Mr Fraser has been a longstanding member of the PEG and has a long and distinguished career in investment management and corporate roles, including his current role as chair of the Investor Forum.

Simon Fraser, chair of the Pre-Emption Group, said: “I am very pleased to be taking on the role of chair of the Pre-Emption Group. The rights of pre-emption are a cornerstone of the UK market.  Safeguarding investor protections, whilst helping companies access the capital markets efficiently through this extremely difficult economic period, will continue to be a priority of the group.”

 Sir Jonathan Thompson, CEO of the Financial Reporting Council, added: “I am delighted that Simon Fraser has agreed to continue his involvement with the Pre-Emption Group, now as Chair. The Pre-Emption Group’s statement on additional flexibility, offered on a temporary basis, has been well-received by the market. In the current economic circumstances, the Pre-Emption Group has an even more important role to play in supporting companies, but also ensuring that the important rights to which investors are committed continue to be upheld.”

The FRC acts as Secretariat to the PEG.