Russia-Ukraine crisis: IPO market grinds to a halt after a blockbuster 2021

Investment bankers say it will be challenging to launch even a single deal in March

The initial public offering (IPO) market has come to a grinding halt due to sharp correction in the broader markets and uncertain outlook created by the Russia-Ukraine offensive. So far this year, only three companies have managed to launch their maiden share sales. In comparison, close to 10 companies were able to come out with their IPOs during the same period last year.

Investment bankers say it will be challenging to launch a single deal in March as large institutional investors have turned extremely risk-averse and don’t wish to commit any capital. This has quashed the plans of dozens of companies