On 5 August 2026 the London Stock Exchange's most comprehensive AIM rule changes since 1995 took effect. AIM now permits special (dual-class) voting shares at admission so founders and management can retain enhanced control, drops the formal working-capital-statement requirement, raises the substantial-transaction threshold from 10% to 25%, and lets UK/EEA applicants use IFRS or local GAAP. Unlike the Main Market, there are no mandatory sunset provisions on the enhanced voting rights.
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Biggest AIM rules overhaul since 1995 takes effect, allowing founder dual-class shares
Why this matters for founders
UK founders eyeing a future public listing can now structure a growth company on AIM while keeping voting control via special voting shares, and face a lighter admission-document and governance burden. Factor AIM into your longer-term financing roadmap and brief your advisers on the new dual-class option before any IPO planning.
Source: Shoosmiths
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