UPDATE 1-Oppenheimer to move incorporation to U.S.

* Says seeking shareholder approval for change

* Aims to be eligibile for U.S. government programs

(Adds details)

TORONTO, March 11 (Reuters) - Oppenheimer Holdings Inc (OPY.N) said on Wednesday it will ask shareholders to approve a plan to incoporate the financial services company in the United States as it seeks to take advantage of programs financed by the U.S. government.

The company, now incorporated in Canada, points to potential eligibility to participate in government programs as one of the reasons for the move.

Oppenheimer, which includes securities brokerage and investment banking businesses, said it already conducts the majority of its business in the United States.

It said changing its jurisdiction of incorporation to the state of Delaware, would simplify its corporate structure and boost tax efficiencies.

"We believe that the achievement of our strategic goals would be enhanced by our clear and unambiguous identification as a U. S. corporation," said Chairman Albert Lowenthal in a statement.

"It is a matter of corporate history that we found ourselves in Canada, but the confluence of a number of factors makes this an opportune time to make this change." (Reporting by Claire Sibonney; editing by Frank McGurty)