Global standards inspiring investor confidence
While every investor’s portfolio differs, investors need to be confident that their capital is invested in a well-governed market supported by efficient systems. The Main Market’s reputation and integrity are founded on the basis that companies joining it adhere to appropriate standards of corporate governance and transparency, and are traded efficiently.
It is this confidence that builds a deep capital pool and gives investors a wide variety of opportunities to participate.
Gaining access to well-governed companies
All Main Market companies, no matter where their country of incorporation, must meet certain standards of transparency and disclosure.
Primary listed companies are required to meet the highest standards of regulation and disclosure in Europe. A primary listing means the company is expected to meet the UK’s gold standard – described as super-equivalent to the EU directives and implemented as part of the Financial Services Action Plan.
A secondary listing allows non-UK issuers to access the Main Market while meeting EU harmonised standards as opposed to the UK super-equivalent standards required by a primary listing.
Click here for more information on primary and secondary listing.
Gaining access to professionally managed investment funds
Many types of investment companies are admitted to trading on the Main Market, offering investors access to a portfolio of securities managed by professional investors. Investors can gain exposure to different types of investment focus, such as different countries or regions, different sectors or even different types of asset, such as property, shares or bonds.
Types of investment company listed on the Main Market include:
• Investment trusts
• Open Ended Investment Companies (OEICs)
• Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
For further information please click here to visit our dedicated investor centre or click here to access our investment entities section.
Main Market companies participate in some of the world’s most recognisable indices
Standards of corporate governance for primary listed Main Market companies are among the most respected in the world and serve to encourage shareholder trust and value. It is one reason why such companies are eligible for inclusion in the FTSE UK Index Series. These indices, which include the renowned FTSE 100 index, enable investors to measure and benchmark Main Market portfolio performance accurately and flexibly.
The Main Market attracts the most investment interest
Thousands of institutional investors, investment funds, pension funds, charities and trusts target Main Market companies for the vast majority of their UK equity exposure.
The Main Market is supported by some of the world's most advanced technology
The Exchange invests continually in technology for pricing and trading securities and in systems to disperse the information to the global investment community.
For more information on our trading services, please click here.
For more information on our information services, please click here.
Main Market shares can be included in ISA or PEP portfolios
Main Market shares are ‘qualifying investments’ as defined by HM Revenue & Customs and so are eligible for inclusion in ISA and PEP plans.