What is a medallion signature guarantee?

A medallion signature guarantee is a specialized stamp issued by approved financial institutions verifying the authenticity of a signature for securities transfers. It differs from a notary by confirming the issuer’s participation in a medallion program and assuming limited liability for the signature’s authenticity.

Can an electronic signature replace a medallion stamp?

Not usually. While ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA permit electronic signatures generally, transfer agents and securities rules commonly require a physical medallion stamp or other approved guarantee for certain securities transactions.

Who may issue a signature guarantee?

Banks, broker-dealers, and other institutions that participate in medallion programs and have underwriting authority may issue guarantees after verifying identity and authority; policies vary by institution.

Is notarization an acceptable substitute?

Often not. Transfer agents frequently distinguish between notarization and medallion guarantees; verify the agent’s instructions before submitting alternatives.

What supporting documents should I bring?

Bring government-issued photo ID, the certificate or account details, corporate resolutions or power-of-attorney documents if signing for an entity, and any transfer-agent forms to avoid resubmission requests.

How do I resolve a rejected package?

Respond to the transfer agent’s rejection notice by supplying the specific missing item(s), obtaining the correct stamp or documentation, and resubmitting; escalate to compliance or legal counsel for complex authority disputes.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Finance
Signature Guarantee Agreement

Signature Guarantee Agreement

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SIGNATURE GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

Parties

Client Name:

Client Account / Reference Client Address Guarantor Institution Guarantor Branch / Contact

Transaction Details

Description of transaction for which guarantee is given:

Security / Certificate Details Certificate Numbers (if applicable)

Transfer agent / Receiving institution:

Intended recipient (broker, trustee, or payee):

Requested guarantee date: Transaction reference / DTC number:

Guarantee Certification

The Guarantor Institution hereby certifies that it is an eligible guarantor institution authorized to provide signature guarantees in accordance with industry standards. The Guarantor guarantees the genuineness of the signature of the named Client on the documents and instruments described above and warrants that, to the best of its knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Client executed such documents.

This guarantee is limited to authenticity of the signature and does not constitute an endorsement of any instrument, nor does it guarantee payment, transferability, or validity of the underlying security beyond signature authenticity. The Guarantor's liability under this guarantee is limited to direct damages arising solely from a breach of the Guarantor's express certification obligations and in no event shall exceed an amount equal to the value of the securities described above as of the date of guarantee or the fee paid for the guarantee, whichever is greater.

Conditions, Representations and Warranties

The Client represents and warrants that the information provided in this Agreement is true, complete and correct and that the Client has full authority to effect the transaction described. The Client authorizes the Guarantor to verify identity and account information as necessary to issue this guarantee and to retain records of such verification.

The Guarantor's issuance of this guarantee is conditioned upon satisfactory proof of identity and authority of the Client, which may include government-issued identification, account signature cards, and any other documentation reasonably requested by the Guarantor.

Indemnification and Fees

The Client shall indemnify and hold harmless the Guarantor from and against any liabilities, claims, losses, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to the issuance of this guarantee, except to the extent caused by the Guarantor's willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Guarantee Fee

Fee collection method: Fee waived:

Limitations; Revocation

This guarantee is effective only as of the Requested guarantee date set forth above and shall expire upon completion of the transfer described or upon written revocation by the Guarantor delivered to the recipient prior to transfer. The Guarantor may revoke this guarantee if subsequent information indicates that the Client lacked authority or the documentation provided was fraudulent.

Required Documentation

The Client acknowledges that issuance of a signature guarantee requires presentation of acceptable identification and any supporting documentation required by the Guarantor. The Client affirms that all documents presented are original and are not altered.

Identification Provided

Medallion stamp affixed: Stamp registration number:

Notices

Any notice required under this Agreement shall be provided in writing to the addresses set forth in this form and shall be effective upon receipt. The Client and Guarantor consent to the retention of records related to this transaction in electronic or paper form.

Execution

Effective Date of Guarantee: .

By signing below, the parties affirm that they are authorized to enter into this Agreement and that they accept the terms, limitations and representations contained herein.

Client Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Guarantor Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Title / Officer Name:

Guarantor Contact Phone:

What a Signature Guarantee Agreement Is and Where It Applies

A Signature Guarantee Agreement documents a financial institution's assurance that the person signing a securities transfer, assignment, or similar transaction is the genuine owner and authorized signer. It typically accompanies transfer agent forms, stock power, or broker-dealer instructions and is issued using a stamp or medallion imprint. The guarantee verifies identity and authority to reduce risks of unauthorized transfers, fraud, and settlement rejection. While distinct from notarization, many custodians and transfer agents require a signature guarantee or acceptable substitute before completing a transaction affecting securities or investment accounts.

Why a Signature Guarantee Agreement Matters

A properly completed signature guarantee reduces the chance a transfer agent will reject a transaction, establishes chain-of-custody for securities, and shifts limited liability to the guarantor institution. It also documents identity verification steps that help satisfy compliance and audit requirements for high-value transfers.

Who Typically Prepares or Requests This Agreement

Several parties interact with a Signature Guarantee Agreement depending on the transaction type and industry.

Transfer agents and custodians — prepare document checklists and request guarantees for account ownership changes or certificate reissuance.
Broker-dealers and banks — provide signature guarantees through approved medallion programs after verifying customer identity and authority.
Account holders and authorized representatives — supply accurate identification, corporate resolutions, or power of attorney documentation to obtain the guarantee.

Understanding each party's role helps ensure signatures, guarantees, and supporting documents are assembled correctly before submission.

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain and Attach a Signature Guarantee

Follow these sequential steps to secure a valid guarantee and avoid processing delays with a transfer agent or custodian.

01

Gather documents: Collect certificate, account info, government ID, and corporate authorizations.
02

Contact guarantor: Call your bank or broker to confirm medallion availability and required attachments.
03

Visit guarantor: Appear in person with ID; some institutions limit who can issue a medallion.
04

Attach and submit: Include the stamped agreement and supporting documents when sending to the transfer agent.

How the Signature Guarantee Fits into the Transfer Workflow

The signature guarantee is one control point in a multi-step transfer process used to authenticate and authorize securities movement.

Document preparation: Sender completes transfer forms and prepares certificates or account details.
Guarantee issuance: Approved financial institution verifies identity and applies the medallion stamp.
Package submission: All documents are mailed or delivered to the transfer agent per its instructions.
Agent acceptance: Transfer agent reviews the package, validates the guarantee, and executes the transfer.

Configuring an Electronic Workflow for Signature Guarantees

When digitizing the process, set clear roles and controls to ensure guarantees remain acceptable to transfer agents.

Field	Configuration
Signer Authentication	Use multi-factor or ID verification for identity proofing
Document Storage	Retain stamped PDFs with audit trail and original scan
Attachment Handling	Require scanned IDs and corporate resolutions as mandatory uploads
Approval Routing	Route to compliance or approvals queue before guarantor contact

Digital and Operational Requirements for eSubmission

Ensure the platform you use supports secure upload, audit trails, and PDF output compatible with transfer-agent review.

File Formats: PDF/A and searchable PDF preferred
Authentication: MFA and government ID verification
Integrations: CRM and document repository connections

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Signature Guarantee Agreement

A complete agreement combines identity, authority, transaction details, guarantor affirmation, date stamping, and references to supporting evidence.

Signer Identity

Full legal name, government ID reference, and contact information so the guarantor can verify the signer against internal records and regulatory checks.

Account Details

Exact account or certificate numbers, CUSIP if applicable, and current broker or transfer-agent account identifiers for accurate reconciliation.

Authority Statement

A clear declaration of the signer’s capacity (owner, trustee, attorney-in-fact) and reference to corporate minutes or power of attorney when appropriate.

Guarantee Stamp

The guarantor’s medallion imprint, stamp identifier, and authorized signer block that transfer agents recognize and validate against program lists.

Transaction Description

Concise description of what is being transferred or changed, including share count, class, and any restrictions or legends on certificates.

Supporting Attachments

Scanned IDs, corporate resolutions, medallion program confirmation, and any required transfer-agent forms to prevent incomplete submissions.

Data Points Commonly Required on Guarantee Forms

Signer Name: Exact legal name

Account Number: Account or certificate ID

Signer's Capacity: Owner, trustee, POA, officer

Guarantor ID: Bank or broker-dealer name

Stamp Identifier: Medallion stamp code

Signature Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Mismatched names between the account, certificate, and the signature block — transfer agents often treat these as unauthorized requests and will reject.
Missing corporate documentation when an officer signs — absent resolutions or proof of authority cause delays and requests for supplemental paperwork.
Using a standard notarization instead of an approved medallion guarantee — many transfer agents will not accept notarization as a substitute for a medallion stamp.
Submitting low-quality scans or omitting the guarantor’s stamp identifier — transfer agents need clear stamp imprints and readable supporting documents.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect or Missing Guarantee

Transaction Rejection: Delay or refusal

Account Freeze: Temporary hold on assets

Financial Loss: Settlement costs or missed market opportunities

Liability Shift: Guarantor investigation or claim

Regulatory Scrutiny: Compliance review risk

Additional Fees: Extra courier or reprocessing charges

Timing Expectations and Typical Processing Windows

Turnaround depends on the guarantor’s policies, the transfer agent’s processing times, and whether all required attachments are included at submission.

Guarantor Appointment:

Same-day to several business days depending on bank availability

Mail Transit:

Standard mail adds 3–7 business days; overnight reduces delay

Transfer-Agent Review:

Usually 5–15 business days after package receipt

Expedited Handling:

Some agents offer rush processing for a fee

Resubmission Delay:

Missing items can add 2–4 weeks to completion

Comparing eSignature Options for Digitizing Guarantee Workflows

Basic pricing and core features vary across providers; choose a plan that supports audit trails, required authentication, and integrations needed for your transfer process.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Real-World Examples of Signature Guarantee Use

Practical instances show why precise documentation and the correct guarantee type matter for smooth transfers.

Broker Transfer

A brokerage requested a medallion stamp for a certificate reissue

Missing corporate resolution delayed acceptance
After obtaining the resolution and medallion guarantee, the transfer agent completed reissuance within 10 business days, avoiding a forced sale.

Trust Distribution

A trustee attempted to transfer securities as trustee without attaching the trust instrument

Transfer agent asked for proof of authority
Submitting the trust excerpt and trustee affidavit with a valid guarantee resolved the issue and released funds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Signature Guarantee Agreements

Answers to common practical and legal questions that arise when obtaining or submitting a signature guarantee.

Need help? Contact support

What is a medallion signature guarantee?
A medallion signature guarantee is a specialized stamp issued by approved financial institutions verifying the authenticity of a signature for securities transfers. It differs from a notary by confirming the issuer’s participation in a medallion program and assuming limited liability for the signature’s authenticity.
Can an electronic signature replace a medallion stamp?
Not usually. While ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA permit electronic signatures generally, transfer agents and securities rules commonly require a physical medallion stamp or other approved guarantee for certain securities transactions.
Who may issue a signature guarantee?
Banks, broker-dealers, and other institutions that participate in medallion programs and have underwriting authority may issue guarantees after verifying identity and authority; policies vary by institution.
Is notarization an acceptable substitute?
Often not. Transfer agents frequently distinguish between notarization and medallion guarantees; verify the agent’s instructions before submitting alternatives.
What supporting documents should I bring?
Bring government-issued photo ID, the certificate or account details, corporate resolutions or power-of-attorney documents if signing for an entity, and any transfer-agent forms to avoid resubmission requests.
How do I resolve a rejected package?
Respond to the transfer agent’s rejection notice by supplying the specific missing item(s), obtaining the correct stamp or documentation, and resubmitting; escalate to compliance or legal counsel for complex authority disputes.

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