IPO Challenges

Nasdaq has signaled a decisive shift in how it intends to evaluate small-cap companies seeking to list. In its newly proposed rule change, the exchange is seeking enhanced discretionary power to deny listings - even when a company meets all current quantitative requirements. The objective is straightforward: strengthen investor protections, clamp down on manipulation risks, and increase confidence in small-cap issuers. For companies planning a capital markets event in 2026 an