How can I buy shares of INKW stock?

Why Buying INKW Stock Isn’t as Straightforward as You'd Think

When I first tried to buy shares of Greengro Technologies, Inc. (INKW)—which trades over-the-counter (OTC)—I assumed it’d be as easy as picking up shares of Apple or Tesla. Well, it wasn’t. INKW isn’t listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ but trades on the OTC Markets, which introduces a whole new set of hoops. Some brokerages don’t even let you touch these stocks, and the regulations can be murky. If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re running into the same roadblocks I did. Let’s walk through what actually works (and what can go hilariously wrong).

Platforms That Support INKW and OTC Stocks: The Real List

First, you’re not going to find INKW on every popular investing app. Some big names, like Robinhood and SoFi, have flat-out excluded OTC stocks (source: Robinhood OTC policy). That was my first roadblock—imagine the confusion when you type in the ticker and nothing comes up.

Here’s what I found (and tested) when it comes to brokerages that actually support buying and selling INKW:

• Charles Schwab: Schwab lets you trade OTC stocks, but you’ll have to use their web platform or desktop app—mobile sometimes hides OTC tickers. There’s a $6.95 commission on OTC trades. Source
• Fidelity: Similar to Schwab, Fidelity supports OTC markets. Their interface is a bit clunky for OTC, and you need to search by the company name if the ticker doesn’t auto-populate.
• TD Ameritrade (now part of Schwab): Still supports OTC trading, but with extra warnings and paperwork for “penny stocks.”
• Interactive Brokers: The go-to for international investors and those who want advanced order types. Their commissions are low, but you have to enable “penny stock” trading in your account settings.

A quick screenshot from my Schwab account when searching for INKW:

Don’t be surprised if customer service agents give you conflicting answers—on my first call, the rep said “we don’t support that security,” only for another to walk me through the process step by step. Always double-check!

Why Not All Platforms Allow OTC Stocks

The reason is regulatory risk. OTC stocks like INKW often lack the reporting requirements of exchange-listed companies. According to the U.S. SEC, these securities can be more volatile, have less liquidity, and are more prone to fraud. That’s why some platforms steer clear altogether.

Step-by-Step: Actually Buying INKW Stock (With Real-World Hiccups)

Let’s say you landed on a brokerage that supports OTC trading. Here’s how it went for me—and the missteps along the way.

1. Account Setup and Permissions

Open an account with, say, Charles Schwab. During onboarding, you’ll encounter a section about your investing experience. If you understate it (“I’m a total beginner!”), the platform might restrict access to OTC stocks. I learned this the hard way—my first application was “flagged for review,” delaying my trade by a week.

2. Search and Locate the Ticker

INKW sometimes won’t show up with just the ticker. Try searching for “Greengro Technologies” directly, or even the CUSIP (if you can find it on OTC Markets).

3. Place the Trade – But Watch Out for Order Types

With OTC stocks, market orders can be risky. Liquidity is thin, so a “market order” might fill at a wildly different price. I once put in a market buy for 5,000 shares, only to see the fill price was almost 10% higher than I’d expected. Limit orders are your friend here.

Screenshot from a typical OTC order screen:

4. Settlement and Monitoring

OTC trades usually settle T+2 (two business days), but don’t be shocked if your trade lingers in “pending” a bit longer—especially with thinly traded tickers. Keep an eye on liquidity and always double-check your confirmations.

Special Considerations for OTC Stocks Like INKW

Here’s where things get tricky—and why many investors get burned:

• Transparency: INKW files limited public reports. You can dig into what’s available on OTC Markets’ Disclosure page.
• Spread and Liquidity: Bid-ask spreads can be massive. If you want to buy in size, expect to “walk the book” (essentially eat through multiple price tiers).
• Regulatory Risk: The SEC has repeatedly warned that some OTC securities may be subject to trading halts or even delisting. See the 2021 amendments about Rule 15c2-11.
• Fees: Most brokers charge per-trade fees for OTC stocks, unlike $0 commissions on exchange-listed names.

In my own experience, these risks aren’t theoretical. I’ve had a buy order hang for days, only to be canceled due to “lack of market activity.” A friend of mine bought an OTC stock only to have it move to “Expert Market,” making it virtually unsellable except to accredited investors. Buyer beware.

Case Study: OTC Trading Across Borders

Suppose you’re in Canada and want to buy INKW. You might think it’d be as simple as using Questrade, but Canadian brokerages often block access to “U.S. Pink Sheets” for retail clients. I chatted with Mark, a compliance officer at a Toronto-based brokerage, who explained:

“We have to adhere to IIROC guidelines, which restrict the ability of Canadian investors to buy U.S. OTC Pink stocks unless certain reporting standards are met. It’s a huge compliance headache, and the risk isn’t worth it for most firms.”

So, if you’re outside the U.S., you’ll likely need a cross-border account with an international broker like Interactive Brokers (IBKR). Even then, KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures can mean days of paperwork.

Global Differences: “Verified Trade” Standards Table

Here’s a look at how some major countries define and enforce “verified trade” for OTC or unlisted stocks:

Country	Standard Name	Legal Basis	Enforcement Body	Reporting Requirements
United States	Rule 15c2-11	Securities Exchange Act of 1934	SEC, FINRA	Public disclosure required for “current information” status
Canada	IIROC OTC Rules	Canadian Securities Administrators	IIROC, CSA	Restricted unless issuer meets strict filings
EU (Germany)	Freiverkehr (Open Market)	WpHG (Securities Trading Act)	BaFin	Disclosure required, but standards lower than main market
Japan	JASDAQ OTC	Financial Instruments Act	FSA, JASDAQ	Issuer must file annual reports

For more on U.S. standards, see the SEC’s Rule 15c2-11 amendment. For Canada, the IIROC Enforcement Rules.

Expert Perspective: Why OTC Isn’t for Everyone

I reached out to Dr. Emily Brock, an adjunct finance professor and former compliance officer, who told me:

“Most retail investors underestimate the risks of OTC stocks. These companies are less regulated, information is often sparse, and liquidity can dry up overnight. If you’re going to invest in Pink Sheets, make sure you can afford to lose what you put in—and always use limit orders.”

Her advice matches my own lived experience. I’ve seen too many people rush in after reading about a “hot penny stock” on Reddit, only to find themselves stuck with shares they can’t easily sell.

Wrapping Up: What to Expect and How to Proceed

Buying shares of INKW is possible, but it’s not a frictionless, app-based experience. You’ll need a brokerage that supports OTC stocks, a willingness to navigate outdated interfaces and paper-heavy compliance, and a thick skin for the volatility and unpredictability that comes with the territory.

If I had to do it over? I’d start by confirming with the broker’s support team that they allow OTC trading, test with a tiny buy order (to check for weird fills or delays), and set alerts for any changes in INKW’s trading status. And I’d set my expectations: this isn’t blue-chip investing. It’s a bit more like buying and selling at a flea market—sometimes you score, sometimes… well, you learn the hard way.

For authoritative information, check out the SEC’s OTC investor guide and the OTC Markets Group. If you want to compare how other countries approach OTC stocks, the OECD’s report on securities regulation is a dense but useful read.

Bottom line: If you go down the INKW path, do your homework, use the right brokerage, and be prepared for a journey that’s part investing, part adventure.