FSA extends regime for shorting banks indefinitely

The FSA has extended the current disclosure regime for short positions in UK financial stocks indefi...

The FSA has extended the current disclosure regime for short positions in UK financial stocks indefinitely.

Following a 10-day consultation period, the regulatory body decided the regime, which was due to expire on 30 June, can continue to reduce the potential for abusive behaviour and disorderly markets.

Disclosures need to be made if a net short position exceeds 0.25% of a company's issued shared capital and for each 0.1% increment above the 0.25% level.

However, the FSA does not intend to keep the regime permanently.

The FSA is currently analysing the responses to its discussion paper on the potential for a short selling disclosure regime for all UK stocks.