Wise’s U.S. Switch Lands Blow to London’s Stock Exchange
Hey FinTech Fanatic!
The UK took another hit this week as Wise, one of its standout FinTech names, announced plans to shift its primary listing from London to New York. While the move includes a dual listing, keeping London as a secondary venue, it highlights deeper concerns surrounding the London Stock Exchange.
Wise’s decision reflects growing pressure on London’s capital markets, where limited liquidity and lower valuations have led several firms to reconsider their future.
According to Wise, the shift is mainly about access to more capital and to a wider investor base. “We believe the addition of a primary US listing would help us accelerate our mission and bring substantial strategic and capital market benefits to Wise and our owners,” said co-founder and CEO Kristo Käärmann.
It’s not a full departure, but symbolically, it matters. London, once the undisputed financial center of Europe, no longer offers the depth some companies need. The U.S. remains the go-to destination for firms seeking scale, visibility, and investor engagement. Wise pointed out that many American retail and institutional investors currently lack access to its stock, a gap the new structure aims to close.
Wise went public in London in 2021, choosing a direct listing route that, at the time, was hailed as a win for the UK’s ambitions to become a magnet for global tech IPOs. Now, only 3 years later, the company is valued at £11.07 billion and is making a decisive move across the Atlantic.
This isn’t just a story about one FinTech’s listing strategy. Revolut, Monzo, OakNorth, and others may also be looking across the Atlantic... why else would the UK Treasury meet with them just last month?
Read more global FinTech industry updates below 👇 and I'll be back with more on Monday!
Cheers,
FEATURED NEWS
🇺🇸 Wise is planning to list its shares in the US, the latest blow to London’s stock market. Wise said the move will allow institutional and retail investors in the US to purchase its shares, noting that many of them are currently unable to do so. The move should increase liquidity in the firm’s stock, allowing current shareholders greater flexibility and opportunity to buy and hold our shares.
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PAYMENTS NEWS
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BLOCKCHAIN/CRYPTO NEWS
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PARTNERSHIPS
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DONEDEAL FUNDING NEWS
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M&A
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