LSE introduces retail bond trading platform

LSE is today introducing a new bond trading platform for retail bonds intended to "improve transparency and pricing" (the size of the bid-offer spreads which can be very large). The aim is to make corporate bonds more accessible for retail investors, and so to open up a new source of financing for companies and others.

At the moment only gilts and a handful of corporate bonds are on the platform, but it's hoped that numbers will grow. Of course the initiative may not succeed (some institutions make a lot of money out of the current opacity!) . However, it could be useful and a good platform for getting / enabling retail interest in green bonds, and so worth noting. LSE might also be supportive of a green bond if it helps their platform gain traction!

Mark Mansley, Rathbones