Finance

UK listing rules not to blame for firms fleeing London stock market, regulator says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 10, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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UK listing rules not to blame for firms fleeing London stock market, regulator says
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LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's rules for firms listed on the stock market are not the reason for companies leaving the London exchange, the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority said on

FCA Chief: London Stock Market Exodus Not Due to Listing Rules

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's rules for firms listed on the stock market are not the reason for companies leaving the London exchange, the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority said on Tuesday, following fintech Wise announcing a move to the U.S. last week.

"I'm not hearing it's regulatory, I'm hearing its much wider," Nikhil Rathi told a hearing of lawmakers, when asked why companies were moving their listings elsewhere.

Instead, Rathi cited factors such as the bigger pool of capital in the United States, the low ownership of UK equities by pension funds and limits on executive pay.

(Reporting by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes, Editing by Lawrence White)

Key Takeaways

  • FCA chief denies UK listing rules are causing company exits.
  • US capital pool and executive pay limits are factors.
  • Fintech Wise recently announced a move to the US.
  • Low UK equity ownership by pension funds noted.
  • Regulatory issues not a primary concern for firms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the FCA chief say about companies leaving London?
Nikhil Rathi stated that the exodus of companies from the London exchange is not due to regulatory issues but rather due to broader factors.
What factors did Rathi cite for companies moving their listings?
Rathi mentioned the larger pool of capital available in the United States, low ownership of UK equities by pension funds, and limits on executive pay as contributing factors.
Who is Nikhil Rathi?
Nikhil Rathi is the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, the UK regulator overseeing financial markets.

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