Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 14 SEPTEMBER 2026

New AIM Rules (August 2026)

Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
Contributor
Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP

Seamless legal excellence. Empowering clients everywhere We support clients across the UK and...

View firm profile
Explore more from Shoosmiths LLP

The London Stock Exchange has implemented sweeping reforms to the AIM Rules, fundamentally reshaping admission requirements, transaction thresholds, and governance obligations for companies on the Alternative Investment Market. These changes eliminate longstanding requirements like working capital statements and corporate governance codes while introducing new features such as capital access windows and special voting shares, marking the most significant overhaul of AIM regulations in recent years.

United KingdomFinance and Banking
Oliver Pilkington
Oliver Pilkington
Nick McCarthy
Nick McCarthy
Andrew Millar
Andrew Millar
Ed Nisbet
Ed Nisbet

The London Stock Exchange has implemented significant reforms to the AIM Rules for Companies and the AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers (AIM Rules), following consultations earlier in 2026 (see our post on the previous consultation here). The majority of the reforms consulted on have been adopted and the reforms, which became effective on 5 August 2026, represent the most comprehensive changes to the AIM Rules since the AIM market was launched in 1995.

The changes reposition AIM following changes to the UK Listing Rules implemented in July 2024 which had rendered the rules applicable to AIM companies similar, and in some areas more stringent than, those applicable to Main Market companies. The changes are intended to reduce regulatory burdens, improve access to capital and make AIM more attractive to founder-led and growth companies. The key changes are summarised below.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

FCA Finalises Cryptoasset Perimeter Guidance Ahead Of The New UK Regime

The Financial Conduct Authority has released comprehensive perimeter guidance for the UK's new regulated cryptoasset activities regime, clarifying when firms will need authorization and how the regulatory framework applies to qualifying cryptoassets and stablecoins. The guidance addresses critical questions about scope, territorial application, and the narrower "by way of business" test that determines which entities fall under the new regulatory requirements.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Katten
Katten
Article

The Future Of Islamic Finance: Insights From IFN UK Forum 2026

Islamic finance is experiencing rapid global expansion, with assets approaching US$6tn and record sukuk issuance attracting non-traditional investors. The convergence of Shariah-compliant and sustainable investing is creating new opportunities, while AAOIFI Standard No. 62 and tokenisation developments are reshaping how Islamic finance structures are designed and implemented across international markets.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Walkers
Walkers
Article

Investment Management Update - September 2026

The Financial Conduct Authority has released a comprehensive package of regulatory updates and findings covering investment management, wealth management, and consumer protection. Key developments include reforms to MiFID costs and charges disclosures, remuneration code changes, AIFM regime overhauls, and detailed reviews of firms' Consumer Duty compliance, financial crime controls, and governance frameworks.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Macfarlanes LLP
Macfarlanes LLP
Article

Nearly Out Of PERG-atory – But Not Quite Yet: Good News As The FCA Finalises PERG 18 On Cryptoassets, But With Even More Legal Changes To Come

Cryptoasset firms face a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape as the FCA's authorisation gateway opens on 30 September 2026. With the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 laid before Parliament and the FCA's finalised PERG 18 guidance published within 24 hours, firms must navigate significant perimeter changes including new stablecoin payment exclusions.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Travers Smith LLP
Travers Smith LLP
Article

Modernising UK Payments: HM Treasury’s Proposed Overhaul Of The Payment Services Regime

On 14 July 2026, HM Treasury published its long-awaited consultation on modernising the UK’s payment services and electronic money regulatory framework. The consultation is part of the Government’s National Payments Vision agenda, which aims to ensure that the UK has a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem delivered on next generation technology, while preserving choice for consumers and businesses.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman
Article

SFDR 2.0 – European Parliament Negotiating Position: The Stage Is Set For Trilogue

The European Parliament has published its negotiating position on SFDR 2.0, setting the stage for trilogue negotiations between the Commission, Parliament and Council. With the asset management industry hoping for relief from the complexities of SFDR 1.0, the Parliament's proposals claim to simplify the regime while maintaining credibility of sustainability-related investments.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Travers Smith LLP
Travers Smith LLP
Article

Financial Regulation Weekly Bulletin - 10 September 2026

This weekly bulletin examines critical developments in UK financial regulation, including the FCA's findings on systemic operational resilience from its Defence, Security, and Resilience Lab exercise, the government's comprehensive consultation on modernising corporate reporting frameworks, and progress on the Financial Services and Markets Bill through Parliament. The bulletin also covers international regulatory updates on cyber resilience for financial market infrastructures, sustainable finance disclosu
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May
Article

Modern Slavery Reporting: Are You Ready For Tougher Rules?

The UK government's Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026 proposes sweeping changes to corporate modern slavery reporting, introducing mandatory content requirements, financial penalties up to £1 million or 1% of turnover, and enhanced board-level accountability. Organizations that have taken a minimal compliance approach to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 face significant reputational and regulatory...
United KingdomCorporate/Commercial Law
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
Article

The Hillsborough Law Bill: Key Duties And Implications

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Bill, is progressing through Parliament with provisions that extend far beyond traditional public bodies. Private sector organisations delivering outsourced public services or supplying critical systems to government may find themselves subject to new statutory duties of candour, criminal liability for failing to cooperate with inquiries, and enhanced scrutiny at inquests. Will your organisation's governance and investigation procedures with
United KingdomGovernment, Public Sector
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
Article

The Return Of Venture Discipline

The UK venture capital market has rebounded from its 2022-2024 downturn, with funding activity recovering and larger rounds returning, particularly for AI and DeepTech businesses. However, despite improved market conditions, investors maintain strict deal terms focused on founder alignment, governance protections, and exit control. Analysis of proprietary deal data reveals how capital concentration, leaver provisions, liquidation preferences...
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
Article

New Express Market route widens AIM’s appeal for overseas companies

London's AIM market has introduced a new Express Market route designed to streamline admission for established overseas companies. The reforms replace the previous Designated Market framework with a broader, more proportionate approach that recognises regulatory scrutiny and public company experience already demonstrated in qualifying international markets. Will this create a genuinely compelling pathway for international issuers seeking access to UK growth capital?
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
Article

Buying A UK Plc: What Catches Overseas Buyers By Surprise

The UK's takeover framework is transparent and internationally respected, yet overseas buyers often struggle not with technical provisions but with the transaction mindset required. Understanding the critical differences between UK public M&A and other jurisdictions—from the binding nature of Rule 2.7 announcements to strict financing requirements and limited contractual protections—can mean the difference between a successful acquisition and costly missteps.
United KingdomCorporate/Commercial Law
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
Article

Consultation On The Withholding Tax Regime: What You Need To Know

The UK Government has launched a consultation proposing significant changes to the withholding tax regime on interest payments to overseas lenders. The proposed reforms would shift from HMRC's current gatekeeping role to a self-assessment system where UK borrowers independently determine treaty relief eligibility, fundamentally altering compliance responsibilities and risk allocation in cross-border lending arrangements.
United KingdomTax
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP