OTC Market (Over-the-Counter Market)
The OTC market is a decentralized marketplace where securities are traded directly between parties through dealer networks rather than on a centralized exchange, including stocks not listed on major exchanges.
Exam Tip
OTC = decentralized, dealer network. Tiers: OTCQX (best) > OTCQB > Pink > Grey. Higher risk, less regulation!
What is the OTC Market?
The Over-the-Counter (OTC) market is a decentralized trading environment where securities are bought and sold through a network of dealers rather than on a formal exchange. It includes stocks, bonds, derivatives, and other financial instruments.
OTC vs. Exchange Trading
| Feature | OTC Market | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Decentralized | Centralized |
| Trading | Dealer network | Order matching |
| Transparency | Less transparent | More transparent |
| Regulation | Less stringent | Stricter listing requirements |
| Hours | Flexible | Fixed hours |
OTC Market Tiers (OTC Markets Group)
| Tier | Requirements | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| OTCQX | Highest standards, audited financials | Lowest |
| OTCQB | Reporting companies, verified management | Medium |
| Pink Sheets | No minimum standards | Highest |
| Grey Market | No public information | Highest |
Securities Traded OTC
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Stocks | Small companies, foreign ADRs |
| Bonds | Most corporate and government bonds |
| Derivatives | Swaps, forwards, exotic options |
| Foreign Securities | ADRs not on exchanges |
OTC Stock Risks
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Liquidity | Fewer buyers/sellers, harder to trade |
| Transparency | Limited public information |
| Volatility | Wide bid-ask spreads |
| Fraud | Higher risk of manipulation |
| Penny Stocks | Many trade under $5 |
Market Makers in OTC
| Role | Function |
|---|---|
| Provide Liquidity | Always willing to buy/sell |
| Quote Prices | Display bid and ask |
| Take Position | Hold inventory |
| Compete | Multiple dealers per security |
Pink Sheets Disclosure
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Current Information | Recent financials posted |
| Limited Information | Some disclosure, not current |
| No Information | No public disclosure |
| Caveat Emptor | Warning—buyer beware |
OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB)
Historically regulated by FINRA:
- Required SEC registration
- Displayed real-time quotes
- Now largely replaced by OTC Markets Group
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Related Terms
Market Maker
SecuritiesA market maker is a broker-dealer firm that stands ready to buy and sell a particular security at publicly quoted prices, providing liquidity to the market by maintaining bid and ask prices throughout the trading day.
Secondary Market
SecuritiesThe secondary market is where previously issued securities are bought and sold between investors, with proceeds going to the selling investor rather than the issuing company—including stock exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ.
Bid-Ask Spread
SecuritiesThe bid-ask spread is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept (ask), representing a transaction cost and liquidity indicator.