How do I buy shares in Facebook? Globalisation has also prompted UK businesses to look for investment from abroad, particularly the US. Marks & Spencer and Tesco have both issued American Depository Receipts (ADRs) that are traded on Wall Street. An ADR is certificate issued by a US bank that represents a specified number of shares, which are held in a foreign branch of a US bank. Such derivatives help to reduce administration and stamp duty costs. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) also operates the London International Market, which allows investors to buy shares in companies that are incorporated abroad. This is a favoured route for Russian companies to access the liquidity which London provides. Investors can to buy shares in companies such as Gazprom, Uralkali and Polyus Gold through the LSE. Typically these investments are structured as Global Depository Receipts, or GDRs, whcih are similar to ADRs. So how easy is it for a UK investors to get their hands on Facebook shares once they start dealing on Wall Street? The truth is that it is very easy. The majority of stockbrokers will allow you to buy US shares, particularly large, liquid stocks such as Facebook. Simply check with your online broker or give them a call. Indeed, if your broker does not allow you to buy US shares quickly and cheaply, then you need to get another broker. There is an easy search facility on the website of the Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers, an industry body. Go to the "find a firm" section of its website and highlight the search for "international dealing." Of course, when investing in foreign shares investors must consider the currency risk as well. Facebook shares will be priced in dollars and the pound has slumped over the last three years. The dollar has just seen a period of strengthening toboot. This may put some investors off buying the shares once dealing has started, but when you do want to buy then, the process could not be easier.