A securities market established by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in June 1995 to meet the needs of smaller, growing companies which might not meet the full criteria for admission to the Main Market or for whom a more flexible regulatory environment is more appropriate. Originally known as the Alternative Investment Market and abbreviated as AIM, the market is now known simply as AIM.

AIM is regulated by the LSE in its capacity as a Recognised Investment Exchange. AIM companies are bound by the AIM Rules for Companies not the Listing Rules. The entry criteria for AIM make it possible to gain admission without a trading record, an established management team or any minimum market capitalisation. AIM companies benefit from a more flexible regulatory environment that can act as a steppingstone for those that may aspire to the Main Market using a simplified admission process.

AIM is a multilateral trading facility and is not a regulated market. AIM is a prescribed market and is also designated as a SME growth market.

For further information, see Practice note, AIM: admission requirements and Practice note, AIM: continuing obligations.