Celebrating the launch of Access Bonds – the next era for UK companies and investors
Today, we are proud to celebrate a new era for UK companies and investors with the launch of Access Bonds.
From 19 January 2026, policy changes delivered as part of the new UK Prospectus Rules are set to reshape the UK bond market. The potential for lower minimum denominations enables companies to raise finance in smaller amounts and provides all UK investors with the opportunity to participate in a wider range of bonds from as little as £1.
This development broadens market participation, allowing more individuals to diversify their portfolios and access opportunities that were previously limited to institutional investors. With the regulatory framework now in place, today marks a clear call to action for the market to embrace these changes and for issuers to begin bringing Access Bonds to life.
To deliver these benefits, the London Stock Exchange is introducing Access Bonds under the FCA’s new Prospectus Rule and is committed to promoting the broadest possible access for investors and supporting the development of UK capital markets.
It's our pleasure to welcome Sarah Pritchard, Deputy Chief Executive of the FCA to the Market Open ceremony, and to have the support of The Rt. Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, HMT with Lucy Rigby KC MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, HMT in this endeavour.
“Today marks not just the launch of our new Access Bonds, but the next step of a journey that has delivered the most significant capital market reforms in a generation. The FCA’s world leading Prospectus Rules will make it easier, faster and more efficient for companies to raise capital and create value in doing so, while opening the door for more retail investors to participate in the growth of exceptional British companies.”
Dame Julia Hoggett
CEO, London Stock Exchange plc
“We want everyone to be able to invest and Access Bonds will let ordinary savers buy a wider range of bonds from as little as £1. This is part of a wider package of reforms that is reinvigorating our capital markets and seeing a revival in companies looking to list, all as the FTSE reaches record highs.”
Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary to the Treasury
The FTSE 100 crossing 10,000 shows that confidence in the UK is strong. The combined efforts of government, regulators, market participants and the London Stock Exchange are driving the next era of growth for UK companies and investors. Together, we are delivering the most significant capital markets reforms in a generation and building an environment that enables more people to have a direct stake in the proceeds of UK economic growth.
Find out more about Access Bonds.
