The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is exploring plans to extend or potentially introduce 24-hour trading, as part of efforts to revitalise the UK market and compete more effectively with global exchanges, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Currently, trading hours for London-listed stocks are from 8am to 4.30pm, but LSEG is now reviewing options that include round-the-clock trading or extended hours into the evening. The move would follow similar discussions taking place in the United States, where the New York Stock Exchange last year proposed a dramatic expansion of its own trading window.
A source familiar with the matter told the FT that LSEG is “absolutely looking at it,” and is engaged in “important commercial, policy and regulatory discussions.” Key areas under review include the technical infrastructure, liquidity impact, and implications for companies with dual listings.
The review comes amid growing pressure to make the UK stock market more attractive to both domestic and international investors. A number of high-profile companies have recently shifted or considered shifting their listings to New York, citing stronger liquidity, higher valuations and broader investor bases.
These include: Wise, the online payments platform, which recently proposed a dual listing in the US and UK. Ashtead, which announced a listing move last year, and Flutter Entertainment and CRH, both of which opted to move their listings entirely to the US
Wise’s proposal has triggered a backlash from some investors, including co-founder Taavet Hinrikus, who criticised what he called a lack of transparency regarding proposed changes to the company’s dual-class share structure. He argued that these governance shifts had been “buried in the proposal”.
Wise CEO Kristo Käärmann refuted the claims in a blogpost, insisting the company’s intentions were “clearly and transparently” communicated.
Around-the-clock trading is already the norm in cryptocurrency markets and increasingly accessible to retail investors via platforms like Robinhood, which offer after-hours share dealing. However, traditional stock exchanges remain limited by legacy systems, time zones, and settlement structures.
The New York Stock Exchange has already petitioned US regulators to extend its trading hours from the current 9:30am to 4pm EST to an ambitious 1:30am to 11:30pm. Supporters say such a shift would benefit global and West Coast investors, while critics warn of operational complications, reduced clearing windows, and challenges for fund managers.
In London, concerns have also been raised by brokers and asset managers, who argue that extended hours would necessitate significant tech and staffing investments, and could disrupt the way open-ended funds are priced, as they typically calculate value at market close.
The LSEG’s move forms part of a wider reassessment of the UK’s financial regulatory environment. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has signalled a more pro-growth stance, calling for bold reforms to prevent red tape from “choking off” innovation.
Speaking to City leaders last week, Reeves described regulation as “a boot on the neck of British business” and vowed to support changes that would help stimulate capital markets, encourage listings, and retain high-growth firms.
Whether or not 24-hour trading becomes a reality in London, the very fact it is under consideration suggests a growing urgency to reassert London’s global financial relevance.
The London Stock Exchange Group declined to comment.
