London Stock Exchange in brief
- Rank: #28 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #5 of 9 in Banking & Financial Services.
- WCRC Power Score: 67.08 out of 100.
- Founded: 1801, by Formalised in 1801 as London's first regulated exchange; roots in the price lists issued at Jonathan's Coffee House from 1698.
- Owner: London Stock Exchange Group plc, London, England.
- Leadership: David Schwimmer, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group.
- Latest revenue: £9.0bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +5.8%), group revenue of London Stock Exchange Group plc (total income excluding recoveries), as per company filings.
What makes London Stock Exchange powerful
The London Stock Exchange remains the best-known name in European capital markets, and its parent LSEG has turned it into part of a far larger data and infrastructure business. In 2025 LSEG's total income excluding recoveries rose 5.8% to £8,986 million, with 7.1% organic growth, and adjusted EBITDA rose 9.0% to £4,523 million, a margin of 50.3%.
That strength comes from owning critical plumbing: trading venues, clearing through LCH, indices through FTSE Russell and financial data through Workspace. Under David Schwimmer, LSEG has partnered with Microsoft on AI-ready data and launched Open Directory, positioning its data at the centre of how banks and asset managers use AI. The group returned £2.1 billion through buybacks in 2025 and plans a further £3 billion by February 2027, a sign of deep cash generation.
LSEG's adjusted EBITDA margin reached 50.3% in 2025, up 150 basis points.
Why London Stock Exchange ranks #28
The London Stock Exchange ranks 28th with a WCRC Power Score of 67.08, between Nationwide above and Revolut below. Digital and financial strength (76) is its standout pillar, reflecting LSEG's data business and an adjusted EBITDA margin above 50%. Product and innovation (68) and positioning and trust (66 each) are solid, while sustainability and governance (64) and a weak London listings market keep it from climbing higher.
The Achilles' heel
The exchange's own brand is suffering from a weak London equity market. Companies including Wise have moved primary listings to New York, and IPO activity has been thin, feeding a narrative that London is losing relevance. LSEG's share price has also lagged on worries that AI tools could erode demand for its data terminals.
The 2026 story
LSEG published 2025 results on 26 February 2026. Total income excluding recoveries rose 5.8% to £8,986 million, with organic constant-currency growth of 7.1%, and adjusted EBITDA rose 9.0% to £4,523 million. Markets income grew 8.9% organically. The group expanded AI data partnerships with Microsoft and launched Open Directory. It returned £2.1 billion through buybacks in 2025 and announced a further £3 billion programme to complete by February 2027. David Schwimmer remains chief executive.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is London Stock Exchange in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
London Stock Exchange ranks #28 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 67.08 out of 100.
What makes London Stock Exchange powerful?
Its parent LSEG has become a data and analytics powerhouse, with more than half its income turned into adjusted EBITDA and AI partnerships with Microsoft.
What is London Stock Exchange's revenue?
£9.0bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +5.8%), group revenue of London Stock Exchange Group plc (total income excluding recoveries), as per company filings.
Who founded and owns London Stock Exchange?
London Stock Exchange was founded in 1801 by Formalised in 1801 as London's first regulated exchange; roots in the price lists issued at Jonathan's Coffee House from 1698. It is owned by London Stock Exchange Group plc and based in London, England.
Who leads London Stock Exchange?
David Schwimmer, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group.
What is London Stock Exchange's biggest challenge?
London's equity market keeps losing listings to New York, weakening the exchange's role at the heart of UK capital markets.
Also featured in
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- UK's 50 Most Valuable Brands
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- Most Innovative British Brands
- Most powerful brands in England
Key facts
| Brand | London Stock Exchange |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | London Stock Exchange Group plc |
| Headquarters | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1801 |
| Founder(s) | Formalised in 1801 as London's first regulated exchange; roots in the price lists issued at Jonathan's Coffee House from 1698 |
| Leadership | David Schwimmer, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group |
| Latest revenue | £9.0bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +5.8%), group revenue of London Stock Exchange Group plc (total income excluding recoveries), as per company filings |
| Sector | Banking & Financial Services |
| Website | londonstockexchange.com |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by London Stock Exchange Group plc
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
