FTSE Russell Proposes Lowering Free Float Requirement for Foreign Companies to Boost London Market Appeal

FTSE Russell published a consultation on Monday, January 27, 2026, proposing to reduce the minimum free-float requirement for foreign-incorporated companies in the FTSE UK Index Series from 25% to 10%. This proposed change would align foreign companies with the existing requirements for UK-incorporated companies. The move is intended to enhance the competitiveness of the United Kingdom GBas a global listing hub.

The London Stock Exchange Group LSEG.L, which owns FTSE Russell, is making this proposal amid a significant slowdown in the number of companies going public in London. Many businesses have opted to list on other major financial centers in the United States, Hong Kong, and mainland Europe. By aligning these requirements, FTSE Russell aims to ensure that the FTSE UK benchmarks, including the FTSE 100 Index FTSE, are more representative of the markets they track.