March 26 (Reuters) - Index provider FTSE Russell said on

Thursday it would align the minimum free-float requirement for

UK and non-UK companies in the FTSE UK Index Series from the

June 2026 review.

Under the change, companies incorporated inside or outside

the UK will need at least 10% free float to qualify for

inclusion in the FTSE UK Index Series. Non-UK companies

currently face a 25% minimum free-float requirement.

FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group ( LDNXF )

business, said the change removes the gap between UK and foreign

companies and makes the indices better reflect real market

exposure. The rule is also in line with the London Stock

Exchange's ( LDNXF ) minimum free-float requirement.

"While we do not expect any immediate impact on index

constituents, this change aims to strengthen how accurately the

indices reflect the UK market," David Sol, global head of policy

at FTSE Russell, said in a statement.

In February, FTSE Russell also proposed a "fast-entry"

mechanism for IPOs and changes to eligibility criteria for its

Russell U.S. Equity Indexes, as market expectations indicated

some forthcoming listings may not meet the current thresholds.

Peer Nasdaq also proposed a new rule last month to

speed up the inclusion of newly listed large companies in its

index, seeking to address delays that have left major IPOs and

exchange transfers out of the benchmark for months.