(30 January 2025 – United Kingdom) The United Kingdom (UK) Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is aiming to make it easier for listed companies to issue bonds and stakeholders to invest in these assets.
The FCA plans to encourage listed firms to issue bonds at smaller sizes which could make it easier and less expensive for firms to raise growth capital.
New public offer platforms could streamline the process of matching smaller firms with investors interested in debt securities. The FCA has commenced a consultation on reducing costs and barriers for firms to issue bonds. The consultation is scheduled to close on 14 March 2025.
‘We’re opening the door for corporates to issue bonds in small sizes so that a wider range of investors can invest in them. That’s more funding for companies, more easily, and more choice for investors too. We want to make sure investors have the information they need to make informed decisions about risk while removing unnecessary costs and widening access” said FCA interim Executive Director of Markets. Simon Walls.