what are pink sheets 
pink sheets is a term that was used to describe stocks traded over the counter as such these stocks don t trade on an exchange the otc market is decentralized and companies are not required to meet listing requirements these companies are often small and or up and coming companies the bottom linelisted securities are any financial instruments that are publicly traded on an exchange this includes the stocks and bonds you buy and sell as well as derivatives that experienced traders and investment companies trade the path to becoming listed takes time and preparation issuers must file paperwork hire personnel and take other steps so they can begin trading companies must also choose and reserve a ticker symbol it is an important part of their branding and can help investors identify them in the financial markets 