Introduction
We are delighted to welcome Jonathan Dickson, VP – Co Head of EMEA, of OTC Markets Group (“OTC”) , featuring in St Brides’ Partners Insights series. The OTC Market is an U.S. marketplace that enables companies, particularly growth companies, to access American investors. It offers greater flexibility, lower costs, and improved visibility within the world’s largest investment market.
Question 1:
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to your current role as Co-Head of EMEA at OTC Markets?
A: Yes of course, prior to joining OTC Markets Group I was an investment manager for 10 years at Redmayne Bentley managing portfolios for individuals, trusts and charities. Throughout those years I kept noticing the five-letter tickers ending in F and Y on my trading screens – OTC quoted international companies and it became clear that the platform’s global footprint was accelerating. So when the opportunity arose to build the London office from the ground up, I didn’t hesitate. Seven years later, the team has grown, the market has expanded, and London has become a key hub in our international strategy.
Question 2:
More and more UK companies are choosing to list in one of the four markets of the OTC Group, can you provide us with an overview on the difference between the four markets?
A: Companies that want visibility, trust, and a genuine foothold in the United States overwhelmingly choose OTCQX or OTCQB. OTCQX is where established global brands like adidas, Heineken, Roche, BASF, Sainsbury’s, Aviva, LSEG, Reckitt, and Compass Group choose to trade. It’s the most efficient way to build a high-quality U.S. presence.
OTCQB is the launchpad for ambitious growth companies. More than 1,100 issuers from markets such as AIM, Aquis, Euronext Growth, ASX, TSX-V and First North use OTCQB to build credibility and position themselves for U.S. investor interest.
This year, we introduced OTCID, a Basic Reporting market that replaced Pink Current. OTCID is designed for companies meeting essential disclosure expectations, ensuring information stays current and transparent.
Below that sits Pink Limited, this provides U.S. trading access, but it isn’t designed for companies seeking to build investor confidence, gain recognition, or drive meaningful engagement with US investors.
Question 3:
Have you seen an increase in US investor appetite for international small-cap and mid-cap companies?
A: Yes, without question. We expect to be close to record USD volume across our markets this year, and a significant portion is being driven by cross-border activity. Volume into UK and European issuers is up 40.3% year-on-year, and we’re seeing comparable momentum globally. For small and mid-caps specifically, the valuation gap in markets like the UK has created a compelling entry point for U.S. investors. That dynamic is one of the reasons more than 250 international companies have joined our markets this year alone.
Question 4:
Several clients of St Brides are listed on the OTC marketplace, with varying success. Can you provide your tips on what is the key to a successful OTC listing?
A: All issuers planning on joining OTC Markets should have a plan to attract investors, this might seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. We make your shares accessible to U.S. investors, however with thousands of listed companies in the market, success depends on how effectively you execute your story.
For smaller UK growth companies, the first barrier is access: most U.S. investors simply cannot trade the London quote. OTCQX and OTCQB solve that, but access alone isn’t enough. The companies that perform best are the ones that build a digital investor strategy around the U.S. market.
That means using the tools we provide, shaping your narrative for a U.S. audience, and ensuring that your equity story is distributed across the channels where American investors actually discover companies today. Some issuers resonate immediately; others need a structured, data-driven approach. We connect companies with U.S.-focused advisors and platforms who help turn that strategy into real investor engagement.
Question 5:
If you could give a piece of advice to a UK CEO considering a US market presence, what would it be?
A: Treat the U.S. as an opportunity you can scale into, without unnecessary complexity. The biggest mistake CEOs make is assuming that accessing U.S. investors must come with the full cost and regulatory weight of a traditional U.S. exchange listing. It doesn’t.
If you’re already listed in London, you can passport your home-market disclosure directly into the U.S. and avoid SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and U.S. GAAP reconciliation. That’s precisely why companies from more than 70 countries, from global brands like adidas and Roche to early-stage innovators, come to OTC Markets. We provide the bridge: access to the world’s deepest pool of capital while allowing you to remain a national champion on your primary exchange.
So, my advice is simple: come to OTC Markets early in your decision making process to learn more about your options. It’s the most efficient pathway to U.S. investors, and when done deliberately, it can transform a company’s visibility, liquidity, and long-term market potential.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this interview are those of the individual financial professional(s) and do not necessarily represent those of St Brides Partners Limited. The content is intended for general information only and may not reflect current market conditions, which can change quickly. Nothing in this interview should be interpreted as investment advice or as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or financial product. Readers should carry out their own due diligence and seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions. St Brides Partners Limited accepts no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented.
