GDR

1. A bank certificate issued in more than one country for shares in a foreign company. The shares are held by a foreign branch of an international bank. The shares trade as domestic shares, but are offered for sale globally through the various bank branches.

2. A financial instrument used by private markets to raise capital denominated in either U.S. dollars or euros.

Investopedia Says:
1. A GDR is very similar to an American Depositary Receipt.

2. These instruments are called EDRs when private markets are attempting to obtain euros.

Related Links:
Learn about a security that allows you to invest in a foreign company through your local exchange. What Are Depositary Receipts?

Receipt for shares in a foreign-based corporation traded in capital markets around the world. While American Depositary Receipts permit foreign corporations to offer shares to American citizens, Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America to offer shares in many markets around the world. The advantage to the issuing company is that they can raise capital in many markets, as opposed to just their home market. The advantage of GDRs to local investors is that they do not have to buy shares through the issuing company's home exchange, which may be difficult and expensive. In addition, the share price and all dividends are converted into the shareholder's home currency. Many GDRs are issued by companies in emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil, and South Korea and are traded on major stock exchanges, particularly the London SEAQ International Trading system. Because the companies issuing GDRs are not as well established and do not use the same accounting systems as traditional Western corporations, their stocks tend to be more volatile and less liquid. See also Depositary Receipts.