On 28 October 2025, DFIN proudly partnered with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) in Singapore to support the Asia Pacific Capital Markets Forum. This influential event brought together leading voices from Ashurst, Peel Hunt, and DFIN, alongside special guest Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi, to explore why London continues to be a compelling venue for Asia Pacific companies seeking global capital access.
Featured speakers:
- Thom Abbott, Head of SE Asia Primary Markets, London Stock Exchange Group
- Kallum Pickering, Chief Economist, Peel Hunt
- Steven Fine, Chief Executive Officer, Peel Hunt
- Tom Mercer, Partner, Ashurst
- Patricia Myles, Global Regulatory Compliance Consultant, DFIN
- Eben Upton, Chief Executive Officer, Raspberry Pi
London’s Competitive Edge for International Listings
The forum opened with remarks from Thom Abbott, Head of SE Asia Primary Markets at LSEG, and featured insights from UK market specialists. The consensus was clear: London offers scale, credibility, and deep pools of capital for growth companies from APAC. Despite perceptions of complexity, recent UK Listing Rule and prospectus reforms have made the market more accessible and globally competitive.
Key Insights from the Panel: Steps to a Successful London Listing
The panel discussion, moderated by LSEG, featured Patricia Myles (DFIN), Steven Fine (Peel Hunt), and Tom Mercer (Ashurst). Here are the key takeaways:
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IPO Readiness is Essential
Companies must ensure robust governance, internal controls, and compliance with UK standards. The Financial Position, Prospects & Procedures (FPPP) framework remains central to UK listing requirements. -
Engage Investors Early
Begin outreach 12–18 months before IPO to build relationships and communicate the equity story effectively. -
Understand the Prospectus Process
Drafting, verification, FCA review, and publication require careful planning. Structuring for FTSE index eligibility can enhance visibility and liquidity. -
London is Accessible
Recent reforms and digital solutions have simplified the process, dispelling myths about complexity.
These insights were reinforced during a discussion with Eben Upton, whose experience with Raspberry Pi’s journey to the London market underscored the opportunities available for innovative global businesses.
Common Challenges for Non-UK Issuers
The discussion also highlighted potential challenges for APAC-based companies, including:
- Governance and Board Composition: Meeting UK standards for independent directors and committees.
- Regulatory Familiarity: Navigating FCA requirements and ongoing disclosure obligations.
- Cultural and Market Differences: Aligning investor relations strategies with UK expectations.
Addressing these considerations early is essential for a smooth listing process.
Technology as an Enabler: DFIN ActiveDisclosure
If you are considering or planning an IPO in London, now is the time to explore how DFIN ActiveDisclosure can support your journey. DFIN’s purpose-built platform helps issuers:
- Streamline complex regulatory filing and post-IPO reporting processes
- Ensure accuracy and compliance with evolving UK standards
- Manage ESG and ESEF disclosures efficiently for post-IPO compliance
ActiveDisclosure empowers companies to meet regulatory requirements confidently, from prospectus preparation to post-listing obligations.
Why DFIN?
Since 2017, we’ve supported 800+ traditional IPOs and 350+ SPACs globally. Today, over 2,000 companies rely on our compliance solutions, and we process 170,000 regulatory filings annually—leveraging automation, digital technologies, and AI to save time and reduce risk.
Learn more about DFIN ActiveDisclosure and our ESEF & UKSEF Reporting Solutions.
Thank You to Our Partners
DFIN extends its sincere appreciation to the London Stock Exchange Group for hosting this important dialogue and to our fellow panellists for sharing their expertise. We remain committed to supporting international issuers as they seek to access London’s capital markets and to navigate the regulatory and governance requirements with confidence and precision. Learn more:
