As the London Stock Exchange grapples with dual challenges of declining listings and the impact of artificial intelligence, it has become the target of a prominent activist investor from Wall Street. Hedge fund Elliott Management has acquired a significant stake in London Stock Exchange Group and is pressuring Chief Executive David Schwimmer to enhance performance following a recent sharp decline in the share price. According to reports, the activist investor has urged LSEG to initiate a new multi-billion pound share buyback program after the completion of its current £1 billion repurchase plan. Shares of LSEG rose 3.4% in early trading, ranking among the top gainers in the FTSE 100 index. Elliott's move against the exchange operator follows a prolonged slump in its stock price, which has fallen nearly 18% year-to-date amid concerns that AI could disrupt LSEG's business operations. Last week, the release of a new automated tool by Silicon Valley tech firm Anthropic sparked market fears that AI might bypass existing business models of data providers and software companies. Although best known for operating the UK's primary stock exchange, LSEG also maintains a substantial data and analytics business following its $27 billion acquisition of Refinitiv in 2021. Now renamed LSEG Data & Analytics, the division provides financial market information and infrastructure services. Some investors worry that AI could eventually offer similar analytical services. It is understood that Elliott has not demanded a separation of LSEG's data business from its core exchange operations. Following the recent stock weakness, several analysts have defended LSEG's data business. J.P. Morgan analyst Enrico Bolzoni described the decline as "unfounded," stating that "in the near to medium term, AI represents an opportunity for LSEG, not a threat." UBS analyst Michael Werner suggested the market has misunderstood the AI threat, noting that AI simply "takes data and generates outcomes." Even before the emergence of AI concerns, LSEG faced existing pressures. The number of new listings on the London market has continued to decline in recent years, with only 23 IPOs in London last year, significantly lower than the 114 recorded in 2014. Over the past 12 months, the stock has fallen more than 35%. Led by billionaire Paul Singer, Elliott is one of Wall Street's most formidable activist investors. Last year, the firm took a stake in BP, accusing the oil major of "long-term underperformance" and calling for "decisive and effective leadership." Months later, CEO Murray Auchincloss was abruptly ousted in a late-night announcement. Managing $76 billion in assets, Elliott has previously targeted other UK-listed companies, including Anglo American. Both Elliott and LSEG declined to comment.