London's public markets are struggling, and the London Stock Exchange's deputy chief executive says capital is the missing piece to revive them.

Since the start of 2026, 7 companies have listed on the LSE while 15 have de‑listed, underscoring the need for better access to capital.

Charlie Walker said, “We’ve got this sort of mechanically sound car now, and we just need some petrol, and the petrol is capital,” adding that a collective effort from regulators, government and U.K. companies is underway.

Two decades ago U.S. policymakers feared London would eclipse Wall Street as the world’s primary listing destination. Fast‑forward to 2026, major U.K. companies are moving their primary listings to the U.S., or choosing not to list in London at all.

The LSE has been working to rebuild its reputation as a world leader, but without sufficient capital it struggles. The shift of listings reflects a broader trend of companies prioritizing U.S. markets for liquidity and investor reach.