MSCI Inc, a leading provider of global equity indexes, said on Tuesday that it expects to include China A‐shares in its global benchmarks after issues related to market accessibility have been resolved with the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

It was widely expected that MSCI might include A-shares in its Emerging Markets Index starting on Wednesday, but MSCI said that including the shares "may happen outside the regular schedule of its annual market classification review".

MSCI Emerging Markets Index and other passively-run index funds attract billions of dollars of investments. Including China's top yuan-denominated stocks into the influential Emerging Markets fund is expected to give Chinese mainland stocks additional exposure. Foreign investors are allowed only a certain amount of trading in China's mainland shares.

"Substantial progress has been made toward the opening of the Chinese equity market to institutional investors," said Remy Briand, MSCI managing director and global head of research. "In our 2015 consultation, we learned that major investors around the world are eager for further liberalization of the China A‐shares market, especially with regard to the quota allocation process, capital mobility restrictions and beneficial ownership of investments."

"Because MSCI's client base is so large and diverse, we have a strong interest in ensuring that remaining issues are addressed in an orderly and transparent way. We are honored that the China Securities Regulatory Commission has recognized MSCI's expertise regarding the requirements of international institutional investors. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will contribute to the further opening of the China A‐shares markets to international investors and the inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index," he said in a statement.

Vanguard Funds, based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, became the second-largest mutual fund company in the world adhering to an investment strategy based on index fund investing. A Vanguard spokesman said it already has access to Chinese shares.

"Vanguard currently gains exposure to China in our funds through a variety of shares (B, H, P Chips, and Red Chips) available offshore. China is one of the world's key stock markets and emerging economies. Typically, foreign investment in mainland China is limited and regulated, but the market has started to become more accessible. Tapping into this deep market offers investors greater access to the growth potential of Chinese equities. We believe that A-shares provide greater diversification for investors by offering them access to mainland Chinese companies that offer these shares. We cannot speculate on what MSCI or others will do," Vanguard said in a statement to China Daily.