The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a Primary Market Bulletin (PMB No. 29), in which it sets out the results of its consultation (in PMB No. 25) on best practice for government departments, industry regulators and public bodies on identifying, controlling and disclosing inside information. It has also published its finalised best practice note. … Read more

Further guidance for companies has been published in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Company meetings and other corporate actions Shareholder meetings – The Government has published the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill (together with Explanatory Notes) which contains relaxations to the company meeting requirements contained in the Companies Act 2006 (as well as the meeting … Read more

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a press release and consultation on the Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SME) growth market regime in the EU. In the UK, AIM is designated as an SME growth market. Possible amendments to the regime SME growth markets were established under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive … Read more

The Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and Prospectus Regulation (PR) have been amended for issuers on SME growth markets. In the UK, AIM is an SME growth market and so the changes are relevant to all issuers on AIM. The amendments (made by Regulation (EU) 2019/2115) are intended to reduce the administrative burden for issuers on … Read more

In December 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fined a former PDMR of Braemar Shipping Services plc (a premium listed company) for failing to announce transactions in the company’s shares in accordance with Article 19 of the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR). This is the first enforcement action in connection with the PDMR dealing provisions in … Read more