• Equity capital markets (ECM) refer to a wide network of financial institutions, channels and markets that together help companies raise capital.
  • Equity capital is raised by issuing company shares, either publicly or privately, and is used to finance business expansion.
  • Primary equity markets refer to raising money from private placements and mainly include OTC markets.
  • Secondary equity markets include stock exchanges and are the main venue for public investment in corporate capital.
  • ECM’s activities include IPOs and secondary offerings.