[Last updated: 1 January 2024, unless otherwise noted] 

All information and materials submitted to the AIM team at the LSE or disclosed to the market in London must be in the English language.

Key differences in requirements for domestic companies

The key differences in requirements between domestic and foreign companies seeking AIM admission relate to financial statements and settlement.

An AIM company incorporated in the United Kingdom must present its financial information in accordance with UK IAS.

All shares admitted to AIM must be capable of electronic settlement. One of the main differences for a company incorporated in the United Kingdom trading its shares on AIM compared to a non-UK company is that a UK company’s shares (as well as the shares of a company incorporated in the Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man) are eligible for direct participation in CREST, the UK electronic settlement system. By contrast, companies incorporated in other jurisdictions need to establish a depository arrangement with a UK bank or other provider which will issue depository interests representing the company’s underlying shares as depository interests are eligible for settlement within CREST. The UK bank or other provider will typically charge fees for: (i) setting up the depository interest structure; (ii) annual maintenance; and (iii) each transaction in the company’s shares. Depository interests are a settlement mechanism and are not the same as depositary receipts.