Equity shares (commercial companies) - ESCC
- Minimum market capitalisation
- USD 38m
- Minimum free float
- 10%
- Track record
- Not specified
- Profit required
- No
- Minimum shareholders
- Not specified
- Lock-up
- Not specified
Exchange comparisons
LSE Main Market or AIM
Listing requirements of LSE Main Market and AIM compared from the directory data. Check the primary sources before making decisions.
Data checked: 6 November 2026
Key facts
| London Stock Exchange - Main Market | AIM (London Stock Exchange) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
| Regulator | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK Listing Rules (UKLR) | London Stock Exchange plc (AIM Rules for Companies, AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers) |
| Trading currency | GBP | GBP |
| Indicative timeline | Not specified | Not specified |
| Listing segments | 1 | 1 |
Segments side by side
Figures by segment from the exchange rulebooks. Not specified means the rule does not set the figure or it has not been verified yet.
LSE Main Market
AIM
AIM
- Minimum market capitalisation
- Not specified
- Minimum free float
- Not specified
- Track record
- Not specified
- Profit required
- No
- Minimum shareholders
- Not specified
- Lock-up
- 12 months
London Stock Exchange - Main Market
Who each exchange suits
- Large and mid-cap companies seeking deep international institutional demand
- Issuers wanting a low 10% free float and flexible governance (dual-class allowed under UKLR)
- Companies without a 3-year revenue track record, since eligibility tests were removed in 2024
What to check
- Mandatory FCA-approved sponsor and full prospectus with 3 years of audited financials
- Minimum market value of GBP 30m at admission and ongoing UK disclosure and governance obligations
AIM (London Stock Exchange)
Who each exchange suits
- Growth and smaller companies without a long track record or profit
- Issuers that want a lighter admission document instead of an FCA-approved prospectus
- Foreign companies already listed on an IOSCO-regulated market (Express route)
What to check
- Nomad must be retained permanently; losing it leads to suspension and cancellation
- 12-month lock-in for related parties if the business lacks a 2-year independent revenue history
- Liquidity can be thin for small caps
Requirements change. Always confirm with the exchange and the regulator before making decisions. Educational material. Not investment, legal or tax advice.
Other comparisons
Which of the two fits your company?
Eurasia Consulting Group compares exchanges on the numbers and structure of a specific company.
Information on this site is educational. It is not investment advice, an offer of securities or financial advice. Exchange requirements change; always check the primary sources. Full disclaimer