Europe · Business news · IPO & Capital Markets · 09 Apr 2026
EU Financials
Only two companies floated on the London Stock Exchange in the first quarter of 2026, according to analysis by EY-Parthenon: currency-trading platform iFOREX Financial Trading Holdings, which raised about £8.8 million on the Main Market in February, and Halo Minerals on AIM. EY-Parthenon's UK and Ireland IPO leader pointed to the conflict in the Middle East and a sell-off in sectors seen as exposed to AI disruption, and the conflict has also clouded the outlook for UK inflation and growth. That followed 2025, London's strongest year for listings since 2021, with floats such as Princes Group and Shawbrook.
A near-empty new-issue calendar cuts primary-market fees for London Stock Exchange Group and for the equity capital markets businesses of banks and brokers, and weakens London's pitch as a listing venue just as rivals compete for European floats. Private-equity owners that rely on IPOs as an exit route have fewer options. The direct effect on listed share prices is small; the significance is for UK capital-raising and the size of the London market.
Reported by Alliance News via Morningstar UK — “London IPOs dry up in 2026 as firms fear global volatility, AI bubble” ↗ on 09 Apr 2026.
Official series on 09 Apr 2026 or the last day before it, and the latest observation.
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