China, Britain studying feasibility of Shanghai-London Stock Connect

BEIJING - Chinese and British securities watchdogs are studying the feasibility of a proposed program to link the two countries' stock markets, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said Friday.

CSRC vice head Fang Xinghai met with London Stock Exchange CEO Nikhil Rathi this week. They discussed the Shanghai-London Stock Connect and other financial cooperation measures, according to a CSRC statement.

"The CSRC will actively push ahead with the feasibility study for the program," said Fang, adding that the commission is also willing to cooperate with the British side in more areas.

Similar to the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect already operating, the Shanghai-London Stock Connect is expected to allow British investors to trade Chinese shares listed in Shanghai. The stock connect programs come amid government efforts to open up China's tightly controlled financial market.

The two countries agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the program when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Britain in October.