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AIM turns thirty: London's junior stock market has launched big names - but now faces IHT threat

The Alternative Investment Market (AIM), London's junior stock market, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023. Launched in 1995, AIM has been instrumental in the growth of numerous companies, including notable names like ASOS, Fever-Tree, and Boohoo. Despite its success in fostering entrepreneurial ventures and providing a platform for smaller companies to raise capital, AIM now faces significant challenges. One of the primary threats is the potential change in inheritance tax (IHT) rules. Currently, investments in AIM shares qualify for Business Property Relief (BPR), which exempts them from IHT if held for at least two years. However, there are concerns that the UK government might alter these tax benefits, which could deter investors and impact the market's attractiveness. This comes at a time when AIM has already seen a decline in new listings and market capitalization, with the number of companies listed dropping from a peak of over 1,700 to around 800. The market's future now hinges on maintaining its tax advantages and adapting to the evolving financial landscape.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/aim-turns-thirty-london-s-junior-stock-market-has-launched-big-names-but-now-faces-iht-threat/ar-AA1wY2dt ]