Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 23 JUNE 2021

UK SPACs: Could Changes To The UK Listing Rules Spark An Increase?

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Contributor
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys is an international law firm with a focus on private capital, at the...

View firm profile
Explore more from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have recently experienced a general increase in popularity.

United KingdomFinance and Banking
Chris Putt
Chris Putt
Giulia Brunello
Giulia Brunello

Background

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have recently experienced a general increase in popularity. In its 2021 SPAC Market Study, the research firm Deal Point Data notes that the level of SPAC activity has accelerated to unprecedented levels in the initial public offering (IPO) and merges and acquisitions (M&A) markets. The 2020 explosion in SPACs transactions resulted in a 320% increase in the number of SPAC IPOs compared to 2019, with the US being the main market leader. This popularity is also spreading to Europe, with notable SPAC listings on the Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges in the first few months of 2021. During 2020 to the end of Q1 in 2021, US SPACS had raised on average more than $300m. On the other hand, the UK SPAC market was dormant during 2020, raising only £30 million.

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

New AIM Rules (August 2026)

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
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths 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

What July 2026’s Bank Of England Decision Means For Private Capital Stakeholders

As widely anticipated, the Bank of England voted last week to hold Bank Rate at 3.75%. Whilst markets had expected the decision, it is noticeable that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) moved from a 7-2 decision, to a 6-3 one, with three members favouring a 0.25% increase. The move demonstrates the continued uncertainty around the UK’s inflationary environment, particularly in light of geopolitical tension, tariffs and trade disruption and political change, and their combined impact on global energy prices and the wider economic outlook.
United KingdomFinance and Banking
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Article

Summer 2026 Update: Where Are We Are On The Government’s Roadmap To Commonhold?

The UK Government has announced plans to introduce a substantially amended Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill in Autumn 2026, incorporating recommendations from the Housing Select Committee that could accelerate major changes to residential property ownership. Key proposals include reducing ground rent caps from £250 to nil after just 20 years, mandating automatic conversion to commonhold after collective enfranchisement, and establishing an independent regulator for property managing agents with enf
United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP