FCA removes IPO waiting period to boost UK listings market

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced new rules designed to make it easier for companies to list on UK stock markets, in an attempt to improve the competitiveness of the country’s initial public offering (IPO) market.

The reforms, which came into force on 5 August, remove the mandatory seven-day waiting period for the publication of connected research during an IPO and simplify information-sharing requirements for issuers and investment firms.

The regulator said the changes will reduce execution risk for companies seeking to go public, lower compliance costs, and make it easier for businesses to access public markets.

The FCA added the reforms are part of its wider strategy to support economic growth while maintaining high standards of market integrity and investor protection.

According to the FCA, the changes are intended to help the UK listings market compete more effectively with global markets by streamlining the IPO process for companies and advisers.

Jon Relleen, director of infrastructure and exchanges at the FCA, said: “We want the UK market to be an attractive place for companies to raise capital and grow. By making the UK listing regime more efficient, we are supporting the growth and competitiveness of UK capital markets.”