Fidelity UK

Fidelity UK does not DRS transfer shares, so you need to transfer your shares to another broker that can DRS transfer.

A popular route has been through Interactive Brokers (IBKR), as they are available internationally and can DRS transfer for $5(USD). For this example, IBKR is being used.

The quickest way is to open an Interactive Broker account, buy a share, and request a DRS transfer. While you wait for your Computershare account to be created, you can transfer your shares from Fidelity UK to IBKR with a Basic FOP Transfer, then from IBKR to Computershare via DRS transfer for a $5(US) fee.

Specifics for Fidelity UK

It’s important to note that while Interactive Brokers will generate a Letter of Instruction for you, Fidelity UK will not accept it from your email. So you don't need to print it or sign it.

• When IBKR knows you want to transfer the shares to them, raise a new ticket or call their customer support (on 020 7710 5695) and ask them to reach out to Fidelity UK on your behalf "out of courtesy" to start the process. Fidelity UK will not accept the request otherwise.
• Give IBKR 1-3 days to start the process.
• Then call Fidelity UK on 0800414161 and choose the transfer out option (should be number 5).
• Inform the rep that the process has been started to transfer out and an email has been sent to “IM2688@FIL.com". They will need to check with their back office to confirm.
• Once Fidelity has acknowledged the transfer, give them a few days to respond to IBKR.
• If things are not moving fast enough you can give IBKR and Fidelity another call to chase them up. It is helpful to be firm and persistent, yet courteous. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and the person you are talking to is a human being, so treating them with respect can go a long way.

The transfer will be processed within 1-2 weeks. You should receive an email confirming that the transfer was successfully performed. If you're unsure you can call Fidelity UK at 0333 300 3350.

Transfer Instructions

How to Transfer between Brokers

Once your shares are settled in Fidelity UK, you can start the process by making a Letter of Instruction with IBKR.

• Login in your IBKR account, and click on "Transfer & Pay" from the top menu and select "Transfer Positions".
• On the next page select "Incoming".
• On the next page select "All Other Regions" from the drop down menu.
• On the next page select "Basic FOP Transfer".
• Select Fidelity UK on the drop down list.
• For "Your Account Number at the Financial Institution" put your Fidelity UK account number.
• For "Name of Account Holder at Financial Institution" put your full name as defined on your Fidelity UK account.
• Select the Account type (most likely individual).
• Select the country of the Financial Institution where you access Fidelity UK from.
• For the contact email put "https://www.fidelity.co.uk/secure/messages".
• You have to add the asset you want to transfer, click on "Add Asset".
• On the next page you can search which stock you'd like to transfer, click on "Search".
• On the next page, click on the row that has the company you wish to DRS shares of.
• On the next page, define how many shares you'd like to transfer and click on "Save and Finish".
• On the next page you'll see a summary of the transfer. Write in your name as it shows on the page and click on "Continue".
• Interactive Brokers will then generate a Letter of Instruction for you.
• Click on "View Form", then click on "Print".
• Print, sign, and scan the form back in (or take a photo of it).
• Send the Letter of Instruction to your broker (details for this are above).

The transfer should be processed within 3-5 business days, but can sometimes take longer. You will receive an email confirming that the transfer was successfully performed. If you have not received confirmation within a week or two, then it’s best practice to chase it up with both brokers.

How to DRS Transfer

After your shares reach IBKR, you are able to request the DRS transfer from IBKR to the issuer's transfer agent. To do this you can follow our guide on how to DRS transfer from IBKR.