The U.K. regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed the creation of a new category within its premium listing regime to cater for companies controlled by a shareholder that is a sovereign country. The changes would make it easier for Saudi Aramco, and the world's biggest listing, to come to the London Stock Exchange. Now it is bringing to the forefront a specific proposal for a targeted set of changes to the premium listing regime ahead of any other possible proposals arising from the review. The proposal aims to enable companies which may the subject of major privatization transactions to choose the higher standards of premium listing, rather than standard listing, the FCA said. Refining the listing regime in this way would make U.K. markets more accessible whilst ensuring that the protections afforded by our premium listing regime are focused and proportionate" said Andrew Bailey, FCA Chief Executive.

Source: Forbes July 13, 2017 10:20 UTC