The boom times have come to an abrupt halt for Aim, London’s lightly regulated share market for smaller companies that drew envy from rival financial capitals in recent years as it attracted listings from companies from around the globe.

Nearly two years after one US policymaker reportedly likened the market to a casino for its rapid growth and listing standards, Aim is now more like a library in the level of its activity as new fundraisings dry up in what is proving to be its toughest year since launching in 1995.