The College of Euronext regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate oversight on NYSE Euronext Inc.

Through the MOU the regulators express their commitment to close cooperation and collaboration to promote investor protection, foster market integrity, and maintain investor confidence and systemic stability in connection with the regulation of the combined group.

“The combination of major U.S. and European stock exchanges marks a notable step in the continuing globalization of the world’s capital markets,” said SEC chairman Christopher Cox. “This arrangement reflects a modern approach to oversight of globally-active institutions and underscores the intent of securities regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to work together to coordinate our supervisory efforts.”

This MOU will become effective upon publication by Euronext Paris SA of a declaration that the thresholds for acceptance of the NYSE Euronext offer have been reached.

The signing of the MOU follows the approval by the Chairmen’s Committee of the Euronext regulators of the Euronext / NYSE combination. The College of Euronext Regulators comprises the authorities of the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Portugal, and the UK.