Assess your corporate governance readiness for a US listing
You run a MENA regtech compliance startup in Dubai. Understand what US public investors and exchanges will expect from your board, controls, and reporting before an IPO.
US exchanges and regulators expect predictable governance, not just strong tech. Early board and policy checks can reduce delays, rework, and valuation pressure in a micro-cap IPO or listing.
FAQ
How do I know if our governance is ready for a US listing?
Check if you have an independent board, clear decision rules, basic committees, and reliable reporting. If any of these are missing or informal, you are likely not ready yet.
What is the first step to assess our governance?
Map how decisions are made today: who approves budgets, hires, strategy, and related‑party deals. Compare this to typical public company practices and note the gaps.
Do we need a full board before starting IPO work?
You do not need a perfect board to start, but you need a plan. Define needed skills, independence, and committee roles, then phase appointments over an agreed timeline.
What board committees are usually expected?
Typically you need at least audit and compensation committees. Many issuers also add a nomination or governance committee to handle board refresh and policies.
How important are written policies for governance readiness?
They are key. You need clear written policies on conflicts of interest, related‑party transactions, disclosure, trading in shares, and whistleblowing, not just verbal rules.
Our founders control most votes. Is that a problem?
Founder control is common, but you should balance it with independent directors, transparent voting structures, and clear protections for minority shareholders.
What governance issues do regulators focus on most?
They focus on fair disclosure, accurate financial reporting, independent oversight, and how you handle conflicts of interest and related‑party transactions.
How long does it typically take to fix governance gaps?
As an example, basic changes like policies and charters can take a few weeks. Board build‑out, committees, and culture shifts can take several months or more.