The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales published a new technical guidance note (Tech 01/13CFF) in March 2013 (with an effective implementation date of 1 September 2013) giving “Guidance on financial position and prospects procedures” on London IPOs.
The note is here. From the ICAEW’s covering note on its website:
“ICAEW has published guidance that addresses a regulatory requirement of companies seeking a listing (or admission to trading) on a UK market.
Directors of a company that is seeking a Premium Listing of its shares on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange have a regulatory obligation to have established procedures that provide a reasonable basis for them to make proper judgements on an ongoing basis about the company’s financial position and prospects. There are also regulatory requirements regarding financial position and prospects (FPP) procedures for companies seeking an admission to trading on AIM or the ISDX Growth Market. A reporting accountant will usually be requested to perform services in this regard.
Technical Release TECH 01/13CFF was published following a consultation launched in June 2010 and an exposure draft published in March 2012. TECH 01/13CFF is aimed at:
- directors of companies preparing for an IPO, explaining how they can demonstrate that they have established FPP procedures to address relevant objectives and;
- reporting accountants undertaking an assurance engagement to address relevant objectives and providing an assurance report in relation to FPP procedures established by directors.
TECH 01/13CFF replaces the guidance in FRAG 10/95 The London Stock Exchange Listing Rules paragraphs 2.11 and 2.8. It should be implemented by 1 September 2013.”
