LONDON (AP) — Britain's financial regulator says about 1,300 firms from the rest of the European Union have expressed interest in a proposal that would smooth the transition for their businesses if the U.K. leaves the bloc without an exit deal. A top official at the Financial Conduct Authority, Nausicaa Delfas, says the proposal would allow firms based in the European Economic Area - the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein - to continue operating in Britain for up to three years while they seek full authorization under the new regulatory regime. Delfas, in a speech delivered Monday, says "we are working to ensure a robust regulatory framework and a smooth and orderly transition for firms and their customers.Read more on NewsOK.com