The Unlisted Securities Market (USM) is a term used in finance to describe a platform for trading securities - i.e., stocks or bonds - that are not publicly listed on an exchange. The phonetic transcription of this term using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) would be: /ʌnˈlɪstɪd sɪˈkjʊrətiz ˈmɑrkɪt/. The spelling of this word is fairly straightforward, with each syllable being pronounced as written. Investors may consider investing in USM securities as a way to diversify their portfolios and potentially achieve higher returns.
The Unlisted Securities Market (USM) refers to a marketplace where shares and securities of companies that are not listed on the major stock exchanges are traded. It is a less regulated form of secondary market where investors can buy and sell stocks that are not actively traded on national exchanges.
The USM primarily caters to smaller or less-established companies that do not meet the listing requirements of the major stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange or London Stock Exchange. These companies may lack the necessary size, market value, or financial history to qualify for a full listing. As a result, they seek a platform like the USM to raise capital by issuing securities and facilitating the buying and selling of their shares.
The trading of unlisted securities on the USM typically occurs over-the-counter (OTC) or through electronic trading platforms. Unlike the major exchanges, USM transactions are not regulated by stringent listing rules and regulations. Consequently, the market provides greater flexibility and agility for issuers and investors, but it also poses higher risks given the lower transparency and liquidity compared to major stock exchanges.
Investors in the USM should exercise caution as these securities often carry higher levels of risk due to the lack of regulatory oversight and public information. It is important for investors to conduct thorough research and due diligence before engaging in transactions involving unlisted securities.