The head of transatlantic exchange group Nasdaq OMX has called for a merger between the US securities and futures regulators, adding his voice to a growing chorus of industry executives who are demanding a rethink of market regulation in the wake of the financial crisis.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Nasdaq chief executive Robert Greifeld said it was incomprehensible that the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission should both monitor the same products, according to Reuters.