Wise Plc announced plans to move its primary share listing to the U.S., while maintaining a secondary listing in London. The decision marks another setback for the London Stock Exchange, which has seen several large firms, worth around $100 billion collectively, relocate their main listings to the U.S. in recent years. Wise’s Co-Founder and CEO Kristo Käärmann explained, “We believe the addition of a primary US listing would help us accelerate our mission and bring substantial strategic and capital market benefits.” The U.S. remains the company’s largest market opportunity, he said, citing the country’s vast consumer base and banking network.
Shares of Wise surged as much as 12% in London following the announcement. The move is expected to enhance liquidity and broaden investor access, particularly for institutional and retail participants in the U.S., many of whom are currently unable to buy its stock. Käärmann clarified, “We are fully committed to London and the UK. Operationally, we don’t expect to really shift much. So we see this as additive, rather than a move.” Analysts believe the dual listing will improve visibility and pave the way for Wise’s inclusion in major U.S. indices.
