Britain's regulators have introduced the Capital Access Window, a new voluntary mechanism for companies listed on AIM. This change, which received widespread support when first proposed in June, is intended to improve companies' access to capital on the London Stock Exchange's junior market while protecting them from share price fluctuations during fundraising periods.
The Capital Access Window allows companies to request a temporary suspension of their shares, ideally for a few days or weeks, while they pursue a capital raise. This aims to remove issues companies face when discussing fundraising with brokers and investors, such as share price declines during negotiations.
Just a week after the new rules took effect, Shaires Holdings became the first AIM-listed company to use the Capital Access Window. The company announced today the close of its fundraise, having raised $108m this year, exceeding its target of $100m. This included $3.4m from a retail offer, which the new rules are expected to make more accessible to a broader range of investors.
Rockhopper Exploration announced yesterday its intention to use the Capital Access Window to raise funds for development work in the North Falkland Basin. Additionally, GEO Exploration Limited has today stated its intent to utilise the mechanism, though details of its raise are yet to be revealed.
The Capital Access Window builds on previous efforts by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to improve retail investor access to UK markets. Earlier this year, the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations came into force, contributing to retail capital's share of UK equity raises reaching its highest level in seven years.