross-border asset matters. We understand that many estates now include sizeable investment portfolios, and it is important that clients have access to a trusted UK-based provider capable of dealing with higher-value transactions.

By increasing our Medallion Signature Guarantee capacity to US$1,000,000, we are able to assist an even broader range of clients and professional advisers requiring a reliable and efficient solution for North American securities transfers.

Why Choose a Law Firm for Your Medallion Signature Guarantee?

One of the key advantages of obtaining a Medallion Signature Guarantee through Lester Aldridge is the additional level of protection and assurance that comes from working with a highly regulated legal practice.

As a law firm, we are subject to stringent professional, regulatory and compliance obligations. Our procedures are designed to verify the identity and authority of applicants thoroughly, helping to safeguard clients, beneficiaries, transfer agents and financial institutions against fraud and unauthorised transactions. Unlike many providers, our due diligence processes are embedded within a wider legal and regulatory framework that governs every aspect of our work.

Our International Private Wealth team has extensive experience in dealing with cross-border estates, securities transfers and complex ownership structures. This means that we are often able to identify potential issues at an early stage, helping clients avoid delays and ensuring that applications are supported by the appropriate documentation from the outset.

For executors and beneficiaries dealing with valuable shareholdings, this can provide important peace of mind. Clients know that their applications are being reviewed by qualified legal professionals who are accustomed to handling high-value assets, sensitive personal information and international estate matters. All those authorised to provide guarantees at Lester Aldridge are senior, qualified solicitors.

In addition, when a Medallion Signature Guarantee is obtained through Lester Aldridge, clients have access to a broader range of legal expertise should additional support be required. Whether the matter involves probate, estate administration, affidavits of domicile, lost share certificates, tax clearance requirements or other cross-border issues, our team can provide a joined-up service that extends beyond the guarantee itself.

For clients handling significant North American investments, choosing a regulated law firm provider offers not only convenience, but also confidence that their transaction is being supported by professionals operating to the highest standards of compliance, governance and client care.

Find out more

If you require a Medallion Signature Guarantee or would like advice in relation to North American asset and estate administration matters, our International Private Wealth team would be pleased to assist.

Please contact our team to discuss your requirements and obtain further information about our Medallion Signature Guarantee service.