LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) - Britain's markets regulator the

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Friday it would aim to

launch a single feed of trading data for UK stock markets within

18 months, in an effort to reinvigorate activity and improve

transparency.

The FCA said it had refined its proposals for the so-called

"consolidated tape" and was seeking market feedback, ahead of

launching in 2027 or early 2028.

"A consolidated tape will make it simpler and easier for

investors to see the whole market picture," said Simon Walls,

executive director of markets at the FCA.

The aim is to combine real-time data from multiple trading

venues to give investors more clarity and to counter perceptions

the UK market lacks liquidity. The European Union is planning to

launch its own consolidated tape in September, while the U.S.

has operated one for decades.

The proposals have sparked debate within the financial industry

about the scope of data to be included.

Last month, the London Stock Exchange Group ( LDNXF ) raised

concerns that the planned inclusion of some pre-trade data -

such as bids and offers before execution - could backfire and

said it might ask the government to intervene.

The FCA confirmed on Friday it intended to include some

pre-trade data in the tape. It also tweaked earlier proposals in

order to set out a requirement for the tape provider to share a

portion of its income with companies that contributed data.

The FCA plans to tender for a tape provider next year. In

the interim, the regulator said it had launched daily trading

volume data from today.

LSEG was not immediately available for comment.

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