Judging by some earlier threads on the site there would appear to be a great interest in finding AIM-listed companies to put into UK residents' Individual Savings Accounts.

http://www.stockopedia.com/content/dual-listed-stocks-on-aim-34125/?comment=17#17

http://www.stockopedia.com/content/whats-your-isa-aim-share-favourite-for-2011-52430/?comment=24#24

As we know only too well it is only those stocks currently with a dual-listing overseas that are eligible for inclusion in ISAs, legislation which therefore restricts investor choice as well as blocking a source of capital for the country's small businesses. 

Of course, the government will argue that there is still plenty to choose from in the FTSE350, and may well not wish the 'ISA brand' to be tarnished by novice investors who get burned in selecting smallcaps that go to the wall (though these can be useful losses to offset capital gains against!).  However, it is my view that investors should be given more choice to structure their portfolios in any way they see fit, whilst utilising the annual ISA allowance.

An e-petition has been set-up seeking to challenge the existing legislation and can be accessed via the link below - if it gets at least 100,000 signatures, it will be eligible for debate in the House of Commons, so let's hope it starts to snowball as people become aware of it.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/16111

I hope that if you agree that AIM stocks should be available as ISA investments that you will join with me in signing the petition.

 

SM

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