The Future of the European and Baltic Capital Markets
The Future of the European and Baltic Capital Markets
The European capital market is currently undergoing a period of transition in which investor confidence and market activity are closely tied to the ability to develop larger, more liquid companies. In an interview with Investoru Klubs, Ryan Biscomb, BDO UK Director of Transaction Services, explains why public sector participation and structural reforms may be crucial for strengthening Europe’s capital markets.
Ryan notes that in recent years Europe has seen a slowdown in equity issuance, particularly among mid-sized companies, while larger companies continue to perform steadily. He emphasises that to make the market more attractive and liquid, listing state-owned enterprises could provide the necessary boost and encourage private companies to follow.
Speaking about the Baltic states, Biscomb highlights that the region’s strength lies in cooperation. Individually, the markets are small, but together they offer sufficient scale and investor-appealing advantages: well-governed companies, discipline, and clear business models. One challenge, however, is the desire to maintain full control over a business—an obstacle that often delays companies from going public.
In the interview, he also stresses the need to reduce regulatory barriers and support the involvement of retail investors, pointing out that clearer rules and lower IPO thresholds could accelerate market development. Equally important is the growing role of private equity funds, which increasingly serve as an alternative to IPOs, allowing companies to remain private for longer.
“Capital market development is a journey. An IPO is only the beginning—after that, a company must deliver. But disciplined and transparent public operation has real value, and I hope to see more Baltic companies in London,” says Ryan Biscomb.
This is an important and strategically significant discussion on how Baltic companies and policymakers can work together to strengthen the region’s capital market and attract international investor attention.