Recognised stock exchanges
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-06)

Find out what is meant by a 'recognised stock exchange' and the legislation that applies.

What is a ‘recognised stock exchange’

The term ‘recognised stock exchange’ occurs throughout the Taxes Acts and in various tax regulations. For example, it’s used in the definition of investments which may be held in Individual Savings Accounts and in the qualifying criteria for the quoted Eurobond exemption. Recognised stock exchange legislation is found under S1005 Income Tax Act (ITA) 2007.

HMRC will consider the designation of a stock exchange as a recognised stock exchange under S1005 ITA 2007 on receipt of a request made by a stock exchange. The fact that a particular exchange is not recognised may simply mean that recognition has not been requested.

Read more about stock exchanges recognised by HMRC and view tables of recognised stock exchanges (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recognised-stock-exchanges-definition-legislation-and-tables/).

Contact HMRC

You can contact us by email if you are, or represent:
- a stock exchange interested in becoming designated by HMRC as a recognised stock exchange.
- an existing recognised stock exchange providing updates relating to your activities or designation.
Stock exchanges can contact us by emailing xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

If you email HMRC with a recognised stock exchange query, we will normally reply to you by email.

However, as the security of email cannot be guaranteed, it’s important that you:
- understand and accept the risks associated with using email and attachments
- are happy for HMRC to send you information concerning your business or personal details by email
If you do email us, confirm that you accept those risks and confirm the email address (or addresses) that you want us to reply to.

If you do not want HMRC to reply to your original message by email, state this clearly and supply alternative contact details so that we can contact you in writing or by telephone.

HMRC cannot access emails marked ‘Private’. If you have sent your enquiry this way, you should resend the email as ‘Normal’.

This email address should not be used for queries from parties other than stock exchanges or their authorised representatives.

More information on recognised stock exchanges

Details of which stock exchanges are designated as recognised stock exchanges can be found in the following tables of recognised stock exchanges:
- designated exchanges (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-recognised-stock-exchanges-section-1005-income-tax-act-2007)
- designated countries (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recognised-stock-exchanges-section-1005-income-tax-act-2007)
- alternative finance investment bonds (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recognised-stock-exchanges-section-48a-finance-act-2005)
Whether a share or security is ‘listed’ on a recognised stock exchange, for tax purposes, is a question of fact and HMRC does not designate listed status. However these tables do provide guidance on whether shares or securities are likely to be ‘listed’, based on the most up to date information held by HMRC.

When considering the application of any tax rules which refer to recognised stock exchanges or the listing of shares or securities, always check the:
- recognised stock exchange guidance and tables
- guidance and legislation relating to the tax rules in question
Where further clarification is needed, consider seeking advice from an agent or broker, an independent financial adviser, or the stock exchange concerned.