JSE (Johannesburg): Listing Requirements and IPO Guide

Headquarters

Johannesburg, South Africa

Region

Middle East & Africa

Market Focus

Resources & Financials

Overview

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange was founded in 1887 during the Witwatersrand gold rush and is the largest stock exchange in Africa. It is itself a listed company.

Companies list on the Main Board or on AltX, a market for smaller and growing companies, and many large listed groups operate across Africa and beyond.

Known For

Mining and natural resources
Banking, insurance and financial services
Consumer, retail and telecoms groups with pan-African reach
Dual listings, particularly with London

Listing Considerations

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority regulates the market
Exchange control rules can affect foreign companies and investors
A deep domestic pension and asset management industry
A gateway for investors seeking exposure to African markets

Key Facts

Founded

1887

Operator

JSE Limited

Regulator

Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)

Main Index

FTSE/JSE All Share Index

Currency

South African rand (ZAR)

Trading Hours

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SAST, Monday–Friday

Market Segments

Main Board, AltX

Official website →

Listing Requirements

Main Board: subscribed capital of at least R50 million
A three-year audited trading record with an acceptable profit history
A minimum spread of shares held by the public
A JSE-approved sponsor must be appointed
AltX: lower thresholds for small and mid-sized companies, with a designated adviser

Summary of JSE Main Board requirements, checked November 2026. Detailed thresholds are set in the JSE Listings Requirements.

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