US regulators have taken big strides in the past month to open up the US market and ease the burden on foreign companies and investors. After years of lobbying by European organisations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission has given ground on four issues and is planning to introduce several proposed law changes by the end of the year.

They include the recognition of international accounting standards, the registration of foreign companies listed in the US, cooperation in international listings standards and direct access for US investors to foreign stock exchanges.