- Chancellor Reeves heralds ‘new golden age' for the City, as
the FTSE hits record highs in 2026 and listings momentum returns.
- Financial Conduct Authority rules come into effect for firms
considering an IPO or raising capital, going further to cut
paperwork and costs following changes to the UK Listing Rules.
- In order to make Britain the best place in the world to
invest we are simplifying and improving prospectus rules to help
companies raise capital faster and IPO in the UK.
The Chancellor will herald a ‘new golden age' for the City as she
unveils rules designed to make it easier and cheaper for firms to
list in London.
Companies raising capital in the UK or considering an IPO will
benefit from new prospectus rules coming into force today,
cutting red tape and making it quicker and cheaper to raise
capital. By stripping back paperwork while maintaining strong
protections for investors, the reforms will help firms focus on
growth, innovation and job creation.
Changes to the UK Listing Rules, encouragement of more retail
investment and the 3-year stamp duty on shares holiday for new
IPOs announced at Budget are already bearing fruit, with EY
reporting a 170% increase in capital raised from IPOs in 2025 as
major companies such as Magnum, Canal+ and Shawbrook Bank choose
London.
Today's announcement doubles down on this progress and the
increased confidence in UK markets by making it simpler, cheaper
and faster for firms to raise capital, forming part of the
Government's push to make the UK the best place in the world to
start, scale and list a company.
Speaking in the City of London tomorrow, Chancellor of
the Exchequer is expected to say:
“Two years ago, some said the City's best days were behind
it. They were wrong.
“We have taken a significant step forward today and I
look forward to continuing to work closely with everyone here to
ensure that our capital markets remain world-leading.
“As the FTSE 100 reaches record highs and global firms once
again choose London, we are seeing the first signs of a new
golden age for the City.
“By cutting paperwork and speeding up access to capital,
these reforms back the entrepreneurs, innovators and investors
who drive our economy – while preserving the high standards and
investor protections that make the UK one of the most trusted
markets in the world.
“London has thrived because it is open, dynamic and
forward-looking. With simpler, faster prospectuses and a more
competitive listings regime, we are reinvigorating that spirit –
making the UK the best place in the world to start, scale and
list a company, and ensuring the benefits of this new golden age
for the City are felt in jobs and higher living standards in
every part of our country.”
Investors and companies will also benefit from further steps
announced by the London Stock Exchange today to strengthen
London's bond markets, widening access to capital and supporting
long-term investment across the economy.
These changes sit alongside the Leeds Reforms announced by the
Chancellor last summer, rewiring the financial system so it works
harder for growth, competitiveness and investment across the UK.
The government will continue working closely with regulators and
industry to ensure UK markets remain open, dynamic and globally
competitive – giving firms the confidence to choose London and
helping turn the tide on UK listings.
