Following consultation earlier this year, the Takeover Panel has published a response statement adopting amendments to the Takeover Code concerning dual class share structures (DCSS), IPOs, and share buybacks. The amendments take effect on 4 February 2026 and will apply to all companies and transactions, including those straddling the implementation date, except where to do so would give the amendments retroactive effect.

Welcome to the Corporate Briefing, where we review the latest developments in UK corporate law that you need to know about. In this month’s issue we discuss: AIM Feedback Statement: Immediate changes and next steps This feedback statement sets out a roadmap for AIM that incorporates immediate easing measures via derogations and guidance with wider reforms, including resetting the nominated adviser model. FRC updates guidance on non-executive director remuneration to support good governance The FCA has updated the guidance on non-executive director remuneration (NEDs) in the UK Corporate Governance Code guidance. Final regulations on new reporting requirements for payment practices and performance The Government has published legislation requiring large companies to report annually on their payment practices and performance in the directors’ report for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2026.

Following its April 2025 Discussion Paper, “Shaping the Future of AIM", the London Stock Exchange (the Exchange) has published a feedback statement outlining its roadmap for AIM. This plan combines immediate easing measures, implemented through derogations and guidance, with a broader programme of reforms.To support this roadmap, the Exchange will reset the nominated adviser (nomad) model to re-prioritise value added, high-quality corporate finance advice and dispel misconceptions that have built up through market practice about what is required by the Exchange. It will engage with firms on a new, consolidated technical guide for nomads that clarifies responsibilities, expectations and boundaries, and it will retire legacy guidance currently delivered through Inside AIM publications. In parallel, the Exchange will pilot a refreshed approach to Qualified Executive approval to provide nomads with more autonomy while maintaining safeguards on quality. 

Welcome to the Corporate Briefing, where we review the latest developments in UK corporate law that you need to know about. In this month’s issue we discuss: FCA fines an employee for insider dealing On 13 October 2025 the FCA fined an employee £100,281 for insider dealing for selling his own and close family member’s entire shareholding whilst in possession of, and using, inside information. FCA Primary Market Bulletin No.58 This latest edition of Primary Market Bulletin discusses the implementation timing for the new prospectus regime and consults on new guidance notes to supplement the new regime. FRC publishes Annual Review of Corporate Reporting The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published its Annual Review of Corporate Reporting. The quality of reporting by the FTSE 350 has been maintained but the report suggests areas for improvement.

On 13 October 2025 the FCA fined an employee for insider dealing for selling his own and close family member’s entire shareholding whilst in possession of, and using, inside information.  The FCA has imposed a financial penalty of £100,281 (reduced from £126,575).

This latest edition of Primary Market Bulletin discusses the implementation timing for the new prospectus regime and consults on new guidance notes to supplement the new regime.

Welcome to the Corporate Briefing, where we review the latest developments in UK corporate law that you need to know about. In this month’s issue we discuss: Notification requirements for share buybacks The FCA is consulting on changes to the Listing Rules regarding the notification requirements for share buybacks. LSE publishes 2026 Dividend Procedure Timetable The London Stock Exchange plc has published its dividend procedure timetable for 2026. Market soundings at corporate finance firms The FCA has published the latest edition of Market Watch no.83. In this edition the FCA focus on the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) - market soundings regime and share their observations following a review of the systems and control at corporate finance firms over the last five years.

The FCA has published the latest edition of Market Watch no.83. In this edition the FCA focus on the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) - market soundings regime and share their observations following a review of the systems and control at corporate finance firms over the last five years.