ADVANTEST CORP SPON ADR EACH REP 1 ORD – US00762U2006 – B1CCJ03
When looking at ADS’s (or other depository type interests/receipts such as ADR’s), the listing or trading of the actual ADS or ADR is irrelevant. All that matters is the qualifying status of the underlying shares. If the underlying shares are ISA qualifying (because they are listed on a recognised stock exchange or admitted to trading on a recognised stock exchange in the EEA, including the UK), then the ADR (or ADS) automatically qualify (regardless of its listing status).
If the underlying shares for Advantest Corporation are listed on an HMRC recognised stock exchange, the ADR will then be ISA qualifying. Evidence from the company website (see below) suggests that the shares are listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan which is a HMRC Recognised stock exchange.
I could only see the ADR on the OTC markets (also confirmed on the company website) but as explained above, it’s only the underlying shares that need to be ISA qualifying for the ADR to also qualify for ISA inclusion.
So, based on the information above, we would say that the ADR is stocks & shares ISA qualifying but, as always, the final decision on the eligibility remains with yourselves as ISA manager.