A Busy Start to 2026 for ShareSoc’s  Chair

Our Chair, Heather Benjamin, has had a busy start to 2026, continuing to raise ShareSoc’s profile. 

The London Stock Exchange marked the introduction of the new Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATR) regime and the launch of Access Bonds. For the first time in a generation, retail investors can access UK corporate bonds on the same disclosure terms as institutions, and in denominations that make sense. 

The Power of Retail event hosted by RetailBook and Peel Hunt brought together policymakers, regulators, market infrastructure and practitioners to talk candidly about how retail capital can be better engaged. It was particularly encouraging to hear clear recognition from HM Treasury and the FCA that unlocking retail participation isn’t just good for investors, it’s essential for healthier capital markets. 

Both events pointed to a growing consensus that individual investors are an important part of the solution. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Heather also attended RetailBook’s inaugural dinner which brought together over fifty influential women shaping the UK’s capital markets. This very successful event set a powerful tone for collaboration across the industry and is certain to be repeated. 
 

RetailBook’s theme of Turning Policy into Practice set the tone for the evening, with discussions among senior leaders from policy, banking, law, the media, trade associations, government, market infrastructure and beyond.  

The group explored how we can unlock the power of the UK’s retail capital to drive growth, strengthen markets, and support the next generation of British companies in 2026. 

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