The U.K. market regulator announced that it will simplify the rules governing stock market listings to make the country’s stock market more attractive to companies seeking to raise capital, in an effort to reverse the prolonged slowdown in IPOs, Reuters reports.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced Wednesday that the changes will reduce execution risk for those issuing shares and lower compliance costs. In addition, the seven-day waiting period for related-party transactions during an initial public offering (IPO) will be eliminated.

Over the past decade, the London stock market has shrunk, as companies have looked elsewhere for higher valuations and access to broader capital markets, particularly in the United States.

This year has seen a high number of delisting takeover bids, with foreign firms interested in acquiring British companies such as Intertek, Tate & Lyle, and Segro—partly as a result of British stocks becoming cheaper relative to their U.S. counterparts since the start of the war in Iran.

The FCA hopes that the finalization of the new rules, which have been under consultation since 2025, will help improve the performance of the UK stock market.

Once the changes are adopted, companies will be able to list more easily in the UK.

“By improving the listing regime, we are supporting the growth and competitiveness of the UK capital markets,” said Jon Relleen, a director at the FCA.

Last month, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) announced its intention to launch LSE 24, a platform where trading will be available overnight, starting in the first half of 2027.

The LSE’s new trading platform will operate separately from its main market and, initially, will offer access to exchange-traded products, such as funds that track the performance of the UK or U.S. stock markets.

LSE 24 will offer “global investors greater flexibility to respond to market events, access liquidity across different time zones, and manage risk,” the London Stock Exchange announced in a press release.

The new trading platform will operate from 5:00 p.m. to 7:50 a.m. London time, with a 30-minute break between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The LSE’s main market will continue to operate according to its standard schedule, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

AGERPRES