"Shein closer to London IPO after securing watchdog’s approval, reports say" 21 April 2025

Online fast fashion retailer Shein is a step closer to launching its shares on the London stock market after reportedly securing approval from the UK’s financial watchdog.

Reuters reported on Friday that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has given its preliminary approval for the stock market listing to go ahead.

While the regulator can sign off a prospectus and give the green light for a listing, it does not dig deep into a company’s general behaviour, nor can it probe any breaches of rules such as relating to modern slavery or tax laws.

Shein, which was founded in China but is now based in Singapore, has seen efforts to float face a variety of obstacles, including political pressure in the UK over alleged supply chain and labour abuses.

[...] Shein reportedly would still need the approval of Chinese regulators to go ahead with an IPO in London.