#london-stock-exchange

#london-stock-exchange

After a turbulent start to 2025, marked by heightened geopolitical uncertainty and volatile market reactions to the introduction of trade tariffs, IPO activity gathered momentum towards the end of the year. The final quarter saw a notable acceleration in listings as companies moved ahead with postponed floatation plans, encouraged by stabilising market conditions and improving investor sentiment. Looking ahead, the pipeline of prospective IPOs remains strong, supporting expectations of a renewed uptick in activity in the first half of 2026.

Under the Conservatives' proposals, mandatory ESG disclosures, including a company's carbon footprint, diversity metrics and social governance data, would be made voluntary once again. ESG rules were initially introduced as a voluntary standard, allowing firms to demonstrate transparency around sustainability, workplace culture and board governance. Over the past decade, however, the measures have evolved into complex mandatory frameworks administered by regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HMRC, and Companies House.

Metlen employs nearly 10,000 people in 40 countries and moved its primary listing from Athens to London in August this year. With a total value of over 5 billion, it was the fastest company to be admitted to the FTSE 100 list of the UK's most valuable listed firms. The move comes after some big UK companies quit the London Stock Exchange to sell their shares on foreign markets.

Glencore decided to retain its stock market listing in London, concluding that moving to the US would not add value for its shareholders after a formal review.

Public equity markets are currently undergoing significant structural changes globally due to the rise of private capital, the growth of passive investing, and the dominance of US markets.

"Wise announced it plans to shift its primary stock listing to the NASDAQ, underscoring tectonic shifts in the global listings landscape."