Who Owns the London Stock Exchange?

By Michael Ferguson

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is one of the most prominent financial institutions in the world. It’s a hub for trading stocks and other securities, and its influence spans across continents.

However, despite its global reach, many people wonder who exactly owns the LSE. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and shed some light on the ownership structure of this iconic institution.

What is the London Stock Exchange?

Before we dive into the ownership structure of the LSE, let’s briefly touch upon what it is and what it does. The LSE was founded in 1801 and has since become one of the largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalization. It facilitates trading in a wide range of financial instruments such as shares, bonds, and derivatives.

The LSE’s Ownership Structure

So who owns the London Stock Exchange? The answer isn’t straightforward because it has a diverse ownership structure.

The LSE is a publicly traded company listed on its own exchange under ticker symbol “LSE.” This means that anyone can buy shares in the company and become a part-owner.

However, it’s worth noting that no single entity holds a controlling stake in the LSE. Instead, its ownership is spread across various institutional investors, individual shareholders, and other stakeholders.

One significant block of shares is held by BlackRock – an American investment management firm – which owns around 6% of the LSE’s total issued share capital as of August 2021. Another notable shareholder is Qatar Investment Authority – a sovereign wealth fund – which holds around 5% of shares.

Other institutional investors with significant holdings include The Capital Group Companies Inc., Norges Bank Investment Management, and Legal & General Investment Management.

The Role of Borsa Italiana

In 2007, the LSE acquired Borsa Italiana – Italy’s main stock exchange. As a result, the LSE’s ownership structure also includes shareholders of Borsa Italiana.

The LSE’s Board of Directors

While the LSE is owned by its shareholders, it’s the Board of Directors that oversees its operations. The board is responsible for setting the company’s strategy, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with various regulations.

As of August 2021, the LSE’s board comprised thirteen members. David Schwimmer serves as CEO and Director, while Don Robert acts as Chairman.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the London Stock Exchange is a publicly traded company with a diverse ownership structure. While no single entity holds a controlling stake in the company, institutional investors such as BlackRock and Qatar Investment Authority are among its largest shareholders. The LSE is overseen by a board of directors responsible for setting its strategic direction and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Sources:

  • https://www.londonstockexchange.com/
  • https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-stocks-lse/lse-ceo-says-no-plans-to-sell-borsa-italiana-business-idUSL8N2PQ1U9
  • https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-10/blackrock-discloses-5-9-holding-in-london-stock-exchange-group
  • https://www.lseg.com/about-london-stock-exchange-group/about-us/board-directors