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Timestamp: 2020-02-29 04:49:04
Document Index: 714065692

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'art 26', 'ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3']

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1 London Stock Exchange Admission and Disclosure Standards EFFECTIVE 4 April 2016
2 Contents CONTENTS... I GLOSSARY... 1 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION SECTION 2: ADMISSION CONDITIONS PART 1 Admission Conditions Settlement Communication PART 2 Criteria for certain routes to market PART 3 Admission process SECTION 3: APPLICATION RULES Introduction Provisional application Formal application Further issues Fees When Issued Dealing After admission Block admission SECTION 4: CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS General Provision of information Depositary receipts EEA ETFs Settlement Fees Suspension Cancellation Compliance and Appeals SECTION 5 - COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES Disciplinary process Non-disciplinary appeal process Process and Procedures Burden of proof Market guidance i-
3 Warning Notices Function of Warning Notices Executive Panel Role Disciplinary Powers Appeal powers Membership Confidentiality Mode of referral when acting as a tribunal of first instance Mode of referral when acting as an appellate tribunal Procedure Deliberations and decisions Appeal Changes to the procedures Disciplinary Committee Role Disciplinary powers Membership Secretary Confidentiality Mode of referral Procedure Directions The hearing Deliberations and decisions Appeal Changes to the procedures Appeals Committee Role Sanctions Membership Secretary Confidentiality Procedure Directions ii-
4 The hearing Deliberations and decisions Changes to the procedures Consent orders SCHEDULE 1 ADMISSION PROCEDURES Part A Provisional Application Part B Formal Application Part C Applications for certain securities SCHEDULE 2 WHEN ISSUED DEALING SCHEDULE 3 CORPORATE ACTIONS Timetable for corporate actions Timetable for open offer Continuing obligations for depositary receipt issuers SCHEDULE 4 SPECIALIST FUND SEGMENT SCHEDULE 5 HIGH GROWTH SEGMENT RULEBOOK INTRODUCTION SECTION A ADMISSION A1: Eligibility for admission A2: Procedure for admission SECTION B CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS B1: Continuing eligibility requirements B2: Advice of Key Advisers B3: Notifiable transactions B4: Related party transactions B5: Reverse takeovers B6: Requirement for notifications to a RIS B7: Continuing website disclosures B8: Corporate governance B9: Cancellation of admission B10: Discipline of Issuers SECTION C - KEY ADVISERS ANNEX 1 - CLASS TESTS ANNEX 2 - NOTIFIABLE TRANSACTIONS ANNEX 3 - KEY ADVISERS Responsibilities of a Key Adviser iii-
5 Principles for Key Advisers Role of a Key Adviser Criteria for Approval as a Key Adviser List of Key Advisers Application for approval as a Key Adviser Criteria for approval as a Key Adviser Competence of a Key Adviser Record management Contact persons Supervision of Key Advisers General notifications Cancellation of Key Adviser Status Publication of the cancellation of Key Adviser status Discipline of Key Advisers Disciplinary process Sanctions Appeals by Key Advisers SCHEDULE 6 ADMISSION TO TRADING ONLY iv-
6 Glossary The following terms have the following meanings when used in the Standards unless the context otherwise requires. For any defined terms not listed here, please refer to the Rules of the London Stock Exchange. The High Growth Segment rulebook at Schedule 5 contains a separate glossary which should be read in conjunction with that schedule only. Admission and Disclosure Standards (Standards) admission/admitted or admission/admitted to trading or admission/admitted to trading on our markets Admission to Trading Only or ATT Only AIM applicant application block admission the Exchange s Admission and Disclosure Standards for securities admitted or seeking to be admitted to trading, as set out in this document (including the schedules), as amended from time to time. admission to trading on the Exchange s markets (other than AIM) and admitted and traded shall be construed accordingly. For the avoidance of doubt this does not include when issued dealing. Admission to Trading Only allows eligible issuers to trade on the Exchange s trading services on the basis of a listing on a suitable exchange, where the issuer has agreed to comply with the Standards. Admission to Trading Only is part of the Exchange s MTF. Securities admitted to Admission to Trading Only are not admitted to the Official List. the Exchange s market for smaller, growing companies. Securities admitted to AIM are not admitted to a regulated market. an issuer that is proposing to apply, or is applying, for admission to trading of any of its securities. an application made by an applicant. an issuer may apply for a block admission of a specified number of securities if: (a) (b) (c) the securities are not allotted prior to admission; no prospectus or listing particulars are required for the securities; and the application process can be made more efficient due to the frequent or irregular nature of allotments. Examples may include an employee share scheme or a
7 regular savings scheme and the exercise of options. bonus issue business day capital reorganisation capitalisation issue capitalisation of reserves central counterparty central counterparty security central counterparty transactions central securities depositary class Compliance Procedures conversions competent authority consolidations covered warrant issue of shares to existing shareholders, free of charge, in proportion to their holding. any day on which the Exchange is open for dealing. reorganisation of a company s share capital resulting in a change in nominal value. see bonus issue. distributing existing financial reserves to existing shareholders by issuing extra shares, free of charge, in proportion to their holding. a body that assumes the risk for central counterparty transactions. a security designated by the Exchange and a central counterparty as eligible for central counterparty processing. an electronically matched order on the trading system in a central counterparty security. an entity which operates a system enabling clients to hold, manage and transfer securities by book entry. securities, the rights attaching to which are, or will be, identical and which form a single issue (or series of issues). the compliance procedures as issued by the Exchange from time to time, setting out procedures for the Exchange when imposing sanctions on an issuer who has contravened the Standards and procedures for issuers in relation to appeals regarding the Exchange s application and interpretation of the Standards, contained herein. conversion from one class of security to another (e.g. Preference to Ordinary). a competent authority for listing and approval of prospectuses in the relevant EEA member state. In the UK, this is the UKLA. where a company changes the structure of its share capital by reducing the number of shares it has in issue and increasing the nominal value and share price. a listed security issued by a party other than the issuer or originator of the underlying asset, that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying 4 April 2016 Page 2
8 asset at a specified price during, or at the end of, a specified time period. currency elections Datasync Service debt securities demergers deposit agreement depositary bank depositary receipt (DR) designated representative Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules (DTR) Dividend Re- Investment Program (DRIP) Dividend Re- Investment Scheme (DRIS) distribution of cash to shareholders in proportion to their holdings, where holders have the option to elect for payment in alternative currencies. the Datasync Service is disseminated hourly from 10:00 to 18:00. Subscribers receive an containing a report in an excel format which provides advanced notification of revisions to Exchange reference data and details updates to the trading system, which are effective on the following trading day. securities representing a loan from an investor to an issuer for which an issuer generally promises to pay a certain amount in excess of the nominal rate (usually deemed interest) on a specified date. For example debentures, debenture or loan stock, bonds and notes, whether secured or unsecured. free distribution of stock in a subsidiary company or a holding in another company to existing shareholders. an appropriate agreement in place between an issuer of depositary receipts and its depositary bank the bank who issues the depositary receipts. a transferable certificate that represents shares in a company and confers certain rights in respect of those shares, issued by a depositary bank for the purposes of admission to trading. a representative of the issuer (not being an employee of the issuer) acting on behalf of the issuer as the primary day-to-day contact point with the Exchange on regulatory matters. the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the FCA, which can be found in the FCA Handbook cash dividend where holders have the option to reinvest the cash into existing shares of the company at the market price. cash dividend where holders have the option to reinvest the cash into new shares of the company at the market price or net asset value. 4 April 2016 Page 3
9 EEA EEA ETFs enfranchisements Exchange Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) ex date FCA Form 1 the European Economic Area. Includes all current EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. an ETF incorporated in a jurisdiction within the EEA and which is listed with an EEA competent authority (excluding the UKLA). change of voting rights in a class of shares, normally by a conversion into a new class. London Stock Exchange plc, which trades as London Stock Exchange. listed funds that track the performance of an underlying index or basket and can be traded in the same way as an ordinary share. listed securities (asset backed notes) that track the performance of a single underlying index or basket. Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are classified as ETPs. when a stock or dividend is issued by a company it is based upon an "on register" or "record date". However, to create a level playing field, when shares are traded on the Exchange, during a benefit event (e.g. a dividend payment) an ex date is set. Before this ex date, if the shares are sold, the buying party is entitled to the benefit. If the benefit is received by the selling party the selling party will be required to pass on the benefit to the buying party. Financial Conduct Authority. the Exchange s form to complete for formal application of admission of securities to trading. Form 1 can be found on our website at: ents freely negotiable transferable securities shall be considered freely negotiable if they can be traded between the parties to a transaction, and subsequently transferred without restriction, and if all securities within the same class as the security in question are fungible. High Growth Segment the High Growth Segment of the Main Market, principally for high growth, trading businesses that intend in due course to seek admission to the Official List but that may not yet meet the applicable eligibility criteria, in particular due to having a lower proportion of securities in public hands. The High Growth Segment is part of the Exchange s regulated market, and companies must meet 4 April 2016 Page 4
10 the associated requirements set by relevant EU directives and regulations. Securities admitted to the High Growth Segment are not admitted to the Official List. investment entities issuer collective investment undertakings of the closed-end type. any company or other legal person or undertaking (including a public sector issuer) any class of whose securities has been admitted, or is proposed to be, the subject of an application for admission to trading. listed or listing (i) for companies for which the UKLA is the home competent authority, listed is as defined under the Listing Rules. (ii) for other companies, listed is defined as admitted to listing in accordance with their securities regulator s rules. Listing, listed and unlisted shall be construed accordingly. listed structured products listing particulars Listing Rules Main Market Market Abuse Directive MiFID MTF new applicant listed, cash settled, securitised derivatives issued by a party other than the issuer or originator of the underlying asset. a document in such form and containing such information as may be specified in the Listing Rules, including any supplementary listing particulars. the Listing Rules of the UKLA, which can be found in the FCA Handbook. the Exchange s regulated market for securities admitted to trading, which must meet the associated requirements set by EU directives and regulations and, where applicable, the Listing Rules. The Main Market includes securities admitted to the Official List (premium or standard listing), the Specialist Fund Segment and the High Growth Segment. Directive 2003/6/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2003 on insider dealing and market manipulation (market abuse). the European Parliament and Council Directive on markets in financial instruments (No. 2004/39/EC). a Multilateral Trading Facility, defined under Article 4(15) of MiFID. an applicant with no securities already admitted to trading. 4 April 2016 Page 5
11 offer for subscription an invitation to the public by, or on behalf of, an issuer to subscribe for securities of the issuer not yet in issue or allotted (and may be in the form of an invitation to tender at or above a stated minimum price). Official List open offer order book Order book for Retail Bonds order book security order-driven trading service passport prescribed market prospectus Prospectus Directive Professional Securities Market (PSM) the list maintained by the FCA in accordance with section 74(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act offer to existing shareholders where they can buy new shares in the company in proportion to their existing holding, usually at a discount to the market price. Holders cannot trade in the open offer entitlement. Also known as non-renounceable rights. a facility operated by the Exchange for the electronic submission and automatic execution of orders in any order book security. the trading service operated by the Exchange for debt securities that are eligible for the Order book for Retail Bonds. a security which the Exchange has admitted to trading on an order book. a trading service based on an order book. the ability to make a public offer or admit to trading on a regulated market in any of the EEA member states with the production of a prospectus drawn up in accordance with the Prospectus Directive and approved in one member state. a market which has been prescribed by Her Majesty s Treasury in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Prescribed Markets and Qualifying Investments) Order 2001 (SI 2001/996). the document prepared in connection with an application for admission of securities to trading on an EEA regulated market or an offer of securities to the public in any EEA member state pursuant to the rules made by the relevant EEA competent authority. Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (as amended). the Exchange s market for debt securities or depositary receipts of any denomination, aimed at professional investors. The Professional Securities Market is part of the Exchange s MTF. Securities admitted to trading on the 4 April 2016 Page 6
12 Professional Securities Market must be listed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Listing Rules. public offer public sector issuers a public offer, as defined under Article 2(1)(d) of the Prospectus Directive. states and their regional and local authorities, state monopolies, state finance organisations, public international bodies and statutory bodies. Recognised Investment Exchange an organisation that is recognised by FCA as complying with the recognition requirements laid down in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Recognition Requirements for Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses) Regulations record date redenomination redemptions the date on which a shareholder must be registered as the owner of shares in order to receive a dividend or other entitlement. the process of changing the currency on a financial security. repayment of a holding of a class of security. Reference Data Service the Exchange s Reference Data Service, designed to enable market participants to synchronise their trading database with that of the Exchange. Regulatory Information Service regulated market return of capital/cash rights issue RNS scheme of arrangement scheme of a Regulatory Information Service that is approved by the FCA as meeting the Criteria for Regulatory Information Services and that is on the list of Regulatory Information Services maintained by the FCA. a regulated market, as defined under Article 4.1(14) of MiFID. distribution of cash normally resulting from the sale of an asset or securities or other transaction unrelated to retained earnings. offer to existing shareholders where they can buy new shares in the company in proportion to their existing holding usually at a discount to the market price. Holders also have the ability to trade in the rights. the Regulatory Information Service of the London Stock Exchange. a scheme of arrangement requiring shareholder approval under Part 26 of the Companies Act a reconstruction under section 110 of the Insolvency Act 4 April 2016 Page 7
13 reconstruction scrip dividend securities securities regulator settlement Specialist Fund Segment specialist securities stabilisation Standards subdivision distribution of a dividend to shareholders with an option to elect to receive new shares in the company based on a predetermined price instead of a cash payment. shares, depositary receipts, units in a collective investment scheme (as defined in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000), options to subscribe or purchase securities, treasury shares, specialist securities and other instruments specified in section C of Annex I of MiFID ( financial instruments ). any regulator of financial services to which the issuer is bound to comply with its rules and regulations. This may or may not be the same as (or may be in addition to) its EEA competent authority. the process of completing transactions through delivery of the securities together with any related rights and benefits, in return for payment. the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market, is for investment entities that target institutional, professional, professionally advised and knowledgeable investors. The Specialist Fund Segment is part of the Exchange s regulated market, and issuers must meet the associated requirements set by EU directives and regulations. Securities admitted to the Specialist Fund Segment are not admitted to the Official List. debt securities, warrants and certificates representing debt securities which, because of their nature, are normally bought and traded by a limited number of investors who are particularly knowledgeable in investment matters. For the avoidance of doubt, specialist securities should not be construed as meaning securities that are admitted to the Specialist Fund Segment. a stabilisation may occur after a new issue in accordance with FCA rules. It will entail the stabilising manager buying shares in the market in order to counter selling pressure in the initial market. This stabilisation period must be fully disclosed by way of a daily notice and last for a maximum of 30 days. see Admission and Disclosure Standards. whereby a company splits each ordinary share into more than one share, thereby increasing the number of shares in 4 April 2016 Page 8
14 issue and decreasing the share price and nominal value. suitable exchange suspension of trading tender/ repurchase offers trading system transferable securities UCITS and UCITS Directive UK UKLA unlisted when issued dealing an exchange deemed suitable by the Exchange for the purpose of admitting ATT Only securities. any cessation of trading imposed by the Exchange, including a trading halt. offer made to existing holders to sell their shares at a set price. the trading system operated by the Exchange. transferable securities as defined under Article 4.1(18) of MiFID. Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (as amended). United Kingdom. the competent authority for listing in the UK, namely the UK Listing Authority, which is part of the FCA. see listed. a period of conditional trading with deferred settlement wherein trades are conditional to the securities listing or trading becoming effective. 4 April 2016 Page 9
15 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview This document sets out the rules and responsibilities in relation to a company s admission to trading and ongoing disclosure obligations for companies seeking admission, or already admitted, to trading on our markets. Defined terms are in bold and definitions can be found in the Glossary. References to times shall mean London time. The rules include guidance, which can be located directly below the rule, in italics. From time to time, the Exchange may also issue separate guidance notes on specific issues which may affect certain companies. The rules for trading securities are set out in the Rules of the London Stock Exchange. 1.2 Purpose The Exchange operates a regulated market and two MTFs which are registered with the European Securities and Markets Authority in accordance with relevant EU directives and regulations. The Main Market is the Exchange s regulated market and includes issuers admitted to trading on the Official List (premium or standard listing), the High Growth Segment and the Specialist Fund Segment. The Exchange s MTFs include AIM and a MTF on which all other MTF securities are traded, including PSM and ATT Only securities. The Exchange is a Recognised Investment Exchange under UK law. This means the Exchange must ensure that all securities admitted to trading on its markets, and all dealings in those securities are conducted in accordance with the primary and secondary market regulatory obligations set out in the FCA's sourcebook for Recognised Investment Exchanges. This requires minimum standards to be placed upon companies seeking to have their securities admitted to trading. In developing the Standards, which are set out this document, we have applied the following principles: to provide companies which meet the admission requirements with access to our markets to promote investor confidence in the markets we operate to maintain the quality and attractiveness of our markets to companies and investors to operate proper and orderly markets to minimise any overlap with the rules of an issuer s EEA competent authority. 4 April 2016 Page 10
16 1.3 Scope The Standards apply to all issuers on all the Exchange s markets, but do not apply to securities admitted to trading on AIM and derivatives contracts traded on the London Stock Exchange Derivatives Market. The Standards also apply to an issuer with a prospectus approved by an EEA competent authority passporting to the UK for admission of its securities to a regulated market (with or without an application for the Official List). The Standards also apply to a Key Adviser in respect of relevant provisions to the High Growth Segment. Where transferable securities (which have been admitted to trading on a regulated market) are admitted to trading on a MTF operated by the Exchange, without a request from the issuer, the Exchange does not require the issuer to demonstrate compliance with the initial, ongoing or ad hoc disclosure obligations set out in the Standards. For many issuers, a two-stage admission process will apply to companies who want to have their securities admitted to trading on our markets, which will involve the securities being admitted to listing by the issuer s securities regulator as well as admitted to trading by the Exchange. We require issuers that are admitted to trading on our markets to comply with the disclosure obligations of the issuer s securities regulator to give investors dealing in those securities proper information for determining the current value of the securities and confidence that the market is well-regulated. All of the Exchange s markets referred to above fall within the definition of a prescribed market for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) and are subject to the UK s market abuse regime. 1.4 Admission to our markets The route to admission New applicants To join our markets, most companies need to show that they have met the minimum requirements of an EEA competent authority. Companies must also commit to comply with our Standards. However, we retain discretion and flexibility so that, in appropriate circumstances, some areas of the Standards can be tailored to reflect an individual issuer s needs. Derogations from these Standards are at the sole discretion of the Exchange and requests should be made in writing to the Exchange and give sufficient time for the Exchange to consider the request. Where a prospectus is required to be published prior to admission to trading by the Exchange, the rules governing the publication of a prospectus are those of the home EEA competent authority of the issuer / applicant. In the UK, the competent authority is the UKLA. A prospectus may also be required where an issuer is making an offer of its transferable securities to the public. 4 April 2016 Page 11
17 Issuers seeking admission to the listed segments of the Main Market or PSM should have regard to the relevant chapters of the Listing Rules and must be added to the Official List by the UKLA. Issuers seeking admission to the Specialist Fund Segment should have regard to Schedule 4. Issuers seeking admission to the High Growth Segment should have regard to the High Growth Segment Rulebook at Schedule 5 and which applies to all issuers seeking admission or admitted to that segment and their Key Advisers (as such term is defined in those rules), in addition to these rules. Issuers seeking admission to Admission to Trading Only should have regard to Schedule 6 [Pending SEN 02/16]. Prior to admission, new applicants who are applying for admission to trading must submit the appropriate forms within the timeframe set out in the Standards. The application includes the issuer s agreement to be bound by the Standards, and all fields must be completed, including the proposed settlement solution for trading in the issuer s securities. The Exchange considers applications on each business day. Once admitted to trading, securities are traded on the Exchange s Millennium Exchange trading system. Information on the different trading services is available in the Exchange s Millennium Exchange Business Parameters, available at Additional guidance for certain securities Debt securities Debt securities are admitted to trading on the Main Market or PSM. They are traded on the Exchange s dedicated trading services for debt securities, including the Order book for Retail Bonds and the Order book for Fixed Income Securities. Issuers should have regard to the guidance set out at: Green Bonds Green bonds are admitted to the Main Market or PSM. A debt security can be traded on a dedicated green bond segment if it meets the green bond criteria set out at: Depositary receipts Depositary Receipts are admitted to trading on the Main Market, PSM or ATT Only. They are traded on the Exchange s dedicated trading service for depositary 4 April 2016 Page 12
18 receipts, the International Order Book. Guidance Issuers of depositary receipts may wish to consider admitting the maximum number of securities which the prospectus or listing particulars allow, in order to avoid having to produce a prospectus whenever new depositary receipts are created as part of the normal course of a depositary receipt programme. ETFs & ETPs (including EEA ETFs) ETFs and ETPs are admitted to trading on the Main Market. Issuers of EEA ETFs should have regard to Rule 4.9 and Part C of Schedule 1. Issuers should also refer to the listing policy set out at: Transfers between our markets and market segments For any transfer between the Exchange s markets or market segments, an issuer must follow the full admission process for the market to which the issuer seeks admission to trading. An issuer must also follow the Listing Rules where applicable. For further information relating to transfers between our markets, please contact the relevant team at the Exchange Transfers from AIM A move from AIM to another of our markets will, in most cases, require the production of a prospectus in line with the rules governing the publication of prospectuses in the jurisdiction of the relevant home EEA competent authority Transfers from High Growth Segment to the Official List Issuers wishing to transfer from the High Growth Segment to the Official List are required to follow the process set out in the High Growth Segment rulebook contained in Schedule Transfers between all other markets Issuers wishing to transfer from any of the Exchange s markets not listed in or above are required to do the following: Comply with the Standards including the procedures set out in Schedule 1 (and where relevant, the criteria contained in Schedules 4 or 6). Issuers that wish to transfer between listing categories should have particular regard to Rule 4.2A. Issue an announcement via a Regulatory Information Service stating the issuer's intention to transfer to the relevant market at least 5 business days before the transfer is to take place; and 4 April 2016 Page 13
19 Where relevant, confirm whether a prospectus or listing particulars is required. 1.6 Communication with the Exchange Our relationship with issuers is a matter of fundamental importance to us. Companies applying for admission to our markets for the first time are encouraged to approach us at the earliest possible stage and, in any event, no later than the timetable outlined in the Standards. New applicants are required to identify a contact within their organisation who will be responsible for communications with the Exchange, both during the initial application process and on an ongoing basis this gives us a clear channel for communicating directly with the issuer. The issuer s contact should be one of the issuer s directors or senior employees and should be fully conversant with all of the issuer s responsibilities relating to the trading of its securities on our markets. If an applicant would like to discuss its application with the Exchange, we would welcome the opportunity to meet prior to admission. The issuer s contact needs to be able to respond to requests and day-to-day market enquiries from us and, in particular, be available before our markets open each morning to resolve any issues which could impact on the market s orderly operation. To ensure that someone is available to answer questions, we encourage issuers to appoint a designated representative from another organisation in addition to the company contact to help cover the day-to-day enquiries. The designated representative is normally the issuer s corporate broker, financial adviser, lawyer or accountant. Applicants and issuers will at all times be responsible for the actions and communications made to the Exchange by a designated representative. 1.7 Continuing obligations The Exchange has a responsibility to ensure that it operates proper and orderly markets. In order to achieve this, it is essential that issuers on our markets publish price-sensitive information on a timely basis and in accordance with the rules of their securities regulator, which impose a general obligation on issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market or prescribed market to release information of this type. The timely publication of information benefits companies by allowing the market in their securities to function properly and benefits investors by ensuring that all participants are operating on an equal basis. Where such information is published on an internet site, the issuer must provide details of the internet address via a Regulatory Information Service. The Standards relating to disclosure of information to the Exchange are outlined in Continuing Obligations and include a requirement for an issuer to inform the Exchange of the timetable for any corporate action affecting the rights of existing shareholders. 4 April 2016 Page 14
20 1.8 Compliance It is vital that compliance with the Standards is enforced for the benefit of all issuers and the Exchange s markets as a whole. Compliance with the Standards is important to ensure that we continue to operate high-quality and orderly markets and that there is suitable protection for all market participants.. As far as possible, when a breach is detected, action is taken on a timely basis. In particular, we are able to suspend trading in an issuer s securities and, in extreme circumstances, to cancel the right of an issuer s securities to be traded. We can also censure an issuer (privately or publicly) or issue a fine, if it has breached our Standards. The procedures relating to disciplinary and appeals matters are set out in the Compliance Procedures. 1.9 Fees The admission fee is calculated in accordance with the Exchange s scale of fees as set out in the document Fees for issuers. This publication, as updated from time to time, can be found on our website at The Exchange reserves the right to cancel an issuer s securities (in accordance with Rule 4.20) or refuse an application for admission to trading where an applicant or issuer fails to pay applicable fees owed by it to the Exchange. 4 April 2016 Page 15
21 SECTION 2: ADMISSION CONDITIONS Issuers must satisfy the obligations set forth in this section to enable the Exchange to perform its functions and meet its regulatory responsibilities as a Recognised Investment Exchange and operator of a regulated market and MTFs. PART 1 ADMISSION CONDITIONS 2.1 An application for admission to trading of any class of securities must: (a) relate to all securities of that class, issued or proposed to be issued; or (b) if securities of that class are already admitted to trading on the Exchange s markets, relate to all further securities of that class, issued or proposed to be issued. Guidance to Rule: For UK incorporated issuers that are subject to the Listing Rules, an application for admission to trading of any class of securities must relate only to securities which are listed or proposed to be listed or equivalent. 2.2 An issuer must be in compliance with the requirements of: (a) any securities regulator by which it is regulated; and /or (b) any stock exchange on which it has securities admitted to trading. 2.3 In the case of transferable securities, all such securities must be freely negotiable. 2.4 Securities that are admitted to trading on any regulated market operated by the Exchange must be capable of being traded in a fair, orderly and efficient manner. 2.5 The Exchange may refuse an application for the admission to trading of securities if it considers that: (a) the applicant s situation is such that admission of the securities may be detrimental to the orderly operation of the Exchange s markets and/or to the integrity or reputation of such markets; or (b) the applicant does not and/or will not comply with the Standards or with any special condition imposed upon the applicant by the Exchange. 2.6 Issuers must confirm that they meet the criteria and requirements of the market to which they are applying. Guidance to Rule: Issuers are required to tick the relevant box on Form 1 to indicate the market to which they are seeking admission. 4 April 2016 Page 16
22 Settlement In addition to Rule 2.5, as per our obligations under MiFID, the Exchange has the right to refuse an application for the admission to trading of securities to a certain market or market segment if it considers that the securities are better suited to another of the Exchange s markets or segments. 2.7 To be admitted to trading, securities must be eligible for electronic settlement. The issuer must inform the Exchange at the time of application of the chosen settlement mechanism and if settlement restrictions will apply to any securities to be considered for admission. Guidance to Rule: The Exchange requires that an appropriate settlement solution is in place, dependent upon the trading platform on which the securities are to be traded. Accepted central security depositaries include Euroclear UK & Ireland, Euroclear Bank, Depository Trust Clearing Corporation (DTCC) or Monte Titoli S.p.A.. Other central securities depositaries will be considered on a caseby-case basis. Issuers should note that certain of the Exchange's trading services have trades cleared by central counterparties. In these cases, the securities have to be eligible for the central counterparty as well as the central securities depositary. In addition, the central counterparties may restrict where settlement can occur. Communication 2.8 An issuer must identify a contact within their organisation who will be responsible for communications between the Exchange and the issuer, and the Exchange must be notified in writing of any changes thereafter. An issuer may also wish to use a designated representative. The issuer will be responsible for all actions and communications with the Exchange made on its behalf by a designated representative. Guidance to Rule: The contact should be fully conversant with the issuer s responsibilities under these Standards and will be either a director or senior employee of the issuer in a position to act as the Exchange s point of contact. At the issuer s discretion, a designated representative from another organisation may also be selected to act as the primary day-to-day contact point with the Exchange on regulatory matters. Details of the issuer s contact and any designated representative must be provided to the Exchange at the time of the application for admission to trading and the Exchange must be notified in writing of any changes thereafter. 2.9 An issuer must ensure that all information provided in connection with the application for admission to trading is in all respects accurate, complete and not misleading. An issuer must be open, honest and co-operative in all dealings with the Exchange. 4 April 2016 Page 17
23 PART 2 CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN ROUTES TO MARKET Specialist Fund Segment 2.10 In addition to the provisions contained in Rules 2.1 to 2.9, an issuer applying for admission to trading or has been admitted on the Specialist Fund Segment must comply with the rules at Schedule 4. High Growth Segment 2.11 In addition to the provisions contained in Rules 2.1 to 2.9, an issuer applying for admission to trading or has been admitted on the High Growth Segment must comply with the High Growth Segment rulebook at Schedule 5. Admission to Trading Only 2.12 In addition to the provisions contained in Rules 2.1 to 2.9, an issuer applying for admission to or has been admitted to Admission to Trading Only must comply with the rules at Schedule 6 [Pending SEN 02/16]. EEA ETFs 2.13 In addition to the provisions contained in Rules 2.1 to 2.9, an issuer of EEA ETFs must follow the EEA ETFs procedures at Part C of Schedule 1. PART 3 ADMISSION PROCESS Early notification 2.14 In addition to the application requirements of these Standards, an applicant who proposes to admit equity or depositary receipt securities should notify the Exchange no later than when it provides its eligibility letter to the UKLA (or at least 20 business days prior to proposed admission to trading on the Specialist Fund Segment, High Growth Segment or ATT Only). An applicant must provide the Exchange with such further information that it requests. Notifications should be made to An issuer proposing to admit securities that will be the subject of an application for admission to trading must agree the timetable for the admission to trading of those securities in advance with the Exchange The issuer must contact the Exchange no later than ten business days before the application is to be considered. Guidance to Rule: The Form 1 should be sent to the Exchange (marked for the attention of Admissions ) in accordance with the procedures contained in Schedule Admission of securities becomes effective only when the decision of the Exchange to admit the securities to trading has been announced by the Exchange via a Regulatory Information Service. 4 April 2016 Page 18
24 SECTION 3: APPLICATION RULES Introduction This section includes rules and guidance in respect of provisional applications and formal applications of securities for admission to trading. Provisional application 3.1 To ensure the Exchange can properly consider any application for admission to trading the issuer must comply with the procedure contained in Part A of Schedule 1. Amendments to Schedule 1 will be made from time to time as the Exchange considers appropriate. 3.2 The issuer must submit a provisional application to the Exchange no later than ten business days before the application is to be considered. Formal application 3.3 Save where otherwise agreed by the Exchange, an applicant must comply with the procedure contained in Part B of Schedule 1 in order to make its formal application to the Exchange. 3.4 The Exchange will not ordinarily admit securities to trading without each of the documents and items listed in Part B of Schedule 1 having been lodged with the Exchange (marked for the attention of Admissions ) in so far as they are relevant. All documents submitted to the Exchange must be written in English and submitted electronically. 3.5 Part C of Schedule 1 sets out additional requirements for certain securities. Further issues 3.6 When further issues of securities are allotted of the same class as securities already admitted to trading on our markets, issuers must assess whether either a prospectus or listing particulars are required. If applicable, these must be submitted to the relevant EEA competent authority for review and approval in accordance with its rules. Application for admission of such further securities by the submission of a Form 1 must also be made, at the same time as the application for listing where applicable, and in any event not later than 48 hours before the application is to be considered. Fees 3.7 An invoice for the admission fee will be raised on admission. The admission fee is calculated in accordance with the Exchange s scale of fees (see Rule 4.11). Payment of the admission fee must be received no later than 30 days after the date of this invoice. When Issued Dealing 3.8 If a request for when issued dealing is to be considered, the procedure in Schedule 2 must be followed. 4 April 2016 Page 19
25 3.9 The Exchange may refuse when issued dealing if it considers that: a) the when issued dealing may be detrimental to the orderly operation of the Exchange s markets or to the integrity or reputation of such markets; or b) the applicant for when issued dealing does not and/or will not comply with the Standards or with any special condition imposed upon the applicant by the Exchange. Guidance to Rule: All when issued dealing trades will be for deferred settlement and if the resulting securities are not admitted to trading on an unconditional basis, every when issued dealing trade effected is void. After admission 3.10 Where relevant, a statement of the number of securities which were, in fact, issued and, where different from the number which were the subject of the application, the aggregate number of securities of that class in issue must be lodged with the Exchange (marked for the attention of Admissions ) as soon as it becomes available An issuer who proposes to change its name must, as soon as possible, notify the Exchange in writing of the change, stating the date on which it has taken effect. The issuer should provide the Exchange with a copy of the revised change of name document as issued by the relevant registrar of companies in the issuer s country of incorporation. Block admission 3.12 Where an issuer admits securities that will not be allotted prior to admission and that do not require a prospectus or listing particulars, the issuer may make an application for a block admission. These admissions may be pursuant to employee share schemes or the exercise of options. Guidance to Rule: Where an issuer wishes to admit securities on a regular basis, they may make an application for a block admission. Block admissions will usually be for the reasons stated in Rule 3.12 but the Exchange will consider requests for other reasons. The Exchange will monitor the correct usage of this facility and the number of block admission applications per issuer. 4 April 2016 Page 20
26 SECTION 4: CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS General 4.1 In order for its securities to be admitted to trading and to remain on the Exchange s markets, issuers must be in compliance with: (a) the requirements of any securities regulator by which it is regulated; and/or (b) the requirements of any stock exchange on which it has securities admitted to trading; and (c) the provisions set out in the Standards, including any modification to the application of the Standards which has been notified via our website. This shall be without prejudice to any securities regulator and/or stock exchange having rights to enforce compliance under its own rules and requirements, national law and regulation and EU directives and regulations. 4.2 Issuers must notify the Exchange without delay of any change of status of the information provided in respect of the listing or admission to trading (or cancellation from trading) of the issuer s securities on any other exchange or trading platform, where such admission or cancellation is at the application or agreement of the issuer. 4.2A An issuer admitted to trading on the Main Market that wishes to transfer between listing categories pursuant to Listing Rule 5.4A must notify the Exchange of its intention to transfer listing category. Such notification must be made as early as possible and no later than 3 business days before the transfer is due to take place. The notification should include: details of the issuer, the relevant security and the change in listing category sought; an explanation of why the issuer is seeking to transfer; the date on which the issuer wishes the transfer to take effect and contact details of the person the Exchange should liaise with in relation to the transfer. 4.3 Subject to the Exchange s compliance with requirements of national law and EU directives and regulations, the Exchange may make additions to, dispense with or modify the application of the Standards (either unconditionally or subject to conditions) in such cases and by reference to such circumstances as it considers appropriate. Provision of information 4.4 Issuers and their designated representatives must provide to the Exchange without delay any information or explanation that the Exchange may reasonably require for the purpose of verifying whether the Standards are being or have been complied with or which relates to the integrity or orderly operation of the Exchange s markets. 4.5 An issuer should reasonably satisfy itself that all information provided by it to the Exchange is correct, complete and not misleading and, if it comes to the 4 April 2016 Page 21
27 subsequent attention of the issuer that the information provided does not meet this requirement, the issuer should advise the Exchange as soon as practicable. Depositary receipts 4.6 [Pending SEN 02/16] Corporate actions 4.7 Issuers must inform the Exchange (marked for the attention of Stock Situations Analysis Team ) in advance of any notification of the timetable for any proposed action affecting the rights of its existing holders of its securities traded on our markets. 4.8 Issuers must comply with the provisions of Schedule 3, where applicable, in order to comply with Rule 4.7. EEA ETFs 4.9 Issuers of EEA ETFs, for whom the UKLA is not the listing authority: (i) (ii) must comply with the listing rules of the EEA state in which they are listed; must notify a Regulatory Information Service as soon as possible of all circulars, notices, reports (as required by the listing rules of the EEA state in which they are listed), at the same time as any such documents are issued; Unless the full text of the document is provided to the Regulatory Information Service, the notification must set out where copies of the relevant document can be obtained. (iii) (iv) must appoint a registrar in the UK if: (a) there are 200 or more holders resident in the UK; or (b) 10% of more of the equity securities are held by persons resident in the UK. must notify a Regulatory Information Service on a daily basis of the number of outstanding shares and the Net Asset Value per share. Guidance to Rule: In relation to sub-paragraph (iii) above, an issuer should also consider the requirements of any settlement venue for a UK registrar. An issuer must consider its obligations under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules. For example, the Market Abuse Directive and FCA DTR 1 and DTR 2 will apply to ETFs admitted to trading on a regulated market in the UK, even if UKLA is not the listing authority. An issuer must also obtain fund recognition from the FCA and adhere to the continuing obligations contained within the UCITS Directives. 4 April 2016 Page 22
Debt Listings Requirements Contents
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