Why List an SME on a Stock Exchange?
Investor participation in capital markets—particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—has a significant positive impact on a region’s economy. An active investment culture enables SMEs to grow and expand, creating wealth both for investors and for the broader community. According to OECD data, SMEs that access capital markets can increase their revenue by 50% and employment levels by 20% within the first three years after going public. This process creates a virtuous economic cycle: companies grow, jobs are created, and innovation accelerates—attracting further investment and strengthening the economy.
In light of this, the recently published report “Building More Effective and Attractive Capital Markets in the EU” from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is especially relevant.
Current Situation of Capital Markets in the EU
The recommendations included in the report aimed at promoting investment in European stock exchanges are particularly important because the EU’s capital markets are still lagging behind more mature markets such as those in the United States and the United Kingdom. This situation hinders the transition toward a green economy, technological development, and overall economic growth.
At the end of 2023, the share of global market capitalization represented by EU investors was just 11%, compared to 45% in the United States. Moreover, this share has declined over the past 15 years: in 2009, it stood at 16% for the EU and 34% for the U.S.
Public listing statistics also reflect this disparity. Between 2015 and 2020, the EU accounted for just 15% of global IPO value, less than half of the U.S. share (32%). European companies also continue to depend heavily on bank financing rather than market financing, limiting their ability to grow and compete globally. In 2017, non-financial firms in the eurozone relied on market-based financing for only 30% of their funding—compared with nearly 70% for U.S. companies.
The Need for Balanced Financing
Banks and public finances alone cannot cover these investment needs. A more balanced financing structure is essential—one that builds effective and attractive capital markets within the EU. This is crucial to ensure that SMEs, in particular, can access the resources they need to innovate and expand, driving economic growth and job creation.
Fostering Retail Investment Culture
To strengthen retail investment culture and build trust among EU citizens, it is essential to create the right conditions and ensure that citizens clearly understand the benefits of participating in capital markets. This requires simple, accessible, cost-effective investment products; independent advice; and adequate investor protection. Furthermore, retail participation can be stimulated through favorable tax incentives provided by national governments.
Initiatives from European Institutions
In this context, it is encouraging to see that European institutions are finally taking action to facilitate retail participation in EU capital markets. The European Commission, ESMA, and the financial sector are exploring ways to mobilize and scale both institutional and retail capital through dedicated funds—including public-private partnerships—designed to support the growth of critical business sectors in the EU and advance the goal of strategic autonomy.
Opportunities in Spain
This is a positive moment for Europe and for Spain, as institutions are taking decisive steps to make investment in stock markets more accessible to citizens. This effort will benefit SMEs and investors alike and will help drive sustainable economic growth and Europe’s global competitiveness.
In Spain, we now have five “motorways” that allow SMEs to go public more easily than ever: BME Growth, BME Scaleup, Euronext Growth, Euronext Access, and Portfolio. These are direct routes to capital markets—and ARMANEXT is the ideal copilot.
Sources
OECD. (2020). Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2020: An OECD Scoreboard.
European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). (2023). Building More Effective and Attractive Capital Markets in the EU.
World Federation of Exchanges. (2023). Annual Statistics.
European Central Bank (ECB). (2017). Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE).
EY Global IPO Trends. (2021).
European Commission. (2023). Capital Markets Union: Enhancing the European single market.
European Commission. (2024). Strategic Autonomy and Capital Markets.
Bolsas y Mercados Españoles (BME). (2023). Expansión y Desarrollo de Mercados para PYMEs.