What is required to obtain FCA authorisation for listing on the London Stock Exchange?

Requirements include demonstrating that the company meets eligibility criteria under LSE listing rules, preparing a compliant prospectus, demonstrating fitness and propriety of management, meeting governance and control standards, disclosures, financial readiness, and satisfying FCA regulatory assessments.

What are the main LSE listing rules I must comply with?

Key areas include minimum free float, shareholder spread, financial history, suitability of directors, prospectus content (risk factors, financial statements), transparency obligations, and compliance with corporate governance standards.

How does the prospectus requirement work for LSE listing?

A prospectus must contain required information about the company’s business, financials, risk factors, management, corporate governance and disclosures. It must be approved by the FCA and meet LSE’s standards for format, content and legal compliance.

What governance and control systems are expected for LSE listed companies?

Governance expectations include having a balanced board with independent directors, audit and risk committees, internal controls, compliance infrastructure, oversight mechanisms, disclosure obligations, conflict of interest policies, and accountability frameworks.

After listing, what ongoing compliance obligations must be met?

Post-listing obligations include periodic financial reporting, disclosure of material events or changes, shareholders’ communications, maintaining listing requirements (e.g. free float, shareholding spread), complying with corporate governance codes, regulatory updates and inspections.

LSE Authorisation | London Stock Exchange Compliance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s primary financial regulatory body responsible for overseeing financial markets, firms, and consumer protection. Firms seeking to operate in regulated financial activities within the UK, including investment firms, payment institutions, and capital market participants, must obtain FCA authorisation. This process ensures that firms meet stringent standards for governance, financial resilience, conduct, and risk management to protect market integrity and consumers.

Companies aiming to raise capital and gain public market exposure in the UK can list their securities on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The LSE offers two main markets tailored to different company sizes and stages:

Main Market: The LSE Main Market is the flagship equity market for large, established companies. It provides access to a broad investor base and requires compliance with rigorous regulatory, governance, and disclosure standards, including full FCA oversight and adherence to the UK Listing Rules and Prospectus Regulation.
Alternative Investment Market (AIM): AIM is a sub-market of the LSE designed for smaller, growing, and early-stage companies. It offers a more flexible regulatory environment compared to the Main Market, facilitating easier access to capital while maintaining investor protections through FCA supervision. AIM is popular among companies seeking growth capital with lighter reporting obligations.
License applications service ABM provides tailored regulatory consultancy to assist clients through the complete Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation lifecycle, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and successful outcomes.