Exchange services group Aquis Exchange PLC (LON:AQX) today announced that the proposed changes to the rules and regulations of its subsidiary Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE) Growth Market are now in force.

The AQSE Growth Market will be divided into two segments ‘Access’ and ‘Apex’, with different levels of admission criteria, in order to provide appropriate support across companies’ growth cycles. The Access market will focus on earlier stage growth companies, while Apex is the intended market for larger, more established businesses.

As of today:

• New admissions to the Access market can now publish an admission document specifically tailored to small cap companies with proportionate disclosure requirements;
• The Access market will accept SPACs with a minimum market cap of £700,000;
• New admissions to the Apex market will be required to publish a growth prospectus, allowing private investor participation in their IPOs; and
• Companies on the Apex market will be protected from short selling by third parties.

The market maker incentive scheme, which has been designed to increase liquidity on the exchange, will come into effect on January 4, 2021.

The rule changes mark the end of the consultation launched on 1 May 2020, and have been developed to enhance Aquis Stock Exchange and increase support from both retail and institutional investors by applying core Aquis values, such as transparency and innovation to the business, whilst ensuring a robust regulatory framework.

• Following these rule changes Apex companies will need to have:
• A minimum market capitalisation of £10 million
• At least 25% shares in public hands
• At least 2 market makers
• A minimum 2 years’ trading history
• Adopted a recognised governance code, such as the QCA Code

Commenting on the changes coming into effect, Alasdair Haynes, CEO of Aquis, said:

“Private investors are rightly becoming ever more vocal in their demand for better information and equal access. We support this, and through requiring companies joining Apex to publish a growth prospectus we are providing a way for them to be part of a company’s growth journey right from the point of floatation.

This is just one example of the work we have undertaken to create a better, more supportive marketplace for all. We look forward to welcoming many more great growth businesses to Aquis Stock Exchange in due course.”