Quote from comintel:
I believe it is an S.E.C. restriction.
There are lots of things we cannot do because we are U.S. residents and are "protected" by the S.E.C.
They only allow U.S. residents to trade a limited number of foreign securities, futures, options, warrants, etc.
I guess one could incorporate a company on Hong Kong or Singapore or some such. Then it would not be a U.S. resident - the U.S. always recognizes foreign incorporation as determinative of residency, regardless of control, I believe.
Has anyone done that?
Quote from TM1982:
You don't need to incorporate foreign to be able to trade foreign equity options I believe. I think as long as you're a company (even here in the US), you can still trade anything.
Quote from comintel:
Only for large companies.
Small U.S. companies are restricted just like individuals.
However it *might* be possible for individuals or companies to open an account directly with a foreign brokerage company abroad that had no connection with the U.S. and did not solicit U.S. accounts (if there are any such brokerages).
http://www.sec.gov/news/speech/2007/spch030107ers.htm
I am not at all happy about this paternalistic restriction of investing abroad by the S.E.C. - as if they were great judges of investment quality.....