Investing and trading platform IG has launched a new campaign in a bid to “reverse the alarming decline of the UK’s equity market”.

The firm’s Save Our Stock Market (SOS) campaign also aims to “ignite a culture of investing” across the country.

IG has launched the campaign after 2024 saw 88 companies leave the UK stock market and just 18 join. Companies such as Arm Holdings chose overseas listings for better valuations, while firms such as Wise, Flutter Entertainment and Ashtead Group have chosen to move their listings to the US.

The trading platform believes the UK has prioritised a “savings-first mindset”, while discouraging ordinary people from investing in stock markets.

UK managing director at IG, Michael Healy, said: “We’re watching a crisis unfold and we need bold action. Our stock market – once the envy of the world – is in a downward spiral. At the same time, the UK is stuck in a damaging savings-first mindset, with far too few people investing to build wealth for the long-term.”

IG has proposed a four-point policy framework to help “resuscitate” the UK stock market while also benefiting the public by getting more people investing.

These four policy asks are to close cash ISAs as part of an effort to redirect billions in tax relief from cash savings into equity investments, as well as a call to remove stamp duty.

IG also wants to encourage retail investment in UK companies by providing 20% income tax relief on UK shares held in ISAs for at least three years and also wants to “end the culture of fear” when it comes to investing by increased promotion of the long-term investing benefits without regulatory uncertainty.

“With our SOS campaign, we’re calling on the Government to deliver the urgent policy changes our stock market needs, from scrapping stamp duty on UK shares to encouraging a shift away from stagnant cash savings, and using incentives rather than penalties to get people backing British firms,” Healy added.

“For too long, policymakers have been paralysed by the desire to keep everyone happy. But the time for working groups is over – this is about getting more Brits investing, while saving a strategic national asset before it's too late.”

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