I hold non-US listed shares
If you are an ordinary shareholder holding non-US listed shares with Computershare, please visit Investor Centre (UK) for assistance.
I hold US listed shares
If you are an ordinary shareholder, holding US listed shares with Computershare, please visit Investor Center (US) for assistance.
FAQ - Non-US listed Shares
I am having trouble accessing my online account, who can I contact?
If you have any trouble creating your online account, or you have any further questions related to your shareholdings, please call our European Assistance helpline on +44 (0)870 702 0000
I don’t know my Shareholder Reference Number, where do I find this?
You can find your Shareholder Reference Number, which is 10 digits long and begins with the letter 'C', on your statements, dividend advice or cheques or other shareholder material. If you have a statement, the Shareholder Reference Number will be located on the right hand side near the top of the statement.How do I transfer shares?
To transfer your shares to your local broker, you may be able to download your company transfer form. Alternatively, you can contact our European Assistance helpline on +44 (0)870 702 0000 for further assistance.
FAQ - US listed shares
I don’t know my Shareholder Reference Number, where do I find this?
You can find your Shareholder Reference Number, which is 10 digits long and begins with the letter 'C', on your statements, dividend advice or cheques or other shareholder material. If you have a statement, the Shareholder Reference Number will be located on the right hand side near the top of the statement.I am having trouble accessing my online account, who can I contact?
If you have any trouble creating or accessing your online account, or you have any questions relating to your shareholdings, please login here and enter your company name.
Alternatively, please call our US-based Technical Help Desk on +1-312-360-5195
Why I must fill in a W8-BEN form when opening an account?
Since 1 January 2001, the American National Tax Board (Internal Revenue Service) has required all shareholders who live outside the United States to register a W8-BEN form with the financial institutions where they are customers. The W8-BEN form ensures that the correct tax is levied from dividends. The tax should be levied between the United States and the country in which the shareholder is resident. If you do not fill in a W8-BEN form Computershare has to withhold 28% of tax from dividends.
Please note: If you have registered a W8-BEN form with us, this does not mean that you do not need to pay tax in the United States. If you have further questions about the W8-BEN form and how your personal circumstances are affected, you should consult a qualified tax adviser.
How do I transfer my shares?
To transfer US-listed shares from your account with Computershare to your own broker, please visit https://www-us.computershare.com/TransferWizard/InternationalHolder.aspx to download the forms required.
To complete these forms you will need your Computershare Holder Account Number and the total number of whole shares that are to be moved. This information is available on your account statement.
Your bank's affiliates in the United States (Broker) must then request the shares to be transferred by 'Depository Trust Company's Direct Registration Profile System' and enter the Computershare DTC number 7807. If you are in a reinvestment program, you must first confirm the total number of shares in the plan prior to carrying out the transfer. A small charge may be charged by your bank for this service.
What is a medallion signature guarantee?
A medallion signature guarantee is one of several special certification stamps which guarantee that the signature authorizing the transfer of securities is authentic. A medallion signature guarantee is commonly required when an owner wants to sell or transfer securities, such as stocks or bonds, which are held in physical certificate form. In order to provide a medallion signature guarantee, an institution must be a member of one of three medallion signature guarantee programs: the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion program, the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program or the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program. A Medallion Signature Guarantee is NOT a Notary. If you require a Medallion Signature Guarantee, you should contact a bank, brokerage house or other financial institution with which you do business and as such you already are a customer. You can usually obtain a Medallion signature guarantee at a financial institution where you are already a customer. A small charge may be assessed for this service by your bank. If you are not the registered owner of the shares, you will be required to present documentation to the guarantor proving your authorization to execute the transfer.
Please note: financial institutions outside the United States and Canada which have a correspondence relationship with a US or Canadian bank may be able to offer a medallion signature guarantee to existing customers.