The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has received regulatory approval for its simplification project, which aims to expand its listings following decades of decline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benjamin Wollan established the JSE in November 1887 as a way to raise capital for major gold projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bourse is now the largest in Africa and is home to several of South Africa\u2019s largest companies, including Naspers, Capitec, Harmony Gold and many more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the bourse has faced challenges as companies increasingly opt for private ownership, and other companies avoid listing due to the associated costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the 1990s, the JSE had over 850 listed companies, which dropped to about 400 by 2012 and now stands at fewer than 300. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As per its efforts to create an enabling listing environment and attract both local and international listings, the JSE announced a Simplification Project in 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project aimed to simplify the Listing Requirements by using plain language to record concise regulatory objectives, allowing for a better understanding and application of the requirements by listed companies, sponsors, and investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The simplification will also result in a significant reduction in the volume of the Listing Requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JSE also reviewed ways of cutting red tape where possible, while ensuring that listings still floor effective and appropriate levels of regulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project has been amended following inputs from public comments, as well as the signing of the Companies Act in 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JSE has now received approval for the amendments to its listing requirements from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The changes take effect on 13 January 2026, with the current listing requirements being removed in their entirety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new version resulting from the Simplification Project will then replace the listing requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JSE stated that provisions and training schedules will be communicated before 13 January 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlthough the JSE has faced an increase in delistings over the last few years, there are already signs of improvement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2024, the JSE saw the IPOs of several major companies, including WeBuyCars, Rainbow Chicken and Boxer, the last of which saw the largest IPO in years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2025 also saw the arrival of fintech company Optasia and telco giant Cell C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n