Stock exchanges around the world compete with each other to entice the most exciting companies to sell their shares on their markets, via Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

London was once the financial capital of the world, and a leader in IPOs. Now it is has fallen to number 23 in the global IPO rankings, having been surpassed by the likes of Mexico and Indonesia. In 2006, at its fundraising peak, $51 billion was raised on the London Stock Exchange, with companies such as Unilever and Vodafone making London their home. This year, London IPOs raised just $250 million. Even companies already listed on the London exchange, such as AstraZeneca, are shunning it for US markets.

The FCA’s diversity requirements compel companies to commit to 40 per cent women on their board, a woman in o

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