Big Bang
An evidence-based examination of the Big Bang, its implementation and its long-term impact.
The Big Bang refers to the programme of financial market reforms introduced in 1986, which fundamentally changed the way securities were bought and sold in the City of London. The reforms removed a number of long-standing restrictions, encouraged greater competition and opened London's financial markets to increased domestic and international participation.
This section of the archive examines the background to the reforms, the changes that were introduced, the contemporary reaction from government, industry and commentators, and the long-term impact of the Big Bang on the United Kingdom's financial sector. Throughout, the archive seeks to present the evidence clearly, allowing visitors to explore both the policy itself and its continuing historical significance.